True Power

From the Tarot of Durer, the Ten of Cups; from the Philosopher's Stone Deck, Power:

Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.

―Lao Tzu

Whether a family or another group, finding contentment and joy with others requires that we use our will carefully. We all know the following kinds of people, and at times we have been them:

• Those who constantly share their unasked-for opinions about everything, which has the effect of breaking down rather than healing or cultivating relationships.
• Those who are experts on everything, and therefore never listen or need to apologize for anything they do.
• Those who constantly give 'advice,' which is actually only words that are critical or belittling.

The psychologist Albert Ellis wrote, "People have motives and thoughts of which they are unaware." If we want happy, healthy relationships, we need to look at what is hidden within ourselves.

Gently Shake

From the Tarot of Durer, the Queen of Wands; from the Philosopher's Stone, Power:

In her cloak and hood, this Queen of Wands doesn't seem to be advertising her sex appeal (though that bare leg is a hint) or dazzling anyone with her charm. Even her lion seems calm. But the crown on the baton suggests she rules with a passion that might not be apparent except to those who know her well. Whatever her talents, she seems to use them in a humble way rather than attract attention. The Power card implies that her unpretentious approach creates more beneficial action than a boisterous or flashy one. Durer's Queen would likely agree with Gandhi: "In a gentle way, you can shake the world."

The Power of Clarity

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Queen of Swords; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Power:

When all is said and done, mindfulness is really about wisdom, about discerning what is really, really, really, true from what is mere appearance, or what you’re attached to because you want it to be true.

—Jon Kabat-Zinn

          This queen looks over her shoulder as if to say, "Really? That's what you're going to use for an explanation?" Like all the queens, the Queen of Swords is a nurturer, she just doesn't do it in a warm and fuzzy sort of way. She wants us to live in the real world, not a fantasy one. Which means we need to be able to see when our thoughts are simply reacting to our wishes, opinions or emotions instead of being based on logic. Power, in this case, refers to self-knowledge. If the mind is where both the roots of suffering and happiness are, why would we not want the ability to see clearly what is in ours?

Connection

From the Golden Tarot, the Empress; from the Yantra Deck, Power:

          The Empress is often seen as the emotional ballast to the Emperor's pepper diet of logic. Yet the feelings that flow from her have a purpose - they are used to relate to others. She connects with others in a way that simple rational thinking cannot. In doing so, she nurtures everything and everyone she comes in contact with, creating through connection. The Power card suggests we are in charge of creating our own reality and asks us to consider when we abdicate or exploit our power. There is power in relationships, at times equally shared and other times misused or given away. Often our roles with certain people have become so ingrained and familiar that we don't question if it is healthy or harmful to them or us. Perhaps it is time to be more aware of that power.

People respond in accordance to how you relate to them.

~Nelson Mandela

Sustaining Strength

From the Ferret Tarot, Strength; from the Nature's Oracle Deck, "Hawk:"

          I had a late night last night; as I sipped my chamomile tea before bedtime, I turned on the TV. I was horrified to see what was unfolding in Paris, and I could viscerally feel the confusion, panic, fear and heartbreak that was being shown. I still remember all too well what the events of 9/11 felt like. A city, state or country is just an extended family of sorts. It hurts when they are hurt, and it is human nature to want to crush those who are the cause. It wasn't a surprise that I drew the Strength card with its posturing, Schwarzenegger-looking ferrets pumping iron this morning. "Yes," I thought, "use your strength to pummel and destroy those responsible for such death and destruction." But wait, those ferrets are doing any punching, only mindfully lifting weights. Like the slow repetitions of weight training, this strength is going to be calculated and deliberate rather than impulsive. Yet what about the power of Hawk, and its tearing, crushing force? I believe Hawk's main asset is the ability to wait and watch from atop a pole or tree. It takes a wide view, then strikes a specific target. There is no random or wanton acts of violence; it kills only for the purpose of sustaining itself. May Paris and all of France find the same strength and power in the days to come.

image by  Jean Jullien

Dharma Dance

From the Tarot of Durer, Justice:

 

There's a (right) way to do things.

Maybe it was noticing the sword of Justice was replaced with an apple (symbolic of what is healthy and beneficial), but the term dharma came to mind.  Until studying Hindu philosophy, I thought dharma (often translated as "duty") was some sort of fun-draining dogma.  Actually it is a natural law that keeps everything in perfect balance.  Everyone plays their part to help with this, and at different times in our life, our responsibilities change to maintain this equilibrium.  Though it gives life order, it has nothing to do with religion, but involves serving oneself and others.  It enhances life for the greater good, moving with the natural flow of the universe.  But the chains on the arms of Justice remind me she can't move beyond what is natural - imbalance will be righted, one way or another.  Today I must become an objective observer.  Am I trying to channel this flow to selfishly meet my own desires while ignoring other duties? 

From the Philosopher's Stone deck this morning comes "Power:"

 

The head of a mallet that was going to be used to crush a block of stone has itself been sliced into pieces.  I get so caught up in wanting to "change the world," yet feel powerless to do so.  Like the mallet, I find myself up against corporations, organizations, and public opinions that crack my resolve with no effort.  But like the huge slice that has plowed through both the stone and the mallet, there are natural laws - a greater power - that will bring things back into balance all on its own.  Like the dog serenely sleeping under the feet of Justice, I should relax in the knowledge that all will be well.