Open Holding

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the Universe Cards, 'Distant Galaxies:'

          The Ace of Cups is the feminine counterpart to the masculine Ace of Wands. As such, one of its key qualities is receptiveness. It does not push away or cling to, but accepts a person, place or thing exactly as it is with all its assets and liabilities. It is that receptiveness - a limitless volume for care and devotion - that allows room for growth and maturity to happen. The Cup, with its openness and capacity, offers a safe container for transformation.
          The process of gravitational lensing happens when the gravitational field of a massive object (such as a cluster of galaxies) bends and amplifies light from an object farther behind it. It acts like a lens that allows us to see what we could not otherwise see. For this reason, Stopforth gives the Distant Galaxies the keyword 'intuition,' a bridge between the conscious (logical) and unconscious (feeling) parts of the brain. Intuition operates through the entire right side of our brain and through our gut (digestive system has neurons as well). Studies show that information subconsciously perceived in the brain will help with decisions if that information holds some value or extra evidence beyond what people already have in their conscious mind. But the key to tapping our intuition is what the Cup holds - receptiveness.

More than One

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Star; from the Universe Cards, 'Galaxy Cluster:'

The view is clear and unclouded if one if free from illusion.

~ M. Meleen

          We all have our preferences as to how we want life to be, but hopes are often dashed when things don't turn out that way. This world has a natural flow that includes the yin and the yang; it doesn't pick and choose based on anyone's desires for it to be another way. If we deny or hide from what is happening, we miss all the other parts of life (some of which could be helpful). It would be beneficial to emulate the inspirational words of Jeff Kober, "Today I will listen for the silence beyond my thinking. I will bring my attention to the world, rather than to my thoughts and opinions about the world."

          Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is part of a galaxy cluster that contains over thirty galaxies known as the Local Group. The keyword of the Galaxy Cluster card is 'community.' The healthy community allows for diversity while it acknowledges interconnection. It supports, nurtures and guides without setting decrees in stone. Such groups, whether comprised of a few people or many, can help us see the sky full of stars rather the one star we couldn't attain.

Smug Security?

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Queen of Wands; from the Universe Cards, 'Brown Dwarf:'

          This Queen knows what she wants and goes after it with great dedication. Like all the queens, she is a nurturer, but her energy is put toward driving and maintaining steady progress. Yet Meleen's Queen of Wands seems to be taking a nap. It could be that she knows the importance of rest and delegation when it comes to having multiple irons in the fire. But even those who serve and want to please her need occasional guidance and support, so she best not get too comfortable on that throne. Her leopard may watch, claw and bite those who get out of line, but people need encouragement more than anything.
          The Brown Dwarf is larger than a planet and smaller than a star. They give off very dim light that doesn't originate from inner nuclear fires but from the leftover energy of gravitational collapse. Because their lukewarm light isn't self-produced, scientists often call them failed stars. A wise business person will tell you that you can't be successful running on complacency. Smug security is what will ultimately crumble the foundation. As Alex and Brett Harris warn, "Complacency is a blight that saps energy, dulls attitudes, and causes a drain in the brain. The first symptom is satisfaction with things as they are. The second is rejection of things it as they might be."

Hand-in-Hand

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Universe Cards, Nebula/Star Birth:

          The vision of the eagle and the industriousness of the bee combine their squares and compasses in this Four of Wands. The structural discipline of the number four implies that the first phase has been completed, proving the plan a success. The two hexagons suggest the beginning of more growth to become. Not many visions get off the ground without the worker bees to carry them forward.
          Nebula means 'cloud;' nebulae are vast clouds of dust, gas, and plasma that act as nurseries for new stars. Star creation is one of the most beautiful and wondrous sights - just check out some of the photos taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. According to Universe Today, "a nebula is formed when portions of the interstellar medium undergo gravitational collapse. Mutual gravitational attraction causes matter to clump together, forming regions of greater and greater density." This dance of collapse and attraction is similar to how those with vision may head butt those with practical application. Yet if the process continues with respect on both sides, something magical can be created.

In this regard, vision and practicality go hand-in-hand.

~Stuart Kestenbaum

Flamboyant

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Princess of Wands (Page); from the Universe Cards, 'White Dwarf:'

          At first glance, I thought this Princess had fired up the barbie (it's actually an altar, not a barbeque grill). But in a sense, that is just what she does with her lust for life. If she gets in her mind that there is something that needs to be accomplished, she'll tell you to throw every fear and doubt in the flames and burn them to a crisp. She knows that getting rid of those old patterns and self-restrictions will free up energy that can be used constructively.
          The White Dwarf is what is left over after a small to medium-sized star has died. It is much like the white coals left after a hot fire, which are better for cooking over. In relation to the Princess, enthusiasm can get things moving, but the heart of the matter - the essence - must be considered. After all the flamboyant, searing flame is removed, what is important that should be emphasized, carried forward and completed?

If a man has any greatness in him, it comes to light, not in one flamboyant hour,

but in the ledger of his daily work. ~Beryl Markham 

Minute Changes vs. Collapse

This week I'll be using the Tabula Mundi Tarot (Nox et Lux edition) with its companion book Book M: Liber Mundi; both were self-published by M.M. Meleen. I'll pair with it the Universe Cards, a set created by Kay Stopforth and published by Thorsons. Today's draws are Adjustment (Temperance) and 'Galaxy Collision:'

          "I am the power of equilibration," declares this unusual ice skater. Meleen explains that "Balance is not standing still; it is the constant movement of minute adjustment." It reminds me of the conflict between traditionalists (who want everything to stay the same) and idealists (who pursue noble principles). Because of the constant of change, the traditionalists can't stay stuck, and because the movement of one part can sometimes drastically change the whole, idealists can't find perfection. But the moderates can step in each camp when necessary to keep everything moving without a crash.
          According to Stopforth, galaxies can be so close together that their gravitational pulls can affect both. Over millions of years, the immense forces generated can change their shape; one galaxy may even swallow the other in order to reach a point of equilibrium. Conflict, while uncomfortable, doesn't have to end in disaster if balance and equanimity can be maintained. That which is truly important must not get lost in heat of the conflict.

Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude. 

~William James

Hardiness

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Warrior Nine (Nine of Wands); from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Gorse:

I want to know

if you are prepared to live in the world

with its harsh need

to change you. If you can look back

with firm eyes

saying this is where I stand. 

~David Whyte

          The Nine of Wands is generally a test of one's character and requires alertness and tenacity. This fairy is protected by an icy boundary, enveloped in scaly wings and camouflaged by a smoky cloud. It definitely seems to be guarding what it considers precious and important. In the current religious and political climate in which I live, I feel the same way. I want my country to be a land of equality and justice for all, not just a select few who determine the rights of everyone else.

          Gorse is a hardy shrub that brightens the landscape after winter with its sunny, yellow flowers. It is a fire-climax plant, meaning it burns readily but easily regrows after a fire. Gorse seeds are also adapted to germinate after slight scorching. This plant's message is to stay hopeful and remain constant, even through periods of difficulty. Change is coming (though perhaps not on the timetable I would prefer it). I need to keep my values and principles intact through the challenges that will come before it.