A Sense of Wholeness

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Cat People, created by Karen Kuykendall and published by U.S. Games. I'll also be drawing from the Insectorum Divinorum, created and self-published by Esmeralda Rupp-Spangle. This morning's cards are the Sun and Scarab:

When you come together with your other half, you immediately experience a sense of wholeness and completeness. —Andrew Cohen

Remember the children's song, the Hokey Pokey? You start out putting just one body part in at a time, but eventually you "put your whole self in." Our society often tries to force us to show only parts of ourselves - restricting the way we act, speak or think - so that we fit their definition of 'appropriate.' But that's like asking a bird to fly with one wing. The Sun tells us to put our whole self in, which gives us the energy we need to throw ourselves fully into life, allowing us to experience joy and deal with any challenges. The Scarab implies self-motivation and tireless effort in order to get important work done. It takes effort to erase those tapes in our head from our culture and upbringing. The whole you is worth it.

Get Rolling

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Two of Wands; from the Insectorum Divinorum, the Scarab:

The gateway made by the rods this man holds and the priceless expression on the feline's face make me chuckle. Present a cat with a closed door and she will meow or scratch on it until its opened. But once opened, the cat will likely just sit there as if to say, "I just wanted the option." I think it must be the same with humans too. The Scarab is a type of dung beetle that collects dung into balls, then rolls them to an underground chamber to eat (or if its female, to leave for newly hatched larva to enjoy). The Egyptians connected its behavior to the early morning manifestation of the sun god Ra. Its message is that the sun will eventually set on our opportunity; if we do want to take advantage of it, we need to get rolling.

When the Teacher is Ready...

From the Da Vinci Enigma, the Three of Earth (Pentacles); from the Insectorum Divinorum, Scarab:

Dimmi: What viewpoint is guiding or confusing the issue?

          Da Vinci wrote, "Perspective is the bridle and rudder of painting..." Indeed, drawing or painting a three dimensional subject in two dimensional form requires a knowledge of how to give the illusion of depth. The traditional meaning of mastery mixes well with the suggestion of a need for perspective. When we become good at what we do - no longer struggling with basic knowledge or skills - it may seem that others have nothing else to teach us. Scarab beetles are known for gathering dung then rolling it into balls for food for themselves or their larvae. The companion booklet describes them as symbols of tireless effort. Because life never stops changing, it is beneficial to continue learning, widening our knowledge and skills so that we can adapt and evolve.

It is what we know already that often prevents us from learning. 

~Claude Bernard