Just Swingin'

From the Gill Tarot, Strength; from The Circle, Happiness:

          According to Gill, the lion represents our animal nature - our primitive drives that often appear when we are angry or fearful. Such intense emotions can't be repressed or ignored without consequence (note the bones in the background of the card). But we can learn to focus on the physical sensations they cause in our body and stay out of the story lines in our head. By doing so, we give ourselves a mental pause, allowing logic to get back in the driver's seat. The Happiness card suggests a freedom that comes from living in the moment without being tied to the past or the future. Added to Strength, it brings to mind the words of Pema Chodron: "Obsessing about getting what you want and avoiding what you don't want does not result in happiness." In those moments, free from desire and clinging, we find peace and happiness.

When we believe that happiness should take a particular form, we fail to see the opportunities for joy that are right in front of us. —Thich Nhat Hanh

Recognizing My Limits

This week I'll be using the World Spirit Tarot, published by Llewellyn and created by Jessica Godino and Lauren O'Leary. The oracle deck I'll be pairing with it is the Mystic Glyphs; it was published by Red Wheel and created by Barb Rogers. Today's draws are the Five of Swords and Happiness:

The combination of these two cards remind me of the expression, "Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy?" Along these lines, here are some things I'm beginning to recognize:

• Discussion nurtures relationships but debate can damage them.
• Being liberal-minded is not the same thing as being open-minded.
• Sometimes people just want to be heard.
• Curiosity opens doors while certainty can keep them shut.
• Disagreeing with someone doesn't mean disliking or hating them.
• Fixing people is not my job.

Express Yourself

From the Norse Tarot, the Empress:

Freya, twin sister of Frey from yesterday's draw, was the Norse goddess of love, fertility and beauty and the patron of crops and birth.  The cat who sits at her feet is in reference to the two felines who pulled her chariot (quite a feat to get a cat to do anything!); the swallow was a sign of spring and thus sacred to her.  She carries her shield on her back, leaving her heart vulnerable but also open to love.  I've watched two Canada geese nest at the holding pond near my house for the past month.  They stuck it out through all the destruction, construction and noise a Baptist church wrought on their habitat in order to build a parking lot.  But I was cheered to see the geese bring out four fluffy goslings the other day and watched with happiness as they swam close to their parents.  Unfortunately, the goslings lasted only a few days - a red-shouldered hawk made quick work of them.  Though it broke my heart to see them killed, I know that this too is a part of the natural cycle of life.  Barrett's portrayal of the Empress reminds me that to have a heart open to love requires great strength and the willingness deal with the emotional pain that might come as a result.

     From the Wolf Pack, "Happiness:"

It's been a long while since I ran or did cartwheels just for the sheer joy of it, but this card reminds me that physically expressing my emotions can bring a sense of fulfillment and gratitude.  Of course I have been known to dance and twirl when no one was watching...