Grounded Ideas

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Cedar Runes, Raidho:

The Ace of Swords is double-edged, implying that ideas and words can be used in arrogance and anger or in truth-telling and justice. This particular one points downward, a suggestion that we ground our ideas and words in factual evidence rather than emotional drama, assumption, opinion or hearsay. Raidho is translated as 'riding,' and suggests traveling down a path in search of something or towards a goal. Yet if the 'map' we're using (our ideas and beliefs) are askew, we'll never arrive at our destination. The construction adage to 'measure twice, cut once' might fit here when it comes to closely examining the thoughts we're using as a compass.

Lifting Up

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Six of Pentacles; from the Cedar Runes, Dagaz:

This piper sends what is needed to the plants down below. He doesn't judge them for not having what they need, nor does he give based on what he thinks they need. If we truly want to be generous, the only creed we need to follow is "first, do no harm" (to others or ourselves). Dagaz means "day" and is associated with the return of light (dawn). It implies an awakening, the ability to see clearly what was misunderstood before. In sharing resources, we realize that we all are dependent in some ways on others and the earth itself. Why would we not want to offer help?

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

—John Andrew Holmes

Funding Down Time

This week I'll be using the Shadowscapes book and deck set published by Llewellyn. The artwork was created by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and the book was written by Barbara Moore. I'll also be drawing from a set of Cedar Runes, using the book The Serpent and the Eagle by Chris Travers as an accompanying text. Today's draws are Nine of Pentacles and Laguz:

We must use time as a tool, not as a couch. –John F. Kennedy

Time well spent leads to a life well lived. Disciplined effort can bring fruitful results: time for the arts, hobbies, cultural or social activities and enjoying nature. Not that I'd stick with a job that was unethical or spirit crushing, but I've always thought of the jobs I've held as a means to an end. They paid the bills, and if they offered friendship or enjoyment, that was an added bonus. Like the snail shell that serves as this fairy's piano seat, working was a way to fund time for slowing down to do what I loved. The rune Laguz literally means 'water,' a symbol of nourishment, transport, livelihood and ritual for the Norse. Lakes and the sea were appreciated for their gifts, but also respected because of their dangers. This rune represents possibilities that are offered if we are willing to heed and follow through with what is asked of us. Sounds a bit like employment.

Sticks and Stones

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Yud:

Yod/Yud painting by Victor Brindatch

Over a decade ago I came across a quote by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel that had a great impact on me: “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” In early adulthood, my motive for opening my mouth was to make my opinions known, prove I was right, shut people down, and make myself look smart and clever. But all it actually accomplished was to make me look like an arrogant ass, which had the effect of damaging relationships rather than creating or healing them. The Yud represents a drop of concentrated power; it can be the seed that creates a garden or the spark that ignites a bomb. Words are just as powerful as well. Sticks and stones can break bones, but words can create lasting damage.

Experience the Feeling

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Queen of Cups; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Lamed:

Lamed painting by Victor Brindatch

This Queen of Cups looks a little sad, yet she only dips one toe in the sea. I can hear Pema Chodron in my head saying "feel your feelings, but drop the story line." Most of us either try to distract ourselves from them because to lean into them can be frightening. Others may wallow in their feelings, not really paying attention to them but simply creating self-pity. We tend to self-identify with our emotions (and the thoughts they create), as if this transient feeling is who we are, the entire color of our life. It becomes frozen within us. Lamed is the tallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet and means to teach or learn. It's shape resembles a staff to guide animals, suggesting being prodded in the right direction. It is a reminder that when feelings seem to overwhelm us we can remember that they are only intense energy that momentarily floods the body; without adding fuel from our thoughts, they will pass.

All we need to do is allow ourselves to experience the energy—and in time it will move through you. It will. But we need to experience the emotion—not think about the emotion. ~Pema Chodron

Listen Too

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Page of Swords; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Vav:

Vav painting by Victor Brindatch

The wind is picking up and flocks of birds are on the wing; something is happening, and this Page is alert to it all. Probably one of the most important parts of communication is listening, but we get so caught up in proving we know stuff we often forget that detail. We miss clues in our relationships when we don't listen carefully and can find ourselves flummoxed when folks suddenly get frustrated and angry. The Hebrew letter Vav means "hook" - when used as a prefix to a noun, it means "and." This letter is a reminder of connection and unity, and in this time of discord, it is more important than ever. Yet it also asks me to question myself when I feel disconnected from others whether I'm doing all the talking or if I am genuinely listening what they have to say too. There is no relationship if we're not truly relating.

The Ones That Break

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Kaf:

Kaf painting by Victor Brindatch

In despair, a man focuses on the three spilled cups at his feet, ignoring the two standing behind him. When we're distraught, it seems the only thing we can focus on is what is causing our pain. We're like a leaf caught in the eddy of a stream, stuck and unable to move forward. Part of this is a normal grief response that all humans have. But part of it may be the idea that life is not fair, the part that demands we shouldn't have to deal with such issues (and probably why he doesn't notice the other two cups). Kaf is often associated with the palm or a spoon because it is bent, suggesting the ability to curve or bend in order to accommodate a situation and be useful. Life is hard on everyone in different ways. Folks who can accept its natural vicissitudes and keep flowing down the stream are the ones who learn to be content in any circumstances. But those who are rigid and inflexible are the ones that break.