Caught Up

From the Ellis Deck, the Five of Pentacles; from the Brownies Oracle, Temptation:

This particular Five of Pentacles feels like the reverse of the Six of Wands - more like a walk of shame than a celebration. It brings to mind the snake oil medicine sold to guarantee a return to health, Ponzi schemes that are supposed to make you rich, and the myriad other ways unscrupulous people attempt to con others out of their money. The Brownies card - Temptation - explains why both sides get screwed. People always look for an easier way to health or making money, and the ones taking in the cash are mindlessly driven by greed.

People get really caught up in their own trips.

~Max Cannon

Quality of Care

From the Hidden Realm Tarot, the Three of Wands; from the Heart of Faerie Oracle, Temptation:

The Three of Wands card represents a return on efforts expended: a couple finally gets a chance to adopt a child; multiple job interviews eventually result in employment; an overseas service man or woman gets released from duty to return home. These moments are filled with relief and gratitude, hope and enthusiasm for the future. The Temptation card, however, suggests a moment when our desires override our common sense or when our emotions drown out our ability to be rational. We forget the joy of what we have and reach desperately for what we don't. We no longer want an adopted child, we want one that sleeps through the night. We aren't satisfied with our job because our boss always correct us more than he praises us. The military spouse needs to go back overseas because they create more domestic duties which take up more time. Rather than feeling discontent, perhaps it is time to consider the words of Frank Sonnenberg: "If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, chances are it’s getting better care."

Resource Responsibility

From the Ellis Deck, the King of Pentacles; from the Brownies Oracle, Temptation:

There is still a lot of the hardworking Knight in this King (notice the new tree sprout he is nurturing in one hand). The boar that was his trusted steed in younger years has passed away, and the King (who wastes nothing) now uses its hide as a cloak to honor it. Having known what it is like to be in need, he is a benevolent man. Yet he wants to see what has been given used wisely, or no more resources will be handed out. To him, these resources aren't just 'things,' but part of the kingdom he protects. The Brownies have their noses pressed up against the toy shop window, planning what they will buy (or steal). It makes me think of the phrase about money 'burning a hole in one's pocket.' Just because we have it, doesn't mean we need to spend it all. But watch what happens when someone receives a tax refund, gets a winning lotto ticket or a new credit card. Self-indulgence is more often the result rather than fiscal accountability. The King would suggest enjoying a few of the fruits but taking care of debts and saving some for later.

Under the Influence of Ego?

To update my daily draw from yesterday, I have to admit that the day ended on a Ten of Cups note; sometimes life is a process, and I just need to be patient with it.  The card drawn from the Illuminated Tarot this morning is the Seven of Pentacles:

Years ago, when I grew medicinal herbs, I spent a lot of time nurturing the seeds to sprout, getting the beds ready for transplanting, and then keeping the seedlings watered and fertilized to grow into mature plants.  It was a wonderful feeling to do like this man and observe the fruits of my labor.  But like all gardeners, I would find some plants that didn't thrive for various reasons - not enough sun or too much, a need for extra water, or a pest problem.  Sevens involve assessment and evaluation, and pentacles have to do with the physical world.  This card encourages me to pause and take inventory of my life, to see what my actions have produced, and what changes I need to make to get different results.

     From the Dreaming in Color deck today I pulled the "Temptation" card:

These colors and keyword make me think of a smoky bar, full of secrets and sensual pleasures.  Temptation always begins with a thought; in my case, I want to change the way I feel by doing something I think will indulge my desires.  Of course the pleasure is fleeting, and then I'm left with the same uncomfortable feeling I had before with an added topping of guilt.  In pairing this oracle image with the tarot card above, I become aware of how skewed my judgment can be at times.  It's always a good idea for me to have another person to share my perceptions with to keep my ego in check.