Sheath Your Swords

This week I'll be using the Swietlistej Drogi Tarot (Tarot of the Radiant Path),created by Alla Alicja Chrzanowska and published by Studio Astropsychologii. I'll also be drawing from the oracle Mirrors of the Heart, created and self-published by Lily S. May. Today's draws are the Five of Swords and Quiet:

          The Five of Swords is not the card I'd prefer to draw on Christmas day, especially when I'll be spending it with relatives whose views are widely divergent from my own. My first thought was to make sure I don't get into any opinionated debates today. But then I realized this guy was sitting alone, with no one else around. Perhaps the battle is not external but internal. All week I've caught myself thinking over and over how differently my beliefs and values are from my extended family. This is where the battle is already taking place - not in real life but my mind. The more I focus on our differences, the greater the sense of separation and bitterness grows. The kicker is that they haven't actually done anything - I'm the one who is making all this into a big deal. The Quiet card suggests that I get still and pay attention to my thoughts and emotions. If I stop writing a story around them and just focus on the physical sensations and observe the thoughts without attachment, they'll disappear as quickly as the steam that rises from the beaker next to that fellow. Then I can stop adding fuel to my internal fire and enjoy the holiday. A period of meditation is in order before anyone else wakes up; it would be a wise way to safely put those swords back in the closet.

The truth is, I don’t know what this year’s Christmas will be like... But we won’t be steering for anything in particular. It’s a mystery, after all. That’s what we hope to be attentive enough to witness. ~ Bonnie Nadzam

Don't Miss Out on the Fun

From the Swietlistej Drogi, the Three of Cups:

Happiness quite unshared can scarcely be called happiness; it has no taste. 

― Charlotte Brontë

At an art gallery, people gather to celebrate and share in the success a friend. When you reach a goal, meet a challenge or have luck drop into your lap, what do you do? I instantly want the people I care about to share in my happiness. It wouldn't be nearly as exciting or fun if I was the only person who knew about it - like hitting a hole-in-one at the golf course with no witness. But the road runs both ways; I need to be able to be joyful for others without jealousy interfering when they have good news too.

From the Mirrors of the Heart comes "Quiet:"

I get the distinct impression from this card that it has nothing to do with not speaking, and everything to do with quieting my mind. Have you ever been in a conversation with someone only to have your brain take an off-ramp to a list of things you need to do? Or perhaps you hear something and suddenly it gives your muse a creative idea to roll around or your strategist a new game plan to think about. I am encouraged by this card to soak in the joy of the moment and allow my logical, analytical side to take a break. Otherwise, I might miss out on all the fun.

Lumps of Sugar and Sleep

From the Swietlistej Drogi Tarot, the Queen of Wands:

There's no doubt this woman if full of fire - she's surrounded by it.  The ram's horns over her throne suggest she's used to getting her way, but she doesn't have to butt heads to do it.  She's got plenty of charisma and charm; if she wants to get you to do something, you'll feel like you have your own personal cheerleader and life coach wrapped into one.  The web-like throw on the arm of her throne implies that her business is to knit groups of people together for a common goal.  This queen is wired to follow her passion, but you can be sure she'll have a posse of folks with her for support as she rides out on her quest.  She reminds me that if I want to lead a horse to water, lumps of sugar work much better than a whip.

     From the Mirrors of the Heart Oracle comes "Quiet:"

There are times when I am writing or in the middle of a project, and I hit a brick wall.  I can't seem to find a solution or direction anywhere.  I'm a "let's get it done now" type, so giving things a rest are not in my nature.  But if I will take time out, whether through meditation, a walk outdoors, or a good night's sleep, it seems like the answers pop miraculously in my head.  Letting go to let things in...