It Matters

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Heather:

The King of Pentacles revels in the comforts of hearth and home, yet he also enjoys the natural world. To him, matter matters, regardless of whether it is something human formed or a creation of the earth. He believes in good stewardship, taking care of things rather than taking them for granted. Heather is a hardy shrub beloved by bees; beekeepers have been known to transport their hives to the moors to allow the production of sweet heather honey. Thus Heather represents that which is sweet and enjoyable. Yet sometimes we can become overwhelmed with our obligations and tasks. The companion book states: "We spend much our our time thinking about the difficult aspects of relationships and of our life... But try thinking about your life with a different focus. Spend time dwelling on all the positive aspects..."

Reaching for the Sun

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the Druid Plant Oracle, 'Heather:'

 Creativity can be seen as a state of natural flow... When you know how to tap fully into this open, creative flow, its beneficial qualities can extend to any area of your life.

~ Geshe Tenzin Wangyal

          This Ace is full of symbology: the birch tree for new beginnings, the stag for the element of fire, and the sun for burning enthusiasm and energy. The hard part is not in receiving the inspiration, but in putting it in action. The companion book speaks of initiative: "taking responsibility for an idea and putting it into practice, with optimism and a firm belief in its successful outcome." Rinpoche Wangyal (from the quote above) offers three suggestions for doing so:

• Clear your inner obstacles - work on the blocks that are within (a negative self-image).
• Open to your potential - cultivate an awareness of spaciousness and unlimited possibilities (mediation can help).
• Nurture a sense of warmth - warmth is the place from which love, compassion, and kindness arise (make it a habit to consciously look for small joys).

Heather is a plant that can grow just about anywhere that has sun. Bees love it and often use it for making honey. This plant is a good reminder to celebrate what is rather than whine or be resentful about what isn't. Taking in that kind of mental sunshine will give us something worthwhile to work with and celebrate.

Remove the Chains

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, the Magician; from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Heather:

          This Magician contains all the elements needed to create what he needs: fire (energy), water (desire), earth (matter) and air (intellect). Carding writes, "I have the power to change myself, for all that I need is within me. Through changing myself, I change the world." He represents the key to action - growth occurs through our inner root of intention. When I reconstruct myself, I transform how I think and feel about my experiences. This allows me to take action that isn't stuck in old behavior patterns. Heather's genus name, Calluna, comes from the Greek kalluno meaning "to cleanse." It probably refers to this plant's past use for brooms. Its letter (Ur) is associated with death and endings. The question it poses is, "What unnecessary burden or belief do you carry?" Change can be blocked when I carry shame or resentment, while letting go of these chains frees up the confidence and focus I will need. One link at a time...