Information Exchange

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 High Priestess and Toad:

JPC's card shows an unfinished mugwort dream pillow. Though mostly used today in moxibustion by Chinese acupuncturists, it has in times past been burned or smoked to promote vivid dreams. Dreams allow the mind's content to slip past the censorship of the ego. Researchers believe that the purpose of dreams is to take the sting ('this is personal') out of painful emotional experiences so that we can learn from them and move on. Toad represents justice and balance; Barlow suggests its appearance means we've received a powerful call. This might mean we must confront ourselves - our own attitude and actions. However,  it could point to a need to stand up for imbalances or injustices in our community. Rather than taking the shape of shame or hatred, it can just be a clear, unadorned exchange of information.

I have several times made a poor choice by avoiding a necessary confrontation.

—John Cleese

Wise Selflessness

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Four of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, 'Toad:'

          This Four often gets interpreted as being stingy with one's money, time and energy. However, it could also be looked upon as a time for prudence with these resources. In Buddhism, those that take the bodhisattva vow have the aspiration to develop selflessness in order to be of help to others. Yet Chogyam Trungpa stated, "it is necessary and very important to avoid idiot compassion. Working with the world requires some kind of practical intelligence. We cannot just be 'love-and-light' bodhisattvas. The bodhisattva’s approach is to help others to help themselves." The Toad, with its bumpy skin, is not often seen as beautiful by most and has been feared by a few. Gray suggests its meaning is to look within ourselves to find what is good and work toward self-acceptance. Many people feel their worth is only found in how happy they can make other people. They rely on feedback from others to know if they themselves are valuable. Trungpa's words and the Toad's symbolism might be the dose of reality they need.

A Quest of Curiosity

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Queen of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, the Toad:

          It seems I'm going to be journeying through the Pentacles this week! This lovely queen is the nurturing aspect of the suit, a role that can be rewarding or overwhelming as James Ricklef (Pithy Tarot) points out: "Caring for others out of love is a joy; doing it out of a sense of duty is a burden." The irony is the person I'm caring for the most these days is me, and I'm tired of it. I want to be strong, pain-free and healthy again now. But everywhere I turn, I keep getting the message that this life is worth the effort we put into it. Mary Oliver asks, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Pema Chodron writes: "Beginning to realize how precious life is becomes one of your most powerful tools." I think my gratitude might be slipping... Gray explains Toad's message is to look beneath the surface level and find self-acceptance, which will lead to physical and mental healing. How do I get to this place of gratitude and acceptance? Above the entrance to Gampo Abbey (where Chodron resides) is hand-lettered sign that reads "Enjoy your life." Chodron explains that this is not a quest for hedonism but an encouragement to maintain a sense of curiosity:

There is a common misunderstanding among the human beings who have ever been born on earth that the best way to live is to try to avoid pain and just try to get comfortable. You see this even in insects and animals and birds. All of us are the same. A much more interesting, kind and joyful approach to life is to begin to develop our curiosity, not caring whether the object of our curiosity is bitter or sweet.