The Sacrifice

This week I'll be using the Shadowlands Tarot, created by Monica Bodirsky and published by Red Feather. Paired with it will be Brownie Wisdom, the smaller deck included with The Brownies Oracle created and self-published by Doug Thornsjo. Today's draws are the Five of Wands and "The Sacrifice:"

It's not always rainbows and butterflies. It's compromise that moves us along.

―Maroon 5

The Five of Wands is what happens when several people all have a great idea about how to develop a project or venture: everybody talks at one time and listens to no one. The problem is that folks want to be heard (even those that whisper instead of yell), because it makes us feel respected and connected. Perhaps the Sacrifice the Brownie speaks of is to put aside our ego and listen rather than striving to get our opinion on the table. As writer David Augsburger said: “Being heard is so close to being loved that, for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.”

Let Go of Your Leaves

From the Roots of Asia, the Five of Wands; from the Mahjongg Oracle, Unicorn:

Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots. 

—Victor Hugo

We humans have a high regard for our own opinions, but not so much those of others. It can be infuriating talking to someone who has a different idea about how things should be done, often not realizing we are providing the same experience for them. There is no movement until we realize facts and ethical values are very different than opinions. The Unicorn represents the ability to be a good judge of character and the habit of taking a long-range point of view. Both of these characteristics help in trying to come to an agreement. A person who doesn't share our opinions is not our enemy. And it is a good reminder to consider whether we're looking for short-term gains or long-term improvement. 

Anyone Listening?

From the Tarot de St. Croix, the Five of Wands; from the Archetype Cards, Healer:

Violence is what happens when we don’t know what else to do with our suffering.

—Parker Palmer

America, in its present divided and volatile state, needs another leader to show people how to protest peacefully without resorting to violence. MLK, Jr., Thich Nhat Hanh, and Gandhi all showed that beneficial change is possible if we have patience and avoid letting our frustration turn to rage as we oppose injustices. Unfortunately, such a leadership position isn't often sought after, as the leader often ends us dead, imprisoned or exiled. Yet violence is inevitable if the voices of those who suffer go unheard. Healer suggests a way to soothe and heal relationships through communication, but this only works if both parties are willing to be open-minded and listen sincerely to another perspective. However, folks generally behave as Steve Covey described: "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." 

Move on Down the Road

From the PetraK Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Astrodice, Mercury/Gemini/1st House:

A perfectly straight shot with a big club is a fluke.

—Jack Nicklaus

When we want to get something accomplished as efficiently as possible, multiple obstacles or distractions will likely appear. Particularly when this is a joint venture, there always seem to be a variety of ideas about how things should proceed. Rather than getting frustrated and angry, we can remember our goal or purpose. Mercury's skill in thinking and communicating logically combines with Gemini's ability to be versatile and branch out. The 1st House (how others see us and how we relate to our world) suggests that instead of trying to hold the conductor's baton, we listen and discuss things openly as a member of the orchestra. If everyone feels heard, things are likely to move on down the road a little bit quicker.

Looking for a Fight

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Five of Wands (Honey Badger); from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Mannaz:

 

In the end, the aggressors always destroy themselves, making way for others who know how to cooperate and get along. Life is much less a competitive struggle for survival than a triumph of cooperation and creativity. –Fritjof Capra

The only thing sweet about the honey badger is its name (it likes to eat bee larvae). With a massive skull, strong legs, sharp claws and skin that is tough and loose, it is made for fighting. A ferocious foe, it never starts a fight it can't finish. When someone in a group takes on this no-holes-barred energy to get their way, they usually only succeed in uniting the group against them. The rune Mannaz refers to human intelligence and is a symbol of self-awareness, improvement, potential. It is a reminder that nothing good will be created nor beneficial solutions found unless we are operating with respectful communication, an open mind, and a desire for what is best for all, not just ourselves.

Creating Our Own Obstacles

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Five of Batons; from the Pages of Shustah cards, Guardian Dog:

I'm convinced humans create most of their own obstacles. When trying to accomplish something or handle a situation, we usually always think our ideas are right and the best. Those we're working with likely think the same thing, and so we butt heads. But if we can step aside from the feeling that our self-worth is tied to having our concepts accepted, we might have a chance to really consider some other options. The Guardian Dog's message is to protect that which is important: What will work efficiently without causing harm and bring a beneficial result? As Jesuit priest Father Strickland wrote, "A man may do an immense deal of good, if he does not care who gets the credit for it."

In the End

From the Daniloff Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Kuan Yin Oracle, "Foreign Lands" (verse 58):

We all have personal opinions about how the group's money should be used, how to solve a sticky problem, or how to go about doing something in particular. The issue is not that there are a variety of ideas, but that we can be adamant that ours are the only right ones. The 58th verse reads:

Don't seek your luck in foreign lands.

There is no chance to better your lot there.

Be patient and stay right where you are.

All will come good in the end.

Do we leave the group when our ideas are not chosen? Perhaps no one wants to listen to ours because we don't sincerely listen to other's opinions. It takes patience to come to an agreement about most things. We'll never find the middle ground if we stomp off in a huff.

Something Different

From the Alchemical Tarot Renewed, the Five of Staffs; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Discrimination (Venus in Virgo):

Rather than five people knocking each other about, Place has turned a single hand into five burning staffs. Five is the number of change, but Place suggests it is also the number of creativity: "the energy and enthusiasm directed into the project." There is nothing like an inspiration that gets us out of a rut, but the challenge is often in bringing the mental into the material. As the Discrimination card hints, the difference between what we've done before can bias us against what we do that is new. Yet it is possible to recognize the variation without undermining it. It's not easy to step out of our creative cocoons, but if we do, it can open so many new doors and windows in the mind.

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something. ~Neil Gailman

500?!

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Bird Cards/Ascension to Paradise Decks, Raven:

It is said that after Buddha's death, 500 followers (who had memorized Buddha's discourses) met to agree on what should be written down as the wisdom he shared. I find that unimaginable; it's hard to get even a small group of people to agree with another's opinion on how something should be done. Of course humility plays a part - we must be willing to give the other enough space to share what they know and sincerely consider what they say. The intelligent Raven is known for its ability to solve problems as well as other cognitive skills such as imitation and insight. In sync with the Five of Wands, relationships between common ravens are often quarrelsome, yet they demonstrate considerable devotion to their families. Perhaps the message from this bird is to not to forget what is of utmost importance and our ultimate purpose. 

Every Disturbance

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Gemstone Oracle, Amethyst:

The first big snow has come to Badgers Forest, and now the competition is on for finding food sources. Some run in different directions, one sniffs the air, another thinks about digging under the snow, and the last watches to see if any of the others find success. These different approaches to a problem or a project are what make working in a group both maddening yet also advantageous - more investigated avenues can create better odds for a good outcome. Amethyst is often associated with spiritual practice and inner guidance, but it has also been called the 'sobriety stone.' If competition intoxicates and overrides the main purpose of cooperation for the benefit of the whole, chaos and drama will ensue without reward. 

If we examine every disturbance we have, great or small, we will find at the root of it some unhealthy dependence and its consequent demand. ~Bill Wilson

Friendly Competition?

From the Forest of Enchantment Tarot, the Five of Spells (Wands); from the Mystic Mushrooms, Pigskin Puffball:

The frog-boys (some in more human form than others) are having a mock battle to hone their skills. Such competition, whether it's mental like a debate or physical like a sport, can help us learn our strengths and weaknesses. We discover what we've overlooked or ignored, which helps us develop a more rounded ability. Yet Pigskin Puffball implies caution. The thick covering of this mushroom looks much like the leather on an American football, thus its common name. It reminds us that contests are meant to be friendly and playful, like a game, and not devolve into a no-holds-barred war. In fact, that's part of the reason to engage in them - to learn how to maintain our reasoning or physical skills without letting emotions cloud our focus.

Like a forest fire, anger tends to burn up its own support.

—Mark Epstein

Burn Baby Burn

This week I'll be using the Neuzeit Tarot created by Walter Wegmuller and published by AG Muller. The 'oracle' I'll be using is a combination of two sets of Rory's Story Cubes - the original and Voyages set. These dice were created by Rory O'Connor and produced by Gamewright. Today's card and die are Five of Wands and Fire:

Two flowers rise tall, while a third struggles to catch up and two younger ones are shadowed beneath. If you've ever been the new employee or member of a group, you know how hard it is to be noticed or heeded by the old guard. They want to do things the way they've always done them, and they don't look favorably on anyone who wants to try something new that might disrupt the status quo. While such intimidation might work for a while, voices will eventually demand to be heard. It might cause an uncomfortable disruption, but something beneficial for all could come from it. What's the harm in simply listening with an open mind? The Fire die warns what could happen if people are continually suppressed and their needs and ideas ignored. People will eventually take a stand in a more aggressive way. As Parker Palmer said, "Violence is what happens when we don’t know what else to do with our suffering." 

The hardest thing in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn. 

~David Russell

Fuel Layers

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Five of Fire (Wands); from the Curious Oracle, the Crypt:

The real conflict is between truth and lies. ~Don Miguel Ruiz

In forest fires, the fire spread is dependent on the fuel layer on the ground: grass, timber litter, shrubs and slash or blow-down. If the fire doesn't have enough fuel on the ground, it likely won't reach the crown of the trees and become uncontrollable. The Five of Fire suggests conflict that often starts with 'mind litter' - misinformation, a lack of data, and opinions stated as facts. Perhaps it is time to do a controlled burn to reduce the fuel layer by applying concrete evidence. The Crypt is a burial vault; what 'sleeps' there won't awaken in this lifetime. I am well aware that even cold, hard facts won't sway some folks whose self-identity is tied up with their pet opinions. Life is too short to waste. As Ben Goldacre wrote, "You cannot reason people out of a position that they did not reason themselves into." Sometimes the only thing you can do is to get away from the fire and save yourself. 

The Character of Flaws

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Button Oracle, Liberty Bell:

"Progress not perfection" is a comforting thought because for many of us being perfect was a part of our problem. ~ Kathy L/BellaOnline

          Rather than a bunch of guys brandishing sticks, Granny's card shows one lone fellow trudging up a very steep hill. There are no people with competing ideas; this creative problem sits in our own laps. It may be writer's block, not being able to find the materials we need, or simply not understanding the next step we should take. Such frustration can make us throw up our hands in despair or just pause and reset. The Liberty Bell's keyword is 'imperfection;' some officials wanted to repair it for the centennial celebration, but its custodians felt like the crack had become part of the bell's character. We may prefer that our creative endeavors flow smoothly and flawlessly, but those obstacles we face may just turn us in a new direction even better than the one we were headed toward. Cracks in our perfect plans can pluck our work out of the monotonous lane and give it some character.

Listening and Speaking

From the Tarot of the Master, the Five of Wands; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Albus:

          The keyword assigned to this Five of Wands is 'composition' - a variety of ingredients coming together to make a whole. Anyone who's ever brainstormed with a group knows how hard it can be for so many different ideas to gel into a coherent whole. As Sallie Tisdale wrote, "Few of us communicate really well. We think explaining ourselves is key, but listening is the most important part." Yet for some it may be tempting to remain silent and avoid confrontation, desiring only calm. Albus ('peace') shows a dead horse - there can be a cost for harmony that wasn't expected. If everyone in the group doesn't add their perspective, the whole 360 degrees of the situation might not be understood. Important details that are left out can lead to important parts and players being neglected. 

When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something. ~John Lewis

Getting Noticed

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Five of Sticks (Wands); from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk Deck, Random Number Generator:

          The contortions and gyrations in this Five of Wands seem like an effort to get attention. These women could easily be contestants on Shark Tank trying to impress the bigwigs so they will find an investor. What does it take to get one's creativity and innovation noticed? The Random Number Generator card points out how hard it is for humans to be original rather than methodical. Our minds are geared to look for patterns it can recognize and take vigilant note of anomalies and irregularities. For the Five of Wands ladies, simply watching then trying to outrageously outdo each other is still a form of imitation. Perhaps they should take some advice from C.S. Lewis: "Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it."

No Vision, Only Strife

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Universe Cards, Satellite:

          Rather than the heated discussion suggested in RWS decks, this Five of Wands implies a destructive power of volcanic proportions that disrupts the current stability. While change may be needed, this aggressive action can seem over the top. I am reminded of those people who in their search for excitement often become 'rebels without a cause' (also known as shit-stirrers). They have no vision they want to work toward and no solutions to offer, only strife and hostility. The Satellite card describes the moons that orbit around the planets of the Solar System, kept in orbit by a planet's gravity. In the same way, these ricocheting rebels are attracted to anything they think can be stirred up and caused to boil over. They live to inflame and engage in battle. The best way to counter them is with facts, humor or silence rather than taking any bait they dangle. 

Anyone wanting to mug a troll would have to use a building on a stick.

― Terry Pratchett

The Way Forward

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Five of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Tree:

          The Tyldwick card shows a shield with the painting of Greek wrestlers participating in the ancient Olympic games. The object of these games was not to kill and destroy your opponent, but to best him athletically. In the same way, this card indicates we must prove ourselves by offering the best option or argument for getting something done. Yet in such competitions, it can be helpful to remember the words of Laurie H. Anderson: "You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against." A solution or path forward needs directions to go in, not just the roads to avoid. The Lenormand Tree card implies we should consider the roots of every person involved because everyone's knowledge, skill sets, and experience will be different. The way forward may require a combination of suggestions, not just those from one particular person.

Prove It

 From the Spiral Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Sacred Journey Cards, Fertilize:

          In this battle of how to do things, everyone holds a wand with some leafy sprouts. This suggests that there may be some validity to each person's opinion. The companion booklet states that this is a 'prove your point' opportunity. Charisma, intimidation, and manipulation can only carry so far, but the evidence of facts and research will likely weigh heavier in the end. Fertilize implies that proving a point is only the beginning step. Soil must be tilled, seeds planted and cultivated, and the crop fertilized. Winning doesn't mean a thing unless it is backed up with effort and action that produces results.

People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive. ― Blaise Pascal

If We Come To It

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Five of Wands; from the Key to the Kingdom, the Five of Diamonds:

We, this people, on this small and drifting planet

Whose hands can strike with such abandon

That in a twinkling, life is sapped from the living

Yet those same hands can touch with such healing, irresistible tenderness

That the haughty neck is happy to bow

And the proud back is glad to bend

Out of such chaos, of such contradiction

We learn that we are neither devils nor divines

When we come to it

We, this people, on this wayward, floating body

Created on this earth, of this earth

Have the power to fashion for this earth

A climate where every man and every woman

Can live freely without sanctimonious piety

Without crippling fear

When we come to it

We must confess that we are the possible

We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world

That is when, and only when

We come to it.

~ excerpt from “A Brave and Startling Truth” by Maya Angelou