Sharing Wisdom

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the World; from the Green Wheel Oracle, the Hearth Moon:

There is no delight in owning anything unshared. —Seneca

Rather than a single herb, this World card is paired with Pachamama (Mother Earth) - a living being who nourishes and supports all. As we complete a major phase or undertaking in our lives, the World suggests we share our insights and wisdom with others. We've been blessed with the knowledge and understanding of many sages throughout history: Siddhartha Gautama, Aristotle, Jesus of Nazareth, and Marcus Aurelius, to name just a few. Yet Hearth Moon, a time of preparation, implies we should tie up loose ends, let go of old habits, and clean up our side of the street first. Only by seeing the changes we have made in ourselves will others think we have anything to offer that is worth hearing.

Not in Circles

From the Tarot of the Master, the World; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Populus:

We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps. ―Hermann Hesse

The Vacchetta World card has the Italian names for the seasons at the top and bottom, implying coming full circle. Yet it's not a circle we travel but a spiral. Every person we meet and experience we have changes us in some way, widening our knowledge and outlook. Populus means "the people;" the dots themselves remind me of two rows of people sitting in pews. This is a collection of people who share the same ideas and use peer pressure to squash independent thinking. Here, life moves on around us while we stay stuck in one place unless we break from the collective. As Leo Tolstoy explains, “Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking...”

Loving the World

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the World; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk deck, the Maze:

The world is not ugly; it is only our way of seeing it that is sometimes ugly.

—Hermann Hesse

How do we learn to love the world? First by realizing we are not the center of its orbit. Secondly, by grasping and accepting the meaning of the triskele symbol - life does not stand still; it is always changing. When we understand that: 1) nothing stays stuck forever, and 2) we will not always have what and who is around us, which makes them precious. The Maze brings up a third way. Unlike the labyrinth, which has one way in and one way out, a maze has many dead ends. But change and movement remind us that we don't have to give up and stare at a brick wall. If we're willing to try other avenues and stay curious (change our own mind), we'll find other options. Such open-mindedness and willingness, however, is fueled by love, not hatred and frustration.

Love does not lead to an end to difficulties, it provides us with the means to cope with our difficulties in ways that enhance our growth. ―bell hooks

Swallow the World

From the Slavic Legends Tarot, the World; from the Urban Crow Oracle, Exposed:

To understand just one life, you have to swallow the world.

―Salman Rushdie

In Slavic mythology, the Holy Oak is the embodiment of the axis mundi or World Tree. The roots represent the underworld, the trunk the earthly realm, and the branches the celestial kingdom. The World offers us the insight of interconnection and interdependence. The Fool does not get to the World without understanding how his experiences have shaped him and how, in turn, he has affected others. There is a Buddhist saying that behind every shortcoming is a hurt; I would venture to say that behind every virtue is a kindness. We are both the potter and the clay. Exposed is a visceral illustration of how most of us feel when we are vulnerable enough to show our real self to another. Vulnerability is the courage to be genuine and open despite the uncertainty of the outcome. It's scary as hell, but it is also what allows us to connect intimately to others.

The True Essence

From the Wild Unknown, the World; from the Pictish Oracle, Rectangular Figure:

Form is none other than emptiness. Emptiness is none other than form.

—Heart Sutra

We begin life awash in wonder; later, we focus on finding certainty and solidity, through both concepts and material possessions. The Sutra tells us that form - anything tangible or perceptible (objects, thoughts) - is "empty." Rather than a void, emptiness points out that all things are impermanent and interdependent. Emptiness is the canvas that allows form to happen. To recognize wholeness in our diverse and ever-changing world, rather trying to separate and petrify, allows us to develop compassionate understanding. Several of the Rectangular Figures have been found on stones that show monks carrying books in satchels that look very similar. We all carry concepts and ideas that help us to make sense of life. Hopefully, we don't latch our "satchels' too tightly, allowing room for new perspectives and new information. As Tara Brach said, "Belief without inquiry is like mistaking a map for the territory - guiding us but never capturing the true essence of what is."

Be Aware and Be Wise

From the Touchstone Tarot, the World; from the Waterhouse Oracle, Mariamne Leaving the Judgement Seat of Herod:

The most expensive thing you will ever do is spend time with the wrong people. 

— Germany Kent

From a spiritual perspective, the World offers us a 360 degree view. We arrive at a place of understanding that allows us to see more of the whole rather than just our assumptions. People aren't just naturally assholes or saints - everything is in relationship to other things. We are all shaped by the flux of conditions and causes that surround us. Yet awareness allows us to be mindful of these impacts, and wisdom pauses to assess these interconnected pieces. If a situation isn't healthy or kind, we can step back rather than identify with it. Waterhouse's painting of Mariamne shows Herod's wife being led to her execution after Herod's sister and mother made false accusations against her (in a move to protect their own interests). Who we surround ourselves with, the places we go, and what we feed our mind can create causes and conditions that impact us in unintended ways. Be aware and be wise.

What Happened

From the Light and Shadow Tarot, the World; from the Art Rounds Oracle, Tree Rings:

Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you.

—Aldous Huxley

This Earth Mother gives birth to all beings, but it is up to each one to do some learning for the sake of their own safety and well-being. There's no need to sign up for college classes, as life will offer lessons freely - from life-affirming and life-threatening to wonderous and horrible. We might not always take advantage of these 'classes,' but sometimes the best lessons come from bad judgment. Hopefully what is learned will open our heart and mind so that we begin to walk in the world a little differently. Tree Rings are layers of wood that reveal a tree’s age and past environmental conditions. It represents records and observations of the past, and reminds me of writing daily, whether a journal or blog. It's a way to take stock of our thoughts and feelings, but it also serves as a reminder of good times and times of resilience. 

Uncharted Territories

From the Mystical Moments Tarot, the World; from the Inner Eye Oracle, Communication:

When you get into uncharted territory, and you have no idea what you're doing and how it's going to turn out, that's the peak level of creativity. You're with the currents. You're out in the uncharted territories of your own mind. —Will Smith

This woman realizes she is not separate but a part of the planet she inhabits. She reminds me of a show I've been watching and enjoying - National Geographic's "Pole to Pole" with Will Smith. Inspired by his mentor Dr. S. Allen Counter, Smith travels across the seven continents to seek out the most remote places and people, and the stories they have to tell. We get to see the raw beauty of our planet, as well as hear the way Smith's own eyes have been opened. Communication allows us to relate our experiences to each other. We often get stuck in our daily trudge and forget that each day is a new adventure. What would happen if we knew we would end our day by sharing the new things we noticed and learned instead of just complaining?

Expanding

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Universe; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Lamed (artwork by Linda Saskia Menczel):

Life is not shrinking for me; it's morphing into a whole new world of possibilities. 

―Peyton Manning

As En Vogue sings, "Free your mind, and the rest will follow." The Universe is not just about completion; it is a moment when the world opens up, allowing us to see it with new eyes. What was narrow has become wider, and what once impossible is now full of potential. Lamed is shaped like a staff or prod that guides animals, instructing them in the right way to go. This letter means to learn and to teach, not simply on an intellectual level, but a practical one that helps us live principled and responsible lives. Lamed also prods us to get moving - we're sure to learn and share more as we travel down new paths.

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.

No Transcending

From the Middle Way Arcana, the World; from the Vertical Oracle, Outside Shock:

We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy. ~Pema Chodron

We can sometimes fall under a delusion when attempting to live a spiritual life. We imagine that if we say enough prayers, donate generously to charity, and read sacred texts daily, we won't have to deal with the hard parts of life. We feel like we can generate a way to be untouched by the fray of life. Yet as Outside Shock implies, we still have to deal with long lines, unexpected bills, the side effects of aging, obnoxious people, and losing the things and people we love. A spiritual framework doesn't protect us from challenges, it just helps us respond to them appropriately. Used correctly, it helps us meet each one as it comes, with clarity, wisdom and compassion.

Discovery

From the Mary-El Tarot, the World; from the OH Cards, Companionship:

I did not know that I could only get the most out of life by giving myself up to it.

― Marion Milner

As we begin our lives, we step off into the landscape of the abyss, with wide open minds and hearts. Gradually we form beliefs and opinions, which serve to separate us from other people and things. Yet if we're attentive on this journey of pleasure and hard knocks, we'll discover that we are a small part of a magnificent whole - a glorious living entity. When we see the World as it is, we see its entirety and interconnection. It is a perspective changer - as Milner wrote, "let no one undertake such an experiment who is not prepared to find himself more of a fool than he thought." Companionship is an admonition to remember our relationship with everything. We can choose to act as a medicine or a poison; either way, we affect the World we live in.

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

The Hive

From the Tarot de St. Croix, the World; from the Archetype Cards, Angel:

To understand just one life, you have to swallow the world.

–Salman Rushdie

The companion book states that the World speaks of wholeness and numinous revelation, showing us that we are connected to all that is. Regardless of outer appearances and the pride we take in our personal views, we are interdependent and thus connected. All things depend on other factors - causes and conditions - to exist. Pull one leg off of a table and it becomes unstable; remove another and it ceases to stand. To understand and embrace this connection is to step through a portal of awakening. Angel reminds us that kindness and a willingness to help those in need is a sane choice, not a weak one. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, "That which is not good for the swarm, neither is it good for the bee."

The Balance of Success

From the Prairie Tarot, the World; from the Medicine Cards, Elk:

The key to keeping your balance is knowing when you've lost it.  –Anonymous

Attempts at forcing the world to submit to our whims and desires only create more challenges when we are trying to bring anything to completion. This wise tightrope walker has figured out what she can control, things she might influence, and situations she simply needs to accept to achieve her goal. Now, she finds herself having done what she set out to do. I'd bet she also took William Arthur Ward's words to heart: "A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life." Elk, knowing that our adrenaline rush of success will wear off soon, offers us the advice to pace ourselves if we want to maintain our stamina as we move from our present achievement to the next objective.

Well Used

From the Tarot of the Master, the World; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Acquisitio (gain):

Never rest on your laurels. Nothing wilts faster than a laurel sat upon. 

—Percy Bysshe Shelley 

We've overcome our trepidation, opened our mind to new ideas, and put our best foot forward. Finally, we've accomplished what we've worked so long and hard on. It's time to pause and appreciate the fruits of our efforts. Acquisitio points out all the new talents and traits we've acquired along the way: courage, commitment, perseverance, flexibility, self-discipline and the humility to ask for help when we need guidance. Such 'acquisitions' are like new tools - the more we use them, the more developed they'll become. Don't leave those tools out in the rain to rust - there are more adventures ahead!

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."

The View from Here

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, the World; from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Beech:

"You all know," said the Guide, "that security is mortals' greatest enemy."

― C.S. Lewis

The spiral in this World card suggests that not only have we completed a circuit in our life, but that we should be able to see from a higher, wider view than when we first started. Though we may pause and reflect on what we've learned and experienced, there are more circuits to travel. Beech has been linked with wisdom as it was used to write upon before the development of books. In The Bach Flower Remedies, it is used against mental rigidity, fault finding, intolerance, and arrogance. Standing still, clinging to what we've learned, will not serve us well. There is always more to learn.