She's a Flame

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Daughter of Flames (Page of Wands); from the Elemental Dice, Tornado (Darkness + Air):

We, we don′t have to worry 'bout nothing

′Cause we got the fire, and we're burning one hell of a something

They, they're gonna see us from outer space, outer space

Light it up, like we′re the stars of the human race, human race

—Ellie Goulding

As Alicia Keys sings, "Looks like a girl but she's a flame." This Daughter/Page has an insatiable hunger for life that spins her through the world with a fiery energy. She follows whatever passion arises, without any thought about 'shoulds' or 'what ifs.' She'd tell us it's time to burn down old habits and fears and find our freedom. Tornadoes, twisting vortexes of destruction, may only last 10 to 20 minutes. Yet the death and devastation left in their wake is mindboggling. Freeing ourselves from old patterns can be beneficial if we give our method of change some thoughtful deliberation. Burning people, places and things to the ground isn't necessary to move on. 

Destructive as a Twister

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Nine of Coins; from the Elemental Dice, Tornado (Air + Darkness):

He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.

― Socrates

In this Nine of Coins, a meditator sits gazing at a stone in a Zen garden. Generally this card is about financial stability and independence, giving us time to enjoy life rather than barely surviving from one paycheck to another. Petersen suggests we reflect on whether we live a life of gratitude for our blessings or a life constantly craving for what we don't have. Tornado, a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground, is a metaphor for those whose greed and envy outweigh their thankfulness. In the Buddhist Wheel of Samsara, the realm of the jealous gods is filled with people who have a good life but can't enjoy because they always envy those who have something more. They're stuck in a mindset of scarcity even though they live in abundance compared to so many other people. Such a psychological state is as destructive as any twister.

Envy and greed starve on a steady diet of thanksgiving.

―Billy Graham

Rippling Along

From the Spacious Tarot, the Three of Cups; from the Phenomena Oracle, Tornado:

Although there are rocks and tree roots,

Rippling along, just rippling along,

The water runs.

―Wariko Kai

Like the rocks and tree roots Kai poetically describes, we all meet obstacles and challenges in the stream of life. But it is our companions who help us keep our sense of humor, anchor us when we feel adrift, and provide a light when all we see is darkness. Life is a collective journey, and we should consider our contribution to those around us. The Tornado, on the other hand, is the symbol of destructive chaos. There will always be pot-stirrers, those addicted to drama, and the entitled who refuse to maintain a balance of give and take. If we lose the thread that connects us - love and supportive kindness - we allow the destruction of something precious.

Common Bonds

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Three of Cups; from the roll of the Elemental Dice, Tornado (Air + Darkness):

There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other. 

~J. K. Rowling

          Whether through something we've endured, a challenge met together, or a love shared, we find common bonds and develop friendships. Tribes help us honor what is lost or celebrate what has been gained; they help open our hearts and minds to multiple viewpoints. These groups can provide a sense of well-being as long as they remain inclusive, considerate and compassionate. Yet the Tornado pairing suggests that these priceless friendships can easily be destroyed. Past grievances, petty irritations, and unreasonable expectations can be just as destructive as the winds of this storm. These mindsets only destroy and never nourish or sustain.

Thoughts of “we” connect us, reminding us of our common humanity. Our individual sufferings are seen as being shared by others, and as being part of the difficulties we all have in being human. Our sufferings are not a sign of us being broken, but of us belonging to a greater whole. Our sufferings connect us with others, rather than pushing us into a sense of separateness.

—Bodhipaksa

Windshield or Bug?

From the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, Tornado:

 Sometimes you're the windshield

Sometimes you're the bug

~  Mark Knopfler 

          Well it's pretty obvious the guy holding all the swords isn't the 'bug.' But even if he won the battle, he's left nothing standing in his wake. Was this to make sure his enemies wouldn't be able to launch a counterattack? Or was he simply making a point that he was the best and smartest, and they should never forget it? The smoke and flames in the background remind me of the phrase 'burning bridges,' an expression that means leaving yourself no alternative but to continue on the present path. The tornado card indicates rapid movement that destroys everything along its trail. That doesn't sound like a plan of strategy to me, but rather an impulsive reaction. It reminds me of someone who goes to court in order to ruin someone else, wins the case, and yet spends all his resources in the process. Being impetuous may sound daring and exciting, but thoughtful deliberation before action can leave more than rubble and ruined relationships when it's all over and done.