Get Crackin'

From the Deck of the Bastard, the Queen of Wands; from the Marseille Oracle, "Undertakings:"

          If you want to know how the King of Wands manages to follow through on all his many obligations and projects, look no further than the woman behind the man. This queen nurtures by encouraging others, goading them when self-confidence flags and cheering for them as each step of progress is made. She has a way of choosing people she knows are capable (notice that pointing finger), though they may have little faith in themselves. Her enthusiasm is infectious; she's like lighter fluid added to a small flame. The pair of boots used as a depiction for Undertakings made me remember visiting a fire station with a group of preschoolers and watching how fast a firefighter can get ready. One of the first things they do is jump into their boots and pull up their suspenders. The booklet's phrase for this card is "Don't hesitate to proceed." Sounds like I better get crackin' this morning, or that queen might light a fire under me.

The Magician's Mojo

From the Deck of the Bastard, the Magician; from the Marseille Oracle, "Loss:"

          This Magician looks like one from the Etteilla deck; instead of the usual items on the table, he has a figure resembling himself. This may be because Etteilla's magus was given the keywords "Sorrow or Illness." He is literally trying to enact the proverb "Physician, heal thyself." He's lost his mojo and is desperately trying to get it back - which leads to the Loss card. However, this may not be something physical that has been lost. If a candle is snuffed out, it is the illumination that disappears. His thinking is cloudy rather than clear. These cards suggest that whatever needs to be healed, it is going to require me doing the work. There is no magic pill to take, enlightening book to read or guru to give advice. I'm the only one who can make the changes necessary to get back my mojo. I know what to do, I just need to do it.

Chugging Along

This week I'll be using the Deck of the Bastard, so named because it is a compilation of historical decks, including the Rider-Waite, Soprafino, Etteilla and others. It was created and self-published by Elaine Wilkinson (aka Seven Stars). The other deck I'll be drawing from is the Marseille Oracle, created and published by Lo Scarabeo with a booklet by Isa Donelli. Today's draws are the Knight of Pentacles and "Progress:"

          G.K. Chesterton once said, “Do not free a camel of the burden of his hump; you may be freeing him from being a camel.” This quote describes the dutiful, hard-working Knight of Pentacles. He doesn't have any armor on because he has tasks to begin and projects to complete; he could care less about fights or arguments. He is grounded and practical, focused on fulfilling his obligations and producing something he can be proud of. Though he might not be speedy, there's need to worry about his loyalties - he's as true blue as they come.
          With the combination of this knight and train, it's impossible not to think of "The Little Engine that Could." This children's story was often used to show the value of optimism, hard work and tenacity. Donelli's booklet suggests "Follow your instinct." Even if the train has to switch tracks at some point, all these qualities are bound to help you make progress. I'm wondering if these cards reflect the fact that after weeks of no interest, I recently sold a Lojong deck and received an email from another person requesting to buy one. I'm a happy little locomotive today.

Cleaning Out the Basement

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Moon; from the Master Tarot, "The Swordsman:"

          This woman has a serious case of moon-shine. It could be a good thing if it enables her to access those deeply hidden memory files. The past could show what is behind many of her behavior patterns and habits, many of which aren't very beneficial. But just as the moon controls the tides, these memories can trigger a strong emotional reaction. If she can stay grounded in reality - not frightened into thinking the past is happening in the present - she can make great strides in moving forward.
          The Swordsman parable is found in the Gospel of Thomas and tells of a man who wanted to murder a very powerful man. He drove his sword into the wall to see if he would be strong enough to kill him. After successfully doing so, he went out and assassinated the man. The authors suggest the powerful man is the ego, and the only way to overcome it is with the sword of impartial awareness. This part particularly caught my eye as it paralleled the Moon: "We start then separating ourselves from our habitual patterns, from our mechanical and automatic reactions... dropping them right there and then, because these things are not me." The ego is only concerned with itself. If I want to clean out my basement, I'm going to have to get past it first.

It's All Fun and Games...

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Devil; from the Master Tarot, "Prayer:"

          Yea, it's all fun and games until someone gets their eye poked out by one of those waxed eyebrows.  I think most people like to occasionally take their "bad" side out for a spin on a Harley-Davidson without a helmet. Pushing our normal boundary limits can be a thrilling way to deal with the stress of day-to-day life. But in that wide-open state, blowing down the highway at 100 mph, there is a line that I can cross. That line is called insanity - when I am trying so desperately to change the way I feel, I don't care about the consequences.

          I was listening to an online retreat with Phakchock Rinpoche in which he explained the reason why Buddhists do prostrations (a physical form of prayer). He said it was a reminder to reduce the ego and pride. Buddhist chants and prayers aren't directed toward an external force. The object is awaken our own inner capacities of compassion, courage and wisdom and to change our egoistic nature. Such prayer transforms my thoughts, words and deeds; it inspires me to open wide my heart and mind. The Devil and Prayer remind me that when I cross over into insanity, I am looking for an outside fix for an inside problem. The problem is within, and that's the only place I'll find a lasting solution.

Waiting to be Reborn

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Master Tarot, "Twice Born:"

          The Rohrig companion book describes this image as the Magus/Magician becoming a Mystic. There is no more grasping at ideas, manipulating people or attempting to control situations. The Hanged Man turns the ego on its head; acceptance and surrender to reality is his lesson. He now knows that he knows nothing. Instead of taking action, he is content to observe without judgment his moment to moment experience.

          Twice Born is the story of Lazarus, who died and was then raised to life. Yet the booklet explains this card is not a literal rebirth but a symbol of the death of the old personality. He represents going through the "dark night of the soul," one who "has lost all that he had to lose, and found what has to be found. It did not happen through his effort, but through his utter helplessness." It is hard for me to admit that I can't change other people or situations any more than I can change the tilt of the earth's axis. Though humbling, it is also a relief to discover the world doesn't turn through my efforts. 

Horticulture

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Four of Disks; from the Master Tarot, the "Mustard Seed:"

          The man in the business suit represents power on the physical plane. He symbolizes my need for solidity and security in my life, yet he questions whether I am exaggerating or over-thinking my need. What kind of account balance do I show in the areas of money, health, time and energy? If what I have is enough to live a simple life well, then there is no reason for me to be jealous, tight-fisted, or anxious. Yet he would also encourage me to be a good steward of what I have, using my resources mindfully rather than wastefully. Perhaps I have made some "accounting" errors...
          The mustard seed is a parable about a tiny seed that grows into a large tree that offers shelter. In tying this card to the Four of Disks, I am reminded how small actions can grow into a large problem or a vital remedy. Innocent thoughts of "I can splurge this time" can lead to habits and issues later. On the other hand, I need to realize positive steps take time to produce beneficial results. The combination of the holidays (overeating) and a bum back (no exercise) has taken a toll on my health. Although I have become more cautious about what I eat and have added some light workouts to my schedule, I'm not going to get instant results. My health didn't get this way overnight, so change won't happen that fast either. I've got a little sprout that I need to continue to tend with care.