Beyond the Lines

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Ten of Air (Swords); from the Tao Oracle, 'The Well' (48):

          Vultures have eaten a carcass down to its bare bones, a fitting analogy for hitting bottom and seeing reality without our prejudices and preferences attached. It can take some time for us to get to this point. As Lewis Hyde wrote, "Likes and dislikes are the lapdogs and guard dogs of the ego, busy all the time, panting and barking at the gates of attachment and aversion and thereby narrowing perception and experience." Hexagram 48, The Well, symbolizes what the Buddhists would call 'luminous mind,' a deep source of wisdom, compassion, and insight. It requires attention, patience, and the willingness to enter uncertainty rather than looking for confirmation. D.T. Suzuki once drew a huge circle to represent this spacious, open place, then drew two parallel lines close together in the middle of it. Between these lines were the ego's desires, a small constricted place of what the ego considered acceptable. Sometimes it takes getting down to the bare bones or reality to see beyond those lines.

Priority List

From the Art of Tarot, the Six of Wands:

What a difference a day makes...  Yesterday I was overwhelmed with responsibilities (some of which I took care of and others I postponed), but I had a good night sleep last night and I woke up feeling positive and enthusiastic about the day ahead.  I am reminded that sometimes successes are built on the foundation of simple things.  Taking care of my body through exercise, healthy eating and rest is a must.  But I also need the emotional support of friends with whom I can share my deepest fears, my greatest joys, and my darkest sorrows.  Anything I achieve will be built on these basic things.

     From the Tao Oracle comes "The Well:"

According to Padma, the Well represents the place within each of us that offers an ever-present source of renewal.  She writes: "To drink form the source of clarity within the depths of the self is to know the taste of Tao.  It is available to all those who thirst and are willing to dive into the core of being to be nourished."  For me, this card is a reminder to make a daily connection to my Higher Self through the spiritual tools I have available.  That connection is just as important to my sanity and serenity as all the things I listed above, and it is just as essential as any of my physical needs.