Real Wealth

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Tapestry Oracle, Source:

Contentment is the only real wealth. 

―Alfred Nobel

In 2000, a middle-income family could expect to spend roughly $9,201 per year to raise a child; in 2025 that figure jumped to $20,787. A lavish lifestyle can jack up that number to an astronomical level. Money is important to survive in this world, to provide for basic necessities, but is it worth our physical and mental health to work multiple jobs or excess hours to keep up with the 'happiness' portrayed by TV ads and social media? Source suggests we find activities that ground and nurture us, those that don't require us to empty our wallets. As Sharon Salzberg advises, "We need to find ordinary things that can give us a break, can sustain our energy and optimism to keep us going."

Emotional Resonance

This week I'll be using the Light Seer's Tarot, created by Chris-Anne Donnelly and published by Hay House. The other deck I'll be drawing from is the Tapestry Oracle, created and self-published by Kendall Eifler. Today's draws are the King of Cups and Source:

Have you ever been around someone who seems to have a tranquil influence no matter who or what they're dealing with? The King of Cups has that kind of composure and aura about him. Like the vibrating singing bowl he uses, his calmness can bring the agitated frequency of another in resonance with his own. Yet his emotional intelligence isn't just a part of his personality; he's had to develop it. He knows he must first regulate his own emotional state to be able to work with what's shown up on his doorstep. The Source card shows a figure rooted into the ground. Whether it's cognitive behavioral therapy, a spiritual practice or the use of creativity to channel our feelings, we all need a method that can center us when life is spinning like a dust devil. Once our nervous system dilutes and dissolves our stress hormones, our rational brain can come back online and help us deal competently with reality.

Complete (But Not Really)

From the Fountain Tarot, the World; from the Devas of Creation, Source:

          The World card signifies that a cycle has been completed; the boundaries of this journey have been marked on the timeline. Any undertaking or developmental action we take - especially when it requires us to invest body, mind and spirit - changes us in ways that are sometimes surprising. It often shifts our views and gives us a deeper understanding of some things. But there is more to learn and do, so that gal better hop off her sphere once she's rested and gear up. Conway describes the Source card as living in full awareness or being awake (as in Buddhism). Once we see with opened eyes and understand with an open mind, we can't go back to sleep. Joy and awe are found not by rewinding to the past or fast-forwarding to the future, but only through what is happening right in front of us. The human life is an adventurous journey with no real destination. We may think we've arrived, but we'll eventually see something new on the horizon and start off again. The present moment can be enticing for those who are curious.

When we are not so self-involved, we begin to realize that the world is speaking to us all of the time. Every plant, every tree, every animal, every person, every car, every airplane is speaking to us, teaching us, awakening us. It’s a wonderful world, but we often miss it. ~ Pema Chodron

Blinded by Choice, not Light

From the Fountain Tarot, the Seven of Cups; from the Devas of Creation, "The Source:"

          This woman looks overwhelmed; the booklet describes this Cups card as "lost in choice." My friend Sharyn sent me a dvd about dealing with dementia, and one of the suggestions in it had to do with choice. For instance, instead of asking the person what they want for dinner (open-ended question) just give them two choices (chicken or fish). We expect and demand a buffet of choices, but when we have them we're indecisive. What happens if the wrong cup is taken? Unless the choice is a one-way ticket with no return options, go ahead and risk a mistake. Even if at first taste is bitter, it might become like warm honey over time. Sip, savor and learn.
          The Source card looks like a blinding light, and Conway refers to it as Awareness and Being. According to Lurianic kabbalah, the Infinite contracted itself in order to make a space for creation. When the vessels of creation were completed, it filled them with Light (not your normal lightbulb kind of light). The vessels shattered, unable to contain it. Yet each piece of the vessel (you, me, Pluto, a mountain, etc.) still contained a shard of light. In other words, we contain something greater than our egos, something that looks with compassion at the whole of creation. That glowing ember is selfless and kind toward all (including oneself). Maybe if the Seven of Cups woman stills her body and quiets her mind, she might find that light and be led out of her foggy confusion.