Seeing Both Sides

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Moon; from the Druid Animal Oracle, the Frog:

This busy, grasping mind,

Always latching onto things,

Let it be given a break to recognize itself instead.

In that very moment of recognition,

This mind becomes wide open,

Free, and unconfined.

—Tsoknyi Rinpoche 

The French phrase "between a wolf and a dog" describes the time of day when it is hard to distinguish between friend and foe, the known or unknown. I begin jury duty tomorrow morning, and this card made me think that uncertainty can be a useful beginning. I wouldn't want someone to decide my character simply by my looks or because I was before a judge. Ambiguity can create more space and openness, allowing us to see more possibilities than the sole appraisal a narrow view might first land on. The Frog is semiaquatic, spending part of its time on land and part in the water. Those two places might symbolize both the hard facts of wisdom (land) and the humane lens of compassion (water). A sound judgment is a holistic and includes both. 

Rant or Explore

From the Osho Zen Tarot, New Vision (Hanged Man); from the A'HA Oracle, Frog:

The greatest tragedy for any human being is going through their entire lives believing the only perspective that matters is their own. ―Doug Baldwin

Around age 16, Amish teens are given the opportunity to leave their closed community and experience life in "worldly" ways. Such exploration and self-discovery, known as Rumspringa, allows these kids to decide if they want to commit to an Amish way of life. The Hanged Man, however, is a more forced way to get us to see from a new perspective. We can rant and rave about a situation or we can explore it with fresh eyes. Frog - a vital environmental indicator - asks us to ascertain how this struggle is affecting our body and spirit. Are we willing to embrace reality in order to find peace and possibly a more creative solution?

Endurance with Direction

This week I'll be using the Wheel of Change Tarot, a deck and book set created by Alexandra Genetti and published by Inner Traditions. The second deck I'll be drawing from is the Oracle of the Dreamtime, a compilation of Australian Aboriginal art and Dreamings by Donni Hakanson; this deck and book set was published by Journey Editions. Today's cards are the Nine of Wands and Frog:

Resilience is distinct from mere survival, and more than mere endurance. Resilience is often endurance with direction. ~Eric Greitens

How is a didgeridoo made? First the right eucalyptus tree must be found, one slightly hollowed out by termites. After the termite tunnels and bark are removed, the wood must dry for 6 to 8 months. Then the trunk is cut at just the right place, and the interior is carved out (being careful not to carve too much). The outside is slimmed, being sure to keep the same thickness the entire length (adjusting for termite tunnels), and the tone is adjusted. Finally, the outside is varnished and a beeswax mouthpiece added. Like crafting a didgeridoo, crossing any finish line takes resilience, a combination of persistence and flexibility. The Dreamtime story of Frog tells of how he was so thirsty, he drank up all the water. When the other thirsty animals found the billabong dry and saw the swollen frog, they decided to make him laugh to release the water (which the eel finally did). The ability to see humor in trying circumstances is an important tool in resilience. Rather than getting bogged down by anger, it helps us meet our challenges with a light heart.

Wise Investments

From the Prairie Tarot, the Magician; from the Medicine Cards, Frog:

A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep.

― Saul Bellow

          In the tarot, there are generally two types of Magicians portrayed: the sleight-of-hand illusionist or a man with his resources on the table who uses them and his mind to manifest his goals. This fellow is obviously a street magician whose purpose is to amaze and entertain. In the real world, he shows up to try to sell us fool's gold - the online degree from a shady college, the pills that melt our fat away, or the oil-anointed candle guaranteed to help us find our true love. Yet Frog appears, croaking to call in the cleansing rain to wash away the illusion of finding an easier, quicker way to our objectives. In the words of Jesse Owens, "We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort."

Hop to It

From the Ferret Tarot, the Seven of Pentacles; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, 'Frog:'

          Having found a cache of socks stuffed under the sofa, the ferrets are in high cotton. Socks are a hot commodity for them because they can be sniffed, cuddled, played with or tunneled in. Moertl's phrase for this card is, "You do the work, you reap the benefits." It amazes me how often we humans can't grasp this concept. We keep expecting to win the lottery, marry Superman or at least have someone tell us to take the month off and do whatever we want. My life changes when I start doing something different - the work that will bring the benefits. Frog suggests motion as well, underscoring the idea that passivity won't bring the outcome I desire. Dreaming and planning are not the same as doing; now is the time to take action.

An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.

 ―Arnold Glasow

Derailed

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Eight of Swords; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Frog:

          I've noticed that people (including myself) who've experienced traumatic events can get trapped in the mindset of "it might happen again." Of course, it's possible that we may deal with another challenge, but there's no guarantee that it's right around the corner or even that it will happen at all. However, after our sense of control and ability to cope seem to disappear, we can be left feeling over-stimulated and on high alert. But these symptoms are the result of our thinking not reality; we are still living in the story of what happened and not in the present. The chamomile in this drawing is a reminder to calm down and take a break from the mental chatter.
          The Aboriginal tale of Frog explains that he was so thirsty, he drank up all the water everywhere and became huge. When the other animals became hot and thirsty and realized what happened, they decided to make Frog laugh to bring back the water. While most of the animals did funny things, Eel pitched a hissy fit that tickled Frog so much he unleashed all the water. The lesson from this story is that humor can lighten situations and change perspectives. It can also help us not take life so seriously, brightening our dark moods and derailing our mental habits.

Get Hopping

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Druid Animal Oracle, the Frog:

          The  Long Man of Wilmington is used to illustrate the Two of Wands. With a staff in each hand, the figure appears to be pushing open a doorway in the hillside similar to holding elevator doors open. This card implies that progress has been made, and because of it, a new opportunity has arisen. The authors write, "although you are satisfied in having everything you need, you also long for more." The urge to do, to create never stays quiet for long. But which pull will be stronger: the comfort and stability of the known or the drive to explore something deeper? The Celts thought the Frog represented healing because of its association with water and rain. Yet this healing requires a transformation of sorts (from egg to tadpole to frog). Sometimes before we begin something new, unfinished business must be tidied up. Leaving things undone can cause problems later that could affect new endeavors. Time to get hopping.