Change It Up

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Ascension to Paradise deck, Manakin:

          The Seven of Swords card represents futility - the failure to make any progress. This may be because:

• We don't have a well-thought-out plan (or we decide to do nothing).
• We keep repeating the same thing over and over while expecting different results.
• We get to an obstacle and go no further.
• We manipulate or intimidate but refuse to compromise or listen to other options.
• We get distracted by things that aren't relevant to what we're trying to accomplish.

The Manakin is comprised of several species, most of which have spectacular courtship rituals. Some have specialized wings that allow them to make buzzing or snapping noises. Other birds have dance moves that rival James Brown - some can even moonwalk. This species (to borrow a lyric from JB) encourages me to "Get up offa that thing" and do something different.

Put Away the Yardstick

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Ascension to Paradise deck, the Manakin:

          What I first noticed in this card was the six lavishly decorated wands and the one plain staff in front. When there is a battle of wills, it's easy to feel we don't have what it takes when we compare ourselves to others. "I'm not as educated or widely-traveled," we might think. Or we simply may believe we don't have the resources that are available to others. Yet the Thoth keyword for the Seven of Wands is valor, a boldness and determination in facing our challengers. That simple staff might have more wisdom and strength than those ornamental wands. After all, it's what's on the inside that counts.
          Manakins are tropical and subtropical birds that are found in parts of Central and South America. They are known for the cracking and whipping noises they make as they engage in "lekking" - competitive displays by males as a way to entice a female partner. The authors of this deck suggest this bird encourages us to move out of the judgmental mind and into the all-embracing heart. I may acknowledge the advantages and abilities of others, but that doesn't mean I should dismiss my own skills. In fact, it might be that a different asset or aptitude is exactly what is needed.

Refilling My Cup

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Ace of Cups:

When I am emotionally and spiritually "full," I have extra that overflows to others.  Unfortunately I can't reverse the flow and siphon off the reservoirs of others when my reserves run out, because replenishing myself is an inside job.  Yesterday was a lovely, spring day, and I worked out in the yard for over six hours.  I've been feeling depleted and out of sorts, but digging in the soil and being outdoors was rejuvenating for me.  Today my cup feels full.  Rabbi Ginsburgh explains the Hebrew letter Hei (which Meleen associates with the Ace of Cups) means "take." It refers to taking from oneself and giving unconditionally to another, but the gift is not necessarily a tangible one.  It involves "drawing the receiver into the essence of the giver."  I am grateful this Sunday to have something more than superficiality to offer.

From the Ascension to Paradise deck comes the "Manakin:"

These colorful little birds live in the tropics and subtropics and have an unusual talent.  Their modified wing feathers allow them to make a snapping noise much like the sound of snapping twigs.  This bird reminds me to "snap out of it" by opening my eyes and taking a good look around me.  There is beauty in nature to be enjoyed (particularly this time of year), my basic needs are met, and I have people who love me.  Like the jewels that surround the bird in the image above, I have plenty of treasures to be grateful for, and gratitude is one sure-fire way to keep my cup full.