Paradox of Time

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the Knight of Buttons (Pentacles); from the Button Oracle, Oasis:

          This young Knight looks pretty happy with his wagon load of produce. But his bounty didn't appear overnight. Like the snail who moves along slowly and the spider who constructs a delicate web, he doesn't rush and pays attention to details. He might not get his wagon to the market before other growers, but the quality of what he cultivates will likely outshine his harried competitors. The Knight of Pentacles lives the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." An oasis is a water source in the desert with green vegetation all around it. It is a sanctuary for those traveling for miles through dry, hot sandy regions. But if we are in such a rush to get one task done only to start a new one, we might not realize that our body and spirit needs rest and relief. We keep trudging along until we crash, physically or emotionally.

It may sound paradoxical, but however tight our schedule, however many things clamor to be done, we don't need to hurry. If we can keep our mind calm and go about our business with undivided attention, we will not only accomplish more but we'll do a better job - and find ourselves more patient, more at peace. ~Eknath Easwaran

Finding Shelter

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Button Oracle, Oasis:

          Since there's no bus, boat or airplane service, this poor fellow is having to walk. The journey is all uphill, and it's raining. He's had to leave behind his fun (music and art) just to make it up that steep incline. I've had days and weeks like this card. I don't dare ask what's on the other side of the hill because I'm afraid I will discover it's a mine field. When life is filled with struggles and challenges, it's easy to give up hope and develop an Eeyore state of mind. Wading in the muck, I forget that things will eventually change (even when there's no obvious sign of it). The Oasis Button represents a sanctuary in the midst of a desert, and so its keywords are refuge and safe haven. The quote with it is from Christopher Forrest McDowell: "Sanctuary, on a personal level, is where we perform the job of taking care of our soul." When I am focused on getting over the hill in front of me, on getting past the difficult situation, I can completely forget to take care of myself. Yet even when there is no outward refuge, I can create one in my mind. When life gets crazy, where do you find shelter?

photo by Alina Kurbiel

Ventures and Rest Spots

This week I'll be using the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, created by Rebecca Jones.  This morning's draw is the Knight of Wands:

A vardo-type wagon heads eastward toward the rising sun.  This knight (who obviously is driving the wagon) reminds me of the old proverb, "A rolling stone gathers no moss."  His desire for adventure and challenge keep him free from too many obligations or cares.  In some respects, his life is simple - how much stuff could a person fit into that house on wheels other than the basics?  His "rolling" status also keeps him from creative stagnation.  The two posts along the road are a nod to the Two of Wands; he has chosen to walk through that "doorway," and eagerly embraced the unknown before him.  This knight reminds me that although the unfamiliar might be a little scary, it can also lead to a lot of fun.

The oracle I'll be using this week is one I've made myself from a collection of metal buttons, surprisingly called the Button Oracle.  Today's button is "Oasis:"

"Sanctuary, on a personal level, is where we perform the job of taking care of our soul."
~ Christopher Forrest McDowell

An oasis is an isolated area of vegetation in a desert, typically surrounding a spring or similar water source. Oases also provide habitat for animals and even humans if the area is big enough.  The location of oases has been of critical importance for trade and transportation routes in desert areas, as they allowed supplies of food and water to be replenished.  The oasis button encourages me to have a refuge or safe haven, a place I can go to rest and refuel not only my body but my spirit as well.  Even the Knight of Wands has to take a break every now and then.