Ace of Cups - Aphrodite and The Realm of The Heart

Oh well, once more it is, the Ace of Cups. I've drawn this card again today. I had a very recent discussion with some fellow Tarot readers regarding cards that we regularly choose in our own daily draws, and what this means. We were all in agreement that it provides an opportunity to dig in deeper and see the card from different a perspective. We may be avoiding certain aspects or issues that the card brings our immediate attention to.
I do believe the reason this happens is because there is a message there that needs addressing. And so, I am going to do this today, as much as it is uncomfortable, and it makes me feel very vulnerable. So be it, I really don't care as I feel ready now to address what it is I have honestly been avoiding.

The message of this card directly points to the issue of love and we meet head on the complex force of nature, the goddess of love, Aphrodite. In Greek myth she is really the mother of all, having created all beings.

In the Mythic Tarot the Ace of Cups signifies new bright beginnings, prompting us to have an open heart and strong faith that implies the law of attraction so to speak.

Okay, I am going to do this, keep my heart open, and have faith. There is a certain someone I am most fond of, who will for personal reasons, remain anonymous. I am quite certain if he ever does read this post, he will quickly realize I am talking about him as being the object of my great affection. We went to University several years ago, and have reconnected over social media after all this time. We haven't seen each other face to face  for almost fourty years! That's a hell of a long time! SO as you can imagine I have all sorts of thoughts, wanderings, maybe a few fantasies. hope, and longings,whirling around in my head, like dancing twirling dervishes!

So that's it, done, and I've put it out with open heart, and faith into the Universe, and I must say I do feel better, and I am ready for a great journey of the realm of the heart.

Five of Cups - When Bad Things Happen

Here in the Five of Cups we see Psyche in full pursuit of Eros. Her joy has turned sour, she is feeling great loss, and even resentment over unfulfilled dreams and her severed relationship with Eros. This Minor Arcana card that I drew today, is about when bad things happen to good people and how we deal with these events. We can choose to withdraw when circumstances beyond our control manifest in negative, or even destructive ways. When we see the glass half empty, or isolate in fear with cynical contempt toward others or toward life in general, in order to protect ourselves from getting hurt, it is not realistic, how to live a happy fulfilled life.

Things can happen directly to us or to others, and can have a profound affect on our lives. I am no different and have had many difficulties and heartaches that have changed me, and my life.

 I once asked an elder wise woman who had several hardships, why bad things happen, and why it seems some folks have more of their share of hardship, heartache and loss.

She shared with me, that when these events happen to us we become different people. We have the opportunity to be more compassionate toward others, and we can help them to overcome the burdens they suffer. We can become stronger individuals from the struggles we endure. Those who have not had this experience can often lack understanding and compassion, or often do not have the same depth of character. When my friend shared her thoughts, it made a lot of sense to me, and my experience had found this to be true. I saw things differently from this point on.

What happens to us in life of course, and how we respond, I must say, depends on our own attitude, our philosophy, and how we actualize this in our daily life. Remorse over unfulfilled dreams or regret, is simply living in the past. Acceptance of our circumstances and appreciation of life, and all that it has to offer makes the difference.

 If of course we have overwhelming feelings and thoughts, that are affecting our mental health, beyond our control, we have to find and seek help, and those around us hopefully, will help us, to help ourselves. We can not say to people, I know things are difficult, but just  be positive and things will improve, like Pollyanna. It is just not that simple for so many of us.

I cannot help but think of the association Glenn Close helped to initiate called, BringChange2mind or Robin Williams and how he suffered silently with a smile on his face, making others laugh like none other on earth.

 I can't say that we can  prevent another from depression, addiction and any other circumstance or malady. However we cannot stick our heads in the sand, in denial, pretending that is does not exist, or that someone does not need our support, help, acceptance and most of all our love.

Bad things do happen to us, but so do good things, and they are worth fighting for in life.

Three of Cups - The Blue Bird of Happiness

Initial completion is what in all of the Threes of every suit represents. The Three of Cups augers the first part of the journey that heralds promise, and emotional fulfillment, love and happiness. Eros the god of love, is close behind Psyche's groom, whom she can not see. Psyche is in her bridal gown, and the nymphs holding the cups toward the couple in happy and joyous celebration.

It is a revelation of life to find out what we naively thought would make us happy once upon a time, changes as we age. When I was a girl of about 11 or 12, I was certain having breasts was going to make me happy. I dreamt of  wearing long necklaces draped over my bosom, I would be twenty, and  be a happy adult, as opposed to being an unhappy powerless kid. Wow, if it had been that easy I would be well happy by now!

I also believed if I could have a horse I would be happy, and I wanted to have a "normal " family. Neither of these things happened, however along with my ideas of happiness my dreams also changed, and this was a good thing.

I dislike that word normal. Normal does not mean happy, and happiness has nothing to do with normality. Frankly, I am not even sure what normalcy is. I know what happiness is for me. Happiness is sometimes an elusive thing, and certainly is different for everyone. Mostly I think it is living and appreciating the moment, and being grateful. Living in the past, or projecting into the future, is not where we find happiness. I now can take responsibility for my happiness, and that feels real good. This a great big life changing lesson, because it is based on reality, not on chasing castles in the sky, and not on having pipe dreams, or searching and expecting someone or something else other than ourselves to bring us happiness. It just ain't gonna happen!

The message of the Three of Cups is, to remember that, our initial feelings of joy and bliss are always changing along the path. The journey is not finished, and hard work lies ahead, but we can fully enjoy happiness in all it's human and divine promise, now.

Seven of Wands - The Struggle of the Underdog

Unlike here in the Seven of Wands, where we see a competitive and evenly matched fight, the struggle of the underdog is all too often not a fair fight.

Our world seems to be in a battle that has historically resulted in socioeconomic problems affecting marginalized individuals within our society. As well, environmental and climate change are all serious issues that usually involve the underdog, fighting government and corporate power. Unfortunately this battle revolves around financial gain and exploitation.

My grandfather who was a humble and very wise man always said, 'The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. ' I do believe this to be generally true, but this does not mean that we can afford to cease to have hope and no longer fight the good fight for the principles of social justice.

 The worst thing we can do, is to sit on our laurels because we have become apathetic, cynical or fearful in demoralizing defeat. We must have the conviction of our beliefs, have courage and learn our value as human beings, knowing that we all deserve and have a right to fight for justice and dignity. We must advocate for, and have faith in ourselves and in others.

The saying, ' It's a dog eat dog world ' may certainly appear very true in our competitive society.  There will always be envy and competition and it is something we must accept.
 I am not saying competition is a negative thing, only when it is destructive and infringes or exploits the rights of another. We need to support, and encourage each other in loving kindness, in order to make for a kinder,  more hopeful world, in service of peace and freedom.

Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers,
But to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain,
But for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not look for allies in life's battlefield,
But to my own strength.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved,
But hope for the patience to win my freedom.
Grant me that I may not be a coward,
feeling your mercy in my success alone,
But let me find the grasp of your hand in my failure.

                                                                               -  Rabindranath Tagore

 

Queen of Pentacles - The Heroine

Here she is again, the Queen of Pentacles. Seated on a golden throne, a dark haired beauty with a sensuously draped russet robe, and a golden crown upon her head. She has something to say to women, and is saying it emphatically. This card has much to say to me presently.

It is said, a woman's hair is her glory, her spiritual power is in her hair, symbolic of fertility and love. I'm not sure about all this, however, in the Tarot, she is our inner Queen full of generosity, wealth, a patron of the arts and charity. She really is the Earth Mother I'd call her.
  She is the Heroine engaged in the journey. The message she has to tell us I believe, can save women from themselves.

Two of Pentacles - Change and Fluctuation

In the Two of Pentacles we see Daedalus at his work table with all the tools of his trade. He is busy and committed to developing his skills and reputation.

Pentacles concern our physical selves and all things connected to the earth, property, work, finance and practical matters. Most people are usually juggling all these things at once, and trying to keep all their ducks in a row. It is essential to keep grounded if we have a creative drive for material gains. In order to do this we have to take risks, and put whatever resources we have, to work if we want to makes changes necessary for growth.

 I think there is only one thing that does not change in life, that's change and fluctuation. You always hear, change is a good thing. I believe generally, change is good for us, though it certainly may not feel this way. We have to find ways and means to prepare ourselves for change and learn to go with the flow.

The path of least resistance I am not a fan of, and sometimes it is a good thing to resist change. When I think of change, the first thing that comes to mind is the Serenity Prayer. This for me has been, and continues to be the most important prayer I can make. It's all about acceptance, courage and wisdom in knowing what I can and cannot change. It is however essential to have the flexibility to be open to new ideas, and to be willing to take risks in utilizing one's talents. This is not always easy, but the most important thing for me really, is to say this prayer everyday, because this is what helps to prepare me for change and fluctuation.

Like Daedalus most people are usually juggling many things at once, trying to keep all their ducks in row. It is essential to keep grounded if we have a creative drive for material gain. The old adage of " Money makes money " I believe to be true. If we don't have the financial resources to do this, we still have to take risk, be adaptable and to put whatever resources we have to work, but with discerning wisdom to know what we can and cannot do or change.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. --Reinhold Niebuhr

King of Swords - Patience

I am feeling very grateful today and the King of Swords affirms and clarifies this for me.
There's been worry lately, and I know it is a useless thing, and it can show a luck of trust, but like all human beings, I can't seem to help myself sometimes. I can feel like Alice trying to find my way through Wonderland having to deal with all those creatures and weird folk.

 I may not actively engage in worry it is as much as I used to, but it lurks there, in the corner of my mind, poking it's head round the corner to stare at me like the Red Queen. Well what are you looking at?! Stop starring I say!

But worry has taken a break and stopped staring for a while. Today I am feeling very hopeful and positive. What comes to my mind is the adage or proverb that says " Good things come to he who waits. "  Or what I heard in the 12 Step rooms of recovery, " Courage is fear that has said it's prayers " - Karl Barth

The King of Swords is a card of leadership, of strength and having the ability to provide good counsel to others, being compassionate and kind.  Unfortunately, many of us can't seem to take care of ourselves for many reasons and this can be very problematic, damaging, and hurtful to the mind, body, and spirit.
 And so we have to take good care of ourselves, the best way we know how. Sometimes this involves swallowing our false pride, being patient, and trusting that the God of our understanding will some how come to our aid. This requires faith and trust, not the easiest thing to do when you are between a rock and a hard place.

The King of Swords is a card of action and intelligence, where reason prevails over emotion. Swords clarify and cut through muddle thought.

Patience is a virtue. We must be especially patient with ourselves, which perhaps may be the most important aspect of being a compassionate, kind and good leader.

Queen of Pentacles - Abundance and Sensuality

The Queen of Pentacles is the just the card that confirms and an affirms what I need today. I'm not exactly there yet financially, in that I don't have a stable income. I am however striving to create balance in my life between  mind, body and spirit.
 Far from being financially prosperous like the Queen, I do feel secure within myself generally speaking, and this is a good feeling, and I want to be generous toward others, especially in a supportive and compassionate way. I am a down to earth person, like the Queen of Pentacles, relate and connect to others in this way.

My personal strengths were imparted to me. I was very blessed in my life to have had a mentor, my mother, who generously helped me get to where I am now at this point in my life. She was and is a great example and the epitome of what the Queen of Pentacles represents to me.  My mother became that secure and independent woman after many years of difficulty, hardship and struggle. A single woman who was rich, strong in spirit and generously shared her abundance of life with her messed up daughter, her family and with others. She was what I would call a mother's mother, embodying what the Queen of Pentacles asks of us; to be compassionate, nurturing, practical, down-to-earth in our attitude when relating to others, and in whatever the circumstance. My mother was stable, resourceful, realistic, versatile, loved life and was spiritual. She always was able to find solutions in an uncomplicated way.

I will conclude this post by relating to you a meaningful and affectionate memory I have, that for me, expresses the kind of woman my mother was. My mother loved dance and music, as she was a singer and a musician.
She had told me that she belly danced in the privacy of her own bedroom, by herself. This revealed to me how she was connected to the sensuality of her own body and to the earth, like the Queen of Pentacles. When she first told me she belly danced, myself being a teenager at this time, I was amazed, and a little shocked.
 Later in my own life I became a belly dancer. It was one of the best things I ever did for myself. It greatly enriched my life, my sense of self-value, acceptance of my body and connection with the earth. Challenging my self physically, affirmed my own Queen of Pentacles within.

Baubo The Belly Goddess - Egg Tempera - Catherine Meyers, 2013

Ace of Cups - Overwhelm

What am drawn to about the Ace of Cups is all that foaming water, which signifies emotion and turbulent upheaval. As well, that over sized Cup contains all that emotion. It is easy to get carried away in a frenzy of passionate emotion whether they be positive or negative.

 It's a good card for me today, as a clarifying reminder, and confirmation of the state I can get myself into if I don't use the tools I have, to remain in a state of balance. The calm in the midst of the stormy sea of worry, regret, panic and all the rest that we are be confronted within life.

 This card is about relationships and the realms of the heart, but certainly not at the exclusion of the relationship with myself. This relationship I know, needs to be one of real self-care, and self-awareness, in order to have the best relationship I can have with others.

We can have all those tools at our disposal. Thing is, we need to remember to use and apply them. If we can just stay still long enough to listen to that still quiet voice, that is our intuition, if we can just give ourselves a chance, and even permission to take a break, and find that quiet inner core of our being. This is where the source of the calm springs from, and can give solace to the soul, quell that storm of the day, and help us to be ready for that force of nature.

If I don't use these tools to deal with my emotion, my emotion will deal with me. I have learned this lesson the hard way over my life. I still have much to learn.

King of Cups - The Wounded Healer

Synchronicity has caused me to draw the King of Cups today, after having drawn the Queen of Cups yesterday. The Wounded Healer is the best way to describe this King, as he cares and helps so many, but some how is unable to care for, or heal himself.

Like many of us that work in the human service professions, or simply in our everyday lives we can make great allowances for others, and do as much as we can to counsel and or assist them in whatever way we can. This is a wonderful gift to have empathy and compassion toward others.
However there is a problem that arises, when we are not the same way toward ourselves. It leads to burn out, and you can easily be taken advantage of, perhaps because there is a problem with being able to say no. Self-care and taking responsibility for our own happiness is essential, if we are going to be in a position to really help another.

The message is an important one in the King of Cups. It is not healthy to project our problems and unconsciously try to work them out, through others.

We need to be able to trust in our own personal life, so we can have fulfilling relationships.  To do our own healing by seeking help, and doing what is necessary in order to get healthy and happy, is the only way to ensure that one does not cheat the self, otherwise we will do more harm than good, and perhaps lose the very thing we desire.

The Queen of Cups - The Feminine Heroine

Oh she's a grand lady, the Queen of Cups. She's loving, fertile and an emotionally generous woman. She drinks deeply from the cup of life. Her emotions and sexuality flow like water and both are intense. She lives in the inner world of feeling, bottomless and unfathomable. She is beautiful Helen of Troy, the women in the card of the Lovers. I like to think of her as a feminist, and understanding that the personal is political.

This card is very timely and fitting for me, as I am reading a book The Heroine's Journey that speaks of this Queen who represents the deepening and development of the ultimate feminine soul qualities of the individual, her inner life relies on her intuition before her intellect. The Queen of Cups lives the Heroine's Journey.

So much of our identity comes from our mother, in positive or negative ways. Society's perception of the feminine has been distorted, based on a masculine perception, both historically and culturally. This is often why so many women perceive themselves, without confidence or belief in themselves, and not wanting to fully embrace their real identity, because their identity is not masculine. Understanding the Queen of Cups within ourselves, can help us to embrace our real feminine nature.

The Heroine’s Journey by Nazim Artist

Ten of Pentacles - Stability & Foundation

Life is fleeting, and very often unstable in that we can't control what happens. We don't ever know what the future has in store. I have come to understand and believe the only stability we really have is within ourselves, that flows from the well spring of faith, to find meaning in whatever happens and it is wise to learn about how to develop trust, faith and persistence.

If we are fortunate enough to be blessed with good health, we will hopefully enjoy our lives into an older age. We can come to a point in life, were we don't have to wait until we are an elder to have many lessons learned under our belts, and content and find stability in the now.

Here in the Ten of Pentacles we see an older man, Daedalus, closely surrounded by generations of his family, representing  a dynasty of sorts. He now has a legacy that he can pass down to his loved ones. There is a sense of permanence, security and safety in what he has achieved personally and professionally. He has much to impart to others with wisdom, and perhaps in material possessions, which will endure, and be passed on to others because has built a good foundation from a life well lived.

The Ten of Pentacles is a card of hope and optimism in a world that seems unstable, and without strong foundation.

Three of Swords - Recovery

The Three of Swords is a card of pain and like all threes in the Tarot deck it signifies completion.The pain has come to the surface, and is a release of energy, so the path is clear to move forward toward recovery and celebration. There is separation and conflict, and indicates an inability to see, because of self-deception and fantasy.

Being sixty one feels great. The blinders are now off and my 'give a shit' has stopped working. The heart ache and pain of the past is behind me, though it still hurts from time to time. Regardless, I am now more comfortable, and confident in my skin, even though life can be problematic, it is a relief to know I can accept,  cope with it and thrive.

 I know I am healing along the continuum. I can care for myself and take responsibility for my own happiness. I now look to the future resolved with optimism. It is a good feeling, as opposed to my younger days, when I felt  insecure and emotionally unhealthy, and most of all, heartbroken.

Presently I am reading the Heroine's Journey by Maureen Murdock. It is helping me to understand myself and the reason's why I behave the way I do as a woman, and what lead to my heartache and pain. One particular statement I read really struck me, and made me think on a unconscious level from an early age I knew this to be true. This I am certain I have always loved dancing, it somehow connected me with the divine.

" Women access their spirituality through movement and body awareness, so a denial of the body inhibits the heroine's spiritual development. She ignores her intuition and dreams and pursues the safer activities of the mind. "

Knight of Swords - Changing Our Perspective

When I drew this card today, thought, I'll put that one back, but then I thought, no this card speaks of the sign Gemini which is my astrological sign. I then impulsively ran outside to get the humungous amounts of grass clippings I had left from mowing over the past three days. The grass had gotten way out of hand. After that I came in and started this post.

This impulsiveness is typical in this Knight of Swords. He runs in like a bull in a china shop wanting, to save the day or causes turmoil like a house on fire. The mercurial character in the card augers sudden change which can be most welcome and can really excite some folks or be very disconcerting to others, because the routine have been disrupted and the apple cart has been upset, which can be a positive or negative.

As a Gemini, I understand the my capacities and the character defects of my dual nature, which is represented in the Knight of Swords that illustrates two men on a horse, identical twins, known as Dioscuri. Castor was mortal and Polydeuces was divine.

Knight of Swords is the one that is the charmer, the Don Juan of the romantic legend. He is the eternal youth, always changing, in search of the next adventure, and can't stay still for long, or he will get board. Some individuals may possess more of this impulse then others.
I am one of those that needs to be weary of this intensely attractive individual, because I will no doubt get my heart broken.

One thing is sure, change is good, even if it might not be seem positive when it is happening. Change can boot us out of our comfort zone, will change our perspective and broaden out vision in one way or another, giving clarity to gain control over our emotion and grow as individuals.

The Hermit - The Way To Wisdom

I love the Hermit card, as I have always had a thirst to understand spiritual matters. This is a card of strong healing, as a result of solitude, loneliness, patience, and from which comes, insight and understanding.

 Who is this Hermit? He is the ancient God Cronos, who's name means time. The Fool, the first Major Arcana card of the Tarot deck, has four moral lessons to learn, and the last of these, is the lesson of time within the cycle of life, and the lesson of mortality.

Deciding to move to the countryside, being in close contact with nature, has allowed me to focus my mind and heart. Through quite reflection, and the solitude of living alone has provided me with serenity amidst the storms of life.

Spending my childhood and early youth, and early adulthood in the city, I understand all that it has to offer. As an adult I came to the realization I was unhappy, and that I was the only person responsible for my own happiness. After asking myself, when was I the happiest in life, the answer came to me immediately. It was when I spent hours in the country. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to now live in rural Nova Scotia for twenty years.

Some folks don't understand why someone would want to live in the country. I understand why folks want to live in more urban city locations, but I know I would be very unhappy, and out of touch with that serenity and solace, that I had longed for since I was a child.

There is a deep part of my soul that has become the Hermit, and believe this is why I identify with this card so much.

 I think of the wise words that the late Robin Williams echos my thoughts and feelings about the Hermit.

  " I used to think the worst thing in life is to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone." 

Canada Geese - The View From My Studio - Catherine Meyers Photography

Eight of Wands - Carp Diem

Like Eight of the Wands we are all 'The Captain' of our own vessels traversing, and trying to maneuver the wild ocean waters of life.
We all face struggles and conflict, which can help or hinder our creativity. Some of us are overwhelmed, and there is not the help available that enables us to navigate through the rough seas over the passing of time.

Time passes quickly. " It seems just like yesterday. " " Life is short, and the older you get the faster time passes. " These are all statements I heard from my elders when I was a youngster. Now I find myself thinking and saying the same. Life can change in an instant, and we can get left behind. Carp Diem I always remember from Robin Williams film, The Dead Poets Society. There are universal truths in life and Carp Diem is certainly one of the more important ones.
 If you know someone that seems is struggling on rough seas, or that might be overwhelmed, reach out to give them a hand up, before they drown. Don't hesitate, seize the moment, you may just save their life, or maybe even your own.

O Captain! My Captain!

By Walt Whitman

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

                         But O heart! heart! heart!

                            O the bleeding drops of red,

                               Where on the deck my Captain lies,

                                  Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,

For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

                         Here Captain! dear father!

                            This arm beneath your head!

                               It is some dream that on the deck,

                                 You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,

The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;

                         Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

                            But I with mournful tread,

                               Walk the deck my Captain lies,

                                  Fallen cold and dead.

Page of Wands - Time To Get A Backbone!

Being assertive is a hard life lesson for many of us. Most it seems, learn to either be aggressive or passive in our families of origin.

As Canadians, we are often self-deprecating, and make fun of ourselves, always apologizing and chronically saying "sorry". There is a funny element to this, but is also a kind of sad commentary.

I think humour is often our outlet, and maybe why we are known for our comedians. Comedy can be aggressive, misplaced, diverted anger and I understand that, being a huge comedy fan, but it needs to be more than hiding behind the mask of satyr, and cynicism.

Learning to use humour to get my message across,  I also have learned and am still learning, how to be assertive, and not fall into the black hole of apathy. Aggression and passivity are my enemies, and so here in the Page of Wands, is the message to let your voice be heard. If we do not speak up, then what ever is bothering us festers, and we can become bitter. If someone is really creating a problem or disruption and we don't tell them how we are feel about it, we don't give them the opportunity to change their behaviour.

The Page of Wands also encourages us to realize, that it's time to discover a new creative capacity within. Restlessness or a vague feeling of dissatisfaction may be present. It is important to pay attention to these feelings, and to take them seriously and to nurture these harbingers of creative inspiration.

It is essential that I listen and encourage my own inner voice as well, and not let it be squelched out by the noise, resentment and things that cause me to loose my focus. Time to get a backbone!

The Fool - The Journey Begins

The Fool exits the solitude, and isolation of the cave wide eyed, with an open heart and mind. He is not afraid of risk, and is full of enthusiastic, contagious optimism.
He has all the tools he needs, and energy abounds within his carefree being, with pure intentions. Willing to leap into the unknown, and to start anew, he is eager to develop his capacities and potential. Lacking in foresight and being naive, makes no matter, as he is ready for the journey, the journey of life, and he is not fearful of getting lost along the way.


I have to say I love The Fool. For me, my identification with him goes back to my early life of studying Mime, and Commedia dell'Arte. Originally back in the late 70s, I had hoped to travel to a beautiful place called Paris Maine, to study with Tony Montanaro at the Celebration Barn. Instead due to financial, and geographical constraints, I went to Toronto and studied Commedia dell'Arte.

There are no regrets really, but I so do wish I had the chance to have met and studied with Tony. I believe he was one of a kind. A man who understood what it really meant to be The Fool, with humour, humility and humanity.

 The Fool has an ancient history. which I believe is very worth learning about, because there is much to learn from these so called agents of change, as the journey begins.

Ace of Cups - Athene's Owl

Well I don't think there is a card that seems more positive in meaning, upon first impression, as the Ace of Cups. Don't get me wrong there are many positives about this card, but don't be deceived, Athene can have her character defects, and a dark side.

The beautiful goddess is full of complexities, is the essence of feminine beauty, she can also be, just as treacherous, vindictive, jealous, vain, and lazy. She is truly a force of nature, and raw energy.
Athene is the initiating power behind the love story between Eros and Psyche. 


In this card the realm of the heart is apparent, and greatly indicated. This cup is overflowing, causing one to take the plunge into the beginnings of a relationship. The individual is ready to embark on the journey of love, which can be very overwhelming, and in all likelihood, very risky.

Athene rises from the turbulent waves of sea foam, holding the extremely big cup, indicating an upheaval of emotion, in one hand, toward the heavens. The other hand, she holds close to her chest in hesitation, and perhaps resistant caution.


All that said, allowing emotion to rule over our decisions and actions, can be dangerous, leading to hurt, and heart break. Even if the object of your affection is making efforts to initiate interest, this does not mean it's a sure thing. Taking and making, time for relationship over a period of time is prudent, and wise, otherwise love is blind and fool hearty.

 It is best to be like the little wise owl that represents or accompanies Athene on her shoulder, as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and discernment.

Page of Pentacles - Values

The Page of Pentacles is one of my very favourite cards because it's about being connected to the earth and having a thirst for knowledge.
 
Yesterday I had the wonderful experience of meeting two of my relatives ( cousins) I had never met before. One was in his 60s, a music teacher, and the other was just 20 years old, working as a barrista, and is attending University, studying political science.

They had come all the way from the West coast of Canada. We had some great conversation, lots of laughter, and of course it got me thinking about my family and why I am so grateful for them. My family's  values reflect a connection with the earth, loving nature, and all that it has to offer, the thirst for knowledge and learning about the arts and the world.

When I went to art college back in the 70s, I had the wonderful painting teacher, Dana Loomis, who imparted to me, a great foundation for learning, about art and the world, when he gave our class a required reading, Zen and The Art of Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. It was a book about values, classical and romantic thought, rational and irrational thought and how it is essential to have a balance between the two. It is also about how we can't have one without the other for comprehending our values. This book influenced me greatly throughout my life, and continues to do so.

 “We have artists with no scientific knowledge and scientists with no
artistic knowledge and both with no spiritual sense of gravity at all,
and the result is not just bad, it is ghastly.”
― Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values 

Artist: Dana Loomis
Title: Attributes of Art
Year: 1984
Medium: Oil on Canvas,
Size: 40 in. x 46 in. (101.6 cm x 116.84 cm)

Oil on canvas, "Summer Chance" 1977., 32" x 24"

Ace of Wands - Energy Abounds - My Inner Turtle

Really?

Zeus represents the unseen creative power and energy of the imagination.

It can be difficult to focus on the creative endeavours when you are feeling burdened, overwhelmed, and stressed.

 This is the second time the Ace of Wands has come up in the past eight days.
I've been struggling to get my house in order, and it's been a real challenge finding the energy and trying to get out of my own way. I know it is one of the main reasons I have been feeling stressed and I feel at times I'm living in the "hurry up an wait" world.

 I don't function very well when my house is messy, and I feel that things are getting out of control. I've always equated my state of mind with my surroundings, in that the messy mind, is a messy house, and vice versa. Granted I have been making strides slowly. I'm trying to be patient with myself, with persons, places and things.

 The most important thing I believe, is that I am making steady progress. I worry and have anxiety and get impatient.  So, today I turned it all over to the God of my understanding. This is an important thing for me to do, not just when I am  feeling stressed or in some kind of crisis, but I need to practice a daily maintenance. I compare it to making a daily deposit into my spiritual bank, so I have resources to draw upon, when I really need it. I know my spiritual wellness, is directly proportional to my daily spiritual practices, and maintenance.

 That said, I am excited about my creative endeavours that are slowly starting to spring to life, as the Ace of Wands indicates. There is inspiration, and new beginnings. I know I have the power within, to envision a future potential different than my present reality and am learning to live in the now.

I trust in my intuition, and that new things are possible. I have regained my energy and connected with my inner turtle! Slow and steady wins the race.

Eight of Pentacles - Ambition

Here we see the young apprentice Daedalus working hard at developing his skills and he will be rewarded for his effort because he is dedicated and very focused.
Being conscientious is an essential quality if you want to advance, in whatever your vocation. We will be rewarded for our efforts, and care. That's the way it's supposed to work. Unfortunately this isn't always true, in the monetary sense of reward. So, what is a person to do if you are looking to be rewarded, but you receive little or nothing in return?

Life and society are like this, we aren't always rewarded or punished for our behaviours. The truth is we can be punished for good behaviour, and rewarded for bad. If we expect to be rewarded, disappointment and disillusion can often follow, if the choices we've made are not prudent.

So, we have to find our internal reward, making sure not to set ourselves up for unrealistic expectations, or to allow others to take advantage of us. Believing in our capacities and honing our skills will help to prepare us.

Ambition is a positive thing, but can be a negative character defect, if we allow it to take over our lives, in our pursuit of material gain, leaving us feeling unfulfilled, and unhappy.

 Not only is is wise to develop the skills relative to our vocation, we must have the inner skills to acquire the balance that will allow us to persist, and dedicate ourselves to our success.

 Everyone experiences a period of time, that is called a 'mid-life crisis.' This can result in creative stagnation if we don't continue to take risks, because we are fearful, anxious about losing the security and stability already established. If we can transition through this time, it will result in an enthusiastic renewal, pursuing interests in learning new things.

Whether or not we are ambitious, we will always need to take risk, but not in a fool hearty manner.. Trusting our intuition, having a willingness to be willing, with an open heart and mind, will enable us to actualize our dreams. Last but not least, being grateful will give bring us happiness and success, leaving the world a better place. I think this is a great ambition.
 

King of Wands - Ah Ha! Oh Oh!

I know who this is. I wasn't expecting this card, but then the cards don't lie. But there it is looking me in the face this morning.
 The leader, he can shape the world's events. He's Mr. Creative, the adventurer and the charmer, with the infectious personality. When I think about this as being the ideal man, I think about my late big brother Ralph and my loving late husband Bill. I also think about a gentleman of leisure, the late great Jessie Winchester.

I heard this beautiful anonymously written Arabic poem yesterday that I so love, and here it is. Only bit I don't care for is the "slave" word. Maybe servant-leader would be a better word? Because to me if you are a slave to love you are not free.

“ You are free
You are free before the noon day sun.
You are free before the moon,
and you are free before the stars.
And you are free when there is no sun
And when there is no moon,
and when there isn’t a single star in the sky.
But you are a slave,
You are a slave to the one you love,
Because you love him
And you are a slave to the one you love because he loves you back. "― unknown Arabic poet

The King of Wands  full of passion, seizes the day and is ready to take on the world. The King is a self-starter, who has the strength to back up his own ideas and is full of creative energy. He's honest, a dependable man of action, generous and kindhearted. He's just pretty irresistible.
Ok, I admit it, I give in, I love this man! I'm done!

Seven of Cups - Discernment

 

 Psyche petitions Aphrodite with prayer, for help in matters of love. Aphrodite concedes, and guarantees   being there to help her, but not without making certain demands, and confronts Psyche, who will have to work hard in order to reunite with Eros.

Though Psyche has been given the green light, her fantasy and dreams will not enable this reality. Only with time, dedication to the tasks at hand, and being able to actualize what she desires, is the only way her goals will be realized, and this requires the risk of being humiliated and hurt.

Love always carries risk, and the possibility of getting our hearts broken. We choose what we want to do, and we cannot foresee the future, and there are no guarantees when it comes to love or life.
 In order to make careful decisions, discernment and having a willingness to commit to the work needed to be done, is what will enable us to move forward.

 I don't think love should have to be so difficult. But then again life is difficult, it can be humiliating, and full of suffering, but if we utilize what ever tools we have at our disposal, we are more prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. There will always be challenges, and obstacles to overcome, that never changes.

 Love can be scary, and we have to discern whether it is worth the effort or risk, depending on what or whom we think we love and we must be ready for love with much forethought, having an open and balanced heart. We need to make the connections with what we value and hold dear.

I've heard it said that the longest path is the one between the head and heart. Patience, faith, and perseverance will be our light to illuminate our way.