A Measure of Darkness

From the Norse Tarot, the Sun; from the Viking Lenormand, the Letter:

Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness.

— Carl Jung

This Sun card is illustrated with Álfröðull ("elf-beam"), the daughter of the Norse goddess Sol. When Sol was killed during Ragnarok, she became the second sun to light then new world. The holidays are a tough time for many people for various reasons; rather than a celebration of light, these days can feel more like a descent into darkness. The Letter, a symbol of some form of communication, suggests a way to light a candle and illuminate our psychological night. We can reach out to others through emails, cards, calls or letters instead of focusing on ourselves. And when we receive the same from another, we can allow it to spark our gratitude when we realize that someone is thinking of us.

Both Ways

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Knight of Swords; from the Viking Lenormand, Letter:

          Judging by a lack of a saddle and reins, this knight has not only mental agility but also mental control. Witty and smart is one thing, but it takes it to another level when you can place your attention where you want it, like shining a flashlight beam. The mind then becomes one's ally rather than one's commander-in-chief. The Letter suggests a written communication of some kind, but like texts and emails, there is no tone of voice or body language available to judge the intent of what's written if there are any questions. No need to freak out; communication works both ways.

This report, by its very length, defends itself against the risk of being read.

~Winston Churchill

The trouble with so many of us is that we underestimate the power of simplicity.

~Robert Stuberg

Fortitude of Tongue and Pen

From the Tyldwick Tarot, Fortitude (Strength); from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the 'Letter:'

The concrete head of a lion peeks out from a crumbling garden wall, while a little wren sits on the edge of a stagnant pool. When certainties and securities begin to crumble away or when people don't act the way they're 'supposed' to behave, it's easy for our inner lion to want to roar and strike out. But the little wren (realizing it's impossible to know what is going on deep in the murky waters of other people or situations) will loudly sing its truth without adding anything toxic to the water. The Lenormand Letter represents any type of written communication. Sometimes when emotions are running high, what needs to be said gets twisted by anger, fear or sadness. Writing or typing can allow us to preview what will be sent, taking out what is unnecessary (strong feelings that will likely only distract from the message) and leaving in what is important.

Find Your Purpose

From the Bonefire Tarot, the Seven of Cups; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, 'Letter:'

          I've been reading a book by Dr. Partha Nandi about his five steps to leading a life of joy and well-being. Surprisingly, the very first step is 'Find Your Purpose.' There has been much research done on happiness, health, and longevity, and all of it suggests having a purpose - actions that give our life meaning beyond the daily grind - makes a huge difference in our quality of life. Nandi writes: "Happiness comes and goes, but a sense of purpose transcends the fleeting joys and disappointments of everyday life. You have a higher road to walk and a way to put the ups and downs of life in perspective." The mind (ego) is generally convinced that fulfillment = getting something good in return for whatever we do. But to truly find our purpose, we must listen to the heart instead. The Lenormand's Letter card is based on communication of some kind. Together with the Seven of Cups, it suggests listening or reading with the heart engaged to uncover what will fulfill us emotionally. Rather than a 'how can this help me' focus, it turns into a 'how can I help another' foundation for living.

The Rawness of Reality

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, Judgment; from the Viking Lenormand, the 'Letter:'

          Jackson describes the Judgment card as "awakening into a new way of life." It parallels the Buddha, a title which means "one who is awake" in the sense of having woken up to reality. Part of this waking up is realizing the self we think so highly of is simply a mental construct; we are not separate or independent from others. We come to understand that pain and impermanence is a natural part of life, but suffering/dissatisfaction (craving for things to be a certain way) is optional. Awakening in Buddhism does not mean a blissful state but being able to be with the rawness of reality without freaking out or taking anything personally. When we awaken, we find what is hidden - our basic goodness (the natural wisdom and compassion of our mind). The Letter in Lenormand decks generally means some sort of communication or message. In speaking of awakening, it seems to fit with a quote from Ven. Master Hsing Yun: "Total and complete enlightenment is not attained easily. One must develop small moments of insight and understanding each day."

Branching Out

This week I'll be using the Fey Tarot, a book and deck set created by Riccardo Minetti and Mara Aghem. This set was published by Lo Scarabeo. The oracle deck I'll be using is the I Misteri della Sibilla, created by Ettore Maiotti and published by Dal Negro. Today's draws are the Two of Wands and the Two of Diamonds (Letter):

          This little fellow looks miserable because he doesn't know what to do. He's got the opportunity to move out of his snug nest and expand his horizons. But the thought of leaving his comfort zone is not a comfortable one. He doesn't appear to be a fountain of enthusiasm, so perhaps he is feeling restless and wants something different to do. However, it's unlikely he'll hang in there when things get tough if his heart's not in it. The Two of Diamonds is known as the investment card - a chance to get involved in a beneficial business or relationship. But how do you improve or make your life more meaningful if you are afraid to leave the nest?

No one ever knows what is going to happen next. But these transition times—between something being set and things being uncertain—are times of enormous potential. Anything is possible.

You are offered the potential of opening up into the as-yet unknown, the much bigger world where there are smells you’ve never smelled, there are sights you’ve never seen, and there are sounds you’ve never heard. What you could experience is so much vaster than what you currently experience. Let’s go in that direction. ~ Pema Chodron

Walk Away

From the Bonefire Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Letter:

          Two guys duke it out, while a girl who thinks they're both idiots walks away. I wonder how many friendships Facebook has destroyed. Someone posts something about religion, politics or a social issue, then another person posts about the opposite view. The next thing you know, there are messages under those posts that go from snarky to downright hateful. Does this actually change someone else's viewpoint? I doubt it. Gabi calls this a "hollow victory," and I have to agree. The Lenormand Letter implies some form of written communication. Who could it be from? I'm guessing it's either a 'Dear John' letter about not wanting to be in a relationship with a person who has a trigger temper, or an employer who saw a video posted online of the fight and doesn't want that kind of person working for him. That's the thing about the words we say and the things we do; these days, it will be made public for all to see thanks to social media. I think I prefer to do as the girl and walk away. 

Stones in the Stomach

From the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy, the Devil; from the Lenormand de Marseilles, the "Letter:"

       Images of the Devil always seem to depict nonhuman traits in order to portray an animal nature and physical appetites. Every hero in legend or mythology has had to face this tempter - Buddha had Mara to contend with and Jesus had Satan. Yet this being is not an outside force, but one working within. The Devil wants fun and pleasure (nothing wrong with that), but this part of myself can push me to extremes, causing harm to others or myself. For instance, I might learn someone's secret and because of some past slight, I relish making it public. But in the end, it will ultimately hurt me; no one will trust a person who can't keep private confidential information. That first delicious sensation will eventually turn into a heavy stone I must carry.

       The Letter often refers to written communication, a document or results of some sort. There is information - perhaps someone's opinion - that I'll receive. The Devil into today's draw suggests I could react in a way that is less than beneficial. I could cover my head and hide, or I could go into attack mode (taking on the traits of prey or predator). Or I could take the harder path of patience and tolerance as I attempt to see things from  a broader perspective.