The Peace of Gray

This week I'll be using the Gill Tarot, with a deck and book created by Elizabeth Josephine Gill.  Today's draw is the Two of Swords:

Twos represent a duality of some kind - good or bad, stay or go, this choice or that one.  The soft gray in this card reminds me of that "twilight zone" I'm in right before I fall asleep.  I'm still conscious but very relaxed; the hamster wheel of plans, worries and decisions has become still.  In this place (and in meditation as well) is where some of the best creative ideas and solutions have come.  Yet they come without force or demands - through patient waiting.

The oracle deck I'll be using this week is called The Circle; its wedge-shaped cards and companion book were created by D.R. Taylor.  This morning's card is "Wisdom:"

What struck me about this card in relation to the one above is the theme of "gray."  The gray sky above and the silver-gray of this woman's hair remind me that the answers to my dilemmas will not lie in a black or white choice, but in one of compromise - the merging of these two colors.  Sometimes I need to realize that there is a third choice in addition to either/or.

Connections and Conductors

From the Fey Tarot, the Sun:

On this dreary, gray morning, I wish that I could sit in this fey's spot - relishing the sun's warmth and the earth's coolness the clouds drift slowly overhead.  As my eyesight dims with age, I am thankful for the light of the sun that helps me see more clearly.  On cold days I am grateful for the warmth it brings.  This card reminds me to avoid assumptions and see situations with clarity.  But as I deal with what life dishes out, it also reminds me of my connection to something much bigger than my individual self.

From the Crystal Deva Cards comes "Apophyllite:"

Watlington, who gives this stone the keyword 'gentleness' writes: "An act of gentleness is a bold statement of love.  It is a sign that you are able to move beyond concerns of vulnerability or rejection to open your heart to another in kindness."  The name apophyllite comes from the Greek apophylliso, meaning "it flakes off," because of its nature to peel off parts when heated.  From this stone I can remember not to take things personally or become attached to words directed at me.  Often such words are grounded in fears that have nothing to do with me, I just happen to be a safe conductor of these electrical currents.

Who's Fooling Who?

From the Fey Tarot, the Seven of Swords:

Holding a huge sword, this fey seems to blend into her surroundings.  It appears as if she is trying to hide from someone, but I don't see any other fey around.  Perhaps the person she is trying to hide from is herself.  When I break promises or fail to fulfill an obligation, I may be tempted to fudge the truth.  I might make excuses by trying to put the blame on another person or an external situation.  But I  always have a choice - I can take the path of pride and deceit or I can take the path of principles and truthfulness.  I might fool someone else, but I'll never fool myself.

From the Crystal Deva deck comes the stone "Orange Calcite:"

Because of its association with the second chakra, Watlington gives this stone the keyword "fulfillment." Fulfillment comes from a place of truth and commitment; yet commitment is not the same as obligation.  Commitment is an intention held with joy, while an obligation often feels like drudgery.  Watlington encourages me to spend my time wisely, not simply filling it with tasks to struggle through, but also the things that will feed my soul.

Spending Time

From the Fey Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles:

My creative process is not pretty; whether I am cooking, drawing or writing, I usually have a mess everywhere, much like this fey.  But when I'm in that "zone," I don't really think about the clean-up later.  As I age, I've come to see how important it is for me to creatively express myself, no matter what outlet I choose.  But I find so many obligations and things I think I need to do that interfere.  I was reading a newsletter from Joanna Powell Colbert the other day, and she was talking about the same thing.  Some of the women at one of her retreats asked her how to keep the enthusiasm going, and she replied, "by relentlessly guarding the time we need to write, to meditate, to ponder, to make art -- to tend the fires of our inner lives."  I don't often make resolutions, but I do think this needs to be a priority in my life right now.  Creating calms me, heals me, and makes me feel whole.  What can be wrong with spending more time doing that? 


From the Crystal Deva Cards comes the stone "Lepidolite:"

Lepidolite is often associated with tranquility because of its lithium content (often used in mood-stabilitizing drugs).  Lately I've been waking up out of a deep sleep with a pounding heart and overwhelming anxiety.  I'm sure some of the cause is menopause.  But I tried a one minute meditation and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.  It would be nice if tranquility came easily, but I must employ the tools I have (like meditation and creativity) to enjoy it.  It's not really hard to achieve, but it does take that four-letter word to do it - TIME.

BS Detectors

From the Fey Tarot, the Queen of Swords:

When I first did my draw this morning, I pulled the card companies sometimes put in their decks that lists all the other decks they publish.  "Hmm... guess I better read the fine print today," I thought and chuckled to myself.  But then I pulled the Queen of Swords - maybe that first card wasn't so far off after all.  This queen reminds me to keep my BS detector in fine working order to prevent me from being swayed by emotional manipulations.  I can use her sword to cut through the icing and see what the cake is made of underneath.

Pulled from the Crystal Deva Cards today is "Zincite:"

This mineral is so named because of its zinc content, an element needed by humans for healthy growth and development.  A daily intake of zinc is also needed for the sense of smell and taste.  It seems logical that the keyword "sensuality" has been chosen for it.  Combining this card with the Queen above, it reminds me that while my intellect is a useful tool, my senses help me experience life, not just talk about it.

Love vs. Force

From the Fey Tarot, the Empress:

The way this Empress cradles her mythical beast and the way he relaxes in her arms makes this a favorite card for me. I have two cats - one a female and the other a 14 lb. tomcat.  The girl loves to cuddle with me or curl up on my lap, but the boy doesn't want to be bothered.  If I try to hold him, he'll use all four feet and his hard head to push on my body to get away.  The Empress teaches that I have two choices in roles of leadership and responsibility; I can do it with the enforcement of rules and regulations (Emperor) or I can do it with love.  Both will work, but sometimes the way of love works out better in the end for everyone.

From the Crystal Deva Deck comes the stone "Ojo Caliente Timekeeper:"

Ojo Caliente is in New Mexico.  Its canyon is known for it hot, mineral springs and the caves of native people of the past.  It is considered both a sacred place and a place where people go to relax and unwind.  The companion book gives the keyword "harmony" to these stones; it reminds me of a Buddhist saying:

Peace in my heart,

Peace in my home,

Peace in my world.

Harmony works from the inside out, not the other way around.  When there is confusion or chaos in my world, my first obligation is to rediscover my center and peace within.  From there it can flow outward.

Take Warning

From the Fey Tarot, the Knight of Swords:

"Red sky at morning, sailors take warning..."  But it's not the weather I need to worry about, but impulsive actions or words that happen before my brain kicks in with some common sense.  I know when I am hungry, angry, lonely or tired (HALT), I need to pull back on my own reins because I'm liable to do or say something stupid.  Minetti makes the point in the companion book that its not the sword in her hand that is the dangerous weapon, but the girl herself who is out of control.  Time to climb out of that saddle and get some much needed rest...

From the Crystal Deva Cards comes "Coral:"

Red coral is often called "precious coral" because of its value.  Unfortunately it has been over-harvested from reefs that are already feeling the effects of the extra acidity in the oceans.  Watlington gives coral the keyword "fellowship;" it reminds me that the earth is a nicer place to live when we realize we're all in this together (including plants, minerals, animals and bodies of water).  I need to change my thinking from "I, me, mine," and be aware of how what I buy (or want) can be detrimental in ways my ego will never understand.