From the Outside, It Looks Fine

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Eight of Cups; from Rory's Story Cubes, "Helmet/Crown:"

This particular Eight of Cups looks rather balanced, unlike the the RWS version that appears to have an open space in the stack. But the two wheels make this grouping of cups feel very insular, as if no one is allowed in or out. The cube below has two clocks on the sides and two arrows on the top; I get the feeling that something will change soon to upset this static situation. When that happens, disharmony will reign, and I imagine a scramble will ensue to rebuild the relationship structure (like an ant hill that gets stepped on).
The cubes represent a warrior role (Helmet) and a monarch role (Crown). Do either of these positions seem very egalitarian for a relationship? Respect, genuine compassion and kindness seem to be missing from this equation. I doubt there will be any lasting stability until they are factored in.

Pin Cushion

From the Neuzeit Tarot, Ten of Swords; from Rory's Story Cubes, "Shield/Wand:"

Surrounded by a crowd of people, a carousel turns displaying decorated swords. But these swords are useless because they are made of paper. Still the people clamor over them because they look good. I am reminded of all the opinions (stated as facts) that the news and social media constantly have on exhibit. What a colossal waste of time that only produces fear and anger instead of practical solutions.
If I don't want to become a human pin cushion for the opinions of the media, I need to protect myself (the Shield cube). Limiting the time I spend watching the news or perusing the internet will help in this endeavor. Yet the Wand cube suggests I also create something. Instead of relying on the paranoia and hate-filled information being spewed all around, I can do my own research (look for facts) and be responsible for forming my own ideas.

Camp for Wayward Women

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Empress; from Rory's Story Cubes, "Treasure chest/Monkey:"

The Empress has an ouroboros draped around her shoulders like a shawl, emphasizing her unending creative role (easily seen as the personification of Mother Nature). Things may change - baby birds grow up to be adult eagles - but she moves with the seasons. Being at my mother's house for the past few days fits perfectly with this card. For several years now, my cousins and I have come from different cities to stay with my mom, leaving behind husbands, children and pets. Which brings me to the cubes chosen for today - the treasure of free time to "monkey around" and have fun. We take long walks, play hours of cards and games, eat when we want, and visit with each other. It's my idea of a near-perfect vacation, all thanks to ma mère.

No Finger Wagging, Please

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Page of Cups; from Rory's Story Cubes, "Finger pointing/Fire:"

The Page of Cups, besides being known for his sensitive side, is also known as an intuitive person. In this image he appears to be scrying in a large cup, which to me is more in the realm of fortune-telling than tapping into intuition. I believe that preconceived notions and ideas can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. What I imagine beforehand will color how I perceive a person or situation. If I expect to have a horrible time with arrogant, opinionated people, that's probably what I'll find. Maybe that explains the cubes chosen for today - fires of passion that produce anger and blame. But the Tibetan dorje at the bottom of the Page card suggests a different approach. In Tibetan Buddhism, the bell (feminine) represents wisdom that leads to enlightenment, while the dorje (masculine) symbolizes compassionate action. In other words, I should make charitable assumptions instead of doing any finger wagging, especially before I have all the facts. But even then, compassion should be my guide.

Shearing Time

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from Rory's Story Cubes, "Sheep/Sun:"

In Wegmuller's image, there is a sun rising from the chalice which might seem strange. Yet when I think of describing joy, I almost always express it as a warm feeling. The two feathers on the moon crescents suggest a gentleness and lightness; the cube the cup sits on indicates a stability not often seen with emotions but with the heart. Here is the chance for a loving relationship that will stand the test of time.
The Sun on the cube reflects the one on the Ace, but the Sheep left me puzzled. However I looked at his fluffy wool coat and thought of shearing, done usually in late spring or early summer when the temperatures are warm. I tend to wear a protective covering in my relationships, often hesitating to show what's beneath my layers. If a relationship is to grow and last, such intimacy is necessary; I must learn to trust.

Back to Basics

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Ace of Pentacles; from Rory's Story Cubes, "Temple Gateway/Arrow:"

The pentacle on this Ace shows the natural cycle of a plant - flowering, producing seed, and blooming again. Plants are very good at naturalizing in the right environment and sustaining themselves, but humans haven't quite caught on. Which is why below the coin stand four races of people looking fed and well, but below them two figures reach for a plate of food in a house-like structure.
The Temple Gate and Arrow cubes suggest there is a way out of this conundrum. It is going to require us as a community, country and global society to think differently. An actor from one of my favorite shows (Orlando Jones of Sleepy Hollow) recently took the ALS ice bucket challenge, but instead of water and ice, he used shell casings. This guy wasn't trying to make an issue of gun control (he's a member of NRA and an active member of Louisiana's police force). Rather he stated that our problems stem from an "us versus them mentality." I agree, yet my ego is still quick to point out who deserves what based on their actions. But if I removed the judgment of my ego, I would readily admit that everyone deserves the basics of food, water, shelter, safety and medicine.

How's Your Luck?

This week I'll be using the Neuzeit Tarot, created by Walter Wegmüller and published by AGMüller. The oracle I'll be using is a combination of Rory's Story Cubes (Original set and Voyages set), created by Rory O'Connor and published by Gamewright. Today's draws are the Page of Pentacles and the cubes "Moon/Magnifying Glass:"

Would this Page's dad be proud of him for being such an entrepreneur? Probably not if he gets busted by the gambling commission for running an illegal game. Yet there are always people looking to make an easy, fast buck. When I go get gas at the curb store, people are constantly lined up waiting for lotto tickets. Yet this Page's jester hat should be a clue that the odds of winning is slim and none. I imagine the only real winner is the Page who is raking in money from the players. The Moon cube suggests that there's not a lot of clarity here, and the Magnifying Glass suggests reading the fine print and taking a closer look at things. In this case, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Restful Patience

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Four of Swords:

The four swords hover over a black square that looks like a box with the lid flaps open.  It reminds me of packing away the holiday decorations.  In the corners of the flaps are the astrological signs of Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio.  In astrology, there are three groups of signs: cardinal, fixed, and mutable associated with enterprise, stability, and adaptation respectively.  Here is a nudge for me to pack away all those niggling worries and nagging doubts that keep me awake at night and on edge during the day.  Normally my brain/ego thinks I must do something about everything.  But really what I need is a sense of solidity and steadiness right now, and allowing my mind to rest will help me find it.   

The roll from the Rory's Story Cubes produced "clock and tree:"

I hate to admit it, but I am consumed by time.  "Has the letter arrived yet?"  "Where is that package from Amazon?"  "How much time do I have left before I need to leave?"  The tree on the other die reminds me of the trees I planted in my yard.  Even the ones that have grown quickly have taken years to get to the size they are now, not days.  My Laceleaf Japanese maple has grown a mere inch in a decade.  The message is clear: be patient and let things unfold naturally.

The Light and Dark Sides of Humans

From the Neuzeit Tarot, Strength:

When I first started using tarot cards, it took some time before I realized the lion in Strength was not something or someone external, but within me.  No matter how much spiritual work I do, anger, fear, envy and other not-so-nice characteristics will always be a part of me because I'm human.  My job is shown by the yin-yang wheel the lion's paw rests on: figure out how to keep the light and dark sides of my personality in balance.  Physically, I can use my breath to slow down the adrenaline rush that makes me want to react.  Mentally, I can look logically at the fallout of what I might do before I do anything.  And emotionally, I can realize that people have light and dark sides just like me, and I can choose to make a charitable assumption about their behavior rather than a negative one.

The roll of Rory's Story Cubes brought "nervous smile and snake:"

I've come to realize that when people feel threatened, emotionally or physically, they tend to do one of two things.  Either they put on a peacock suit and try to impress people ("See why you should like me?") or they slide on their snake suit and try to intimidate people ("I will hurt you if you mess with me.").  The problem with snake suits is that they provoke the same response in others and venom ends up flying all over the place.  It takes a conscious effort on my part to realize not all snakes are poisonous, and if I treat them respectfully, they will more often than not slither off and avoid confrontation.

Cease Fighting

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Ten of Swords:

No bloody bodies here... instead I see a structure that reminds me of a scene from a fairground.  Imagine a government that has imprisoned thousands of people for simply holding certain beliefs (religious or political) or because of their ethnicity and traditions.  Then one day the government experiences a dramatic change in their views, and they release all those folks who have been incarcerated.  This is the story I think of when I see this image; the government is actually the committee in my own head who has kept me bound with rigid opinions and ideas.  The truth may set you free, but so can firing my "mental chairmen" who keep me miserable by trying to plaster the past all over the present.  I'm going to the fair and find some new ideas...

The roll of Rory's Story Cubes produced the "gunman and parachute:"

There are situations and people that make me feel like I'm being held at gunpoint; they have ideas they vehemently believe in, and by golly they expect me to have them too.  It's useless to have a discussion with them because they aren't going to budge.  Their goal is to wear me down until I accept their view.  There is a line in the AA textbook that says, "...we cease fighting anything and anyone..."  Yes, there's my parachute.  You can rant until your face turns purple, but I'm outta here...
 

Ends and Means

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Eight of Wands:

Eights generally speak of setting priorities, getting things in order, and making swift progress.  The peak in the background is a hint that things are about to be completed - there aren't many more steps to take to reach the top.  The two wand figures on the end each wear a magician hat, and the shape above all the wands looks like a lemniscate.  Both of these symbols are a nod to the Magician tarot card that emphasizes not just focus, but using the resources available to manifest one's goal.  The eyes and hands underscore this emphasis, implying that mental concentration must be followed up with action.  In other words, if I want to make swift progress, I better be doing the same.

The roll from Rory's Story Cubes brought the "beaker and world:"

Humanity gets in such a rush to "improve" the world with medicine and technology, we often don't stop to think what we might be harming along the way.  I think of the invention of antibiotics, that are a wonderful gift on one hand, but have been misused on the other.  Overuse has created resistant strains of bacteria, and the unused portions have been flushed so often our water supplies have become contaminated.  These cubes are a warning to look carefully at the fallout of what I might "accomplish," and decide if the end result is worth the ultimate cost.

Sink or Swim

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Two of Swords:

Two swords, one topped with a moon and one with a sun, point toward water below.  The left side of the water is choppy while the right side is smoother with undulations.  Everything about this card emphasizes opposites, with the exception of the yin-yangs (though even these show yin on top on one side and yang on top on the other).  There are times when I feel like my choices are reduced to all or nothing/yes or no, especially when emotions are involved.  Yet if I look closely, I see where the waters merge and head toward a cave with a mandala inside, a symbol of wholeness.  It is hard to sit with intense feelings and patiently wait until I can see a point of compromise that is neither black or white but neutral.

A roll from Rory's Story Cubes turned up "worry and bridge:"

"Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind." ~ Simon and Garfunkel

The "troubled water" theme reiterates the tarot card above.  The bridge is the way over, the middle path that can keep me from choosing one extreme or the other.  But when I'm worried, I can get so caught up in my fear I keep looking at the rapids I must cross instead of a solution that might help me.  Friends are the ones who can gently point out, "Bridge ahead, only 1/2 mile."  There's no need to sink or swim.

Aging and Magic Mushrooms

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Ace of Pentacles:

I'm late blogging today because I've been sitting with my 92 year old mother-in-law, who is having some health issues.  She recently had a fall, but stubbornly refuses to use a cane or walker.  She's developed a respiratory infection that has knocked her for a loop, and thinks I'm nuts for encouraging her to drink water to help it (she prefers coffee and Cheetos).  Her loss of memory is now obvious and not helped by her lack of interest in food.  She gives up small pieces of her independence only grudgingly, though at this stage in the game she realizes she does need help.  The coin in the center of this image shows a cycle of a flower blooming then fading, reminding me of the gift of heath that comes and goes no matter what our age.  I take so much for granted until I am like the crouched pair of humans in the card, reaching for what they don't have and need.  It's bloody cold and windy today, but now that I'm home I'm going for a walk; I'll be grateful for the ability to do it no matter what the weather.

The roll from Rory's Story Cubes produced "mushroom and basement:"

Hmmm.... a magic mushroom and steps descending into darkness.  Makes me think of the effect of a psychedelic drug on the mind, bringing the unconscious into consciousness and seeing with awareness on a different level.  The time spent with my mother-in-law involves much patience and tolerance, and I have to admit sometimes I become a clock watcher when I am with her.  What is it that makes me so uncomfortable?  Boredom may play a part (the same stories and questions over and over), but I feel like there is something hidden under the surface, something she triggers in my unconscious.  Perhaps she reminds me of my own mortality, that one day I too will have to rely on others to do for me what I can't do for myself.  Makes me look at patience in a whole new light...

Share, Learn, Do

This week I'll be using the Neuzeit Tarot created by Walter Wegmuller and published by AG Muller.  Today's draw is the Four of Wands:

The wands are drawn to look like kings, each one a different color (reminding me of racial/ethnic diversity) and each with a suit emblem on it (wand, coin, cup, sword).  The ball of hands and eyes make me think of people I don't know personally - the faceless folks who produce things I use and rely on, whether it is the books I read or the food I eat.  This tarot card speaks of a firm foundation in working toward an objective, and reminds me of John Donne's line, "No man is an island, entire of itself."  Things that last and things of worth require the talents and efforts of many people; I would be wise to gratefully accept their knowledge and help.

The "oracle" I'll be using is a combination of two sets of dice: Rory's Story Cubes and Rory's Story Cubes - Voyages.  These dice were created by Rory O'Connor and produced by Gamewright.  This morning's throw rolled up "glasses and footprint:"

I'm a nature lover, and I always get tickled when I talk to others who claim they love nature too; after listening to them I soon realize what they mean is that they love it on their television sets or in their books.  Heaven forbid they had to be out in it!  Yet I do the same thing with other matters.  I can read every book in the library on Zen until my head is bursting with knowledge, but fail to practice anything I've learned.  As the footprint suggests, none of it is useful until I do something with it.  Then the knowledge shared and knowledge learned can come full circle and make a difference in my life.