The Paradox of Satisfaction

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Beasts of Albion, Lion:

When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large.

— Daniel Goleman

The Six of Wands is often described as a satisfactory success or an acknowledged accomplishment. Sometimes the challenge that is met is an inner one rather than outer. The holidays bring sadness for me, and it's easy for that emotion to evolve into self-pity and self-absorption. Various spiritual paths teach that the solution to uprooting suffering based in self-centeredness is to do a kind deed for others. So I used some of my Christmas money to buy a variety of gift cards - from the pet store, gas station, craft store, grocery store, etc. I wanted to give our ten librarians an anonymous gift, as they are underpaid and often mistreated by many entitled patrons. Each card went into a bag with a hint, such as, "For the book elf who is a pet lover," or "For the book elf who likes computer gaming." The manager told me the employees were all very excited and happy (and curious about the benefactor) as they each chose a bag. The success of the game completely pulled me out of myself. The Lion was a mythical figure for Britain, based on tales from traders and travelers. It represents a mature strength that can embrace sacrifices for the benefit of others. Strength and well-being sometimes comes from taking actions that seem contradictory to the result achieved. 

Trying Something New

This week I'll be using the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, created and self-published by Ciro Marchetti. I'll pair with it the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, created and self-published by Karin Dalton-Smith. Today's draws are the Eight of Coins and the Lion:

Being a craftsperson of any stripe is an ongoing effort. Even if you've had some success, there is always a question of what to do next. Most people attempt to branch out into something new every now and then. Yet that requires leaving the comfort of our proficiency and moving back into the beginner's chair. Feeling inept and confused when we attempt to learn a new skill or add to our knowledge can deflate our confidence. The Tea Reading offers Lion, a symbol of courage and strength. I have a small network of friends (most older and wiser than me) who I can turn to at such times. They don't tell me what I want to hear but what I need to hear, however they also prop me up with plenty of encouraging support. They often have faith in me until I can have faith in myself once again.

Fear and anxiety many times indicate that we are moving in a positive direction, out of the safe confines of our comfort zone...

― Charles F. Glassman

   

A More Effective Action

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 Four of Pentacles and the Lion:

I often think of the Four of Pentacles as the Spending Sabbatical card. There are many things we can 'spend' - time, energy (health), and money. Such a pause is a practice in prudently using our personal resources. To Albion (ancient Britain), tales of lions seemed just as extraordinary as those of unicorns and dragons. The Lion soon became a symbol of courage, strength and guardianship, especially in the sense of self-sovereignty. It's ironic how many enablers seem to magically appear when a person decides they want to limit ____ (fill in the blank). However, as David Cain encourages, we can guard ourselves by training to replace a reflexive action with a more conscious and empowering one. He lists several examples of mindful consideration: in rock climbing, when you want to pull with your arms, try pushing with your legs; in chess, when you see a good move and you want to make it, try looking for a better one first. "That’s what all training amounts to, as far as I can tell — conditioning ourselves to take a more effective action at a certain moment than the impulsive one we start out doing."

Clans and Courage

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles:

What a lovely, peaceful picture of an extended family Ferguson has painted. It's easy to see from the home, clothes, and apple symbolism that they are fortunate in the areas of health and wealth associated with this suit. But I do find it interesting that the banner over the doorway has only nine pentacles; the tenth lies on the table next to the child and young woman. Its placement brings to mind how important a sense of belonging can be, regardless if it is found in a clan, tribe, family, club or group of friends. No matter how much I enjoy the blessings I have, real fulfillment comes when I have someone to share them with.  

From the Beasts of Albion deck comes the "Lion:"

 

According to http://www.internationalheraldry.com/, the lion is the beast most often used in heraldry. No surprise there, since most people would like to be associated with the strength and courage of the lion. As I was thinking about this card, it dawned on me that the Sutherland Clan (of my ancestral line) uses a Scottish wildcat in its crest with the motto "No Fear." These two cats, both with messages about being courageous and strong, remind me that the relationships I treasure are worth nurturing and protecting to keep them going. Love can replace my fear of commitment. 

Recharging

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Four of Cups:

A young woman sits by a stream; her posture indicates a feeling of apathy and disenchantment.  Her emotions are like the little eddy beside her - whirling round and round without making progress.  It's interesting that the card right before this (3 of Cups) shows a celebration of sorts.  I'm at my best when I have a creative project going on.  When I finish I feel great - a sense of accomplishment - but soon thereafter, I find myself in a funk, feeling without purpose.  The cup overhead reminds me that my inspiration hasn't dried up.  My creative endeavors will find a niche, and I'll be happily entertained and challenged once again.  The activity must stop for awhile so I can recharge; it's just part of the process.

     From the Beasts of Albion, the "Lion:"

Gray writes that the lion represents the maturity "to use strength in a measured and controlled way."  While power and ferocity is generally what I think of with these animals, lions actually only spend about 4 hours a day in activity - the remainder they spend resting.  The lion's lesson is that intensity must be moderated with restraint.  Balance is the key. 

Ground Floor

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot today comes the Four of Batons:

An artist's paintbrush, a writer's quill, a rider's crop, and a musician's flute represent the batons on this card.  The number four implies a stable foundation, and the green background suggests growth in the respective fields.  The effort put forth has created a firm foundation on which more improvements and developments can be built.  It's a time for me to enjoy the progress I've made while realizing there is more work to do - I'm still on the ground floor after all.

     The card chosen from the Pages of Shustah is the "Lion:"

The black suit in this deck are based on the astrological signs; in this image is the one associated with Leo.  The lion reminds me to have courage and confidence, as well as to use the energy I have to take action.  Today will be a day of "doing" rather than "thinking."  The fine print, however, suggests I rein in my ego, as this activity will not be based in self-centeredness or arrogance.