House of Delusions

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Ten of Earth (Pentacles); from the Insectorum Divinorum, Swarm:

Dimmi: What have you inherited?

          Leonardo's sketch shows the plans for a basilica; for stability, the depths of the foundation must be in proportion to the weight that will rest on it. We all have a foundation from our family of origin - patterns of saving and spending as well as healthy or unhealthy habits that affect the body. Added to this base is the effect of our social community, as seen in the Swarm. While we might like to think of ourselves as rational and street-smart, we all have an innate desire for an easy answer. Cognitive short-cuts (heuristics) can be helpful time-savers, but relying on what is familiar because we assume it is good and safe is not always wise. Whether we are dealing with familial foundations or patterns within our social groups, critical thinking rather than collective thinking is necessary. Our fact finding is not made invalid if others disagree with us - people in distressing situations tend to cling even tighter to the familiar, even when the familiar is a delusion.

The house of delusions is cheap to build but drafty to live in.

― A. E. Housman

Support for Independent Thinking

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Page of Water (Cups); from the Insectorum Divinorum, Swarm:

          The subject of this sketch was nicknamed Salai (little devil); he was hired by Da Vinci as a model but had a penchant for stealing. Yet he eventually became a devoted and trusted assistant to Leonardo. The dimmi for this card asks, "What needs your support?" The Page of Cups, with his sensitive and tender heart, is always on board for compassion and kindness. Yet the Swarm card cautions to beware of 'collective wisdom' as it is often not wise at all but simple herd mentality. Perhaps the person who needs support is the lone 'crackpot' who questions jumping off the cliff into the sea.

The human race is a herd. Here we are, unique, eternal aspects of consciousness with an infinity of potential, and we have allowed ourselves to become an unthinking, unquestioning blob of conformity and uniformity. A herd. Once we concede to the herd mentality, we can be controlled and directed by a tiny few. And we are. ~David Icke

Whose Rules?

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Emperor; from the Insectorum Divinorum, the Swarm:

Where is the authority in your life?

What are the boundaries of safety and order?

          This sketch of a man in a helmet leaves the impression of someone who is stern and refuses to give foolishness an audience. The questions above raise an interesting question about where I stake my flag when it comes to allegiance and boundaries. My guidance and structure comes mostly from two philosophies - Buddhism and the principles behind 12 Step programs. From the first, I see the need to develop wisdom and compassion while trying to alleviate the suffering of others. From the second, I understand the importance of honesty, open-mindedness and willingness (to do the work) in my life. Yet the Swarm card implies a herd mentality - collective beliefs that may appear as wisdom but is just the opposite. Though I may follow a set of philosophies, I still need to retain my ability to think independently and with clarity. Otherwise, I'm just a lemming following the crowd off a cliff. 

Choosing a Road

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Way-shower (Star):

Da Vinci drew many sketches of St. John the Baptist, perhaps because he was the patron saint of Florence. John was the forerunner for his cousin Jesus, for whom he prepared the way. He was the pre-modern GPS, who attempted to help others navigate a new spiritual path. Although he might offer guidance, John was merely a messenger. Yet the Way-shower reminds me that hearing the message and understanding it is not enough; I must also walk the road.

From the Insectorum Divinorum comes "Swarm:"

A swarm is a the collective behavior of an insect group moving en masse. The behavior might be triggered by migration, mating or the start of a new colony.  Locust swarms can number in the hundreds of millions, with densities of up to 500 tons of locusts per square mile. This card warns me that it is not always in my best interest to follow the group or maintain the status quo. Independent, critical thinking might show that breaking away from the herd is the way I need to go.