Of Kings and Chaos

This week I'll be using the Tarot of Timeless Truth, a book and deck set created and self-published by Leila Vey. I'll also be using the Shaman's Oracle, created by Wil Kinghan with text by John Matthews and published by Watkins. Today's draws are the Emperor and the 'Hunter of Gifts:'

          Vey's companion book lets the Emperor speak: "I am the commanding voice of authority, bringing order to the chaos of your lives." Turn any group loose to complete a task and it will soon look like an updated version of Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors." We need managers and guides to keep us on track and protect us from the messes and problems we might unknowingly create. Yet directors need their own set of rules too in order to prevent the chaos of self-serving braggarts. Brian Tracy, author of The Psychology of Achievement, lists seven traits of effective leaders: vision, courage, integrity, humility, strategic planning, focus, and cooperation. Many Americans feel we are currently under a leader who lacks all of these qualities. Yet the Hunter of Gifts appears with a search for what will help us live life to the fullest. These things are not just the basics of survival, but things that will help us thrive like creativity and perseverance. He also would point out that the 2020 Presidential election is not that far away.

Good Medicine

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Shaman's Oracle, the "Hunter of Gifts:"

          Isn't this a beautiful solar costume this woman is wearing? She dances because it is the end of summer, and Potter subtitles this card "Ecstasy." She's not moping like most Five of Cups cards, she's using her energy to surrender to life. I'm a Grey's Anatomy fan, and one of the things Meredith Grey does with her doctor buddies when she's stressed, grieving or faced with an impossible quandary is "dance it out." They take the energy that was keeping them on the emotional hamster wheel and release it. Sounds like good medicine to me.
          When I saw the SO card was called the Hunter of Gifts, I almost expected to see a Christmas tree. But the gifts he hunts is not the physical kind you wrap up, but the ones that will bring fulfillment within. I was out on the back porch early yesterday morning doing a listening meditation. I was amazed at all the bird songs I heard, but with my eyes closed I could also smell the flowers in bloom and feel the breeze on my face. I just had to pause long enough to be aware of them. So dance little sister, don't let all that broken glass stay inside you. There's plenty of good still in the world.

What is to Come...

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Wanderer (Fool):

An androgynous youth prepares to step across a threshold, from the world of spirit to the world of the physical.  What is interesting about this portrayal of the Fool is the young person carries no satchel.  His/her hands are open to receive this new experience with no baggage from the past or expectations of the future.  The focus is on potentials and possibilities rather than fears.  There is a face in the woods across the divide, revealing that Spirit is inherent in all things; if I can remember this principle then I can maintain my spiritual connection no matter where new paths lead me.

     From the Shaman's Oracle this morning comes the "Hunter of Gifts:"

Thank goodness this cave art has nothing to do with early Christmas shopping.  Instead, it deals with uncovering and developing vital and valuable things I'll need to live life to the fullest.  This Hunter looks for not only what will cover basic needs (food, shelter, etc.), but also traits such as curiosity, perseverance, compassion, and creative expression.  This card reminds me to take time to develop all sides of my self - mental, physical, emotional and spiritual - if I want to find a sense of contentment and purpose in my life.