Multiple Choice

From the Ferret Tarot, the Two of Swords; from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Pumpkin:

Maintain an active mind: alert to the possibilities and mischievous in your pursuit of them.

―Stewart Stafford

The position of these two swords indicates that there is indecision because of a conflict between mind and heart. The mind is grounded in the facts it knows (but also the unknown it fears). The heart wavers between what it desires and the fear that it won't have the perseverance to accomplish it. Yet before we make any decision, we must acknowledge that change is possible and life can be both different and better. Pumpkin reminds us of the abundance of possibilities. We often see only one view, but just as this gourd can contain 500 seeds, there are many more options and potential prospects that we haven't even imagined. As Francis of Assisi said, "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

Power Play

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three laughing stocks:"

The mental flexibility of the wise man permits him to keep an open mind and enables him to readjust himself whenever it becomes necessary for a change. —Malcolm X

The Two of Swords in the Thoth tradition represent a peace gain through mental flexibility. Like the moon, we need to be able to change our ideas when necessary. Cognitive elasticity enables us to enhance our problem solving, regulate our emotions, and improve our relationships because we see other viewpoints. The angry man, jealous man and miser in the Brehon card are ridiculed because they are trying to control what they can't and lose the power they have. The angry man loses control to his emotions (which now control him); the jealous man loses the ability to fully appreciate and enjoy what he has; the miser becomes what he fears - functionally destitute - because he refuses to use his resources. If we can master our attitudes, then we can master change.

A Tiny Shift

This week I'll be using the Vision Quest Tarot, a deck created by Gayle Silvie Winter and Jo Dose (illustrator); it was published by AGM Müller. I'll also be using two combined oracles: Bird Cards and Ascension to Paradise, created by Jane Toerien (author) and Joyce van Dobben (illustrator); they were published by Altamira-Becht and Binkey Kok. Today's draws are Two of Air (Swords) and Owl:

Sometimes all it takes is a tiny shift of perspective to see something familiar in a totally new light.

 —Dan Brown

The Vision Quest Tarot was inspired by the Thoth, so the Two of Air/Swords emphasizes that inner peace is available. But it will require us to make an effort to see ideas from a different perspective, not just from the standpoint of what we desire or think we deserve. If we cling stubbornly to our ideas, we may end up as Michelle Thaller described: "Your brain may be as blind to reality as a grasshopper is to calculus." The Owl has long symbolized wisdom - direct, experiential insight into the true nature of reality rather than mere intellectual knowledge. Clinging to our views can turn us into that grasshopper if we refuse to acknowledge what is.

Response-ability

From the Badgers Forest, the Two of Badgers (Swords); from the Gemstone Oracle, Magnesite:

The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. 

—Henry David Thoreau

Two badgers face off - serious business for animals with such formidable jaw strength. In high density clans, female badges will often compete for breeding rights in order to adjust clan size for resource availability. Major decisions are often based on what we will get from each option, yet it might be wiser to choose based on what each one will cost us, physically, mentally and emotionally. Magnesite represents a state of grounded calmness that grants us clarity, knowing that we are responsible for our choices and actions. As Stephen Covey wrote, "Accountability breeds response-ability." 

Be Your Own Advocate

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Waterhouse Oracle, John Waterhouse:

Don't waste your energy trying to change opinions... Do your thing and don't care if they like it. 

—Tina Fey

The Touchstone's portrait is of Christina of Denmark; Henry the VIII ordered a painter to go out and paint pictures of young women for him to consider for marriage. Henry fell for Christina, yet she is said to have replied that she might consider his proposal, "if I had two heads." No wonder this young lady was not given a blind fold - her eyes are wide open with that choice. John Waterhouse was known for depicting the inner life of women from myths and literary works. His crossed arms suggest that he likes what he paints, regardless of other opinions. These two cards brought to mind a phrase made popular by Archie Bunker (All in the Family); "If they don't like, they can lump it; take it down the road and dump it." 

Grow the Good

From the Brady Tarot, the Two of Arrows (Swords); from the Citadel Deck, the Forgotten:

When we let go of our battles and open our hearts to things as they are, then we come to rest in the present moment.  —Jack Kornfield

Two predators (a wolf and a cougar) that compete for food and territory have become bound together. Stress humans out by making them angry or fearful, and there's a good probability the solution they come up with will be destructive rather than constructive (especially to themselves). But this card suggests we pause in our battle; as Kornfield reminds us, "To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be." Why is this necessary? For one thing, we are probably wasting energy on things we can't control. But Forgotten reminds us of something else - we have ignored the things and people who are important in our lives. We choose the seeds to cultivate each day, so why not grow the good and nurture the loved?

Sifting Information

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Sacrifice:

Indecision may come from an instinctive hunch that there's more you need to know - which means it's time to learn everything you can about the pros and cons of each option. You can continue on this track, however, only as long as you're unearthing genuinely new information. ―Martha Beck

The hands crossed on this woman's chest are a symbol of many meanings: a barrier (we many need quiet and solitude), a self-soothing tactic (we may need to let our emotions settle), deep thinking (we look beyond the surface), and humility (recognizing we are an imperfect human). All of these are important stations to pass through when we must make a difficult decision. Sacrifice brings to mind a humorous church sign: "You can't have your Kate and Edith too." As much as we might want to keep everyone happy or not limit our possibilities, choices generally require moving forward and leaving something behind. As hard as it may be at times, it's the way we grow (even if we make a mistake).

Self-Inflicted

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Two of Arrows (Swords); from the Rune Cards, Aurochs (Uruz):

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

—Viktor Frankl

There is a children's book called, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst. That title sums up my day so far. However, the Two of Swords/Arrows reminds me that I can choose differently. In the Buddhist parable of the "Two Arrows," the first arrow is the one that strikes us all - pain, misfortune and hardships. But the second arrow (our reaction to these things) - anger, self-pity, fear, rumination - is optional. That second arrow is self-inflicted. Uruz is the rune of the aurochs, an ancient beast similar to the bison, and symbolizes primal power and determination. This rune encourages us to reclaim our ability to choose beneficial thoughts to focus on. Pause, breathe and reset.

Great Spaces

From the Tarot of the Secret Forest, the Two of Swords; from the Faeries Oracle, Faeries of the Future:

How good it is to look sometimes across great spaces, to lift one’s eyes from narrowness, to feel the large silence that rests on lonely hills! ―Elizabeth von Arnim

When trying to make a choice, expectations can narrow our options. We feel squeezed by the assumptions and projections we make and the traditions to which others want us to adhere. I remember a teacher once saying that when feeling overwhelmed, we should go outside to a place where we can view a wide-open sky. Taking a few deep breaths in that space may help open our mind and give us a greater perspective. Faeries of the Future remind us that if we want to influence our future, we must make a choice and act. Michelle Obama gives us a nudge with her words, "At the end of the day, when it comes time to make that decision, all you have to guide you are your values, and your vision, and the life experiences that make you who you are."

Daily Devotion

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Master Tarot (Oracle), Twice Born:

More important than the quest for certainty is the quest for clarity.

–Francois Gautier

When we're mired in the muck of a situation, it is nearly impossible to see the issues clearly. Only when we rise above it can we gain perspective, seeing objectively without emotional attachment. It's not about being right - it is clarity that will help us move out of the muck and make appropriate choices. Twice Born shows Lazarus, who was thought to be dead but was brought back to life. It suggests that we must also awaken, leaving behind our fears and our agenda, in order to see reality just as it is. In the words of Ian Brady, “One should try to be honest with oneself almost as a daily devotion.”

Wise Motives

From the Tarot of the Crone, the Two of Swords; from the Wondering Traveler's Oracle, Worth the Effort:

We all remember epochs in our experience when some dear expectation dies, or some new motive is born. ― George Eliot

It's time to make a decision, but what to choose? We could make the choice to appease someone and to look good; we might make the choice that goes against tradition but follows our personal ethics. The decision might be self-centered or include the concerns of others. Humans have the ability to reflect on our own thoughts, to dig up their underlying motive, whether that's a treasure chest or a decaying corpse. Perhaps the better question would be, "What results and residual effects will each choice have a year from now? Worth the Effort suggests that any major decision deserves a patient endeavor to gather as much knowledge as possible so that we can choose wisely. 

Light Not Heat

This week I'll be using the Daniloff Tarot, created and self-published by Alexander Daniloff. I'll also be using a set of Kuan Yin Sticks with the corresponding verses from Stephen Karcher's book The Kuan Yin Oracle as well as from www.kuanshihyin.net. Today's draws are the Two of Swords and Verse 46:

One cool judgment is worth a thousand hasty counsels. The thing to do is to supply light and not heat. 

―Woodrow Wilson

The two rocks on either side of this woman seem to indicate she is between a rock and a hard place - she faces a situation that doesn't have great options on either side. The blindfold and 'earmuffs' head covering suggest she is shutting out all the people trying to steer her in one direction or the other. She will rely on inner wisdom and intuition to make this decision. The Kuan Yin verse reads:

Even a withered tree will bloom again one day.

Count on the rhythms of nature.

Stay still for now

and let things be just as they are.

Sometimes people or situations won't show their true colors unless we wait patiently instead of poking them. As Lao Tzu asked, "Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?" We must put our stirring sticks down if we want to see with clarity.

Barely Speaking

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Two of Blades; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk Oracle, the Orchid:

The fact is, the heart and mind aren't always friendly. And in my case, they're barely speaking.

—Alyson Noel

It appears the mind and heart are at cross purposes, each with its own intentions and goals. How do we come to a decision, having to choose between a logical choice and a compassionate one? First, don't rush into anything. Second, consider the Orchid, a lovely flower that's "easy" to grow once you understand and create all its ideal conditions (and there are a lot). This plant reminds us that simply making a decision is not the end of things - we must then continue to follow through with whatever energy, time and support it will require. To which of these are we willing to make such a commitment?

Difficult Decisions

From the Anna K Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Meditation Cards, Distractions:

The best thing about making difficult decisions is that you get to be wrong on your own terms.

— Anonymous

This fellow is in a place of stasis, unable to move backward or forward. He's got to make a decision, but neither choice is ideal. It is a "caught between a rock and a hard place" position that seems to have no solution. I understand his confusion. I had a horrible, long-lasting reaction to some osteoporosis pills, yet now my doctor wants me to try an infusion (same family of drug but given once a year). I know this would probably help the problem, but once bitten twice shy, as they say. Distractions show cats climbing all over a meditator. When there's a tough choice to be made, being distracted by a multitude of difficulties can keep us from making a rational decision. If we can let things settle down, both within us and around us, it might help us see the better choice. In the words of John Tarrant, "Abiding nowhere, the heart comes forth."

Finding Our Core

This week I'll be using Tarot of the Secret Forest, created by Lucia Mattioli and published by Lo Scarabeo. I'll also be drawing from the Faeries' Oracle created by Brian Froud with text by Jessica Macbeth; it was published by Simon & Schuster. Today's cards are the Two of Swords and The Laume:

It is only in solitude that I ever find my own core.

—Anne Morrow Lindbergh

A lone figure stands on a rocky ledge next to an evergreen tree as he ponders a decision. The booklet states that this is a time for renouncing emotions and analyzing things rationally. This is often easier when we follow Lindbergh's words above. Solitude can remove the pressures of others trying to influence us; it allows us to see at our core not only what we want but what we need. The Laume is a fairy who knows the joy in giving without expectation, but she also encourages receiving without shame. As Jane Goodall said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” What would be a kindness to others as well as oneself - not just now but in the long run?

Way of Integrity

From the Forest of Enchantment Tarot, the Two of Challenges (Swords); from the Mushroom Spirit Oracle, Chaga:

You enter the forest at the darkest point, where there is no path. Where there is a a way or path, it is someone else's path. ―Joseph Campbell

A young man pauses for clarity in front of a magic mirror that reminds him of who he is an what he thinks is important. For too long he has been the person other people wanted and expected him to be, but now a decision must be made that could change all of that and expose his true self. Will he follow the way of integrity or remain attached to the desires and demands of others? Chaga is a fungus that resembles burnt charcoal and is often found growing on birch trees. These mushrooms are one of the best sources of antioxidants; they can also stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation and increase physical endurance. Chaga reminds us that people pleasing - while sometimes an easier path - is not the path of wholeness. As Martha Beck explains, "Because our true nature is serious about restoring us to wholeness, it hauls out the one tool that reliably gets our attention: suffering."

The One that Nurtures

From the Hezicos Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Way of the Horse Oracle, Promise:

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.

– Nelson Mandela

What do we do when making a decision leaves us caught between a rock and a hard place? Griffin suggests this moment of indecision reflects a time of feeling vulnerable and defensive, which tends to close minds rather than open them. Yet as Omar Bradley wrote, "we are given one life and the decision is ours whether to wait for circumstances to make up our mind, or whether to act, and in acting, to live." Promise, with a painting of a mother and her new foal, represents nourishing new life. It implies that the better choice might be the one that nurtures rather than manipulates (ourselves or others). 

Bridge Building in the Mind

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Two of Clouds (Swords); from the A'HA Oracle, Dragonfly:

Decision is a risk rooted in the courage of being free.

―Paul Tillich

The term "schizophrenia" was first used in 1911 by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler; it comes from the Greek roots schizo (split) and phrene (mind). Although Padma isn't referring to the psychiatric disorder, she is pointing out how making a hard decision can make our mind seem fragmented. It doesn't help matters when we are stretched between the past (that might happen again!) and the future (what if this happens?!). Dragonfly represents a deeper understanding that leads to transformation. How can we build this bridge of wisdom to help us make a decision in the present? Each plank might be formed by these questions:

• How does each option stack up next to my core values?
• Do I have enough knowledge about each option so that I don't have to make assumptions?
• When I imagine myself having made a particular choice, how does it feel in my gut?
• What techniques or practices can I use to calm my emotions so that my decision isn't hijacked?
• Although the responsibility for my choice is mine, do I realize that making mistakes is part of what helps me to develop and mature?

Curiosity, Not Assumptions

 From the Tarot de St. Croix, the Two of Swords; from the Archetype Cards, Magical Child:

Those hard decisions are often between the choice of the mind and the choice of the heart. Others, thinking to help us, will generally take one side or the other. We can easily get caught up in discussions that create more chaos than direction. Yet only we know what crosses the line of our personal ethics and values; only we know the depth of our experience and what it has taught us. Our own insight is what will give us confirmation. The Magical Child can also help us let go of the rigid outcomes we assume for each choice and see a wider range of possibilities. As Zenkei Blanche Hartman teaches:

Beginner’s mind is Zen practice in action. It is the mind that is innocent of preconceptions and expectations, judgments and prejudices. Beginner’s mind is just present to explore and observe and see “things as they are.” I think of beginner’s mind as the mind that faces life like a small child, full of curiosity and wonder and amazement. “I wonder what this is? I wonder what that is? I wonder what this means?” Without approaching things with a fixed point of view or a prior judgment, just asking “What is it?”

Relax, Release, Resist Nothing

From the PetraK Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Astrodice, Mars/Gemini/6th House:

We can approach our lives as an experiment. In the next moment, in the next hour, we could choose to stop, to slow down, to be still for a few seconds. We could experiment with interrupting the usual chain reaction and not spin off in the usual way.

—Pema Chodron

The swords lying on their sides and the pastel colors of this card suggest this person took Chodron's words (above) to heart. To pause for a few moments without feeding the mind allows the aggressive feeling that we must choose NOW to pass. When a modicum of peace can wedge itself within us, we realize the only real danger is making an impulsive decision. Even when dealing with difficult choices, such clarity can help us see that the easier choice might be the worst one down the line. The Sixth House from the Astrodice roll involves health or work - two areas where discernment needs to be exercised. Yet the fiery nature of Mars and the restlessness of Gemini might push us into a spin again. Relax, release, resist nothing. Let the mud settle, the water clear and the right choice will be apparent.