Changing Times

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Justice; from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Gorse (Onn):

We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles. 

―Jimmy Carter

This fairy engages in quite a balancing act; if the wind or currents shift, she must adjust so that she doesn't fall. Thoth decks call this card Adjustment, which acknowledges that true justice cannot be set in concrete but must alter itself according to new knowledge and changing circumstances. As Carter said, we don't lose our principles just because we adjust our laws. Gorse (Onn) is a shrub that burns fast and bright. Its ogham, Onn, is derived from the Irish word fonn, meaning the sole of the foot and is connected to movement. No law or rule that is unjust should stand for long without being replaced with one that is fair to all. 

Hardiness

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Warrior Nine (Nine of Wands); from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Gorse:

I want to know

if you are prepared to live in the world

with its harsh need

to change you. If you can look back

with firm eyes

saying this is where I stand. 

~David Whyte

          The Nine of Wands is generally a test of one's character and requires alertness and tenacity. This fairy is protected by an icy boundary, enveloped in scaly wings and camouflaged by a smoky cloud. It definitely seems to be guarding what it considers precious and important. In the current religious and political climate in which I live, I feel the same way. I want my country to be a land of equality and justice for all, not just a select few who determine the rights of everyone else.

          Gorse is a hardy shrub that brightens the landscape after winter with its sunny, yellow flowers. It is a fire-climax plant, meaning it burns readily but easily regrows after a fire. Gorse seeds are also adapted to germinate after slight scorching. This plant's message is to stay hopeful and remain constant, even through periods of difficulty. Change is coming (though perhaps not on the timetable I would prefer it). I need to keep my values and principles intact through the challenges that will come before it.

Bring It On

From the Anna K. Tarot, the Fool:

I love the unbounded joy on this youngster's face, and the fact that he is barefoot. He wants the full sensual and intellectual experience - sand spurs and soft clover, bewilderment and bliss. Klaffinger describes his "mental suppleness," his relaxed way of looking at things with no preconceived ideas or expectations. The Fool fits nicely with the Lojong slogan I've been studying, "In post-meditation, be a child of illusion." A young child looks at this ever-changing world with wonder; there are no labels from the past to be stuck onto the present moment. Just soak up the here and now, knowing it will shift and change like the breeze.

From the Green Man Tree Oracle comes "Gorse - Onn:"

The yellow blooms of the gorse reflect the energy and enthusiasm of the Fool above. Laurie explains Onn is likely related to the Old Irish word for the sole of the foot, fonn. Its other meaning - "wheel" -comes from the word ogam "helper of horses." With this information, I can see an even deeper connection to the Fool as the paths I take as I journey through life. In what direction is my mindset leading me? Am I traveling the path of the "child of illusion" or the road of the "adult of prudence and practicality?" I wonder if there is a trail somewhere in the middle.

Skinflints and Fires in the Mind

From the Anna K. Tarot, the Four of Pentacles:

On a cold winter day, a man buries coins in the ground while his family watches.  What strikes me as odd about this picture is that the people all seem to have adequate coats and hats for the weather, the man has a huge bag of apples on his back, and a stack of firewood is bundled beside him.  I get the feeling that he is protecting his stash from his own flesh and blood!  I once worked for a man who had four children, and I remember hearing stories from them about what a skinflint their dad was.  Everything he bought at the grocery store was marked with a date - from shampoo to food.  If it was used up before the date, they had to do without until he thought it necessary to buy more.  The nutty part of all this is that this family, while not rich, would be considered financially well-off.  He felt he was teaching them a lesson in money management while they all thought he was being mean and tight-fisted.  Moderation is a smart choice in this day and age, but denying myself any enjoyment when my basic needs are met seems based more on fear than reality.

From the Green Man Tree Oracle comes "Gorse:"

A fire in the mind.

This thorny evergreen is well adapted to withstand fires; its seed pods  are opened by fire, and it readily resprouts from the roots when burned.  The danger is that it is also highly flammable.  Gorse reminds me that inspiration can bring about creative thinking and actions or destructive ones.  Like the man above, I may be fueled by paranoia or resentment instead of a just cause.  I must be discerning in order to figure out which fire I'm tending...

Pause and Take a Deep Breath

From the Motherpeace Tarot, the Two of Swords:

A woman holds a feather in each hand, making an infinity design in the air, while balancing on one foot.  The stork next to her reminds me of the stork pose in yoga, where one knee is lifted at a 90 degree angle while pointing the toe on that same leg downward.  Balance asanas require focus and a still mind, two things this woman doesn't have but is attempting to find.  The ocean and full moon suggest that this woman is overwhelmed with emotions and can't think straight.  Like the yoga pose, she needs mental space in order to take a deep breath and figure out what to do.  This temporary withdrawal is just a pause; being grounded in the moment will help her detach.  Then her decisions will be made with clarity and purpose rather than just being a reaction to a situation.

     From the Ogham Oracle comes "Gorse - Onn:"

Onn is believed to be derived from the Old Irish word fonn, meaning the "sole of a foot."  Such a definition suggests both a foundation but also movement.  For me, I understand it as a need to find my center (stability) before making any moves.  Gorse is a spiny, evergreen shrub that can be a fire hazard because of the oils in its branches.  Though burned to the ground, the roots will eventually regrow the plant.  This danger reminds me to avoid emotional outbursts that will quickly bring any progress made back to zero.