Wholeness

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Universe; from the Tao Oracle, Hexagram 26 (Taming Power):

Perhaps ultimately, spiritual simply means experiencing wholeness and interconnectedness directly, a seeing that individuality and the totality are interwoven, that nothing is separate or extraneous. 

—Jon Kabat-Zinn

To recognize that what we label as good and bad is simply a part of the complete whole is wisdom. To view life from a point of wholeness rather than separation is holy. To act from the understanding of connection is sacred. It's not easy, because all of our opinions and judgments get in the way. Yet as Seng-Ts'an reminds us, "The great Way has no impediments; it does not pick and choose. When you abandon attachment and aversion, you see it plainly." When we are tempted to slice and dice the world into categories, Hexagram 26 (Taming Power) encourages us to apply restraint. Instead, can we remain mindful, holding onto our ethics and integrity, while we face challenges. Ideas that divide may seem to grant security, but they are actually a big part of the problem.

Compared to the Similarities

From the New Liminal Tarot, Anima Mundi (World); from the State by State Cards, Pennsylvania (Three of Hearts):

The differences that separate human beings are nothing compared to the similarities that bond us together. —Sophie Gregoire Trudeau

Anima Mundi is Latin for soul of the world, an energy believed to connect all living beings and animate the cosmos. If we have our senses and minds open, our experiences as we live can teach us that while we look different and make different choices, our inner world of wanting to be safe, at ease and happy are the same. And we must all deal with constant change, loss, aging and death. To step through this spiritual portal is to recognize that we are not independent but connected.  The Pennsylvania Dutch painted designs on their barn doors; often called hexes, they were actually meaningful but not magical. This folk art was more a prayer for good rather than a wish for evil, as the list below shows. What if we expanded these wishes to all? It would be like the hand helping the blister on the foot...

• Distelfink: A stylized goldfinch that represents good luck, happiness, fertility, and abundance
• Heart: A common symbol of love and goodwill
• Tulip: Symbolizes faith and trust
• Dove: Represents peace and contentment
• Eagle: Represents good health, strength, and courage
• Pineapple: A symbol of hospitality
• Eight-pointed star: A symbol of regeneration or redemption

Finding the Why

From the Tabula Mundi Colores, the Universe; from the Words of the Brehon, the Three Deaths Better Than Life:

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.

 — Mark Twain

After trials and tribulations (some self-created), we have reached the pinnacle of this phase of our development. We have found our North star, what will guide us in our endeavors in the next chapter of our life. The Irish triad sounds a bit harsh - how could any death be better than life? But what it may be pointing at was that each fulfilled a purpose. The red salmon spawned to continue its species, and perhaps the fat pig fed a starving family. The horse thief's choices might serve as a lesson to others (like the Titanic). Even if it's not something awe-inspiring to the whole world, we all have a purpose. 

Modeling Job

From the World Spirit Tarot, the Universe (World); from the Mystic Glyphs, Leader:

The World/Universe represents wholeness, a place of completion at the end of a cycle. Yet it is also a place where we find our eyes and perhaps hearts have been opened wider, seeing from a perspective that understands our connection as diverse parts of a great organism. If only we could remember this viewpoint and our relationship with all when we begin a new cycle and go about our daily activities! The Leader glyph suggests we need not wait for everyone else to recognize this interconnection - we can model it ourselves. What might this look like? Frank Martela, a psychologist in Finland (the happiest country in the world) gives three things Finnish folks don't do that promote a high quality of life:

1) We don’t compare ourselves to our neighbors (forget trying to look successful).

2) We don’t overlook the benefits of nature (spending time outdoors increases well-being).

3) We don’t break the community circle of trust (respond with honesty, respect and integrity).

Destination Unknown

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, the Universe; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, 'Three preparations of a good man's house:'

All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.

~Martin Buber

While a pilgrim journeys to a particular place, spiritual travelers know not where they're headed, only that they must go. Leaving behind what is known, they travel lightly with an open heart and mind. Yet in that vulnerable openness, reality is seen with clarity; truths are discovered and understanding is found. Here the Fool exits her portal, wiser than when she entered. Now there is a sacred pause to assimilate what she's learned and experienced. The Irish triad indicates that something must be built, a foundation for what must not be forgotten. This is not meant to be dogma (as things change and there is more to learn), but guideposts can help us maintain a path of wisdom. As Robert Aitken wrote, without such a guide our path "tends to become a hobby, made to fit the ego."

Begin Again

From the Sun and Moon Tarot, the Universe; from the Jade Oracle, Chalchiuhtlicue:

Decort uses a take on the Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), a form of the Hindu god Shiva. The person underfoot represents spiritual ignorance. Shiva is known as The Destroyer; he tears down in order to build again. I have a friend who is a retired Episcopal priest who explained to me that when a priest retires, he is supposed to attend another church rather than the one he has served. This is so that when the new priest comes, he or she doesn't feel like they are standing in anyone's shadow - everyone starts afresh. While it seemed harsh at first, it began to make sense. When I complete something, I don't continue turning back to add final touches. I move on, taking what I've learned with me. Chalchiuhtlicue - She of the Jade Skirt - is the guardian of terrestrial waters who sustains and cleanses. She was present in rituals performed by midwives who washed newborns, and thus symbolizes a time for me wash away the old and embrace the new that awaits. 

Each of us has that right, that possibility, to invent ourselves daily.  —Maya Angelou

Just Passing Through

From the Greenwood Tarot, the World Tree; from the Rune Cards, Ansuz-ash*:

          Potter's World card shows a tree depicting all four seasons planted in the middle of a labyrinth. When walking a labyrinth, there are times when the lane seems close to the middle, then on the next turn, it moves further away. Eventually, perseverance will lead a person to the center. Life sends us on the same kind of twisty paths as we look for spiritual fulfillment. But even when we seem to have found what we've been searching for, we discover there are more labyrinths yet to be walked. Life doesn't stand still and neither should any spiritual path. Each moment unfolds with new joys and challenges we must meet. The sturdiness of the Ash requires that we pick up the spiritual warrior's shield and spear (wisdom and compassion) once more. There's more to see and learn along the Way.

*Ansuz was split into three runes with the Anglo-Saxon development of the vowel system: o/god, a/oak, and ae/ash.

Upward Spiral

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Universe; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Lamed:

 Lamed painting by Dani Antman

          The door of completion opens on the Universe card; some level of skill and understanding or some goal has been reached. The androgynous figure holds two wands and acts as a connector, both receiving but also sending. What has been gained is meant to be returned to life in some fashion, not hoarded. Lamed means to learn (and alternately to teach). Ginsburgh suggests its towering form (which rises above the upper line of script) symbolizes an aspiration to understand. Yet this aspiration is rooted in the heart, not motivated by selfishness or self-centeredness. Keep moving and learning, Lamed tells the figure in the Universe card. If your heart is in the right place, more will be revealed.

Always take the high road, it’s far less crowded.~ Charlie Munger

New Guidelines

From the Stone Tarot, the Universe; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, Dhammapada 8:100 :

Now

illusions shatter

like dropped cups.

~ Alison Stone

Stone includes the planets of our solar system in her painting of the Universe. It was a reminder of the stunning discovery that the Earth was not the center of everything, but the Sun. Years later, astronomers would again shake things up when they declared our galaxy was just one of many in the Universe. From a spiritual point of view, this card does the same thing - expanding our minds and hearts in a way that we can no longer perceive things as we did before. The verse from the Dhammapada reads:

Better than a thousand meaningless statements

is one meaningful word, which, 

having been heard, brings peace.

The noise from words seems to never stop, whether from people talking, television or social media. How many of them create fear, stir up anger or cause sadness rather than bringing comfort, healing and encouragement? When the mind and heart open, we can no longer ignore the impact of what we say, post or write. We realize we need to be a part of the solution rather than the problem, which can begin simply with the way we communicate.

As we move through this beautiful and troubled world, may we vow to be a 

beacon of peace, a fearless carrier of respect and lovingkindness for all life, a 

teller of truth, a voice for justice, a protector of those who are vulnerable or 

targeted. May the power of wisdom, integrity and compassion be our guide.

~Jack Kornfield

Complete (But Not Really)

From the Fountain Tarot, the World; from the Devas of Creation, Source:

          The World card signifies that a cycle has been completed; the boundaries of this journey have been marked on the timeline. Any undertaking or developmental action we take - especially when it requires us to invest body, mind and spirit - changes us in ways that are sometimes surprising. It often shifts our views and gives us a deeper understanding of some things. But there is more to learn and do, so that gal better hop off her sphere once she's rested and gear up. Conway describes the Source card as living in full awareness or being awake (as in Buddhism). Once we see with opened eyes and understand with an open mind, we can't go back to sleep. Joy and awe are found not by rewinding to the past or fast-forwarding to the future, but only through what is happening right in front of us. The human life is an adventurous journey with no real destination. We may think we've arrived, but we'll eventually see something new on the horizon and start off again. The present moment can be enticing for those who are curious.

When we are not so self-involved, we begin to realize that the world is speaking to us all of the time. Every plant, every tree, every animal, every person, every car, every airplane is speaking to us, teaching us, awakening us. It’s a wonderful world, but we often miss it. ~ Pema Chodron

It's a Mystery

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the King of Coins; from the Universe Cards, "Universe:"

           Prince Albert was the Consort of the Queen (Victoria), which meant he had a position of distinction though not any real authority. Gradually, he became involved in public causes like the world-wide abolition of slavery, educational reform and the organization of the Great Exhibition of 1851. He eventually became a political influence as well; firmly disagreeing in foreign intervention, he helped keep Britain out of the American Civil War. Albert took on the responsibilities of running the Queen's household, estates and office yet still managed to produce nine children with Victoria. Like the King of Coins, he was a practical, reliable and resourceful fellow.
          Today most scientists think that the universe was created during the Big Bang about 13.8 billion years ago and is expanding at an ever-increasing rate. The observable universe stretches for about 46 billion light years in all directions. Even with all the brilliant minds and technology we have to study the cosmos, it is doubtful we'll ever have all the answers. The Universe card suggests that a limit has been reached; for the present time at least, there is no more to be done. I'm sure the King of Coins would agree. If I'm only spinning my wheels, it's time to move on to another project where I can make some real progress. If something changes I can always come back to it, but there's no sense wasting time, money or energy on it right now.