Controlled Intensity

This week I'll be using the Tabula Mundi Tarot (Nox et Lux edition) with its companion book Book M: Liber Mundi; both were self-published by M.M. Meleen. I'll pair with it the Universe Cards, a set created by Kay Stopforth and published by Thorsons. Today's draws are the Seven of Wands and Neutron Star:

          In the history of Chinese culture, the dragon represented the emperor and the tiger stood for those who did not want to be held hostage by his rule. The pair symbolize a struggle to re-balance power rather than let only one hold the reins. No matter what we try to do, if it is out of bounds from what is considered normal or average, there will be push-back. The keyword for this card is 'valor' and Meleen offers the advice to "take courage amidst opposition." The Neutron Star is created when a giant star (much bigger than our Sun) explodes. The core collapses to form a small but extremely dense center made up of neutrons. One handful of its matter would weigh as much as a fleet of ships. It's no wonder Stopworth has assigned this star the keyword 'intensity.' Intensity is useful, but must be carefully balanced. As an example, consider the difference between a specified, military missile strike and carpet bombing. When trying to hold my ground and do things the way I intend, I need to make sure I don't set fire to everything - the project, my relationships and the trust of my backers.

The Asshole in My Head

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Four of Cups; from the Universe Cards, "Neutron Star:"

          Wow, look at the size of those canning jars. That woman could pickle herself in one, and with that expression on her face, she looks like she might be a dill. Though richly dressed and adorned with many jewels, she seems depressed, apathetic and unhappy. She's the perfect image for what the Buddha described as dukkha, or dissatisfaction with life. This card fits in well with the Neutron Star, which Stopforth assigns the keyword "intensity." This was a huge star that exploded, causing its core to collapse and become extremely dense. One handful would weigh as much as a fleet of ships. Isn't that how some emotions make us feel, as if we carry such weight on our shoulders? I was listening this morning to an interview with Dan Harris, an ABC news anchor and author, who I'm sure could relate to this woman. After spending time in the war-torn Middle East, he came home bearing emotional trauma. A panic attack in the middle of a national broadcast motivated him to seek help, and he eventually found his way to mindfulness and meditation. In his book, he speaks about "the asshole in my head." This is the voice of the ego that tells us the sky is falling and - because we're such screw-ups - we don't stand a chance of getting out of this mess. Through meditation, Harris began to realize the voice was only a phantom, not reality. Mindfulness helped him catch its whisper before succumbing to it. I too can choose to heed its dire forecast or change to another channel.