A Time to Laugh, A Time to Cry

From Waking the Wild Spirit, the Five of Water (Cups); from MentorSpirit, "Balance:"

Poppy does something a little different with her Five of Water/Cups. Instead of showing a person who is sad, self-absorbed, and unable to experience gratitude, she redefines this card as a needed emotional release. Last Friday I led the meditation group in a technique by John Makransky called the "Benefactor Moment." For several people, it turned out to be very emotional; one fellow (known for his flippancy) sobbed while talking about the feelings and memories that came up for him. My first reaction was to shut down, to not be affected by his tears. I grew up in a home where crying was not tolerated; a put down or a beating enforced the decree. Yet after my initial response, I dug deeper and realized I was operating from those old childhood rules. Tears can be healing and cleansing; I don't need to be afraid of them anymore.
The Balance card reinforces the message of the Five of Water. How can I laugh and feel true joy when my heart is weighed down with sorrow or hurt? It takes a lot of effort to keep those feelings locked away; that energy could be used in much more beneficial ways - if I'll take a chance on letting it loose.

Step into the Batter's Box

This week I'll be using Poppy Palin's Waking the Wild Spirit tarot deck, published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the 2nd edition of her companion book, Stories of the Wild Spirit, published by Slippery Jacks Press. The oracle I'll be using is MentorSpirit, created by Kathy Tyler and Joy Drake, published by InnerLinks Associates. The cards drawn this morning are the Ace of Earth (Pentacles) and "Leadership:"

 Lured by the warm rays of the sun, seeds begin to sprout and grow. Years ago I had a tiny greenhouse which I used to grow medicinal herbs from seed. It was quite a learning experience. Though it was rather easy to germinate most of the seeds, keeping them healthy and thriving was another matter. Not only did they need the right amount of sun, water and nutrients, I had to protect them from pests and animals like squirrels too. The Ace of Earth has potential, but I've got to use my tools and talents to nurture it if it is to flourish.
The Leadership card's color implies the passion and energy needed to lead not just by words, but by doing. If I want something to succeed, it is going to take more than affirmations and good ideas. I'm going to have to get over my fear and step into the batter's box. There's a good possibility that I might swing and miss the ball a few times. But if I keep my eye on the ball and time it right, I just might hit it out of the park.

Empowerment in Strange Packages

From the Transformational Tarot, the Tower; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the "Island of Recognition:"

The Tower card show's Ando's quirky rendition of Kali, Hindu Goddess of Time and Change. Normally I groan when I pull this card, but having Kali on it (even with all her skulls) makes me feel strangely comforted. She is the personification of feminine creative power in divine form. She knows I've lost my mojo, and she wants to help me get it back. Yet to do so, she's going to have to destroy what I think is my protective covering; I'll be exposed and vulnerable. But I'll also be free.
The voyagers never even got to land on the Island of Recognition. As soon as the islanders saw them rowing to shore, they started pelting them with nuts in fear. Maelduin and his men gathered the nuts and rowed back to their ship. In Celtic lore, nuts represent knowledge and wisdom, which the islanders were throwing away because they were afraid. Ignorance of the unknown does create fear, but Kali reminds me that knowledge is power. If I run now before giving the unknown a fair shake, I might miss out on something wonderful.

Check List

From the Transformational Tarot, the Lovers; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the "Island of Plenteous Salmon:"

 Ando's Lovers card shows all the ways love is seen by humans - from deep, spiritual love, to lust, to intimacy and companionship. When I feel a hole in my life, it is easy to want to fill it with something, anything to make that void go away. I often don't look at how my choice may affect me later, I'm just fixated on feeling good now.
The Celtic voyagers came upon the Island of Plenteous Salmon when they were near death from starvation. Here they found an abundance of food and drink to satisfy them, yet they also found huge beds (large enough for three men) in which to sleep and rest their weary bodies. This combination of cards reminds me of an acronym in 12 Step programs - HALT. The letters in the word are a reminder not to get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired, or else unwise choices and decisions may be a result. Sounds like I need to check in with my body and heart before I do something I'll regret later.

Distractions, Pleasurable or Otherwise

From the Transformational Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Coins; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the "Island of Many Birds:"

The Prince/Knight of Coins is hardworking and trustworthy, focused and methodical. He's the go-to guy if you want a job carefully planned and successfully carried out. What could possibly go wrong with this fellow in the saddle? The damsel in distress he carries back to the castle is a hint, as is the card from the oracle deck. The Island of Many Birds was where the voyagers landed when they were hungry and in dire need of something to eat. Here they found thousands of birds of all kinds, so many that they didn't know which to choose. Their dilemma reminds me of the huge supermarkets here; if you want a box of cereal, there is such a multitude and variety it mimics the Great Wall of China. The Prince could easily lose his focus if he has too many distractions, good or bad. He encourages me to keep my eye on the objective today and not get caught up in all the diversions around me.

From Translation to Transformation

From the Transformational Tarot, the Sage (Hierophant); from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the "Island of the Revolving Beast:"

 

The two man-made statues with the backdrop of fall foliage is an expression of humans trying to find purpose and meaning in their lives. We create icons, build cathedrals and write books filled with myths and creeds. Which would all be fine if folks looked at it as man's attempt to find truth instead of Truth itself. Humans don't want to just find it, we want to mass produce and sell it. I have tried "Truth in a Box" and it didn't work out very well. My beliefs come from my own spiritual practices. This is not to say that mentors and sacred writings aren't helpful, but my convictions today are based on my own experiences.
The Island of the Revolving Beast was a place the voyagers encountered an animal that could shape-shift faster than thought. It pounded the sailors with rocks, so they hurried back to their ship. I see myself in this beast, constantly shifting my spiritual ideas as I grow older. But I no longer have extreme shifts, say from one religion to another. Now I concentrate on practice instead of beliefs. As a priest who is a friend of mine explains, "move from translation to transformation." What will help me change so that I become more kind and compassionate? That doesn't have much to do with dogma at all.

Tend the Fire

From the Transformational Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the "Dragon Stone:"

 The King of Wands is just as adventurous as the Page, passionate as the Knight, and enthusiastic as the Queen, but he has one more added trait - perseverance. He has a reputation for being a "Closer," one who finishes what he starts. The tarot card shows a man performing a ritual in front of a large fire, and I think of all the times I have started a project or made a goal with such fiery eagerness. But either life would interfere with other obligations, or I would lose my interest and put things aside (where they would inevitably gather dust). Yet this King reminds me some things are worth the extra effort, and I should nurture the passion that keeps me moving toward my objective.
The Dragon Stone represents a gift that empowers, a stubborn strength that overpowers any challenges. Its invincible quality symbolizes the courage that comes from convictions. Now I know something about being tenaciously stubborn <grin>, so here is my chance to use it for something worthwhile.