Zoom at Your Own Risk

From the Tarot of Durer, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Philosopher's Stone Deck, Trial/Assessment:

Total certainty can mean there's no assessment of things. 

—Chris Ofili

The detail-oriented Knight of Pentacles pairs well with the Stone card symbolizing trial/assessment. He doesn't mind pausing in the middle of his work because it gives him a chance to assess what's been done so far. He's concerned with the two Es: efficacy (are his actions are producing the desired effect) and efficiency (is he is accomplishing this with a wise rather than wasteful use of resources). Because of three floods, our yard has picked up a lot of weeds. In an effort to keep them from spreading without resorting to chemicals, I mow with a bag attachment to collect the seed heads. I confess I have been in a hurry at times and zoomed up, down and around in order to finish quickly. Unfortunately, I forgot to attach the bag catcher, so I had to mow everything again. Slowing down and pausing to check on things is a must for efficiency and efficacy. 

Measure Twice

From the Dark Mansion Tarot, the Knight of Pentacles; from Miss Mai's Victorian Oracle, Telescope:

Where you stand determines what you see and what you do not see; it determines also the angle you see it from; a change in where you stand changes everything.

―Steve de Shazer

Both the Knight of Pentacles and the Telescope suggest a change in our perspective. Rather than just being in a hurry to get things done, it is important for us to see the lay of the land. We take a wide perspective, seeing all that is about us, not just where we happen to be standing. We see different angles and associations, including how things are interconnected. We take a long perspective, considering not just possibilities, but how our actions might impact the future in negative ways. As the saying goes, "measure twice, cut once."

Nature's Timetable

This week I'll be using the Mary-El Tarot, created by Marie White and published by Schiffer. I'll be pairing it with the OH Cards, created by Ely Raman and Joe Schlichter and published by Eos Enterprises. Today's cards are the Knight of Disks and the Sun:

Observe due measure, for right timing is in all things the most important factor. 

―Hesiod

The Knight of Disks represents Air in the element of Earth, reminding me of the importance of wind driven pollination in bearing fruit. Besides being reliable and resourceful, he is also creative when it comes to improving material matters. But if this Knight is so hardworking, why is he resting in the shade of a large tree? The Sun from the OH cards suggest this is the heat of the day. As the poet and farmer Hesiod stated, balance and timing play a huge part in the success of what we're doing. Watering plants at noon when evaporation is at its peak does very little good (and wastes water). And working outdoors in such heat is an invitation for heat stroke. Sometimes we must work on nature's timetable and not our own. 

Don't Take Mussolini's Advice

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Knight of Stones (Pentacles); from the Rune Cards, Beaver (Ior):

We become strong, I feel, when we have no friends upon whom to lean, or to look to for moral guidance. ~Benito Mussolini

Potter's Knight of Stones is represented by a wolf and the Pictish rendition of a wolf; in Gaelic, wolf is Mac Tire, meaning "Earth's Son." The Celts thought of the wolf as a guardian and guide (Cormac - the Irish King - was said to have been reared by wolves). As much as we like to think of ourselves as independent and self-sufficient, we all need guidance and support at various points in our life. Otherwise, we may end up like Mussolini who followed no one's suggestions but his own and plunged Italy and most of Europe into darkness. True mentors don't tell us right the path to take but hold up a light so that we can see what lies down each path. The rune Ior is represented by a beaver, an animal that spends its time on land and in water. It suggests fluidity, an ease and ability to move between different thoughts and responses. Rather than being locked into one mode, we are able to choose what is most skillful and beneficial in each situation.

Killed by Duty

From the Prisma Visons Tarot, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Pink:

Love can flourish only as long as it is free and spontaneous; it tends to be killed by the thought of duty. 

― Bertrand Russell

The Knight of Pentacles understands that all living things require sustenance, and he is a work horse when it comes to providing what they all need. Yet he can be so focused on cultivating and obtaining, he forgets to appreciate the beauty and magic all around him. As he trudges though life, he's begun to value things and people according to their usefulness. Einstein suggested that love was a better teacher and master than duty - it gladdens and lightens the heart as we do our work, keeping us from seeing it simply as an obligation. Pink's message follows this line of thought, encouraging us to "let love in." 

Intentions for Planting

This week I'll be using the Llewellyn Tarot, created by Anna-Marie Ferguson and published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Beasts of Albion, an oracle deck created by Miranda Gray and published by Aquarian. Today's draws are the Knight of Pentacles and the Otter:

When you assess your own life, consider it with the eye of a gardener. Underneath the surface lies rich, fertile soil waiting to nurture the seeds you sow. Even more than you can imagine will grow there if given a chance. – Steve Goodier

This Knight is not an exciting party boy like his cousin the Knight of Wands. People are more likely to call him solid and dependable. He is a methodical planner as well as diligent and committed when he puts those plans into action. He seems to ponder what he will plant next in the freshly plowed field in the background. He prods me to set an intention for the new year with a plan for execution rather than just assuming my expectations will magically appear. Yet Otter shows up, an animal known for playfulness and delight in simple pleasures. His appearance suggest my plans should not be so demanding that they will become a daily burden, tightly wrung of any joy. Such an onerous agenda would be unlikely to see a harvest.

Neither Punishment nor Reward

This week I'll be using the Norse Tarot, created by Clive Barrett and published by U.S. Games. I'll also be using the Viking Lenormand, created and self-published by my friend Carole Beasley. The draws this morning are the Prince of Discs and the Child:

Everything that ends is also the beginning of something else. Pain is not a punishment; pleasure is not a reward. ―Pema Chödrön

This Prince stands in front of what's left of a burial mound. Feeling a deep connection to earth and nature, he is aware of the seasons and the cycles of birth and death. He does not expect grains to grow in the dead of winter; neither does he expect them to continue to grow after being harvested. The Prince understands that the force that moves the circle of life is independent and does not take sides. The Child represents fresh starts and innocence. In this case, it points to embracing the truth that both pain and pleasure are inherent in life. To recognize that all beings are subject to these states can keep us from grasping or hatred, which only serve to forge man-made suffering.

We, Not Me

This week I'll be using the Anima Mundi Tarot, created and self-published by Megan Wyreweden. Paired with it will be the Nature's Pharmacy deck, created by New York Botanical Garden and published by Chronicle Books. Today's draws are the Knight of Pentacles and Arnica:

We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together... ~Barack Obama

This Knight of Pentacles is illustrated with a gray wolf, an animal loyal and dedicated to his mate and pack. Is he standing guard as a protector or is he searching for food as a hunter? Either way, he is constantly alert as his clan depends on him. This Knight embodies commitment and duty without wavering; he knows there is no ease or well-being for anyone if his focus is solely self-centered. Arnica is a part of the sunflower family; its name is likely derived from the Greek arni ("lamb") because of its soft, hairy leaves. Arnica gel has been used as an application to the skin for osteoarthritis. It reminds this dutiful Knight that he must soften his own agenda and allow others to help him. It's a we effort, not a me effort.

The Shadow Left Behind

From the Lilifer Tarot, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Wandering Soul Oracle, Mortality:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.

–Robert Frost

This demon, built for tough, heavy work, points the way to her loyal wolf. Both are intent on taking care of business regardless of the storms they ride through. She's not only good at what she does, she's dependable and conscientious about her work too. Yet the Mortality card asks us if finishing our work (as if it's ever finished!) is more pressing than time spent with those we love or doing the things that nourish our spirit. “Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind,” Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote. Is 'reliable worker' all we want carved on our urn or tombstone?

Is It Good?

From the Delta Enduring Tarot, the Warrior of Cast Irons (Knight of Pentacles); from the Southernisms Oracle, 'Bless your heart:'

This guy reminds me of my eldest stepson who is a chef. Egan writes that this card represents a seasoned expert who is efficient, methodical and organized. A chef's kitchen resembles a sort of arena in which he shouts orders and directions; without such a commander, it would be pure pandemonium. This knight/warrior knows if his efforts are productive by the results they bring. 'Bless your heart' is a Janus phrase, having two contradictory meanings based on the context; it can either be a sincere wish or a polite insult. Facial expressions or remarks that follow can offer a clue. For instance, “Bless your heart, those clothes will surely make you look memorable.” In this Knight's case, words offered as an evaluation may not be a sincere representation of his work. Consider the product rather than the flattery or sarcasm.

Anyone who's a chef, who loves food, ultimately knows that all that matters is: 'Is it good? Does it give pleasure?' ~Anthony Bourdain

Noble Sacrifice

This week I'll be using the Ferret Tarot, created and self-published by Elaine Moertl. Along with it, I'll be drawing from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, created by Mindy Lighthipe and published by Schiffer Books. The cards for today are the Knight of Pentacles and Passion Flower:

Moertl calls the Knight of Pentacles "Mr. Dependable." And while he is responsible, dedicated, and willing to tackle tough jobs, he's not fast. He will stubbornly check the details of things for errors or signs of problems before finishing. I can imagine this ferret saying, "Just two more hours!" Yet rarely is anyone displeased with his results unless they miss a deadline. The Passion Flower is weirdly beautiful, though this illustration just shows a part of it. Here's a better picture. First discovered in Peru, the monastic scholar Giacomo Bosio referred to it as “the flower with the five wounds,” referring to the Passion of Christ. Both these cards suggest that when it comes to being of service, whether to individuals or a community, we each have a unique sacrifice involving our time and energy to offer.

A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation and encourages perseverance.

~Gary Hamel

Adjust, Then Steady On

From the World Spirit Tarot, the Seeker (Knight) of Pentacles; from the Mystic Glyphs, Path - Go Back:

O'Leary describes this Knight as a worker bee, a fellow for whom work is both meditative and sacred. His horse is no thoroughbred, but a draft horse with strength and muscle to handle demanding jobs. He knows a slow pace and attention to details will mean less mistakes. Yet the Path - Go Back card suggests there is an insurmountable obstacle in the path he's taken to reach his goal. His humility will serve him well, as he will easily acknowledge this isn't personal. But his challenge will be in opening his mind and seeing other possibilities that weren't part of his original plans. As Jimmy Ray Dean once said, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

Slow and Grateful

From the Stone Tarot, the Amazon (Knight) of Pentacles; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, a verse from the 25th chapter of the Dhammapada:

This Knight is solidly dependable, and though steady and tenacious, moves at a slower pace than some would like. But weaving through a dense rainforest on a horse necessitates care and caution. There's a difference between missing a pretty flower and failing to notice a jaguar waiting to spring. Society's constant urge to do more quickly is a habit we'd do well to break. However, moving at a patient, methodical pace might leave us feeling like the rest of life is whizzing past us. As the FOMO acronym symbolizes, we fear we're missing out on all the fun and excitement. But what we're  comparing ourselves to is what we see on the outside (being unable to see the stress and exhaustion on the inside). As the Dhammapada verse implies, gratitude rather than envy would be a better choice.

One shouldn’t scorn what one has received, nor envy others. 

Intentions and Methods

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Yellow:

Sometimes our intentions are good but our methods are a tad nuts. This Knight, wanting to stay grounded while in the mystical forest, is barefoot. Hope he's had his tetanus shot. He was out looking for food - hoping for truffles - but the unicorn has found a patch of giant strawberries instead. Trying to feed others is a good idea, but I'm sure they'd prefer a healthy, wholesome meal to a few rare delicacies. Take the strawberries! Yellow, with its message to purify the body, reminds me of the fifth precept: "I vow not to intoxicate body or mind, but to cultivate a mind that sees clearly." Sometimes we feed our minds and bodies things that might seem delicious and enjoyable going in but have consequences later on. What we ingest either way should be questioned: Is this a realistic option? Will this produce the end result I hope for?

We receive as friendly that which agrees with [us], we resist with dislike that which opposes us; whereas the very reverse is required by every dictate of common sense.

― Michael Faraday

Downside of Deep Commitment

From the Norse Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Discs; from the Wolf Pack, Guilt:

This Prince knows that to really see the land and know the soil, you have to have your feet on it and hands in it. Constantly moving over it on a horse is not going to cut it. To know something is to appreciate it, and appreciating something leads to taking care of it. His patience and pragmatism has been learned from spending so much time in nature, and these traits serve him well in his endeavors. Guilt suggests a normal reaction to something we did or failed to do. It generally leads to remorse and restitution or amends and passes relatively quickly. Neurotic guilt, however, is guilt that has stopped serving as a useful moral compass and has started to become aggression turned against oneself. Rather than a guide for good, it becomes a cross to bear with no way to atone. To be deeply committed like this Prince is a wonderful thing, but it must be balanced with the understanding of how little control we have over situations external to us. We can only do what is feasible and make peace with the rest.

Slowing Down

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Knight of Pentacles; from the A'HA Oracle, Unfurling:

Tasks can get done if I'm moving quickly, but tasks get done well when I'm moving mindfully. It's hard not to want to rush through and get to the next thing (which usually just has another next thing behind it). However, this Knight suggests I slow down, pay attention to detail and stay in the moment. Unfurling reminds me of those little ideas or potential solutions that tickle the back of the mind as I go through the day. Yet it it usually only when I'm about to drop off to sleep (or upon waking) - when I'm relaxed - that they come fully open. I can move at a moderate pace with plenty of pauses when there is no race to win or fire to put out. And by doing so, my mind and body can work together.

Take a walk with a turtle. And behold the world in pause. 

~Bruce Feiler

Under Construction

From the Gill Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Discs; from The Circle deck, Responsibility:

          The Prince of Discs represents Air in the element of Earth, making him a person who is thoughtful and innovative as well as dependable and industrious. While his earthy side might make him slower than some, it allows his contemplative side to be aware of necessary steps to be taken rather than skipped over. Thorough in his work, he takes things one step or stage at a time. Responsibility suggests being aware of one's own strengths and weaknesses and having the integrity not to pretend otherwise. The University of Zurich suggested five types of strengths:

1. Interpersonal - leadership, teamwork, kindness, forgiveness fairness
2. Intellectual - love of learning, creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness
3. Emotional - zest, hope, courage
4. Restraint - prudence, self-regulation, honesty
5. Spiritual - faith, gratitude, appreciation of beauty

Hopefully this Prince will realize there's more under construction than just that wheel.

Softening Hardness

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Siren of Earth (Knight of Pentacles); from the Tattwa Cards: Water > Seed of Fire:

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations, and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes their place. –Mark Twain

          Baubo, the Greek goddess of bawdy belly laughs, shows how to move forward without aggression. Her sexual levity (never used at another's expense) took the unyielding rigidity out of those she entertained. The tattwa card, with the key phrase of 'creative tension,' parallels this rigidity. Such tension is a result of the gap between our vision and reality. It reminds me of a water drop: water molecules on the surface contract and the drop behaves as if its surface were covered with a stretched elastic membrane. Likewise, we can contract and cut ourselves off when our creative ideas don't flow with the rest of the world. Yet as Baubo encourages, we can build a bridge between reality and our vision if we'll let humor and playfulness release our tension and soften our fixed demands.

Help Wanted?

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Soul Cards, Help Wanted:

         This guy isn't a stranger to hard work, neither does he whine or complain about it. He's very disciplined and meticulous when it comes to getting a job done. In fact, because he's excellent at what he does, he's never without something to do. But the Help Wanted card shows his weakness - he's so stubbornly independent that he and has to be nearly sucked into a black hole of overwhelm before he raises his hands in surrender. Perhaps he has, as Brene Brown said, "mistakenly fallen prey to the myth that successful people are those that help rather than need, and broken people need rather than help." Yet asking for support when it is needed is a mark of honesty and wisdom, not weakness.

Barefoot Cycles

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Knight of Coins; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk Deck, Ouroboros:

The barefoot Knight of Coins:

 Enlightenment needs embodiment. Wide-open insight needs deep-rooted instinct.

― Kris Franken

The cyclic Ouroboros:

Everything that ends is also the beginning of something else. Pain is not a punishment; pleasure is not a reward.

― Pema Chödrön

Real equanimity isn’t indifference. It’s the capacity to be present with your whole being and not add fuel to the fire. ― Jack Kornfield