Spending Patterns

From the Tarot in Restored Order, the Ace of Pentacles; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Samech:

 

Samech painting by Dani Antman

          There is a reason for the path leading beyond the archway in this Ace. How I choose to spend my resources now (including time) will determine what I find later on down the lane. The letter Samech means 'support;' Ginsburgh gives it the title of 'Endless Cycle.' What kind of cyclic foundation have I built with my habitual behaviors? When I repeat an action, it becomes easier to fall into a pattern that occurs over and over, for better or worse. It can sometimes be a shock to read the words in the photo by my bed at night:

This night your days are diminished by one.

Do not squander your life.

Rescuer or Rescued

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Ten of Staves; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Samech:

          The translation from Dutch for this card suggests this man is stockpiling, but not for selfish reasons. He is making a personal sacrifice for the common good. There are preparations underway (perhaps for a dangerous storm, flood or hurricane), and he is doing his part to help his community. Many people are often moved to help others both before and after disasters; it is a time when people seem to forget racial, economic and cultural barriers and just do the work that needs to be done. The root for the Hebrew letter Samech means support, and the unbroken shape of its form suggests protection. Seidman suggests our challenge is not to get stuck on one side - as always the protected, never the protector or as always the giver, never the receiver. To have a healthy circle of friends, community or country, we need to be willing to sacrifice our ego as well as our resources.