Balanced Harmony

This week I'll be using the Middle Way Arcana, a major arcana deck based on the ideas of Buddhism. This deck was one I created for personal use with scissors and a glue stick. I'll also be drawing from the Vertical Oracle, created by Antero Alli with Sylvie Pickering and published by Vertical Pool. Today's cards are the Emperor and Ritual:

Understand that just as a bird needs two wings to fly, you must develop wisdom and compassion simultaneously. Wisdom is a correct understanding of reality and compassion is the desire for all beings to be liberated from the causes of suffering.

―Mattieu Ricard

The Emperor holds his hands in the Anjali ("offering") mudra, a symbol of respect as well as unity. He understands that the discernment of wisdom needs to be paired with the kindness of compassion in order to have a balanced peace. His "laws" - the precepts - are meant to guide us toward this balanced harmony: nurture all beings, be generous, speak from the heart, treat others with dignity, and cultivate a clear mind. Ritual is not meant to be a monotonous practice, but a way to slow our mind and body down so that we remember what is sacred and important. It helps us clarify our intentions and provides a check to see if we're traveling the Way or have taken an exit ramp. The Anjali mudra is also a ritualized gesture; it reminds us that within our palms is a seed that will be planted by our actions and words. What fruit will it produce?

Unattached

From the Middle Way Arcana, the Chariot; from the Vertical Oracle, Ritual:

The Great Way is not difficult for those who are unattached to their preferences.

~Seng-ts’an

Any progress can be stymied by what the Buddhists call the Three Poisons. Craving (rooster) is the obsessive desire for something we are sure will bring us happiness. Hatred (snake) is rage aimed as something we think is preventing our happiness. Delusion (pig) is refusing to see reality clearly because we prefer our own version. Skillful choices and actions require that we recognize when we're under the influence of these poisons and turn from them. Ritual is a set of specific actions that remind us of what is important and essential. These practices keep our mind focused on our purpose rather than being distracted by things that have nothing to do with the direction we're headed. 

Transformational Touchstones

From the Thoth Tarot, the Aeon (Judgment):

Instead of the young becoming old, the ruler Horus has been transformed into the child Horus again. The term "aeon" refers to a new age, a time when I acknowledge the old self (warts and all) and shed it for a new self. It is both an awakening and a turning point, but unlike fate over which I have no control, this involves a decision and change instigated by me. I am reminded of my grandsons who always want a "do-over" when we are playing - begging for another turn for a chance to do better. Yet every morning or every moment I can choose a "do-over" when I wake up and see that a change in attitude, belief and behavior would be beneficial and healing.

The card from the Vertical Oracle this morning is "Ritual:"

A ritual marks a rite of passage or can clarify one's intention. I would imagine most people have them even if they don't label them as such. It can also remind me of a spiritual change I am attempting to make in my life, and becomes a "touchstone" to act as a post-it note. I wish I could say that I didn't need any physical reminder of the transformation I am working on, but I do.