Toward a Better Self

This week I'll be using three decks, all created by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and illustrated by Will Worthington. The Druidcraft Tarot and the Druid Plant Oracle were published by Connections; the Druid Animal Oracle was published by St. Martin's Press. I've combined the two oracles and will be using them as one deck. Today's draws are the Prince/Knight of Cups and the Wren:

Being an idealistic and artistic soul, this knight is likely in the process of composing an ode to the evening. He may not be able to balance a checkbook, motivate a group, or shine during a debate, but he does remind us of beauty and our spiritual connection with all of life. He inspires us to see beyond worldly pleasures and power plays; he invites us to seek the deeper meaning and purpose of life. The Wren, though she is a little bird, has the ability to project her song far and wide. The wrens here in my area will make a nest nearly anywhere - from motorcycle helmets to wreaths on a front door. Both these cards suggest it is the outpouring of our heart that will enrich our lives, not the material things we've accumulated.

For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self.

― Michelle Obama

 

Humble Packaging

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the High Priestess; from the Druid Animal Oracle, the Wren:

 People often hope that meditation will be the answer to their problems. They look to it as a kind of home improvement project, as a way of fixing a broken aspect of themselves.

~Mark Epstein

The High Priestess encourages us to open to the depths and stillness within to find wisdom and strength. But our inner landscape is what may prevent us from finding those treasures. As Mark Epstein explains, "we have to carefully pick our way through our own wilderness. If we can put our minds into a place of surrender, we will have an easier time feeling the contours of the land. We do not have to break our way through as much as we have to find our way around the major obstacles. We do not have to cure every neurosis, we just have to learn how not to be caught by them." Over time, we learn to experience reality rather than react to it; such clarity is what brings strength and wisdom. The Wren brings to mind a quote from A Midsummer Night's Dream: "Though she be but little she is fierce." Meditation may seem passive and ineffectual, but like this bird, its payoff can be mighty.

Inventory and Right Action

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Hermit; from the Beasts of Albion, the Wren:

          Today's two cards seem to be a study of opposites: solitude and self-examination versus a song sung loud and proud. The Hermit encourages a look within, to see assets as well as areas that need improvement. Before he can teach others anything, he must have a clear view of himself. From a center of calm and clarity, he can then become a vocal advocate or activist while avoiding dragging his own baggage into the situation.

The only sane response to the facts is radical confidence. Radical because it emerges on the other side of despair after you have confronted the facts and accepted your feelings about them. Confidence because you come to the realization that it is not too late to act meaningfully.

 ~James Thornton

Tap into the frustration, outrage, and anger—to go deeper to the place where we really care, and then move that caring into action.

~James Baraz

All Work and No Play

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Eight of Coins; from the Beasts of Albion, the 'Wren:'

          The trees are in bloom and the birds are making nests, but this young man keeps his head down as he tries to practice and improve his skills. Such focus requires mindfulness; mindfulness trains the mind in attention and meta-attention. Meta-attention is when we realize our mind has drifted and we bring it back to the object of our attention. It is the secret to concentration. Robins have long been a symbol of the new year, while Wrens have been a symbol of the old year. Thus the Wren card suggests a cycle that is ending. Instead of being so earnest to become a master of his craft, perhaps this young man is in for some fun or relaxation this spring day. All work and no play, as they say...

Not Your Mainstream Mosquito

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Ace of Earth (Pentacles):

Here is an ear of flint corn (also known as "Indian corn").  With Halloween and Thanksgiving around the corner, I'm sure I'll be seeing some soon in the grocery store.  Flint corn got its name because of the hardness of the outside of its kernels; it protects the tender inner part of the corn from early freezes.  Both the color and hardness distinguish this particular type from others.  It reminds me that what I create in my life may look very odd compared to the mainstream, but it too will have its purpose.

From the Bird Cards today comes the "Wren:"

We have Carolina wrens here in my neck of the woods; they are among the first birds to greet each morning.  Wrens amaze me with the loudness of their songs and warnings - hard to believe such a blast of sound can come from such a tiny bird.  They teach me that I have the inspiration and raw material to conceive and create, but now what I need is to have the confidence to put my abilities to work.  I don't have to be "important" in the eyes of society to make an impact.  As the Dalai Lama said, "If you think your are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito."