Using the Verb Form

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Two of Vessels:

Instead of people, the artist uses anthropomorphic figures for this card. Though both the animals they represent are herd animals, they are still very different. The horse prefers wide open spaces to run and the elk prefers a forest nearby in which to hide. They remind me of extroverts and introverts. But still they have found a connection that attracts each to the other. So many of my relationships seem like an attraction of opposites, but mutual respect and admiration is the glue that holds them together. Love is a verb, not just a noun.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Ancestor of Hope:"

I laughed when I saw the title of this card; it refers to "the force that carries us forward." My daughter and I have to go to the Dept. of Driver Services today to renew our driver's licenses. Before, you could just do this over the internet, but because of the prevalence of identity theft, you now have to show up with a stack of documents in tow. You must have: a certified U.S birth certificate, a social security card (or tax return), and two proofs of address from a bank, government agency or place of employment. The problem is most of the "house" bills are in my husband's name (he had the house before we were married), and most of my banking and bills I pay online, so I don't get snail mail. If you've had a name change (I've had two), then you have to bring documents for that too (in my case a marriage license and an amended birth certificate). Patience is a requirement when you go to these places, because there is generally a long wait. Both my daughter and I are very different when it comes to interacting and dealing with others; I suppose we will both need to draw on the strengths we each have to get through today with our sense of composure in tact.

Play Your Own Music

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Seven of Arows (Swords):

This woman reminds me of one of those movie starlets of the fifties who played a damsel in distress. The kind that nearly always make me groan and roll my eyes. The authors assign this card the keyword "insecurity." How do insecure people act? Some, like this woman, may play the victim (though she is more a manipulator than anything else). Others try to impress by mimicking the dress, words or behavior of someone who is respected. They may even take the ideas of someone else and claim them as their own. In some strange twist of reasoning, they feel entitled to do these things because they don't have what they want. Unfortunately taking from others is not going to fill that gaping hole of insecurity; the skull and bones engraved on the boulder she stands on is a clue for the consequences of her behavior.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Shaman of Song:"

The shape above this figure's head reminded me of the magic that occurs with the mix of sunlight and water - a rainbow. Last weekend I went to a concert put on by the symphony orchestra; for the holidays, they had invited a Celtic group to join them. It's been years since I've been to the symphony, and I had forgotten that "fullness of the heart" effect of such music. By the time the Celtic group was finished, I was grinning ear to ear and felt like I was close to bursting with so much energy. This shaman suggests that I have many ways to transform my feelings; I don't need to tie my boat at the dock of another person and try to live vicariously off their happiness. I've got my own music to play.

Campfires and Carrots

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Eight of Bows:

Unlike the RWS Eight of Wands, this card shows a group gathered around a fire enjoying each other's company. I immediately thought of the holidays spent with my mom, cousins and their kids. When we all arrive, we are busy getting the meal ready, but after we eat, we all sit around the table and catch up with each other. We find out who's getting married and who passed away, who's getting a new job and who's retiring. But the best part is the stories we each tell, which usually keeps us laughing so hard our cheeks hurt. At first, I didn't see much connection with the traditional meaning, but then I realized these men have been freed from their obligations temporarily and are taking time to re-energize themselves. It's like the traffic jam of the Seven of Wands has finally given way to positive movement. My goal today shall be to find pleasure in this progress, enjoying the moment instead of worrying what will come later.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Spirit of Wisdom:"

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a carrot growing out of the ground? Well if it isn't a carrot, I still like the analogy of wisdom being half in the air (intellect) and half in the ground (practicality). Matthews gives this definition: "Wisdom is much more than knowledge; it is a profound understanding of our purpose in the world, and an intuitive grasp of how to exercise sound judgment based on the experience we have acquired in the course of our lives." I would probably add some humility to that mix. I think the those who are truly wise know they always have something to learn from others, even through the stories they tell.

Shifting Gears

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Wheel:

The Wheel represents movement and is a reminder that change is the natural order of all things. Of course that change doesn't happen on my timetable. What I love and enjoy is the clay that sticks to the rim of the wheel, then eventually dries and falls off (too soon), much like friendships or jobs I didn't want to see end. Then there is the pine sap that sticks and stays for what seems like forever, such as the annoying coworker or health issue that feels as if it will stick around forever. Yet even the sap wears off eventually. The loom in this image is between two hazel trees which suggest wisdom. Though I can't fight fate, I am not powerless - I still have choices. Even if that choice is in the attitude I have as that wheel turns, I can let wisdom be my guide.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Ancestor of Memory:"

The buffalo cave painting is an appropriate one for the Ancestor of Memory. It is a reminder that it was almost hunted to extinction for sport, and the result was that many native people who depended on it starved. In combining this card with the Wheel above, I am encouraged to be aware of the patterns in my life. Even though change happens, I can still make the same choices over and over (though perhaps with different people and situations). This Ancestor suggests I learn from my mistakes and successes. Perhaps that is the true wisdom of the Wheel.

ETA: I am thinking of passing along the Wildwood Tarot to someone else (free), as I need to cull my collection down to a manageable size. If you are interested, please go to my profile in the sidebar where you will find a link to my email. You might also leave a comment here so I will remember to check my email! :)

Target Practice

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Emperor:

To be honest, when I first saw the angry expression on this Emperor's face as he stood over a cauldron, I imagined a greenman version of Chef Gordon Ramsay from Hell's Kitchen. "What in bloody hell did you put in this soup? And you think this is fit for others to eat?!" In any stable family, group or community, there is someone who looks out for the well-being of all. He may be a loving father-figure, but he's still got to be a disciplinarian too, making sure rules are followed so the cohesiveness of the group won't fall apart. He keeps self-centeredness and chaos from taking over so that everyone's needs are considered. The Emperor reminds me that structure and order aren't meant to take away my creative expression, but to provide parameters that will keep me safe and sane.

From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Hunter of Vision:"

I doubt any experienced hunter would draw back his bow and point his arrow without a clear view of what he was aiming for. Yet hundreds of folks have creative ideas or goals they would like to accomplish but lack a vision for how they will accomplish them. What they do have is enthusiasm and passion, but they neglect the logic and planning of the Emperor. This Hunter informs me that the more prepared I am and the more precise my objectives, the more likely I am to hit my target.

Don't Expect It to be Easy...

This week I'll be using the Wildwood Tarot, created by the writing efforts of Mark Ryan and John Matthews, and illustrated by Will Worthington. Today's draw is the Nine of Bows (Wands):

In legends and lore, the hero or heroine must always face a great challenge, not just to prove how tough they are, but to see if their heart is truly committed to this quest. In this Nine of Wands is the Woodwose, a large and hairy wildman of the forest, who has come to see if I have the courage and determination to reach my goal. Will I earn his respect and be allowed to pass, or will I whine and complain about how life isn't fair and give up? Perhaps if I can maintain my sense of humor and realize that such trials happen to everyone, I'll soon find that sunny spot where I can let down my guard and rest.

The other deck I'll be using is the Shaman's Oracle, created by John Matthews and Wil Kinghan. Today's card is the "Spirit of Love:"

The image on this cave wall looks as if someone rolled flower petals into balls and used them to create a figure with its arms open in acceptance. I am reminded by this spirit that feeling forced to do something out of fear will only create anger and frustration, but acting from love creates respect and kindness. Love doesn't mean I can't have boundaries (such as you might impose on a child), but even those can originate from the heart. As I work toward my goal, I imagine my challenges will be met and resolved much easier through an attitude of love.

No Effort, No Reward

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Five of Wands:

The smug-looking fellow in the front looks as if he's thinking, "Hmph! What a bunch of ruffians!" What he doesn't tell you is that he's the one who started the ruckus then stepped back to watch the entertainment. In families, groups and on forums, there is always a person like this to be found. He or she loves to stir the pot or shake the hornet's nest. Nothing gets accomplished by this type of free-for-all because it involves circular arguments that go nowhere. If those men in the back really wanted to make some progress, they should figure out how to ignore this fellow and the bait he dangles in front of them.

From the Oracle of the Grail Code comes "Partnership:"

Marashinsky describes this card as the harmony of cooperation. The tapestry here shows a party going on, and everyone seems to be playing a part except for one person. The woman filling the bowl at the fountain grasps the cloak of a man as if to say, "Hey, where do you think you're going?" Whether among two people or a group, a partnership requires everyone to pull their own weight. Using distractions (as the argument in the Five of Wands above) or excuses (as the fellow in the tapestry) to avoid responsibilities implies a person who is not committed to the mission of the group. So why should he or she get to enjoy the fruits of their labor?