Just Keep at It

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Horseradish:

Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.

— Henri Matisse

Sometimes the only way to silence the cynics is to keep our heads down and continue working rather than trying to explain things or win them over. The first blush of success (as with this stem bursting with blooms) can often turn their loud growls of disapproval down to low mutterings. If we're waiting on validation from others, we'll probably never have the confidence to keep going. Horseradish makes every sauce and condiment bracing with its biting flavor. In herbal medicine, it is used for sinus issues, like cold and flu, because its pungency helps to relieve congestion. It reminds us that no matter what our accomplishments, we're going to need to spice up our projects when the usual becomes stale. It can be challenging to move away what was favored and try something new, but even if it falls flat, doing something different can shift our imagination in new directions.  

I've been volunteering at the library for about 5 years now, creating artwork for the display case in the foyer and for the children's bulletin board. (These were for our summer reading program this year.) I have to rely on Maya Angelou's wisdom: “You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

Awake

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, Judgment; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Purple Coneflower:

People were struck by Buddha's extraordinary radiance and peaceful presence. One man asked him who he was. “Are you a celestial being or a god? A saint or sage?” “No,” responded the Buddha. “Well then, what are you?” The Buddha replied, “I am awake.” —Dona Sutta

Like the view of the golden eagle, Judgment asks us to move out of our personal concerns and look at life from a spiral that leads upward and outward. This viewpoint wakes us up to an other-centered perspective, allowing us to see the cause and effect of our actions and inactions on the whole. Extracts of Purple Coneflower's root can reduce the risk of recurrent respiratory infections and related complications. However, it is contraindicated for those taking medicine for heart disease and autoimmune diseases because of undesirable interactions. Judgment requires discernment, recognizing that just because we want something to be so doesn't it make that way.

Full of Beans

This week I'll be using the Anima Mundi Tarot, created and self-published by Megan Wyreweden. Paired with it will be the Nature's Pharmacy deck, created by New York Botanical Garden and published by Chronicle Books. Today's draws are the Hanged Man and Common Sage:

When you’re full of beans, you just blow a lot of hot air. 

—Amy Tan

Roombas often react saner than humans; when they hit a wall, they turn around and go in another direction. We tend to find ourselves giving the same advice over and over or forcefully trying redirect a situation in the way we think it should go. It's frustrating to realize we have no control, but there is freedom and peace found in letting people and things be. Common Sage has been considered one of the top essential culinary herbs for generations. It is also a digestive aid, relieving gas and bloating. There have even been studies to add this herb to cattle food in an effort to reduce methane (a greenhouse gas). Sage asks us to reconsider if our 'help' is tinged with a hint of moral superiority, filled with platitudes, or if it is simply a strategy to arrange things in a way that would benefit us. Others can generally tell if we're sincere or full of beans.

Just a Few Adjustments

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Eight of Flames (Wands); from the Elemental Dice, Wind (Light + Air):

There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind.

—Annie Dillard

The Eight of Flames tells us it is time to act, but not impulsively. We must hone our focus, concentrating on the task rather than imagining the outcome. Now we must stay centered in what is important and needs to be done rather than allowing discursive thinking to distract us. Wind indicates that change is brewing, but if we're paying attention, we'll catch it. We might need to be flexible and make a few adjustments to adapt. Even so, all is not lost; as John McGraw said, "one small breeze doesn't make a wind storm." 

Not an Expert

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Hierophant; from the Elemental Dice, Sky (Air + Air):

True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.

―Nikos Kazantzakis

The Hierophant teaches ideas to others, with the best of them offering wisdom without dogmatism and judgment. True teachers are not afraid to say, "I don't know." When their feet are in the fire, they don't blame but take responsibility for their mistakes. They realize knowledge can change as new information comes to light; they know traditions are provide a way for people to connect to each other but are not truth. Sky represents spaciousness, especially in the realm of the intellect. It is a reminder that we all learn more when we keep an open mind and don't act as if we're experts on life.

Ill-Directed Mind

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Nine of Feathers (Swords); from the Elemental Dice, Volcano:

Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will. ~W. Clement Stone

In Petersen's painting, eyes open wide in terror, and a mouth screams silently. Yet it is our thoughts about things, not the actual things themselves that this card represents. The Dhammapada tells us, "Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm." Just a seed of assumption, misinformation or projection is all it takes if we let the mind run amuck. Yet Volcano reminds us that we have a power within to help us meet the challenges we face. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "You have power over your mind - not outside events." It is our responsibility to use this power, no one can do it for us.

50 Casseroles

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Six of Coins; from the Elemental Dice, Sun (Light + Fire):

God has given us two hands - one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing. 

—Billy Graham

I once had a wise woman tell me that praying for someone is a reminder to reach out and offer concrete help - feet and hands on the ground. Sharing our time, energy and resources with others is not only good for them, but also us, as it increases our happiness and well-being.  As we engage in altruism, we create a sense of community and strengthen relationships. We build trust, learning new perspectives from others and allowing them to learn about us. The Sun provides more clarity, encouraging us ask rather than assume what is needed. No one needs 50 casseroles in their refrigerator.