Sifting Information

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Sacrifice:

Indecision may come from an instinctive hunch that there's more you need to know - which means it's time to learn everything you can about the pros and cons of each option. You can continue on this track, however, only as long as you're unearthing genuinely new information. ―Martha Beck

The hands crossed on this woman's chest are a symbol of many meanings: a barrier (we many need quiet and solitude), a self-soothing tactic (we may need to let our emotions settle), deep thinking (we look beyond the surface), and humility (recognizing we are an imperfect human). All of these are important stations to pass through when we must make a difficult decision. Sacrifice brings to mind a humorous church sign: "You can't have your Kate and Edith too." As much as we might want to keep everyone happy or not limit our possibilities, choices generally require moving forward and leaving something behind. As hard as it may be at times, it's the way we grow (even if we make a mistake).

Relinquishing, De-cluttering

From the Tarot of the Crone, Sacrifice (Hanged Man):

I am the soul who suffers.

Someday, someday

It will be enough.

We humans are funny little beings; we hold on tightly to possessions, people, opinions, and beliefs, thinking they will give us security, happiness, or self-worth.  Yet what we often don't realize is that what we grasp so desperately is what is causing our suffering.  The tears of the crone fall into the water below, representing the sacrifice she is making, what she is releasing.  But the reflection in water shows a smile, indicating her willingness to surrender is where she will find her freedom.  And so today I must ask myself, to what do I remain attached that I need to relinquish?

From the Transforming Dragons deck comes the dragon "Wandom:"

Trap: Complacency and Inertia

Treasure: Willingness to Change

There is a saying I find some wisdom in that says, "If you keep doing the same thing, you'll keep getting the same results."  Lately my spiritual path feels more like a stagnant pool.  In this new year, I find myself in a place where I need to de-clutter my spiritual beliefs and practices.  I've been like a magnet for the past few years that has been dragging along the ground picking up little shards of iron.  Now the shards aren't useless or without worth, but I have gotten such a collection of them I have lost my focus.  I don't want to create an iron box of beliefs and practices, but I do need to have a direction and a point in my heart from which what I do radiates.  In this winter paring down, there will be losses but there will also be freedom...