It Is What It Is

This week I'll be using the Victorian Romantic Tarot, created by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov and published by Magic Realist Press. Today's card is the Star:

What brings you healing and makes you feel whole? How do you maintain hope and optimism? Where do you find peace and serenity? The Star incorporates all these things, but like the lotus flowers in the image, I don't think they spring up from thin air. Here's my list (I hope you'll share yours too):
~ Being outside, taking walks.
~ Art and music (making it myself or enjoying the work of someone else).
~ Spiritual practices such as meditation and contemplative reading.
~ Talking and laughing with friends and family.

The oracle deck I'll be using this week is the Flowers' Messages, created by Annie Marquier (Author) and Véronique Dumont (Illustrator) and published by Éditions Universelles du Verseau. This morning's card is "Hollyhock:"

The author writes that Hollyhock "brings the healing of grief and sorrow from the past" and indicates a need to move forward. At first I couldn't make a connection with grief, until I realized how much of my life didn't happen as planned (Does anyone's?). No matter how many candles I burn for the regrets of my past or how much time I waste thinking about what I could have done differently, nothing will ever change history. It is what it is; my best bet is to do the things I listed above and stay in the present moment as much as possible.

Lacing Up

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Two of Stones (pentacles/coins):

The spring boxing matches between hares are the source of the phrase "mad as a March hare." Scientists originally thought this was a battle between males, but later figured out it was a female fighting off the unwanted advances of an overexcited male. The stance of the female indicates that if I am to maintain my balance and well-being today, whether physically or financially, I am going to have to stand up for myself when someone insists I must do what they want. No problem... I'm lacing up my gloves now.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Dancer of Inspiration:"

This cave drawing reminds me of a spinning top, and thus a connection to the balance in the tarot card above. Inspiration is an idea or influence that stimulates me to action. Have you ever found yourself moving to some music or singing along without consciously thinking about doing it? That is the magic of inspiration - it motivates. Rather than do what I "should," maybe today is a good day for moving as I'm inspired to do so.

Using the Verb Form

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Two of Vessels:

Instead of people, the artist uses anthropomorphic figures for this card. Though both the animals they represent are herd animals, they are still very different. The horse prefers wide open spaces to run and the elk prefers a forest nearby in which to hide. They remind me of extroverts and introverts. But still they have found a connection that attracts each to the other. So many of my relationships seem like an attraction of opposites, but mutual respect and admiration is the glue that holds them together. Love is a verb, not just a noun.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Ancestor of Hope:"

I laughed when I saw the title of this card; it refers to "the force that carries us forward." My daughter and I have to go to the Dept. of Driver Services today to renew our driver's licenses. Before, you could just do this over the internet, but because of the prevalence of identity theft, you now have to show up with a stack of documents in tow. You must have: a certified U.S birth certificate, a social security card (or tax return), and two proofs of address from a bank, government agency or place of employment. The problem is most of the "house" bills are in my husband's name (he had the house before we were married), and most of my banking and bills I pay online, so I don't get snail mail. If you've had a name change (I've had two), then you have to bring documents for that too (in my case a marriage license and an amended birth certificate). Patience is a requirement when you go to these places, because there is generally a long wait. Both my daughter and I are very different when it comes to interacting and dealing with others; I suppose we will both need to draw on the strengths we each have to get through today with our sense of composure in tact.

Play Your Own Music

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Seven of Arows (Swords):

This woman reminds me of one of those movie starlets of the fifties who played a damsel in distress. The kind that nearly always make me groan and roll my eyes. The authors assign this card the keyword "insecurity." How do insecure people act? Some, like this woman, may play the victim (though she is more a manipulator than anything else). Others try to impress by mimicking the dress, words or behavior of someone who is respected. They may even take the ideas of someone else and claim them as their own. In some strange twist of reasoning, they feel entitled to do these things because they don't have what they want. Unfortunately taking from others is not going to fill that gaping hole of insecurity; the skull and bones engraved on the boulder she stands on is a clue for the consequences of her behavior.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Shaman of Song:"

The shape above this figure's head reminded me of the magic that occurs with the mix of sunlight and water - a rainbow. Last weekend I went to a concert put on by the symphony orchestra; for the holidays, they had invited a Celtic group to join them. It's been years since I've been to the symphony, and I had forgotten that "fullness of the heart" effect of such music. By the time the Celtic group was finished, I was grinning ear to ear and felt like I was close to bursting with so much energy. This shaman suggests that I have many ways to transform my feelings; I don't need to tie my boat at the dock of another person and try to live vicariously off their happiness. I've got my own music to play.

Campfires and Carrots

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Eight of Bows:

Unlike the RWS Eight of Wands, this card shows a group gathered around a fire enjoying each other's company. I immediately thought of the holidays spent with my mom, cousins and their kids. When we all arrive, we are busy getting the meal ready, but after we eat, we all sit around the table and catch up with each other. We find out who's getting married and who passed away, who's getting a new job and who's retiring. But the best part is the stories we each tell, which usually keeps us laughing so hard our cheeks hurt. At first, I didn't see much connection with the traditional meaning, but then I realized these men have been freed from their obligations temporarily and are taking time to re-energize themselves. It's like the traffic jam of the Seven of Wands has finally given way to positive movement. My goal today shall be to find pleasure in this progress, enjoying the moment instead of worrying what will come later.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Spirit of Wisdom:"

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a carrot growing out of the ground? Well if it isn't a carrot, I still like the analogy of wisdom being half in the air (intellect) and half in the ground (practicality). Matthews gives this definition: "Wisdom is much more than knowledge; it is a profound understanding of our purpose in the world, and an intuitive grasp of how to exercise sound judgment based on the experience we have acquired in the course of our lives." I would probably add some humility to that mix. I think the those who are truly wise know they always have something to learn from others, even through the stories they tell.

Shifting Gears

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Wheel:

The Wheel represents movement and is a reminder that change is the natural order of all things. Of course that change doesn't happen on my timetable. What I love and enjoy is the clay that sticks to the rim of the wheel, then eventually dries and falls off (too soon), much like friendships or jobs I didn't want to see end. Then there is the pine sap that sticks and stays for what seems like forever, such as the annoying coworker or health issue that feels as if it will stick around forever. Yet even the sap wears off eventually. The loom in this image is between two hazel trees which suggest wisdom. Though I can't fight fate, I am not powerless - I still have choices. Even if that choice is in the attitude I have as that wheel turns, I can let wisdom be my guide.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Ancestor of Memory:"

The buffalo cave painting is an appropriate one for the Ancestor of Memory. It is a reminder that it was almost hunted to extinction for sport, and the result was that many native people who depended on it starved. In combining this card with the Wheel above, I am encouraged to be aware of the patterns in my life. Even though change happens, I can still make the same choices over and over (though perhaps with different people and situations). This Ancestor suggests I learn from my mistakes and successes. Perhaps that is the true wisdom of the Wheel.

ETA: I am thinking of passing along the Wildwood Tarot to someone else (free), as I need to cull my collection down to a manageable size. If you are interested, please go to my profile in the sidebar where you will find a link to my email. You might also leave a comment here so I will remember to check my email! :)

Target Practice

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Emperor:

To be honest, when I first saw the angry expression on this Emperor's face as he stood over a cauldron, I imagined a greenman version of Chef Gordon Ramsay from Hell's Kitchen. "What in bloody hell did you put in this soup? And you think this is fit for others to eat?!" In any stable family, group or community, there is someone who looks out for the well-being of all. He may be a loving father-figure, but he's still got to be a disciplinarian too, making sure rules are followed so the cohesiveness of the group won't fall apart. He keeps self-centeredness and chaos from taking over so that everyone's needs are considered. The Emperor reminds me that structure and order aren't meant to take away my creative expression, but to provide parameters that will keep me safe and sane.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Hunter of Vision:"

I doubt any experienced hunter would draw back his bow and point his arrow without a clear view of what he was aiming for. Yet hundreds of folks have creative ideas or goals they would like to accomplish but lack a vision for how they will accomplish them. What they do have is enthusiasm and passion, but they neglect the logic and planning of the Emperor. This Hunter informs me that the more prepared I am and the more precise my objectives, the more likely I am to hit my target.