Unrecognizable

From the Tarot of Pagan Cats, the Devil; from the Brownie Wisdom deck, Pleasure Bright:

We all have ways of handling stress and fear, and sometimes the behaviors that get triggered are more harmful than helpful. Using drugs and alcohol to excess is the most obvious, but we can also become intoxicated by cynicism or rage just as easily. To make matters worse, such reactions tend to get repeated over and over. We discover the thing we thought that we were using is in fact using and controlling us. It doesn't take long for us to turn into someone that our friends and family no longer recognize. The Brownie hints at one of the ways we can keep from getting triggered - a gratitude practice. Not the 'make a list' kind, but mindfully setting aside time to see what is in our lives that is good, beautiful and touches our heart. When the heart is right, the mind isn't as easily tugged in the wrong directions.

Hunt Instinct

From the Tarot of Pagan Cats, the Nine of Pentacles; from the Brownie Wisdom deck, Small Deeds:

The Nine of Pentacles is a card of accomplishment due to hard work and discipline. But what catches my eye in this card is the size of that falcon. Like the cat, it is a predator with an intense focus; once locked on to its target, it swiftly catches and dispatches its prey. But in this card it is hooded, meaning a time of rest from the hunt. Yet sometimes we have a hard time turning off our 'hunt' instinct. Research has shown that people have forgotten how to relax and enjoy their leisure time; others stress out about planning the perfect vacation. Rather than over-analyzing or scheduling, just putter around exploring what is fun. No time is ever wasted if it is fun. Even the Brownie seems to focus on those small things we can do, which often brings the greater rewards. 

Dewdrop World

From the Tarot of Pagan Cats, the Three of Swords; from the Brownie Wisdom deck, The Sacrifice:

This dewdrop world

Is but a dewdrop world. And yet, and yet—

~Kobayashi Issa

Issa was a Japanese poet whose life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his wife and three children. His poem expresses the understanding that life is by nature impermanent, yet humans will still grieve when what we love is lost. In our transient world, love is a sweetness mixed with the sharpness of sorrow. However, we have two antidotes to help us heal: equanimity and compassion. Yet as the Brownie points out, it will require a sacrifice - in this case, of self-absorption. Equanimity is a balance born of wisdom, a tender understanding that our loss is not abnormal in our world. Compassion is being willing to sit with the suffering of others with a desire to bring them comfort. It helps us recognize that this deep grief is experienced by all beings.

Good Intentions?

This week I'll be using Lo Scarabeo's Tarot of Pagan Cats (mini) with booklet by Barbara Moore and art by Lola Airaghi. Paired with it will be Brownie Wisdom, the smaller deck included with The Brownies Oracle created and self-published by Doug Thornsjo. Today's draws are the King of Swords and Hands and Hearts:

The King of Swords is a decision maker and judge; his sword points downward to suggest that he deals with concrete facts and figures. He's not very tolerant of spin doctors who just want to present a small view of the whole. The Brownie card suggests that the courage to take action is what creates beneficial change and progress, not visions of grandeur or positive intentions. Both of these fellows would likely agree with Aldous Huxley: "Hell isn't merely paved with good intentions; it's walled and roofed with them. Yes, and furnished too."

Celebrating the Good

From Tarot by Caro, the Four of Wands; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 22:

What drew my eye in this Four of Wands was the heart between the two women. A true celebration is about cheering on those we love, wishing them good things ahead. It is about congratulating those to whom our heart is connected who have met and overcome challenges. We might think that we can celebrate the comeuppance of those who have been in the business of using and hurting other beings. But retribution doesn't bring real joy, only a very brief moment of satisfying revenge. We can't really revel in it because the heavy suitcase of resentment we're still dragging around weighs us down. Hexagram 22 implies both grace and beauty. It is a reminder that each day should be about celebrating the good, not giving the bad free rent in our head.

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?

—Mary Oliver

True Reflection

From Tarot by Caro, the Eight of Swords; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 14:

When we trip and fall, we use the ground (what caused us to trip, in a sense) to push ourselves back up. In the same way, when we feel overwhelmed by our thoughts, we can push against them to find our way back to sanity. As Byron Katie expressed, do I really, absolutely know that my thoughts are true? Not just that an event happened, but all the stories I spin around it? We can use those sharp edges to cut through what is created by the anxiety of speculation. Hexagram 14 is called the Great Possession, referring to abundance but on more than just the material level. The two trigrams that make us this hexagram relate to strength and clarity. When we see clearly the many resources we have - relationships, our talents and abilities, and a discerning mind - we can find the strength to cut through the worries that bind us.

Just a Little Care and Appreciation

From Tarot by Caro, the Queen of Pentacles; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexgram 27:

Some people, like the Queen of Pentacles, seem to have a magic touch when it comes to plants and animals. Her true gift is in paying attention to what is needed and then offering it. She fits nicely with Hexagram 27, which is titled Nourishment. What we attend to is what we nourish, physically or spiritually.

Masses of green fronds

Sprout from my brick steps.

It's a mystery,

How these ferns survive between the cracks.

What nurtures and sustains them?

Perhaps my care and appreciation

Encourage them to thrive.

Imagine what effect

This same care and appreciation

Would have on a human.

~BK