Clarity

From the Fey Tarot, the Sun; from the I Misteri della Sibilla, the Two of Diamonds (Letter):

Mindfulness is about love and loving life. When you cultivate this love, it gives you clarity and compassion for life, and your actions happen in accordance with that. ~Jon Kabat-Zinn

The Sun illuminates all shadows, those that we're unaware of and those that we avoid. It shows us what is beautiful and good, but it also shows us the reality of life too. Yet once we see that reality without all of our assumptions and projections, it's so much easier to deal with what is. And with that gift also comes the ability to recognize the love and resources at hand as well. The Letter (Two of Diamonds) represents an exchange of news and information. Whatever it relays, it will help to shine some of those sunbeams on it, so we simply see it as it is. 

Even On a Budget

From the Fey Tarot, the Four of Pentacles; from the I Misteri della Sibilla, the Five of Hearts (Joyous Heart):

The seeds we plant contain the potential to grow when conditions support them. What we practice becomes habit. What may at one time be beneficial can later become a form of imprisonment. 

~Jack Kornfield

This miserable looking fey is chained to his pentacle; the companion book suggests being a slave to one's habits. People raised by Depression era parents and grandparents, often hear "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without." That's not bad advice when money is tight, but it can create a mindset that is rigid when it comes to spending or sharing resources (even when we're flush). It may become an automatic behavior unless we become aware of it and recognize that it doesn't fit our present reality. Joyous Heart (Five of Hearts) shows a couple out on the town and represents lightheartedness. Fun can still be had on a budget. Hopefully that fey will pick up the key of awareness, unlock himself, and enjoy life a bit. 

Eyes of Mercy

From the Fey Tarot, Justice; from the I Misteri Sibilla, the Jack of Hearts (the Lover):

Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.

― Cornel West

This fey of Justice sees with her third eye; discerning insight rather than personal opinion is what she relies on. The ego is far from impartial, and it can be LOUD when it thinks it isn't getting a large enough piece of the pie. But it helps not to take this mental construct so seriously, as Denis Kelly explained: “We can smile and nod when our ego, like a slightly unhinged relative who means well, offers its endless array of opinions, judgments, and knee-jerk reactions.” Instead of remaining self-absorbed, the Jack of Hearts suggests we give our attention to others, seeing them through the eyes of compassion and kindness.

 

In All Forms

From the Fey Tarot, the Six of Pentacles; from the I Misteri della Sibilla, the Two of Spades (Older Woman):

It is the heart that gives; the fingers just let go.

~Nigerian Proverb

A giantess of the fey world releases manna for everyone without judging who might be worthy. Charity and goodwill usually wind up in the media these days, but generosity needs no glory. The feeling of joy from seeing others' joy is reward enough. The Two of Spades card reminds me of my own mom, who at 86 plans to drive here to see me this coming weekend. My husband has been having some serious health problems; I haven't felt comfortable being too far away from him, so we haven't seen each other in several months. Generosity comes in all forms - even a visit from one's mom.

No Standing Still

This week I'll be using the Fey Tarot, a book and deck set created by Riccardo Minetti and Mara Aghem. This set was published by Lo Scarabeo. The oracle deck I'll be using is the I Misteri della Sibilla, created by Ettore Maiotti and published by Dal Negro. Today's draws are the Four of Cups and Journey (Three of Clubs):

For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. 

~John F. Kennedy

When our system has been flooded with emotion, whether it was pleasurable or frightening, we often feel as exhausted as this fey. It takes a while for our bodies and minds to regain their balance. Just don't nap too long... The Sibilla Three of Clubs indicates a journey, possibly requiring both body and mind to saddle up and get moving. It's a good idea to pack some spiritual sustenance in our saddlebags for the trip. 

Courage and Wisdom

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, Three sons:

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.

~John F. Kennedy

In the Six of Wands, the struggles and troubles we've been facing have been overcome. This is not some kind of lucky break that happened - we've had to wade through confusion, pain, and unhelpful influences. But a combination of strength and courage (lion) paired with vigilance and wisdom (owl) have helped us not only meet the challenge but grow and develop as well. The Three Sons are a nod to some of those unhelpful influences: people who are judgmental, contentious or sarcastic. We must be careful when choosing our allies; we need folks who will help find solutions rather than create more problems.

Stationary Stasis

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Words of the Brehon, Three ill-bred sisters:

Surrender to what is. Say 'yes' to life — and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you. ―Eckhart Tolle

As Odin discovered, acquiring wisdom can require sacrifice. For most of us, thankfully, we don't give up our right eye but our ideas about how things should be. As we hang in stationary stasis, we can fight reality or open and accept it, allowing our minds to download new concepts and approaches. As Alain de Botton encouraged, “Don't despair: despair suggests you are in total control and know what is coming. You don't - surrender to events with hope.” The Ill-bred Sisters represent a state of stagnation, refusing to budge mentally or physically. Change requires the courage to try new ideas and actions; it may be frightening, but it's better than steeping in fear.