Portion Size

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. Today's cards are Justice (Crane) and Perth/Perthro:

Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not.

―Oscar Wilde

The crane exhibits a posture known as an arch display: wings held high and back arched, beak pointed toward the sky, and the red patch expanded and displayed prominently. He felt his territory was threatened and reacted. It would be nice if Justice truly meant that everything was perfectly balanced, 'fair and square.' But there are too many perspectives and sides with numerous players in every situation for such exactness. Yet we all seem to feel entitled to demand what we think our 'share' should be. The rune Perth/Perthro suggests outcomes that we can't foresee. However, if we are patient and attentive, what has been hidden will come to light. Perhaps if we sincerely listen to other viewpoints and attempt to stand where they do, we might see that our portion doesn't need to be nearly as big as we thought. 

Foundation for Dialogue

This week I'll be using the Victorian Fairy Tarot, created by Lunaea Weatherstone with Gary A. Lippincott and published by Llewellyn. Paired with it will be the Haindl Rune Oracle, created by Hermann Haindl and published by U.S. Games. Today's cards are the Ace of Winter (Swords) and Peorth:

          When the trees are bare and snow covers the ground, the landscape and sky are more open. Similarly, the Ace of Winter (Swords) suggests a time for clarity that allows what is important to come to the foreground. Without the distractions of busyness, we are able to pay attention; without giving our preferences and prejudices free run of our mind, we see reality in its bare form. Clear seeing can keep us from tripping over our own feet or sticking our foot in our mouth. The Anglo-Saxon rune poem reads:

Peorth is a source of recreation and amusement to the great,

where warriors sit blithely together in the banqueting-hall.

The rune itself suggests a home or meeting place with the doors open, welcoming all. As the holiday season approaches and we find ourselves with friends and family (or sometimes even new acquaintances), it is important to take the suggestion of the Ace of Winter to heart.

Honesty and openness is always the foundation of insightful dialogue.

― bell hooks

[and I'd add a dollop of respect too.]

Dwell on What's Here Now

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Queen of Pentacles; from the Cedar Runes, Perthro:

          This Queen is a generous nurturer in the most practical of ways.The booklet states that she draws strength from the oak tree that is a part of her. Her care of home and hearth as well as what she extends to others is firmly grounded, both in the present moment and in what is tangible. She is concerned with what is happening now, and doesn't make anxious assumptions about the future. Even if she doesn't have much, she is resourceful and uses wisely what she has. The rune drawn today - Perthro - has limited evidence for its origin and meaning. The most plausible theory is 'lot box,' a sort of game of luck. Travers (author of The Serpent and the Eagle) suggests it can represent a surprising change of luck or a significant, unexpected event. Right before bedtime last night, we had a fire caused by some sort of electrical surge that burned through the bottom of a surge protector and caught the carpet on fire. Luckily I was able to put it out before it caused too much damage. However, we had a late night dealing with the fire department and folks from Water, Gas and Light. I'm going to get out my bucket and sponge and start swabbing the soot off walls and furniture soon. I'll take the Queen's advice and not dwell on what could have been; I'll just be grateful for what is still standing.