Dog Treats for People

From Tarot by Caro, Strength; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 61:

Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy, and mutual valuing.

―Rollo May

This particular Strength card always makes me think of dog shows and the way handlers slip treats to their pup. Luring is a positive training technique; the handler often slips a treat in their own mouth to keep the dog's focus on them. Whether we're training ourselves to be patient (as opposed to I want this NOW) or courage (rather than hiding our heads under the covers), we need to reinforce our own progress. Though dog treats aren't suggested, congratulating ourselves on taking some steps in right direction is helpful. Hexagram 61 is titled Inner Truth and reminds us that we all have ideals and values we hold. When dealing with difficult situations, we must have the courage and patience to step across the line of our own views and see others' perspectives. When we listen sincerely and speak respectfully, we may open roads that were formerly closed.

Turn of Events

From the Brady Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 64:

We have to surrender to reality. ~Sharon Salzberg

          Pollack describes the Wheel as a 'turn of events.' Being a part of the web of life means things are constantly changing. We usually react to these turns in three ways: we find them pleasant and grasp them tightly to make things stay this way; we find things unpleasant and attempt to fight or flee; or, we're ignorant of what's going on with a bag over our heads. The 61st hexagram is given the title of 'inner truth' and implies that we should know ourselves well enough (our preferences and prejudices) to be aware of how we feel about certain changes. Without such knowledge, we are chained to our likes and dislikes and have no freedom to act without distorting reality. Discernment might not be able to create the world we want, but it will better equip us to deal with the world we have.

Expansion vs. Contraction

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the I Ching Pack, 'Wind over Lake:'

          Wow, would you look at all the leaves on that wand - inspiration to create and solutions for problems galore. I might feel that way after two pots of coffee; it's been a long night of cleaning up after two elderly cats. My wand of potential feels like it is microscopic in size this morning. I simply can't see any possibilities because I've been solely focused on the problem at hand. I need a wand upgrade. The sixty-first hexagram has been given the key phrase 'serenity within,' and it suggests a gentle wind blowing across the water. The translation by Richard Wilhelm notes that it: "consists of firm lines above and below, while it is open in the center. This indicates a heart free of prejudices and therefore open to truth." The truth isn't always rainbows and unicorns unfortunately. Sometimes it's cat poop and barf. And as Larry Rosenberg reminds me, "You eliminate an enormous amount of suffering by concentrating on the suffering that is actually present instead of creating more with your thinking." Time to expand my mind and my focus.