Outsmarting Reality

This week I'll be using the Gaian Tarot, a deck and book set created and self-published by Joanna Powell Colbert. I'll also be using the Goddess Oracle, a deck and book set created by Amy Sophia Marashinsky and illustrated by Hrana Janto. Today's draws are the Tree (Hanged Man) and Minerva:

          The tree pose in yoga requires that one foot be firmly grounded while the other rests on the inner thigh. Balance is found when the gaze is soft but focused on a still point. But in Powell's version of the Hanged Man, the foot that is supposed to bring stability hangs in the air from a tree.  How stable is the air? I am reminded how I often try to out-think reality - an impossible feat. There are some things that I have no control over, no matter how much brain power I use. If I remain still and receptive, I might see from a new perspective beyond the ego's illusion. Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, comes to point out that my old beliefs aren't working very well and perhaps need to be discarded (or I can choose to keep hanging upside down). It is hard to watch people make decisions that are not healthy (or in the case of the presidential election, not sane). But my jurisdiction only covers my decisions, attitude and actions, not those of someone else. Trying to figure out why they do and think as they do is a wasted effort and another illusion of power (thinking I can change them if I understand them). It would be better to focus on my own stuff instead of getting distracted by the drama in everyone else's life.

Rousing the Bear

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, the Bear:

          This Page might be a student, but he is also a tinkerer and amateur naturalist. He wants to apply the knowledge he learns to shape his world, looking for what will help make it better. Reading a wide variety of books and willing to learn any useful skill, his openness is what often leads to new innovations and results later. The Page of Pentacles' heart lies in the earth; the more he learns about the physical world, the more invested he becomes in protecting it. His challenge will be in maintaining this level of appreciation rather than developing an obsession for the material comforts the land can provide. Gray suggests the sleeping Bear represents "contained strength and power." If the Page can maintain his love and gratitude for the earth, he will be a fierce advocate for it. He will understand why its resources need to be used carefully and mindfully without upsetting its balance.

We’re in a giant car heading towards a brick wall and everyone’s arguing over where they’re going to sit. ~ David Suzuki

Go, Learn Things

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Wands; from the Beasts of Albion, the Eagle:

          When there is a new case to investigate on NCIS New Orleans, Agent Pride always tells his team "Go, learn things." His emphasis on 'go' is right in line with the Page of Wands' personality. This young fellow jumps at the chance to experience life; it's all an adventure for him. And while his openness and excitement help him soak up lots of information, his youthful ineptitude can result in errors of judgment. He's so excited about being in the thick of things, he doesn't even realize what he's stepped in until he's knee deep. The Eagle flies in to help him understand the true nature of things. His instructions to the Page would be to stop, step back and look from a wider perspective. Enthusiasm is a good quality, but being able to perceive from an objective and realistic viewpoint is necessary for the long haul. My cousin's son has been hiking the Appalachian Trail since the first of June, and he posted a photo of a sign that is at the beginning of each section (northbound and southbound) of the 100 Mile Wilderness. Its warning is not meant to take away the hikers' joyful enthusiasm, but to make them aware of the dangers of the trail so that they can be prepared. Being sensible doesn't have to deter enjoyment, but it can prevent missteps along the way.

Compassion without Co-dependency

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the King of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, the Dolphin:

          This king rules and guides with unconditional love, which is a good thing since his job is similar to running a customer service counter. Have you ever seen someone who stopped by a store's customer service department who was happy and just wanted to say what a great job they were doing? No, they're usually frustrated and impatient on good days and irate and hostile on the worst. Yet the King of Cups is known for his composure; he may keep his heart open and empathetic, but he doesn't get caught up in any emotional nets cast out. He remains compassionate without becoming co-dependent because he doesn't treat other people as an extension of himself. He's not concerned with pleasing other people or getting their approval, but genuinely caring for them without any emotional clinging. Sometimes that kind of care can send them stomping off in a huff. The Dolphin shows up to remind the king that while having deep feelings for others is a worthy endeavor, he needs to maintain his own emotional balance by coming up for air (with a few playful moves for good measure). Throw off that robe and get on your swim trunks, Your Highness; it's time to go parasailing.

Detaching and Rowing Forward

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Six of Swords; from the Beasts of Albion, the Hound:

          I've been working on a digital oracle for my personal use (I'm calling it The American Pen, with quotes from poets and novelists). I came across something Anne Lamott said that fit the Swords suit perfectly: "You don't always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it too." It seems fitting for the Six of Swords, as the boatman points them toward another island in the distance. I always wondered about the RWS version of this card - why would you stick swords in the bottom of a boat? But then it dawned on me that sticking them in something solid (the ground, a dead body, on the wall, etc.), means they are immobile, unlike the boat. When my ideas and attitude are stuck, my thinking is very black and white (this is right, that is wrong), and my serenity is firmly attached to things being a certain way. But being miserable has a way of goading me into a new mindset. Yet what about the loyal Hound who's been left behind? Unfortunately moving from one truth to another can leave companions feeling as if I've abandoned and betrayed them. I experienced this when I left the church. But surely true friendships can look past religion, politics and such to what is good and kind underneath, right?

A Quest of Curiosity

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Queen of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, the Toad:

          It seems I'm going to be journeying through the Pentacles this week! This lovely queen is the nurturing aspect of the suit, a role that can be rewarding or overwhelming as James Ricklef (Pithy Tarot) points out: "Caring for others out of love is a joy; doing it out of a sense of duty is a burden." The irony is the person I'm caring for the most these days is me, and I'm tired of it. I want to be strong, pain-free and healthy again now. But everywhere I turn, I keep getting the message that this life is worth the effort we put into it. Mary Oliver asks, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Pema Chodron writes: "Beginning to realize how precious life is becomes one of your most powerful tools." I think my gratitude might be slipping... Gray explains Toad's message is to look beneath the surface level and find self-acceptance, which will lead to physical and mental healing. How do I get to this place of gratitude and acceptance? Above the entrance to Gampo Abbey (where Chodron resides) is hand-lettered sign that reads "Enjoy your life." Chodron explains that this is not a quest for hedonism but an encouragement to maintain a sense of curiosity:

There is a common misunderstanding among the human beings who have ever been born on earth that the best way to live is to try to avoid pain and just try to get comfortable. You see this even in insects and animals and birds. All of us are the same. A much more interesting, kind and joyful approach to life is to begin to develop our curiosity, not caring whether the object of our curiosity is bitter or sweet.  

Don't Waste the Day

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Ace of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, the Snake:

          Looking at this sunny Ace of Pentacles, I hear a weather forecast in my head: "It's going to be a beautiful spring day - don't waste a minute of it!" Here is an offering of  time and energy, a physical body and the finances to provide for my needs. Will I piss it all away, not realizing the gift I've been given? Or will I wisely use these resources, being a good steward while developing them? The Snake in this deck represents the cycle of change because it sheds the skin it outgrows. What labels and patterns of behavior do I need to let go of? I need to let go of my label of 'accident victim' and get back into my exercise routine (even if it is just walking). My pain has been a booger bear lately, and it's been easy to use it as an excuse not to exert myself too much. Yet I know this is what will keep my muscles and joints supple and in good working order. I also need to realize it's okay to spend a little money when there is extra available, even if it is not on something I need. We all need a few toys to play with. So how about you, my fellow bloggers? What do you need to shed?