Let Down Your Load

This week I'll be using the Wheel of Change Tarot, a deck and book set created by Alexandra Genetti and published by Inner Traditions. The second deck I'll be drawing from is the Oracle of the Dreamtime, a compilation of Australian Aboriginal art and Dreamings by Donni Hakanson; this deck and book set was published by Journey Editions. Today's cards are the Queen of Cups and "Rainbow Serpent:"

          Genetti describes this Inuit queen as a woman "certain of her emotional strength and solid in her love." Like the ice, she is supportive; like the water, she nurtures all those she touches. I'm sure that bowl she holds has fed many people, but I do hope she remembers to feed herself as well. It's impossible to sustain others emotionally if you aren't nourishing yourself.
          The Rainbow Serpent is an ancestral deity in Aboriginal culture. It was said to have awakened from the earth, then set about creating lakes, rivers and oceans. Once water was available, the plants, animals and mankind could survive. The Rainbow Serpent's message is to focus on one's source of strength in the midst of change and movement. I would add that as an "emotional mule" who carries both the burdens and joys of her people, the Queen needs to have a conscious connection to her source of strength. People who carry such heavy loads need to be able to rest them occasionally.

Apples and a Serpent

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Four of Disks:

Four apple halves are surrounded by blossoms and honey bees.  Most RWS based cards depict a miser, clutching his hoard of money to his chest.  Although I do believe abundance is portrayed by this card, to me the apples emphasize the wealth of good health.  Even though I have been faithful for months now in my daily exercise and diet, I must not slack off or become complacent.  The pleasure of feeling good far outweighs the rigors of self-discipline.

     From the Oracle of the Dreamtime comes the "Rainbow Serpent:"

This aboriginal story tells how the Rainbow Serpent woke up from her sleep inside the earth and came to its surface.  As she moved along the land, she created rivers, plants and animals.  Before she returned, the Rainbow Serpent created humans and gave the them the role of caretakers of the earth. She warned them not to take more than they need, or she would come back out of hiding and punish them.  For me, this story deals with energy and resources, and my responsibility to be a good steward of them.  Taking more than I need of anything will only hurt rather than help me in the long run.