Ever-shifting Kaleidoscope

From the World Spirit Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Mystic Glyphs, Lizard:

Life is like an ever-shifting kaleidoscope — a slight change, and all patterns and configurations alter.

—Sharon Salzberg

Change is afoot. Well, actually it's always in progress, we just usually don't notice it unless it's something that affects us directly. The Wheel is generally a sign of positive change, even if it is a little worrisome because it's something new and unknown. It may be tempting to respond to it in a habitual way, but Lizard's message is to step out of our ruts. We can't solve an old problem with worn-out solutions that we've tried over and over again. Neither should we expect to greet new opportunities or situations with 'tried and true' responses. If we pay attention to what's actually happening (rather than riding our assumptions), our intuition and wisdom can guide us.

Sanity Defined

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the Two of Buttons (Pentacles); from the Button Oracle, Lizard:

          Granny is on her toes, juggling two giant buttons while keeping a hula hoop going. That takes quite a bit of focus and energy, and it's likely she won't be able to keep up these activities for long. But she seems to have a good attitude about it, whistling a little song to keep her going. Attitude can make or break us when we find our to-do list overflowing. We can take on the mindset of a victim or a warrior - the first will only add weight to feeling overwhelmed and the second will give us a sense of purpose. Yet the Lizard button brings an alternative solution. Lizards are visual creatures, relying on body posture, movements, and color to communicate. Communication is needed in Granny's case so she doesn't fall under the illusion that Brene Brown speaks of: "we mistakenly fall prey to the myth that successful people are those that help rather than need, and broken people need rather than help." Actually, sanity rather than a lack of success define people who ask for help instead of trying to do everything on their own.

Sensitive Detachment

From the World Spirit Tarot, the Seer (Page) of Cups; from the Mystic Glyphs, the Lizard:

          The Page of Cups, known for being sensitive, caring and intuitive, is based on Pamela Colman Smith (artist for the RWS deck). 'Pixie' often gave her art to causes such as the Suffrage Movement and the Red Cross. Her most famous work - the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot - was completed for very little money. She died penniless, and her drawings and paintings were sold to satisfy her debts. Being kind and generous are wonderful qualities, but people-pleasing to the point of not being adequately paid is something else entirely. The Page has to develop the ability to love without being anyone's doormat.
          The Lizard has a habit of detaching his tail when he's pinned down by a predator. It wiggles and distracts the other animal so it can get away. Likewise, deeply felt emotions can prevent us from what taking needed action unless we figure out how to detach from them. We must restore our sanity if we are to make wise decisions. As Sharon Salzberg explains, "Detachment is not about refusing to feel or not caring or turning away from those you love. Detachment is profoundly honest, grounded firmly in the truth of what is."

Stalemates and Possibilities

This week I'll be using the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, created by Granny Jones and published by Kangaroo Press. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Button Oracle, a set I made myself from a collection of buttons. Today's draws are the Two of Swords and Lizard:

          Uh oh... Instead of having a nice afternoon over tea, it looks like these two friends ended up butting heads over some issue. Each obviously held a firm opinion which led to the discussion going nowhere, because neither was willing to consider another perspective. It's a hard day when a friendship is tossed because of a point of view. The Lizard Button represents communication, because these reptiles rely heavily on body language and color to define territory, resolve disputes, and entice mates. The quote that goes with this button is by George Bernard Shaw:

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. 

Trying to convince another person to accept your viewpoint is debate, not discussion. Discussion seems to be a form of communication that is no longer in style (especially judging by what gets put on Facebook). Both the card and button reminded me of something I read by Krista Tippett in her book Becoming Wise:

I can disagree with your opinion, it turns out, but I can’t disagree with your experience. And once I have a sense of your experience, you and I are in relationship, acknowledging the complexity in each other’s position, listening less guardedly. The difference in our opinions will probably remain intact, but it no longer defines what is possible between us.

When we share our stories (instead of just opinions), we begin to see how life has shaped each of us. And once we see each other as simply human (not good/bad, right/wrong), it is possible to relate openly with each other.

Loosening the Mind

From the Motherpeace Tarot the Shaman (King) of Swords; from the Toltec Oracle, Kuetspalin:

          The Shaman/King is a source of both power and experience. The four-petaled red flower is the four directions, implying she is able to see all facets of a situation (not just what she would prefer). The ladder with the kite perched on top suggests she understands the long-term effects a decision will have, and how it will impact all people instead of a select few. Noble describes her as having an 'unloosed mind,' meaning she is able to think and perceive beyond assumptions, prejudices and opinions. The Toltec card, Kuetspalin, means Lizard; it was considered a guardian of the temple and a guide for the shaman. Above all, it grounded the shaman and prevented him from losing his connection to the earth. When dealing with the intellect, it is easy to get lost in arguments and ideas that don't really have much to do with real life - with what is useful and beneficial all people. I am reminded by these cards of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement and the white folks who adamantly reply, "All lives matter." They have missed the point, which is that white privilege protects and offers opportunities to those of us with white skin that those with black skin don't have. If all lives matter, we need to act like it by making sure no one is oppressed simply because of the color of their skin. Below is an excerpt of an article written by Lori L. Hutcherson for onbeing.org giving examples of what white privilege is (which doesn't have anything to do with how open-minded and loving someone is); these are just a few incidents of many she's experienced: