Objectivity

This week I'll be using the Shadowscapes book and deck set published by Llewellyn. The artwork is done by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and the book is written by Barbara Moore. I'll also be drawing from a set of Cedar Runes made by AlaskaLaserMaid; The Serpent and the Eagle by Chris Travers will serve as an accompanying text. Today's draws are the King of Swords and Othila:

          This King is a Renaissance man (note the Vitruvian Man on this throne); he likes to know something about everything. Curiosity is his nature, and he has studied both the shadow sides and light sides of humans. He has found that their actions can be traced back to their thoughts. To turn a person or a kingdom in a different direction must begin with their ideas and understanding of reality. Though extremely intelligent and knowledgeable, he is wise enough to know much of his information has a foundation built on what his ancestors have learned (he has a skull footstool to keep him humble). Othila is often regarded as 'estate,' but it's root is more closely connected to ancestry. It makes me think of young children who have strong views at an early age; these ideas can usually be traced back to their parents or guardians. Even as adults, we are shaped by the character of our families. However, some of us decide (after an objective look from afar) to choose an alternative to our familial beliefs. They still influence us, but in this case they push us in an opposite direction. This King reminds me to question my beliefs and ideas no matter where they came from. Open-mindedness means I can consider someone else's view, even if it is in direct conflict with mine. Objectivity can then help me decide which side has more evidence to back it up.

Cohesion

From the Navigators of the Mystic Sea Tarot, the Three of Wands; from the Celtic Lenormand, Birds (Owls):

          The keyword for the Navigator's card is cohesion. This fellow is about to add a third, fiery support to the stand, which will add some stability. Perhaps it is a lack of sleep, but I've got a story in my head that the fire will eventually make that egg glow with a fierce light. He is developing a new type of lighthouse that will shine through the darkest of nights and the worst of all storms. The owls are on an island several miles away, ready to give feedback for his invention. They'll be honest about how well it actually works and maybe how to tweak it a bit to make it even better. I think every endeavor needs feedback, but where do you draw the line between helpful advice and a complete takeover? Perhaps cohesion also implies not letting one's vision get lost in the shuffle. People have wisdom to share, but that doesn't mean I need to discount my own.

Integration

From the Navigators of the Mystic Sea Tarot, the Lovers; from the Celtic Lenormand, the Rider:

          The Navigators booklet describes this card as being two parts of the same person. As we become adults, we begin to discriminate between us and them, me and you. We adopt labels - wife, mother, Buddhist, Aquarian, Democrat, American - that discriminate between who we think we are and others. But by labeling ourselves, we cut off other avenues and possibilities. We erect barriers that are really only intellectual illusions. Turk proposes that we find the parts of ourselves that we have cast aside and reunite with them to become whole. Today's Rider is a female bard, and she seems to be moving at a slower pace. McCracken suggests she is a reminder to open ourselves to the messages of wisdom and guidance that nature and other people have for us. I tend to do this on my walks. For instance, the other day I noticed several criss-crossing condensation trails left by jets in the sky. It made me think of how words and actions can have lasting effects that might not have been intended (reminding me to think before I act or speak). Today I'll try to keep my mind and senses open and see what nature has to say about becoming a more integrated person.

What is the point of letting go of identity? Freedom from identity is what allows and enables us to be truly human—to be an ongoing response to the challenges, demands, and needs of life. It’s the freedom to be constantly moving in the direction of balance and addressing the tension and struggle in the lives of those around us and in the world at large. ~ Ken McLeod

Money Motivator

From the Navigators of the Mystic Sea, the King of Pentacles; from the Celtic Lenormand, the Tower:

          The King of Pentacles may be successful, but he is still a practical sort of fellow when it comes to spending or investing money. His keyword is 'motivation,' which makes me think he wouldn't just want to know how a loan would be used. He would also want to know why - what motivates you to spend not only money but time and energy too. Is the motive a purely self-serving one, or would it be beneficial to others as well? Why does this propel and provoke you - what's the story underneath what you want to do? The Hill Fort is the Celtic version of the Tower. It was the place where the chieftain resided, and also where the rest of the clan would converge if there was a threat to their safety. The hill fort was the Celtic adaptation of 'circling the wagons' for security. Now this idea of wanting to protect something or someone would definitely be an idea the King would understand and back.

Tossing and Treading

From the Navigators of the Mystic Sea, the Two of Pentacles; from the Celtic Lenormand, the Snake:

          The keyword given for the Navigators card is 'permutation,' or the act of changing the arrangement or order of something. Instead of the usual one person, this illustration has two figures who toss their pentacles to the other. The booklet states that "You need support from partners and friends to work toward a successful outcome in business or creative projects after you have organized your enterprise carefully." Once I get my ducks in a row, I need to ask for assistance. I can adopt the two-year-old mentality of wanting to do it myself or the victim mentality of thinking no one has time to help, but neither of these options will prove useful (and will likely add to my stress level). It would be much more beneficial to reach out. McCracken foregoes the usual meanings of the Snake - manipulation and deception - and chooses to use the meaning of transformation. As the snake is pictured shedding its skin, this makes sense. However there is still a need for warning, as Doctors Foster and Smith point out: " During this period, the snake's vision is impaired and behavior can become unpredictable and aggressive since the snake is in a vulnerable state." After working alone, it may feel like someone is stepping on my toes with their suggestions. Better remember not to take everything so personally and to be careful where I step too.

Generating, Reviewing, Editing

From the Navigators of the Mystic Sea, the Ace of Pentacles; from the Celtic Lenormand, the Rider:

          A man appears ready to catch a frisbee-like pentacle flying his way. The keyword for this card is generation: the act or process of bringing into being. I immediately thought of a quote by Annie Dillard: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." What have I generated in my life with this body and mind I've been given? At first glance, not much. There are no overflowing bank accounts in my name, but the bills are paid and there is food in the cupboard. Yet I'm sure Dillard was pointing to something much more important than accumulating money and possessions. Perhaps it is the people I come in contact with, and the attention (or inattention) I give them. Or it may be focusing on the joy I find in each moment rather than expectantly waiting for happiness to arrive in the future. The Rider is generally interpreted as news, messages or movement. In this deck, he is also a bard - a storyteller, musician and poet. He reminds me that I am writing the story of my life, and it I don't like the chapters so far, I still have time to move in another direction.

A Question of Loyalty

From the Navigators of the Mystic Sea comes the Knight of Swords; from the Celtic Lenormand, the Dog:

         The keyword 'penetration' has been assigned this knight, though he seems to have lost his sword and some of his armor. Or is he dropping these things on purpose? He could be a whistle-blower or someone who could no longer stand for ongoing dishonesty or injustice to continue. Being willing to speak the truth does make him vulnerable. Such people must often penetrate the walls of silence that established groups seem to form to protect themselves. They could be cops who come forth about unnecessary violence, Catholics who speak out about pedophiles, and political party members who realize their stance does more harm than good. As can be seen from the Dog, these folks have their loyalty questioned. They may suffer and pay dearly for speaking out and exposing the group as a whole. But perhaps these Knights are faithful to humanity as a whole and not one specific group.