A Bigger Container

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Beaver/King of Cups; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Perth:

The Beaver's message is that what we build with our skills can literally change the landscape around us. In the King of Cups' case, his ability to listen with compassion and offer wise counsel without getting emotionally tangled helps those around him live more peaceably. Just as one angry person can incite a mob, so one calm person can promote composure and clarity in others. Yet Perth is a rune that suggests a dice box from which lots were cast. It is a reminder that although wise choice and skills can help create a better future, there are many external causes and conditions over which we have no control. But isn't that where this King's talents really shine, when the unexpected is faced? What we build and sustain through spiritual practice is what can aid us in staying grounded and calm until the storm passes.

As our faith deepens, the 'container' in which fear arises gets bigger. Like a teaspoonful of salt placed in a pond full of fresh water rather than in a narrow glass, if our measure of fear is arising in an open, vast space of heart, we will not shut down around it. We may still recognize it as fear, we may still quake inside, but it will not break our spirit.

—Sharon Salzberg

Running Toward Wholeness

This week I'll be using the Animal Totem Tarot, created by Eugene Smith with a companion book by Leeza Robertson; the set was published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Blum/Gern Rune Cards created by Ralph Blum and illustrated by Gabrielle Gern with publishing by Connections. These were originally sold as the set The Rune Cards: Sacred Play for Self-discovery, but since I just have the cards, I'll be using Blum's The Book of Runes as a companion text. Today's draws are the Eight of Wands and 'Initiation/Perth:'

You can almost feel the excitement as this horse runs at a flat-out gallop. The red-ribboned wands that speed before him emphasize this movement is passion-driven. The companion book adds that this is how it feels to be full of inspiration and encourages me to "break free from all things that tie you down." As a woman who always seems to have a plateful of responsibilities, this seems easier said than done. But perhaps for just a day... The Rune of Perth represents something hidden; Blum states that it involves "deep inner transformational forces" that are at work to create wholeness. Such inner work can require some time apart from day to day entanglements. The labyrinth in the card suggests there will be a weaving in and out that may at times seem like moving away instead of toward that wholeness, but as long as I keep moving, I'll find that center.

I find I am constantly being encouraged to pluck out some one aspect of myself and present this as the meaningful whole, eclipsing or denying the other parts of self.

― Audre Lorde