Diagramming Sentences

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Wands:

Okay, I'll admit it - I'm weird. I enjoy doing research and collecting data; I like to organize and make lists. Yes, I was even one of those strange kids in elementary school who found pleasure in diagramming sentences. So this impulsive knight who is boiling with eagerness is foreign to me. I want to ask him if he made sure he packed all the supplies he would need for his journey (which should be on a checklist he already made). But he reminds me that too much thinking can make me miss the trip altogether, plus I might use up all my enthusiasm in the planning stages. Time to just get on the horse and move.

From the Druid Plant Oracle comes the "Banes:"

The word bane literally means "slayer," and it was used to describe three poisonous plants: wolfsbane, henbane, and hemlock. One of the phrases the authors associate with the banes is "unexpected help." When life seems unbearable or overwhelming, sometimes people look for a drastic change or a big event to turn things around. But usually it is the small things that make a difference - some everyday thing that triggers a change in my thinking. In applying this to the Knight of Wands above, I am encouraged to stop trying to find all the solutions to all the problems before I take action. I need to trust that the kinks will work themselves out in the process.

Stoking the Inner Fire

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Queen of Wands:

This queen oozes confidence, and her red cloak and the bonfire in the background tell me she is a woman driven by passion. She has charisma, but she's also a bit intimidating - heck, even the Scottish wildcat cowers under her chair. Her strong will makes me think of Boudicca, queen of the Iceni tribe. When Boudicca's husband died, his rule should have passed to his daughters. But the Romans decided to take their land for themselves and had Boudicca flogged. Then they made her watch as her daughters were raped. These Romans had to be the stupidest men ever; if you want to stoke a woman's anger hotter than the fires of hell, just go harm what she loves. Boudicca rallied not only her own tribe but others as well. She must have been quite a powerful leader to convince them to fight against the immense Roman army. And although she didn't win the final battle, she put enough of a dent in the Roman armor to make a name in history. The Queen of Wands encourages me to draw on my inner fire and follow my passion; if I'm eager and enthusiastic, I'll find people to support me in my endeavor.

From the Druid Animal Oracle comes the "Air Dragon:"

The elemental dragons in this deck remind me a lot of the aces in tarot. This particular dragon represents the massive potential of the intellect and communication. The lightning in the background illuminates the dark night and symbolizes clarity. The Air Dragon encourages me to make sure the words I use to explain my ideas are easily understood. I don't need to impress anyone with my knowledge; sometimes a simple and direct approach is the best way to get my point across.

Feeding the Hungry

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Six of Pentacles:

Under an old oak, an elderly man gives to those in need. The deciduous tree, with its bare branches in winter, are contrasted with the evergreen leaves of the mistletoe (the "have nots" and the "haves"). This card reminded me of a huge debate going on in my community. Last year, a principal of a school was caught getting free meals for her child. This year, it was decided that any kid who arrived in time for breakfast could eat for free (and all kids would get a free lunch). Does it matter that one kid has an unemployed parent while another has a parent in such a rush they don't provide breakfast? In my mind, it doesn't matter; I don't think a kid should suffer regardless of the intentions or actions of the parent. Besides, what the community spent in legal fees going after the principal probably would have covered the cost of the meals anyway. Sometimes its tough to be discerning and fair when it comes to sharing resources, but when it comes to those who are innocent bystanders, I don't think they need to be run over by the train of justice.

From the Druid Plant Oracle comes "Burdock:"

The burdock is a type of thistle with a prickly seedhead. The seeds have little hooks that can easily attach themselves to whatever brushes against them, enabling the plant to spread far and wide. Like the parasitic mistletoe above, the burdock warns me to be cautious of people who want me to "carry" them without any effort on their part. Though everyone might have different talents and resources, everyone who can should contribute something to the soup pot, even if it's only their time.

The Tough and the Tender

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the High Priest (Hierophant):

The High Priest is the High Priestess' counterpart. While she teaches that there is a wisdom hidden within, he believes it comes through external ways - having a mentor, studying traditional teachings, practicing skills or rituals, and being initiated into the group. Both styles require discipline, whether it is learning to listen beyond the ego or making a commitment to a course of study. The way of the High Priest however, offers the support of others. There is a sense of belonging and connection to a tradition. I've had a hard time joining groups in the past due to not being able to accept fundamentalism and inflexibility. But lately I've found there are small pockets of open-minded people who aren't rigid in their beliefs. This is my "tribe," and they are probably the closest I'll get to committing to anything even remotely organized.

From the Druid Plant Oracle comes the "Poppy:"

The poppy is a strange mix of toughness and tenderness. Their bright flowers bloom even in the summer heat, but try to use them as a cut flower and they fade quickly. They make me think of the silk poppies the veterans would give out on Memorial Day in remembrance of soldiers who were killed. This flower reminds me of the discipline required to be part of a group, especially if I truly join and don't just hang out at the fringes. I will need to make some commitment (the tough part), but I will also find friends and acquaintances to share my journey (the tender part).

Be Hurt or Be Happy

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Ten of Swords:

This poor fellow looks like the specimen of a crazed, over-zealous butterfly collector. In their companion booklet, the Carr-Gomms list the keywords for this card as nadir, betrayal, and unmerited hatred. I would like everyone to think I'm a nice person, but somewhere along the way I know I'm going to offend someone, even if it is unintentionally. So then they will probably say nasty things about me, which from their perception will be the truth. I'll have a choice to make when this happens - lay there and play the part of the victim, or get up, go out and enjoy life. Lao Tzu was said to have stated, "Care about what other people think, and you will always be their prisoner." Ouch - I think I get the point.

From the Druid Plant Oracle comes "Primrose:"

The primrose I am most familiar with here in the South is Ludwigia decurrens. It is currently in bloom at a lake where I often go for walks. As many of the flowers are at the end of their season, these yellow flowers that brighten up the edge of the lake are welcome. Unfortunately, what looks beautiful on the outside is not always beautiful on the inside, as it tends to be invasive. This water-loving plant warns me not to let emotions run roughshod over logical thought. As with Ceridwen's brew in her cauldron (seen in this card), the unexpected is likely to happen, and when it does I'll need to keep my cool.

There Once Was a Lone Wolf and an Owl...

This week I'll be using the Druidcraft Tarot, created by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington and published by St. Martin's Press. Today's draw is the Hermit:

The setting sun and the rising crescent moon in this image made me think of the Celtic term "thin places." Most people assume this term refers to some relaxing mountain top or lakeside view, but I think there's much more to it. The mix of the seen and unseen in thin places results in a discombobulating effect, like being tossed into deep water and briefly not knowing which way is up. Such an experience can shake us out of old mindsets and habits to make space for new perspectives and attitudes. As New York Times reporter Eric Weiner wrote, "Thin places relax us, yes, but they also transform us — or, more accurately, unmask us." The Hermit's wolf companion brought to mind the phrase "lone wolf," an indication that solitude will be necessary for such a shift to occur. Distractions (no matter how pleasant) and duties need to be temporarily set aside if I want to find the wisdom shining from that lantern.

The other two decks I'll be using this week - the Druid Plant Oracle and the Druid Animal Oracle - were also created by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and illustrated by Will Worthington. They are published by Connections. The oracle card draw this morning is the "Owl:"

It's interesting that both of my daily cards are set in the evening with a moon shining in each one. The owl represents wisdom, and with the night setting of these cards, it tells me there is something internal rather than external I need to pay attention to. It will remain hidden until I seek it out. The owl eats it food "whole" without chewing since it has no teeth. As a result, it creates a pellet made from indigestible matter such as fur and bone that must be regurgitated. Owl's message is to find and rid myself of thoughts and beliefs that are not beneficial for me.

I Choose You!

From the Deck of the Bastard, the Queen of Wands:

The way this queen is smiling and pointing, it looks like she is saying, "I want you on my team!" She's a woman known for following her passion, but sometimes she needs help to get there. Quite aware she can draw more flies with honey than vinegar, she'll turn on the charm with her warm personality to pull together a team. She teaches me the art of delegation, the practice of entrusting another person with a task so I don't have too much on my plate.

From the Marseille Oracle comes "Destiny:"

Time ticks away, bringing events and situations that I may or may not have any control over. The phrase for this card in the booklet states, "Accept events one day at a time." Staying in the present moment will help me find solutions to those problems I can do something about and keep me from being overwhelmed when my hands are tied.