Paper and Pen please

Most of the interpretations of this card give us - illusions, daydreams, fantasies, and unproductive time on wishful thinking.  The Daydream card.  Most do not give us a real meaning or description of the front and center cup with the draped and hidden figure?

What are our wishes made of?  Of the unknown, treasures, home, wealth, knowledge, wisdom, of a significant other?  I have also seen this card as to what we do in our daily lives; seven days a week kind of thing.  What is it with that hidden figure and the red fringe that clearly calls attention to that cup, and why has it not drawn my attention before?  Maybe I am unsure what I really wish for?  Maybe the time has come to write it down and really decide what I want to do with my days to come.  Pull my head out of the clouds and make a clear and decisive choice.  Sounds good to me.





Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

On one hand

Most of the interpretations of the Two of Pentacles are similar.  Balance.   That is all very well, still it takes some discipline to juggle two or more things at once.  Focused intention is called for. 

"Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you. You must travel it by yourself.  It is not far. It is within reach.  Perhaps you have been on it since your were born, and did not know.  Perhaps it is everywhere-on water and land."  -Walt Whitman











Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Perceived

I find it interesting that I drew the Ace of Swords after drawing the seemingly reversed card of Justice yesterday.  From Rachel Pollack's ~ Spiritual Wisdom
"Does the Sword point up or down? This is a key question. If down, it shows the mental energy entering into physical concerns and daily life. If it points up, the Sword shows the mind's ability to go beyond the distractions of the physical and reach principles of truth."

We hold these truths to be self-evident
that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - Declaration of Independence.

Some times we have such a tight grip on what we hold true that we don't give a thought to others truths.






Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Reversed

Out of balance.

This is me today, out of balance.  I spent most of the night awake.  Not rested there is no way I can keep an even keel today.  Actually when I shuffled and cut the cards the deck evidently was inverted so Justice Reversed made an appearance.   This gal is pretty stiff otherwise her garments would be hanging loosely over her head.  No matter that she is topsy-turvy she still holds her balance and sword at the ready.
The books give me that with Justice reversed I may encounter an unfair situation today, to be warned and be careful or maybe my unwillingness to look at myself or the way I handled myself in some unfair situation.  Since it is Sunday and I don't really have anything on my schedule and it's a holiday weekend and I didn't get much sleep maybe it's best I just stay home.



Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Lighten the load

"In both the practical and emotional situation the person has taken the burdens on her or himself. He or she has made the situation and needs to realize that other approaches are still possible." -Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom ~ Rachel Pollack

I have carried such burdens most of my adulting life, adulting being the clue. I picked up each of those sticks myself, no one handed them to me.  So in turn it is now time to lay down those all those things that I had to do or thought I had to do. 










Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Intermediary

Do we really need a go between, between God and us?  Maybe we still seek out the 'holy' women and men because we believe they know all the secrets that the rest of us unfortunate souls do not have access to?

Today The Hierophant reminds me of Queen Elizabeth 1.  She who was both Queen and The Leader of the Anglican Church during the time of her reign.  This Hierophant has really soft facial features and has not grown a beard as was often done by religious leaders.  She certainly did not follow tradition and found her own way.  Maybe that will be my take away today.









The Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Polarity

Yesterday's post was titled Polaris, a nod to the 'North Star' today's Polarity is a nod to this ying/yang symbol I found on a post/email yesterday.

And since we have a New Moon tomorrow I thought I would share this lovely depiction of Ying/Yang.
Everything has it's time in ascendance and declination

Polaris

Most Tarotist interpret The Star card as hope and healing after the emotional storm of The Tower.  I always want to make a wish when The Star reveals herself.  The 'Wish' card.

" A certain darkness is needed to see the stars." - not sure
I remember reports coming in after the huge earthquake in 1989 that devastated  the San Fransisco and Oakland area in California and one of them struck me as funny and then sad.  People were concerned and scared that the sudden appearance of Stars in the sky must have been the reason for such a huge earthquake, that some astronomical event had occurred... so many had never seen the stars because of so much light pollution from the huge cities.
I grew up in a more rural area and the stars were glorious and the happenstance to see a 'shooting star' was a very auspicious sign.
So I am going to 'make my wish' and enjoy my day.

The Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Hurry up and wait

Let's get a move on!

Rachel Pollack tells us the Knights translate the quality of each suit into movement. If so, this knight seems hesitant about what he feels.  His emotions have him stuck, unable or unwilling to move forward.  Even his horse looks back at him as he stands there prancing in place.  Knights ride out and return.
The Knights in the Wands and Swords appear to be riding out and the Knights of Cups and Pentacles seem to be returning.

Today if something should arise that makes me hesitant I best take a moment to search my feelings before moving forward




Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Wariness

The beginning of distrust.

Again I looked at several interpretations.  Most tarot enthusiasts look at most of the Court Cards as 'people' cards, especially in spreads.  Several authors notate this page in a stance of wariness or caution.  Looking back over her/his shoulder - sword at the ready.

I noticed that the Page as well as The Hermit from yesterday's draw are both looking back, why.  Reminiscing  over days gone by? Musing some hurt or wrongful action?  Longing for yesteryear?  I asked this Page and returned her to the deck and reshuffled and went looking for her and the card just before her - the Page of Cups.  Maybe then the backward glance is for my youth or more playful days?  Anyway, I never have figured out those ten swirling birds- maybe those are the days before being a teenager, as pages are sometimes referred to as young adults..  Also I noticed that there are trees in the background of each of RWS Court Sword Cards.  I finally found that they are supposedly Cypress Trees, so I went looking for the esoteric meaning of Cypress trees; long growing trees planted as a mourning tribute at graves.

RWS - Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Retreat

Today The Hermit seems all wrong to me.  Example and Guide.  Darkness and Mystery.

As I am trying to reconnect with the cards and the story they tell I referred to several Tarot books I have in my collection. Blah blah blah.
I don't think he is holding his light to show the way.  I think he has caged his 'light'  defeated or exhausted with the tussle in Strength and he has retreated to recoup.  He seems to be backtracking to figure out where it went awry.  He could have beat the beast with his magic wand or at released some of its magic to calm his or it's fears.
In some meditations or regressions I am told that we can go back into a memory and change its outcome to come to peace or grips or understanding of such a moment of crisis or despair.   Working on that.
Tomorrow The Hermit may appears as a wise teacher or Merlin back to play his tricks, today he looks like he needs to take a respite from it all.


Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

The call

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.

If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thy own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee."  ~ John Donne









The Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Lessons

We teach best what we most need to learn.

Where were you born?
Where is your home?
Where are you going?
What are you doing?

Think about these once in awhile and watch your answers change.

In the RWS Six of Cups the gal has always seemed like a woman, a dwarf perhaps-there is a hint of bosom beneath her shawl.  Or maybe a mature woman whose time has come to step aside and  pass her skills and knowledge on.
"I will diminish, and go into the West."  - Galadriel,
 The Lord of the Rings



The Rider Waite-Smith Tarot.

Iconic

I wonder how people can really see this as a definitive expression of The Devil.

I have mentioned before and will again.  Devil spelled backwards is Lived, such a wonderful anagram.

An excerpt from Rachel Pollacks SEVENTY EIGHT DEGREES OF WISDOM pertaining to The Devil - "The Devil's power rests in the illusion that nothing else exists.  In a great many situations, from political oppression to the personal misery of a bad family life, people only become consciously unhappy when they realize that life holds other alternatives."
So, the loose chains we bind ourselves with are our own making. 
A life not 'lived' is a 'devil' of a thing.




The Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Flip Side

Rest and Repose

Another card of four drawn today.  Yesterday's get out of the house to today's stay in and rest.  Withdrawal can lead to healing.   In Janina Renee's book TAROT - Your Everyday Guide, poses that I reflect on the timeline of the cards and the healing may be a response to the Three of Swords, as in RWS image. 
Could this be repressive situation that the two figures in the Four of Wands ran away from?  Or am I to reflect on the the intolerable situation that I ran away from? 
The only thing I am really seeing in the comparison of the two cards is lots of yellow.  So I am going to wear something yellow today.
That's all I got.




Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Exclamation Point

Optimism and the joy of freedom and choice. 

When Life gives you lemons, make some lemonade. 
Gratitude for what I have will make me a happy girl.



Rachel Pollack says these two maybe the same two that fall from the Tower.  They have escaped oppression in the walled city before the explosion or strike of lightening.  If I am stuck, I better get unstuck before a bolt strikes.







Rider Waite-Smith Tarot

Own worst enemy

Closed off.   If I were by the seaside I would spend my time gazing at the waves, walking along the beach.  This card clearly lets me know that I am not in touch with where I am.  What I am doing.

I have not been connecting with the cards of late.  Too much darkness in my mind.  I have decided to go back to basics, Rider Waite-Smith Tarot.  It is the deck I have spent the most time with.  So I am returning to my tarot classroom.
This card falls right in place.  Last night I did a Celtic Cross Reading for myself to try and help me figure out why I was holding my breath of late waiting for.... dark and disturbing as was the draw.  Death and the Devil showed up as well as the High Priestess.  Swords overwhelmed the cards, the six, eight, nine, and ten - OH MY!  The five of cups was in the place of what I think about.  So many cards with shades of black.  Now here today the two of swords.  I have been sitting with her for awhile and wonder how long before her arms ache and she has to lay down those swords.  So to with me I suppose.  Put down those worries and fears and go play in the water.


Rider Waite-Smith Tarot. 

Arresting

There is so much beauty and honesty to this face.  The eyes really can be the window to the Soul.  This Shaman needs no words to communicate, they are there written on his face.

I have been listing to the Hay House World Summit; an annual event that hosts prerecorded one hour interviews with most of the authors of Hay House.  I was listening to a interview with Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D on Anthropology and his topic which probably mirrors his book - 'Growing a New Body Using Ancient Healing Secrets.  He describes himself as a shaman.  He became very ill almost to point of death and changed his diet and mindset and healed his body.  A lot of the same stuff many are writing about in the Holistic-New Age-Metaphysical field.  Given all that he had some interesting takes on a few things and I think I will listen to his interview again before Hay House closes the Summit up. 


EARTH MAGIC Oracle Cards - Steven D Farmer

Got nothing

I have not been relating very well to the cards this week or maybe it is the Gaian Tarot deck.  Usually I enjoy working with this deck, not so much this week.  I drew a repeat card and it does not inspire or connect with me on any level.  I will see how the day unfolds and if it matches the theme or essence of the card.   So I grabbed a postcard off my desk.  It does match up with the squabbling eagles of yesterday, so that is something.

Agree to disagree

These eagles seem to be in a bit of a disagreement.  Maybe a territorial dispute?

Today I may come up against a dispute of some kind.  Maybe.  Maybe it will be just someone that needs to voice their opinion on something and instead of getting in a debate over it, I can just let them have their say.
I used to be very vocal when it came to disagreeing with another.  My side - their side, then I went through a huge upheaval in my life and found it easier to acquiescence.  Sure in the march of time those little disputes are of non importance, still I miss those days of being a bit of challenge.  Maybe I need to get my feathers ruffled a bit. 




Journey through the Gaian Tarot -Joanna Powell Colbert

Insult to injury

Lists.  Writing it all down so I can...

One of my greatest tools in life was my memory.  My ability to recall little bits of this n that and oh so much more.  Not so much any more.  In fact I have taken to writing down more and more things.  The real injustice to all of this is now I am writing lists of lists; well it is not that bad, but some days it feels like that.  Maybe that is what RWS Three of Swords with its depiction of the pierced heart is - my heartbreak of memory loss.  I laugh it off as  just not holding on to things that are of no importance to me.  
The other day in the Kroger's parking lot I spoke to a man that I know I had met in my business but could not recall his name.  It took me a week to remember that he, his wife, and their adult daughter broke a contract with me.  Lots of time, work, and money.  It took me a couple of years to put them out of my mind and move on.  Then I spoke to him when clearly I never should have.   Now I am mad all over again for forgetting what an ass he is.  The insult to injury is the other day I crossed his path again at recycling center and he waved and said hi.  Yuck. 

Journey through the Gaian Tarot - Joanna Powell Colbert

Uncomplicated

A lovely and easy relationship.

No ulterior motives here.  Not someone wanting something for nothing.  Simple easy companionship.  I wish it was always so.

"Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you.  You must travel it by yourself.   It is not far.  It is within reach.
Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not know.  Perhaps it is everywhere - on water and land."
- Walt Whitman


There are some things that must be done on our own, and there are others that are best shared.


Journey through the Gaian Tarot - Joanna Powell Colbert

Go ahead, make a wish

The Star Card, make a wish Carolyn.

What a auspicious draw for the day.  Not only The Star Card, I also have come upon a wishing well.  I read somewhere along the line that water dieties may have lived in wells and could hear the hopes and wishes of those that came to draw water from the well.  I don't supposed they would live there now with all the water pollution and chemical treatments of the water.














Journey through the Gaian Tarot - Joanna Powell Colbert

Mirror Mirror

I am sixty.  When I look in the mirror I look sixty and sometimes when I look in the mirror I experience a slight gasp at the reflection.

Now in my mind's eye I see the forty something Carolyn.  It is always just a wee bit of a surprise when the older version of me looks back.
I was invited to a Derby Party yesterday afternoon.  Not that many people were there, just a small gathering, and I was the youngest.  Gone are those younger days of partying, still I can find others to enjoy my time with.







Journey through the Gaian Tarot - Joanna Powell Colbert

Come to the Edge

This far and no farther.

I can't decide if this is about the limitations that are put on us or the limitation that we put on ourselves.  Or maybe our personal sacred space we establish for our self.  I guess a limitation is a limitation regardless of how it was established.  Something to think on.
The booklet gives us: Courage, taking a leap of faith, overcoming fear,  and accepting risk. 
Today if I find myself holding back or reigning in I will follow that limitation and see if I can find its origin.








WISDOM of the ORACLE - Collette Baron-Reid

Nereid

Lovely sea or water nymphs.

This is most likely me today.  Surrounded by water.  So much rain yesterday and today, and still more tomorrow.  What to do on a rainy day?  The last couple days I have spent at hospital with my sister who had some complications; we got her better.  Now I need to rest up and though it is a chilly rain I think I need to go stand out in it a bit and wash away all that industrial medical mystification.
I am going to do some research on hydrogen water.  I read something the other day about how depleted the water is.  There is a new trend to hydrogenate our drinking water which is purported to have some health benefits.  A perfect project for a rainy day.

Thinker

This fairy must be the daughter or niece of the fairy in Breathe yesterday.  Breathe reminded me of a meditation practice, this fairy is amid some swirling stormy cloud cover.  She clearly has something on her mind. 

Maybe she has spent too long with her head in clouds since there are stars around her and she has become disillusioned with something?  Maybe I am over-thinking the Thinker.
Getting stuck in loop of thoughts can make the situation disproportionate.
To heck with it, today is a sunny day soon to be followed by four days of rain, I am just going to spend the day in the Sun and let it burn off the cloud cover in my mind. 







WISDOM of the ORACLE -  Collette Baron-Reid

Breathe

A truly lovely and enchanting card, reminding me that breathing is the most natural thing that I can do.  We breathe in and out 10 to 15 times a minute without even noticing.

I picked up several books at the library the other day and started reading a new one over weekend.  The Book of JOY.  Lasting Happiness In A Changing World - The Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams.    It is about the week long meeting of these two spiritual giants in 2015 that met to celebrate the eightieth birthday of The Dalai Lama. 
The Dalai Lama meditates five hours each morning and The Archbishop Desmond Tutu has a four hour practice.  Whew.  I find it challenging to get a half hour in here and there.  I wonder if during their meditation as with the fairy they are at one with the cosmos.  I am sure they find themselves from time to time amongst the stars giving them the wider perspective of...well everything.   Breathe


WISDOM of the ORACLE - Collete Baron-Reid