I'm Ready

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Four of Air (Swords); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Robin:

O sleep, O gentle sleep,

Nature's soft nurse, how have I frightened thee,

That thou no more will weigh my eyelids down,

And steep my senses in forgetfulness?

― William Shakespeare

I'm beginning to feel the desperation of the king in Shakespeare's play. I fall asleep quickly but wake soon thereafter; two to three hours of sleep is not enough, especially when it continues for over a month. I exercise six days a week, meditate every day, avoid caffeine and blue screens in the evening, and stay away from junk food. I have no major stress or worries, and even when I lie awake at night, my thoughts aren't anxious. I've tried every sleepy-time herbal tea and several supplements, as well as melatonin, deep breathing and hypnotherapy. Rather than the usual 'fresh start' key phrase, Barlow suggests the Robin represents crossing a threshold. If that threshold is a good night's sleep, I'm ready.

No Standing Still

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Eight of Fire (Wands); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Robin:

Be not afraid of growing too slowly. Be afraid only of standing still. ~Benjamin Franklin

          Life doesn't stand still, especially in a chef's kitchen. There's lots of chopping, sauteing, simmering, baking, broiling and stirring, but no resting. An eye is kept on everything as each dish goes from start to finish. Spicy ginger adds some heat, yet it also can settle the stomach. It seems to be a reminder that there's no need to let the excitement overwhelm us - it will settle down soon. The robin represents thresholds and new growth. We generally have flocks numbering in the hundreds arrive here in South Georgia in February, right before our Spring. No time of the year seems quite as busy, especially in the natural world. As Leo Tolstoy wrote, "Spring is the time of plans and projects." Spring fever can get us off the starting block before the stifling heat and humidity of summer arrive to derail us. Time to get moving!