Valid and Valuable

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Queen of Cups; from the Cedar Runes, Jera:

We don't have to force a smile or pretend we're OK and write that we're #blessed when we feel we're not. It's OK to believe life sucks sometimes - because it absolutely does. It can also be beautiful. It's not either/or, it's both. —Lori Deschene

This Queen's grace and fluidity is guided by her heart and intuition. She is unafraid of her emotions and doesn't believe one is better than another; in her world, they are all valid and beneficial. If we are curious and acknowledge our feelings, we can glean information from them. But if we try to ignore them or become intoxicated by them, they are like a great stone that pulls us under the waves. Jera is a rune that is related to cycles of time and relates to the harvest in particular. While a harvest is associated with a profit or benefit, it also requires a struggle and hard work to obtain the yield. Likewise, learning  from and managing our emotions will bear beneficial fruits, but it requires a persistent effort.

Don't Push

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Ostrich/Knight of Wands; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Jera:

Did you know that an ostrich sticking his head in the sand is a myth? This flightless bird might lie on the ground and pretend to be a bush if they have chicks who can't run at the speed or distance of their parent. But even then, an ostrich has sharp eyes and can deliver a powerful kick if needed. Like the ostrich, the Knight of Wands has the confidence and grit to protect what he is trying to create or make happen. The confrontational look on this bird's face seems to say "bring it." Jera is a rune associated with harvest, however there is an understanding that what is growing must mature first. While the Knight is good at perseverance, patience is not a trait well-honed. He will have to learn - as the saying goes - that you can't push the river.

Don't push the river, it flows by itself.

― Frederick S. Perls

Fruit from Seeds

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Four of Stones (Pentacles); from the Rune Cards, Jera:

          Rather than make the Four of Stones a miserly card, Potter gives it the meaning of protection. The fawn takes shelter under a dolmen, resting until it becomes stronger and it's legs more stable. This body that carries the mind, emotions and will around needs to be cared for and nurtured. The Jera card corresponds to the time of harvest in the year. What has been done will produce results of one kind or another. Hopefully it will be of a type that is nourishing and beneficial to that fawn.

The law of karma refers to the law of cause and effect: that every volitional act brings about a certain result. If we act motivated by greed, hatred, or delusion, we are planting the seed of suffering; when our acts are motivated by generosity, love, or wisdom, then we are creating the karmic conditions for abundance and happiness. ~ Joseph Goldstein

Fear of Fear

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Moon; from the Cedar Runes, "Jera:"

          The Shadowscapes book mentions the fairy ring of mushrooms in this card. Perhaps it is because I'm tired this morning, but I saw them as psychoactive agents instead. Now I no longer dabble with drugs, but I do remember during those times feeling happy and high one minute then paranoid and afraid the next. Ricklef, in his ebook Pithy Tarot, gives two of his own quotes that I find useful for this combination today. The first is: "We all have blind spots where our fears lie." That speaks loudly to me. If I'm feeling overwhelmed, it's easy to want to turn a blind eye to what I fear in hopes it will disappear. But the anxiety lurks within, building up like lava ready to erupt. But the Jera rune (meaning cycles and harvest) reminds me if I keep doing the work, I'll reap the fruits. Those results may not be perfect, but they're probably going to be better than my paranoia thinks they'll be. Ricklef's second quote says: "You can’t banish the darkness by ignoring it, but you can light a torch and explore it." I have a feeling if I take his advice, I'll see that it is my fear of fear causing my anxiety, not reality itself.

Tangible Gifts

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Queen of Autumn (Pentacles); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, "Jera:"

I was in the older, downtown part of our city a few weeks ago and spotted some folks setting up a trailer and tent in the Methodist church parking lot. Curious, I asked what was going on. These people were part of the Backyard Missions, a community outreach program. The trailer had a shower, so the homeless could have a chance to clean up (which had to feel good in our 96F degree heat). They also provided a sack lunch and haircuts to anyone who wanted a trim. Such a group embodies what the Queen of Autumn is all about - practical, resourceful and down-to-earth. While the homeless probably don't mind people who say "I'll pray for you," I imagine what they really appreciate is a full belly and a chance to wash off the sweat and grime.
Jera refers to the cycles of time, particularly the harvesting of crops. After months of hard work, tangible results are reaped. It's easy to understand why someone would make the effort of laboring in the fields when their survival is at stake. But the Queen of Autumn reminds me nurturing acts of kindness produce other fruits as well. It doesn't matter if the recipients refuse to acknowledge the gift; the real reward is the service itself.