Get On With It

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Woad:

Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow. –Robert Kiyosaki 

Driven by passion and a creative mind, this fiery King is not concerned with details but the big picture. With his energy (he seems to have one foot on the ready), he refuses any constraints that might affect his freedom.  He'll tell people once what he needs done, followed quickly by "Let's go! Get moving!" The King of Wands demands his visions be turned into reality without delay. Woad has been used historically as a blue dye. In his commentary on the Gallic War, Julius Caesar noted that the Britons painted themselves with it, making them look frightening in battle. Both these cards seem to ask us what we've been putting off that we need to do. "Get on with it!" they would firmly tell us.

Finishing the Job

From the Legacy of the Divine, the King of Wands; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, Tree:

Enthusiasm is everything. It must be taut and vibrating like a guitar string.

―Pelé 

The King of Wands is similar to his Knight - full of initiative and fervor. But unlike him, the King knows how to keep the fire of his energy and enthusiasm burning bright until a project is finished. His vision of what it will look like when completed drives him onward. The Tree represents health and a holistic view. Things left undone soon slide into decline and decay. A house left half-built, a painting unfinished, or a garden unmanaged never get the chance to reach their full potential. As Pearl S. Buck tells us, “I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.”

Well Lived Life

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Tapestry Oracle, Pride:

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.

—Bessie Anderson Stanley

This King believes in living a full, well-lived life, not simply as a leader, but as a companion to others. Known for his charisma and guidance, his curiosity remains intact. He is a creative visionary, and he encourages us to follow our own innovative ideas and think outside the box. Pride shows a one-legged warrior who lifts his chin to those who offer him pity. He knows he is strong and capable; however, he has learned not to turn down someone who offers a hand in kindness, who regards him as an equal. On our own journey of following what pulls us, there will always be those who attempt to force us to do things their way. Skip their advice and look for those who help without trying to control.  

A Double Dose

This week I'll be using the Roots of Asia Tarot, created by Amnart Klanprachar with Thaworn Boonyawan and published by AGM Müller. I'll also be using the Mah Jongg Oracle, created by Derek Walters and published by Thunder Bay Press. Today's cards are the King of Wands and Bamboo:

One uses power by grasping it lightly. To grasp too strongly is to be taken over by power, and thus to become its victim. —Frank Herbert

The King of Wands has a double dose of fire, giving him a creative power that can be used to benefit all or for only personal profit. How do we know if we've succumbed to the fiery wiles of ego? If we are grasping and demanding what we think we deserve or guarding and resisting what we fear some imagined other will take away, there's a good chance we have become ensnared by a selfishness that sees no other desire except our own. Our perspective is being governed by the three poisons of greed, hatred and delusion rather than reality. Bamboo has many uses, including the Chinese brush for painting and the Chinese pen for writing. It suggests that putting things down on paper can help us challenge our emotions and thoughts instead of impulsively acting on them. We have a chance to consider them as we write them down, then again as we read them. As Noam Dinovitz explained, "Our brains simply do a better job when they can evaluate something that is tangible and concrete in from of them rather than a passive, intangible thought."

Home Base

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Button Oracle, Horses:

Setting out on an adventure is thrilling, but coming home is even better.

–Maurice Sendak

This King of Wands stands in front of Uluru, an inselberg (island mountain) which formed under the sea about 550 million years ago. When the oceans dried up around it, Uluru appeared; the sandstone formation is 1,142 ft. high above ground and lies about 1.5 miles underground. For the Anangu Aboriginal people, it is a place of great power. The King of Wands may be a goer and doer, yet even this daring fellow knows he needs a home base, a place where he can relax and recharge before his next venture. The Horse button suggests freedom and independence, like the free-roaming mustangs of the Western U.S. There is nothing wrong with wanting to travel and explore - it can expand our mind and perspective. But we shouldn't forget to spend time where our roots are too; that keeps us grounded.

Capacity for Delight

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Curandera (Healer) of Fire; from the Green Wheel Oracle, Boar:

The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change.

—William J. Clinton

The leaves of damiana have been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac (though research hasn't shown an increase of libido in humans). It is symbolic of passion, and this Curandera asks us if we have been trudging through life and lost our joie de vivre. What do we need to reignite our passion and enthusiasm? Do we mistakenly think that taking time for pleasure and invigorating our senses is wasted time? Boar tells us to slow down and go root around along the woody paths that few travel. Exploring new things can awaken our curiosity and reignite our passion. As Julia Cameron wrote, "The quality of life is in proportion, always, to the capacity for delight. The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention."

The Closer

From the Anna K Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Meditation Cards, Overly Sensitive:

The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.

~Vidal Sassoon

With his determined stride, clenched fist and focus on what is before him, there's no doubt this king will finish what was started. Passionate about his work, he's capable of bringing visions and dreams to reality. Like the fictional Brenda Leigh Johnson, he is 'The Closer.' Yet as challenges and obstacles are likely to occur, the Overly Sensitive card suggests that calm endurance will also be a quality he needs. He might do well to remember Pema Chodron's words: "It isn't what happens to us that causes us to suffer, it's what we say to ourselves about what happens." Staying on an even keel will help him properly deal with what comes up instead of simply reacting to it.

Each Moment

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the King of Wands; from the Insectorum Divinorum, the Ant:

Each moment is different and new. The antidote for the poison of boredom is simply to pay closer attention. There is always something happening, no matter how subtle. 

―Kimberly Brown

Look at that expression of pleasure on this cat's face! The seat of his King's throne never stays warm long, because he's a 'go and do' kind of guy. There's always excitement and changes in his wake, and this kitty gets to tag along for all of it. But unlike his knight, the King of Wands will finish what he starts. For most of us, the beginning of any project is the most fun, then our enthusiasm begins to wane. We may feel like the Ant, mired in worker mode, trudging through each task. But even the Ant would tell us there is much to see and experience if our mind is not stuck in the future where we'd rather be but in the present where we are.

The Task at Hand

From the Rider Marseille Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Ostinato Oracle, Bar:

 

When the mind is diffuse and many-pointed, it cannot be effective. The mental powers are divided up, and less remains available for the task at hand. 

—Eknath Easwaren

This King has a one-pointed focus on what he wants to get done. He has priorities, and nothing distracts him from the top of his list unless there is a real emergency. I'm sure today's habit of people constantly checking their smartphone while doing other tasks would make him blow a gasket. He would definitely agree with Daniel Goleman: "One way to boost our will power and focus is to manage our distractions instead of letting them manage us." In music, Bars are vertical lines used to bound segments of music, usually indicating one of more recurring beats. Parkway suggests this symbol implies a need to set boundaries. Boundaries can help keep our distractions at a minimum so that we can take care of our obligations in a timely manner. But they can also help us make time for the things we enjoy as well.

Lay Down My Sword and Shield

From the Songs from the Journey Home Tarot, Flame Resolving (King of Wands); from the Magic Neko Deck, the Six of Clubs:

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield

Down by the riverside

—Pete Seeger, Study War No More

The King of Flames/Wands has learned to channel his passion in less aggressive ways. He's realized that 'big sticks' are rarely the best way to settle disagreements, maintain justice or fuel his creative outlet. Some of his restlessness and pushiness is his nature, as he still enjoys a good adventure or challenge. But when the urge to be combative rears its head, he should take Chuck Berry's advice: "If you want to release your aggression, get up and dance." The Six of Clubs shows a kitten asleep on Saturn, implying that it's good for us to get out of our comfort zone and learn to enjoy new places and things. This would also apply to learning to handle situations mindfully rather than impulsively, and practicing a different approach to having our voice heard rather than yelling.

Joyful Offering

This week I'll be using the Lilifer Tarot, created and self-published by Marion Costentin. I'll also be using the Wandering Soul Oracle, created and self-published by Rachael Jean. Today's draws are the King of Wands and Higher Power:

Create. Not for the money. Not for the fame. Not for the recognition. But for the pure joy of creating something and sharing it.

― Ernest Barbaric

This fiery king is pulsing with electrical energy and flames; if it weren't for the smile on his face and his relaxed posture, one might think he was angry or malevolent. Instead, his passion has found a positive outlet that not only brings him joy but also makes him a more creative and capable leader. In recovery circles, a Higher Power is something greater than one's ego. It may be thought of as an essence or energy that runs through all of creation; Paul Tillich called it the "Ground of Being." When we acknowledge this power, we can tap into it, allowing it to guide all we do so that everything becomes an offering rather than just being about us and the praise we accumulate. 

Information Distribution

From the Tarot de St. Croix, the King of Wands; from the Archetype Cards, the Detective:

This particular King of Wands is based on Hermes Trismegistus, a syncretic combination of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. The Hermetica was attributed to him, a work of occult, theological, and philosophical subjects. St. Croix suggests this King's message is "by sharing your wisdom, you create magic." In other words, hoarding ideas is simply a power play; nothing useful can come from them until the knowledge is distributed. Once the information is out of the box, we can use our Detective skills to examine the ideas and insights to see if they bear any truth and, if so, how they might apply to our lives.

Ideas are more powerful than guns. ~Joseph Stalin

For the First Time

From the Prairie Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Medicine Cards, Mouse:

We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.

–T. S. Elliot

This King of Wands spent his early years exploring; his contentment was found in movement and in new places and people to see. But as he matured, he realized that life is more than a rolodex of travels. The real gold nuggets were the wisdom and insights he gained through that experience. At this stage, he won't stop exploring, but some of it will be done on the territory within. Mouse's message is about scrutiny, or a closer examination of details. Just as we sometimes can't see the forest (the big picture) for the trees (details), we can also completely miss important tasks or bits of information when we spend too much time gazing at the horizon instead of seeing what sits at our feet. 

The details are not the details. They make the design.

~Charles Eames

Into Action

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Alchemist's Oracle, Decisions:

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.

~Benjamin Disraeli

The King of Wands is illustrated with Benjamin Disraeli, a politician and a writer. He was much admired by Queen Victoria; it was he who ended her protracted mourning period after Albert's death and drew her back into a more public role. Like the King of Wands, Disraeli was a leader who inspired others with his boldness, ambitions, and innovative approach. The Decisions card suggests weighing the pros and cons of possible choices, choosing one that offers the best approach, and then engaging in action. But as Disraeli said, "Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most." Just one small step forward is the beginning.

Dynamic Duo

From the Wheel of Fortune Tarot, the Knight (King) of Wands; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Kangaroo:

Andretti's King/Knight of Wands is shown as a Tibetan monk holding a drilbu (bell) and dorje ("thunderbolt"). These instruments symbolize inseparable aspects of enlightenment: the bell represents emptiness (potential) and wisdom while the dorje represents form (the material) and compassion. This King knows his fiery nature can be full of ideals, but to be useful, they must come down to earth in applied form. The story of Kangaroo tells of a time before she had a pouch and had to hide her joey on the tall grasses when she left for food or water. On one occasion, she find an old, half-blind wombat; she helped him to water, to food and to escape a hunter (each time checking on her joey afterwards). The wombat was actually Great Spirit, who rewarded her kindness with a pouch for her joey. Both of these cards emphasize the necessary relationship of wisdom and compassion if our efforts are to be truly useful to all.

When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. ―Dalai Lama

Good Leadership

From the Stone Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, chapter 19 from the Dhammapada:

The glowing lion's face seems to give the King of Wands pause. He might ponder the question, "What is the difference between leadership and machismo?" Machismo might include bravery, but it is also interwoven with threads of dominance, aggression, arrogance, and feelings of superiority and entitlement. Such a toxic mindset forgets that a beneficial leader focuses on connection, communication and helping others grow so that the community will thrive. Ego takes a backseat to service in good leadership. The verse from the Dhammapada seems to encourage two other traits - patience and prudence:

One is not just who judges a case hastily. 

Projects with a Purpose

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the King of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Tower:

The King of Staves is, elementally speaking, Air of Fire. His airy nature allows him the ability to see with clarity, speak persuasively, and discern whether an innovation is useful or just a waste of money. His fiery nature brings a love of challenge and the ability to motivate people to action and get projects completed. The four staves by the window suggest a stability rather than the impulsiveness seem in the knight. The French horn, an offshoot of the hunting horn, implies that he enjoys the adventure of leading a 'hunt' with a practical purpose. The Lenormand Tower shows the beginning of the construction of the Eiffel Tower, used as the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair. This card can represent an institution or organization that serves others - in other words, one that has a practical purpose. Had the 'Iron Lady' been built by the King of Staves, he'd be happy to know that it now serves as a tourist attraction, the most visited monument with an entrance fee in the world. 

No Do-Overs

From the Touchstone Tarot, the King of Wands; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, The Remorse of the Emperor Nero after the Murder of his Mother:

While the Queen of Wands might encourage us to engage in something creative or productive, the King is all about making sure we carry it over the finish line. Beginning and abandoning projects is a colossal waste to him. Yet The Remorse of Nero suggests we might want to check our intentions and what's driving our motives before we even begin. Nero's mother opposed his affair with Poppaea Sabina (seeing her ambition to become empress). Even though his mother had been a stalwart proponent of his, Nero had her put to death. Some choices get no do-overs, so before we take any action, we might be aware if our emotions are in the driver's seat (which generally always leads to wreckage of some sort).  

Rushing and Prodding

From the Anna K Tarot, the King of Rods; from the Meditation Cards, Just Be:

          Strong-willed and dynamic, this King doesn't leave much of an imprint on his throne cushion. He is full of ideas and energy, but unlike his knight, he finishes the projects he starts. There are times when his underlings might feel rushed and prodded (like Elaine's boyfriend on Seinfeld). He wants the job to be done well, but he wants it finished in a timely manner too. The quote for Just Be comes from Rumi:

I wonder

from these thousand of “mes”,

which one am I?

Is the King in perpetual motion because reflecting on his motives or feelings make him uncomfortable? Yet if he slows down, he could become aware of habitual patterns that cause him misery and have the chance to change them. As Blaise Pascal noted, "All man's miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone." Sometimes we have to stop acting on the stage and watch what is going on inside of us.

Stretching Our Limits

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the King of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Crossroads:

        The King of Staves is elementally known as Air of Fire. As he's aged, he's balanced out his fiery impulsiveness with knowledge and logic. The French horn seen here is an offshoot of the hunting horn. It was used to signal the hounds and other huntsmen to tell them what to do or what was happening. This king enjoys being the leader of the "hunt" because he can channel his adventuresome spirit into a practical purpose. The Crossroads card indicates new possibilities on a different path. With his love of challenges, this king won't stick with tradition, especially if it is no longer useful. He likes to be on the cutting edge of whatever is new; for him it is exciting to try a new solution to an old problem. For him, just because a tradition is old doesn't make it true or the wisest choice.

The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile. ―Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi