Turn Around, Don't Drown

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Devil; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Jade:

Even the friendliest snake will strike.

― Sabrina Newby

We all, at some point, crave relief or a bit of pleasure. That's a natural response to stress in our world. And the Devil is always ready to supply us with bliss or comfort, but we need to be wary. If we stay on his path for too long, we can become lost in his forest or be led right over a cliff. When our longing becomes an intense obsession, entirely motivating our daily actions, we are in danger of losing our way. Jade's message is that to heal, we must take action. Simply being aware will not save us; as Socrates said, “Knowing is not the same as doing.”

Truce

From the Sun and Moon Tarot, the Four of Swords; from the Jade Oracle, Chalchihuitl (Jade):

The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. ~Leo Tolstoy

Americans (or at least its politicians) are fond of having a 'War on' many things - drugs, crime, poverty, terror, etc. But it seems from past results that a battle on anything creates more of the problem, not less. The Thoth keyword for the Four of Swords is 'truce,' a rest from fighting and making strategic decisions. Such a respite, when done sincerely, can help us see the situation with clarity and become receptive to other viewpoints that we've been blind to before. Jade was considered a precious stone by the ancient Mexicans; the color of vegetation, it symbolized life and the joy of living. It asks us, "Are you fighting for an opinion or an assumption, or seeking something that will bring the joy of life to everyone?"

Pebble of Choice

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the King of Swords; from the Mah Jongg Oracle, 'Jade:'

          This King of Swords appears to have a bird holding a pebble (his vote or selection) as well as a set of scales attached to his sword. He is well-known for making objective choices without the confusing influence of emotion. The booklet states that his 'sword' (mind) is able to cut away four things that might prejudice an objective decision: attachment to what is liked, hatred, delusion (ignorance) and fear. What is presently clouding my clarity? If I can be consciously aware of it, I may lessen its leverage over my choices. According to the Mah Jongg booklet, Jade was prized above gold in ancient China. Although it looked dull and lifeless when in the rough, after polishing it became an object of beauty and great value. For this reason, it represents hard work that leads to a worthy result. In any encounter I can strengthen my attachment, hatred, ignorance or fear by making an unconscious, reflexive choice, or I can make a reflective one. The first is automatic and keeps me mired in old behavior, while the second relies on wisdom and compassion and helps me widen my heart and mind.

We have two alternatives: either we question our beliefs — or we don't. Either we accept our fixed versions of reality — or we begin to challenge them. ~ Pema Chodron

Mind and Body

This week I'll be using the Prisma Visions Tarot, created and self-published by James R. Eads; the companion booklet was written by Katherine Tombs. The oracle I'll be using alongside it is the Secret Language of Color Cards, created by Inna Segal and published by Beyond Worlds. Today's draws are the Six of Swords and Jade:

          I suffer when I argue with reality. I may pout, rant and point the finger of blame, but it won't change what is. What I can change is my attitude, how I think about these things (and people). Instead of feeling put upon, I can look outward and realize that everyone deals with such issues in some form. Like the butterflies, I'll then cross that chasm and move on to a sunnier, warmer place. The challenges will still be there, but because I've opened my mind, there is extra space for more ideas and possibilities to exist. The lush color of Jade suggests a need to take action. Thinking can only get me so far. I might think up a great exercise plan for the winter months, but it will be useless unless I actually do something with it. I can often trick myself into believing I'm making progress when actually I'm just rehashing plans. Time to get the mind and body moving.