Controlling the Fire

From the Thoth Tarot, the Three of Wands; from the Vertical Oracle, Gnosis:

          The Three's of the Thoth tarot are connected to the Hebrew sephira Binah ("understanding") on the Tree of Life. This processed wisdom leads to deductive reasoning, which tones down the normal impulsiveness of of this suit to a slow burn that allows for responsible preparation. As a result, a harmony of mind, body and spirit is produced that brings some stability to this fiery energy. Gnosis, from the Vertical Oracle, is assigned the phrase "readiness for spiritual information." The booklet encourages being open to knowledge from others without thinking only one source holds the truth. "In the end, it doesn't matter what you know as much as how your knowledge is serving Creation." Sounds like whatever is being assembled shouldn't be a monument to the ego but something that will be a inspiration and help to all.

An Eeyore Kind of Day

From the Thoth Tarot, the Seven of Disks; from the Vertical Oracle, "Gnosis:"

          Ah geez... it looks like I drew the Eeyore card today - failure wrapped up with a gloomy bow. The disks are arranged in the shape of the geomantic figure rubeus (red). Connected to Mars, it is passion on steroids. From the looks of this card, it appears whatever the physical project or goal was, it got burnt to a crisp. I can relate to being full of fire about getting something done, yet being so pumped up, I throw caution and focus to the wind. Who hasn't started a new exercise program, and then pushed so hard they could hardly get out of bed the next morning? But all isn't lost - I still see a few glimmering coals underneath the disks. Now is the time to stay positive, pay attention and learn from mistakes. Even Eeyore can try to be a little less glum:

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily. 

"So it is." 

"And freezing." 

"Is it?" 

"Yes," said Eeyore. "However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately."

          Gnosis is a sort of mystical insight or enlightenment; Alli calls it "a direct revelation of truth." More than religious or philosophical knowledge, it is a personal experience that opens the mind and heart wide open. This kind of spiritual knowing is inclusive rather than exclusive, embracing all rather than the few. While I prefer such life altering moments to be those created by by great beauty or joy, many of such insights have occurred when I was in the depths of pain. Yet even when my soul feels hollow, when I feel alone and afraid, I can find such wisdom available.