Out of the Rubble

From the Prairie Tarot, the Tower; from the Medicine Cards, Jaguar:

Life is not about how many curve balls you encounter, but rather adjusting your perspective, to effectively handle each curve in life. ~Laura D. Field

Just when life is humming along, when we've got our ducks in a row and feel content, THE UNEXPECTED shows up. This is not the bouquet of flowers kind of surprise - more of a 2 x 4 to the head. And its not something that we can sweep under the rug or distract ourselves from; it must be dealt with. Jaguar, in Mayan mythology, devoured those who were dishonorable. Its Medicine is said to be integrity and impeccability. In the case of the Tower, it suggests avoiding blame and excuses as well as habitual patterns that might have set the crash into motion. Honesty, awareness and compassion can bring clarity, showing us the most skillful way out of the rubble.

A Long Lesson

From the Prairie Tarot, the Tower; from the Medicine Cards, Jaguar:

          My immediate thought upon seeing this tarot card was, "Looks like someone got thrown from their high horse." The ego uses arrogance to attempt to build walls of protection, trying desperately to sustain the illusion that it has things under control. But it doesn't really matter how smart I think I am; unexpected events can still toss me up in the air and leave me flat on the ground. Jaguar's medicine includes integrity - acting from one's principles instead of just giving them lip service. I personally have found that without humility, it is impossible for me to practice any spiritual principle. Sometimes eating a little dust can help bring me back to earth, letting my heart and mind open once again.

Life is a long lesson in humility. ~James M. Barrie