Swimming Goggles and Hiking Boots

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Queen of Cups:

Not only is this queen at home in her element, she revels and dances in it.  She doesn't want to be just an observer, she prefers to be in the flow of things.  But this tenderhearted, empathetic woman has more going for her than being in touch with her emotions.  She has a deep psychic well from which she draws; her intuitive sense is so sharp, she feels it in her body in addition to knowing it in her mind.  The Queen of Cups reminds me to be sensitive to all around me, not only from information provided by my five senses, but from my inner guide too.

     From the set of cedar runes today comes "Sowilo:"

The Sun is ever the hope of seamen
When they fare over the fishes' bath,
Until the sea-steed
Brings them to land.
Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem

Sowlilo ("sun") is a rune of guidance and success.  The tricky thing about this guide is that it will take you to the doorstep only; I am the one who must do the work if I want to successfully bring things to fruition.  I have the tools I need and a map to show me the direction, but I've got to put on my hiking boots and get moving to reach the destination I'm seeking.

Separating the Grain from the Chaff

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Five of Cups:

Have you ever noticed that when you have a case of the mullie-grubs, everything seems to have a dark cloud hanging over it?  Lately I've felt this way, putting a "poor me" spin on everything.  "I must be writing in invisible cyber ink, because all my posts are ignored."  "My friends never seem to have the time to talk."  "My ideas always get snubbed."  Of course none of these thoughts are actually true, they've just been painted that way by my attitude.  I recently went to a cousin summit held at my mom's house.  My cousins and I are different in every way you could possibly be, yet we laughed until we cried and had a great deal of fun together.  Our day reminded me of all the many things I have to be grateful for, especially the unconditional love of friends and family.

     From the cedar runes this morning comes "Othala/Othila:"

An estate is very dear to every man,
if he can enjoy there in his house
whatever is right and proper in constant prosperity.
Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem

While Othila is often referred to as an estate, it can actually represent one's heritage - both knowledge and material things.  While I can't change my ancestry, I can look at the good and bad that have come down my blood line and decide what is beneficial and what is detrimental.  I can decide to change my attitude, ideas, and behavior if they are causing my life to be out of balance.  And just maybe in this process of separating the grain from the chaff, I'll pass on something worthwhile myself...

Cycle of Hurt and Revenge

   From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Three of Swords:

Those things that hurt, instruct. ~ Benjamin Franklin

The image on this card never fails to make me wince.  The swords piercing the swan symbolize words, events, or ideas that have caused pain.  When I'm the recipient of such sorrow, I feel the victim, but when I am the instigator of it, I feel a sense of justice - like I have righted a wrong.  Looking at it objectively, I can see being in either role only creates an endless cycle of hurt and desire for revenge.  But what if I choose to step out of the equation?  What if I can distance myself from the emotion and see the truth for what it is?  Then there will be no more victim or judge, and the swan will transform itself into a phoenix.

     From the set of cedar runes comes "Uruz:"

The aurochs is proud and has great horns;

it is a very savage beast and fights with its horns;
a great ranger of the moors, it is a creature of mettle.
Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem

The rune Uruz is often considered to mean "aurochs," a now extinct type of wild ox.  It was known for its strength and power, fearlessness, and willingness to meet challenges head-on.  This rune reminds me that I too have great power within:  I can choose to use it to harm or to heal, to be aggressive or to be protective.  And the results of those choices will be very different...

Secure Boredom or Risky Excitement?

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Two of Wands:

From a high perch, a woman and her lion companion look to the land below.  Where they are, there are no problems or challenges; life just floats on by.  But the two wands she holds are a doorway - the possibility to leave behind the old for something new.  The spiral tattoo on the flank of the lion, resembling a fern frond about to spring open, emphasizes the potential for movement and change.  To stay with the routine that is rather boring but safe or to take a risk on an adventure is the choice that awaits.

     From the set of cedar runes comes "Dagaz:"

Sun is the light of the world;
I bow to the divine decree.
Norwegian Rune Poem

Dagaz is often translated as "day," and represents the heat and light of the sun.  This rune represents the truth coming to light; all deception and illusion are cleared away allowing life to be seen as it is.  Fighting reality is wasted energy, and putting my head in the sand won't make it go away either.  Only by accepting it can I ever hope to deal with it.

Deceptive Appearances

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Seven of Swords:

“Rationalization is a process of not perceiving reality, but of attempting to make reality fit one’s emotions.” ~ Ayn Rand

I can almost see the wheels turning in this man-bird's mind, as he looks over the sword he thinks he has successfully stolen.  I'm sure his reasoning might be something like: "They owe it to me. They have plenty and I have none, so why shouldn't I have one too?"  Like the crows he resembles, he obviously thinks he has the right to take what is bright and shiny if no one's the wiser.  Rand's quote fits this card perfectly.  When I ignore what is logical and true, and gloss over it with emotionalism, I can be sure I have lost my moral compass.

     From the set of cedar runes comes "Isa:"

        Ice is very cold and immeasurably slippery;

it glistens as clear as glass and most like to gems;
it is a floor wrought by the frost, fair to look upon.
Anglo-Saxon Rune poem

Isa, or ice, is beautiful to look at, but quite dangerous to walk or travel on.  As the saying goes, "all that glitters isn't gold;" what appears outwardly to be a good thing may have hidden risks and hazards.  Like the flow of water that comes to a halt when frozen, sometimes the safest action is to remain patient and still.

Don't Take It Personally

This week I'll be using the Shadowscapes Tarot, created by Stephanie Pui-mun Law.  The companion book was a collaborative effort between Stephanie and Barbara Moore.  Today's card is the Eight of Cups:

A mermaid swims away from a tumbling swirl of cups while holding one chalice in her hands.  The Eight of Cups involves realizing a situation is dysfunctional or unfulfilling and choosing to move away from it.  The swirls in this image remind me of relationships that at first seem like an innocent little eddy but quickly became a powerful whirlpool that pulls me under.  Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements, offers "Don't take anything personally" as number two in his list of four.  He writes: "Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. All people live in their own dream, in their own mind; they are in a completely different world from the one you live in."  I don't have to choose to stay in their world, I can move on - after all, I have my own to live in.

     The oracle I'll be using this week is a set of cedar Elder Futhark Runes that were carved by Alaska Laser Maid on Etsy.com.  The book I'll be using along with them is The Serpent and the Eagle by Chris Travers.  My draw this morning is "Raido/Raidho:"

        Riding

joy of the horsemen
and speedy journey
and toil of the steed.
(English translation of the Norwegian Rune Poem)

It's quite obvious by reading the poem that this rune implies traveling, but it might refer to physical movement or a lifestyle change.  The "speedy journey" encourages me to get moving down the road, rather than stand around and ponder the mysteries of life.  The last line however is a caution to remember that the world does not revolve around me.  There are others who sacrifice their time and effort for me, and I in turn should repay their kindness.

Swords and Feathers

From the Sacred Sites Tarot, the King of Swords:

Ruins of Glastonbury, England

Glastonbury Abbey was a monastery founded in the 7th century that has long been associated with King Arthur.  In 1191, monks claimed to have found the tombs of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere at the ruins of the abbey in the cemetery.  According to written accounts, a massive hollowed oak trunk containing two skeletons was uncovered; under the covering stone was a leaden cross with the inscription Hic jacet sepultus inclitus rex Arthurus in insula Avalonia ("Here lies interred the famous King Arthur on the Isle of Avalon").  Like Arthur, the King of Swords is known for his ability to see situations clearly, without allowing emotions to interfere.  Truth, equality, and the desire to look out for the welfare of everyone are traits of both.  This card reminds me that if I am going to be objective about a person or circumstances, I must not allow my emotions to sway me in one direction or the other.

     This morning's draw from the Mana Cards is "Hulu:"

A he nani ke ao nei ~ Behold this lovely world.

The Hawaiian word for feather, hulu, also means esteemed or prized.  Feathers are a reminder to pay close attention to where we came from, where we are going, and where we are now.  They are gentle nudges to act rather than just dream.  This is the only moment there is, and I need to make good use of it.  Wishing or whining will get me absolutely nowhere.