Temporary Shelter

From the Le Veritable Tarot de Marseille, the Six of Swords; from the Greek Alphabet Runes, Theta:

          According to Bursten, Swords represent defense and boundaries while Sixes suggest an ongoing method that is now running smoothly. The center flower looks like the bloom of a peace lily, an evergreen tropical plant (and one often sent to people after a loved one has died). The four tightly closed buds outside the swords make me wonder if all the energy is being channeled to keep the peace. If so, there may be none left over to do much else (such as allowing the buds to open). I took a car ride yesterday for the first time since the wreck. When my husband drove by the site of the accident, I thought I was going to be ill. Like the protected peace lily, I can feel my body and mind being cocooned while in protection mode. Yet Theta has shown up, a letter used in ancient Greece on ballots to indicate a sentence of death. It's archaic form was written as a cross within a circle, signifying a wheel. It reminds me that my guarded reaction will end, that I won't desire to be insulated forever. This too shall pass.  

Pass the Baton

From Hadar's Le Veritable Tarot de Marseille, the Valet of Batons (Page of Wands); from the Greek Alphabet Runes, "Theta:"

       Bursten assigns the Valet the keyword "learning" and the suit of Batons "creating." This kid has some skills, but he still has a ways to go before he refines them. If he can continue to study, practice his art, and listen to those who've traveled this path before him, his competence will soon match his enthusiasm. I feel like this Valet today, because I had the first inquiry yesterday about the lojong deck I recently self-published. But when I went online yesterday to figure out international shipping, I was astounded at the rates they were charging. I think this Valet is going to have to temporarily exchange his baton for a pentacle.
       Theta was a symbol written on ballots in ancient Greece to indicate a sentence of death (thanatos). Its archaic letter form was drawn as a cross within a circle, signifying a wheel. Is this the end of the Valet's excitement and creativity? I think it probably is just a natural progression from art to business. I'm going to head down to the post office today and ask them what is the cheapest way to send my deck internationally, because I sure as heck don't want people to pay as much for postage as they do for the deck! Hopefully when I get organized on the marketing end of things, I can pick that baton back up again.