A Feminine Touch

From the Bonefire Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the 'Woman:'

          The Five of Wands is about competitive squabbling in which people have different ideas about how things should be done. Notice the conkers (a children's toy) in the middle of the drawing; this debate is not meant to be taken personally. It is simply a way to see the strong and weak sides of each argument. When disagreements make us feel we are being criticized or attacked (rather than our viewpoint), it's time to remember the words of Elizabeth Thornton: "If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that sometimes our assumptions and preconceived notions are wrong, and therefore, our interpretation of events is incorrect. This causes us to overreact, to take things personally, or to judge people unfairly." The Woman from the Lenormand deck represents the feminine archetype - receptive rather than closed-minded, inclusive rather than exclusive, and cooperative rather than aggressive. What a difference her mindset can make in any heated discussion, especially since she would plow calmly ahead and refuse to escalate any heated argument.

Outlook Hazy

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 Moon and the Lady:

          The Moon card is muddy and unclear; I imagine if you asked the mirror in this card for answers, it would reply "Outlook hazy." This is one of those periods when it is simply better to sit back and ride things out rather than stir the pot. Discernment is way off, possibly because of wishful thinking, opinionated thinking or emotional thinking (and since this is the Moon, my bet would be on the latter). With such cloudy vision, the best action is simply no action other than observation for now. The Lady card represents an important female, and in this card it is Marie Curie. Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel prize and the only woman to win two prizes in separate sciences (physics and chemistry). Among her many achievements, she led the world's first research into the treatment of tumors with radioactive isotopes and developed mobile x-ray units for field work in WWI. However she died from aplastic anemia due to her exposure to radiation in her work. Even the brightest and most intuitive people can't know or foresee everything, so there's no shame in stepping back and admitting that one's view is muddied.

Chess Player

From the Bonefire Tarot, the Nine of Swords; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Woman:

          A young woman sits in a bed of chess pieces with a checkerboard cover. She's a strategist, always trying to stay one move ahead of the next problem or challenge. But she's in overdrive and can't see clearly (using her fingers for glasses). Her intuition has shut down (the closed eye in the forehead), probably because she's trying to control everything. All the 'pieces' in play won't stay in the position she wants them, nor do what she wants them to do. She's a basket full of anxiety tied up with an insomnia bow. The Woman shows up from the Lenormand deck twirling her skirt and representing the feminine principle of receptivity. "Relax and loosen your grasp," she tells her. "The only part you can play in this game of life is your own. And you'll miss even that if you keep trying to direct everyone else."

Attitude of Alliance

From the New Revised Art Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Viking Lenormand, the "Woman:"

          The square shape of the rods, as well as the small triangle above, indicate stability. The shape makes me think of the phrase "square up," which could suggest settling a bill or making something conform to a set guide. The "T" inside the triangle represents a Masonic T-square, a symbol of measurement and order. Well-planned thought and action are necessary if a solid foundation is to be created. The Woman (read as an oracle rather than Lenormand) would represent nurturing, receptive and cooperative qualities. So what does the Ace of Spades above her have to do with the feminine? The T-square gave me a clue - measured words. Women do tend to be more verbal than men. In this case, whatever is said needs to be based in truth with an attitude of alliance. Clear, respectful communication rather than assumptions will be a top priority.

Sadness and Swirling Skirts

From the Bonefire Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the "Woman:"

          Gabi did a good job of making this guy look depressed. Whatever has happened, he feels like all joy and hope in his life is gone. Being in the depths of the dark cave of depression can block out any rays of light, including those two cups still standing. Neither can he see the warm, cheerful-looking home that would take him in. Such sorrow creates a sense of isolation, the feeling that no one else could possibly understand such pain. But in the middle of this gloom-fest enters the Lenormand Woman, with her colorful skirt twirling. Because I don't read these cards traditionally (rather just as an oracle), I see her as representing characteristics of the feminine. She symbolizes receptivity and the urge to connect with other people. She would tell this fellow that if he does, he will find there are others who have experienced the deep sadness he feels too. But more importantly, they can offer support and suggestions for ways to get through it.