Honk, Who Goes There?

This week I'll be using the Llewellyn Tarot, a book and deck set created by Anna-Marie Ferguson and published by Llewellyn. The oracle deck I'll be using is the Beasts of Albion, a deck and book set created by Miranda Gray and published by Aquarian. Today's draws are the Four of Cups and "Goose:"

          What's up with this young woman? Perhaps:
a) Christmas festivities are over (and she just got her Mastercard bill).
b) She just finished a well-received, creative project (and doesn't know what to do with herself).
c) She's been traveling and visiting beautiful, fascinating places (and now she's home again).
Robert Palmer sang about being addicted to love; I think most of us are addicted to that adrenaline rush of pleasure and pure joy. When the horse we've been galloping on is put back in the barn, we feel discontent and at a loss. But our emotional self can't take such constant stress (even if it's good stress); we need down time. This "in between" place is where I can rest and renew my spirit until I saddle up again.
          The Goose was used in Roman times as an alarm system. Where I live, the Canada geese (especially during mating season) are amazing, sharp-eyed guards, often honking a warning long before I've even spotted them. And don't even think about going near one of their nests or goslings! The Goose reminds me this quiet time is not punishment. It is sacred and something I need to protect. It can offer me an opportunity to tap back into my spiritual well and drink deeply, getting the sustenance I need.

Practice What You Preach

From the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy, the Hanged Man; from the Lenormand de Marseilles, the "Mountain:"

       By comparing this version of the Hanged Man to one from the RWS, it's easy to see that each tradition interprets them differently. In the Lombardy card, there's no golden halo around his head, and he's only dressed in his skivvies. Bursten explains that in earlier times, when authorities couldn't catch a criminal, they would hire an artist to draw a "shame picture" of him hanging from one foot. Much like the "Wanted" posters found in the post offices, it was a way to publicly disgrace the offender. So in the Marseille and Italian decks, this card is associated with humiliation, a meaning I connected to instantly. Wednesday I pulled muscles in my back wrestling with a large, heavy box of cat litter. Here's the meditation teacher (who's always encouraging other people to be mindful) who was in such a hurry that she didn't pay attention to bending her knees and lifting carefully. Tonight I'm supposed to guide the meditation meeting, and I'll have to confess why I can't sit for longer than ten to fifteen minutes at a time. This upside down fellow would tell me, "Practice what you preach, sister."
       The Mountain is associated with delay, obstacles and challenges. I can easily see this in my forced, slow movement, restriction of movement and pain. Interesting how one mindless action can have an abundance of unexpected results. And the Eight of Staves associated with this card show just how quickly these consequences can come about. I wonder if you can hold an ice pack on your back while hanging upside down?

Just a Shadow

From both the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy and the Lenormand de Marseille, I get a double dose of the Moon:

       In his booklet, Lee Bursten writes of the progression of the cards from the Star, to the Moon, then the Sun. With the Star, we are in a confused and exhausted state, but we find hope and guidance. But before we find our joy and vitality again (Sun), we must pass through the Moon. Here there is something hidden in the unconscious with a deep emotional weight that must be brought into consciousness. Fear might try to push it back under the water, but only by taking an objective look will I begin to find clarity. The Lenormand Moon is slightly different than the one found in tarot. One possible meaning for it is a romantic fantasy. Tied with the Eight of Cups on the card, I see that I must keep moving and searching if I want to find the truth. What appears now is only a shadow of reality.

Stones in the Stomach

From the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy, the Devil; from the Lenormand de Marseilles, the "Letter:"

       Images of the Devil always seem to depict nonhuman traits in order to portray an animal nature and physical appetites. Every hero in legend or mythology has had to face this tempter - Buddha had Mara to contend with and Jesus had Satan. Yet this being is not an outside force, but one working within. The Devil wants fun and pleasure (nothing wrong with that), but this part of myself can push me to extremes, causing harm to others or myself. For instance, I might learn someone's secret and because of some past slight, I relish making it public. But in the end, it will ultimately hurt me; no one will trust a person who can't keep private confidential information. That first delicious sensation will eventually turn into a heavy stone I must carry.

       The Letter often refers to written communication, a document or results of some sort. There is information - perhaps someone's opinion - that I'll receive. The Devil into today's draw suggests I could react in a way that is less than beneficial. I could cover my head and hide, or I could go into attack mode (taking on the traits of prey or predator). Or I could take the harder path of patience and tolerance as I attempt to see things from  a broader perspective. 

       

None Listening But Me

From the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy, the Ten of Swords; from the Lenormand de Marseilles, the "Coffin:"

       Lee Bursten gives the keyword "defending" to the Swords suit and assigns "enough already" to the number ten. Have you ever caught yourself arguing your stance or choice inside your head? I'll find myself listing all the reasons why I believe my point of view is right, and why I am correct in my judgment of a person or situation. But if I really believed in my ideas, I'd probably be discussing them with someone who could share a realistic perspective (one that I doubt would back mine up). Enough already indeed.
       As if the Ten of Swords weren't crystal clear, the Coffin comes along to underscore the message. Don't just let those ideas and beliefs go; put them in a box, nail the lid down, and bury it six feet under. What is interesting though is the Nine of Pentacles (Diamonds) associated with it - a card that makes me think of freedom and independence. By getting unstuck from those thoughts, I will allow a beneficial transformation to occur.

Watch Your Step

From the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy, the Hermit; from the Lenormand de Marseilles, the "Ring:"

       Bursten writes that hermits - those who lead a solitary, spiritual life - were quite common in Renaissance Europe. Paintings of St. Anthony the Great (father of monasticism) often showed him holding a bell to ward off temptation, and Bursten suggests the lamp might have evolved from it. Portraits of philosophers frequently had them carrying a light as a symbol of a search for virtue. At this stage in my life, I see the need for spiritual self-inventory. I search for character defects but also virtues, for what I need to change and what I should continue doing. And what is my biggest temptation? Rationalizing or turning a blind eye to dishonorable behavior instead of owning it.
       The Ring can represent an obligation, commitment or an alliance. It makes me think of Christian nuns who wear a simple, silver ring after taking their final vows to the Church. Sometimes obligations and commitments can feel heavy and burdensome, whether spiritual or earthly. But generally there is a reason I made that promise to myself or another. In the case of the Hermit, I know examining my actions and thoughts can prevent me from wandering too far off my path, and it can also be beneficial in producing a more joyful, peaceful life.

Ready, Set, Grow

From the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy, the Ace of Batons; from the Lenormand de Marseilles, the "Child:"

       Bursten gives Staves/Batons the keyword "Creating" and Aces the phrase "There's a first time for everything." For me, there's a big difference between having an idea and being inspired. With an idea, I can sit comfortably on my couch and play around in my mind with it. Inspiration tends to poke and prod, wanting to motivate and get me moving. Those green leaves on that hefty hunk of wood tell me something is about to start growing, so I better strap on my safety belt.
       The Child can represent a student, simplicity or the early stages of something. In the Lenormand de Marseilles, this card is paired with the Knight of Swords. Here is where the passion becomes more than just a restlessness to do something.The knight uses his intellect to help shape my inspiration (possibly through study and research) so it can become form. The Child appears to hold a sapling, suggesting that knowledge will help it grow. Looks like I'm going to need a notebook and pen today as well.