Begin By Descending

This week I'll be using the Swietlistej Drogi Tarot (Tarot of the Radiant Path), created by Alla Alicja Chrzanowska and published by Studio Astropsychologii. I'll also be drawing from the oracle Mirrors of the Heart, created and self-published by Lily S. May. Today's draws are the Three of Wands and Humility:

Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. —St. Augustine

Like this fellow, architects and engineers often create small-scale models before building the project that is intended. Bob Borson explains, "Individuals have always seemed to be much more responsive to physical models that have the ability to convey a sense of depth, dimension & texture. All you have to do is put a model in the middle of a room where there are images on all the walls and watch where the crowd spends their time." Threes are about synthesis: knowing what we want to create, being confident in our ability, and making concrete progress. Yet what happens when our "prototype" proves that our calculations are slightly off? Do we bulldoze ahead anyway, or do we back up and rework our plans? Taking the latter course does not mean we have failed but are conscientious. As Simone Weil stated, "Humility is attentive patience."

A Clear Recognition

This week I'll be using the Osho Zen Tarot, created by Ma Deva Padma with Osho and published by St. Martin's Press. I'll also be using the A'HA Oracle, created and self-published by Linnie Lambrechtsen. The card draws for today are the Rebel (Emperor) and 'Humility:'

          This Emperor is a bit like George Washington who saw oppression and decided to throw off its chains. Of course the original revolution happened first within his mind, thus the question from the booklet: "Are you courageous enough to take responsibility for who you are and live your truth?" His bright colors and question remind me of the LGBT movement's struggles and successes over the years. This rebel is a symbol of integrity - outward actions match inner values. The motto of Clan Sutherland (part of my ancestral line) is "Sans Peur", meaning "Without Fear." Sounds like a good mantra for living one's truth. Yet the Humility card is a gentle admonition not to use the sword of truth to make heads roll. It suggests a balance of rights and responsibilities for everyone. The oppressed shouldn't become the new oppressors. As Bill Wilson explained it, "humility amounts to a clear recognition of what and who we really are, followed by a sincere attempt to become what we could be."

As 2018 approaches,

May everyone be freed from the root of suffering

And discover the root of happiness.

May everyone find within themselves

The courage, calmness and strength

To meet any challenges they may face.

Happy New Year!