Spectacular Happiness?

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Ten of Water (Red Clover); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Imbolc:

The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment. 

—Doug Larson

The Ten of Water is represented by red clover, an herb that may help women with menopausal hot flashes. Yet farmers also know it as fodder that feeds livestock and as a nitrogen-fixing plant that feeds the soil. What are we feeding our emotional selves? Are we harboring resentments, feeling jealous of what others have, or wallowing in self-pity? Or are we practicing gratitude, offering kindness, and seeking wisdom? As Ezra Bayda explained, “happiness comes from the inside; it cannot depend on our external life circumstances.” Imbolc is a seasonal celebration when the seeds of spring are beginning to stir and when many herd animals are about to give birth to their first offspring of the year. The emotional thoughts we nurture are seeds that will sprout and grow, bringing us contentment or misery. Only we can determine what kind of emotional harvest we will gather.

Expect Wonders

This week I'll be using the Herbcrafter's Tarot, created through the combined efforts of Joanna Powell Colbert and Latisha Guthrie. The set is published by U.S. Games. Paired with it will be the Green Wheel Oracle, created and self-published by Danielle Barlow. Today's draws are the Adelita (Warrior)/Knight of Fire and 'Imbolc:'

          The herb associated with the Knight of Wands is cayenne, known for its fiery fruit. It has been used in spicy foods and as medicine for the treatment of aches and pains of the muscles and joints. The booklet gives it the slogan "heat erupts, then heals;" anyone who's used a cream with capsaicin (the active ingredient in these peppers) for pain will instantly understand the phrase. This Knight reminds us that while boldness contains some risks, there will also be some payoffs.
          Imbolc is a Gaelic seasonal festival that marks the beginning of Spring. It is said to mean "in the belly" referring to the stirring of seeds underground and the impending births in the animal world. It suggests excitement but also patience, a time to nourish and nurture what has not quite matured. The Knight may be impetuous, but the Maiden knows a little more time and development is needed before bold action can be taken. Get prepared, she tells us, before the real fun and excitement begin.

Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders. ~Henry David Thoreau