A Step Out

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Pages of Shustah, the Path:

Living well is the best revenge. 

—George Herbert

Some folks don't just want to best others, they want to humiliate them, stomping on them while they're down. Our natural inclination is to plot our revenge, but even if we succeed, it won't wipe away the past. And vengeance just lays the groundwork for a back-and-forth conflict of hostility. We end up wasting a lot of energy that could be used on something more useful or enjoyable. The Path encourages us not to get distracted by the trolls and bullies of the world. Instead, we concentrate on our spiritual compass and take care of ourselves. As we feel our feelings (without mentally adding to the story), we might take Rilke's advice:

Whoever you are; some evening take a step

out of your house, which you know so well.

Enormous space is near.

Making a Crack in the Mind

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Sunset:

Intellectual humility involves understanding that we can’t fully trust our beliefs and opinions because we might be relying on faulty or incomplete information or are incapable of understanding the details.

—Mark Leary

The fool smiles because he won the argument, but what he doesn't yet realize is that he's lost all of his friends. Intellectual humility acknowledges that we could be wrong, no matter how much we think we know. Choosing not to be an expert allows us to expand our knowledge and understand new perspectives. This trait takes some effort to develop - we naturally bow up and become defensive when others question what we accept as truth. Yet being open-minded opens up new avenues of thoughts and ideas and helps us sustain our relationships. Sunset suggests it's time to let go of our need to be an expert on everything. It might help us to use the fictional Armand Gamache's statements he teaches his new recruits: "I don't know. I need help. I'm sorry. I was wrong."

Not Victory, Progress

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Five of Air; from the Curious Oracle, Nazar:

The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress. 

―Joseph Joubert

It is a common belief that crows collect shiny objects, yet this is a myth. While tame crows have been known to supply humans they trust with trinkets, they don't collect baubles for themselves. There are many personal stories of crows stealing things like golf balls, but this is usually because they mistake them for food (an egg). As the saying goes, an anecdote does not equal data. But the Five of Swords contender will argue about everything they believe, read and heard, even if it all came from social media or a personal (likely biased) experience. Fly away quickly from these folks; they don't want to discuss anything; they just want to be right. The Nazar is an amulet to ward off the evil eye, a curse caused by jealousy or envy. How do you protect yourself from intellectual contenders? Refuse to argue, as this is delectable ambrosia to them. 

Stink Bomb

From the Daniloff Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Kuan Yin Poems, Verse 98:

Another such victory over the Romans, and we are undone.

—Pyrrhus of Epirus

Competition has its place in the business world - it helps keep quality up and prices down. But when it comes to relating to other humans, it's a stink bomb. There are people who will argue their views from sunrise to sunset, but they refuse to consider anything else from another perspective. As Pyrrhus warned, we might win the battle, but we lose what is more valuable in the process. "My way or the highway" will leave us in a lonely place. The 98th Verse underscores this caution:

Like a careless bird that plunges into the net, you are trapped.

There is hardly a chance to escape.

Researchers have found that people with a need to win tend to have poorer self-esteem than those who simply like to do well. Unfortunately, competition sets up the must-win group in a cycle that never really lets them feel worthy for long. Cooperation allows us to be a part of something greater than our ego, helping us to thrive, grow, and evolve. 

Trip to Nowhere

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Five of Swords; from the Diloggun Cards, Okanran (one mouth):

Ego trip: a journey to nowhere.

—Robert Half

The rooster is the sacrificial animal of warrior Orishas; it is killed quickly and respectfully as an offering. A symbol of one of the three poisons in the Buddhist Wheel of Life, this animal represents greed. Because the Five of Swords deals with conflict and the ego's desire to demean another, the rooster seems an appropriate image. The only way to turn this Pyrrhic victory around is to sacrifice the ego instead of a relationship. The ifa and proverb for Okanran advise:

Ifa: One must come to recognize that stubbornness is not beneficial; the truth regarding oneself must be listened to. Do not be overly influenced by your self-defensive ego.

Proverb: Ears that do not listen to advice, accompany the head when it is chopped off.

If we only realized how much suffering our demanding ego causes us, we might not give its opinions much weight. It's always a good idea to question what it thinks is a great idea and consider the consequences of following its lead.

Cloak of Protection?

From the Mary-El Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the OH Cards, Impatience/Change:

When death, the great Reconciler, has come,

it is never our tenderness that we repent of, but our severity.

― George Eliot

White uses Eve in this painting of her Five of Swords; she holds the hand of Adam who is off to the side. All those feathers symbolize ideas, beliefs and opinions that we hold close to us as a protective shield. And the babe in Eve's arms represents those we influence or try to convert to our perception of the world. But do our views (and the actions that follow from them) create in us joy, healing and growth, or do they shape us into fatalistic, contentious, stagnant people? The Impatience/Change cards point to the characteristics of those in the latter group. We often demand that people live and think on our terms; we have no tolerance for them otherwise. Yet the owls suggest we peer beneath our protection and see if our fears in the darkness are real or just a figment of an anxious imagination.

Wide Open

From the Gill Tarot, the Five of Swords; from The Circle, Beginnings:

Anything that happens to us has that absolute, wide-open, co-emergent potential to either deepen the confusion or to liberate us. —Pema Chodron

The Five of Swords is an intellectual crisis that happens when our mind demands that life be logical and reasonable. We expect certain actions to bring definite results and common sense to make sense, yet our assumptions are left in the dust. Our philosophical framework needs to be dismantled if we are to make any headway. The Beginnings card suggests a return to being teachable with a wide open mind rather than ranting about how things should be. Insight and clarity will come when we stop fighting reality and pay attention.  

Gusty Breeze

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, the 'Three renovators of the world:'

The airy swords like a fresh breeze and don't abide stagnation. Thus a raptor has attacked the dove while it was resting above its egg. Such strife (and defeat) create a gusty wind to knock us out of our complacent comfort. In a world that's constantly in flux, concepts and creeds don't fare well when we try to sink them in concrete. The Irish triad's three renovators mimic this movement. A woman can create life, the cow's milk can sustain it, and the smith's anvil (via weapons) can end it. In our world, life constantly moves through these three natural cycles. These cards seem to ask: are we trying to preserve an idea that needs to be replaced?

Without impermanence, nothing would be possible. With impermanence, every door is open for change. Impermanence is an instrument for our liberation. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Leaning Post

From the Brady Tarot, the Five of Arrows (Swords); from the Wisdom of the Forest, Between:

This stranded, emaciated polar bear represents those moments of feeling powerless, when it seems as if we have no fight or strength left within us. The Between card suggests such times are when we feel betwixt and between - in other words, between a rock and a hard place. It is easy to feel alone and abandoned, even if that is not truly the case. But unlike this bear, humans can communicate their needs and ask for help. As Toni Bernhard encourages, "Open your heart to your suffering. [Focus on self-compassion rather than self-pity.] Often people are just waiting to be asked to help but won't make that first contact." We all need someone to lean on at various times in our life; no one can truly be an island.

Take the Little Boy Blue Approach

From the Tarrochi Celtici, the Five of Air (Swords); from the Art of Asia Oracle, "Pandas in Sweetgum Tree" by Fang Chuxiong:

Renunciation is an act of liberation. It sets loose the light shining deeply within each of us, a light we can count on in the darkest dark. When you drop the world's bait, you see the world as it is. 

~Quan Barry

One pixie seems to be taking a 'Little Boy Blue' approach to life while another - dressed as a raven - attempts to rouse him to fight. The Five of Air/Swords suggests someone baiting us for their own agenda. Such folks like to think of themselves as sharper and more knowledgeable than anyone else. And as the symbolism of Alder and Fearn (defense and protection) imply, we will be tempted to take that baited hook to make sure our opinions and ideas are heard. Yet the quote paired with Fang Chuxiong's painting of Pandas subtly implies another response:

The giant panda’s black and white coat and prominent black eye patches have made it one of the best known species, although it is among the shyest animals in the world.~ OneKind 

Although things may appear as black and white to us, we might want to take a stance of quiet humility. We are not going to change the other person's mind by arguing with them, but by refusing to be baited, we might save ourselves some stress and aggravation.

Where Two or More are Gathered...

From the Spacious Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Phenomena Oracle, Decompost:

Where two or more are gathered (online or in-person), there will be arguments. We all seek validation, and when we don't get it, quarrels and debates break out (though sometimes only in our own mind). Yet the vulture on the lone standing sword indicates the toll this takes on our relationships. When we do not demand honor for our ideas, we won't be dishonored. We can judge our own worth by our deeds, not the accolades of others. Decompose suggests breaking down all the arguments to discover what might need to be known or understood. It will likely look very different than what was originally stated, but its probable that it will nourish our relationships with others.

Sticks and Stones

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Yud:

Yod/Yud painting by Victor Brindatch

Over a decade ago I came across a quote by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel that had a great impact on me: “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” In early adulthood, my motive for opening my mouth was to make my opinions known, prove I was right, shut people down, and make myself look smart and clever. But all it actually accomplished was to make me look like an arrogant ass, which had the effect of damaging relationships rather than creating or healing them. The Yud represents a drop of concentrated power; it can be the seed that creates a garden or the spark that ignites a bomb. Words are just as powerful as well. Sticks and stones can break bones, but words can create lasting damage.

Our Own Shadow

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Master Tarot, Love Your Enemies:

No one likes to be proved wrong, to have our mistakes in the spotlight, or be humiliated in any way. When it happens, we push back, pointing the finger of blame, spinning tales, or continuing to argue, even if we know that it's useless. We add to our original suffering by trying to roll away an immovable boulder. Even worse, we hate those who 'showed us up,' giving our self an ongoing case of resentment reflux. But our real enemy is within, who refuses to accept reality or take responsibility. When we do so, we have the power to make positive changes.

A great nation is like a great man:

When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.

Having realized it, he admits it.

Having admitted it, he corrects it.

He considers those who point out his faults

as his most benevolent teachers.

He thinks of his enemy

as the shadow that he himself casts.

~Tao Te Ching, 61

Worth a Fight?

From the Norse Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Wolf Pack, Prayer:

With homes burning in the background and menacing sword-wielders up front, this appears to be a very confrontational card. Way more than an argument, this encounter seems designed to intimidate and overpower. Is this a battle that needs to be fought, something worth standing up for? Or is ruffled feather resistance based on self-importance or arrogance? Prayer suggests connecting to something greater than my ego, an attempt to grasp and understand a wider perspective that includes the well-being of all. From that viewpoint, what I need to do will become much clearer. 

...it all boiled down to a fundamental difference in the way we perceived life, the context within which we defined ourselves and our world.

―Azar Nafisi

Remembering My Wings

From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Rumi Cards, 'The swan beats its wings':

It used to be that people knew how to civilly discuss topics - listening, asking questions, and forming thoughtful replies. Now it seems like any discussion turns into a debate. People demand to be the center of attention as they spout their opinions, trying to prove themselves right (and rarely listening). As the saying goes, "My way or the highway." But such a childish attitude decreases our knowledge and creates great division among people. There is no healing, only great harm. Yet Rumi's swan that rises with joy implies that we don't have to rigidly self-identify with the opinions we hold. If I were to look back at each decade of my life, I would readily see how much my ideas have changed. When I can take 'self' off the table (use my wings), I hear more clearly, and remember we are more than an unchanging box of opinions.

Unexpected Jabs and Gifts

This week I'll be working with the Sasuraibito Tarot, self-published by Stasia Burrington. I'll also be using Soul Cards 1 & 2, created by Deborah Koff-Chapin and published through her company, Center for Touch Drawing. The Soul Cards have no titles, so the ones given here are my own. Today's draws are the Five of Swords and The Gift:

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. ~Max Ehrmann

          Brag, pontificate, shock and stir-the-pot - these seem to be the main motives for people posting on social media these days. While looking for an obit of an acquaintance on Facebook this morning, I ran across a post by a relative who seemed to think that Asian American hate was something made up by liberals. My first thought was to add a few daggers to my own fingers and reply that his white male privilege was showing. But then I had to pause and ask myself, would that help and heal or inflame and cause more aggression? Such a comment would just show my own hostility and create more hatred. But how do I channel this energy in a healthy way? The Gift shows an angel-like figure giving a flower to a person whose world has gone dark. I too can offer unexpected kindnesses to those who are struggling. It may simply be by asking "How can I help?" It's surely a better alternative than trying to win a battle based on hatred.

Aggression only moves in one direction - it creates more aggression.

~Margaret J. Wheatley

Inner Transformation

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Dreamer Five (Five of Swords); from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Yew:

          Carding describes this Five of Swords as giving up or hope discarded. I feel this way with the anti-maskers and those who think a change from a Trump-led nation to a Democratic one will destroy America. Discussion isn't an option with closed-minded folks who cherry-pick random information rather accepting facts and spread misinformation on social media. What I've chosen to discard is any attempt to change their minds. Yet Yew, with its qualities of longevity and regeneration, presents a more positive slant instead of simply doing nothing. Even as the main trunk begins to die, low branches can root themselves in the soil and create a newer, healthier version of the tree. It reminds me that although I am powerless to change others, my own persistence in doing what is ethical and good (even when it feels overwhelming) can be transformative. 

A Few Nicks and Scratches

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Five of Swords; from the Sacred Geometry Oracle, Octahedron:

From a worldly point of view, there is no mistake so great as that of being always right. 

–Samuel Butler

          It's easy to tell an abusive pet owner from a kind pet owner - the first type trains his animals to cower in fear, such as these cats are doing behind the rocks. Some people enjoy feeling smug and superior through intellectual conquests; they care more about being right than than how they are battering and destroying their relationships. The Octahedron is a polyhedron made of eight triangular faces. The natural crystals of diamonds are often in this shape, which seems to imply an extreme level rigidity and prestige, yet fluorite (a 4 on the Mohs Scale) also contains these crystals. Wouldn't it be worth a few scratches and nicks on our opinions and ideas to salvage our friendships?

Lessons of Loss

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Fish:

          A neglected outbuilding, surrounded by overgrown brush, focuses on a window with broken panes. Before the glass was broken, I don't imagine it would have been easy to see out because of the years of accumulated dirt and grime. The Five of Swords speaks of making a point or proving our opinion in a rabid, take-no-prisoners kind of way. Our sense of self is so tied to our ideas, we fail to foresee the destruction they can cause. Only after the damage is done (as with the smashed window), can we see clearly see that while we won the debate, we also carpet bombed friends, family and acquaintances in the process. The Lenormand Fish card implies abundance, often of wealth, but in this case I would suggest another form. It asks, "Would you prefer a secure bounty of opinions or an ample supply of friends and family with whom to share your life?"

Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things.

― Arthur Schopenhauer

Asshats and Angels

This week I'll be using the Shadowscapes book and deck set published by Llewellyn. The artwork is done by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and the book is written by Barbara Moore. I'll also be drawing from a set of Cedar Runes; The Serpent and the Eagle by Chris Travers will serve as an accompanying text. Today's draws are the Five of Swords and Othila:

          I often think of the aggressive fellow in the Five of Swords as a rebel without a cause - someone who fights with no clear end goal to achieve other than to win. Moore describes his actions as "steeped in the battles of self-interest and power." Basically, he engages with others to build and stoke his ego: "Look at me, I'm right, I'm smarter, and I'm stronger." Meanwhile, everyone else sees only a narcissistic asshat. Othila is often translated as 'ancestral estate,' but Travers suggests it alludes to an ancestral responsibility, such as a king who passes the scepter to his son to serve the kingdom or a philanthropist whose children take over his foundations created to care for the welfare of others who aren't as fortunate. What's the difference between the asshat and the king/philanthropist? The first judges himself as separate and better than others. The king and philanthropist consider themselves honored and blessed to be in their position, and they feel they should be generous to others because they are a part of the family of humanity.

Home isn't where you're from, it's where you find light when all grows dark.

― Pierce Brown