Refilling Tanks

From the Songs for the Journey Home, the Four of Flame Songs (Wands); from the Raven Cards, "Wellspring:"

          When I start an enjoyable project, I have a tendency to become like a high-speed, wind-up toy. My frenetic, non-stop activity will eventually cause me to collapse; the minds and bodies of humans aren't meant for such unrelenting pursuits. The creators of the SJH deck suggest we pause and pay attention to our natural energy levels. As the levels wane, we can rest and enjoy what's been accomplished so far. When the levels begin to rise again, we can jump back in with renewed vitality.
          The Raven Card speaks of a wellspring waiting to flow. A wellspring is the source of a river or stream from which the water flows. Everyone has such a source that replenishes and refills them. For some it may be nature, for others it may be art or a spiritual practice like meditation. But when I am in the middle of that frenetic activity, it seems counterproductive to stop. Yet if I was driving around town running errands, I wouldn't allow my car to run out of gas, so why would I let my human self do so?

Following the Inner Flame

From the Songs from the Journey Home Tarot, the Knight of Wands; from the Raven Cards, "Bind Your Wounds:"

          This illustration feels like a dream world with its maze of doors. But the fellow makes a beeline for the light, suggesting he moves toward what burns brightly within him. This Knight is full of energetic enthusiasm, and he always follows his passion. I imagine all those doors represent other actions he might take - the "shoulds" of obligation. I have plenty on my plate today that I "should" be doing, but spring is here and I long to play in the yard. The Raven Card reminds me that although I may suffer in the physical world, I have a choice about whether I allow my innermost self to feel wounded. There will always be people who think I need to be spending my time doing something else with someone else. But they aren't me and don't know what brings me joy and makes me smile. If I don't want my inner fire to be extinguished, I'm going to have to follow my own light.

Cherokee rose, Georgia's state flower

Truth is a Pathless Land

From Songs for the Journey Home, Wind Innocence (Page of Swords); from the Raven Cards, "Speak Simply:"

          When I saw this image of a kite about to get away from the young girl holding it, I had to grin. Last night I was (attempting) to write up some notes on the Buddhist philosophy of karma and rebirth for book club. What I thought was going to be simple turned out to be more complex by the minute. The ideas held about these subjects depended on the branch of Buddhism, the sect of the branch and the teacher. By the time I had scribbled furiously for several hours, I had more pages than the section in the chapter I was supposed to be discussing! Krishnamurti once told a story about the devil and his friend walking along when they see a human pick up a piece of paper. The friend asks the devil what the paper was, and he replies "a piece of Truth." The friend expresses concern that this could cause trouble, but the devil replies, "No worries, I'm going to let him organize it." Because we like to "creatively structure" ideas for mass consumption, I can understand how our small scraps of truth have become almost indecipherable. The Raven Card bluntly states: pare away the fluff and the dogma. Keep it simple and get to the point without going around your elbow to get to your nose. Sigh... I think all my notes need to go in the shredder.

Gently Holding Hearts

This week I'll be using Songs for the Journey Home, a deck and book set created and self-published by Catherine Cook and Dwariko von Sommaruga. I'll also be using the Raven Cards, an oracle created by Gabi Bucker and published by AG Muller. Today's draws are Wave Resolving (King of Cups) and "Share Out:"

          What a comforting image from the SJH deck! The creators write: "This image represents mature love. The arms gently encircling the sea to create a tranquil harbour symbolise the ability to lovingly enfold another without grasping or possessiveness. There is no attempt to change the beloved." For the past several days (and weeks), I've experienced the powerlessness of being unable to change painful situations for those I love. All I can do is make a safe space for them, a refuge where they can fully express what they feel without me running away or trying to fix what can't be resolved. The Raven Card talks about too much ballast - in nautical language, heavy material used to steady a ship. By staying grounded myself, I can share that steadiness with another. I can be an anchor as they deal with the rough waves of life.
          Last Friday at meditation, I did a (Westernized) version of tonglen with the group. Because today's cards made me think of this meditation, I thought I would share it with those who might be interested in this heart-opening practice:

Gravity Boots

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Cedar Runes, "Kenaz:"

          This Hanged Man seems to be hanging of his own free will from a tree branch. His inversion made me think of gravity boots that became so popular in the 1980s. They were purported to aid in the relief of back pain and increase oxygen flow to the brain (which was said to facilitate clearer thinking). It would be nice to be able to get a new perspective of things, especially when I'm in a mental rut. Along with this card comes the rune Kenaz, which is often given the meaning "torch." What better way to find one's way in the dark? But before either will be of any help, I must first realize my mind is stuck in a holding pattern. I'm going to have to be willing to let go of those ideas and beliefs that I've been holding tightly with both hands.

Fast and Slow-burning Fires

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Knight of Wands; from the Cedar Runes, "Eihwaz:"

          This knight on his lion-like mount feels like a pressed down, coiled spring ready to release its energy. Instead of a loyal posse of hounds, he has nimble foxes, who complement his creative cleverness. His passion added to his unpredictable nature can dislodge most anyone from a rut. Moore states he symbolizes "change and progression towards a goal." He might not have staying power, but the Knight of Wands can at least get you off the couch.  
          Eihwaz is associated with the yew tree, "the greenest of trees in winter." The yew is known its resilience and strength: "hard and fast in the earth, supported by its roots." Travers suggests this rune represents change and transformation that is often difficult, yet if endured, will result in beneficial results. And though the knight above about might poke and prod to get one in motion, a slow-burning fire will be needed to maintain the movement toward completion.

Fear of Fear

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Moon; from the Cedar Runes, "Jera:"

          The Shadowscapes book mentions the fairy ring of mushrooms in this card. Perhaps it is because I'm tired this morning, but I saw them as psychoactive agents instead. Now I no longer dabble with drugs, but I do remember during those times feeling happy and high one minute then paranoid and afraid the next. Ricklef, in his ebook Pithy Tarot, gives two of his own quotes that I find useful for this combination today. The first is: "We all have blind spots where our fears lie." That speaks loudly to me. If I'm feeling overwhelmed, it's easy to want to turn a blind eye to what I fear in hopes it will disappear. But the anxiety lurks within, building up like lava ready to erupt. But the Jera rune (meaning cycles and harvest) reminds me if I keep doing the work, I'll reap the fruits. Those results may not be perfect, but they're probably going to be better than my paranoia thinks they'll be. Ricklef's second quote says: "You can’t banish the darkness by ignoring it, but you can light a torch and explore it." I have a feeling if I take his advice, I'll see that it is my fear of fear causing my anxiety, not reality itself.