The Greatness of Humanity is...

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Queen of Disks; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Gymea Lily:

          The Queen of Disks is profoundly aware of the bounty that pours from the Earth. Yet rather than use this abundance wastefully, she is both creative and prudent with these resources. Having learned the art of simplicity, even small supplements make her family feel affluent. She realizes that having less means enjoying more fully what one has. In the Dreamtime story, a tribe was trapped in a cave after a great deluge and landslide. One warrior, though badly injured, managed to squeeze through a small hole he discovered after exploring the many dark tunnels of the cave. For weeks he fished and hunted for the people still trapped inside, lowering food into a small opening. Eventually he succumbed to his injuries, and a red lily grew where he died to mark the sacrifice he made for his people. Both the Queen and this warrior understood the importance of sacrificing wants for the needs of others. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane."

Do It Anyway

This week I'll be using the Wheel of Change Tarot, created by Alexandra Genetti and published by Destiny Books. The card drawn for this morning is the Hierophant:

Genetti describes this image as "a golden idol receives the oblations of his worshipers." I understand the need to create pictures, statues and mythologies around our ideas of the Divine. We humans find it hard to have a relationship with something without limits and boundaries, but isn't it ironic that we give it parameters anyway? Yet I liken it to using a phone to call a friend; I would never assume the phone is my friend, it is just a tool to contact her. But what happens when I think my ideas and boundaries are the right one? Genetti asks, "What are you putting your faith in? Am I using dogma to justify my behavior?" I have no identifiable religion, yet I constantly struggle to find a spirituality that fits. Maybe I should make sure that "fit" isn't there to be exclusive but inclusive. I think whatever the Divine is, it would want us to try to build bridges rather than burn them.

The other deck I'll be using this week is the Oracle of the Dreamtime, with text written by Donni Hakanson and artwork by a variety of aboriginal artists. The publisher is Journey Editions. Today's card is the "Gymea Lily:"

The legend around this image involves a warrior who made a continuous effort to save his people, even though he realized his sacrifice and hard work would probably be in vain. I have to admit, even though I wrote about "building bridges" above, I thought about how some people will stubbornly cling to their beliefs and shun those stretch out the hand of peace. Some folks will gladly debate with you, but they don't care to have a respectful dialogue. Yet like the warrior in the story, I am prodded to make the effort anyway.

Slowing Down, Fulfilling Obligations

From the Wheel of Change Tarot comes the Prince of Disks (Knight of Pentacles):

My Kramer ancestors, who immigrated from Germany to Pennsylvania, were wagon makers.  They were well-known for the sturdiness of their wagons, many of them outfitted to carry oil barrels in Oil City.  This fellow is checking every detail of the wheel he has crafted, reminding me of the adage "measure twice, cut once."  He is not worried about quantity but quality, and he'll take all the time he needs to make sure what he is creating will be a product of excellence rather than a product of haste.  Today I've felt a need to rush, from one task to another.  I'm trying to mentally put the brakes on, so I will slow down and appreciate each moment of my day.

     From the Oracle of Dreamtime comes the card "Gymea Lily:"

This aboriginal myth tells of a tribe who sought shelter in a cave but became trapped by massive boulders that blocked the exit.  The stones were too heavy to move, but one strong warrior was able to climb to the top and squeeze out a small hole.  For months, he hunted and fished for his tribe, sending food down into the cave via the hole he escaped from.  His loyalty never wavered as he continued to provide for them.  Unfortunately, one day he himself fell and was killed.  A beautiful lily grew from his body, honoring his dedication to his tribe.  This card remind me that while I enjoy having time to do what I want, I also have obligations and responsibilities to take care of too.  And by fulfilling my duties, I help myself as well.