Make Some Space

From the Lilifer Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the Wandering Soul Oracle, Rebirth:

Joy, it seems, mostly comes unbidden. 

~Christina Feldman

This demon takes advantage of a rain storm to fill her cup, giving her the resources to nourish her body, mind and spirit. The lotus flower in Rebirth brings to mind reaching up through the muck and muddy water until the sun is reached. Together these cards imply that we need something to lift and fill our hearts while easing our mind. Buddhist teacher Christina Feldman writes, "Gladness allows us to find rest even in the midst of action. Joy helps us to remember and treasure our capacity for ease and peace." But if joy mostly comes unbidden, how do we fill our cup with it? Feldman explains that this state has its roots in mindfulness, which brings an intimacy with all things. She suggests we also need to make time for 'sacred idleness' - not an escape from reality, but simply being rather than doing. Joy needs space to emerge.

Deconstruction, Reconstruction

From the Middle Way Arcana, the Hierophant; from the Vertical Oracle, Rebirth:

Buddha’s vision is breathtaking: Do not believe anything just because I said it, because a great elder said it, because you read it in a sacred text. Put it into practice – see for yourself what is true.

~Sharon Salzberg

Spiritual leaders have a tough crowd these days; people generally prefer to transcend all their problems and pain rather than deal with any of it. They'd like to 'magic' it all away, and unfortunately there are plenty of ruthless folks who will tell them they can for the right 'donation.' But an ethical teacher will be upfront and emphasize the need for personal inner work and practice. The way to contentment begins within and is a lifelong process, so only reading a book or attending a seminar isn't going to cut it. As Andrew Melen wrote, "Hope alone will not affect change—that requires movement." The Rebirth card implies a period of dormancy followed by transformation. Although it may appear the pupa isn't moving, there are great changes happening within. If we want to alter our lives, we can take the teachings that make sense to us - Buddhist, pagan or otherwise - and begin the work of deconstruction and reconstruction, just like the caterpillar.