Recycled Thoughts

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Six of Air (Swords); from the Bird Cards and Ascension to Paradise decks, Goose:

The early experiences we have gone through develop our core beliefs, and then we operate on that basis. We need to be willing to bring awareness to ourselves, inquiring deeply into our operating system and what is underneath it. Over time we see our core beliefs, and when we see and understand their erroneous nature, we can release them. ~Lama Palden Drolma

The keyword given for the Six of Air/Swords is clarity. Suffering is often what helps me be willing to follow the roots of my misery back to my own mindset. At some point, that mindset was probably useful, but it wasn't meant to be permanent. But since it was helpful at one time, the mind keeps trying to recycle it. Goose has long been know as a guardian and gatekeeper, honking and flapping as an alarm when an interloper appeared. My body is the goose of my thoughts - its tension and constriction can alert me that my thinking is headed in a direction that will bring neither peace nor clarity. 

Response-ability

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Ace of Air (Swords); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Goose:

          The Ace of Air/Swords represents truth, justice and clarity. The the herb yarrow is known medicinally for treating wounds, a fitting symbol for addressing any imbalances the principles the Sword suit upholds. Yet its Latin name - Achillea millefolium - suggests we pause (Achillea is a reference to Achilles and his point of weakness and vulnerability). We all have blind spots and weaknesses that may hamper our discernment. The Goose is a symbol of protection and loyalty to its clan members. Those we love may skew our perception of what is true simply because of our loyalty to them. We may want to shield them, but are we doing them any favors? Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn to be responsible as they meet the challenges of life. 

Look at the word responsibility-"response-ability"-the ability to choose your response. Highly proactive people recognize that responsibility. They do not blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Their behavior is a product of their own conscious choice, based on values, rather than a product of their conditions, based on feeling. ~Stephen Covey

Independence and Stewardship

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Nine of Coins; from the Beasts of Albion, the 'Goose:'

          Prudence and discipline might sound like virtues that suck the fun out of everything, but this woman would tell us that is exactly what is needed to have the time and resources for what brings us enjoyment. Having to become self-sufficient can teach a person who is willing to learn a lot. Seeing all the sheaves of grain being collected in her fields, her hard work is something she can be proud of. The Goose has long been a Celtic symbol of alertness and aggressive protection. This bird suggests we not slack off in guarding what we've worked long and hard to achieve. This may pertain to material possessions, but it could also be a reminder to be a good steward of the bodies we have as well.
My apologies to those who've tried to leave comments and couldn't (I've had the same thing going on with comments I've tried to leave on other friends' blogs). I think Blogger / Blogspot is making some changes which have thrown a wrench into the gears of things. Hopefully, in time it will get better!

Giant Swords, Angry Geese

From the Jolanda Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Bird Signs deck, 'Goose:'

          Nope, there's not an elephant in the room, but a giant sword separating this couple. In my imagination, they got a tax refund; she had plans for a vegetable garden, but he spent the money on a widescreen TV. The Seven of Swords is often described as 'lone wolf' behavior, a sure way to wreck any relationship. The sword represents truth but also communication. Judging by all the snakes at their feet, they need to stop pouting and start talking. At any rate, that cat doesn't look like he's willing to put up with much more of their childish behavior. The Goose represents protection (as anyone who's ever been chased by one of these hissing, wing-flapping birds can attest). Looking at that couple I want to ask each of them, "Whose interests are you trying to protect, your own or those of both of you?" The first is simply self-absorption, and the second is true partnership.

Love and concern for all are not things some of us are born with and others are not. Rather, they are results of what we do with our minds: We can choose to transform our minds so that they embody love, or we can allow them to develop habits and false concepts of separation. ~ Sharon Salzberg

You've Only Got Two Hands

This week I'll be using the Llewellyn Tarot, a book and deck set created by Anna-Marie Ferguson and published by Llewellyn. The oracle deck I'll be using is the Beasts of Albion, a deck and book set created by Miranda Gray and published by Aquarian. Today's draws are the Knight of Pentacles and the Goose:

          I completely understand this detail-oriented knight. I'm the kind of person who wants to read the instruction book and lay out all the pieces in an orderly fashion before assembling anything. If I'm planting herbs, I'm going to do a bit of research on their sun and soil requirements beforehand, then I'll prepare the beds in advance of their purchase. Folks like us don't get in a hurry, because we want to do our jobs well, not half-assed. But look at Goose giving that knight the eye. Have you ever been chased by a goose after crossing into their territory unawares? If so, you'll understand the aggressive protection this bird symbolizes. But what could the dutiful, loyal knight need to be defended from? James Ricklef (Pithy Tarot) suggests some wisdom the Knight of Pentacles would be wise to heed: "Be cautious about making a commitment, but when you do, be unshakable in keeping it." In other words, the knight needs to make sure his loyalty doesn't cause him to overextend himself. If he does, he won't be able to fulfill any of his commitments with his usual efficiency and reliability.

Burnt to a Crisp

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Seven of Earth (Pentacles); from the Bird Cards, "Goose:"

          This poor plant doesn't look like it's wilted from the sun, it looks as if it's been poisoned. The Thoth deck refers to this card as "Failure," but the Vision Quest deck labels it as "Depletion." Hopes of success have been crushed; the costs were much greater than the what the results produced. But the real question is, who or what poisoned the plant? I could point the finger at others, but my guess is that I had unrealistic expectations, trusted the untrustworthy, didn't do enough research or simply did not pay close enough attention to what was happening.
          Toerien declares the Goose symbolizes wealth that materializes. Looking at that Seven of Earth card makes me think more along the lines of "your goose is cooked" (an expression that means troubling consequences). Yet the one thing I associate most with geese is their migratory habits. They fly south for the winter and then back north in the spring. Perhaps the problem is a timing issue. If so, I would do well to heed the words of the Venerable Fulton John Sheen:

Patience is not an absence of action;

rather it is "timing"

it waits on the right time to act,

for the right principles

and in the right way.  

Honk, Who Goes There?

This week I'll be using the Llewellyn Tarot, a book and deck set created by Anna-Marie Ferguson and published by Llewellyn. The oracle deck I'll be using is the Beasts of Albion, a deck and book set created by Miranda Gray and published by Aquarian. Today's draws are the Four of Cups and "Goose:"

          What's up with this young woman? Perhaps:
a) Christmas festivities are over (and she just got her Mastercard bill).
b) She just finished a well-received, creative project (and doesn't know what to do with herself).
c) She's been traveling and visiting beautiful, fascinating places (and now she's home again).
Robert Palmer sang about being addicted to love; I think most of us are addicted to that adrenaline rush of pleasure and pure joy. When the horse we've been galloping on is put back in the barn, we feel discontent and at a loss. But our emotional self can't take such constant stress (even if it's good stress); we need down time. This "in between" place is where I can rest and renew my spirit until I saddle up again.
          The Goose was used in Roman times as an alarm system. Where I live, the Canada geese (especially during mating season) are amazing, sharp-eyed guards, often honking a warning long before I've even spotted them. And don't even think about going near one of their nests or goslings! The Goose reminds me this quiet time is not punishment. It is sacred and something I need to protect. It can offer me an opportunity to tap back into my spiritual well and drink deeply, getting the sustenance I need.

Student Syllabus

This week I'll be using the Wild Unknown Tarot, created and self-published by Kim Krans. I'll also being using the Pictish Oracle, created by myself and brought to life in 3-D form by Alaska Laser Maid on Etsy. Today's draws are the Daughter (Page) of Pentacles and the "Goose:"

When I saw how the goose's head was turned back to watch the fawn, I thought of how protective I am of my daughter (even though legally she is an adult). When she was dropped off at college the other day, she was met by men in combat gear holding semi-automatic rifles. She learned later they were doing drills in case a gunman ever came on campus. I'm sure that little incident has something to do with my draw today. But I still think this combination has an underlying message for me too. The Daughter/Page is at a stage where she is learning and practicing her skills; though I am long-past young adulthood, I am still a student of many things. Besides being a symbol of protection, the Goose also represents being alert and watchful. It reminds me that books aren't the only things I learn from - people are also a vast resource. I can observe from them how to do things competently and intelligently, yet their blunders have much to teach me as well. Information can come in all sorts of packages.

Honk If You Get the Message

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Cups:

The Page of Cups is generally thought of as a sensitive soul. He wears his heart on his sleeve and knows how others are feeling even when they think they're hiding their emotions. Yet this fellow has another gift, shown by the fish in his cup - a strong intuition. He stands on a rock with the waves of the sea crashing around him, but his focus is on the cup. When there is emotional turmoil, whether it is around him or within him, he can trust this innate knowledge for guidance. He reminds me the logical mind should not always be my first choice when looking for solutions.

From the Beasts of Albion deck comes "Goose:"

The two crossed spears in the background give an instant clue as to what Goose represents - the guardian. When I walk in the mornings, I pass two ponds that have geese in them, both domestic and wild. I am always impressed that they spot me long before I ever see them and sound the alarm. At the larger pond, the domestic Swan Geese have one gosling this year. I had to laugh when I approached the fence for a better view, and this pint-sized goose honked as loudly and brazenly at me as the adults did.  Goose teaches me to keep my guard up and pay attention to my surroundings.  With the Page above, I get a clear message to trust my gut and follow my hunches.