Edgy Energy

From the Middle Way Arcana, Strength; from the Vertical Oracle, Mercy:

Developing patience and fearlessness means learning to sit still with the edginess of the energy.

~Pema Chodron

The purpose of Buddha's teachings was not just to show us how to get to know and change the way we think, but also to choose wisely the way we respond. The pair of dog lions - one male and one female - show the balance needed in Strength. If we are a blazing bonfire and try to speak our truth, no one will be able to hear what we say because they'll only be focused on our shrieking. On the other hand, if we are a tiny ember, our words won't be noticed at all. The balance between the masculine and the feminine suggests an appropriate response, much like a cozy campfire that people can warm themselves around. Mercy shows a woman wrapped in soft flower petals; it encourages us to keep our heart open and tender rather than hardened. But when there has been harm done, this can be a tough task (and might add fuel to our fire). But without mercy, we bring hatred and fear to the campfire, and we will receive the same response in return. Things change when we attempt to listen to and understand the conditions that have shaped the other's viewpoint (we might be surprised to find we don't know the full story).

A Heavy Chalice to Carry

From the Thoth Tarot, the Chariot; from the Vertical Oracle, "Mercy:"

          How do you move through life, completely covered with armor or with your vulnerability as exposed as a flower's petals? According to Crowley, the charioteer's sole function is to bear the holy grail (that's not a small satellite dish he's holding, but the inside of the chalice). The grail was a symbol of spiritual sacrifice and success. The knight's movements must not be based on self-centered desires, but on what will benefit everyone. The center of the grail is attached to his inner Self as a guiding system. But those little beasties pulling the wagon symbolize his will; they composed of his motives, emotions, physical desires and opinions. Now the head-to-toe armor is beginning to make sense: he's trying to make progress without interference from his own ego.
          Now I'm all for victory, but what happens if mistakes are made or I become exhausted or careless? Do I lose all sense of self-respect and self-worth for myself? Researcher Kristin Neff explains, "When our sense of self-worth stems from being a human being intrinsically worthy of respect—rather than being contingent on reaching certain goals—our sense of self-worth is much less easily shaken. By tapping into our inner wellsprings of kindness, acknowledging the shared nature of our imperfect human condition, we can start to feel more secure, accepted, and alive." Self-compassion (Mercy) provides the same benefits as high self-esteem without its drawbacks. Neff suggests such an approach will avoid the traps of narcissism, self-absorption, self-righteous anger, prejudice and discrimination. Perhaps that is the true message of the grail.

Spilling Over

From the Thoth Tarot, the Three of Cups:

Lotus blossoms fill "fruit" cups, and as each fills to the brim, it overflows into the sea below. Abundance is a perfect title Crowley chose to describe this card. It's been freezing cold and rainy here, so I have been in clean-out mode inside the house. All day yesterday and the day before, my daughter and I have been going through mountains of books (many from when she was just a toddler). Between the two of us, we had six large boxes of books to give away. Our local library accepts donations which they sell (very cheaply) to the public, so we dropped them off there. Our abundance will be shared, which will then spill over to others. Today I'll be hunting more boxes, because Goodwill will be my next destination. It feels good to lighten our load, but even better that the things we enjoyed will be recycled so that they can be appreciated by someone else.

From the Vertical Oracle comes the card "Mercy:"

A feminine face peeks out from the soft petals of a white rose. The author describes mercy as "the forgiving power of compassion." I couldn't wrap  my brain around this card at first, until I realized I have been frustrated by others. I've been in an upbeat mood while many of those around me are channeling their inner Eeyore. I'm irritated because I feel they are raining on my parade. Yet I can travel on my merry way and respectfully allow them the same opportunity. After all, they are not responsible for my happiness, as I am not responsible for their joy and contentment.