Enoughness

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Lovers; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Fish:

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.

—Elbert Hubbard

In this card, Neil makes use of a sculpture of Diana reclining with a stag that originally topped a fountain. Diana was a virgin goddess who required the same commitment from those who served her. However, this is balanced by the bust of Venus, the goddess of love, who would encourage all to dive wholeheartedly into a relationship. The pairing of these two suggest not submitting to another person, but a true partnership; one's personal values and interests are not lost but rather additional facets are added. The Lenormand Fish generally symbolizes wealth and success, but what does this look like with love? We may choose someone with good looks and money, but those traits are susceptible to change. But if we have mutual kindness and compassion, we can take Alan Cohen to heart: "Abundance is not a number or acquisition. It is the simple recognition of enoughness."

A Great Treasure

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, House:

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. —Lao Tzu

The Oak King, a personification of summer and the growing season, has been "sacrificed" so that his counterpart, the Holly King (personification of winter and the fallow season) can take his turn in the seasonal cycle. The apparatus on the table in front of the Hanged Man is a Newton's cradle which demonstrates Newton's Third Law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. At the moment, it shows no movement. It is natural that at times we all find ourselves suspended, unable to affect or control our outer circumstances. Yet that pause might help us see things we've been missing in our busyness. The Lenormand House in this pairing reminds me of waiting in anticipation - for repairs or renovations to be finished or perhaps for company to come (or leave). Stillness and patience are traits that are worthy of cultivating. 

What's Holding the Reins?

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Chariot; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Key:

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins. —Benjamin Franklin

The Charioteer in this image is a marble sculpture known as the Agrigento Youth; it took a violent fall, likely from an earthquake, losing his nose and parts of his arms and legs. The 'horses' are Naxian sphinx statues that guarded Apollo's temple at Delphi. Greek mythology describes them as merciless to those who could not answer their riddles. This card represents the strength of determination to reach one's goals. But what happens when life sends an 'earthquake' that disrupts our progress? Do we allow our baser instincts and emotions to run the show? Doing so would likely only create more problems than we are currently dealing with. The Lenormand Key offers us a way to meet our challenges wisely, by reining in our wild, chaotic thoughts and seeing with an unbiased perspective. Dispassionate attention can assist us in recognizing any resources that might aid us so that we can move forward once again. 

Trumpets and Mountains

From the Tyldwick Tarot, Judgment; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Mountain:

What more will it take for you to realize that waking up is the very thing that will actually keep you alive, not to mention, sane? ―Ora Nadrich

On a table sits an altar that resembles the nook of a cathedral for statues. In it, a figure of Gabriel blows his horn to awaken those sleeping. If we believe the divine kingdom lies within, we will understand this as an inner awakening. But the two jack-in-the-boxes on either side of the altar indicate that what usually wakes up most humans is an unwanted and unexpected shock. While this may seem like a huge obstacle or challenge (the Lenormand Mountain), it can have the effect of dismantling frivolous concerns so that we can see clearly what is important and of value.

Agree to Disagree

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Bear:

Our shared values define us more than our differences.

―John McCain

In a formal English garden, two huge flower containers sit on pedestals while separated by a triangular obelisk. Like the two planters, humans who would normally consider themselves friends or partners can elevate their opinions to the point where they divide themselves from each other. Yet the flowers are very similar, suggesting a commonality. Relationships between people usually occur because they share values, interests, or goals, but these seem to be forgotten. The Lenormand Bear implies strength, power and protection. It asks us if differing opinions are more important than protecting our relationship. Perhaps it is time to take Malcolm Forbes words to heart: "Diversity: the art of thinking independently together."

Places to Go

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Two of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Book:

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.

-Abigail Adams

The Two of Staves is illustrated with two spikes of a red hot poker (aka torch lily). One inflorescence (cluster of flowers) is in full bloom while another is just beginning. When we are enjoying the fruits of our efforts, it is tempting to think that extra will bring something even better. But 'more' of one thing often affects other things, like less time for enjoyment because of additional work or added worries and concerns. The Lenormand Book suggests learning and study, a wise choice before we make a decision we might regret. On the other hand, it could be as Dr. Seuss suggests: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

Plant It and See If It Grows

This week I'll be using the Tyldwick Tarot, created and self-published by Neil Lovell. I'll also be using the Antiquarian Lenormand, created and self-published by Maree Bento. Today's draws are the Page of Coins and the Whip/Jack of Clubs:

Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.

— Zen kōan

The Page of Coins is often called 'the student,' but he does not enjoy arguing about topics or spending hours discussing philosophy. What he learns, he plants in the earth and observes if it will grow. He tests information to see if it can be used to create, build or do things more skillfully. He is likely the most content of the Pages; he finds joy in the tasks he does rather than putting his hopes in any specific outcomes. Knowledge is a wonder to him, as it allows him to discover the natural laws of world. The Cat-o'-nine-tails is an implement of physical punishment; in the Page's case, it appears as psychological suffering if he succumbs to society's idea of success and happiness. Hopefully he will remember Joshua Metcalf's words instead: " Like thirsty people guzzling salt water, achievement only creates a greater desire for accomplishing more, dehydrating us of true satisfaction and fulfillment."