Biting Winds, Warm Bodies

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Ten of Cups (Penguin); from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Raido/Raidho:

The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food. —Dean Ornish

The emperor penguin breeds in the coldest environment of any bird species; air temperatures may reach −40 °F, and wind speeds may reach 89 mph. After laying her egg, the female's energy reserves are exhausted. She transfers her egg to the male to protect while she goes to sea to feed for several months, returning to help feed the newly hatched chick. During winter, a colony of emperor penguins forms a compact huddle with juveniles in the center. Those on the outside shuffle slowly around, giving each bird a chance to be out of the bitter wind for a time. The penguin's message is that our happiness and fulfillment is helped along when we are not only a part of a partnership, but also a trusted, supportive community. Raidho is a rune suggesting a journey, in this case, to find a group we can lean on as well as be leaned on when the winds of life become biting. 

Embrace the Day

This week I'll be using the Shadowscapes book and deck set published by Llewellyn. The artwork is done by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and the book is written by Barbara Moore. I'll also be drawing from a set of Cedar Runes; The Serpent and the Eagle by Chris Travers will serve as an accompanying text. Today's draws are the Sun and Raidho:

 The bright Sun, that brings back, not light alone, but new life, and hope, and freshness to man...

~Charles Dickens

We've had quite a few gray, rainy days lately, but as soon as blue skies and the sun return, the neighborhood will fill with people taking walks or gardening. Sunshine seems to be magnetic that way, pulling people (as well as animals and plants) upward and outward. It's no wonder the Sun is a symbol of vitality, radiant joy and growth. Our energy and optimism return, motivating us to embrace the day. Raidho ('riding') suggests an internal or external journey. As the Anglo-Saxon rune poem alludes, it's easy to romanticize such a challenge, but actually being on the road can demand energy and tenacity. As John Steinbeck put it, "we do not take a trip; a trip takes us." Keeping our mind clear of glamorous expectations can help us meet any obstacles with skill and humor, while appreciating new sights and insights.

Grounded Ideas

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Cedar Runes, Raidho:

The Ace of Swords is double-edged, implying that ideas and words can be used in arrogance and anger or in truth-telling and justice. This particular one points downward, a suggestion that we ground our ideas and words in factual evidence rather than emotional drama, assumption, opinion or hearsay. Raidho is translated as 'riding,' and suggests traveling down a path in search of something or towards a goal. Yet if the 'map' we're using (our ideas and beliefs) are askew, we'll never arrive at our destination. The construction adage to 'measure twice, cut once' might fit here when it comes to closely examining the thoughts we're using as a compass.

Get Moving

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Chariot; from the Haindl Rune Oracle, Rit/Raidho (Riding):

All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move. ―Benjamin Franklin

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. ―Dale Carnegie

I don’t care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don’t harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you’re never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants. ―Zig Ziglar

It's not only moving that creates new starting points. Sometimes all it takes is a subtle shift in perspective, an opening of the mind, an intentional pause and reset, or a new route to start to see new options and new possibilities. ―Kristin Armstrong

Tailored to Reality

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Two of Pentacles; from the Rune Cards, Raidho/Rad:

          The painting of the 'mad March hares' seems apt for those times when I have so much to do, I battle with myself about what deserves to be prioritized. Yet the Anglo-Saxon poem gives me a clue that might be of help: "Riding seems easy to every warrior while he is indoors and very courageous to him who traverses the high-roads on the back of a stout horse." As this verse implies, sometimes how I envision something in my mind doesn't fit the reality of it very well. This rune (rad/raidho) also suggests ordered movement. Before trying to arrange my tasks and duties, I need to check my assumptions: Is this actually true or has it been shaped by my feelings about it?

Fast-acting Relief

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Two of Autumn (Pentacles); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, 'Rit/Raidho:'

There's danger if I dare to

Stop and here's a reason why:

I'm over-due, I'm in a rabbit stew.

Can't even say good-bye,

Hello, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late. 

~ White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland

          As this poor fairy tries to ride a bike and hold on to his acorns at the same time, I can hear the White Rabbit's refrain in my head. We all have times when we feel like we've over-committed ourselves or when our must-do list begins to look like a thesis. But the snail down below suggests he would accomplish more by simply slowing down and taking a deep breath. If he walked and pulled a wagon full of nuts, he would likely make more progress in the same amount of time. Rit/Raidho literally means wagon or cart; unlike the 'horse' rune, it suggests a journey carrying all one's belongings. Seen through a metaphorical lens, it could be interpreted as the journey of life. Now I know there are times when I must be on the move and busy getting things done, but I sure don't want to feel as frustrated and anxious as that fairy while doing them. Rarely do I excel at anything in that mindset, which is like a bubble that obscures my awareness of what's going on around me. I'll take Lily Tomlin's advice with me on my journey today:

For fast acting relief, try slowing down.

Don't Take It Personally

This week I'll be using the Shadowscapes Tarot, created by Stephanie Pui-mun Law.  The companion book was a collaborative effort between Stephanie and Barbara Moore.  Today's card is the Eight of Cups:

A mermaid swims away from a tumbling swirl of cups while holding one chalice in her hands.  The Eight of Cups involves realizing a situation is dysfunctional or unfulfilling and choosing to move away from it.  The swirls in this image remind me of relationships that at first seem like an innocent little eddy but quickly became a powerful whirlpool that pulls me under.  Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements, offers "Don't take anything personally" as number two in his list of four.  He writes: "Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. All people live in their own dream, in their own mind; they are in a completely different world from the one you live in."  I don't have to choose to stay in their world, I can move on - after all, I have my own to live in.

     The oracle I'll be using this week is a set of cedar Elder Futhark Runes that were carved by Alaska Laser Maid on Etsy.com.  The book I'll be using along with them is The Serpent and the Eagle by Chris Travers.  My draw this morning is "Raido/Raidho:"

        Riding

joy of the horsemen
and speedy journey
and toil of the steed.
(English translation of the Norwegian Rune Poem)

It's quite obvious by reading the poem that this rune implies traveling, but it might refer to physical movement or a lifestyle change.  The "speedy journey" encourages me to get moving down the road, rather than stand around and ponder the mysteries of life.  The last line however is a caution to remember that the world does not revolve around me.  There are others who sacrifice their time and effort for me, and I in turn should repay their kindness.