Winnowing Basket

This week I'll be working with the Sasuraibito Tarot, self-published by Stasia Burrington. I'll also be using Soul Cards 1 & 2, created by Deborah Koff-Chapin and published through her company, Center for Touch Drawing. The Soul Cards have no titles, so the ones given here are my own. Today's draws are the Seven of Wands and Collaboration:

Make sure everybody in your boat is rowing and not drilling holes when you’re not looking.

—Steve Maraboli

There comes a time when we need to take a close look at those around us and decide who helps us grow and develop and who is dangerous to our aspirations as well as our mental health. We've all had contact with people who criticize simply to belittle, those who profess kindness but enjoy causing pain, or those who manipulate and sow seeds of discord. Even if we have a long history with them, it's okay to distance ourselves (which will likely keep us from a resentment in the future). The star of Collaboration makes me think of the quote by Mariam Kaba: "Why be a star when you can be a constellation?" We don't need to go solo - there are still people who understand that working together can produce fresh ideas and create amazing things. 

Breaking the Resistance

This week I'll be using the Somnia Tarot and its companion book, created and self-published by Nicholas Bruno. I'll also be using the Spirits of Nature Oracle, created by Steven Farmer and published by Hay House. Today's draws are the Seven of Wands and Desert:

To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. 

—Sun Tzu

It's interesting that the fellow on top of the hill has no sword or cannon, only a shield - his primary interest is defending his stance, not attacking others. The geometric compass on his shield implies wisdom, self-control, and the ability to circumscribe desires within moral boundaries. Standing up for ourselves has nothing to do with dishing dirt on others. If we take that approach, what is important gets lost in the chaos. A Desert is defined as a geographical area that gets 10 inches or less of rain (meaning even the Arctic and Antarctica qualify). Desert suggests that we are in dire need of something (water or warmth). But in the case of self-defense, it can hurt our goal if we get caught by the need to people please, to want others to like us and make us feel worthy, rather than accept our stance. 

Go High and Soften

This week I'll be using the Spacious Tarot, a self-published deck that was a collaboration between Annie Ruygt and Carrie Mallon. I'll also be using the Phenomena Oracle, a deck self-published by Jessica Bott. Today's draws are the Seven of Wands and the Fog:

When they go low, we go high.

—Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama first spoke these words at the Democratic National Convention in response to the hateful rhetoric aimed at her husband and family. It is a call to maintain grace, ethics and a positive approach even as others spew contempt while making false and cruel accusations. Fog softens any landscape, whether rural or urban. It reminds us to keep our hearts soft when we're under verbal attack; when we are at ease, we can respond appropriately rather than get caught up in slinging malice and spite. Then we can act and speak constructively, having a positive impact that stands a much better chance of making a difference.

Dangled Bait

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Seven of Wands; from the Key to the Kingdom, the Three of Hearts:

Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world but has not solved one yet.

― Maya Angelou

Hera hated Hercules because he was a reminder of Zeus' infidelity. Using her mojo on him, making him temporarily insane so that he killed his family. Filled with despair, he accepted the 12 impossible tasks to atone, one of which was to kill the Hydra (seen in this card) that Hera had created with the intention of killing him. Rather than resenting Hera after his success, Hercules would go on to have other heroic adventures. The Three of Hearts is paired with a poem that describes a carnival worker encouraging people to throw darts into a target and win a prize, only none of the darts ever stick. Humans are often triggered by pot-stirrers using snippets of information designed to instigate yearning, fear or anger. But as the saying goes, "Beware of the half-truth; you may have gotten hold of the wrong half."  As Hercules learned, we need not be distracted by emotional bait dangled before us.

Best and Worst

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Seven of Staves; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Tzadik (artwork by Veronique Cheney):

   

Competition brings out the best in products and the worst in people. 

―David Sarnoff

The Seven of Staves is not just about standing up to our naysayers, but also our competition. The problem comes when we are so busy keeping an eye on what others are doing, that we fail to do our best work. It suffers because our focus becomes distracted, wanting to beat the other instead of paying attention to details that matter. The Hebrew letter Tzadik is associated with being just and honest; in Judaism, the title Tzadik is given to people considered righteous. Hasidic master Rabbi Levi Yitzchak taught that tzadikkim are individuals who open paths for the world. These cards flip the script on competition, asking us to use our talents to serve everyone rather than being intent on making a name for our self. 

A Great Discovery

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Master Tarot (Oracle), the Prophet:

One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises,

is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.

―Henry Ford

The usual Seven of Wands shows a person standing up to others, fighting for what he or she thinks is right. But as this illustration shows, sometimes what we must stand against is not external, but a deep chasm of self-doubt. This ravine usually opens when we must face a challenge or change that alters our lives in a major way. We might try to bury ourselves in collecting knowledge, but at some point, we need to make a leap. As Dale Carnegie reminds us: "Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." The Prophet is John the Baptist, the man who saw Jesus for the extraordinary person he was. This card encourages us to seek out those people who can recognize our skills and talents, those who will remind us that we have what it takes to deal with the unexpected paths we must walk.

Take Your Place

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Seven of Staves; from the Viking Lenormand, the Man:

Head high, my dear! Eyes up! Take your place in the world!

―Rebecca Stead

Spokespeople for major organizations and corporations must be thick-skinned, not easily rattled, and above all, have a comprehensive understanding of the work they represent. This fellow is so composed that he looks bored. He's done his homework beforehand and has answers and explanations to whatever the angry mob throws at him. The Man suggests an assertive and protective response to those who would like to knock us from our perch. We don't need to get angry, but we do need to be resilient. As Colleen Hoover said, "I'm choosing to stand up taller. I'll probably get knocked down a few more times before this life is through with me, but I can guarantee you I'll never stay on the ground."

Just Keep at It

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Horseradish:

Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.

— Henri Matisse

Sometimes the only way to silence the cynics is to keep our heads down and continue working rather than trying to explain things or win them over. The first blush of success (as with this stem bursting with blooms) can often turn their loud growls of disapproval down to low mutterings. If we're waiting on validation from others, we'll probably never have the confidence to keep going. Horseradish makes every sauce and condiment bracing with its biting flavor. In herbal medicine, it is used for sinus issues, like cold and flu, because its pungency helps to relieve congestion. It reminds us that no matter what our accomplishments, we're going to need to spice up our projects when the usual becomes stale. It can be challenging to move away what was favored and try something new, but even if it falls flat, doing something different can shift our imagination in new directions.  

I've been volunteering at the library for about 5 years now, creating artwork for the display case in the foyer and for the children's bulletin board. (These were for our summer reading program this year.) I have to rely on Maya Angelou's wisdom: “You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

Closed Clam

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Tapestry Oracle, Reflection:

Listen to others, but do not become a blind follower. 

―Thurgood Marshall

Try to do anything new or different, whether it's learning a new language, writing a novel or changing careers, and the pessimists and naysayers will appear. Commitment can mean keeping our head down and doing the work without getting distracted. But this young woman has enclosed herself in a bubble, completely walling off herself from any comments. Reflection asks us to consider if there is no room for advice in the methods we're using. Have we taken such a rigid stance that we refuse to hear any other perspectives, compromises or alternatives? There might be a nugget of wisdom in what those worriers and cynics are shoveling at us.

On Good Terms Without Surrender

From the Mary-El Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the OH Cards, Monster Cat:

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

―Max Ehrmann

Marie White's wolf brings to mind the Cherokee legend of black and white wolves fighting within. The internet version paints the white wolf as kind and humble while describing the black one as angry and violent; it ends with the caution that the one we feed will win. But the real legend explains, "But if I acknowledge him [black wolf], he is happy, and the white wolf is happy, and we all win. For the black wolf has many qualities – tenacity, courage, fearlessness, strong-will and great strategic thinking." When we are getting pushback for taking a stand in our lives, we need the beneficial traits of both. Monster Cat resembles the type of art that results from hearing about an animal instead of actually seeing one - filled with assumptions. When others try to give us advice about what we are doing, we don't have to assume they're trying to tear down our ideas or us. They actually might have some information that would be helpful to hear. 

Valor

From the Gill Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Circle Deck, Consequences:

Know what's important and what isn't. Have the wisdom to know the right thing to do, the integrity to do it, the character to stand up to those who don't, and the courage to stop those who won't. 

—Mark Goulston

It's always a jolt to find oneself fired up about something - whether it's an ethical stance or a creative inspiration - and find a crowd carrying buckets of water to douse the flames. We can assume things are hopeless and give up or, like the Seven of Wands, we can burn brighter. Valor requires us not to fall under the intimidation of others, but to hold fast. Consequence implies that there will be repercussions for standing up rather than sitting down. We might lose some friends, or we might discover who our true friends are. We also might develop confidence in our own abilities as we attempt to create a kinder, more beautiful world.

Up in the Air

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Bogong Moth:

To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest.

— Pema Chodron

The joy and harmony of Six is now undergoing a disturbance. Like the juggler's fiery batons, what once seemed settled has now been tossed up in the air. With such a change, we need to pull on our inner strength and courage to ride this roller coaster to its finish. The key is to see each moment as fresh and not project our anxiety onto how this might play out. The Bogong Moth had beautiful colors and a curiosity to match. It wanted to visit the mountains to know why they were white while the forest it lived in was green. Once it arrived, it began to snow, burying the moth until spring. When it was able to fly again, it saw that all of its colors had faded from its wings and now lived in the flowers. To sacrifice means we give up something for a greater cause, for something of a greater value. Change creates the necessity of letting go of what we know for something different yet still good.

Pledge Allegiance

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Druid Animal Oracle, the Dog:

Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be?

―Charles Bukowski

This fellow is energetically asserting himself against those who would like to knock him from his perch. Goals take a lot of mental willpower and physical effort, but above all, they require us to stand up to our challengers and challenges. It's easy to evolve into the person who always asks "What should I do - what do you want me to do?" Instead we can look within, discover our own values and dreams, and pursue what we feel led to do. The Dog is a symbol of guidance, protection and loyalty. Yet the person we often let down the most is ourselves. Don't we deserve our own allegiance?

Check Your Shoes

From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Rumi Cards, You Are:

There's none so blind as those who will not listen.

― Neil Gaiman

The Seven of Wands is generally about standing up for yourself and defending your ideas - a worthy ideal. But this young man has a shoe on the right foot and a boot on the left, suggesting a lack of preparation. Perhaps the wielders of of the other staves are just trying to point out the holes in his theory or plans. They might not want to throw out his ideas, but simply patch them up so they hold water. Rumi's card warns about hyperfocus - having blinders (and ear plugs), attending to only what we seek and desire. That results in our whole identity being centered on one limited thing. Or, we could consider Dorothea Brande's words: "Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier." 

An Organ Grinder's Monkey

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Seven of Fire (Wands); from the A'HA Oracle, Tiki:

Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.

– Nikos Kazantzakis

No matter what kind of work or service we do, there's always a concern about how the public sees us. So not only do we have to accomplish our objective, we feel we have to do some glad-handing and people-pleasing along the way. It is easy to become entertainers as we try to keep interest and opinion high while hiding any not-so-shiny parts. The tiki statues of Polynesian cultures are symbols of their ancestors. Each part had its own meaning: the size of the head represented power, the mouth and tongue were a challenge to opponents, and the eyes reflected infinite wisdom. What would advice would our ancestors give us when we spend so much time tap-dancing to the tune of others?  Perhaps they would tell us to let go of expectations and demands - to cease being an organ grinder's monkey. They might offer the wisdom such as found in the 22nd chapter of the Tao Te Ching:

He does not show off, therefore he shines.

He does not justify himself, therefore he is revered.

He does not boast, therefore he is honored.

He does not praise himself, therefore he remains.

Seven Supports

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Mahjongg Oracle, the Seven Stars:

We learn that our insistence that life, other people, and ourselves be other than they are has the immediate effect of intensifying the tangle. ~Christina Feldman

It can be bewildering when our philosophy of life makes us feel like we're on the opposite side of the fence from those we considered friends and comrades. What do we do? The keyword given for this card is equanimity. Equanimity is a relational way of being with life that takes an objective interest in whatever is occurring, allowing us to embrace extremes without getting thrown off balance. Gil Fronsdal offers seven supports to develop it: integrity (of words and actions), faith based in wisdom (a clear view of reality), stability of mind (mindfulness and concentration), self-care, insight into how conditions shape people (not taking things personally), remembering the nature of impermanence, and freedom from our reactive tendencies. The Seven Stars symbolize imagination, something humans do well, but mostly in a negative sense. Equanimity would ask us to consider that there might just be some good outcomes too.

Get Up, Stand Up

From the Ellis Deck, the Seven of Rods; from the Brownies Oracle, Harmony:

Get up, stand up

Don't give up the fight.

–Bob Marley

It takes determination and courage to stand up to those who don't like change or new ideas. This is not based on machismo or any other movement with something to prove; it is the heart-led decision to stand one's ground because it is a choice of integrity. Harmony shows the Brownies in chorus practice. They are not required to sing alike, as it is the different vocal ranges that actually create their beautiful sounds. Likewise, ideas or practices that don't conform to the status quo aren't a threat when they simply enrich human lives. 

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.

–Sun Tzu 

Unplug It

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Chamomile:

Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.

― Anne Lamott

The Seven of Wands card indicates a challenge - often involving outer and inner issues. I'm having a hard time bouncing back from the surgery; exhaustion seems to dog me. I'd like to take Lamott's advice and unplug, but I have embedded in me a strong streak not to shirk my duties or ignore those who reach out for help. Yet I can't lay the blame on those who request my assistance or support; I must make my health a priority. Chamomile underscores the importance of taking a time out for calm and healing, to give my body a chance to repair and restore itself.

True Valor

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Master Tarot, the Moralist:

The Thoth meaning of the Seven of Wands is valor - being bold and daring because there is a personal meaning and purpose beneath one's action. The Moralist is a fellow who could care less about anyone's well-being, only that they follow the rules to the letter. I couldn't help but see the connection to military forces and the politicians that control them. The government might demand bravery and submission from their soldiers, but what happens when the war is over? Who looks after the men and women who suffer from substance abuse, PTSD, and other physical and mental illnesses? True valor, I think, is following our own integrity and truth, rather than being bullied by someone else.

True valor, on virtue founded strong, meets all events alike. ~David Mallet

Begin Again

From the Delta Enduring Tarot, the Seven of Oaks (Wands); from the Southernisms Oracle, "You've got gumption:"

A young hunter, looking to bring home some venison for supper's stew, finds herself the hunted. She knows a wild boar (made huge through her fear) is an aggressive animal prone to viciously attack humans or other animals. Egan relates this Seven of Wands to those who were previously considered skilled in an area and now have some severe competition. It can be difficult to be good at a job or have talents in certain areas and then suddenly find that others with newer skills are more sought after. At my age, I find it easier to learn informative knowledge than to learn procedural knowledge (how to do something). Yet the Southernisms phrase seems to cheer us on with "You've got gumption." Gumption was a term borrowed from Scotland that in the South came to mean boldness, resourcefulness and having initiative. If we enough curiosity, courage and commitment, we can learn new skills, even if it takes us a little longer. As Rich Karlgaard, author of Late Bloomers wrote, "Our brains are constantly forming neural networks and pattern-recognition capabilities that we didn’t have in our youth when we had blazing synaptic horsepower."

Try recalling what it felt like to learn how to do something new when you didn’t really care what your performance of it said about your place in the world, when you didn’t know what you didn’t know. It might feel like a whole new beginning. ~Margaret Talbot