Deep Dive Within

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the I Ching Pack, Hexagram 48 (The Well):

We've reached a certain point, but we're not moving any more. 

―Ken Kesey

A challenge has been met and the outcome successful; hopefully our supporters have been profusely thanked. But now what? Once we turn in the big project, finish a contract or complete a goal, we may find ourselves at loose ends. Others will be quick to tell us what we ought to do, but it's hard to give 100% when we are driven only by obligation and not by an inner purpose. Hexagram 48 reminds us that success is often obtained when we have some skin in the game. It tells us to go deeply within and find out what we are personally invested in, what engages us and to what we would willingly give our time. 

Acknowledged Success

From the Ellis Tarot, the Six of Rods; from the Brownies Oracle, Defiance:

We all have challenges. We have to face them, embrace them, defy them, and conquer them. 

―Victoria Arlen

This fellow, though there are no crowds to cheer him, walks confidently with his companion. He knows how to validate himself for the challenges he meets successfully. Now, if only the road ahead could remain straight and smooth... But as Nietzsche reminds us, "There will always be rocks in the road ahead of us. They will be stumbling blocks or stepping stones; it all depends on how you use them." Defiance encourages us to remember our past accomplishments rather than becoming despondent when another problem arises. Self-confidence, based on what we have conquered already, can help us face present difficulties with optimism.

Achievement

From the Tarot of the Master, the Six of Wands; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Laetitia (Joy):

What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. – Zig Ziglar

Drumsticks, a pan flute and a bugle in this card all suggest a parade is in the making. What was once a struggle has now ended successfully, and imbalance has been replaced with harmony. Laetitia's appearance implies that this victory brings not only relief but also joy. What an adrenaline rush it is to be over the finish line! Now, do we arrogantly flaunt it or humbly and gratefully accept it?

Courage and Wisdom

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, Three sons:

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.

~John F. Kennedy

In the Six of Wands, the struggles and troubles we've been facing have been overcome. This is not some kind of lucky break that happened - we've had to wade through confusion, pain, and unhelpful influences. But a combination of strength and courage (lion) paired with vigilance and wisdom (owl) have helped us not only meet the challenge but grow and develop as well. The Three Sons are a nod to some of those unhelpful influences: people who are judgmental, contentious or sarcastic. We must be careful when choosing our allies; we need folks who will help find solutions rather than create more problems.

Buy Yourself Some Flowers

From the Tarot of the Secret Forest, the Six of Wands; from the Faeries' Oracle, She of the Cruach:

Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. —Veronica A. Shoffstall

Not all of us get a parade when we've met our challenges successfully. Instead, some of us find our best friend and go for a joy ride to celebrate. All of our striving and hard work have paid off, and now it's time to let off some pent-up energy. We don't have to wait for the world to acknowledge and celebrate our victory, we can do it ourselves. She of the Cruach is the yin energy of the Universe - creative, nurturing and receptive. She asks us to drink from her cup of acceptance and love, acknowledging our worth and our inner goodness.

Scarcity of self-value cannot be remedied by money, recognition, affection, attention or influence.

—Gary Zukav

The Paradox of Satisfaction

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Beasts of Albion, Lion:

When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large.

— Daniel Goleman

The Six of Wands is often described as a satisfactory success or an acknowledged accomplishment. Sometimes the challenge that is met is an inner one rather than outer. The holidays bring sadness for me, and it's easy for that emotion to evolve into self-pity and self-absorption. Various spiritual paths teach that the solution to uprooting suffering based in self-centeredness is to do a kind deed for others. So I used some of my Christmas money to buy a variety of gift cards - from the pet store, gas station, craft store, grocery store, etc. I wanted to give our ten librarians an anonymous gift, as they are underpaid and often mistreated by many entitled patrons. Each card went into a bag with a hint, such as, "For the book elf who is a pet lover," or "For the book elf who likes computer gaming." The manager told me the employees were all very excited and happy (and curious about the benefactor) as they each chose a bag. The success of the game completely pulled me out of myself. The Lion was a mythical figure for Britain, based on tales from traders and travelers. It represents a mature strength that can embrace sacrifices for the benefit of others. Strength and well-being sometimes comes from taking actions that seem contradictory to the result achieved. 

Purpose of the Storm

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Sun: 

But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about. ― Haruki Murakami

The Six of Wands ("Victory" in Thoth descriptions) shows the joy that comes after a struggle. There is such relief and wonder in our experience of freedom that we don't focus too much on the cause at first. But as we begin taking our success or ease for granted, we may want to blame or accuse those who seemed to make our challenge harder. Yet this card also implies that what we went through in our ordeal was meant to help us develop and grow, or in some cases, to bring insight and understanding. Like the Six of Wands, the Sun is about accomplishment. But it also shows the happiness and good that lie before us - the result of what we learned and experienced.

A Pat on the Back

From the Lilifer Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Wandering Soul Oracle, Celebrate:

A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results. ―Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Both of the card draws today suggest being recognized for our progress or success and celebrating it. In some cases, there's no crowd of admirers throwing us a parade but a simple acknowledgement we make to ourselves. Most of us have a well trained inner critic who is always on the lookout for any mistakes and slip-ups. While we need to be able to forgive ourselves, it is also important to be able to say 'atta-girl' or 'atta-boy' when we recognize our strides forward. That's the kind of encouragement that can keep us going. 

The Way of Harmony

From the New Liminal Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the State By State playing cards, the King of Spades - Colorado:

The Way of a Warrior, the Art of Politics, is to stop trouble before it starts. It consists in defeating your adversaries spiritually by making them realize the folly of their actions. The Way of a Warrior is to establish harmony.  ―Morihei Ueshiba

The leader in this Six of Wands obviously agrees with Ueshiba; violence doesn't lead to harmony but to resentment and eventually more unrest. Such a spiritual warrior has likely had their own heart cracked open, leading to tenderness and understanding rather than revenge. But since humans are fond of rights and not so keen on responsibilities, such a leadership can be tricky. The King of Spades illustrates the sport of snow skiing, an activity that a well-honed sense of balance. How one's weight is shifted from the front to the back of the foot and when it needs to be shifted from one foot to the other must be taken into account. A spiritual warrior who leads needs to be flexible, shifting concern and attention to each person as it is needed, rather than focusing solely on a group of favorites.

[Bodhisattvas] are highly altruistic beings who have the wisdom to realize that by dedicating themselves to the welfare of other sentient beings, the fulfillment of their own self-interest comes automatically as a by-product. ― Dalai Lama XIV

Validation

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Alchemist's Oracle, the Solar Plexus Chakra:

The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) is shown in a ceremonial parade after a successful trip abroad. While loved by much of the public, Edward had a troubled relationship with Queen Victoria. She had no confidence in his abilities and gave him little to do. It is nice to be publicly acknowledged for our successes, but relying on such judgment as a foundation for our belief in ourselves can be complicated. As Kurt Hanks wrote, "The more validation I need, the less discernment I have." The Solar Plexus card represents the seat of our will power and self esteem that motivates us to action. It is hindered when we cease to look at our accomplishments realistically, and instead rely solely on the opinions of another. 

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. 

—David Brinkley

No Standing Still

From the Anna K Tarot, the Six of Rods; from the Meditation Cards, "Energy Use:"

There's nothing wrong in being proud of an accomplishment or allowing others to recognize our efforts and success. In fact, when the next challenge comes along, remembering our past victory can help us stay the course with confidence. Yet "Energy Use" suggests that we not become complacent and rest on our laurels. As Rumi writes:

You have the energy of the sun in you, 

but you keep knotting it up at the base of your spine. 

You're some weird kind of gold

 that wants to stay melted in the furnace,

so you won't have to become coins.

Even the progress we've made will be lost if we simply sit on the couch as this point. We can, however, try something different or do things with a new twist. The idea is to keep evolving as life unfolds.

Protective Influence

From the Alchemical Tarot Renewed, the Six of Wands; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Protection (Moon in Aries):

An artisan, rather than a warrior, is honored for his work. It makes me think of Anthony Fauci who helped lead us out of the pandemic (even while dealing with the madness of Trump), as well as those researchers who developed our vaccines. Threatened with violence and facing a flood of misinformation, they kept there heads down and kept working. It was a war for which we had no weapons at the beginning, and little knowledge. The Moon in Aries card implies an instinctive protection - in this case, for science. These researchers are concerned with the well-being of humanity, and even though they make mistakes, they deserve safety and assurance too. 

Science is truth. It's amazing sometimes the denial there is. ―Anthony Fauci

MVP

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Cedar Runes, Hagalaz:

This fellow has climbed to the top of a statue to emphasize his great success. Even if he was the MVP, leaving behind his comrades below seems a bit arrogant. Why would he not want to share this moment with everyone? He has forgotten the magic that happened when many people worked together, had each other's backs, and shared resources. I bet it didn't slip his team's mind. That dizzying surge of self-importance will only last a day or two; when success is shared, it's joy can last a lifetime. The rune Hagalaz means hail, a destructive force of nature. It implies drastic and unpleasant change that will bring back balance and order. Sounds like the mighty is headed for a fall. He might take Rainer Maria Rilke's advice: "Make your ego porous."

Bowing to the Worker Bees

From the Sheridan Douglas Tarot, the Six of Batons; from the Pages of Shustah cards, Celestial Bees:

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.

– Harry Truman

Both these cards point to what creates success in groups or teams. In the Six of Batons, the laurel wreath surrounds all the wands, not just one. In the bee hierarchy, there are workers, drones and a queen; each division has different jobs, but they all work for a common goal. The best leader is one who is humble enough to give credit where credit is due. All the audacity, bravery and persistence won't lead to any lasting success if arrogant pride gets in the way. Those shoulders we lean on and backs we depend on need to feel they are an important part of something greater than any individual. I think the pandemic has been a wake-up call for some, as so many 'worker bees' who take care of the jobs no one thinks about have gotten sick, leaving a big hole in supplies and services. As Joni Mitchell sings, "you don't know what you've got til its gone." 

In your big mind, everything has the same value. ― Shunryu Suzuki

Action and Acceptance

From the Golden Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Yantra Deck, Nonresistance:

There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

          There is a time to take action and a time to accept. It helps to remember the words of Reinhold Niebuhr: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

At fifteen life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice. ~Maya Angelou 

A Time to Act, A Time to Pause

From the Scrying Poetry Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Tapestry Oracle, Darkness:

          Victoria's free verse for the Six of Wands suggests that it isn't just action that helps us meet our challenges successfully, it's also the ability to attend to details and adjust our trajectory as necessary. It's all too easy to focus solely on the goal instead of what is happening around where we stand. But once we enjoy a taste of victory, the celebration may give way to fear. What waits for us around the next corner? Do we have it in us to go another round? Darkness encourages us to pause and take a time-out. Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche wrote: "There is no better protection than the refuge of unbounded sacred space, infinite awareness, and genuine warmth." In the stillness and quiet, as we let go of our assumptions, projections and opinions, we find that our inner refuge of sacred space is boundless and vast with more possibilities than our mind currently imagines. The inner light of awareness appears as we rest in this openness, bringing clarity rather than delusion or fantasy. Genuine warmth arises as we recognize the nature of impermanence in all things, and trust that no matter what comes, it too will change. 

Who's Saving the Heroes?

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Six of Wands; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Populus:

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.

 —Norman B. Rice

          This Six of Wands, with its horn, pipes and drum sticks, hints at a challenge met with success. The pairing of it with the Populus card (literally 'people'), reminds me of those who run into danger in order to protect and save their community. Whether they are health care workers dealing with a pandemic or firemen and EMTs dealing with a disaster, they have the courage to face and handle a crisis for the greater good of all. But who protects them? Many governors of states whose hospitals were just recently overwhelmed by Covid-19 patients are now removing mask mandates and lifting other regulations. But who is looking out for their heroes? Who is protecting those who give their lives to save us?

Quietly Facinating

From the Fey Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the I Misteri Sibilla, Thief (10 of Diamonds):

          Rather than riding on a richly draped steed with much fanfare, this fey makes his way on a tortoise holding a potted plant. His humble entry back to his city gets a quieter reception that he seems comfortable with. Ladro shows a thief picking another man's pocket. What is stolen may be more than coin, however. One of the Buddhist precepts reads, "I vow not to take what is not given, but to practice generosity." There will always be those who hijack conversations and crave attention, seeking a boost to their egos. What they don't realize is that attention will soon fizzle out, but respect is much longer lasting.

I find something fascinating about the quiet man in the background who has no desire to be the center of attention. ~Christian Bale

The In-Between

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Upheaval:

          These two cards seem to be polar opposites, one representing victory and success and the other disruption and insecurity.  Actually they are two sides of the same circle that life moves in, we just like to try to separate and divide them because we like one and not the other. As Pema Chodron explains, "To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest." It would be easier if we could view these phases as natural occurrences, like when the hot water in the shower eventually runs out and starts getting cold. However, our preferences often keep us stuck. Perhaps even scarier is that place of limbo, when we don't know what comes next. Yet as Chodron explains, this is our training ground:

Holding the paradox is not something any of us will suddenly be able to do. That’s why we’re encouraged to spend our whole lives training with uncertainty, ambiguity, and insecurity. To stay in the middle prepares us to meet the unknown without fear; it prepares us to face both our life and our death. The in-between state—where moment by moment the warrior finds himself learning to let go—is the perfect training ground. 

Just One Square in the Quilt

This week I'll be using the Swietlistej Drogi Tarot (Tarot of the Radiant Path), created by Alla Alicja Chrzanowska and published by Studio Astropsychologii. I'll also be drawing from the oracle Mirrors of the Heart, created and self-published by Lily S. May. Today's draws are the Six of Wands and Truthfulness:

          In front of a cozy fireplace (with lots of extra wood to burn), a family sits around a table enjoying each other's company. After the battle, the project, or some natural chaos, life has simplified and stability has returned. There may not be any fanfare, but there's plenty of gratitude for what has been accomplished or come to an end. The faceted diamond depicted in Truthfulness is a reminder that a half-truth is not the whole truth. For instance, someone might declare that he didn't character assassinate a co-worker, yet in reality, he certainly trashed the rest of her family. To shine the light on just one facet is not lighting up the whole gem. In the same way, the family above might enjoy the lull in what had been a stressful ordeal, but they know better than to believe life will be uninterrupted bliss from here on out. 

Every season has its peaks and valleys. What you have to try to do is eliminate the Grand Canyon. 

― Andy Van Slyke