Making Time

From the Norse Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, 'Guidance:'

                One can almost hear the rhythmic call of "Pull! Pull!" as the oarsmen glide across the water. The Eight of Wands symbolizes speed and movement, and this boat represents both. Yet when things are in motion, it might be tempting to sit back and watch. However, if all the rowers decided to do that, the speed and direction would be lost. Guidance suggests asking or heeding the wisdom of someone who has more knowledge and experience than we do. There was a woman who was pulled over by a policeman because she was speeding. When asked where she was going in such a hurry, she replied, "I don't know, but I'm making damn good time!" Movement is good, but only if we're progressing in the right direction. Asking for help is better than doing something without a clue about what we're doing or where we're going.

From Busyness to Stillness

From the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, the Lovers; from the Steps to Serenity, "Guidance:"

          My initial reaction to seeing this particular Lovers card was "ick." It looks like the cover of some trashy romance novel or a commercial for a soap opera, not anything real. Usually when I have such a strong reaction, there's more to what's going on than the obvious. Now that I've noticed the snake and apple below the couple, I'm convinced its because of the limited choices I feel are available to me for being with the people I care about. This time of year there are a lot of obligations, some enjoyable and some not so enjoyable. Add to that the health issues all of my family have dealing with, and I feel as if spending time with those whose company I most desire is almost a lost cause. But giving up is a choice too...
          In the 12 Step text of AA, there is a part that comes after the steps called "The Promises." One of these statements is: "We will intuitively know how to handle situations that used to baffle us." That guidance is going to require some quietness and stillness on my part. In this place of openness, I may find I have more options than I think.

In the busyness of this day
grant me a stillness of seeing.
In the conflicting voices of my heart
grant me a calmness of hearing.

~ J. Philip Newell