You've Been There for Me

This week I'll be using three decks, all created by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and illustrated by Will Worthington. The Druidcraft Tarot and the Druid Plant Oracle were published by Connections; the Druid Animal Oracle was published by St. Martin's Press. I've combined the two oracles and will be using them as one deck. Today's draws are the Ten of Cups and Madder:

It is the friendships I made and the close family ties I nurtured that have provided me with that sense of satisfaction at a life well lived, and have made me what I am.

―Lee Kuan Yew

If we're really lucky, we have a family we can fold ourselves into when life is stressful or difficult. Such a place gives us a chance to catch our breath, laugh or cry, and remember that we love and are loved. Last night my daughter watched an old movie with me - Fly Away Home - that always seems to make my heart lighter (even though the theme song never fails to make me cry). We all need to find a special place and way to revive our spirits. Madder is the sole vegetative true red; for over 3,000 years, this plant's roots have been the source of a striking red dye that has colored fabrics, graced paintings, and played a pivotal role in trade. It's red represents strength, courage and rites of passage. I finally received an official letter from the Social Security office - my own rite of passage - so in February, I will have Medicare and retirement. Jumping through all the hoops was stressful, but I am thankful to my husband who helped me persevere.

Slowing the Pace

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Princess (Page) of Wands; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Madder:

          This lively, outgoing lass is not a "let's wait and see" kind of gal, but a "let's go check it out" type of girl. She's up early because she doesn't want to miss a minute of the day; she knows each one holds an adventure, and her eyes are wide open to see it. She's walking alone now, but her magnetic enthusiasm will have others following behind her soon. The Plant Oracle shows Madder, an herb with a thick, reddish root used for dyeing cloths, such as the clootie tied in the tree above it. Because of the red coloring it provides, it is associated with strength and rites of passage. The Princess will soon become a woman, and perhaps one day a queen. It's easier to be eager about those rites of passage when one is young - they seem exciting then. But what about as she moves into the stages of becoming an elder, when her strut slows down and her body aches? Hopefully by then she will have developed a resource within that provides her with strength, one that keeps her curious and still wanting to explore.