Stick Together

This week I'll be using the Jolanda Tarot, created by Hans Arnold and published by AG Muller. The oracle I'll use with it is Bird Signs, created by G.G. Carbone and Mary Ruzicka and published by New World Library. Today's draws are the Empress and "Quail:"

 Instead of a cross-bearing orb (a symbol of world domination), the Empress holds an orb sprouting a leaf. She speaks loudly and clearly: "Grow something for others. Grow something that will feed not only the body, but the spirit too. We've got enough people already who care only about their own interests, whose main concern is what they're going to get out of life. But the joke's on them; you only get joy when you give it away."
The quail is found in groups called coveys, which emphasizes the Empress' other-centered message. The creators of the deck associate this bird with trust, which I think means I don't have to be focused on looking out for "number one." I am part of the whole; what I do for other folks will also benefit me.

Trust Funds

From the Jolanda Tarot, the Nine of Pentacles:

The sun releasing coins like raindrops made me think of the drought conditions we are often threatened with here.  It sounds weird, but air with moisture is lighter than dry air; dry air creates a high-pressure area which deflects storm systems.  Adding to the problem is lack of transpiration when the ground is dry - a process like evaporation where trees and other plants release water into the air (fully grown trees can release hundreds of gallons a day).  Thus no moisture is added to the air, causing an ongoing lack of rain.  I think of this cycle as I look at the Nine of Pentacles; these coins didn't magically appear from nothing - there was effort expended in order for the "rain" to come.  Self-discipline, persistence and hard work is what will allow me to make progress toward my goals.

From the Bird Signs deck comes "Quail:"

Interesting that this bird came up today, as the local plantations have been hosting a quail hunt for bigwigs and celebrities who like to shoot stuff.  In their defense, I will say they are geared toward conservation; they manage the numbers of birds and other game animals to prevent them from disappearing altogether.  Though they hunt the birds, they do so wisely, making sure there will be plenty to hunt again another time.  The creators of the deck tag this bird with the keyword "trust."  While I'm sure they meant another definition of the word, to me I think of something held back and saved, much like the plantations do with the wildlife resources we have here.

Convincing Others

This week I'll be using the Jolanda Tarot created by Hans Arnold.  The draw for today is the Seven of Wands:

A woman holds a torch aloft and grips a club in her other hand as a snarling lion confronts her.  Another lion and a lioness stand behind her, seeming to be friendly.  The Seven of Wands is usually about standing up for yourself, and proving wrong your naysayers.  But it is rare to convince others with only words.  One tactic is to give concrete examples of things you've accomplished in the past - "See these giant stalks of asparagus?  I told you I could be a good farmer!"  And if that's not enough, she wears a wrap made from a leopard's skin, clearly showing she's not afraid to face any challenges that come her way.

     The oracle deck I'll be using this week is Bird Signs, written by G.G. Carbone and illustrated by Mary Ruzicka.  Today's bird is the "Quail - Trust:"

Bobwhite quails spend most of their time in small groups (coveys) on the ground foraging for food.  They sleep in a wagon wheel format, with tails pointing to the center, allowing an easy take-off if a predator approaches.  Being part of any group requires trust of those involved.  But before I can ask anyone else to trust me, I must first have confidence in myself and my ideas.