No Deal

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Four of Disks; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Ring:

You're either growing or dying. Stagnation does not exist in the universe.

―Steve Siebold

The Four of Disks represents earthly power: material success, comfort and security. But with it comes paranoia, which puts so much emphasis on preservation and protection that it becomes stifling. Surely there is a middle way between the extremes of excess and deprivation. The Ring symbolizes commitment and partnership. This literally means a person we are closely involved with who shares in our endeavors. To be locked down, to refuse the give and take of sharing, is to end any hope of a partnership, be it one of business or affection.

A Gift, Not a Grind

From the Norse Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the Viking Lenormand, the Ring:

In good times and bad, it’s wisdom to know that neither lasts forever.

― Vincent H. O'Neil

The commitment symbolized by the Ring is balanced by the affection and tenderness of the Two of Cups. Who would want to stay in a partnership with someone who is unkind and self-centered? My husband and I had 'a day' yesterday, from sucking up the vacuum cleaner cord (and ripping it down to the wires) to chaos at the bank and then the pharmacy. It's not that we don't grumble and get frustrated or that we don't lose our patience and get testy. But we don't yell at each other and we try not to lose our sense of humor in the insanity of it all. Deeply caring for each other helps make our commitment a gift rather than a grind.

Into the Light

From the Tylwick Tarot, the Hermit; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Ring:

The time will come when diligent research over long periods will bring to light things which now lie hidden. ―Seneca

A fountain statuary of Seneca is seen in a garden wall niche. Seneca was an enigma, living a life of riches, politics and ambition while also taking time for philosophy, introspection and self-awareness. As a high-ranking financial clerk, he was exiled by Claudius. Years later, he would be hired as a tutor for Nero, whose paranoia would later demand Seneca's death. The Ring suggests his commitment to his philosophy, no matter if he was the recipient of accolades or condemnation. He knew how easy it was for humans to hide their motives (including himself). As he wrote, "we don’t want to change because we believe we are already excellent." The potential for compassion, wisdom and goodwill is definitely there, but without any type of self-reflection and willingness, we won't be likely to find it.

  

The Service of Reaching Out

From the Gaian Tarot, the Ten of Coins; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, Ring:

It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved. ~Mother Teresa

In the Coins/Pentacles suit, there is an increase of resources to feather one's nest from Ace to Nine. But upon reaching the Ten of Coins, our treasure chest pops open to generously share what we have with others. The Ring card suggests a commitment; paired with the Ten card it implies an ongoing service of benevolence. Of course most of us aren't in the 1% that would allow us to daily pay for the living costs of others. However we all have more to spend than money - we also have our time and energy. There are folks who need emotional support, people who are lonely and in need of company, and those who might need a helping hand doing physical tasks. As John Andrew Holmes wrote, "There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."

Mental Stagnation

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Ten of Swords; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the 'Ring:'

The straight edge razor, blood smear on the wall, and the note left on the desk all point to suicide in this card. Yet this is not a literal suicide, but a mental checkmate. Strategies, knowledge and creative problem solving have been applied with no effect. Self-will has gotten us nowhere. Yet as Zen Master Bon Soeng explains, hitting rock bottom can be a good thing: "What we know blocks the truth. Returning to not knowing opens us up." An 'empty' mind is as vast as the sky and holds endless possibilities and potentials. The Lenormand Ring points to a commitment and partnership. When we surrender our tightly held beliefs, we can open to the ideas of others (especially someone with more experience and wisdom in the area we are struggling in). Input from others keeps our mental streams fresh and prevents stagnation.

A Light in the Darkness

This week I'll be using the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, created and self-published by Ciro Marchetti. I'll pair with it the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, created and self-published by Karin Dalton-Smith. Today's draws are the Tower and 'Ring:'

          We all build foundations on certain beliefs that seem like Truth. The symbols atop this Tower suggest the four elements and what they represent: emotions/relationships, ambition/enthusiasm, health/finances, and ideas/communication. All these things will break down at some time or other, and it often comes as a shock when we realize how much our sense of security depended on them.  The Ring suggests a commitment, but who or what to? If so many things we look to for stability will eventually disappear, perhaps a person or thing is not the answer. Kindness and compassion, for ourselves and others, may keep us from giving up on life when things seem dark and hopeless.

Fools and Their Friends

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Fool; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Ring:

  

          Instead of climbing into the mirror like Alice (Through the Looking Glass), this Fool is about to step into physical reality. The butterflies allude to the transformations that will occur as a result of his experiences, while the artist mannequin (featureless and movable) implies he has the potential to shape his life and become whatever he would like. The greyhound looks impatiently at his companion; he is ready to leap from the mantel and get this journey started. As I start my day, I too have the power to view the day ahead with enthusiasm and wonder or sigh about my aches and what needs to be done. Into what shape will I mold it? The Ring symbolizes commitment, and it immediately made me think of an old friend I'll be meeting for coffee this morning. We haven't seen each other for over a year, even though she is local. She travels extensively for her job and to visit her family; my obligations to family and the five women I sponsor in the program keep me busy too. Yet she takes her friendships seriously and has frequently emailed me about possible dates for a meet-up. Rather than giving up when our schedules don't coincide, she stays in contact. What fool wouldn't be excited about starting the morning off with such a loyal friend?   

Watch Your Step

From the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy, the Hermit; from the Lenormand de Marseilles, the "Ring:"

       Bursten writes that hermits - those who lead a solitary, spiritual life - were quite common in Renaissance Europe. Paintings of St. Anthony the Great (father of monasticism) often showed him holding a bell to ward off temptation, and Bursten suggests the lamp might have evolved from it. Portraits of philosophers frequently had them carrying a light as a symbol of a search for virtue. At this stage in my life, I see the need for spiritual self-inventory. I search for character defects but also virtues, for what I need to change and what I should continue doing. And what is my biggest temptation? Rationalizing or turning a blind eye to dishonorable behavior instead of owning it.
       The Ring can represent an obligation, commitment or an alliance. It makes me think of Christian nuns who wear a simple, silver ring after taking their final vows to the Church. Sometimes obligations and commitments can feel heavy and burdensome, whether spiritual or earthly. But generally there is a reason I made that promise to myself or another. In the case of the Hermit, I know examining my actions and thoughts can prevent me from wandering too far off my path, and it can also be beneficial in producing a more joyful, peaceful life.

Two Commitments

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Ten of Staves:

Good grief, that is one impressive wall of firewood that someone's cut. It reminds me that after a day of sitting on my bum reading and relaxing, I have to take down the tree and decorations. But if I look at the handle and ends of several of the cords of wood, I'll see they are the color red, symbolizing what motivates me. Unfortunately, these pieces seem buried underneath the rest of the stack. Yes I have tasks and responsibilities to take care of, but the Ten of Staves encourages me to take time to do what I'm passionate about as well.

From the Antiquarian Lenormard comes the "Ring:"

The ring is a symbol of a commitment, and if not for an interesting tidbit about myself, I would think it only had to do with taking care of my duties. On my ring finger I wear two bands, the gold one that my husband slipped on my finger when we were married and a silver one I bought for myself. The silver band reminds me that though I have a commitment to my partner, I don't need to give up my interests, ideas or beliefs. Like the two rings that rest side by side, so we share a life together but also give each other room to grow in individual ways. Though I do have obligations to take care of, I must remember to squeeze in some time for myself as well.