But There Was Trust

From the Hezicos Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the Way of the Horse, Point of View:

I did not always think he was right, nor did he always think I was right, but we were each the person the other trusted. ― Joan Didion

Whether the relationship is business related, romantic, or between friends, a true partnership needs a foundation of trust. Not half-truths or the kind that conveniently omits some things, but the type that lays everything that might affect the connection on the table. Then comes the side dishes: mutual respect, shared values, communication and the willingness to grow. Last but not least is the ability to support rather than tear down the other when going through challenging times. Point of View asks us if we are seeing a situation from a self-centered point of view (how does this affect me) or a wide perspective (how does this affect us). When we support the other person, do we think of it as transactional (now you owe me)? Selfishness is a hammer for the nails in the coffin of many relationships. 

It had evidently not occurred to her as yet that those who consent to share the bread of adversity may want the whole cake of prosperity for themselves. ― Edith Wharton

Monotonous Movement

From the Hezicos Tarot, the Nine of Wands:

With a little acorn cap as a helmet, this fellow stands guard on a hilltop.  I can almost hear him sigh, but not from exhaustion.  Those mushrooms growing next to him tell me there's not been much foot traffic on that spot for some time.  And though the wands behind him tell of exciting adventures in the past when challenges were faced and met, these days things have been rather routine... and boring.  I am reminded by this card that as I try to achieve a goal or follow a dream, it is often not other people who are my biggest test of strength.  A steady pace (even though I'm making progress) can feel restrictive and monotonous, and suddenly I find I'm looking for something different to entertain myself with.  This card reminds me to be aware of the obstacles I put in my own path that can distract me from my purpose.

From the Way of the Horse comes "Point of View:"

These two horses stand on a grassy summit, looking out on the land below them.  From this hill they have a view of where they have come from, where they are headed, and what they need to be aware of as they continue on.  If I can pause and look back, I do see some progress even though at times I feel like I'm only treading water.  Yet I must also be honest and realize that winning the lottery or having a fairy godmother to grant my wishes is unlikely.  I'm going to have to keep plodding along - it is my effort that will get me to the place I want to go.

Cycles and Satisfaction

The deck I'll be using this week was created by Mary Griffin and is called the Hezicos Tarot.  This morning's draw is the Moon:

A silver full moon shines against the black of the night.  Two gibbous moons adorn its cheeks, and a crescent moon rests on its chin.  This image reminds me of the cycles I am constantly moving through.  As Thanksgiving arrives next week, with Christmas close behind, I'm gearing up to do some cooking, traveling, and wrapping a few presents.  This time of year is hectic and stressful, but like the phases of the moon, I know this busyness won't last forever.  If you look carefully at the bottom left side of the moon's face, there is a faint outline of a key.  What does it represent?  For me, it is about keeping tabs on my fluctuating emotions as I move through the holidays.  They will signal when my body and spirit need my attention and care.

     The oracle deck I'll be using this week is the Way of the Horse, with text written by Linda Kohanov and artwork by Kim McElroy.  Today's card is "Point of View:"

Two horses stand on a hill viewing the area around them.  The gift of this card is discernment, the ability to judge with understanding and insight.  The challenge is in developing the skill to uncover my false assumptions and my true motives.  Positive thinking will do me no good if I don't dig down and uncover the truth.  Aspirations based on external gratification (pleasing others, a need to be the best, material things) will inevitably lead to disappointment.  Yet if my actions are based on what is innately satisfying to me, then the joy that results will be lasting rather than fleeting.