The Difference

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from the Pages of Shustah, the Whip:

Today, I'm looking at life from a realistic point of view instead of the way I would want things to be. 

—Otis Williams

The King of Pentacles is a practical yet farsighted in material matters. He knows that although we desire bodies that function well and a hefty bank account, even the natural world doesn't thrive all the time. He suggests we investigate prudent ways to navigate those times of decline. The Whip is a symbol of self-control and discipline. Do we constantly require a carrot or the fear of the stick to motivate us? Do we jump toward the easiest solution even if it will have heavy consequences? As Jim Rohn explains, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

Traditions

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Two of Wands; from Rory's Story Cubes, the Whip:

There's a need to respect the past, but it's a mistake to revere your past. 

―Bob Iger

The figures representing the two wands on this card remind me of a mother and daughter. One represents tradition and the other innovation. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the familiar ways of doing things, but change (the Whip) can force us to do something new. My mom has hosted Thanksgiving dinner for many years, doing the bulk of the cooking (and declining most offers to help). But at 87, she tires more easily, and having a lot of things cooking at once has become like spinning plates. She has decided that we'll still gather together but forgo the turkey and dressing and just have something very simple to eat. When traditions are replaced, it is important to realize we don't have to get upset if we consider the root of their purpose - in this case, the gratitude of simply being together.

Plant It and See If It Grows

This week I'll be using the Tyldwick Tarot, created and self-published by Neil Lovell. I'll also be using the Antiquarian Lenormand, created and self-published by Maree Bento. Today's draws are the Page of Coins and the Whip/Jack of Clubs:

Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.

— Zen kōan

The Page of Coins is often called 'the student,' but he does not enjoy arguing about topics or spending hours discussing philosophy. What he learns, he plants in the earth and observes if it will grow. He tests information to see if it can be used to create, build or do things more skillfully. He is likely the most content of the Pages; he finds joy in the tasks he does rather than putting his hopes in any specific outcomes. Knowledge is a wonder to him, as it allows him to discover the natural laws of world. The Cat-o'-nine-tails is an implement of physical punishment; in the Page's case, it appears as psychological suffering if he succumbs to society's idea of success and happiness. Hopefully he will remember Joshua Metcalf's words instead: " Like thirsty people guzzling salt water, achievement only creates a greater desire for accomplishing more, dehydrating us of true satisfaction and fulfillment." 

Count to Ten (or One Hundred)

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Princess (Page) of Disks; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Whip:

The Princess of Disks is the bearer of Spring; she strikes her rod against the earth to awaken it. She represents the physical world of making and growing, a new cycle of changes and new beginnings. The Whip represents discord and tension, which seems normal anytime multiple people are involved in any kind of development or change. Folks get tired, things don't go as planned, opinions differ, and tempers flare. But when those sparks become a bonfire, nothing gets accomplished because collaboration ends. It might be a good idea for me to heed Tim Gunn's words today: "Take the high road. No matter how much strife, and consternation, frustration and anger you might be confronted with - don't go to that level." We're back to hurricane reconstruction tomorrow, and I'm having to pack and move everything out of my kitchen and take down everything on the walls then find some place to store it in my small house for a week and a half. They've got to take out a wall (hopefully just one!) and will then rebuild and paint. In a three person, one cat household, I need to remember to pause and breathe deeply. 

Good Advice

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Queen of Pentacles; from Rory's Story Cubes, Whip:

The Queen of Pentacles uses material things to nurture others and keep her realm running smoothly. Yet she is quite aware that resources managed unwisely will dry up quickly, so she's learned to be resourceful rather than wasteful. She's an adherent to the adage "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without" when it comes to her own life. Yet the cracking Whip die suggests she might want to snap out of the depression era mentality just a tad. Often we generously give to others while thinking it would be wasteful to splurge on ourselves even occasionally. Yet Theodore Isaac Rubin has some good advice: "Treat yourself at least as well as you treat other people."

The Wild Horse

From the Mary-El Tarot, the King of Swords; from the OH Cards, Whip/Guilt:

          A keen observer who is intelligent and analytical, this King's name is Reason. Speaking with him can be as intimidating as staring into the face of an actual dragon. He cuts through emotional drama and our cozy cocoon, showing us clarity whether comfortable or not. The King's purpose is not to punish but to help us see reality without blinders. I think he would heartily agree with Sakyong Mipham's description of what our untrained minds are like:

The bewildered mind is like a wild horse. It runs away when we try to find it, shies when we try to approach it. If we find a way to ride it, it takes off with the bit in its teeth and finally throws us right into the mud. We think that the only way to steady it is to give it what it wants. We spend so much of our energy trying to satisfy and entertain this wild horse of a mind.

The quote comes from Mipham's book titled Turning the Mind Into an Ally. That title implies the mind can be other than our friend, which the OH Cards combination of Whip/Guilt also suggests.  While appropriate guilt can encourage us to make amends and restitution, neurotic guilt simply makes us miserable. The King would likely tell me not to believe my thoughts unless I can back them up with hard evidence. Otherwise I'll be riding that wild horse with no saddle or bridle.

Ice packs and Bandaids

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Tower:

Uh-oh, it's that card. Behind the cracked glass is a picture of the Tower of Babel - an attempt by men to reach heaven. Of course it was just an ego thing rather than true devotion, so of course things didn't work out too well. Along the outside frame is a collection of masks, a symbol of the personalities I hide behind to keep others from seeing my true self. What's in my collection? There's the good daughter/DIL, the good wife, the good mother, the good friend. Notice a theme here? I somehow think I have to be this perfect incarnation in all my roles, yet I will never reach those expectations. And if I keep trying to do so, that fall is going to result in a mighty big lump on my head.

From the Antiquarian Lenormand comes the "Whip:"

Do you remember Silas, the Opus Dei zealot in the Da Vinci Code who would scourge himself? That is what this card brings to mind, especially with the blood spatters. I grew up hearing things like, "Don't just do your best, be the best" and "No matter what, don't be a quitter." I don't need someone else to whip me into line, I can do that very well all on my own. Unfortunately those survival tactics I needed in childhood followed me into adulthood, and they don't serve me well anymore. I need to relax those standards (which weren't really mine to begin with) and be the person I'm comfortable with. Now where are the ice pack and box of bandaids...