Not a Battle

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Eight of Stones (Pentacles); from the Rune Cards, Weapon/Yr:

Deep within a cave with painted walls, a person chisels a wheel. Potter suggests this is a large project that requires concentration to complete. The Weapon/Yr rune poem describes the ax-hammer as a dependable tool for warriors. Together, these cards imply that the craftsperson might feel under attack as if they must finish by a certain time. In such cases, they are no longer simply working on a task, they're battling it. That is the perfect mindset for tension, stress and mistakes. It might be better to simply take a breath and be mindful of what they're doing rather than worrying about the finish line. The only war being waged is a figment of the imagination.

Useful Weapons

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Pole Star; from the Rune Cards, 'Weapon (Yr):'

          What a joyful, hopeful card. Potter's version shows a radiant blessing pouring out over all the Earth rather than anyone in particular (this is definitely not 'God Bless America'). (I'm suddenly hearing Jackie DeShannon in my head singing, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love; no not just for some, but for everyone.") Potter describes it as a renewal of energy and a revitalized sense of direction. While such rejuvenation can bring hope, change will require movement. The Weapon (Yr) card's rune poem reads:

The ax-hammer is a source of joy and honor to every prince and knight; 

it looks well on a horse and is a reliable 

equipment for a journey. 

It is interesting that the ax-hammer is seen not just as a weapon, but as a tool also. Like knowledge, such things can be used to heal or hurt, to build or tear down. What is a useful weapon against all the cruelty and injustice in the world? Surely my hatred and anger won't change a thing. But I can reach out a hand to help those in need. My 'weapons' might then become random acts of kindness and loving without kickbacks.

Careful Focus

From the Tarot of Timeless Truth, the Six of Cups; from the Rune Cards, "Yr:"

          I'm guessing these two people watching the sunset are siblings. Vey writes that this card can represent "simple pleasures that will be remembered in your fondest memories." I'm glad she didn't specify childhood memories (not much joy to be found there for me). Yet I have a storehouse full of fond memories with friends - talks, meals, laughter, and adventures shared. These remembered pleasures can be a soothing salve for a troubled mind.
          The Yr poem reads:

Yr is a source of joy and honor to every prince and knight; 

it looks well on a horse 

and is a reliable 

equipment for a journey.

While some folks believe this rune indicates a bow, others interpret it as an ax hammer. Regardless, it is a tool that could be used in a variety of ways - for sport, protection or provisions. Such a tool, whether a weapon or some other implement, needs to be used with careful focus. Which brings me back to the tarot card for today. How do I use my memories? Do I focus only on the stories of cruelty or do I include the ones of kindness too? My past does include joyful times, but I have to consciously turn my mind from those other stories in order to recollect them.

It's Just Like I Thought!

From the Tarot of Timeless Truth, the Two of Pentacles:

Since it's "Tis the Season," I wasn't too surprised to see this card show up today.  In her companion book, Vey suggests asking yourself three questions that relate to this card:
~ Are you coping with the demands on you at this time?
~ Are you resisting changes in your routine?
~ Are you approaching life with a spirit of humor and fun?
Yes, I think I am coping with demands and obligations right now, and I actually would welcome some changes to my routine. But  for the third question, I must honestly answer "No." As I prepare for the holidays (and my mother-in-law's 93rd birthday), I find myself just wishing everything was already over. It seems like a lot of effort, money and time are put into just one event. Rarely does the emotional build-up actually meet the reality of the day itself. Perhaps I should focus more on how I can enjoy the moment now instead of putting all my expectations into the celebration itself.

From the Rune Cards comes "Weapon / Yr:"

Yr is a source of joy and honour to every prince and knight; 

it looks well on a horse and is a reliable equipment for a journey. 

~ Anglo-Saxon poem

Whether I look at this rune as a weapon or equipment, its message is that I have something that I can use to defend myself or that will be useful as I make my way through the holidays. The weapon/tool I need to subdue my ego (get it out of the CEO chair) would mostly likely be my attitude. If I assume a situation is going to be a royal pain, then it most assuredly will be. I will find what I expect. So instead, I think I'll try out a new motto for the holidays: "Calm mind, open heart."

Sacred Trust

This week I'll be using the Sacred Sites Tarot, created by Massimiliano Filadoro and illustrated by Federico Penco; it was published by Lo Scarabeo. This morning's draw is the Ace of Pentacles:

This is an image of Machu Picchu ("old peak"), an estate in Peru built for the Incan emperor Pachacuti about 1450. It was abandoned during the Spanish Conquest a century later and remained hidden except to the locals. American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911; he also took home hundreds of artifacts from the site. It has taken until November of 2012 for Yale University to return the last of the artifacts taken. Although earthquakes and weather systems threaten the sacred site, the biggest danger to Machu Picchu is the thousands of tourists who visit. In an effort to protect its natural and cultural significance, UNESCO has made it a World Heritage Site. The Ace of Pentacles reminds me I have a sacred duty to take care of the resources I've been entrusted with, whether my health, finances or this lovely earth that is my home.

The other deck I'll be using this week is the Haindl Rune Oracle created by Hermann Haindl and published by U.S. Games. Today's draw is "Yr:"

The Old Norse Rune Poem associates this rune with the yew, a tree known for its longevity. The Icelandic Rune Poem connects it with a bent bow and arrow - a sign of protection. Like the Machu Picchu site above, if I want something to last I must take care of it. And sometimes that means laying down some firm boundaries to protect those things.