Life Happens (Often at Inconvenient Times)

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Six of Pentacles:

In tarot, the number five generally deals with challenges while the number six indicates a return to balance and stability.  This man has experienced loss of health or wealth in the recent past, but now finds himself restored physically and financially.  The crescent moon above his head is a sign of cycles; he well understands how easy it is to "have it all" and then suddenly lose it.  Sometimes these changes come as a consequence of impulsive or extravagant actions, but other times they fall under the category of "life happens."  With the fickleness of fate foremost in his mind, he reaches out his arms to the universe, willing to lend a hand to anyone who is currently going through challenges.  The people he gives encouragement and help to may one day return the favor - to him or someone else.

     From the L'Oeil de Lotus this morning comes "Trouble:"

The insect and worm on the apple will soon turn something good into something rotten.  The deck's booklet emphasizes the need to take action now to keep what is troublesome from turning into a major problem and headache.  When stress has already settled in, it's easy to neglect or ignore a minor problem.  But the scrubbing noise that the car's brakes make or that nagging toothache is not going to magically go away.  Even if it's not a good time to deal with it, do it anyway.

Digging In

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Hermit:

Being a grown-up on the spiritual plane means no longer playing small. We drop our superficiality and pettiness, get over our wounds, realize our fears and insecurities, abandon notions of entitlement and lose our enchantment with cheap drama. No more games, passive-aggressive behavior, attacking or power obsession. We're simply just done with it. We cut the crap. We get our heads out of the spiritual books we've read for years and go out and live what is in them. We get our hands dirty and do for others, yet never with a sense that we are special for doing so. ~ Suzanne Matthiessen

I generally see the Hermit as both a student and a teacher.  He sets aside time alone for contemplation and spiritual self-evaluation.  In this card, he sits in a yoga position - a spinal twist - that helps increase flexibility.  This posture hints that I need to be less rigid in my opinions, and be able to look at my own behavior and attitudes with objectivity and honesty.  The light from the star above makes a line of connection to the sun rising and the Hermit's lantern, reminding me (as in the Matthiessen quote above) that heady spiritual knowledge is worthless if I don't put it to practical use in the world.

     From the L'Oeil de Lotus comes "Summer:"

Here in the Deep South, summer is the time of abundant growth, and this image asks me what I am growing in my life.  Is it compassion, honesty, and open-mindedness, or intolerance, rationalization and arrogance?  The large tree offers shade from the hot sun - help freely given to whomever passes this way.  The land around the tree looks parched, and I am reminded that just because I am having a rough go of things doesn't excuse me from neglecting my spiritual growth or actions.  In fact, that's the time I should dig in with even more effort.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

This week I'll be using the Cosmic Tarot created by Norbert Losche with a companion book by Jean Huets.  Today's draw is "Strength:"

The smoking volcano in the background of this image points to simmering conflict that could lead to a few harmless clouds of smoke or an explosion with terrible consequences.  The woman wears no clothes, only using a cloth imprinted with the face of a lion to shield herself.  Her nakedness implies she will use no physical, emotional or mental tactics to try to harm or destroy her challenger.  The strength that comes from honesty, patience, tolerance and compassion will be her only weapons.  The white lily beside her emphasizes that her motives are pure.  This card reminds me that there are many ways to be courageous, and violence (whether with words or fists) does not have to be the only option.

     The oracle deck I'll be using this week is the L'Oeil de Lotus (Eye of the Lotus) by Colette and Gerard Lougarre.  This morning's card is "Encounter:"

A man and woman shake hands across the two halves of a yin-yang symbol, suggesting a balance and harmony of opposites.  The implication is that people or groups who have different views can work together as long as one does not feel "above" the other - there is a respectful partnership.  Last month I got an email about a drum circle that was beginning downtown for all who were interested.  The memo said to bring whatever percussion instrument you wanted, and gave the time to show up at a park by the river.  I took my bodhran, as that is what I'm most comfortable with, but the leader made a bit of a joke about it (all the rest of the drummers had djembes).  His style was quite different from what I am used to; the other drum circle facilitators I have been associated with have been women - both trained in this sort of thing.  This fellow wanted to tell us exactly the rhythm we were to play, rather than starting a rhythm and allowing everyone to join in as the music moved them.  It seemed we were playing background music to his drum solo.  But I told my ego not to prejudge the guy, to instead support the community effort he was making.  But through the evening, he made four subtle, racial comments to me.  At first I thought it was just a bad joke that I had misunderstood.  But as the little jabs continued, I realized that there was indeed an issue.  I have no doubt that I have much to learn from everyone, but I feel I have the right to respect regardless of who is the teacher and who is the student.  Tonight is the second meeting of this drum circle, and though I love drumming with others, I won't be attending. 

Ask to Receive

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Ten of Bows (Wands):

A man struggles with a load of bows up a steep path to an encampment of warriors.  He has a delivery to make to them, and part of me wonders why they can't meet him halfway and help him out.  There are times when I labor under the idea that I'm the one doing all the work.  But as I look at this card, it reminds me this is not the case; the bows are unfinished.  The warriors still must be string them and make arrows - this fellow has only cut and carved the staves to be used.  There is a sense of responsibility here in doing something for the greater good.  Everyone uses the gifts they have to do their part - I'm not alone.  And if I feel overwhelmed with my portion, asking for help will surely be all I need to do to receive it.

     From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Journeyer:"

The Journeyer is the connection I have between the physical and the spiritual world.  It is what helps me find solutions, inspiration and guidance.  But it doesn't sit on my shoulder and give a running commentary like some GPS device.  If I'm busy making plans and strategies for how I want things to work out, I won't even hear it.  I must become centered and open to its assistance in order to receive it.

Keep the Lantern Burning

    From the Wildwood Tarot, the Eight of Arrows (Swords):

In deep snow against a piercing wind, a person travels on foot.  The arrows that surround him/her represent the fearful thoughts that are worse than the bitter elements he/she struggles against: "What if...."  "How will I..."  Those questions swirl about, making him/her feel besieged on all sides.  The good news is this traveler is moving and has a lantern - he/she refuses to be stuck in this mental box and is being guided by the light within.  Giving up is not an option.  As Robert Frost so elegantly described:

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

     From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Shaman of Loss:"

The shaman in this cave art symbolizes the paradox that losing is finding.  His shield with a spiral indicates the constant flux and movement in life.  It does not surprise me that I've drawn these two cards today.  In the past week or so I've been worried about several friends and family members who are dealing with serious physical and emotional health issues, as well as one friend whose personal safety has been compromised.  I have done what I can, though my efforts seem pitifully small compared to the problems facing these people.  I'll just keep holding the lantern high, looking for any sign of the next step I should take on the path...

Natural Laws

  From the Wildwood Tarot, the Stag (Justice):

Instead of a sword, this version of Justice holds a two-headed axe; rather than scales, he holds a shield painted with the image of a world tree.  Nature has a way of balancing things out.  If drought causes many grasses that supply the grain for mice dry up, the mouse population will begin to decline.  Animals that eat mice - snakes, owls, hawks - will see a decline also.  When rain comes again, allowing the grass to grow abundantly, the animal populations will increase.  Since I am a part of nature, my actions impact not only myself, but those around me.  Inwardly or outwardly I can create imbalances, and it's my responsibility to recognize and be accountable for these.  Or I can sit back and let nature can take its course and readjust things (which often isn't the most pleasant of experiences).

     From the Shaman's Oracle comes the Ancestor of Hope:

Don't get me wrong - I do think hope is a good thing.  But I believe that sometimes I can have specific expectations woven into that hope, and those are the buggers that can cause me heartache.  My hope is that things will change to something different (and this I believe because it is a natural law).  Life might not change on my timetable or the way I would write out the script, but change it will. 

Spiritual and Physical Connections

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Ten of Cups:

The waterfall in the image above reminds me of a place in the foothills of the Appalachians that I used to camp under the stars.  This card is subtitled "Happiness," and I must say that's how I feel when I look at it.  The cups on the rocks below will stay continually filled, no matter how many sips someone takes from them, as long as they are placed back in the stream of water.  I have tried for years to find happiness in people, places and things, and while I may find temporary pleasure, it is never lasting.  The only way I've found true joy and contentment has been through a spiritual connection of my own choosing.  I find I am fulfilled as long as I keep replacing my bowl back in this spiritual flow.

     From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Ancestor of Guidance:"

I am lucky to have a mother who has genealogy as an interest, so I know many of my ancestors.  Not just names and dates, but stories about them and their lives have been passed on as well.  The elk's antlers in this card remind me of a family tree, and suggests that I can find guidance by looking at the lives of those who have come before me.  I can see how alcoholism and a failure to keep commitments were damaging in some, while the love of nature and learning, as well as compassion and generosity, were beneficial in others.  I can't blame my life on genetics, because I'm the one who must ultimately choose...