Stability at Sea

This week I'll be using the self-published Wayfarer Tarot, created by Stacy Salpietro-Babb with Margaret Shipman. I'll also be drawing from A Curious Oracle, self-published and created by Holly DeFount. Today's draws are Six of Water (Cups) and the Anchor:

 

Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are,

the things you never want to lose. ~Kevin Arnold

Most of us likely remember when we moved away from home, from all those people and places that were familiar. Even those of us who were happy about leaving and being on our own probably experienced a little wistfulness along with our excitement. But memories of the people, places and things we left behind - what we learned and how they shaped us - are the same things that can give us a feeling of stability in our new environment. The Anchor suggests that we don't have to let these things stultify us; we can lift anchor and sail to other waters. But those memory anchors can remind us of our roots, what we've accomplished and overcome. 

FWMO

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Four of Cups; from the Nature Mandala Meditation Oracle, Safety:

How well I know with what burning intensity you live. ...you just have to have these rest periods in between. ― anais nin

Most of us are aware of FOMO (fear of missing out), but there's also a FWMO (fine with missing out). Any big project or commitment we're involved in takes not only physical and mental effort, it can also sap emotional energy too. When we've invested a lot of our spirit into anything, we need a chance to recharge, which might involve rest or play. But the Safety card suggests there is a mental line we should be wary of crossing. When we begin feeling as though we have no worth, purpose or support, we need to seek out our friends (especially those who make no demands). We need to be reminded that we are connected to more than just our accomplishments.

A Lack of Definition

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Moon; from the Nature Mandala Meditation Oracle, Inspiration:

Things are as they are. Looking out into the universe at night, we make no comparisons between right and wrong stars, nor between well and badly arranged constellations.

―Alan Watts

The Moon's light softens all the harsh, sharp edges. The details and specifics of things dissolve, leaving a lack of definition, empty of 'this, not that'. The night invites us to relax and let go of our meticulous and selective nature. We become a part of rather than apart from. In this spacious place with its lack of boundaries, Inspiration is free to arrive. Without any preset limitations, we discover the words of Maya Angelou to be true: "You can't use up creativity."

Don't Become One

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Seven of Pentacles; from the Nature Mandala Meditation Oracle, Resilience:

There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Don't allow yourself to become one of them.

―Ralph Marston

This baker checks each loaf that comes from her oven. Some were experiments with added nuts, fruits and spices, and others were her customer favorites. She knows that the smell and appearance will entice buyers, but it is the taste and texture that will bring them back. There are times when she is tired and misjudged the ingredients, and the bread turned out like a hockey puck. At other times the oven wasn't heating properly and the loaves didn't cook completely. It can be frustrating, but the Resilience card reminds her to redirect her energy into adapting to each circumstance as needed, being willing to be flexible. As Marston wrote, "If you so choose, even the unexpected setbacks can bring new and positive possibilities."

Doubts Are Traitors

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Knight of Wands; from the Nature Mandala Meditation Oracle, Balance:

Our doubts are traitors,

and make us lose the good we oft might win,

by fearing to attempt.

― William Shakespeare

The Knight of Wands has enough confidence and charm to talk a fire elemental into helping light the damp wood of a campfire. Though he may find it hard to accept advice from others and understands that confidence isn't competence, this knight recognizes that self-doubt has the power to destroy many creative starts. The Balance card suggests there is middle ground between arrogance and timidity - both of which can hinder our ambitions. There is advice that helps, not just criticizes. And by beginning, we can make progress through both practice and learning from mistakes.

Facing the Future

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Ten of Cups; from the Nature Mandala Meditation Oracle, Hope:

A quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest.

– Albert Einstein

There's no permanent rainbow or castle here, yet this woman joyfully pulls her partner along as they travel the bounds of their home. They focus on gratitude for all that is good in their life, rather than remaining centered on what they lack. Their secret is knowing how to find wonder, appreciation, and fulfillment in the simple and ordinary. The Hope card reminds me of a quote by Robert Schuller: "Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future." When we are grounded in joy rather than anger, in generosity instead of fear, and in openness rather than rigidity, what a huge difference it makes as we face the future. 

The Power in Intention

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Ten of Swords; from the Nature Mandala Meditation Oracle, Intentions:

Nothing defines humans better than their willingness to do irrational things in the pursuit of phenomenally unlikely payoffs. ~ Scott Adams

We all have acquaintances who (even in the face of mountains of evidence) will believe their ideas are the right ones. Some can be like a preacher on a soapbox, shouting their dire predictions and conspiracy theories or hawking the latest get-rich-quick scheme or cure-all. They don't want discussion, they want conversion. These folks will eventually recognize their mental errors when life delivers a stinging backhand. When they reach out for help, do we give them a hand or tell them, "You've made your bed, now lie in it"? The Intentions card seems to point out two sides of the coin - the sincerity of the sufferer and the compassion of the helper. Dawa Tarchin Phillips offers this perspective: "there is great power in intention and how it can shape the present moment and even the future—because if you approach this present moment with wisdom, kindness, and a sense of responsibility, you won’t have to worry about the future. It will take care of itself."