Color Within the Lines

From the Golden Botticelli Tarot, the Nine of Wands:

The horse, bird and man are all facing the same direction; their attention isn't divided but on what comes next. I'm sure this fellow would like to get home to his comfy bed and a home-cooked meal, but his dedication and perseverance will make him stand his ground. That's kind of how I feel today after a busier than usual day yesterday. I would like to relax and do something creative, but there are groceries to buy, prescriptions to fill and doctor's appointments to go to. Sometimes you just have to take care of those mundane things on the list before you get to the fun stuff.

From the Sacred Geometry Oracle comes the "Equilateral Triangle:"

The triangle represents sturdiness and security because of its rigid stability (seen in the roofs of houses and the trusses of bridges). The "equilateral" part of it means its sides are all equal in length and its angles are all the same size. This card definitely emphasizes the need to stay centered and structured today without deviating from my to-do list. The sooner I check off those items, the sooner I can have some free time.

Diplomacy not Destruction

From the Golden Botticelli Tarot, the Seven of Swords:

This painting was based on Botticelli's depiction of Moses at a well. A group of sisters came to water their flock, but other shepherds refused to allow them and chased them away. Moses dealt with these men and offered to draw the water for the sisters' sheep himself. The little booklet gives the phrase "theoretical discussions" for this card. Now that sounds civilized until you notice the tree stump that the swords surround. Such "discussions" can be handled with sharp, serrated edges with the intention of not only proving how right one is, but also destroying the other in the process. Just look at American political races for an example. This card reminds me to check my motives and be aware of possible fallout from hastily spoken words. It might be better to draw the water I need and leave instead.

From the Sacred Geometry Oracle comes the "Tetrahedron:"

The tetrahedron is the simplest of the Platonic solids and is formed of four equilateral triangles. Each of these Platonic solids has been attributed to one of the five elements - fire, air, water, earth and spirit. The tetrahedron is assigned to fire, and as such, indicates great energy. Greer warns that such a level of energy must be handled carefully and attentively. In adding this card to the one above, I can see how being passionate about something may dump fuel on an already large fire. Diplomacy rather than damage or destruction needs to be my watchword.

Germination

This week I'll be using the Golden Botticelli Tarot, created by A. Atanassov in the style of the Italian Renaissance artist and published by Lo Scarabeo. Unfortunately the lovely gold foil accents don't show up in the scans (it usually appears black), so you'll have to use your imagination. Today's draw is the Sun:

The Sun implies joy, warmth, energy, clarity and general well-being. Instead of the protective wall found in the RWS, there is a protective mother; rather than a horse, there is a playmate. In this place I can live in the moment and enjoy simple pleasures. I feel free to be authentic and genuine with nothing to hide, and I understand that I don't need to take the words or actions of others personally. I make no assumptions - if there is no evidence, there is no proof. There is freedom in this green, thriving place that will allow me to grow and expand if I will take advantage of it.

I will also be using the Sacred Geometry Oracle, a set created by John M. Greer and published by Llewellyn. Today's card is the "Spiral:"

When I think of a spiral, I think of a fern frond that is unfolding or a seed deep in the earth that begins to germinate. It represents that which is hidden or asleep beginning to stretch and come into the light. I can't think of a more appropriate card to draw on Imbolc, a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring. I am reminded that although my spiritual life is not where I'd like it to be (full blown maturity), there are some stirrings and movement happening. Germination begins when there is the right combination of soil, warmth and water that allows the seed to develop. In the same way, spiritual maturity is a progression that can't be rushed.

Quality Control

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Queen of Swords:

This helmeted queen is linked to Minerva, goddess of wisdom and war. She stands above the clouds, suggesting she is able to think clearly, objectively and logically. Place states her red wing indicates maturity and ripeness while her green wing represents what is immature and undeveloped. Notice the green sword is thrust downward, as if stating, "Your thoughts are fanciful and need to be grounded in the practical, real world."

From the Oracle of the Radiant World comes "Submission - Venus in Pisces:"

The love of Venus combines with the sacrifice of Pisces to bring about the not-so-healthy characteristic of submission. What false beliefs and manipulative lies holds that bird in a cage that has the door wide open? The cards selected today seem to say that not only am I gathering unripe fruit, but I've got some rotten ones too. Guess I need the queen's sword to cut through the BS and clear my mental pantry.

Equilibrium and Equanimity

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Six of Vessels:

What I noticed about the clay jugs (besides the variation in shape) was that some had wide openings and some had narrow ones. The wide mouths would be easy to pour water into, but the narrow openings would be better for pouring liquid out into another jar. It is similar to my being more open to receive love in times past (wide) yet being more willing to give than receive during other periods. Yet the jug the woman holds has two openings - a small one for pouring and a large one for filling. It reminds me that I need this kind of emotional balance in my life to maintain an equilibrium.

From the Oracle of the Radiant Sun comes "Protection - Moon in Aries:"

The combination of Moon (security) and Aries (self-will) leads to a powerful need to respond emotionally and immediately to a situation. The mother figure with the tiger below indicates this display will be with claws extended and teeth sharpened. I do have emotional triggers when it comes to the people or pets I love, and I can be a little over-the-top when I react. This card reminds me that it is possible to show my strength without leaving mangled body parts behind.

Socratic Solutions

From the Alchemical Renewed, the Two of Swords:

Athena's owl, representing both war and wisdom, appears over two crossed swords (one with the sun on its hilt, the other with the moon). Here is a situation that seems to lack any sort of compromise and requires an "either/or" choice. Place encourages the use of Socratic method for finding the truth by asking continual questions until a contradiction is exposed (thus proving the fallacy of the initial assumption). Such critical thinking offers me the wisdom of the owl instead of being beset by warring feelings and ideas. The Two of Swords requires a pause to get to this place of understanding and decision though. I had to laugh when I drew this card this morning because late last night we got sleet and a dusting of snow, which brought our southern city to a complete standstill (having no equipment to deal with icy roads in such weather), and most schools and businesses have closed. Here's a few pictures of my backyard just before dawn (click to enlarge):

From the Oracle of the Radiant Sun this morning comes "Revenge - Mars in Scorpio:"

The hot-headed Mars combines with Scorpio, who loves challenges, to come up with an "off with their heads!" solution. Yet the sexual bliss of the moon and sun in the top right hand corner suggests there may be a more satisfying way to handle the situation. At this stage in my life, I try to live by the saying that the best revenge is a well-lived, happy life. Who wants to miss out on all the good stuff while you're busy plotting the downfall of another?

Leading and Guiding within the Labyrinth

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Three of Vessels (Cups):

My first thought when I saw this card was, "Don't party so much that you can't keep something balanced on your head." These women carry vessels with the alchemical emblems of earth, air and fire on them. Where's the water symbol? I assume that would be their hearts, which are full of compassion and why this group is together. Place suggests this is a support group of sorts made of friends and/or family. Definitely a group that can help me stay in balance when life is full of the unexpected, whether good or bad.

From the Oracle of the Radiant Sun comes "Inheritance - Saturn in Scorpio:"

The ambition of Saturn meets the responsibility and self-control of Scorpio. I immediately made a connection with this card to my mother-in-law. Life has become confusing for her as early stage dementia now has a firm grip. She gets lost in the labyrinth, and her guides (me, my husband and sister-in-law) must help lead her out. We make sure ready-to-eat food is in the cupboard and refrigerator, and remind her to eat. We help her distinguish between the cordless phone and the TV remote control. We help manage her finances and must constantly reassure her that no one has stolen all her money. We have become her support group when she is afraid and bewildered.