Coming Together, Staying in Balance

This week I'll be using the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, designed by David Sheridan with instructions and book written by Alfred Douglas.  This morning's card is the Three of Cups:

A peacock and a peahen perch on the edge of a chalice filled with three eggs.  These birds have been linked with various spiritual figures and deities, such as Saraswati and Kwan Yin - both of whom are associated with benevolence and compassion.  The "eyes" on the tail feathers represent watching over others with loving-kindness.  This image reminds me that when two or more like-minded people come together, beautiful results can happen.  It just requires our egos taking a backseat to unity...

     The oracle deck I'll be using this week is the Pages of Shustah, created by Ann Manser and Cecil North.  Today's draw is the "Spinning Top" (I apologize in advance for the yellow cards - they don't scan well):

The spinning top (and the clown that pops up behind it) signify the unexpected that happens while we are busy with our lives.  Do I put all my energy into worrying about it or do I keep my sense of humor and stay flexible?  Sometimes it is a gift that comes to help me change the direction I'm heading in.  Either way, I know I can draw on the strength of my companions and friends to keep me steady and centered.

All Shall Be Well (With a Few Rules)

The last draw from the Rosetta Tarot this week is the Emperor:

The compass behind this emperor's head and the honeycomb pattern on his chain mail shirt speak volumes.  While his counterpart, the Empress, is pure emotion and giving, he is pure logic and discipline.  He knows that his mate must have some boundaries, or her over-abundance of generosity will lead to chaos.  He adds structure and rules to her unbridled compassion to keep his society healthy.  His appearance after my emotional day yesterday points clearly to my lack of boundaries.  As much as I want to give to others, there needs to be a limit, otherwise neither of us will make progress.

     From the Ascension to Paradise deck today comes the "Broadbill:"

These colorful birds are found in the tropical forests of Asia and Africa.  They are unusual in that they don't fly off in a panic when something uncommon happens, such as a loud noise.  Their message is to look at the big picture with calm understanding, rather than flipping out over all the small details.  As Julian of Norwich said, "All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well."  Now if I can just move my intellectual understanding of this philosophy into my heart....

Weary and Worn

Today's draw from the Rosetta Tarot is the Star:

This morning I feel like one of those insect skeletons you see hanging in a spider web - sucked dry.  It feels as if everyone around me needs something, and my cup has run dry.  So I was encouraged to see this lovely lady appear, pouring out the waters of life and offering hope to the weary and worn.  There are so many symbols in this card to talk about, but to be honest, I'm tired.  I think I'll just bathe in the beauty and healing of this image, and look forward to any guidance I might receive.

     The feathered friend drawn from the Ascension to Paradise deck is the "Secretary-bird:"

A creature found only in the Sahara of Africa, this bird was named because its crest which resembled a bunch of quill pens.  Because it is related to the hawk, the energy it carries helps us to get through our tasks and obligations when our strength is flagging.  This bird reminds me to pay attention to my intuitive nudges, because they can help me direct my focus, enabling me to act more efficiently and conserve my energy.

Getting a Grip on Emotions

The card pulled from the Rosetta deck this morning is the Prince (Knight) of Cups:

This fellow is Air of Water; in other words, he is a combination of intellect and emotion.  He's as much a philosopher as a romantic, and desires a partner he can love as well as carry on an intelligent conversation with.  But there's a secretive side to him too; like the gastropod whose shell he rides in, he hides away part of himself.  He can be a bit mysterious and unpredictable - like a soda bottle that looks fine on the outside but spews everywhere when you open the cap.  Similar to the Chariot, this card emphasizes becoming a master of one's emotions using logic (eagle) and intuition (snake).  I don't have to repress my feelings, but I do need to learn to use them wisely.

     From the Ascension to Paradise oracle, the "Tern" card was drawn:

These long-distance travelers are part of the gull family, but they are smaller and more graceful than gulls.  They offer a "graceful passage toward a required destination."  The clear quartz crystals in this image remind me that having a specific intention or goal is helpful as well as a calm demeanor (still water), if I want my path to be a smooth one.   

"E" is for Effort

From the Rosetta Tarot today comes the Six of Wands:

The two front wands contain the form of Sekhmet, an Egyptian deity pictured as a lioness and known as both a warrior goddess and a goddess of healing.  Such a strange dichotomy (war and healing) seems appropriate for this card, as it represents a victory that has come after a challenge.  This meaning is paralleled in the other four wands - two with a varja (dorje) on top and two with rose buds.  The varja is a Buddhist symbol and means "hard" or "indestructible."  This masculine symbol is balanced with the feminine rose buds, suggesting the passion and perseverance in overcoming the obstacle will now become something beautiful and enjoyable.  For me the message is clear: stop whining and keep moving.  Success only comes when I put forth an effort.

  The card chosen from the Ascension to Paradise deck today is the "Mousebird:"

The mousebird of Africa and can be seen in large, chattering groups.  In this image, the bird's tail seems to be caught in a web.  The message this card is to become aware of painful, unresolved stories and events that keep me tied to the past.  Facing and feeling it without judgment (rather than painting myself as a victim) can help me let go and move on.  Forgiveness isn't microwavable, but a process, and will require me to make daily, gradual steps in the right direction.

Feeding the Soul

  This morning I drew the Ten of Disks from the Rosetta Tarot:

  

In Feng Shui (the Chinese art of arrangement to achieve energy, harmony and balance), three coins tied with a red string represent prosperity and abundance (3 = father, mother, child).  In this card, nine coins are looped together with a red ribbon, while one coin is loose.  This card symbolizes the abundance of abundance (3 x 3); like the Four of Cups though, sometimes having so much of anything leaves you feeling stagnant and burned-out.  With the extra coin not tied to the others, the cycle turns back to the Ace of Disks, creating potential and relieving the lethargic feeling.  I am reminded by this card that when I have many blessings, whether wealth, good health, or time and energy, it is good to use some to help others rather than hoard it all for myself, as this will bring true wealth.

     The card pulled from the Ascension to Paradise deck this morning is "Linnet:"

  

These small seed-eating birds are part of the finch family, and are known for their lovely songs.  The Linnet represents taking time to nourish my soul amid all the busyness in my life.  The soul has no checklist of things to buy to satisfy it; it feeds on beauty and love.  A friend sent me the Walt Whitman quote above, and I think it sums up this card nicely.

Getting Out of Your Head and Into the Real World

The card drawn from the Rosetta Tarot this morning is the Queen of Disks:

  

This queen sits on a huge aloe plant (that she grew from a tiny offset) and a goat (that she raised from a kid).  Behind her is the haven of an oasis in the desert, and this woman is surely a refuge for those around her.  Some people may tell folks who are sick or in pain that they'll "pray for them;" this queen is on the opposite end of the spectrum - she's a doer.  She'll bring the sick homemade chicken soup and a knitted blanket to wrap up in.  Those in pain will receive her favorite yoga/meditation dvd, a scented candle and bath salts.  If she can't tend to them directly, she'll send a specially-created care package.  She may be unable to eloquently share how she feels, but those nurtured by her will be able to tell by her actions.  Her care is firmly grounded in the real world.  The design on the disk the queen holds reminds me of the flower of life, a form in sacred geometry that symbolizes the interconnection of all of life.  Her relationship with the earth and all its inhabitants is extremely important, and she feels it is a sacred duty to be a caretaker and guardian.  Her biggest challenge is in finding time to care for herself, a lesson I would do well to heed myself.

     The card chosen from the Ascension to Paradise oracle today is the "Hoopoe:"

The hoopoe is a bird of fables and folklore that was believed in medieval times to have healing properties.  It was thought to spend most of its time on the ground, looking for insects and worms.  Its crest reflects the crown chakra, and implies a spiritual understanding of one's higher purpose.  The hoopoe encourages me to seek what my soul or Higher Self desires for me to do, then bring it into the physical world.  The author asks me to, "open yourself to the flowering of your true power and potential."