Not Through Opinion

From the Norse Tarot, the Sun; from the Wolf Pack, Leadership:

...birdsong rang out as if there had never been a day as fresh and beautiful as this one.

― Brian Jacques

When the great battle of Ragnarok occurred, forever changing the known world, Sol (the sun goddess) was killed. Yet before she died, she had a daughter who would become her successor. The U.S. is currently undergoing its own great battle, as democracy slips and violent rhetoric and hatred swirl around us. It feels like the sun has been eclipsed by something dark and malevolent. Though this may last for years, I hang on to the thread of hope that things will eventually swing in the other direction, and life will become brighter again. During these corrupt times, Leadership encourages us to stick to our moral compass and heed the words of Paul Coelho: “The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.”

Add Humility

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Ten of Swords; from the Nature Mandala Meditation Cards, Leadership:

This pair of cards seems to ask who should lead - the one with wisdom/knowledge or the one with life experience? It's easy to make a snap judgment either way, but it's wiser to dig down a little deeper. Years ago, I had a doctor who adamantly told me there was nothing wrong with me when my body told me otherwise. My cousin, who has suffered with a disease for years, had an older doctor she loved with an excellent bedside manner. He retired and was replaced with a much younger doctor who completely changed her medications, explaining that those medications are no longer used for her disease. Since then, she's felt better than she has in years. Both those with knowledge and those with experience can get stuck, assuming what they know or what they've experienced makes them the better decision maker. But if they have a closed mind or closed ears, neither is the better choice.

There are three essentials to leadership: humility, clarity and courage. —Fuchan Yuan

Guide or Aggressor

From the Sun and Moon Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Wisdom Keepers, 'Leadership:'

          In the first illustration, two people engage in the African martial art known as donga. The object is to see which of them is the strongest, or 'the Bull.' Because this is a Thoth-based deck, this card is given the keyword 'strife.' It reminds me of how often self-will knocks heads with others when different sides think they each know the right way of doing things. Conflict is not necessarily bad when it exposes all the angles of an issue. But occasionally the mediation or brainstorm session can become a battle of arrogance, and the importance of the overall situation is completely forgotten. I want to call out to the battling youngsters, "Put down your weapons - the field is on fire!" Today's Wisdom Keeper asks the question, "Do you lead in the spirit of humility and service?" Our idea of leadership has become twisted and corrupt these days. Being a true leader has nothing to do with who has the most 'likes' or followers, or who has the power to bully or manipulate others. These two wise women explain its meaning very well:

 A leader isn't someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own. ~ Beth Revis

 To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Step into the Batter's Box

This week I'll be using Poppy Palin's Waking the Wild Spirit tarot deck, published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the 2nd edition of her companion book, Stories of the Wild Spirit, published by Slippery Jacks Press. The oracle I'll be using is MentorSpirit, created by Kathy Tyler and Joy Drake, published by InnerLinks Associates. The cards drawn this morning are the Ace of Earth (Pentacles) and "Leadership:"

 Lured by the warm rays of the sun, seeds begin to sprout and grow. Years ago I had a tiny greenhouse which I used to grow medicinal herbs from seed. It was quite a learning experience. Though it was rather easy to germinate most of the seeds, keeping them healthy and thriving was another matter. Not only did they need the right amount of sun, water and nutrients, I had to protect them from pests and animals like squirrels too. The Ace of Earth has potential, but I've got to use my tools and talents to nurture it if it is to flourish.
The Leadership card's color implies the passion and energy needed to lead not just by words, but by doing. If I want something to succeed, it is going to take more than affirmations and good ideas. I'm going to have to get over my fear and step into the batter's box. There's a good possibility that I might swing and miss the ball a few times. But if I keep my eye on the ball and time it right, I just might hit it out of the park.