Deep Dive Within

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the I Ching Pack, Hexagram 48 (The Well):

We've reached a certain point, but we're not moving any more. 

―Ken Kesey

A challenge has been met and the outcome successful; hopefully our supporters have been profusely thanked. But now what? Once we turn in the big project, finish a contract or complete a goal, we may find ourselves at loose ends. Others will be quick to tell us what we ought to do, but it's hard to give 100% when we are driven only by obligation and not by an inner purpose. Hexagram 48 reminds us that success is often obtained when we have some skin in the game. It tells us to go deeply within and find out what we are personally invested in, what engages us and to what we would willingly give our time. 

Things That Pass

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Sun; from the Tao Oracle, Hexagram 48:

The Sun represents clarity, energy and joy. After dealing with brain fog from the anesthesia, sleeplessness in the hospital, and pain, I'm more than ready to embrace this card and its meaning. I am reminded by the sunflowers that we all go through days of darkness and uncertainty, planted deep in the soil, but eventually we emerge into the sun if we continue to rise. Hexagram 48 is often known as The Well, a deep dive within beyond outer influences and the ego. At the core of our being we find spaciousness, clarity and wisdom, as well as compassion for ourselves and others. Here the seed of resilience is planted. Here we find the true sunshine that will help us grow.

She would shine again regardless

of all the storms and changeable weather

She wouldn't adjust her purpose

for things that pass.

― Nikki Rowe 

Beyond the Lines

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Ten of Air (Swords); from the Tao Oracle, 'The Well' (48):

          Vultures have eaten a carcass down to its bare bones, a fitting analogy for hitting bottom and seeing reality without our prejudices and preferences attached. It can take some time for us to get to this point. As Lewis Hyde wrote, "Likes and dislikes are the lapdogs and guard dogs of the ego, busy all the time, panting and barking at the gates of attachment and aversion and thereby narrowing perception and experience." Hexagram 48, The Well, symbolizes what the Buddhists would call 'luminous mind,' a deep source of wisdom, compassion, and insight. It requires attention, patience, and the willingness to enter uncertainty rather than looking for confirmation. D.T. Suzuki once drew a huge circle to represent this spacious, open place, then drew two parallel lines close together in the middle of it. Between these lines were the ego's desires, a small constricted place of what the ego considered acceptable. Sometimes it takes getting down to the bare bones or reality to see beyond those lines.

Need a Bucket

This week I'll be using the Japaridze Tarot, painted by Nino Japaridze. Its booklet was written by Steve Lucas and the set was published by U.S. Games. The oracle I'll be drawing from is the I Ching, illustrated by Klaus Holitzka with instructions by Marlies Holitzka; it is published by AGM Urania. Today's draws are Strength and Hexagram 48:

           A woman floats alongside her inner lion among the clouds (a clue that this derives from the mental rather than physical plane). The black and white versions of the heads of both seem to blend them together. The lion seems calm, and there is no show of force (be it a chain of flowers or a closing of his mouth). The woman still retains her fire to use when called for, such as when courage or perseverance is necessary. But through it all, she remains peaceful and detached rather than entangled. Hexagram 48 is often called 'The Well.' It is described as a well that remains intact and doesn't run dry, no matter how much the city around it changes. It suggests an inner resource of strength and clarity that can be tapped into which never runs dry. But to access this place, I have to have a spiritual practice that allows me to reach it. No one can get to the water without the bucket.