Costs Too Much

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Page of Pentacles; from Rory's Story Cubes, Temple Gateway:

Money often costs too much, and power and pleasure are not cheap.

―Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Page of Pentacles has been studying capitalism and has stumbled across a way to earn a lot of money. Studies on state lotteries have shown that people in lower-income groups gamble more frequently and spend a larger proportion of their income than any other group. Though the odds of winning are slim and none, desperate people do desperate things. The Temple Gateway suggests that this Page needs to learn that while money isn't evil, accumulating wealth is not the way to happiness. When it is made off the backs of the poor, using the vulnerable for one's own benefit, it crushes our compassion, increases our selfishness, and turns us into someone we might not recognize down the road.

Knowing What You're Doing

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Page of Coins; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk Oracle, the Egg:

Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing.

—Warren Buffett

This Page's collection of books almost seems to be holding up her desk. When we are inspired to create or start a project, it's always a good idea to have a foundation of knowledge about our subject matter. Does this tree grow well in this zone? Do buildings constructed here need to be able to withstand earthquakes or hurricanes? What exactly does the face of a French bulldog look like?  This student knows studying can mean the difference between success or failure. The Egg protects the embryo inside, allowing it to develop and mature before hatching. Its message is that knowledge can't be acquired in a day, and understanding what we learn takes time.

Research

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Daughter (Page) of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, the Anvil and Hammer:

If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?

–Albert Einstein

The Daughter/Page is curious with a strong streak of practicality. She's learning about effective tools and how to use them, yet she's willing to expand their use in inventive ways. The Anvil and Hammer are tools of the smith, a craft that was surrounded by an air of mystery and respect. Their ability to transform iron into weapons and useful implements was much admired. The Daughter desires to use resources wisely and effectively, transforming her life and those around her. Yet it is a sure bet that she will take Bob Iger's advice: "You can't allow tradition to get in the way of innovation. There's a need to respect the past, but it's a mistake to revere your past."

For those friends who were concerned about Hurricane Helene's impact (which was supposed to gallop right over us): We were very lucky, while others were not. It took a turn eastward, so we got the west wall instead of the eye. While there has been flash flooding, our house isn't under water, and while there is a lot of debris to pick up, our tall trees are still standing. 

Plant It and See If It Grows

This week I'll be using the Tyldwick Tarot, created and self-published by Neil Lovell. I'll also be using the Antiquarian Lenormand, created and self-published by Maree Bento. Today's draws are the Page of Coins and the Whip/Jack of Clubs:

Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.

— Zen kōan

The Page of Coins is often called 'the student,' but he does not enjoy arguing about topics or spending hours discussing philosophy. What he learns, he plants in the earth and observes if it will grow. He tests information to see if it can be used to create, build or do things more skillfully. He is likely the most content of the Pages; he finds joy in the tasks he does rather than putting his hopes in any specific outcomes. Knowledge is a wonder to him, as it allows him to discover the natural laws of world. The Cat-o'-nine-tails is an implement of physical punishment; in the Page's case, it appears as psychological suffering if he succumbs to society's idea of success and happiness. Hopefully he will remember Joshua Metcalf's words instead: " Like thirsty people guzzling salt water, achievement only creates a greater desire for accomplishing more, dehydrating us of true satisfaction and fulfillment." 

Fact Checker

From the Morgan Greer Tarot, the Page of Pentacles; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the Island of Recognition:

There must be no barriers to freedom of inquiry. The scientist... must be free to ask any question, to doubt any assertion, to seek for any evidence, to correct any errors. ―J. Robert Oppenheimer

This Page of Pentacles, often known as the student, doesn't just focus on books. He looks up and outward, checking to see if what he has studied and learned fits with real life. Like the rest of his clan, he is grounded and practical, preferring what is useful and beneficial to what is fanciful. He'd rather not just take someone's word but prefers to test things out himself. The voyagers arrived at the Island of Recognition only to be pelted with nuts by its residents. It seems the islanders thought they resembled an enemy of the past and assumed they were exactly the same people. This card asks us to check our assumptions rather than rolling with our emotional reactions. Unfortunately, as Andy Rooney stated, "People will generally accept facts as truth only if the facts agree with what they already believe."

A Relative Path

 From the Restored Order Tarot, the Page of Pentacles; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Kuf (Qof):

Everything is relative; and only that is absolute.

—Auguste Comte

This Page appears to be fully absorbed in his pentacle; no wonder he is considered such a good student. But even this young fellow knows that although absolute truths and abstract ideas make us feel intelligent, they are a bit useless unless we can see how they relate to the world in concrete ways. This Page will do his own homework, testing out each theory in tangible ways. Kuf represents two opposite concepts, the spiritual world and the physical world. It's shape is like the eye of a needle, and numerically it represents completeness (100). It reminds us to find the holy and sacred (abstract and absolute) sewn into our relationships with the earth and all its beings. 

In order to make the leap to the realization of our absolute nature, we have to walk on our relative feet, on a relative path.

—Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche

This is Stupid

This week I'll be using the Nigel Jackson Tarot, created by Jackson and published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Wolf Pack, created by Robert Petro and published by Windspirit Productions.Today's cards are the Page of Coins and Defeated:

If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all. 

―Michelangelo

The Page of Coins has a little smile on his face as he heads off to begin his new studies. He loves to learn and he's good at it, which can present a problem when he hits a wall that seems impossible to get around. Suddenly the good student finds himself saying things like, "This is stupid!" or "I can't do this!" The Wolf Pack card shows the card of feeling Defeated, when we want to just slink off and forget about it all. Yet there is another option: persistence, patience and coming at it from a different direction. I was going through some emotional turmoil around the time multiplication tables were introduced in elementary school. They just wouldn't stick in my mind, and my grades began to slide. My mother finally told me to make up a tune and sing them every night, and lo and behold, I finally memorized them. I was never a master in in mathematics, but that accomplishment gave me the confidence that I could at least gain a working knowledge as I continued my studies.

In-Body

From Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, the Page of Earth; from the Saltwater Reading Cards, Dolphin:

Have an in-body experience.

―Lynne Forest

This Page is associated with 'Jack-in-the-Green,' a foliage-covered, dancing figure of May Day celebrations who embodied the spirit of spring. Likewise, the Page of Earth is not content to simply observe or read about something; he wants to be a participant, to be physically involved in some way. The Dolphin card represents joy, as dolphins are often seen jumping out of the water. While this behavior is generally related to navigation, visibility, communication, or parasite removal, at times these mammals just jump for the fun of it. Both of these cards suggest an embodiment of delight, which can only happen when we get out of our heads and appreciate the information that comes from our senses. As poet Aaron Boothby put it, "I don't know how to decline wonder."

The Privilege of Wisdom

From the RainShadow Tarot, the Page of Pentacles; from the Liminal Spirits Oracle, Owl:

It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. 

–Oliver Wendell Holmes 

This Page of Pentacles appears to be an air traffic controller for the planets. Perhaps he is creating a memory palace for his studies. An enthusiastic explorer of his universe, he seeks to know something about everything his senses touch. He'll ask hundreds of questions as he investigates, yet his queries are grounded in the natural world rather than abstract thought. He could care less how many angels could fit on the head of a pin. Owl, while often considered a symbol of wisdom, also represents quietness because of their near-silent flight. They have large wings compared to their body mass, which allows them to glide more often. The comb-like serrations on the leading edge of their wing feathers break up the turbulent air that would normally create a swooshing sound. These two cards suggest listening more to learn more and then applying what is learned to allow our experiences to create wisdom.

A Powerful Combination

From the Tarot de St. Croix, the Page of Pentacles; from the Archetype Cards, Avenger:

Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning. ~William Arthur Ward

To the Page of Pentacles, the world is full of mysteries and wonders. Learning about them is his passion, and one reason he is often called the student. His curiosity unlocks many doors that are closed to those who observe with assumptions rather than a mind of openness. The Avenger isn't out to seek revenge, but to seek justice for people or the planet. I am reminded of Greta Thunburg, a young lady who doesn't mind speaking the truth no matter how uncomfortable it makes some people or the negative comments she often receives. Curiosity and a passion for change are a powerful combination.

People are underestimating the force of angry kids. ~Greta Thunburg

Mental Flexibility

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Hija of Earth (Page of Pentacles); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Midwinter:

A young girl makes a fence of linden branches, knowing that their flexibility will make them useful in her endeavor. Learning can open a wider space into our world or narrow it, depending on whether it makes our thinking more limber or rigid. The Buddhist slogan, "Liberate even the antidote," points to our habit of becoming attached to a concept and attempting to apply it to everything. Yet the Midwinter card - with the Hunter who brings chaos before regeneration - implies that laying a set framework won't work in an ever-changing world. We need to pay attention to each moment as a different experience, even if it appears the same. Our relationship to it will be more beneficial if it is as flexible as linden.

Using Our Senses

From the Slavic Legends Tarot, the Page of Coins; from the Urban Crow Oracle, Nature:

This Page is a hands-on learner, using her senses and getting her hands dirty. Rather than seeking all of her knowledge through books, she learns experientially. She was one of those preschool kids who enjoyed not only kneading and shaping Play-doh, she'd loved smelling it (and even giving it a taste). The Nature card is a reminder that we need to step beyond concrete and metal into green spaces. Nature doesn't need us, but we need her. She offers us a place to unwind, yet she also teaches us about resilience and interconnection (all of which this Page is probably well aware of).

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. 

–John Muir

Adding to a Blank Page

This week I'll be using the World Spirit Tarot, published by Llewellyn and created by Jessica Godino and Lauren O'Leary. The oracle deck I'll be pairing with it is the Mystic Glyphs; it was published by Red Wheel and created by Barb Rogers. Today's draws are the Seer (Page) of Pentacles and Place of Emergence:

This Seer/Page is a student of Earth and all its inhabitants. They probably call her a 'seer' because she noticed that a red sky in the morning forewarns of storms and that it's best not to plant tender herbs or vegetables until after the pecan trees bloom. Her ability isn't magic; she simply pays attention with a focus for detail that most folks don't employ. The Place of Emergence glyph symbolizes coming out of a long tunnel and arriving someplace new and full of wonders. No one gets here without first putting in the effort of learning and then putting into practice what has been studied. 

Today is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one!

—Brad Paisley 

Nature's Wisdom

From the Brady Tarot, the Daughter of Roots (Page of Pentacles); from the Wisdom of the Forest, Conceal:

          The curiosity of this bear cub reminds me that as long as we're interested in learning and understanding the world around us, we'll never be bored. While the Daughter/Page of Roots/Pentacles doesn't hesitate to read to expand her world (a secondary source), she much prefers direct access to the subject of her research (a primary source). The experience for her is deeper than just obtaining knowledge. The Conceal card doesn't mean that we hide what we learn, but rather we use the experience as sacred time to renew ourselves and perhaps later as self-reflection. As William Wordsworth encouraged, "Come forth into the light of things, let Nature be your teacher."

          The following is an article I wrote on "Nature's Spiritual Wisdom" that may be of interest to some:

Another Kind of Bravery

This week I'll be using Songs for the Journey Home, a deck and book set created and self-published by Catherine Cook and Dwariko von Sommaruga. I'll also be using the Raven Cards, an oracle created by Gabi Bucker and published by AG Muller. Today's draws are Earth Innocence (Page of Pentacles) and "Let yourself be borne up:"

The Page of Earth is a hands-on kind of gal. She wants to experience how a seed becomes a tree, how eggs hatch into baby birds, and what the owl sees from atop its perch. It's not really a sense of adventure that drives her, but her insatiable curiosity. If she can hang on to her inquisitiveness, she'll be a student of earth her entire life. The Raven's message is to cease our busyness, relax and let others be of help to us. (Psalms 91 is often invoked during times of suffering or hardship.) Yet if we are like this Page, our constant refrain might be "I want to do it." But allowing others to help us can also teach us something - courage and humility. 

Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It's one of the bravest things you can do. 

― Lily Collins

Self-Mugging

This week I'll be using Tarot of the Secret Forest, created by Lucia Mattioli and published by Lo Scarabeo. I'll also be drawing from the Faeries' Oracle created by Brian Froud with text by Jessica Macbeth; it was published by Simon & Schuster. Today's cards are the Knave of Coins and Singer of Courage:

The Knave of Coins is always trying to construct something (or take it apart to see how it works). He pauses, checks to see if he has the right part, then checks again. He's a hands-on methodical learner, but it will eventually make him very good at what he chooses to do. Patience and steadiness are as much a part of him as breathing. But there is more to learn than following the rules and instructions to the letter. The Singer of Courage reminds us that an expansive life goes beyond plodding along and coloring inside the lines in order to maintain our comfort zone. The world is constantly changing, and we need to be brave enough to adapt and learn new things instead of rigidly trying to stay safely cocooned. We'd do well to heed the words of Brendan Behan: "Every man, through fear, mugs his aspirations a dozen times a day."

To Put My Senses in Order

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, the Butterfly:

The Page of Pentacles is often called 'the student,' but he's not really the bookish sort - he's a student of the natural world. He observes, listens and tests what he thinks he's learned against reality. His first line of inquiry is always "What is this and how does it behave?" rather than "How does this affect me and of what use is it?" He'll be the one that writes the books others read. As he matures, he'll likely see the wonders that once caught his eye as resources, but for now at least he just soaks up everything the earth and its inhabitants have to teach him. The Butterfly, in its metamorphosis from caterpillar to winged insect, symbolizes transformation and rebirth. Adulthood can make us all a bit self-focused as we concentrate on survival, but Butterfly suggests that we can still 'find our wings' back to the wonders of the natural world. And what better de-stressor is there?

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.

—John Burroughs

Groundless Transitions

This week I'll be using the Margarete Petersen Tarot, created by Petersen and published by Königs Furt. The oracle I'll be using is the Elemental Dice, an idea developed by my good friend Carole Beasley. Today's card and dice roll are the Daughter of Coins and Tsunami (Darkness + Water):

The Daughter (Page) of Coins is earth of earth, a person who relates to the world in physical and practical ways. Her five senses guide her investigations as she explores and learns, looking to put her knowledge to constructive use. Her balance (seen in her tree pose) is grounded in what she can see, touch, taste, smell and hear; she prefers to ignore anything mystical or numinous. The Tsunami, a huge wave caused by a displacement of water due to a quake or volcanic eruption, can wash away all that is familiar in an instant. It represents those moments when we feel groundless and overwhelmed with worry or panic and lose our balance. During times like these we may find ourselves crying out to something greater than our egos, as we search for a tether of understanding. Our insight doesn't need to be a religious explanation or label, nor does it mean we ignore science; it is just something that makes our hearts feel held and loved.

God arrives in the transitions—

the times between before and after

the shatterings, bendings, breakings

moments of devilment and blasted pose—

The feeling then arises,

a draft in the system

tiny shaft of light in the visual field

which, when noticed and affirmed,

opens out to an aura on the screen of eclectic ineffability—

One’s arms open in quietude and perplexity

There’s nothing to say, do, or think

~Zoketsu Norman Fischer

All Season Page

From the Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, Jack in the Green/Page of Earth; from the Saltwater Cards, Reef:

The Page of the Earth is often thought of as a student who learns by doing and applying what he's learned. But Poppy reminds us that he isn't a one season student, but an all seasons one. He doesn't just have one focus or specialty that he's interested in, but many. The Reef, with its meaning of 'abundance' because of the marine life it supports, seems to underscore this idea. This Page might end up being a Jack (or Jane) of all trades and master or none, or he may soak in a lot of knowledge and practice many skills to find the one where he feels his talents lie. Unless you're in college, there's no need to declare a major. Search for what you love to do, even if it turns out to be a hobby instead of a career.

Learning with Others

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the Page of Pentacles; from the Tapestry Oracle, Congregation:

Is this young Page practicing a yoga posture? Unlike her cousin the Page of Swords who learns from reading and listening, the Page of Pentacles is a doer. If she wants to learn tai chi, she will be out at the park practicing with others until she becomes skilled. The hands-on experience is what she seeks because it is how she learns best. I'm sure she drove her teachers at school nuts wanting to know how each subject could be applied in the real world. But she also knows something that can make learning more fun. As Congregation points out, being with a group of like-minded folks all trying to learn new skills can be rewarding.