From the Daniloff Tarot, the Hermit:
This hermit has climbed a mountain in order to find the solitude needed for spiritual study and reflection. At his feet are an hourglass turned on its side and the carved figure of a woman. The hourglass represents symbolically stopping time - ignoring the busyness of "to do" lists and being still. The carved figure indicates leaving behind the pleasures that can be distracting rather than helpful. Although he's alone, he hangs out a lantern so others can find him. He doesn't mind helping people, but they're going to have to take the initiative instead of waiting for him to go in search of them; while being of service is a big part of most spiritual paths, it needs to be balanced with solitary endeavors as well. This card sums up what I hope this new year will bring.
From the Kuan Yin Oracle comes stick #49, "Ice that Turns to Water:"
The chilly waters turn to ice
when the year gets colder.
One day the ice
will turn to flowing water again.
Have you ever felt stuck, like you are floating in a stagnant pool of water? That's what this past year has felt like to me. So many issues to deal with, obligations to fulfill, and crises to ride out that I've become numb; I've put one foot in front of the other to deal with the day to day and placed my spirit in a drawer for later. And though all the answers haven't been found and problems solved, it's time to let my heart thaw and step back into flowing water again. Now where is my inner tube...
