Self-imposed Time-out

From the Gaian Tarot, the Nine of Fire (Wands); from the Goddess Oracle, 'Artemis:'

          Rather than a caffeinated drink or calisthenics, this fellow is using meditation to tap into his inner resources and get a second wind. He raises his life force through connection with primal energies. His purpose is not to relax but to find a center of calm alertness. From that center, he will be ready for the last hurdle that will challenge him. Artemis was given the gift of self-rule by her father, and so this unwed goddess spent her time running wild and free in the forests. She asks, "Do your boundaries seem blurred and indistinct? Do people's opinions and judgments sway you more than your own discernment?" Like the fellow who takes time to meditate and collect himself, we all need a way to refuel ourselves without the interference of others. We all require time to tap into our own inner well in order to have the energy and clarity to meet what lies ahead.

Mercy Attached

This week I'll be using the Gaian Tarot, a deck and book set created and self-published by Joanna Powell Colbert. I'll also be using the Goddess Oracle, a deck and book set created by Amy Sophia Marashinsky and illustrated by Hrana Janto. Today's draws are Eight of Fire (Wands) and 'Maat:'

           Meteors fall at great speed through the earth's atmosphere, heated by friction until they glow. The chunks of rock and metal that survive the journey and fall to the ground are called meteorites. These are usually pebble to fist-sized, but a few have been the size of buildings. The Gaian companion book suggests, "Stay open to inspiration, and when it strikes, move quickly before it fades away." Creative ideas and solutions don't usually burn with enthusiasm for too long if no effort is applied. The Egyptian goddess Maat, known for truth and justice, uses her feather to weigh the heart. It may be easy to claim we are honest in word and deed, but she also asks, "Are your standards too rigid? Can you or anyone else ever hope to live up to them?" Justice may be as swift as the meteors, but it does not place an impossible burden on anyone.

I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.

~ Abraham Lincoln

Restoration

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, the 'Squirrel:'

          Like his son the Knight, the King of Pentacles enjoys building and growing. But because he has gotten older and matured, he also sees the practicality of saving and restoring. He would find our 'throwaway' society repulsive; his idea would be to at least make things serviceable if possible and give it to someone who could use them. While the King would appreciate Squirrel's forward-thinking in reserving a cache of food, he might not look favorably on its constant skittering to and fro. Busyness should have a purpose and not simply be a distraction, in his opinion. Yet lest we think him a nose-to-the-grindstone kind of guy, he would assure us that play and relaxation have a purpose too. As a believer in restoring things, that would include the body and spirit.

Wise Selflessness

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Four of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, 'Toad:'

          This Four often gets interpreted as being stingy with one's money, time and energy. However, it could also be looked upon as a time for prudence with these resources. In Buddhism, those that take the bodhisattva vow have the aspiration to develop selflessness in order to be of help to others. Yet Chogyam Trungpa stated, "it is necessary and very important to avoid idiot compassion. Working with the world requires some kind of practical intelligence. We cannot just be 'love-and-light' bodhisattvas. The bodhisattva’s approach is to help others to help themselves." The Toad, with its bumpy skin, is not often seen as beautiful by most and has been feared by a few. Gray suggests its meaning is to look within ourselves to find what is good and work toward self-acceptance. Many people feel their worth is only found in how happy they can make other people. They rely on feedback from others to know if they themselves are valuable. Trungpa's words and the Toad's symbolism might be the dose of reality they need.

Friendly Advice

From the Llewellyn Tarot, Temperance; from the Beasts of Albion, the 'Hound:'

          The Lady of the Well used to illustrate this card comes from a tale of intemperance. A man, known for his drunkenness, passed by a sacred well one night. Seeing the young priestess guarding the well, he assaulted and raped her. The waters of the well raged upwards and drowned the entire town. The young girl who was violated lived on under the waters in mermaid form. A moment without self-restraint caused a choice that irrevocably changed many lives. The Hound has long been a companion, guide, and guard for mankind. Its message is one of loyalty, a faithfulness that lasts in all seasons and circumstances. (Interesting that the waters provided the mermaid with a sea-dog.) Perhaps those who consider themselves a friend of another might try and reason with them to prevent extreme choices if they can. On the other hand, that person considering an action might need to listen and heed the warning of that friend.

I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better. ~Plutarch

Discerning Defense

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Swords; from the Beasts of Albion, the 'Hedgehog:'

          The Page stands still on a foggy hill in the early morning. He's gotten a message that there is a rumor of war between two clans, and so he watches. Rather than seek opinions, he keeps his ears and eyes open to find the truth. The actions of people and their whispered conversations will tell him what he seeks to know. The hedgehog has poor vision and thus relies on its senses of smell and hearing as it hunts among the undergrowth for its meal. It's most known for its coat of sharp, stiff spines; if threatened or asleep, it will roll into a prickly ball. The shield implies the message of the hedgehog: protection. Yet the Page might ask, "Are you defending yourself from an actual threat, or are you simply hiding from what you don't want to face?"

Independence and Stewardship

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Nine of Coins; from the Beasts of Albion, the 'Goose:'

          Prudence and discipline might sound like virtues that suck the fun out of everything, but this woman would tell us that is exactly what is needed to have the time and resources for what brings us enjoyment. Having to become self-sufficient can teach a person who is willing to learn a lot. Seeing all the sheaves of grain being collected in her fields, her hard work is something she can be proud of. The Goose has long been a Celtic symbol of alertness and aggressive protection. This bird suggests we not slack off in guarding what we've worked long and hard to achieve. This may pertain to material possessions, but it could also be a reminder to be a good steward of the bodies we have as well.
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