The Force of Friction

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Ace of Wands:

Potter calls this card the "Spark of Life" and illustrates it with a bow drill. This tool was an ancient way to start a fire by using friction to convert kinetic energy into heat. Friction is simply a force that holds back the movement of a sliding object. Think of the physical resources you might have at hand - these would be represented by the stable surface (or the base board of the bow drill). Then we have our creative ideas and inspirations, which are the sliding object (or the rotating shaft of the bow drill). Add the two together, and we will have enough heat to motivate us to action. What will you do with the sparks you generate today?

From the Pictish Oracle comes the tile "Crescent and V-rod:"

It is interesting how this symbol and the card above resemble each other. The Crescent and V-rod appear approximately 32 times on Class I stones, indicating its importance to the Pictish people. Experts have suggested a wide range of theories about its meaning, from death to weather magic. However, Jason N. Bellchamber makes a compelling argument that it may have been used as a seasonal sundial or farmer's almanac. As such, I've assigned the keywords "right timing, pace, schedule, and preparation" to this symbol. In applying these ideas to the card above, I instantly think of how quickly you must act once an ember is created by the bow drill. It is carefully placed in a tinder bundle and then coaxed into a flame. As the flame grows, twigs and then branches can be added. The message from this combination today is to move into action, but do so at a slow, patient pace. What I want to create must be nurtured, rather than rushed into being.

Who's Playing the Instrument?

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Nine of Arrows (Swords):

Potter explains that this woman is playing her bow like a musical instrument rather than using it as a weapon. Waves of sound move outward, indicated by other arrows. Potter's artistic rendering has a much more positive feel to it than the RWS version (with a woman anxiously holding her head). Comparing the two versions makes me ask the question, "Are my thoughts a useful tool for me or are they my master?" If I let myself be bombarded by thoughts and never question their validity, then they have power over me. If I look for any evidence of truth and find none, I can send them on their way. After all, it is the musician who plays the instrument, not the other way around.

From the Pictish Oracle comes the tile "Cauldron:"

 

The Picts incised this symbol from a viewpoint of looking down into a cauldron. These huge iron pots were used as cooking tools, but the carved picture on the Glamis Manse Stone (with two sets of legs sticking out of the cauldron) shows cauldrons had other purposes as well. Some researchers theorize they were used for ritual drownings, while others believe they were symbols of rebirth and regeneration. This time of year, with holidays approaching, I usually find myself in need of being restored to sanity. All the "shoulds" and "what ifs" flood my brain, making me more than a little crazy. The cauldron reminds me to put all these thoughts on "simmer." There may be something important I need to be aware of, but all of the anxiety (water) is keeping me from recognizing it. Once the water boils off (and I calm down), I'll be able to separate fact from fiction.

Feeding the Body, Feeding the Soul

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Queen of Stones (Pentacles):

Like all the other queens, the Queen of Stones is a nurturer. But if she sees that you're out of sorts, she's not going to give you a book to read or ask you about your dysfunctional family of origin. Instead, she'll ask if you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising to relieve stress. She'll remind you to write down all your receipts from your debit card in order to be aware of your bank balance. She'll want to know if your home feels safe and comfortable, and if not, she'll offer some suggestions. Like this mother bear with her cub, the Queen of Stones believes in taking care of our basic needs before worrying about all the rest. I feel sure she and Maslow were on a first name basis.

From the Pictish Oracle this morning comes the "Broken Sword / Tuning Fork:"

Those who study the Pictish symbols are divided over the meaning of this one. In some cases (particularly when found on a stone with a hammer and anvil), they see it as a broken sword. But since the Picts appreciated music, a type of tuning fork may also be a possibility. A sword that has been broken can not be used to fight a battle, and thus can represent a time of peace or acceptance. If I allow my mind and body a break so they are not consumed with constant challenges, I have time to rest and feed my soul (music comes to mind). What am I battling without benefit? How am I uselessly expending energy? It's time to lay down the sword and nurture my life with beauty and creative inspiration instead.

Get Off Your Haunches

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Knight of Stones (Pentacles):

Potter describes this scene as showing an actual wolf with an artistic rendering of a wolf by the Picts below it. Between the two in the background is a dolmen through which the midsummer sun shines. The real animal and the stone animal made me think of the time I had squirrels chewing up and making a mess in my storage building. I put a large plastic owl in the rafters along with a long, rubber snake. These tactics worked only briefly; the squirrels soon moved back inside. When I am socializing with others, I can make myself sound like I accomplish or know more than I actually do. This type of "posturing" might work for a while, but these overstatements will soon become obvious. Like the beam of light from the dolmen, reality has a way of illuminating what is authentic and what isn't. If I want to be taken seriously, it's time to put my actions where my mouth is.

From the Pictish Oracle this morning comes the tile "Double Crescent:"

The double crescent symbol is thought to be a variation of the crescent moon, representing both the waning and waxing moon phases. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1 that states "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Now while I would like to think the double crescent refers to an ebb time, a time to rest, the Knight of Stones above tells me differently. He is both protector and provider, and he urges me to get off my haunches and begin executing all those things I've been dreaming and talking about. That crescent will soon be full, and I need to have something to show for my effort when it arrives.

"Use This Now"

From the Greenwood, the Ace of Stones (Pentacles):

Large stones seem so immovable and heavy, no wonder they make people feel grounded and stable. On this particular stone are all types of incisions; many of them are commonly referred to as "cup and ring" marks except for the labyrinth in the center. Some archaeologists have posited these symbols might represent certain resources found in the area such as streams or lakes, fish or game. This card made me think of how often I waste time (and money) looking for something when I have plenty of resources right in front of me (books came instantly to mind). I don't need to buy anything else until I use what I have already. Otherwise, my acquisition will probably end up on that dusty pile in the corner. Ram Dass is famous for his quote, "Be here now." I need one tattooed on each hand that says, "Use this now."

From the Pictish Oracle comes the tile "Snake:"

The snake was a complex symbol with the Celtic tribes. On one hand, it inspired fear with its ability to strike and bite. Yet because it shed its skin as its body grew, the snake was also seen as a symbol of healing. For me, that sums up how I feel when I want to try something new. Moving beyond my comfort zone causes fear, but if I can push through it, I often find a facet of myself I was unaware even existed. In blending this tile with the card above, I am cautioned that I don't need to rush off to another seminar, buy another book or sign up for another class. Sometimes the creative potential and knowledge I seek can be found inside me. I don't need to worry; what's there is quite useful and good enough.

Sanctity of the Sacred

This week I'll be using the Greenwood Tarot, created by Chesca Potter and Mark Ryan and published by Thorsons. Today's card is the Ancestor (Hierophant):

According to Potter's notes, this card is associated with Imbolc, the ancient festival that marked the beginning of spring. Here a shaman (in shape-shifted reindeer form) beats her drum, honoring the earth while encouraging it to wake from its winter sleep. Like the tracks in the snow, there are times when I need the help of a pathfinder to find my way. Such a person guides me in following "my star," here represented by the North Star. I met with a woman yesterday from whom I received an unexpected gift, a gift that made me remember just how long it's been since I did any journeying. It was a spiritual nudge for me to act in order to wake something inside me. Like the two birch trees in the image above, no one can pass through this gate for me - I must do the work myself.

The oracle I'll be using this week, the Pictish Oracle, was something I created based on my research of the ancient (Class I) Pictish stones of Scotland. Alaska Laser Maid, with her amazing talents, helped turn my ideas and drawings into a reality. Her Etsy shop now carries this set. This morning's draw produced the tile known as the "Rectangular Figure:"

Found ten times on Class I stones, these decorated figures may represent a wooden box, coffer, or satchel. Several Class II stones (when Christianity became an influence) show monks carrying similar type bags. For me, it is a symbol of safekeeping, a container in which to put something I hold dear or sacred. In combining this tile with the card above, I am cautioned to avoid "telling all" when it comes to my spiritual path or the inner insights I receive. Some things are meant to be personal and cherished. The wisdom I receive is not intended to evangelize or puff up my ego, but to transform myself.

Avoid Mosquitoes and Pawn Shops

From the Tarot of the Secret Forest, the Devil:

Yikes! This looks like a giant mosquito, an insect I'm very familiar with here in the southern part of Georgia. If the only problem these bugs caused were itchy red bites, they might not be such a nuisance. But while they're tapping your blood supply, they can also transmit viruses like West Nile or LaCrosse. This devilish bug is a warning that some of the behaviors I might choose to deal with stress, fear or sadness are not as harmless as I'd like to think. Those deep holes in my soul I'm trying to fill are going to require a spiritual solution, not an external one.

From the Faeries' Oracle comes the "Faery Who Was Kissed by the Pixies:"

At first glance, there doesn't seem to be much in common between this sweet card and the Devil above. After all, it is about giving and receiving love unconditionally. But then I thought about being so desperate to be loved, liked or accepted, and the possibility of compromising my integrity as a result. Love isn't a pawn shop; I don't offer something with the expectation of getting something in return. Only if I start with a foundation of self-acceptance and self-respect can I enjoy a relationship that is truly built with loving hands.