Compassionate Self-Control

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Chariot; from the Alchemist Oracle, 'You are exactly where you need to be:'

          A woman on a trike-bike moves with purpose through a busy city street. I'm sure there are plenty of distractions going on around her - a sale at the dry goods store, a fight at the pub, etc. - but she keeps on pedaling forward. She is learning to master her desires and control her impulses in order to reach her destination. Of course she might make a brief stop to say hello to a friend or offer directions to someone new to the city, but she continues on her way soon thereafter. She doesn't exist on a 'pepper diet,' but neither will she indulge her every whim; self-discipline helps her put off instant gratification that will only slow her down. To be honest, I abhor the New Age platitude endorsed by the Alchemist Oracle card: "You are exactly where you need to be." Is this what you would tell a woman who just miscarried? How about a young boy who just experienced a beating from his drunk father? I think a less punishing and more helpful view would be to say, "Yes, this is reality. How can you tenderly accept it and deal with it rather than closing your heart to life?"

Blame It On the Ox

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Alchemist's Oracle, "Where You Need to Be:"

          Meleen states that this Ace is the sword of Reason; it is the intellectual tool of justice. If used correctly (combining will / thelema with love / agape), it brings clarity. I don't lend much credence to the "woo-woo" factor of tarot, but I had the thought before I got out of bed that I would draw this card this morning. So this feels like a very personal message, one that encourages me to "know myself" and acknowledge the truth of what I find. It reminds of the opening verses of the Dhammapada:

Mind is the forerunner of all actions. All deeds are led by mind, created by mind. If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind, suffering follows, as the wheel follows the hoof of an ox pulling a cart. Mind is the forerunner of all actions. All deeds are led by mind, created by mind. If one speaks or acts with a serene mind, happiness follows, as surely as one's shadow.

I prefer not to be dragged along by that ox, going in whatever direction the wind blows. The booklet for Alchemist's Oracle suggests I acknowledge where I'm standing right now. This will require me setting aside my distractions and becoming still long enough to have a look. And if I find that I don't like what I see, I can blame it on the ox - which of course is just a part of me.