Eight of Cups - Hope

When the Eight of Cups is drawn, I immediately feel a sense of trouble and  evoking feelings of despair and disappointment. But immediately after, I have thoughts of hope.

In fact it is a card of some resignation, and I think of the saying, no one's getting out of here alive! The Eight of Cups is a card of letting go. So many cards in the Tarot are about just that, letting go, which is a good thing, because much of life, if not all of it, is about letting go of the people, places and things we cannot control. It sure isn't an easy lesson to learn, because life has an ongoing succession of things we are having to let go of; loved one's, our youth, beauty, homes, children, life and the list goes on and on.
  Life is transitory, always changing and we are either moving ahead or backwards we never stay the same. I say it's all about our attitude toward our personal struggles and obstacles.

In the Eight of Cups we see Psyche who has a final task that Aphrodite has requested of her. Psyche leaves the eight golden cups behind,  and voluntarily gives up hope for the future, and descends the staircase to the underworld, knowing she will not return from this desolate and desperate place.

 If and when we find ourselves in this kind of circumstance, we can choose to try to manipulate the future, trying to "make a deal", bargaining our way through , we plead,  we may even bully, in a desperate attempt to hold on and change the situation and the " will of the divine, " or we can choose to let go and choose hope.

We can't not control life, but we can control is ourselves. Once we let go within ourselves, we will find hope.

Two of Wands - Courage

I love the Two of Wands in the Mythic Tarot because it speaks of courage, that is imparted to another, represented here by Chiron,  the centaur, half human, half horse, the wounded healer or the teacher. Jason has been told about the Golden Fleece and that he is a prince, and rightly needs to claim his inheritance to the throne.

Chiron

 The adventurer and the beginning of a creative vision is represented here in the Two of Wands and a goal that is believed in, though it is not clear as to how this goal will be achieved. This goal is full of creative potential, depending on the courage of this individual to face the unknown and to put their faith in the invisible creative power.

This is a wonderfully affirming card, spurring and inspiring the individual to come out of the cave so to speak, face the fear and to take hold of the new adventure and bring this new vision into fruition and concrete being.

Six of Cups - Nostalgia

Nostalgia for days gone by seems to be a common experience these days. We often long for the 'good ole days'. Ironically we often can't or don't appreciate the present until is becomes the past and then find ourselves thinking the past was better then the now. There is however much to be learned from the past that can be actualized into the present and into the future.

The Six of Cups is about that longing for a better time past, our fond memories bring both feelings of warmth, pleasure and pain. Pain for the loss of loved ones and pleasurable memories that we keep close in the small of our hearts.
It is in this place of nostalgia we can come to accept what is past and even grieve the people, places and things we have lost. We look back, and we don't shut the door on the past, but we don't stare, and remain stuck there.

Psyche has been abandoned by her love Eros. She sits in the stillness and serenity of the moment searching for answers, contemplating on what she has learned through her experiences of disappointment, regrets and remorse. At peace, and having a new resolve with a new reality, no longer hanging on to fantasy, her past now can be transformed into dreams of the future, that can be realized and achieved, as a result of what she has gleaned from her past with a mindfulness.

http://www.benjaminmounsey.com/Nostalgia

Six of Swords - Cut Me Some Slack!

Some times, short of pulling your hair out, and wanting to shout out loud, at the top of your lungs, because you have almost reached the saturation point, you want to yell, for God's sake somebody out there, cut me some slack! Don't worry it's coming! So says the Six of Swords!
Rest assured we have now come to the point where we have obtained some level of acceptance, and peace and the stormy seas have quelled.

Not the happiest of the Minor Arcana cards, and you may find yourself left with feelings of melancholy, but you have peace of mind, after coming to terms with your own limitations. You have left your anxieties behind and distressed. The affirmation is, you have some peace and serenity within, regardless of what has happened, you have let it go.

A time out or a vacation is in order; not to escape from reality, but to get in touch with the flow in the river of life.

You can now begin to perceive how the rhythm, cycle and pattern of your life works, and how you can change your life and yourself.

Letting go can be kind of like flying a kite. We let go, but then we pull it back, and want to take control again. This isn't letting go. You've got to let go of the string!

http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/21-imaginative-illustrations

Queen of Swords - Idealism

Today's card from the Minor Arcana, the Queen of Swords is a strong independent woman. In the Mythic Tarot the Queen is Atalanta who was abandoned but her father who was disappointed that he had no male heir. He left her on a hill, but she was rescued and nursed by a bear, sent by the moon-goddess Artemis- Hecate.

Crescent Moon Bear - Catherine Meyers

The Queen appears aloof and cool, but don't be fooled, she has a soft underbelly after experiencing  great losses, and many difficulties in her life. This Queen is very familiar with hard times and suffering, but continues to thrive, not just in spite of them, but because of these burdens she has had to bare, this has given her an inner strength.
She has a vehement sense of justice, and benevolently upholds and champions the rights of others, perhaps as a result of her own loss and brokenness.

 Quick witted with a sharp tongue, she can cut to the quick, being very intelligent and passionate about her high ideals. Not willing to settle in love she can cut her nose off to spite her face because of this idealism, which in the extreme, is an expectation of perfectionism in others; an expectation that was placed upon herself as well at a young age.

The Queen is a woman possessing a strong sense of integrity and pride, but she is also lonely, and isolated as a result of these high ideals. She may be unconscious of her perfectionist expectations, however it does have a positive aspect, in that others are inspired by her, to improve upon themselves.

Being too idealistic prevents us from ever measuring up to a perfectionist ideal. It does not exist in reality, and is an image. This state occurs because this individual is fearful of being human, and leaves us vulnerable to being hurt.

Many of us have been hurt in early life or in the past, which manifests into our adult life, especially if we lack self-awareness, and choose not seek help to resolve these issues. Serious problems arise in our relationships with others, as a result of clinging to an unmovable faith in high ideals, leading to an addiction perfectionism.

Nine of Wands - Reserve Strength

It might be hard to choose one particular card from the Tarot deck, I do have my favourites but I can honestly say I am very fond of the suit of Wands, particularly because they signify expression of spirit which I think suits my personality. Action, energy, ideas and growth are all attributes that all artists need, which I certainly identify with all of these and I aspire to these traits.

Like the Nine of Wands who faces many challenges, we can be in a constant state of worry because of the many challenges and storms, that arise, but we are resolute and overcome, by drawing on a  reserved strength, that we may be unaware of possessing.

 This card is a good affirmation at present, as I have much creative work ahead . I am feeling bolstered to reach my creative goal through the power of imagination, and creative spirit, which the Nine of Wands portrays.

 Many of us work better under pressure. I can't say I am really one of those individuals, because I don't like the stress. However it is often mysteriously wonderful when we are under deadlines, and are under pressure ; somehow we can pull out all the stops and meet the challenge, the arises from our need and willingness.

Having resolute courage means to face opposing forces. This requires faith, strength and a determination in spite of the odds.

Having courage does not mean that we aren't afraid, but we forge ahead regardless and we meet our fear face on.

King of Swords - Leadership

 
There is much discussion in the media about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as of late in the media. It makes me wonder statistically, just how common place this condition is presented in soldiers, leaders and with many of us who grow up suffering a certain amount of it, due to some kind of trauma. I also suspect this is why the King of Swords, although is greatly associated with leadership, kindness, decency, fairness, and ethical behaviour, he is can be disconnected between what he values and believes in, and what is shown and manifested emotionally toward others, especially toward those that he cares about. This lack of emotional connection with others is very frustrating to those who love him. It has been best described as having an inner homelessness. He has great difficulty showing emotion, leaving him isolated, and often alone.

I learned at a young age through a wonderful mentor, who was a director of our local hole in the wall, YMCA, that being a good leader is one who truly knows and understands, how to serve. He helped so many of us troubled teenagers by his example and service. He taught us about leadership.

If we are leaders and we want to serve, we need to be able to connect emotionally with others, and to know to take good care of ourselves, like we would take good care of others. If we don't know and understand this, we will eventually, sooner or later burn out, expecting to be all things, to all people, while neglecting ourselves.

The King of Swords shows that there is an abundance of positive characteristics in strength, that is demonstrated in inspired ideas, with a very strong intellect, great compassion and ethics. These qualities can be applied to future ideas and goals, that can be accomplished, and easily achieved.

If we do find ourselves disconnected from what we believe in, and suffer from that inner homelessness, we need to find a way to reach out, and seek help. False pride is useless, when we cut our noses off, to spite our face. No man or woman, is an island.
 

Four of Pentacles - Self Value

The Four of Pentacles concerns all things related to the material plane, and to the physical earth. This card is often referred to as the card of the miser. The card usually depicts the miser with two feet firmly placed on the Pentacles in front of him, holding two Pentacles close to his chest, and balancing one on his head. This symbolizes his fear of, and the inability to let go of the material,  and emotional stagnation. He is reluctant to share with others. There is no loss or gain..

On the other hand this card can also be positive, in the sense that there has been success in achieving goals and monetary stability.


The is a reason for everything I believe, and the behaviour of the miser is no different than for many of us, or all of us from time to time, caught up in keeping up with the status quo, and living in a consumer kind of world,  particularly in the Western world. I like to describe this person as having a bottomless kind of pit that can be an insatiable appetite, a hole in the soul that cannot be filled through people, places and things.

I recall what Mother Teresa once relayed about the difference between the Western, and the Eastern world. She said, there is great spiritual poverty in the West and material poverty in the East . This message always has resounded with me, and like the miser, we can easily loose sight of our spiritual  and creative expression, because this energy has been blocked having a tight grip on  acquiring things, people and even places.
We define our self-value by these preoccupations that cause us to stagnate. Yes, it is true we need to have our basic needs met in order to self-actualize, as Maslow's hierarchy of needs pyramid indicates.
I think of the Rolling Stones line, " You can't always get what you want, but you get what you need. "

Nine of Swords - The Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn

 

The Nine of Swords is a card the describes a psychological state of mind indicating that we are having many sleepless nights, because we are carrying burdens, overwhelming feelings of failure, disaster and impending dread. We may have guilt about the past and fear what the future repercussions will bring. This is a psychological problem not based on reality.

I've always agreed that action through prayer is the antidote to worry. Just my opinion. Most people I think would agree, worry is not constructive, and can make us psychologically and even physically unhealthy. Worry simply fuels anxiety, and signals a lack of trust and faith. We feel hopeless.

 Many think it is a virtuous thing to do, in that it reflects care and concern. Fretting and worry can be a habitual reaction. In extreme cases, it is being in a constant state of hyper vigilance, and is often a way of being for many, especially if we have grown up in troubled family situations, or had traumatic events happen.

We do not have to be a prisoner of our fear and sense of hopelessness. We can seek help for ourselves, if we reach out to change.

There is nothing we can do to change the past, and projecting into the future is futile. It does nothing to improve our lives or our state of well being, and happiness.

The Nine of Swords reminds me of a time when I saw a young punk rocker years ago. He was wearing a button which said, "Hope For The Hopeless ". To me it said it all, and made me smile and feel very hopeful. 

Seven of Pentacles - Decision

The Seven of Pentacles represents material progress here and some difficult decision is to be made, in this situation. The opportunity to take a new direction is presented to you, and there is a need for reflection on what you have achieved, and obtained up to this point, take an inventory, so you can decide what direction you want, or need to take in the future.

 There is often risk in taking new opportunities. If you decide to not engage in risk, you may take the safer softer way, but may find yourself stagnating, and unhappy.
Taking a break to contemplate, is a good idea, in order to evaluate, and assess your present circumstance.

You reap just what you sow, which you have done. Enjoy the fruit and rewards of your efforts, however take some time to assess with care and forethought, to make certain you are achieving your goals.

Two of Swords - An Open Heart

The Two of Swords represents a delicate balance between opposing forces, which can potentially be destructive, but there is a resolution if one can face reality, and not spend energy in preserving the status-quo keeping up appearances, constantly controlling our emotions. This will wear you out, and you will be neither happy, nor unhappy. There will be no growth or movement forward. It is will be a stalemate.

The message of the Two of Swords is, keep your heart open, and this will give peace and wholeness deep within your being.

I have often heard it said, if you do not deal with your emotions they will deal with you.
It was once explained to me, by a spiritual mentor, that stuffing our feelings is like a bed spring that has popped up through a mattress. You step on the spring to press it back down, and then another spring pops up. This continues until you run out of limbs to keep the springs down, and they are popping up everywhere.

Suppressing our emotion, and not facing the truth, over a long period of time, can lead to a very unhealthy emotional state of mind, creating confusion and grief, to ourselves and often to those around us.
 Initially we are aware that we are suppressing our emotion but after years of doing so, we end up with repressed feelings, that we don't even know we are carrying them around, buried deep within in our psyche. This state can lead to mental and emotional breakdowns, leaving our lives completely unraveled. There can be much good that comes out of adversity, but a destructive situation can be prevented if you deal and accept your feelings. It's good to unhook from the merry-go-round of work, and from the storms of life. Taking ourselves to a quiet, peaceful environment, that will provide serenity  so we can reflect, and do nothing but sit by a stream or on the banks of a river, so we can listen, to that still quit voice, and to begin to open our heart.

Eight of Swords - Patience

When I was in grade nine, I remember hearing my Geography teacher say under her breath, but loud enough for me to hear, she said, " Patience is a virtue ". The class was about to drive the poor woman over the edge.

We have all felt this way some time in our lives when we are tested, to the point that it felt we were at the end of our rope, and our patience is wearing thin. It is then, that we have to stay the course, dig our heels in, and find that reserve, to draw on our inner resources to persevere, and some how find the patience we need to overcome, whatever circumstance. If you don't, the situation will get much worse, and you very may well regret it, ending up in a worse mess.

You cannot ignore this situation, and you need to face it square on, even if there is nothing to be done. Coming to terms with reality, and going through whatever the challenge is the only way out.

The Eight of Swords portrays a situation of being in bondage through fear of the consequences. Fear will paralyze, rendering you incapable of moving forward, and you know it. You know you have played a part in creating this dilemma, and need to honestly accept responsibility for what you have contributed to this situation. There is a solution possible, but there is a need to try to understand what it is you want, and take action in order to change it for the better.

Four of Swords - Inner Vision

Swords represent the intellect, and where reason prevails over emotions, and they cut through muddled thought, bringing clarity. Swords are also associated with the element of air, and with the air signs of the Zodiac: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

A quiet time is needed for reflection, to look within the self, after some disruptive event or conflict. The still quiet voice is always there at our disposal, if we choose to listen. This voice gives strength in times of weakness, solitude and peace in the midst of turmoil, and gives us the calm we need after the storm, for reflection.

 The main message in the Four of Swords, the card I have drawn for today is that, it's time for a break, take an introspective inventory if what is and isn't working, ask yourself, what it is you want to change. The time we take to be quiet and introspective, will clear our thoughts, enable discernment and intuition to surface, so we can make better decisions, and clarify our perspective.

It is vital to know and understand what it is we can and cannot change in life. Taking the time to withdraw and be introspective will help us to understand and know the difference between what we can and cannot change. Withdrawing from the pressures of life, will make all the difference in our lives, especially after, and even during chaotic, difficult circumstances.

The Queen of Wands - Creative Imagination

 
I am very fond of the the Queen of Wands, especially because she is full of creative imagination. To me she is the Wild Woman.
 Often referred to as the Sunshine Lady, however not a stereotypical Pollyanna personality, that many a cynic make fun of, but she has a depth and strength of character, exhibiting a conviction that all will be well. She wears the world as a loose garment with a stable, self-contained, energetic nature.
She neither chases false dreams or illusions, and is her own person, who has a self-confident independence.
Many are attracted to her magnetic and loyal personality, as she is full of life and warmth that she brings to all around her.
 The Queen of Wands does not shrink away from challenge, makes her opinions known, and is a natural born leader, inspiring others. The element of Fire reflects a commanding feminine energy. The Queen of Wands asks of  us to be bold, courageous and determined in all we do.

The darker side to the Queen's personality can be reflected through character defects, such as stubbornness. Because of her ambition and being driven by getting what she wants, she often tries to be superwoman, which can lead to burn out. She may even make a few enemies, along the way to achieving her goals, which are born out in overbearing tendencies and in her fiery, quick temper. 

Page of Pentacles - Thirst For Knowledge

The suit of Pentacles are connected with all things of the earth and our physical selves, they are also associated with all the earth signs of the Zodiac: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

There is always a message to be found in the Page. Pages represent brand new beginnings, youth, unmarried, inexperienced individuals and the novice.

The scholar is represented in this card who has a thirst, and pursuit for knowledge. We can be educated but not necessarily have a thirst for knowledge, resulting in an educated fool. This person is careful, uses common sense, and diligently applies a love of learning and education, which can lead to an eventual vocation if the individual stays the course.
 Many of us start a new hobby or interest with great enthusiasm, however may fail to persevere, we can get lost in the details, and drown in our thirst for knowledge.

If we want to achieve and actualize our long term goals, this individual needs encouragement and mentoring in order to develop the intellect, that imaginative temperament over the duration of time, through creative nurturing care, and kindness.

Being connected to and with the earth, gives a strong foundation to creative learning, as there is a need to balance the mind with our physical selves, and overall health. The mind, body and spirit are all vital to our overall sense of well being and health. By keeping physically active, and spending time with nature, this affects all the other aspects of our lives in a positive way.

Outdoor learning in and about our natural world and environment, can be one of the best kinds of learning for everyone.

The message in the Page of Pentacles is, a thirst for knowledge, enables us to persevere in our pursuit for education, only if we are honest with ourselves, open minded and have a willingness to learn.

Two of Cups - Love

I've been doing a lot of thinking and day dreaming lately, which could be a dangerous thing! But, before I leave myself open to revealing my vulnerable feelings, I will simply tell you about the card I drew this morning. I don't think it's too hard to read between the lines.

That said, the Two of Cups is about connections, friendship, love, passion and romance. Eek! Of course this card does not always mean romance, it can signify friendships and connections as well.
Here, the Two of Cups portrays the meeting between the god Eros, and the mortal Psyche. It is a sad quandary Eros has gotten himself in, accidentally pricking his finger with the arrow he carries , which causes him to fall in love with the woman he has been ordered to kill!

The Two of Cups heralds the beginning of a relationship. Perhaps a relationship that has undergone difficulties or separation, and now there is about to be a reconciliation. This relationship is one where each individual is a complete and whole person, having maturity of growth, through life experience. Neither is looking for the other to complete them, nor to be responsible for each other. They are companions comfortable in their own skin, and with one another. They understand each other. This couple has realistic expectations of one another, have their feet firmly planted on the ground, and do not have their heads in the clouds.
This also may indicate the start of a business relationship.

Cups are connected to emotions, relationships, friendship and romance. As well, the suit of cups are associated with the element of water, and the water signs of the Zodiac: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Many of us are fearful of love and friendship, because we know within our hearts, that when we love, we leave our selves open and vulnerable, to being hurt, perhaps having our hearts broken, and ultimately loosing the very person we love through separation, abandonment, and or through death. There are worse things than death, but nothing greater than love. It transcends and heals all things of the heart, and love casts out fear.

" I am afraid of the things that cannot hurt me, and I know it. I yearn for things that cannot help me, and I know it. What I fear is within me, and within me too is what I need. "
                                                                                   
                                                                              -  Chassidic Quote

Knight of Pentacles - Persistance

The love and appreciation of the natural world, taking responsibilities seriously and persistence in finishing what is started , all attributes symbolized by this card.


Pentacles concern our physical selves, and all things connected to the earth; property, work, money and practical matters. Pentacles are also associated with the earth signs of the Zodiac: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. 
 
The Knight is both honourable, dependable, loyal, thorough, and ambitious. The Knight is a lover of the countryside, loves all animals and the wild creatures. He/she is humble and realistic in all they do.

To some, this individual may seem dull and boring, lacking in imagination, as there is nothing really heroic or a glamorous about them. This is not so. Being anchored in steadfastness, having a strong sense of responsibility, exhibiting diligence, being gentle and kind, are all desirable and wise leadership skills and virtues to possess, that are an example for all. We have much to learn from this individual.

I have learned three important things in life that anchor me in good times and bad. Knowing there is power in persistence, prayer and in trust.

Modern Medieval Tarot - Vision Tarot

I thought I'd take a break from my usual Minor Arcana card posts this morning, and share with you interesting information about a some very unique Tarot cards, by two amazingly talented and versatile artists.

 Modern Medieval Tarot  was a collaborative project by Tim Wetherell and Shayn Wetherell .

Vision Tarot by Tim Wetherell was created using traditional photographic methods, using I assume large format film cameras and sculptural models. Tim is also involved in creating with Steam Punk which is a really interesting art expression.

using old fashioned film cameras and lots of sculptural - See more at: http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/vision.html#sthash.bWmNWseB.dpuf

using old fashioned film cameras and lots of sculptural - See more at: http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/vision.html#sthash.bWmNWseB.dpuf

King of Wands - The Hero/Adventurer

The King of Wands is associated with the Fire signs, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. In some decks, he has the Lion at his back, signifying inner strength, prowess, a spirit of leadership and even nobility. He has a power to manifest his creative vision, imagination, and his firery enthusiasm with an infectious personality, is influential on those he meets.

The King is both skillful and wise, has developed his courage, and sense of adventure. He continues to grow, and prosper, but knows there is always room for improvement. His leadership abilities he will serve both at home, and in the workplace.

 He exhibits mastery and self-awareness, reflecting self-control and respect for himself and others. Generosity and kindheartedness is a great strength, innate in the King of Wands. He is both fierce in love and war, and embodies the hero or heroine.

 The individual with this personality needs to guard against impatience, selfishness, not paying attention to detail, and the certainty of always being right. He/she may devalue the quieter and ordinary side of life, considering it to be boring, as the desire for adventure, and action can take priority.

Eight of Wands - Confident Progress & Motivation

 
The release of creative energy is represented in the Eight of Wands. It signifies previous conflicts and struggles faced, riding the rough sea and storms of life. There is triumph in overcoming them, which renews our energy, giving a feeling of buoyancy, confidence and exhilaration. We are confident in progressing forward.

Having healthy conflict and struggle in our lives is often necessary to creativity. We may think at the time, there is something wrong with us, that we are alone in feeling this way regarding our creative struggle. We are not alone. This is common to many people in all walks of life, and in all aspects of life form time to time. We get hitched up on the rocks, tossed around on the waves; we can feel stuck and lost. There is a way through.

I can speak from my own experience as an artist that many, if not all artists, struggle with periods of not having any creative output for one reason or another. It can be troubling and worrisome, as this can give rise to a fear of not picking up a paint brush again, or whatever choice of medium or whatever our vocation.

The best solution I have found is to make an effort to do it anyway. Do something, anything creative to get imagination and motivation flowing again. I have learned we need to make our environment conducive to creativity, or do whatever we can to get us back into the creative stream and to gain our confidence. I have also learned we don't get motivated by waiting around for inspiration. We get motivated by action. This motivates and inspires us, we move forward, and suddenly feel a renewed energy.

 This is why I developed the habitual discipline of writing daily. When I can't seem to paint, I am still keeping that creative tap open and it helps to maintain the flow of my imagination. The discipline of daily writing also provides for me the restriction, and challenge needed to enjoy the progress of creative energy to keep moving forward.