Staying Awake

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Cat People, created by Karen Kuykendall and published by U.S. Games. I'll also be drawing from the Sacred Geometry Oracle, a deck and book set created by John Michael Greer and published by Llewellyn. Today's cards are the World and Spiral:

The only thing truly within our power, may be whether or not we will behave in each moment with arrogance or reverence. —Lawrence Kushner

          Rather than someone dancing inside an opening, Kuykendall's card shows a dancer balancing the Earth on her fingertips. There are encounters and ordeals we go through that force us to see beyond our pet opinions and narrow perspectives. These experiences can briefly take us out of our self-centeredness so that we see how even small actions can affect the whole. As a result, our outlook and response to life may be transformed. Yet the Spiral indicates that the clarity and understanding that shines brightly will gradually fade. The daily trudge can dim what inspired us unless we make a conscious effort not to forget. The trick is to keep paying attention with an open mind rather than walking around in our sleep.

We lose something very vital in our life when it’s more important to us to be one who knows than it is to be awake to what’s happening. —Zenkei Blanche Hartman

Germination

This week I'll be using the Golden Botticelli Tarot, created by A. Atanassov in the style of the Italian Renaissance artist and published by Lo Scarabeo. Unfortunately the lovely gold foil accents don't show up in the scans (it usually appears black), so you'll have to use your imagination. Today's draw is the Sun:

The Sun implies joy, warmth, energy, clarity and general well-being. Instead of the protective wall found in the RWS, there is a protective mother; rather than a horse, there is a playmate. In this place I can live in the moment and enjoy simple pleasures. I feel free to be authentic and genuine with nothing to hide, and I understand that I don't need to take the words or actions of others personally. I make no assumptions - if there is no evidence, there is no proof. There is freedom in this green, thriving place that will allow me to grow and expand if I will take advantage of it.

I will also be using the Sacred Geometry Oracle, a set created by John M. Greer and published by Llewellyn. Today's card is the "Spiral:"

When I think of a spiral, I think of a fern frond that is unfolding or a seed deep in the earth that begins to germinate. It represents that which is hidden or asleep beginning to stretch and come into the light. I can't think of a more appropriate card to draw on Imbolc, a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring. I am reminded that although my spiritual life is not where I'd like it to be (full blown maturity), there are some stirrings and movement happening. Germination begins when there is the right combination of soil, warmth and water that allows the seed to develop. In the same way, spiritual maturity is a progression that can't be rushed.