One Step at a Time

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Four of Koshes (Staves); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Sweat Lodge:

Four gaily dressed lasses dance around a fire, putting on a celebratory show. How often do we celebrate the simple things - modest accomplishments, tasks finished or small steps taken in a new direction? Any progress is simply the sum of small actions taken in the right direction. Yet Sweat Lodge suggests the need for purification. In this case, those old negative thought patterns can rain on our joy and hinder our forward movement. Being aware of them is necessary as is questioning their logic. We might also consider how this line of thinking has affected us in the past, whether it has been helpful or harmful. As Mark Twain put it, our habits have to be "coaxed downstairs one step at a time."

A Key to Sanity

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Three of Koros/Cups; from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, 'Sweat Lodge:'

Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life. ~Amy Poehler 

          As a young child, I was lucky to have my cousins next door to play with, twins a year older and their older sister. The oldest alternated between pretending to be a preacher or a teacher; the wide steps of my grandmother's house designated our grade or the pews of a church. The twins and I played beauty shop one day, cutting my hair above my ears. Scissors were well hidden after this venture. We no longer live close to each other, but we still get together each summer and renew our bond that comes not from shared opinions but from the simple love we have for each other. The Sweat Lodge signifies cleansing and purification that bring us back into balance. My grown-up friends help me do this, reminding me that I am stronger and more resourceful than I think. We share each other's burdens, offer different perspectives and celebrate each person's success.  I heartily agree with the words of Lois Wyse: "A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world."

New Perspectives to Make Progress

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the King of Koshes (Wands):

This king is busy whittling away at a staff; he doesn't like to leave things unfinished and enjoys seeing all details are carried through to completion.  And while he has no problem delegating tasks, he takes pride in being skillful and talented enough to do things himself.  His trusty dog sits patiently by his side, an indication that this man is extremely loyal to his those he rules over.  He may keep them in line, but every plan and project he starts is for their protection and benefit.  Little bumps in the road don't deter him - he'll just sharpen his knife and figure out a new way to meet those challenges.  He reminds me that no matter how wonderful my goal or project might be, I need to get started, then finish what I start.

From the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards comes "Sweat Lodge - Inipi:"

Each day you may be made anew.

The sweat lodge was a way for the Lakota to purify themselves - mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.  They went in the cave-like, sacred structure for the ceremony and emerged renewed afterwards.  It was like wiping down one of the old chalkboards we used to have in school; everything was erased and made clean.  This card teaches me that when I am stuck, I may need to erase my opinions and beliefs about how to move forward.  Sometimes I need another person's perspective or ideas to get me where I want to go.