What We Create

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Magician; from the Victorian Flowers Oracle, the Flower Ball:

Our most precious resource now is wonder. What we wonder ignites our imagination, unleashes our empathy, fuels our ferocity. ― Amy Irvine

This Magician shows us our card hand - the resources we have available to create a life of contentment. We must use them judiciously, carefully crafting our vision. The Flower Ball, a card of happiness, suggests that what we develop should be based in joy rather than out of anger, arrogance or fear. We don't want to end up with something that makes our life a living hell. As Amit Ray wrote, "If you are driven by fear, anger or pride, nature will force you to compete. If you are guided by courage, awareness, tranquility and peace, nature will serve you."

Unity without Uniformity

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Knight of Swords; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, The Flower Ball:

There is a lot of energy and movement with this Knight of Swords, emphasizing both his fearlessness and recklessness in the area of ideas and communication. The left hand is sometimes seen symbolically as representing receptivity, yet this fellow holds wields his sword in this hand. That might suggest that he likes to forcefully deliver his opinions while refusing to listen to those of others. Yet the Flower Ball suggests there is a happy medium in intellectual conversations - discussion rather than debate. I've been in a theological book club for over a decade now; its main tenet is respect. I've learned that we can maintain unity without uniformity when dignity and consideration are upheld.

Return to Order and Equilibrium

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows, the Emperor:

“Enlightened leadership is service, not selfishness. The leader grows more and lasts longer by placing the well-being of all above the well-being of self alone.” ~ John Heider, The Tao of Leadership

I was supposed to be taking a road trip today; I had my music for the car ready, and had visions of me singing along as I rode with the windows down on this fall day.  But like the saying about best-laid plans going awry, Things Happened.  There was a family crisis and I was asked to stay home and help restore calm and balance.  Of course the selfish part of me wanted to get in the car and head out of town, leaving someone else to deal with the situation.  That part kept whining about being tired and stressed - not very leader-like behavior.  The Emperor has a tough job; while he may be a part-time warrior who protects the kingdom, he must also be a peace-keeper who restores order when there is chaos within his realm.  It is not easy to put individual wants aside for the well-being of the whole, but it's the choice I will make today.

From the Victorian Flower Oracle comes the "Flower Ball:"

The keywords for this card are "Happy Times;" balls are generally known for music, merriment and dancing with friends and family.  I compare my fantasy of music blasting as I sing alone in my car (above) with this one, where joy is shared with many others.  I know I'll get a chance for that road trip again soon, but for now I'll party with my family, celebrating a return to equilibrium.