Unfriendlies

From the Slavic Legends Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Urban Crow Oracle, Soar:

There's something wrong with the mental life, radically. It's rooted in spite and envy, envy and spite. 

―D.H. Lawrence

This is definitely not a friendly competition or some cooperative brainstorming. It is five rigidly held opinions raging about how things should be done. This group will need a supervisor to make the final decision, which is a pity. If they compiled all of their perspectives instead of vying to be right, they might see the whole picture and create a more useful plan. Soar indicates what Michelle Obama encouraged: When they go low, we go high. Being spiteful to prove we are the expert will simply bury us in a cycle of anger and retaliation. As John Ford said, “Revenge proves its own executioner.” It's better to simply explain our views, then listen and ask questions about those that oppose us. Make a choice not to wallow in the mud.

On Fire

From the Somnia Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Earth:

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.

—Ferdinand Foch

People get excited when they think they have a novel idea. But if several people are working on the same creative proposal, you can bet there will be mayhem. Each person will likely try to out-shout the others, while attempting to douse the other ideas with doubt. It can help if we model respectful listening, giving everyone a chance to present their strategy. Earth gives us additional hints on how to make a good impression. First, ground the idea in practicality. How exactly would this be accomplished? Secondly, ground the result in the target population's needs or wants. How will this benefit these people? Every fire needs fuel to burn; airy ideas have little staying power. 

Competitive but Fun

From the Rider Marseille Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Ostinato Oracle, the Rest:

We were watching a battle, but it took clean forms.

―Yasunari Kawabata

There's no malice to be seen in these faces, as their battle resembles more play than combat. Games have been around over 5000 years - since civilization began. They can be fun, even if competitive, when we avoid expectations and assumptions about winning and losing. They help us develop critical reasoning, problem solving, and flexible thinking. But above all, they can help us develop camaraderie and connection. One of the jurors (when I was still in court) brought UNO - No Mercy to play when we were banished for long periods to the jury room. I laughed until I cried - it's a good thing that room was soundproof. The Rest symbol, however, reminds us to balance our activities with stillness. Here we train in the art of letting be. As the Zen saying goes, "I'll explain in detail why Bodhidharma came to China: Listen to the evening bell sounds. Watch the setting sun."

Monkey Wrenches

From the Songs for the Journey Home Tarot, the Five of Flame Songs (Wands); from the Magic Neko Deck, the Queen of Clubs:

When there is too much order, too much management, too much programming and control, it becomes the duty of superior men and women to fling their favorite monkey wrenches into the machinery. 

― Tom Robbins

A person sleeps, having strange dreams about earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. Funny how we can go to bed with things on an even keel, then wake up to discord and disruption. The past with its traditions has collided into the present with its innovations. If we're wise, we won't immediately take sides; instead, we can act as a juror who listens to both sides attentively before rendering an opinion. But the Queen of Clubs takes things a little further - this ninja kitty suggests we act more covertly and cautiously. Rather than an opinion, we can ask questions of both sides and dig out more information. The more the parties explain in detail, the more likely they might come to a compromise without us ever having to choose a side. If not, then at least we have enough knowledge to make a wise judgment. 

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."