Celebrating Steps

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Four of Spring (Wands); from the Handl Rune Oracle, Thurisaz/Thorn:

You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

– Martin Luther King Jr.

Whether it's a rite of passage or progress achieved, the fairies are having a celebratory dance. The Four of Wands/Spring indicates a strong beginning towards a purpose or goal, marking the foundation with merriment. Such commemorations give us a chance to pause and appreciate the fruits our efforts so far and act as an encouragement to keep us going. It's like marking children's heights on the door frame so they can see how much they've grown. Thurisaz - a rune connected with giants and the pain of thorns - alerts us to the need to stand firm in the face of adversity and challenge. Remembering that we've met and overcome obstacles before can help us be resilient instead of stuck.

The world is dynamic and changing; therein lies its freshness. But our ideas about it tend to grow static and calcified, even our ideas about the most important things: who we are, how things are, why the world is the way it is. –Henry Shukman

Effort and Attention

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Button Oracle, Anchor:

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.     

—Theodore Roosevelt 

This carpenter's hard work seems to be paying off in many ways. The tools in both his hands suggest his steady effort. Often known as the 'effort heuristic,' research shows we tend to appreciate and put more value on things we acquire through exertion and labor. Such success, even in the early stages, is so much sweeter. The Anchor button implies stability and being grounded. When we work hard for something and receive it, we then channel our effort into sustaining and caring for it. What is appreciated is not ignored and allowed to disintegrate from lack of attention.

Diversity is Desirable

From the Sun and Moon Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Jade Oracle, Ometeotl:

A phase or stage of understanding has been achieved, rendering some stability and a temporary plateau. There is more to be done, but for now, there is time to relax and enjoy the results. Ometeotl was a binary god (husband and wife) responsible for creating the universe. From one came many; from unity came diversity. Diversity brings in new ideas, experiences and resources - promoting creativity and leading to better problem-solving. Perhaps that will be the next stage to attain. 

We need diversity if we are to change, grow, and innovate.

―Dr. Katherine W. Phillips

One Step at a Time

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Four of Koshes (Staves); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Sweat Lodge:

Four gaily dressed lasses dance around a fire, putting on a celebratory show. How often do we celebrate the simple things - modest accomplishments, tasks finished or small steps taken in a new direction? Any progress is simply the sum of small actions taken in the right direction. Yet Sweat Lodge suggests the need for purification. In this case, those old negative thought patterns can rain on our joy and hinder our forward movement. Being aware of them is necessary as is questioning their logic. We might also consider how this line of thinking has affected us in the past, whether it has been helpful or harmful. As Mark Twain put it, our habits have to be "coaxed downstairs one step at a time."

Necessities

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Sweet Pea:

The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.

— Saint Augustine

In this card, newlyweds move in to their new home, ready to build a life together. The Four of Wands suggests a foundation has been successfully laid, but more work will be required to complete the project. Before we rush in, however, Sweet Pea suggests we consider necessities above preferences. This flower won't thrive without consistent moisture. Morning watering and drip or furrow irrigation is better to prevent bud drop and fungal infections. No matter what kind of 'garden' we're creating, we would do well to add in any requirements to satisfy what is needed rather than thinking we can deal with it later.

Integrity and Timing

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus, the Four of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, 'Three deaths that promise life':

The Four of Wands represents completion of a task or project, not from happenstance, but through a focused effort. The symbols of the compass and the square indicate what is needed for this stage. In building, the square ensures buildings do not lean and are structurally strong and sound; it represents honesty and fairness. In architectural planning, the compass is used for drawing circles and arcs; it represents self-restraint so that we live a balanced life. Basically this card says that outer accomplishments happen when our inner world is in order. The Irish triad's 'three deaths' refer to the changing seasons in life. As the writer of Ecclesiastes states, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Right timing is also a necessary ingredient of success.

Without Demands

From the Morgan Greer Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the Island of Trees:

The Four of Wands shows a celebration in the making, likely for the castle nearly completed in the background. It makes sense not to try to plow through to the finish line when it takes great effort to finish a project. Rest and a bit of fun can be the break we need to restore our enthusiasm and energy as well as prevent mistakes caused by exhaustion. The Island of the Trees card shows Maelduin with a branch plucked from a tree as they passed by. The branch would produce apples for forty days, aiding in the health of the voyagers. The meaning of this card is gratitude, but it is the type of thankfulness that doesn't demand more than what was given. At some point, we must continue with our task, grateful for what we've been given but with a commitment to finish what we started. 

Celebrating the Good

From Tarot by Caro, the Four of Wands; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 22:

What drew my eye in this Four of Wands was the heart between the two women. A true celebration is about cheering on those we love, wishing them good things ahead. It is about congratulating those to whom our heart is connected who have met and overcome challenges. We might think that we can celebrate the comeuppance of those who have been in the business of using and hurting other beings. But retribution doesn't bring real joy, only a very brief moment of satisfying revenge. We can't really revel in it because the heavy suitcase of resentment we're still dragging around weighs us down. Hexagram 22 implies both grace and beauty. It is a reminder that each day should be about celebrating the good, not giving the bad free rent in our head.

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?

—Mary Oliver

Personal Celebration

This week I'll be using the Gaian Tarot, a deck and book set created and self-published by Joanna Powell Colbert. I'll also be using the Goddess Oracle, a deck and book set created by Amy Sophia Marashinsky and illustrated by Hrana Janto. Today's draws are Four of Fire (Wands) and Maat:

Sometimes we need our own personal celebration or ceremony, one without invitations or fanfare. Maybe it is to express a deeply felt sense of gratitude, to mark a challenge met, or to build up our courage for an event soon to come. No matter how simple in appearance, these rites can have a powerful influence on our spirit. Maat, the Egyptian personification of truth and justice, reminds us to go forward with integrity. Having principles is important, but to maintain our wholeness, we need to act from them. When we do, we'll likely find we have a reason to create another sacred circle.

I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.

― Charlotte Brontë

The Unforeseen

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Four of Flames (Wands); from the Elemental Dice, Earthquake (Darkness + Earth):

Petersen calls the Four of Flames/Wands the 'fire of shaping.' In my imagination, her description creates an image of a heated blacksmith's forge with tools and raw metal ready to be used. The resources and tools have been gathered and plans are underway. It is a time of excitement, of seeing something that has been longed for finally begin to unfold and take form. Yet Earthquake signals disruption and upheaval rather than a smooth progression. Such challenges often create frustration and a feeling of unfairness, but truthfully, don't most projects have hiccups or unforeseen challenges? Instead of setting myself up with expectations of the finish line, perhaps I could focus on what can be done along each step of the way. That would be a better way to channel any frustration instead of allowing it to erupt into unproductive anger.

Unforeseen surprises are the rule in science, not the exception. Remember: Stuff happens. 

~Leonard Susskind

Places and People

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Soul Cards, Protective Wing:

Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.

~Joseph Campbell

          This Four of Wands reminds me of a greenhouse protecting whatever rests inside against the winter cold. So much happens in the outer world that we can't control or change; it helps to have a sacred place where we can center ourselves and rest. Whether a man-made structure or nature-made one, it is usually always a personally chosen one. The Protective Wing card implies that it's not just places that offer refuge, it's also people. Like the Snickers commercial that says "You're not you when you're hungry," it often applies when we're angry, lonely or tired. Having a wise friend who can guide us back to calm and sanity during chaotic or challenging times is an invaluable treasure. As Buddha told his followers: "Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the holy life." Truth and tenderness can go a long way in keeping us upright when we're listing to one side.

Celebrating Self-Expression

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Four  of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Ship:

          The palette and paintbrushes suggest the beginning of a project. Yet the inspiration has already been shaped into form, the canvas prepared, a rough sketch done, and the tools assembled. While the creation has yet to be finished, the hard work of actually beginning is done and the fun is about to start. The Lenormand card shows an 1800s version of a dirigible airship; it implies exploration (with possibly an unusual approach). Others may grimace at choices made, but this need not dull one's creative joy. Hopefully, we will take Rihanna's words to heart: "I'm gonna look back on my life and say that I enjoyed it - and I lived it for me." This approach is not about a lack of concern for others, but a realization that an attempt to please everyone will end up pleasing no one.

Just My Way

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Four of Fire (Wands); from the Tao Oracle, 'Standstill' (12):

          In the Four of Wands (illustrated with a fire juggler), discipline has brought about a level of completion and perfection. Right timing, right order, and the proper amount of energy have been found to keep things in balance and flowing smoothly. But Hexagram 12, Standstill, suggests the flow has suddenly been frozen. This lack of positive movement maybe because what works smoothly for me may not work that way for another person. Until I see that my way is simply a particular approach that works well for me, not necessarily the right way of doing things, there is likely to be little thaw in the situation.

What makes us miserable, what causes us to be in conflict with one another, is our insistence on our particular view of things: our view of what we deserve or want, our view of right and wrong, our view of self, our view of other, our view of life, our view of death. But views are just views. They are not ultimate truth.  —Norman Fischer

A Party?

From the Everyday Enchantment Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the MentorSpirit Cards, 'Generosity:'

          There's a celebration going on, which reminded me of the tears and cheers that have lined our hospital's corridors as a couple of previously seriously ill patients in ICU went home rather than left in a body bag. We are learning, though that curve has been sharp and perilous for many. And in the middle of all this, parents are discovering how to homeschool, support groups are figuring out how to use video and audio conferencing platforms, and folks are embracing new or long-forgotten hobbies. Generosity helps lubricate this process by giving without expectations. But this compassionate action comes not from a place of lack but of gratitude, realizing we have enough with some to spare for others.

Generosity takes many forms—we may give our time, our energy, our material possessions, our love. All are expressions of caring, of compassion, of connection, and of renunciation—the ability to let go.

—Joseph Goldstein

Fabricated Festivity

From the Tarot of Durer, the Four of Batons; from the Philosopher's Stone, Mastership:

When I look at the Durer's Four of Wands, I don't think of a celebration for progress made. I only see a poor, dead lion, a braggart, and a dissatisfied woman. Can any foundation built on brute force, deceit, manipulation or intimidation have the strength and fortitude it will need to last? It may sustain itself for a while, but I imagine the dead lion has some angry relatives who will be looking for revenge soon enough. It's hard to build anything lasting on a foundation that is corrupt and rotten. The Mastership card looks as if someone has taken a giant blade and loped off the top of the monolith. Harm requires little skill, but healing and putting things back together does. True mastery is being able to accept a mess and turn it back into a masterpiece.

The exact measure of the progress of civilization is the degree in which the intelligence of the common mind has prevailed over wealth and brute force. ~George Bancroft

Celebrate with Intention

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the I Ching Pack, Thunder over Fire (hexagram 55):

          It's been my experience that most every day has something to celebrate. Maybe not in a block party or rite of passage sort of way, but in the small joys and wonders that get hidden in the ordinary. But it requires intention and attention to discover these things in our day to day lives. Thunder over Fire (hexagram 55) represents abundance that is enjoyed and shared with others. There is an acknowledgment that there will be an ebb and flow, that this auspicious state won't last for eternity. Yet it doesn't matter - today is a day to celebrate what is.

Be content with what you have;

rejoice in the way things are.

When you realize there is nothing lacking,

the whole world belongs to you.

Tao Te Ching, chapter 44

The Building Cycle

From the Spirit Within Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Answer Deck, Destruction:

Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.      

~Pablo Picasso

          In the Four of Wands, a firm foundation has been built - a new beginning that is worthy of celebration. But, as Picasso states, the ground must be cleared first. If we are planting a crop, we must clear the field. We go to therapy to help us heal our old wounds and unskillful behavior patterns in order to build healthy relationships. No foundation will be stable otherwise, yet it is still subject to change.

Nature is ever at work building and pulling down, creating and destroying, keeping everything whirling and flowing, allowing no rest but in rhythmical motion, chasing everything in endless song out of one beautiful form into another.

~John Muir

Hand-in-Hand

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Universe Cards, Nebula/Star Birth:

          The vision of the eagle and the industriousness of the bee combine their squares and compasses in this Four of Wands. The structural discipline of the number four implies that the first phase has been completed, proving the plan a success. The two hexagons suggest the beginning of more growth to become. Not many visions get off the ground without the worker bees to carry them forward.
          Nebula means 'cloud;' nebulae are vast clouds of dust, gas, and plasma that act as nurseries for new stars. Star creation is one of the most beautiful and wondrous sights - just check out some of the photos taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. According to Universe Today, "a nebula is formed when portions of the interstellar medium undergo gravitational collapse. Mutual gravitational attraction causes matter to clump together, forming regions of greater and greater density." This dance of collapse and attraction is similar to how those with vision may head butt those with practical application. Yet if the process continues with respect on both sides, something magical can be created.

In this regard, vision and practicality go hand-in-hand.

~Stuart Kestenbaum

Terra Firma

From the Tarot of Timeless Truth, the Four of Wands; from the Shaman's Oracle, the 'Hunter of Conflict:'

          Inspiration came and was followed; a hard journey across a vast ocean was made. Now that they're on terra firma, it's time to celebrate. Sure there's an enormous to-do list, but the mind and body cannot operate on full throttle without some downtime. This is the time to let go of our worries about what lies ahead and how we will deal with them. Now is the time to unwind. The Hunter of Conflict doesn't come to stir up trouble, but to look for problems before they become full-blown storms. However, right timing is necessary. It won't do much good to sit and talk with people while they're riding stormy waves, but after things are calmer and level heads prevail. Though we may want to tamp out the conflict right away, sometimes we must wait for the winds to die down.

Pausing Mid-Pose

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Lotus de L'Oeil, 'Summer:'

          A woman mirrors the bird above her, holding an arabesque ballet position. There are balance and stability reflected in this card, symbolizing a sturdy foundation. The toes that hold her rest on the beginning point of a spiral. Unlike a circle that ends up at the starting point, the spiral radiates outward, suggesting skills gained and knowledge learned as action was put behind inspiration. The Summer card shows a tree at the height of the growing season; its shade is enticing underneath its leafy branches. The fellow making his way towards the tree might be planning a break from the heat with a nap against its trunk. Both of these people - the dancer and the man - can't stay in one position for too long. Life is movement and change, and so they must eventually follow suit.