Replacement

From the Anna K. Tarot, the Empress; from the Meditation Cards, Dissolve Into Now:

The shallow satisfaction of having is always replaced by more wanting. 

– Eckhart Tolle

This plump, bodacious version of the Empress reminds me of the prehistoric Venus statues. Anthropologists suggest these well-rounded forms were symbols of prosperity and fertility: in harsh, freezing climates, being overnourished was a crucial asset.  In today's world, however, most of us do not live on the cup's lip of survival or oblivion. The Empress reminds us that we have enough, though the ads in media or comparing ourselves to others may influence us otherwise. Dissolve Into Now offers a verse by Thich Nhat Hanh:

When I drink tea, there is only me and the tea.

The rest of the world dissolves.

There are no worries about the future.

No dwelling on past mistakes.

Using our senses, what can we appreciate right here where we are in this moment? As Kristin Armstrong stated, "When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in."

Succor

This week I'll be using the Anna K. Tarot, created and self-published by Anna Klaffinger (though now published by Llewellyn). Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Meditation Cards, a deck created and self-published by Asha Greer. All the keywords and quotes for these cards have been added by me. Today's draws are the King of Swords and A Drop of Succor:

We must always consider the consequences of our actions. Or inaction. It won’t necessarily change what we do, but we need to be aware of the effect. ―Louise Penny

The King of Swords is an intelligent and logical person, known for being a strategist. But what slips by many people when they describe him is that he is also concerned with cause and effect. He might have the ability to conquer a city, but will his resources spread far enough to add thousands more to his realm? He's not just thinking about what he might do or get, but also the cost or the repercussions of his actions. Succor suggests relief or assistance; it derives from the Latin word succurrere - literally translated "run to support." The quote for this card comes from Wayne E. Brickey: "The best time and most eloquent way to succor is to do so when need arises. After all, service is seldom convenient." While rearranging our plans is rarely convenient, it may be a small price to pay rather than abandon a friend who could use some support.

Invitation

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Knight of Cups (Chango); from the Diloggun Cards, Three Mouths (Ogunda):

Your problem is you are too busy holding on to your unworthiness.

―Ram Dass

The Knight of Cups, elementally known as Fire of Water, is a perfect pairing with Chango (Orisha of fire, thunder, lighting, and dance). His fire encourages us to move beyond passivity and express our heart's wish to build a relationship, whether with a person or a group. We might fear that we are not enough, that we don't have what it takes to be accepted. Yet the most meaningful relationships require only honesty, kindness, a willingness to be vulnerable, and a mutual respect for each other. The proverb for Three Mouths (Ogunda) says: "A little subtleness is better than a lot of force." Extending an invitation is much better than whacking someone over the head with it.  

On this Fourth of July, I couldn't help but post this quote, which I feel deeply:

"Patriotism is proud of a country's virtues and eager to correct its deficiencies; it also acknowledges the legitimate patriotism of other countries, with their own specific virtues. The pride of nationalism, however, trumpets its country's virtues and denies its deficiencies, while it is contemptuous toward the virtues of other countries. It wants to be, and proclaims itself to be, "the greatest," but greatness is not required of a country; only goodness is."

—Sydney J. Harris

What Our Choices Reflect

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Tower; from the Diloggun Cards, Nine Mouths (Osa):

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. —Nelson Mandela

The Tarot Lukumi takes a different approach on this card than the RWS. Rather than living in an ivory tower, it shows slaves being freed from captivity by Chango (the Orisha of thunder and justice) along with other Orishas. This card heavily emphasizes the breaking of mental, physical and spiritual chains that hold us. It may be that we've made unskillful choices, allowed others to make our choices, or didn't choose at all. Sometimes, as Mandela points out, we let our fear or anger make decisions. Whatever the cause, the result is that we find ourselves with a choke collar and leash around our necks. Both the ethic and proverb for Osa (Nine Mouths) is worth reflecting on:

Ifa: One must cease leading themselves to misfortune. One must cease bringing harm upon themselves.

Proverb: Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.

We have an opportunity to escape that collar and leash by making some new decisions and acting on them.

No Grabbing

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Nine of Coins; from the Diloggun Cards, Eight Mouths (Ogbe):

The man who expects nothing gains everything. For he no longer waits — he creates.

—Napoleon Hill

Eleggua, guardian of crossroads and opportunities, leaves a trail of gold coins. He teaches that every choice is a path, and new openings should be approached with sincerity, humility, and an open mind. This chance is not about impulsively grabbing something but recognizing our responsibility in attaining it. The ethic for Eight Mouths (Ogbe) states: "Those who attain blessings are those who live by their wisdom. If we do not bear suffering that will fill a basket, we will not receive blessings that will fill a cup." We earn - skills, education, wages, etc. - through effort, not because we feel entitled to having them.

Just What Is Needed

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Six of Wands; from the Diloggun Cards, Twelve Mouths (Oturupon):

Without integrity and honor, having everything means nothing.

—Robin Sharma

Ochosi's skill and patience in tracking the herd have paid off. He returns victoriously with food for his people. The deer's life will be honored - not by putting its head on a wall - but through the nutrition, clothing and tools it will provide. Ochosi didn't kill the whole herd, just what was needed. Likewise, success means simply achieving our objective, not subsuming or obliterating everything in our path along the way. Oturupon's (Twelve Mouths') ethic says: "We must never raise problems or incite conflict. We must take the time to be sure of our words even before we speak." If we want to live an honorable life that is respectful of our interconnection with others, self-restraint in all areas is good advice.

No Drill Instructors, Please

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Four of Batons; from the Diloggun Cards, Three Mouths (Ogunda):

A warrior is gentle in spirit, fierce in commitment. –John Eldredge

Initiates in this tradition are first introduced to the "Warrior Orishas" - Eleggua, Oggun, Oshosi, and Ozun. These guardians provide spiritual care and supervision, marking the formal beginning of a practitioner's lifelong relationship with the Orisha. It is always helpful when beginning something new, such as a religious path, marriage, career, or parenthood, to have a role model to provide skillful examples for us to follow. Those who are experienced and proficient may keep us from making too many mistakes or at least help us learn from our missteps when we fall flat on our face. The Three Mouths (Ogunda) proverb reads: "A little subtleness is better than a lot of force." It hints that we might be better suited to and gain more from models who offer suggestions rather than make demands. Save the drill instructors for the military.