Eight of Pentacles - The Apprentice

No I'm not talking about you know who, Donald Trump on the Apprentice! Definitely not, but Donald Trump's got a few things in common with Daedalus, who was extremely prideful, jealous, cold heart-ed, impulsive, quick tempered and I suspect very sleep deprived.

The Eight of Pentacles is a card of change, education and engagement and here we see Daedalus in the role of the apprentice. He's dedicated to working at his craft and he conscientiously applies himself to achieve the skills he needs to be successful and happy. But I ask, is he really happy?

Being conscientious does relate to every aspect of our lives, but we aren't human doings, we are human beings. Though it's essential I believe, to love what you do and do what you love, but more importantly if we love the essence of who we are, embracing the positive and the negative characteristics within our being, it's not only reflected in all that we do and how we live life, but is very evident and reflected especially in our relationships with others.


We aren't simply going to be fulfilled and happy by doing what we love to do if our relationships are not fulfilled and happy, especially the relationship we have with ourselves.

So on this Saint Valentine's Day remember to love yourself, love others and love the God of your own understanding.

Eight of Cups - The Darkest Hour

When I drew this card this morning, I thought, not the Eight of Cups again? I just drew this card of change, disappointment and escapism, three days ago.Why? Then I thought, there's a message here, so I'll dig in to finding out what it is.

Like so many others right now, especially those committed to human rights, I'm preoccupied with the reality of the situation in the US and what it all means to the future of our world. It can be daunting to think about it, but hope will always bring unity overcoming fear and divisiveness.

I'm by nature an optimist and hopeful, but I'm a realist. There is nothing that can drive you mad more that worrying about the past and projecting in the future. So I try hard to refrain from doing either and live in the present, with the decision to change whatever I can.

I heard a song today by Arcade Fire and Mavis Staples which emboldened me with hope in spite of not knowing what the future holds, like Psyche who had fearful feelings of dread and hopelessness. We can not turn back, but we have to walk forward in the power of faith, because we are not alone, and we cannot walk alone.

This may feel like the darkest hour to many, but I do believe in my heart, and soul that the darkest hour is always before dawn.

Six of Pentacles - A Happy Harmonious Day!

The Six of Pentacles is a card of harmony, renewal, a restoration of faith and today, for me it is a card of synchronicity that I've drawn this morning.

 The image seen depicts Daedalus on his knees in front of King Minos of Crete, who presents Daedalus with six golden coins, and is given recognition by the King, who has kept his word, and followed through accordingly with his generousity, sharing his money, and rewards Daedalus after having completed a job well done.

In this life we are not always rewarded for good behaviour. We are often punished for doing good things. Many are rewarded for behaving real bad, like certain politicians I can think of right now...starts with a T ends with a P ;) On the other hand is a heartening thing when we see those who do good,  are rewarded and to see that there is justice in the world.

The online virtual world can be a wonderful way to connect with people almost instantly, and there are many advantages. However there can also be many draw backs. Much of the time you don't always know who you are connecting with, especially when it comes to doing business, because sometimes people don't keep their word, are unkind and even cruel. It can be disheartening, disillusioning and can leave you feeling rather hopeless and cynical about the human condition..

  It's a real good thing to be hopeful toward others and especially with those whom you to do business. It's essential have faith in your own capacities, but it is also essential to have a discerning and wise perspective.

I'm happy to report my faith in humanity and life has been restored today. I have a renewed faith in my own capacity as an artist.
It's a happy harmonious day!

King of Pentacles - We Are All Pilgrims

The King of Pentacles is a good fellow to have in your court. He's a tough self-made man, is excellent at managing business, successful at what he does, and has what is commonly called, the Midas touch, referencing to King Midas, in that, everything he touches turns to gold. Not exactly the Donald Trump type, because Donald likes to fire people, and has really weird hair, but the King of Pentacles can be your best friend, and if you are his partner he'll be devoted to you, and make you his Queen..

The challenge of worldly things and manifesting ambition, is what is represented in the King of Pentacles, however there is a warning. Greed, and material goals cannot be superseded by other aspects of life, especially in relation to higher ideals and spiritual values.

In today's world, we are on a very negative course, using up and spoiling the earth's resources and species, threatening out environment with the never ending climb to the top of the corporate ladder and accumulation of wealth. It is easy for many, to turn away from three quarters of those in the world  who live in dire circumstances and extreme poverty.

 We are all just pilgrims I believe, and we are just passing through. Life is very short, and we have an obligation to our children, and our great grandchildren to leave this world a better place, and there is no room for self-serving greed.

I've always had a deep attraction to the Virginian Appalachia because of how historically, the people are rooted in their land, tradition, beliefs and their deep sense of home.

The King of Pentacles caused me to reflect on a song I listened to, at the library in downtown Toronto, where I lived many years ago. It was a song called, I Am A Poor Pilgrim Of Sorrow, from Classic Mountain Songs, sung in A cappella (Italian for "in the manner of the church" or "in the manner of the chapel"). It deeply touched my soul, and has never left me. There is also a song with a similar melody, A Poor Wayfaring Stranger. I found this version by Eric Bibb who is my favourite Gospel singer and here's his version. It makes me reflect on what is really important in life; not money, success or wealth, but our relationships with ourselves, with others, and the God of our own understanding.