Re-calibrations Needed

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, Judgment; from the I Ching Pack, "Earth over Earth:"

Judgment acts like my gray, caterwauling tomcat - it's a signal that it's time to wake up. I've been given notice that my perceptions need to be re-calibrated. The funny thing about such an awakening is that we humans tend to want to be evangelical about it. But this card is personal, and the work I need to do won't get done if I get distracted trying to "save" other people. My insights are a nudge for me, because I'm the one who has been asleep.
Earth over Earth makes me think of tilling the soil, making a narrow hole, then planting seeds. The keyword given this hexagram is "fertility," and the companion book speaks of a "quiet, enduring strength" that will bring forth good things. Instead of trying to escape from all that surrounds me, I need to be receptive to it. This soil isn't there to bury (overwhelm) me; it is what will nourish me so I can grow. And with that alarm clock going off, it sounds like now is a good time to start.

Point Made, Move On

This week I'll be using the Hoi Polloi Tarot published by Hoi Polloi Inc. The oracle I'll also use is the I Ching Pack created by Richard Gill and Anthony Clark, and published by Thorsons. Today's draw is the World and "Earth over Lake:"

I don't like to get in the middle of forum firestorms. But I do believe that I have a responsibility to speak up when something is being done or said that is an injustice, or when there is a perversion of truth. So on one particular forum I stated my thoughts - effectively whacking the hornet's nest. Of course there was a stinging reply, one which I felt misunderstood the point I was trying to get across. I posted again, trying to clear things up, then drew my cards for the day. The World suggests my task has been completed and it is time to move on. If I continue to speak out, I am sure it will eventually turn into personal insults rather than attending to the issue. Earth over Lake gives the mental impression of a secluded lake surrounded and protected by mountains. It sounds very serene, but this hexagram's keyword is "approaching," meaning spring is coming and there is other work to do. As the World alluded to, it is time for my attention and energy to be directed elsewhere.

Lighthouse

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the King of Swords; from the Earth Power Oracle, "Lake Wanaka:"

Were it not for the card title, I might have mistaken this king for Justice. But all the symbols surrounding this king represent the four qualities necessary for him to be a good and beneficial leader. The tree is wisdom and knowledge; the dove is peace of mind; the sword is detachment from results; and the balanced scales are truth and objectivity.
The oracle card is an image of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand. I was impressed by the depth of this lake -  300 m (980 ft) deep. It reminds me that true compassion looks very different from superficial compassion. I need a deep well of equanimity if I am to sit with another's pain, whether it stems from sadness, fear, or anger. Then I can be a lighthouse for them while they manage the rough waves.

Finding a Framework

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Hierophant; from the Earth Power Oracle, the "Cathedral of Notre Dame:"

Whether a professor or a priest, a lama or a guru, the Hierophant holds and teaches a deep understanding of what he or she considers Truth. In this image, a lotus has completely opened, symbolizing knowledge, awareness and insight - the foundation for beliefs. I imagine for this particular Hierophant, what he sees are the Four Reflections:
• The preciousness of human life.
• The truth of impermanence (change) and the inevitability of death.
• Thoughts, words and actions have consequences (cause and effect).
• A repetitive cycle of suffering caused by a constant search for security.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame was one of the first buildings to use the flying buttress (arched exterior supports) to support thin, high walls and prevent stress cracks common in Gothic architecture. This card suggests that no matter what Truth I hold, I need some type of framework to support it. Though I don't hold to one particular philosophy or religion, I still need a structure of beliefs that give me a sturdy foundation to build on. Otherwise, I'll never get beyond the bare bones of understanding.

Fire and Water

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Earth Power Oracle, "Magdalena Bay:"

The King of Wands has a dual personality at times; the docile lion beneath his arm represents the constructive use of his fire. The doorway in the lion's mouth is an opening that leads to beneficial results for all. But the back of the king's head shows a dragon-like animal baring its teeth. It symbolizes the destructive side of fire that the booklet describes as insatiable craving. I went to see the movie Maleficent yesterday, and this film was a lesson in the havoc and harm that can be caused by such an obsession for power and revenge.
The raging fire of the King is dampened by the deep waters of the Magdalena Bay card. This bay in Mexico is the breeding ground for gray whales and has become a popular whale watching spot. The massive size of these mammals give them the potential for great destructive power, yet these gentle giants seem to have a "live and let live" philosophy unless threatened. Both these cards remind me to check my motives when I get fired up; my desires might seem reasonable at first glance, but I need to look at the long-term results they're likely to cause.

Solid as a Rock

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the King of Cups; from the Earth Power Oracle, the Avebury Standing Stones:

Other than his face, this King of Cups appears to be made of shells, exoskeletons and fins; this exterior guards what is interior. He pours out unconditional love, but he protects himself from being drawn into any emotional chaos. The booklet labels this card as "The highest emotional responsibility." That's quite a description to live up to - how does he handle it? The King of Cups knows he can't really solve another person's problems for them. But he can give them a sane environment to talk about and work through their feelings in hopes the light of insight will dawn. He is much like the Avebury Standing Stones, providing a sacred, emotional space. Years ago I wrote these lines about my love for rocks and stones: "Their solidness is comforting, an antidote to the shifts and changes in my world." Those words express the responsibility and value of this king.

Fluid not Fixed

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Page of Cups; from the Earth Power Oracle, the "Valley of the Kings:"

Around the Page of Cups swim lobsters, crabs, dolphins, assorted fish and possibly a crocodile. These animals represent the variety of emotions he experiences. I've often heard that you should sit with your emotions, noticing the thoughts that come and the physical manifestations. The Page seems pretty serene to be surrounded by so many feelings; such an immersion scares the hell out of me. But Buddhist teachers suggest I'll see how my transient and fluid my emotions are. Like a thunderstorm, they may show up looking full of fury and force, but they eventually ebb and fade away.
The Valley of the Kings is located in a desert valley of Luxor, Egypt. Tombs of 63 kings and nobles have been uncovered here, including that of Tutankhamun. But what amazes me more than the mummified bodies are the things included to be used after death. Not just jewelry, treasures and sacred items but more mundane things like underwear, food and pets. I wonder how those pharaohs would feel about their boxers being displayed in a museum. Again I am reminded that everything changes and passes away; what I fear today probably won't even be a passing thought a year from now. Physical or emotional, it's all in flux.