Back Into the Sunlight

From the Tarot of Timeless Truth, the Three of Cups; from the Shaman's Oracle, the 'Shaman of Song:'

          The roaring waterfall behind these women symbolizes the power of emotion channeled in healthy ways. We need other people in our lives, not just for the camaraderie and celebration, but also as a resource that lifts us up. Who hasn't woken up in a dark mood from lack of sleep, worry or pain and then had others whose presence reminded us of the goodwill, beauty and wonder around us? These are not the folks that shame us for not feeling grateful, but like the Shaman of Song, they "sing from the hollow places of being." They start where we are and lead us back into the sunlight.

Sitting with someone who’s in pain can be tough. But the most supportive thing we can do is to truly listen and be present with them in that very moment — without trying to fix the situation, making assumptions, making it about ourselves or minimizing their pain.

~Margarita Tartakovsky

Let the Music Move You

From the Tarot of Timeless Truth, the King of Wands; from the Shaman's Oracle, the Shaman of Song:

          Around a large fire, the King of Wands dances with his totem the Bear (a symbol of strength and confidence). This King does not have the impulsive recklessness of his Knight; he has the desire to get things done at the speed of sanity with the emphasis on doing them right. He wants projects to be completed, but he knows rushing will only cause mistakes that will slow down progress. This King uses his energy wisely, making sure the effort spent is reflected in the result. The Shaman of Song represents using sound for healing, energy, peace and joy. Who hasn't used music to finish a tedious task, make a long drive, soothe the spirit after an exhausting day or lighten the heart? As Snow White sang:

When there's too much to do,

Don't let it bother you, 

Forget your troubles, try to be just like the cheerful chick-a-dee,

And whistle while you work .

Play Your Own Music

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Seven of Arows (Swords):

This woman reminds me of one of those movie starlets of the fifties who played a damsel in distress. The kind that nearly always make me groan and roll my eyes. The authors assign this card the keyword "insecurity." How do insecure people act? Some, like this woman, may play the victim (though she is more a manipulator than anything else). Others try to impress by mimicking the dress, words or behavior of someone who is respected. They may even take the ideas of someone else and claim them as their own. In some strange twist of reasoning, they feel entitled to do these things because they don't have what they want. Unfortunately taking from others is not going to fill that gaping hole of insecurity; the skull and bones engraved on the boulder she stands on is a clue for the consequences of her behavior.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Shaman of Song:"

The shape above this figure's head reminded me of the magic that occurs with the mix of sunlight and water - a rainbow. Last weekend I went to a concert put on by the symphony orchestra; for the holidays, they had invited a Celtic group to join them. It's been years since I've been to the symphony, and I had forgotten that "fullness of the heart" effect of such music. By the time the Celtic group was finished, I was grinning ear to ear and felt like I was close to bursting with so much energy. This shaman suggests that I have many ways to transform my feelings; I don't need to tie my boat at the dock of another person and try to live vicariously off their happiness. I've got my own music to play.