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."

Wealth and Happiness

From the Hezicos Tarot, the Ten of Coins; from the Way of the Horse, The Herd:

There are two ways to be rich: One is by acquiring much, and the other is by desiring little. 

―Jackie French Koller

This little family has found the way to feel rich by learning to live moderately. They lack nothing, having all the basics that keep them safe and healthy. Appreciating what they have, they are content with enjoying the simple things in life. In their philosophy, less is more; they understand how excess can create complications and add to problems. The Herd parallels new research that has found living a longer, happier life requires more than taking care of our bodies. Close relationships, rather than money, made a huge difference. As psychiatrist Robert Waldinger put it, “Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.”

Checks and Balances

From the Urban Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Principles to Live By, Simplicity:

An attitude to life which seeks fulfillment in the single-minded pursuit of wealth - in short, materialism - does not fit into this world, because it contains within itself no limiting principle, while the environment in which it is placed is strictly limited. 

—E. F. Schumacher

Scott has illustrated this card with clips from the New York Diamond Exchange. She writes, "With each of the four tens, we see what happens when one of the elements is allowed to completely dominate and blot out the other three." Nature has seasons to balance times of growth and abundance with times of rest and decay, but wealth unchecked can become blind greed that pushes for power. Simplicity, or living a life that is straightforward and uncomplicated, might seem an impossible partner with wealth. Yet billionaire Bill Gates - who decided with Melinda that living such wealth to their children would not be beneficial - explains: “I can understand wanting to have millions of dollars... But once you get much beyond that, I have to tell you, it's the same hamburger.” Instead, he now has a new focus: “There’s so much opportunity to do good in the world.”

Who Has Little

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Ten of Bolers/Wheels; from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Wahinhaya (Mole):

It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.

 ― Seneca

This family has found a lovely area to camp in for the spring season. Would most of us be so content and happy with what we could fit in a wagon and no piece of land to call our own? It seems those who enjoy living simply have learned to find satisfaction in small joys and things that aren't permanent. Wahinhaya, the mole, can't see well but is very in tune with the earth through touch and smell. He reminds us to stay grounded in the current moment rather than focusing on what else we can stuff in our wagon. When change comes, we won't be caught unawares - we'll have already noticed the slight shifts.

The Next Generation

From the PetraK Tarot, the Ten of Discs; from the Astrodice, Uranus/Taurus/4th House:

Legacy is not what I did for myself. It's what I'm doing for the next generation.

—Vitor Belfort

If we charted the way we spent our time, energy and money for a month, what would it look like? How we live and expend these resources will create the legacy we will leave for those who come behind us. We might like to judge ourselves by our intentions, but others will base their assessment on our actions. Perhaps following the Dalai Lama's advice would be wise: if you can't help, at least don't harm. Uranus suggests that, although we all have long to-do lists, we breakthrough our busyness for altruistic purposes (though Taurus reminds us not to neglect things that are actually necessary). The 4th House tells us to begin with home and family and work outward. 

Only Borrowed

This week I'll be using the Herbcrafter's Tarot, created through the combined efforts of Joanna Powell Colbert and Latisha Guthrie. The set is published by U.S. Games. Paired with it will be the Green Wheel Oracle, created and self-published by Danielle Barlow. Today's draws are the Ten of Earth (Horsetail) and Snake:

We have not inherited this earth from our parents to do with it what we will. We have borrowed it from our children, and we must be careful to use it in their interests as well as our own. 

—Moses Henry Cass

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a plant related to ferns and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. This herb contains silicon, which helps strengthen bone. For that reason, some modern practitioners recommend horsetail as a treatment for osteoporosis. The Ten of Earth represents solid and secure foundations that are often seen as an inheritance to pass on to others. But we have a responsibility to later generations not just for the money and material things we leave them, but for the condition we leave our planet that they will inhabit. Snake calls for sacrifice and shedding habits that are causing our 'foundation' to falter. As Lyndon B. Johnson stated, "If future generations are to remember us more with gratitude than sorrow, we must achieve more than just the miracles of technology. We must also leave them a glimpse of the world as it was created, not just as it looked when we got through with it."

Win-Win

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, the Three Glories of Speech:

Wealth is but dung, useful only when spread about.

— Chinese Proverb

The Ten of Disks shows the harvest that is the result of effort and will exerted. At the moment, we are comfortable and content. Yet how do we keep that energy moving, so that it continues to flow freely? M.M. Meleen writes, "Give your wealth inner and outer purpose beyond accumulation." Rather than hoarding, we wisely invest our energy, time or money in others. The Brehon triad espouses the steadiness, wisdom and brevity of speech. That's good advice for those of us trying to guide someone else in the use of finances. Creating hope and opportunity, whether through advice or resources, is a win-win for both sides. 

More Than Once

From the Brady Tarot, the Ten of Roots (Pentacles); from the Citadel Oracle, the Aspirant:

Your life can end at any time, and it can end more than once. But it can also begin more than once.

― Michael R French

The Ten of Roots represents a time when we experience the abundance and richness of life, not just financially, but also in the world around us. At this peak, we can sit complacently for a while, but change will inevitably cause us to slide down our mountain. Yet the Aspirant suggests we can set our sights on another hill to climb. Setbacks are natural and shouldn't convince us to give up our quest - we can just take another trail. The choice to reinvent ourselves over and over is always there if we're willing to make the effort. As my mother-in-law used to say (at age 90), "Keep on keeping on."

Pause and Appreciate

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Dalet:

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths. 

—Etty Hillesum

Well-being indicates not just health and wealth, but a safe place to live. These three generations have these gifts, likely made possible through the efforts of the elder of the family. The scales on the post suggest not only his generosity, but the teaching of moderation in all things to maintain this well-being. The younger couple appear to be full of plans for the day. Yet the older man pets his dog, while making eye contact with his grandson. On the back of his chair, between the two crescent moons, is a design that reminds me of the digital symbol for pause. The elder knows that they are only temporary custodians of all they own. He understands the importance of stopping to appreciate it all during the day. The Hebrew letter Dalet is said to have three meanings: door, a poor person, and to lift up. It is the recognition (door) that we don't really own anything (poor), yet we have been allowed to make use of the resources we have been given (lift up). Its shape represents the form of a bent-over person, signifying humility. In his old age, the head of the family now acknowledges this wisdom.

Financial Education

From the Tarot of Durer, the Ten of Coins; from the Philosopher's Stone, Abundance:

The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind. 

– T.T. Munger

This guy is enjoying his retirement, but he might want to take a peek at his savings rather than just letting the hawk keep an eye on things. The problem with living on a fixed income is that the prices of things keep going up but not always our investments. My bank insisted on going paperless, which means I have to check my monthly statement online. I have not been very diligent lately, and last night I was shocked to see that I forgot to record not one but several purchases in my account register - my balance was much lower than I thought. Thankfully, I ponder before purchasing, so I don't generally spend extravagantly unless it is for health or repairs. But it was a good lesson in keeping a closer eye on things. Abundance might suggest financial prosperity for some, but for me it reflects well-being in mental and emotional ways as well. Which makes me think of the advice of Martha Beck: "Stop fixating on stuff you can touch and start caring about stuff that touches you."

Release in Joy

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Ten of Bolers (Wheels); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, The Material:

When I go home, its an easy way to be grounded. You learn to realize what truly matters.

—Tony Stewart

I once visited the Habitat for Humanity headquarters; it included a mini village of houses from around the world. No matter what a home looks like, it creates our connections and hopefully provides a refuge. I moved around a lot when I was young, but when I visit my old places of residence, memories come flooding back. There's the old magnolia tree I used to climb, the neighbor's goldfish pond that used to fascinate me, the yards the local kids gathered in for games, and the doorstep of my first kiss. It is age and perspective that help me appreciate them now. The Material implies the resources we have available to sustain our life, though a reminder that they are impermanent. As the companion book states: "Know that all things of the material world are passing. Receive in gratitude and release in joy."

Legacy of Wisdom

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Ten of Coins; from the Post Psychedelic Cyberpunk, Information Exchange:

Wealth is the realization that one has enough to satisfy one’s needs.

~Jessica Rose Shanahan

A couple and their babe sit on a chest full of assets, but their eyes are on what they consider most important. Yet the Ten of Coins is about more than just money; it also includes leaving a legacy. Even if you don't have children, getting older tends to make us think about such things. The Information Exchange card suggests that the way to live a wise, joyful and full life might be the greatest treasure we could pass on. What would your words of wisdom be? For me, I think Lao Tzu sums it up in the 67th chapter of the Tao Te Ching:

I have just three things to teach:

simplicity, patience, compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures.

Receiving with Humility

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Plantain:

The elderly fellow in this card has loved his family and worked hard to care for their needs. He's worn out and knows he'll be leaving this earth soon, but he is proud of the legacy he's left for others. The Ten of Pentacles is about coming full circle, passing the mantle on to the next generation. While it is hoped they will be good stewards of what is received, there is no promise that it will be so. Plantain's name in Gaelic means 'plant of healing.' Its antiviral and astringent properties have been put to use for centuries to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation. It is hoped that the young family in this card will take on the same properties, being grateful for what they receive; instead of talking about how they plan to change this or improve that, they can focus on attending to and tenderly expressing their love to this elder. Then perhaps they will start off on the right foot, realizing just how much effort was put into the legacy left in their care.

Culling

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Ten of Disks; from the Master Tarot, No Clothes:

I like Carl Rohrig's collection of things that might be found in a junk drawer or under a seat cushion. This assortment is symbolic of all the material items - big and small - that we buy or accumulate over the years. I've noticed that the older I get, the more I want to give away things that are nice but are no longer used or have meaning for me. I don't seem to be alone in this culling, though some people might have the opposite reaction. No Clothes is an encouragement to lose our pretensions, those vain self-images designed to look like we've got it all together. The stuff we collect can sometimes be just a trophy on the shelf to make us look smart, with-it, or cultured. But if it really isn't who we are, and it has no use or sentimental attachment, why not leave it with someone who might actually need or appreciate it?

Most of us are moving through such an undergrowth of excess that we cannot sense the shape of ourselves any more. ― John O'Donohue

The Service of Reaching Out

From the Gaian Tarot, the Ten of Coins; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, Ring:

It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved. ~Mother Teresa

In the Coins/Pentacles suit, there is an increase of resources to feather one's nest from Ace to Nine. But upon reaching the Ten of Coins, our treasure chest pops open to generously share what we have with others. The Ring card suggests a commitment; paired with the Ten card it implies an ongoing service of benevolence. Of course most of us aren't in the 1% that would allow us to daily pay for the living costs of others. However we all have more to spend than money - we also have our time and energy. There are folks who need emotional support, people who are lonely and in need of company, and those who might need a helping hand doing physical tasks. As John Andrew Holmes wrote, "There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."

Our Blue Marble

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Ten of Rainbows (Pentacles); from the A'HA Oracle, Snowflake:

Suddenly, from behind the rim of the Moon, in long, slow-motion moments of immense majesty, there emerges a sparkling blue and white jewel, a light, delicate sky-blue sphere laced with slowly swirling veils of white, rising gradually like a small pearl in a thick sea of black mystery. It takes more than a moment to fully realize this is Earth . . . home. ~Edgar Mitchell, Apollo Astronaut

It is insightful and humbling to see our little blue marble from space. It is impossible to see neighborhood fences and county lines. Even further out, when seen as a tiny speck, we fail to see boundaries between nations. As poet Archibald MacLeish described, "To see the earth as it truly is, small and blue and beautiful in that eternal silence where it floats, is to see ourselves a riders on the earth together." But the Snowflake card - a symbol of uniqueness - brings to mind those who demand their individualism and separation. Yet can't we still enjoy unity while celebrating our diversity? Unity doesn't mean we become a herd of sheep; our strength comes from unified diversity, not division. Our common bond is that we are all riding this fragile, blue marble together, like it or not.

What We Leave Behind

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Nature Mandala Meditation Cards, Surrender:

Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people.

—Peter Strople

A gnarled hand gently touches a younger one, a simple symbol of passing a legacy to the next generation. As I get older, I'm beginning to see that the wisdom we pass on to others is as great a resource as land, a business, or other material possessions. My peers and I (and those before us) have been so busy procuring that we've not given enough thought to caring for and sustaining the earthly foundation that supports us. We've lost sight of our interdependence with other beings. The Surrender card is a reminder that we can't tell the next generation how to handle their affairs. But we can admit our mistakes and plant some seeds of wisdom that perhaps might grow. As Chuck Palahniuk said, "The goal isn’t to live forever, but to leave behind something that will." Hopefully that will be something more beneficial and longer lasting than material goods. 

Earthy Heaviness

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Mah Jongg Oracle, Water:

          It is thought-provoking that the creators of this deck use elephants for the suit of pentacles. These earthy animals can also symbolize the heaviness of responsibility we incur from our earthly gifts. The more we have, the older we become, the weightier our obligations. It is no wonder that the booklet suggests meritorious action for those of us with such gifts, which fits nicely with the symbolism of Water. Merit in Buddhism is something done to purify and improve the quality of the mind and actions that will bring harmony to one's life. There are ten such merits under the umbrella of three categories: Dana (Generosity), Sila (Morality) and Bhavana (Meditation). Having generosity as the foremost merit isn't a surprise. Being willing to share one's resources, including time and energy, with others helps keep stagnation and heaviness at bay.

Legacies and Letting Be

This week I'll be using the New Liminal Tarot, created by Penelope Cline and self-published through Make Playing Cards. I'll also be using the Inward Oracle, created and self-published by Rayna Graham.  Today's draws are the Ten of Discs and Trust:

That is your legacy on this Earth when you leave this Earth: how many hearts you touched.

—Patti Davis

          Cline's card shows an elderly couple alone on their estate. Perhaps they have no children or are empty-nesters. But if you were to walk inside their home, I'm sure you would see pictures of friends and loved ones on their mantel. They have learned to live mindfully - appreciating what they have - but also feeling a deep gratitude for those who've shared the journey with them. When they die, they may leave money and goods to others, but more importantly they will leave hearts that are full and brimming too. In the Trust card, a woman stands on her head, elevating her heart about her head. When I worry, my mind busily churns out thoughts about a future that I am trying to outmaneuver as if it will arrive just as I imagine it. What might be a better option is to feel my emotions without feeding them (imagining the worst) and being tender and gentle with myself. Clarity needs two wings to fly, compassion and wisdom.

When we open to our feelings as they arise, we create the causes and conditions of mental and physical health. This is what acceptance-based inner awareness entails; it is not a practice to put off, any more than breathing, sleeping, or consuming nourishment.

― Josh Korda

Giving Back

From the Golden Tarot, the Ten of Coins; from the Yantra Deck, Kindness:

At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back. – Denzel Washington

          The abundance of the Ten of Coins reminds me of my little flower garden. Several of the zinnias I planted early in the spring are already going to seed. It seems Nature understands the best way to keep the planet healthy and thriving is to give back, not withhold. Sharon Salzberg taught me that loving-kindness means 'unconditional friendliness.' Rather than following the neurotic paranoia of the ego that insists holding on to everything is necessary for survival, this type of kindness opens the mind and heart fully. It doesn't mean I give away everything I own, or that I sacrifice my health trying to help others, it just means I give what I can when I can. In the words of Tom Brokaw, "It’s easy to make a buck.  It’s a lot tougher to make a difference."