The True Essence

From the Wild Unknown, the World; from the Pictish Oracle, Rectangular Figure:

Form is none other than emptiness. Emptiness is none other than form.

—Heart Sutra

We begin life awash in wonder; later, we focus on finding certainty and solidity, through both concepts and material possessions. The Sutra tells us that form - anything tangible or perceptible (objects, thoughts) - is "empty." Rather than a void, emptiness points out that all things are impermanent and interdependent. Emptiness is the canvas that allows form to happen. To recognize wholeness in our diverse and ever-changing world, rather trying to separate and petrify, allows us to develop compassionate understanding. Several of the Rectangular Figures have been found on stones that show monks carrying books in satchels that look very similar. We all carry concepts and ideas that help us to make sense of life. Hopefully, we don't latch our "satchels' too tightly, allowing room for new perspectives and new information. As Tara Brach said, "Belief without inquiry is like mistaking a map for the territory - guiding us but never capturing the true essence of what is."

Real Sustenance

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Son (Knight) of Cups; from the Pictish Oracle, the Rectangular Figure:

          This swan still has a bit of fluff on him, which signifies that he is still a juvenile. Likewise, the Knight of Cups tends to be immature as well, at least in the realm of emotions. He is a romantic who is likely to be found strumming a guitar and singing  "All You Need is Love" under the trees in the park (the guy that the old codgers yell "get a job" at as they pass by). He truly believes that expressing love through song, poetry and the arts is what will heal the world. Unfortunately, the movement and response typical of this Knight is more often mood swing than anything else. In his chapter on Loving-kindness, Alan Morinis states: "It is too easy to think good thoughts and say the right things but then just continue to be stuck in the same old ways. We’re too easy to deceive, especially self-deceive. Action is required." Such action he defines as offering real sustenance to one another.
          The rectangular figure from the Pictish Oracle was thought to symbolize a wooden box (such as a coffer) or a satchel. Either way, it was likely some sort of container for objects considered valuable. It makes me think of a treasure or something held sacred, and I easily see a connection between it and the Knight's cup of color. Morinis clarifies that the sustaining actions of loving-kindness "need to come out of kindness and no other motive." So perhaps that Knight was on the right track after all.

Sanctity of the Sacred

This week I'll be using the Greenwood Tarot, created by Chesca Potter and Mark Ryan and published by Thorsons. Today's card is the Ancestor (Hierophant):

According to Potter's notes, this card is associated with Imbolc, the ancient festival that marked the beginning of spring. Here a shaman (in shape-shifted reindeer form) beats her drum, honoring the earth while encouraging it to wake from its winter sleep. Like the tracks in the snow, there are times when I need the help of a pathfinder to find my way. Such a person guides me in following "my star," here represented by the North Star. I met with a woman yesterday from whom I received an unexpected gift, a gift that made me remember just how long it's been since I did any journeying. It was a spiritual nudge for me to act in order to wake something inside me. Like the two birch trees in the image above, no one can pass through this gate for me - I must do the work myself.

The oracle I'll be using this week, the Pictish Oracle, was something I created based on my research of the ancient (Class I) Pictish stones of Scotland. Alaska Laser Maid, with her amazing talents, helped turn my ideas and drawings into a reality. Her Etsy shop now carries this set. This morning's draw produced the tile known as the "Rectangular Figure:"

Found ten times on Class I stones, these decorated figures may represent a wooden box, coffer, or satchel. Several Class II stones (when Christianity became an influence) show monks carrying similar type bags. For me, it is a symbol of safekeeping, a container in which to put something I hold dear or sacred. In combining this tile with the card above, I am cautioned to avoid "telling all" when it comes to my spiritual path or the inner insights I receive. Some things are meant to be personal and cherished. The wisdom I receive is not intended to evangelize or puff up my ego, but to transform myself.