A Stimulating Life

This week I'll be using the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, created and self-published by Ciro Marchetti (now published by Llewellyn). I'll pair with it the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, created and self-published by Karin Dalton-Smith. Today's draws are the Nine of Coins and Ship:

In a lovely patio garden, complete with a reflecting pool, a woman lets a bird of paradise rest on her hand. Her gown and surroundings suggest affluence, and the bird represents a stimulating life rather than one of dullness. Yet her hairnet symbolizes a certain reserve and self-discipline - she did not get to this place of abundance without hard work and moderation. The reflecting pool implies that she also takes time for introspection and contemplation, otherwise arrogance and entitlement could be her undoing. The Ship in the Tea Leaf Cards signifies movement or commerce. In the world of business, the sea never stays calm but ebbs and flows with both losses and profits. This woman would likely follow the advice of Bertha Calloway: "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."

Justice for All?

From the Dark Mansion Tarot, Justice; from Miss Mai's Victorian Oracle, Ship:

I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (original Pledge of Allegiance written in August 1892 by Francis Bellamy)

This staid and starchy judge reminds me of how important it is to know the people who are creating and enforcing 'justice.' That line, 'with liberty and justice for all,' doesn't ring true when one group's beliefs are imposed on a minority group. Personal freedoms can easily be eroded when the those in power feel their preferences are the right ones. The addition of 'under God' by Eisenhower underscores this narrow perspective. The Ship card suggests travel or expanding one's horizons. It implies that befriending people of different races, cultures, religions, etc. than our own can be helpful in widening our views; understanding how other people think and live can help develop clarity and compassion. 

Celebrating Self-Expression

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Four  of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Ship:

          The palette and paintbrushes suggest the beginning of a project. Yet the inspiration has already been shaped into form, the canvas prepared, a rough sketch done, and the tools assembled. While the creation has yet to be finished, the hard work of actually beginning is done and the fun is about to start. The Lenormand card shows an 1800s version of a dirigible airship; it implies exploration (with possibly an unusual approach). Others may grimace at choices made, but this need not dull one's creative joy. Hopefully, we will take Rihanna's words to heart: "I'm gonna look back on my life and say that I enjoyed it - and I lived it for me." This approach is not about a lack of concern for others, but a realization that an attempt to please everyone will end up pleasing no one.

I'm Listening... (and Reading)

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the King of Cups; from the Viking Lenormand, the Ship:

          The other day someone sent me a meme of a woman reading to a circle of potted plants. The gist was she desperately needed company and someone to talk with in the midst of our current shelter-in-place orders. But even those of us who live with other people can be just as lonely; we talk while the other person stares at their phone, computer or TV and mumbles 'uh-huh' every now and then. But the King of Cups keeps his eyes on the one talking, modeling calm rather than getting caught up in emotional turmoil. Maybe plants aren't such a bad substitute after all if this guy isn't available. The Ship represents adventure or a journey, something not likely to happen at the moment (at least physically), yet could be accomplished in other ways such as through reading. It's definitely a way to derail any thoughts of anxiety or frustration right now. I'm currently reading through a YA series by Tamora Pierce ("Terrier," "Bloodhound," and "Mastiff.") What are you reading?

Breaking Up Concrete

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Five of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the "Ship:"

          Five javelins and a shield aren't exactly how I wanted to start my day (coffee first, please). But upon closer inspection, I see the shield contains an image of Greek wrestlers competing in the Olympic games. This isn't a battle to the death but a sparring match between athletes. The Five of Staves suggests if I want to do things my way, I'm going to have to offer the best option and argument. The stack of books on the chair imply that this may boil down to knowledge vs. experience. I'd prefer a little of both.
          Bento has used an 1870s, pre-dirigible airship for this Lenormand card. It can represent movement, travel or exploration. The illustration is obviously based on purely imagination, before such ships actually existed. And imagination along with an open mind might be a good idea today. If my opinions and ideas are set in concrete, I don't think any progress is going to be made.