Someone to Divide It With

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Lovers; from the Bird Cards, the Ibis:

          The Lovers card represents the power of creative love/friendship and a harmonious alliance of opposites. This union often occurs because of common values or goals. The frogs in this illustration are symbols of fertility and transformation (both of which can occur where there is awareness and respect). According to Native folklore, Ibis was the first bird to emerge following a hurricane and thus represented optimism. These wading birds are highly sociable and form large colonies that offer protection (birds work as a group to defend the colony from predators). Both of these cards seem to emphasize companionship rather than solitude and cooperation instead of solitary effort.

To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with. ~ Mark Twain

Soil of Practicality

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Star; from the Bird Cards, the Pheasant:

          The great egrets with this woman are wading birds known for their ability to stand still for long periods, waiting for aquatic prey to pass by within striking range. The main keyword given for this particular Star card is 'grace,' a word I prefer to think of in secular terms as an abundance of gratitude for what is freely given. When feeling lost or exhausted, its hard to remember who I am and the gifts I have. Yet here a pause has been provided to refresh body and spirit as well as my memory. The Pheasant is a game bird easily recognized by the colorful pattern of its feathers. It forages on the ground for seed, grain and insects, only flying when disturbed at close range by predators. Both these birds hunt in different environments, yet both tend to keep their feet on the ground (or in the mud). After a rest or recovery, it can be tempting to jump back into the chaos of life. The message of both birds seem to encourage staying grounded, basing any plans I might have in the soil of practicality.

Give It Back!

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Bird Cards, Gannet:

          The cracked and broken bowls show loss well; what was whole and full is no longer either. It doesn't take long to learn about loss in the physical world. It may be a favorite toy or tool that breaks; it may be a friend who moves or a pet that dies. It is the natural cycle of things and the First Noble Truth: pain and dissatisfaction (dukkha) is an inevitable and unavoidable part of life. But what is optional is how I deal with it, whether I add suffering to the pain I already experience by refusing to accept what has happened. The Gannet is a large seabird known for its voracious appetite (it will also eat just about anything). Because of its insatiable hunger, 'gannet' is also used to describe a greedy person. Yet the bird doesn't trespass into other birds territories - it sticks to its own fishing territory. This quality added to the Five of Cups makes me think of clinging: whatever brings me pleasure is what I tend to think creates my happiness. When it is lost, I attempt to hold on to it anyway, creating more suffering for myself. I feel like my security blanket has been ripped away. However, it's not my enjoyment of people or things that cause the problem, but my clinging to them as if they are permanently mine.

When the heart grasps what is painful, it is like being bitten by a snake. And when, 

through desire, it grasps what is pleasant, it is just grasping the tail of the snake. It only

 takes a little while longer for the head of the snake to come around and bite you.

~ Ajahn Chah, A Still Forest Pool

Sleight of Hand

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Medicine Man (Magician); from the Bird Cards, the Plover:

          Like the medicine man whose purpose is to heal, the booklet states that I need to do some internal rehabilitation: remove self-imposed limits and stop allowing my mind to complicate things unnecessarily. When the doors of the mind are open, the outer part of life will flourish too. In other words, if I can't envision a possibility or see any potential, then I'll never be able to manifest much of anything. The Plover is a shore bird that nests on the ground. It may pretend to sit on a nonexistent nest or to have a broken wing in an attempt to look vulnerable and lead the predator away from its eggs. The Plover represents distraction and deception (the shadow side of the Magician) and reminds me to keep my focus rather than be wowed by any sleight of hand.

The Power of 'Should'

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Two of Fire (Wands); from the Bird Cards, Canary:

The Two of Wands is given the keyword 'Will' (the Thoth assigns it 'Dominion'). Here is the power and desire to do something, but two questions naturally arise: What should I do? What do I want to do? Those 'shoulds' generally advise me to stick to what has been working and avoid branching out into the unknown. But the desire to expand beyond the horizon has a strong pull that will give my creative side room to flourish. The Canary, a songbird known for its bright yellow color, represents cheerful optimism. Would I want to put that kind of enthusiasm in a cage or (even worse) in a coal mine? Such is the power of the 'shoulds.'

Steady Hammering

This week I'll be using the Vision Quest Tarot, a deck created by Gayle Silvie Winter and Jo Dose (Illustrator); it was published by AGM Müller. I'll also be using Bird Cards, a deck and book set by Jane Toerien (Author) and Joyce van Dobben (Illustrator); it was published by Altamira-Becht. Today's draws are the Three of Earth (Pentacles) and the Woodpecker:

          The keyword 'Growth' has been given to this card; three seeds from mature trees have sprouted and are growing well. Though there is achievement, much needs to be done to keep the momentum going. Those sprouts are going to need a lot of attention - sun, water and protection from pests and animals. When good results are seen quickly, it is easy to want to relax and let the ball roll on its own accord. Yet vigilance and continued effort are what will help these little trees reach maturity. The Woodpecker's message is that energy is going to be needed to make an impact, just as it pecks patiently and persistently at a tree trunk to make a hole for its nest. Its focus, willpower and dedication reinforce the message of the Three of Earth. As Stephen King puts it: "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."

Recognition and Refuge

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Three of Pentacles; from the Gemstone Oracle, Yellow Jasper:

          Against the backdrop of a morning sky, the silhouette of a crow is seen. In silhouettes, a dark shape placed against a lighter background stands out, much like the recognition of those who have developed skills and knowledge in their fields. I wonder if the branches on the tree represent the others who have taught and trained this crow to be successful. While the accolades and sense of purpose is a plus, the Yellow Jasper suggests another positive outcome that can be attained:

Home is where the heart can laugh without shyness. Home is were

the heart's tears can dry at their own pace. ~ Vernon Baker

I've shared living space with a variety of people through the years. But having a simple refuge of my own, one that I can make comfortable and beautiful in ways that suit me, has been a great blessing. May all beings everywhere, especially those seeking refuge, find such a place of rest.