The Lovers - Wayfaring Stranger

This card I drew today I relate to as a Gemini., which is the astrological sign associated with this Major Arcana card, The Lovers. What is represented here is both earthly and divine love, and all the challenges that accompany the choices in love, and the development of the individual. We all are challenged by these choices in love, both earthly and divine.

Today it's become more difficult I believe, to make these choices because we can feel overwhelmed by so many serious pressing problems that we feel pressured by, in an ever complicated world. My thoughts today on Earth Day especially turn toward Earth and Heaven and how they are directly related.

 I ask myself, how do to make Earth more like Heaven? I know I absolutely have to maintain my hope for our world, just as the Creator points to a higher love, that gives us hope.

There's a Capella song recorded by the Smithsonian Folkways in the old English-language religious music in the classic traditional, Appalachian mountain song. I Am a Poor Pilgrim of Sorrow, which I first heard in the public library, when I was living in Toronto back in 1980.

 Way Faring Stranger is no doubt another interpretation of the same song. I find the lyrics hopeful and not so desperate as the first version of I am a Poor Pilgrim of Sorrow. Regardless, this song has stayed with me all throughout my life, because it reminds me to keep focused on a higher love, that offers hope when we are home, in the place where we no longer feel like we are wayfaring strangers.



Wayfaring Stranger - Traditional - Author Unknown

I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world of woe
Yet there's no sickness, toil nor danger
In that fair land to which I go
I'm going there to see my father
I'm going there no more to roam
I am just going o'er Jordan
I am just going o'er home

I know dark clouds will gather o'er me
I know my way is rough and steep
But golden fields lie just before me
Where the redeemed shall ever sleep
I'm going home to see my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is rough and steep
Yet beauteous fields lie out before me
Where God's redeemed, their vigils keep
I'm going there to see my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I'm just a-going over home
I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger
I'm just a-going over home

Nine of Pentacles - The Success of Wrongs and Truths

The Nine of Pentacles portrays Daedalus who is pleased with himself and what he has been able to achieve He has a sense of self-sufficiency and accomplishment in his own eyes. But this card is more than a card of worldly achievement through material success.

With wisdom, knowledge and understanding comes the fruition of success, in the sense that I finally come to a place of self-acceptance. I know the wrongs, but there are also the truths. I'm grateful to find the luxury of spiritual treasures that accompany self-acceptance.

 When ever I find myself in judgment of another I have to remind myself I'm neither superior to anyone or less than. I must also remember there but for the grace of God go I when I find myself annoyed.

Choosing the right path means choosing a life of hope and faith, making something good and beautiful out of the clay of my life, like a good artisan who molds something beautiful.





  

  
Hope In A Hopeless World -
Published on 23 Jul 2014 - Eric Bibb

Baby born in New York City
wrapped in a blanket that's tattered an' worn
mother doin' the best she can
teachin' hope in a hopeless world

eldest son, he stayed in school
listened to his mother, didn't drink or use
yet, every job he wants he gets refused
it takes hope in a hopeless world

lookin' for hope in a hopeless world
searchin' for love in such hateful times
tryin' to stay strong when my mind gets weak
looking for hope in a hopeless world

on the corner stands a young girl
the home she left was from a better part of town
her daddy did things she couldn't talk about
is there hope in a hopeless world?

ya got a quarter for the homeless man?
spare some change for the soldiers
who fought the war
put some money in their hats an' in their tins
give them hope in a hopeless world

lookin' for hope in a hopeless world
searchin' for love in such hateful times
tryin' to stay strong when my mind gets weak
looking for hope in a hopeless world
lookin' for hope in a hopeless world...
tryin' to ease my mind...

we got to listen to the voice inside
that speaks of love - don't compromise
realise time is passin' by
there are mountains to climb,
we can't be standing still

churches are full, but the prayers are not heard
Saturday's child don't wanna go to Sunday School
whatever happened to the Golden Rule
teach them hope in a hopeless world

somebody out there's got to listen
somebody out there's got to know
what I'm talkin' 'bout
raise your hand, raise your hand if you're with me
there's hope in a hopeless world

lookin' for hope in a hopeless world
searchin' for love in such hateful times
tryin' to stay strong when my mind gets weak
looking for hope in a hopeless world
lookin' for hope in a hopeless world...
gotta find love in a hopeless world...

Six of Pentacles - Let The Mothers Step Up

 

Being Mother's Day, the Six of Pentacles is a very appropriate card to draw today. This card symbolizes generousity, harmony, and renewal of faith.

These ideals and qualities are imparted to us by the models and mentors in our lives, in particular our mothers, if they step up to the challenge. They can be powerfully influential, helping us to grow personally and in turn we generously pass this on through our own example in kindness and compassion toward others.We learn to give unconditionally and are rewarded with a deep sense of harmony and peace within ourselves, and hopefully within our world.

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.