Nourishing Pause

This week I'll be using the Morgan Greer Tarot, created by Bill Greer and Lloyd Morgan and published by U.S. Games. I'll also be using the Celtic Book of the Dead, published by Grange Books, created by Caitlin Matthews and illustrated by Danuta Mayer. Today's draws are the Ten of Wands and the Island of Plenteous Salmon:

The Ten of Wands represents an exhausting struggle to complete a task or reach a goal. Sometimes the hardship is self-created when we add too much to an already full load. But other times - such as in the aftermath of a hurricane, a devastating illness, or great loss - we can only play the cards dealt to us. We simply continue to take the next necessary step as best we can. The 'Plenteous Salmon' card is part of the myth of of Maelduin's voyage; it began as a quest for vengeance that was soon forgotten as the Otherworld was explored. Before arriving at this island, the voyagers had spent a week at sea with very little food. The hostel they discovered was empty but filled with food, drink and beds, as if the island itself was offering hospitality to the men. Together, these two cards encourage a nourishing pause that allows us to rest, recover, and proceed with clarity. 

Check List

From the Transformational Tarot, the Lovers; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the "Island of Plenteous Salmon:"

 Ando's Lovers card shows all the ways love is seen by humans - from deep, spiritual love, to lust, to intimacy and companionship. When I feel a hole in my life, it is easy to want to fill it with something, anything to make that void go away. I often don't look at how my choice may affect me later, I'm just fixated on feeling good now.
The Celtic voyagers came upon the Island of Plenteous Salmon when they were near death from starvation. Here they found an abundance of food and drink to satisfy them, yet they also found huge beds (large enough for three men) in which to sleep and rest their weary bodies. This combination of cards reminds me of an acronym in 12 Step programs - HALT. The letters in the word are a reminder not to get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired, or else unwise choices and decisions may be a result. Sounds like I need to check in with my body and heart before I do something I'll regret later.

Arrogantly Ignorant

From the Transformational Tarot, the Three of Wands:

A young woman has inherited the family farm, and she confidently acknowledges the potential as the new owner (Ace of Wands).  But should she sell it and make some money, or should she attempt to make a go at running it herself?  She clarifies her thoughts, weighing the pros and cons, and decides she will keep the farm (Two of Wands).  Here she finds herself at the Three of Wands, realizing that she has the resources for her dreams and knows how she wants to proceed.  Yet she's wise enough to realize she's going to have to learn quite a lot for her venture to work and will need the help of others to keep things running smoothly.  The lesson of the Three of Wands is responsible progress; jumping into a situation without skills, knowledge or assistance will only create a shaky structure instead of the strong foundation needed for success.

From the Celtic Book of the Dead comes the "Island of Plenteous Salmon:"

After an exhausting week with barely enough food and water to stay alive, the voyagers come to the Island of Plenteous Salmon.  The Otherworld shows its hospitality by offering comfortable lodgings and all the food and drink they could ever want.  The house where they rest has an opening to the sea, where waves toss salmon into a trough for them.  The hospitality of the island is a message for me to be receptive; the salmon represent wisdom available if I chose to be open to it.  As long as I think I hold all the secrets of the universe and have nothing to learn from others, is precisely how long I will remain arrogantly ignorant.