Heart Expansion

From the New Liminal Tarot, the Page of Cups; from the State By State playing cards, the Seven of Diamonds - Missouri:

The happiness of others is itself my satisfaction; I do not expect another recompense.

~Śāntideva

It is said that first responders run towards danger rather than away from it. The Page of Cups does the same with intense emotions; her response is simply to help those who are suffering. The Seven of Diamonds is illustrated with the Gateway Arch of Missouri. The arch is 630 feet tall, and is a symbol that reflects St. Louis' role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. Expansion of the heart is the Page of Cups' aim. She'd readily agree with Shantideva's words:

All beings, ourselves included, are in exactly the same predicament of wanting to be happy and not wanting to suffer. For this reason we must vigorously train in ways to develop the intention to protect others as much as ourselves, creating happiness and dispelling suffering.

Influences and Imprints

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Moon; from the Key to the Kingdom, the Seven of Diamonds:

The inlet and the sea beyond in this Moon card remind me that our subconscious is not only affected by our personal experiences but also influenced by the culture and the lands of our ancestors. These are embedded within us, imprinted on our spirits, as the Dineh (Navajo) chant indicates:

The mountains, I become part of it.

The herbs, the fir tree

I become part of it.

The morning mists, the clouds, the gathering waters,

I become part of it.

The sun that sweeps across the earth,

I become part of it.

The wilderness, the dew drops, the pollen

I become part of it.

Yet the pipes and the jack-a-dandy verse used for the Seven of Diamonds suggest that not all we carry is beneficial for our world or for us. I imagine a jack-a-dandy as an arrogant fellow concerned only with his appearance, sitting around in a men's club and spending time in intellectual discussions that serve no one but himself. These two cards remind me to take my feelings and opinions out of the intellectual world and compare them to the grit of the real world. I might find some of them are no longer relevant.

New Starts, Lighter Loads

This week I'll be using the Fey Tarot, a book and deck set created by Riccardo Minetti and Mara Aghem. This set was published by Lo Scarabeo. The oracle deck I'll be using is the I Misteri della Sibilla, created by Ettore Maiotti and published by Dal Negro. Today's draws are the Fool and the Seven of Diamonds:

          The Fool represents the blank page or the empty container - there are no opinions or rigid beliefs, so an abundance of possibilities exists. On the other hand, there's little knowledge and experience, which means there's a chance of being gullible and undiscerning. The collection of keys he wears will eventually unlock his mind as he makes his way, some in good ways and some in not-so-good ways. Yet his potential is as wide as the sky, and he is willing to learn even if it brings some hard knocks.
          The Seven of Diamonds is illustrated with a small child and offers the same opportunity as the Fool - the chance for a new beginning with an emphasis on curiosity and simplicity. A child has no expectation of perfection and willingly engages in all sorts of exploratory activities without worrying about messes or mistakes. Sometimes the best new starts involve a lighter load.

The Secret is...

From the Fey Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the I Misteri della Sibilla, the Seven of Diamonds (Baby):

          The loss, pain or betrayal this fey has experienced has become tattooed on his trunk; it is a part of his self-identity. Everyone has met people like this (and probably have been that person at some time or other): the widow/widower whose sole focus is the person they lost, the divorced spouse who can only talk of the affair, the person laid off from a job they've had for years, etc. They have become hooked by their experience, reliving it over and over again. Defining oneself by one situation or circumstance can narrow our world considerably. We become our focus. This is why so many people are careful with their labels and say things like, "I am a cancer survivor" or "I'm a recovering addict." The Seven of Diamonds warns that there is a need for boundaries and discipline. My first thought when I saw the baby with the plate of fruit was, "Those grapes are choking hazard!" Just as babies require guidance, we do as well when we are stuck in negative mental patterns. It helps to have someone to be accountable to - a therapist, spiritual mentor, or honest friend - who can help us find a more positive way of re-framing our experience. As Pema Chodron explains, "Don’t get caught in the content: observe the underlying quality—the clinging, the desire, the attachment."