Equilibrium

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Master, created by Giovanni Vacchetta and published by Lo Scarabeo. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Paracelsus Oracle, published by Lo Scarabeo with instructions written by Gina di Roberto. The cards drawn for today are the Eight of Cups and Rubeus:

Rather than the RWS version of a man leaving under the cover of darkness, the Tarot of the Master shows eight chalices in a delicate balance. Given the keyword 'equilibrium,' it emphasizes how important a sense of evenness underlies all of our important relationships. It doesn't mean each person has to conform to the same mold; instead it points to a need for a democratic use of authority and influence. Rubeus ('red') suggests a passion that can be used constructively or destructively. A "my way or the highway" attitude" will quickly dismantle the delicate balance of those cups. Yet a passionate commitment to work through difficulties and a view of one's partner as vital part of one's life can be the concrete that holds a relationship together. 

I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone, its not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel all alone. —Robin Williams

Celebrating Differences?

From the Tarot of the Master, the Three of Cups; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Rubeus:

          Looks like it is time to celebrate! Did you know that International Women's Day was this past week (March 8th)? The UN sponsored day describes this movement: "Women of the world want and deserve an equal future free from stigma, stereotypes and violence; a future that’s sustainable, peaceful, with equal rights and opportunities for all. To get us there, the world needs women at every table where decisions are being made." Sounds good, but I'm already thinking of Marjorie Taylor Greene and others of her ilk that I wouldn't want sitting at my table, which brings the Rubeus ('red' - passion) into play. Yet I also am reminded of the words of Audre Lourde: "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." I don't think I'm quite ready to party with Greene, but I suppose she does have a right to her opinion. And sometimes those with extreme opinions can serve as warnings to the rest of us not to sink our own ships.

Willing and Doing

From Tarot of the Master, the Five of Wands; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Rubeus:

          This Five of Wands seems like the ceremonial end to a competition, with one winner and four other runners-up. Rubeus (literally 'red') refers to a passionate fierceness, a necessary ingredient for stepping out from the crowd. But this particular Rubeus warns that there is a difference between idealism and practicality, between fantasy and reality. Getting in the winner's circle requires a continuous effort, adaptability and a concrete expression of one's talents. Go for the gold, but don't expect a smooth and easy ride to get there.

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.  Willing is not enough; we must do.
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Peep Priorities

From the Tarot of the Master, the Ten of Cups; from the Geomancy Cards, "Rubeus:"

          The keyword for this Cups card is an odd one compared to the RWS - order. Such a word feels like there is a hierarchy of relationship or peep priorities. My guess is the big cup symbolizes my immediate family, while the other shelves represent other relationships: my intimate circle of friends,  extended family along with other friends, and acquaintances. What makes their order shift from one shelf to another? Rubeus (red) suggests a fiery passion; I tend to be closer to folks who are excited and enthusiastic about common interests, hobbies and goals. Odds are if we don't have any commonalities (anything to talk about other than the weather), that relationship will sit on a dusty shelf. Yet Rubeus is connected to the planet Mars, and so it brings a warning with it. Relationships can be very fragile things. I need to be careful I don't break any because we don't see eye to eye on a certain topic. Rubeus would encourage me to use its energy for the courage to explore and learn from such relationships instead of dismissing them outright.

Struggling Against Reality

From the Tarot of the Master, the Hanged Man:

With hands and feet tied, this young man watches as life flows past him. He is powerless over the people and situations in his life, unable to affect or change them in any way. Will he rage and struggle until he is exhausted, or will he realize he must surrender to reality? I am hoping his open mouth signals an epiphany or a change in perspective. Psychiatrist Dr. Harry M. Tiebout explains what it means when the ego humbly waves the white flag:
One fact must be kept in mind, namely the need to distinguish between submission and surrender. In submission, an individual accepts reality consciously but not unconsciously. He accepts as a practical fact that he cannot at that moment conquer reality, but lurking in his unconscious is the feeling, 'There'll come a day' -- which implies no real acceptance and demonstrates conclusively that the struggle is still going on. With submission, which at best is a superficial yielding, tension continues. When, on the other hand, the ability to accept reality functions on the unconscious level, there is no residual battle, and relaxation ensues with freedom from strain and conflict. In fact, it is perfectly possible to ascertain to what extent the acceptance of reality is on the unconscious level by the degree of relaxation which develops. The greater the relaxation, the greater is the inner acceptance of reality.

The geomantic figure produced this morning is "Rubeus:"

Uh oh... doesn't look like much relaxation going on here. Rubeus means "red" and indicates a fierce passion. It's no surprise that the planet Mars rules this figure, yet its energy can be channeled in two ways: aggression and competition or courage and strength. Looks like it is time to cease fighting and struggling, and allow what change occurs to be inside of me.

Strong Hearts

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Father (King) of Cups:

The black swan is a native of Australia, a nomadic bird whose migratory patterns are dependent on climate conditions.  If high rainfall occurs in an area, they are likely to migrate there, while they avoid areas being affected by drought conditions.  If these swans are nesting in an area where rain was plentiful but dry conditions return, they will abandon their nests.  It seems cruel to leave their eggs, but the chicks would not live if they hatched without available food resources.  The King/Father of Cups is a man familiar with finding himself in the middle of emotional situations; his composure helps him guide others without being sucked under.  He teaches me that sometimes my heart must be strong in order to be compassionate.

The roll of the geomany sticks produced "Rubeus:"

Rubeus means "red," and not surprisingly, it is connected to the planet and mythological being of Mars.  This figure indicates a passionate fierceness on a primal level.  Yet this power can be channeled either in destructive or constructive ways.  With the King of Cups above, it encourages me to use this passion for courage, strength, and resolve.