Needed Connections

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the Wolf Pack, Isolation:

Loneliness is a subjective feeling where the connections we need are greater than the connections we have. –Vivek Murthy

The card of reconciliation and commitment pairs with a card of separation and division. Why would we choose to isolate ourselves rather than connect with healthy relationships for our well-being? Judgments and assumptions are likely at play.

1. We focus only on the outer packaging rather than inner values (kindness, etc.).
2. We hold rigid beliefs and opinions and refuse to associate with anyone who has even slightly different ideas.
3. We expect praise or acknowledgement; we are looking for a boost to our ego.
4.  We generalize from one experience - we judge the whole person from one thing said or done.
5. On the other side of the coin, we may assume we don't rate highly enough because others are smarter, wealthier, or have more social connections. 

We need not think alike to love alike. – Francis David

If you find yourself constantly trying to prove your worth to someone, you have already forgotten your value. –Anonymous

 

Love One Another

From the Norse Tarot, the High Priest (Frey); from the Wolf Pack, Isolation:

     
            Barrett's choice for the High Priest/Hierophant - Frey - was described by one Old Norse poem as "the foremost of gods" and "hated by none." Because he represented fertility, health, and peace, it's easy to see why he was so beloved. His symbol was a golden boar and his followers often wore charms with this emblem as they were said to protect the wearer from harm. When his chariot rolled into town, people laid down their weapons and feasted. Under his guidance, there was no need to own a bunker of guns stashed with food for a year; the greatest enemy faced would be the one who looked back from the mirror each morning. The Isolation card paired with the High Priest reminded me of how some churches understand that selflessness requires no gatherings right now, while others demand their right to meet and worship as they choose. Which group is following the law of love and kindness? I think even Jesus might have a few choice words for the "it's our right" group.

Hiding vs. Awakening

From the Norse Tarot, Judgment; from the Wolf Pack, 'Isolation:'

          During the battle of Ragnorok, many gods and humans died, the sun went dark, and the earth sank into the sea. Afterward, the green earth rose from the waters and the surviving children of the gods and two humans began to build another home. The brave ones that fought were remembered with gratitude. Barrett suggests this card indicates a spiritual awakening that leads to positive changes and improvements. Isolation indicates a desire to hide or retreat due to anxiety, depression or perhaps resentment. Unfortunately, it tends to exacerbate the problem rather than help it. Solitude, on the other hand, has a purpose to seek within and engage in reflection and inventory. One of the greatest awakenings humans can have is to realize how much we are alike on the inside, regardless of our opinions, culture or preferences. We are individual beads on the same cord; life can look very different when we realize our interconnection.

Inclusive or Reclusive?

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, "Isolation:"

          These cards are about as opposite as can be. On one hand, there is the Two of Cups which represents making a connection with another person. It may be as simple as a shared interest or cause, or it may be about finding emotional intimacy with someone. Regardless of which type, there is a bond formed that results in no longer feeling alone. Yet that is exactly what is portrayed in Isolation - a person on a bare rock in the middle of the sea. There's no impression of relaxing in solitude on a tropical island; the feeling here is one of desolation and separation. Rudyard Kipling once wrote, "We're all islands shouting lies to each other across seas of misunderstanding." Why the hell do we do this, wearing masks instead of being genuine? My first guess was it has something to do with feeling vulnerable and worrying about where we'll wind up on someone's yardstick. But then I came across this excerpt of a poem ("The Winter of Listening") by David Whyte:

What is precious

inside us does not

care to be known

by the mind

in ways that diminish

its presence.

Maybe it's not so much what other's think of me that makes me feel isolated, but what I think of me.

Plastic People

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Empress:

The Empress represents the continuing, alchemical process of dissolution, the stage of dissolving ashes (earth) in water. Though she is creativity and the fabric of the material world, the Empress is also pure emotion. Her process works on buried emotions that conceal our true nature, those feelings that society has taught us were not appropriate. "Good girls don't get angry. Don't be such a cry baby. Toughen up you big scaredy cat." Do any of these ring a bell? Creativity (no matter what avenue) can help me uncover and deal with those emotions, so I don't have to be a plastic person made from a mold.

From the Oracle of the Radiant Sun comes "Isolation - Saturn in Virgo:"

The ambition of Saturn combines with the perfectionism of Virgo in this card. Such a person can find themselves taking on heavy responsibilities until they are overloaded. Perfection was one of those characteristics that was drilled into me at an early age. It was stressed that I shouldn't settle for doing my best, but I should always strive to be the best at whatever I do. Sometimes it takes being alone so I can detach myself from all the "shoulds" that overwhelm me. I can look from an objective viewpoint at where the real "me" and the not real "me" part ways. Then perhaps my walls will crumble and I will act from a place of authenticity.

Moving On, With a Little Help from Friends

Today on Christmas Day I have drawn the Eight of Cups from the Picture Postcard Tarot:

A soldier about to leave for war bids farewell to his lady love.  The war has reached a tipping point, and now he feels a duty and obligation to fight.  He does not know what lies ahead - challenges or adventures - but he knows it is time to go.  With all her weeping and caterwauling, the soldier might even be relieved to get away.  I am reminded by this card when my life becomes stagnant and unfulfilling, it is time to move on.  I can't change people or places, but I can change me.

     From the Steps to Serenity deck this morning was drawn the card "Isolation:"

"I had found friends, understanding friends who often knew what I was thinking and feeling better than I knew myself, and didn't allow me to retreat into my prison of loneliness and fear..." ~ AA Big Book

Who hasn't wanted to close themselves off from the world when they felt so overwhelmed by anger, pain, or worry?  But hiding away from others means I am alone with my own skewed perceptions; as the saying goes, "when I'm in my head I'm behind enemy lines."  Friends on my spiritual journey can help share my burdens so that I don't become overwhelmed by the challenges in my life.  I can think of several friends who have "put a little love in my heart" over the past year, and this song is dedicated to you for making my world a better place:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOo7bRuqUHE&feature=related