Healing, Waking and Moving On

From the Jolanda Tarot, the Star; from Bird Signs, Migration:

          I suspect this woman is a representation of Artio, a Swiss bear goddess associated with Spring. An ancient figure uncovered in Switzerland shows her feeding a bear that has emerged from hibernation. The idea of down time (like hibernation) fits with the Star's emphasis on a period of rest in order to heal and rejuvenate hope. The creator of the deck describes this as a stage that renews one's faith. I've been reading a book on this topic by Buddhist teacher, Sharon Salzberg. She suggests there is a difference between belief (an untested assumption) and faith (a practice), which she explains as "a willingness to be open, to explore, to investigate."
          When life has knocked us down (once we've recovered and  dusted ourselves off), we often try to run fast as possible in the opposite direction. There's no plan other than to get far away from where we are. While the Migration card is about movement, it is moving with intention toward a certain place, not merely running away. It may be a physical movement, or it may involve moving away from beliefs that have caused suffering. It fits well with Salzberg's idea of faith in that we leave behind what didn't work while testing and exploring new ground.

Mindful Movements

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Four of Earth (Pentacles); from the Insectorum Divinorum, "Migration:"

          The dimmi for Da Vinci's preparatory sketch of The Last Supper is: "Who is controlling what?" I'm sure this question reflects the knowledge that Judas, the money holder for the disciples, would also become the the group's betrayer. Thinking about my answer, a picture of a dam popped into my mind. Dams control the flow of water to prevent flooding, are used as a reservoir for water needs, and can sometimes generate hydropower. There is control, but not tight control. Some flow must occur so there is no stagnation; an unused water supply would serve no purpose. I find myself asking if I am in control of my finances, time and energy, or if I am letting external forces spend them for me. A dam with no water would be just a waste of concrete. On the other hand, my body, money and moments can stagnate if I don't use them at all.
          The Insectorum card shows butterflies in migration, moving from cold weather to warmer climates to survive. There is a parallel between their movement and the issue of control; both need some common sense or reasoning behind it. As John Michael Greer explains:
  ...balance is not found by going to one extreme or the other or by remaining fixed at a static point; it is created by self-correcting movements to either side of a midpoint.