Untitled for Now

From the Norse Tarot, the Three of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, Persistence:

You cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.

 — William Faulkner

As the saying goes, if we want something different in our life, we must do something different. Expanding our horizons, regardless of whether it has to do with our finances, other people, or simply learning something new, requires us to be willing to be uncomfortable and uncertain for a while. Persistence underscores this necessity, encouraging us not to give up because we feel a bit lost or nervous. As Bob Goff wrote, “Embrace the uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.”

Taking a Risk

This week I'll be using the Urban Tarot, a deck and book set created and originally self-published by Robin Scott (now published by U.S. Games). I'll be pairing it with an oracle I created called "Principles to Live By." Today's draws are the Fool and Persistence:

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

―Leo F. Buscaglia

          Why is it so hard to leap beyond the bounds of what I can see? While part of this fear comes from the unknown, the other part doesn't want to risk the collection of elements I identify myself with - from my reputation to relationships to material possessions. Intellectually, I realize this 'self' is just a mental construct of labels and preferences that make me feel safe. The irony is that it changes over time anyway. And as Eckhart Tolle reminds me, "Attachment to things drops away by itself when you no longer seek to find yourself in them." Persistence means to be not easily distracted or discouraged; when I fall (or fail), I get back up again. I look for the place I slipped (not where I landed) and learn from it. I listen attentively to those with wisdom and stay open-minded. The goal may change as a result, but then so will I.

The most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. ―Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

The Art of Persistence

This week I'll be using the Urban Tarot, a deck and book set created and self-published by Robin Scott. I'll be pairing it with an oracle I created (with the help of Alaska Laser Maid) called "Principles to Live By." Today's draws are Art (Temperance in RWS language) and Persistence:

          An archetypal angel meets an urban angel, one mixing water and the other mixing paint. The Thoth Tarot calls this card Art because it was a representation of creative alchemy - mixing two different elements to form a third. This new element was a symbol of harmony derived from two sides that originally opposed each other (in the Thoth deck, fire and water). It often implies taking the middle way between extremes and finding a compromise that combines a little of both sides. Of course real life never flows and blends together quite as easily as paint, which is probably why the tile Persistence has popped up. This principle means not being easily distracted or discouraged from the objective (easy to do when you are the mediator between two opposing sides). In the words of Jim Watkins, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." His mention of a river reminds me of the Taoist concept wu wei, meaning natural action, or action that does not involve struggle or excessive effort. I don't need to over-react or over-plan; I just need to be present. Time and persistence can wear down most anything.

Persistently Protective

From the Urban Tarot, the Queen of Disks; from the Principles to Live By, "Persistence:"

          Scott calls her Queen of Disks "the Matriarch," and here shows a grandmother celebrating the Passover Seder with her family. This woman nurtures in physical, practical ways. She is both generous and resourceful; her love is manifested through form. This Queen's home always feels like a safe, comfortable cocoon where people can lay down their burdens and relax. But don't mistake her for a mousy pushover, as she is fiercely protective of the people and things she loves. The checked boxes on the Principles disc represent Persistence; to be persistent means I am not easily distracted or discouraged. Neither is the Queen of Pentacles. She may not be as outspoken or in the public eye as the Queen Swords or the Queen of Wands, but there will be no doubt where she thinks change is needed. Scott (in the companion book) slyly suggests investigating what the orange means on the Seder plate (a recent addition to some dinners). I was touched to find out about the story, and how it began with Dr. Susannah Heschel. It's symbolism was meant to include those marginalized from Jewish life - originally the gay community, but eventually all others who feel the sting of ostracism and prejudice. As the writer of the article states, "There are many beautiful colors in our community, and the orange reminds us to keep our hearts and hands open." I think this Queen would heartily agree.