Ace of Swords - The Double Edged Sword

 It never ceases to amaze me how accurate the cards are each day I draw from my deck. Prior to actually reading the card, I'll look at it and wonder, how does this relate to my present situation? Then upon careful examination it starts to make sense to me, regardless of how I feel about the card or my present state, which has been a very difficult over the past two weeks. The closer I come to the end the more difficult it seems.



 I see Athene's Ace of Swords as a card of power and potential. Like all swords it cuts through muddled thought and gives clarity. This Ace of Swords is even more powerful, because I'm reminded it is a doubled edged sword, cutting both ways.

 There are consequences and actions that happen from ideas and convictions, from people, places and things, which can create suffering, but in spite of, or perhaps because of, it can all result in a new and more viable principle, resolving a situation that will soon come to an end with a successful conclusion.

So, this is good news, and it gives strength enough to know, I can get through the last next four days, because I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel approaching fast. Without going into personal details suffice to know it's something I've never quite experienced before and it's been extremely taxing on my inner resources, but makes me grateful for my faith and I know I will be stronger for the experience.

Some situations in life are certainly not self-imposed, but are created from outside influences we have no power over, due to unforeseen circumstances. It might appear on the surface there is absolutely nothing else to do, but wait for it to come to an end, no matter how hard. What makes all the difference is how I approach it, and my attitude. I have been turning to and relying on a power greater than myself to give me strength to abide the time it takes for resolution and victory.

* Dedicated to my friend Heather, who showed us how to let the light shine out of the darkness.

The Lovers - The Matters of the Heart

Here we see the handsome Trojan prince Paris who's been forced by Zeus to judge a beauty contest between the three goddesses - Hera, Aphrodite and Athene who've offered him many things, the world and then some.

Young Paris didn't understand one darn thing about life, beauty, love or what his inner values were. And so he made his decision with little thought or no matter how unwise. He chose Aphrodite,  the sensual goddess of love. Oh she was a real hotty, and how could he resist? It was a done deal. But this was just the beginning of the troubles that followed his decision.

Honestly, this isn't the card I wanted to see today. But there it is, The Lovers. This card indicates and represents a new love, or being concerned with decisions regarding matters of the heart. It's not something I want to think about so much these days.  But I'm finding myself in the position once again. It mostly gives me more grief than anything I think, to entertain the thought of seriously engaging in a romantic long term relationship again, I admit I'm afraid. I don't have the best track record because of my life experiences. It's not that I fault myself necessarily, it's just the circumstances that was my reality.

I met the man I loved 38 years ago, who I lost suddenly and tragically to illness at 27. I find myself comparing other men to him and often my decision to get involved romantically, is to quote George Bush Sr., no, na-ah, nope, not gona happen, not gona do it, wouldn't be prudent.
I had some short term relationships in between my first and second marriage.

The second time around my marriage ended in divorce after marrying an abusive alcoholic man. Fortunately I decided to get out after two years, but psychologically it was hard to separate and it took me about five years to completely, sever ties. It wasn't easy and I couldn't have done it without having a great deal of counseling and help.

 Growing up with an alcoholic father, co-dependent and eventually becoming alcoholic myself, all added to my insanity, until I got into recovery 23 years ago.

So this card reminds me to make wise decisions. If I'm having a hard time, in confusion, I seek out the help and counsel of some one I trust and or a power greater than myself to draw strength and discernment from everyday.

If you can't figure out how to have a real relationship with yourself, understanding who you are, loving and accepting the person you are, it's impossible to have a healthy, happy relationship with another person. Your ability to make the right decision is unclear and disabled.

Lots of folks these days choose online dating sites. I have friends that it seems to have worked out for them. Time will tell. I have nothing against this and it doesn't matter how you go about meeting someone. What does matter, is knowing what you don't want, what you do want, and knowing what you need is right and good for you.

It takes time and work to have a discerning ability, which is paramount in our relationships. Shared spiritual values with a companion-ability helps to make you good friends who have real fun together, and you laugh a lot, no matter what you do.

As my wise late mother once said to me. If you are going to have a love affair and you find yourself crying more than laughing it's time to leave.

Justice - Daughter of Wisdom

Reflecting on this past year of 2016, the state of the world and on the hope of a better year to come, the Major Arcana card of Justice is the perfect Mythic image of Athene to start off 2017. My hope and prayer is that justice and peace will prevail.

 Justice being the first of the moral lessons in the Tarot my prayer is that humanity learns and upholds the remaining lessons that follow, Temperance, Strength and the Hermit.

The late great peace maker Ursula Franklin may not have been known to many, as she wasn't a super star or a celebrity, but was one of the many who died this year. She reminds me of Athene in many ways. Ursula  Franklin was a kind of warrior like Athene, battling for the convictions of her deep principles, striving to protect and promote a peaceful civilization.

Athene was a Guardian of Heroes and Heroines and the wisdom she conveyed about justice and peace were a reflection of her integrity, clarity of vision, and selflessness.

Here's to balanced thought and impartial decision making, and to those who strive with wisdom, toward peaceful minds and spirits, respecting fairness and truth, bringing lasting justice and peace to the world in the New Year and beyond.
Happy New Year!

Ace of Swords - Clarity and The Cynical Elf

Yesterday I drew the Ace of Pentacles but didn't write a blog post. I simply thought about how it I related to this card right now, because I'vebeen in a bit of a pre-Christmas funk that I think many people get. It's not an easy time for many people for a myriad of reasons.

When I saw this card I didn't come up with much significant meaning other than seeing the Ace of Pentacles and being a positive and powerful card, full of potential for energy and growth. I did feel this was a good indication that my muddled and dark thoughts are lifting, which they did. I don't mean lifting in the way folks make fun of how those of us who are like Pollyanna, you know everything is groovy doodles, but being more positive than negative in my thinking, otherwise my negative thoughts can spiral down into a dark place, that I don't go any more.

Today's second Ace that I drew, the Ace of Swords bolsters me even more, as this is really an affirming card of clarity that cuts through those muddled thoughts.

To be grateful for those little moments of happiness that come with gratitude for little things or for the small kindnesses from others and to the ones that we've shown kindness toward, reminds me that no one is an island, we need one another. This I know today, is where my spiritual strength and wellness lies, and where power, victory and clarity comes from through faith and trust, one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time.

So if you find yourself in a Christmas funk, show a little kindness toward yourself and toward someone else, or you can try some cynicism chased with a little humour, added to your nog this year. Always works for me. 

Justice - Hillary Rodham Clinton

 Yesterday I went walking for an hour and a half with my smart and socially conscious neighbour. We some good laughs and especially when she proudly stated that she too was a "nasty woman" that Trump called Hillary Clinton, during one of the last debates.

 My good friend became a Canadian citizen many years ago. I asked her if she was feeling upset about the US election. Her immediate answer was " No, not at all, I'm Canadian". I understand why she'd say this, because as Canadians we feel happy and proud to live in our country, though we are far from perfect, but we are grateful.

 We commiserated together about how we felt about the whole campaign and the implications of today's election results, concluding  this was a very disconcerting situation to say the list, when considering someone like Trump could actually come out ahead and become President, not because he's the better candidate but  because of voter apathy among those who choose not to vote. 

When I drew the Justice card this morning I took note. It's the second time I've seen this Major Arcana card in the last seventeen days and wondered why it's come up again. Then it dawned on me. There could be no better card to see on this election day. It'll truly be a great historic moment if we do in fact see the first American President, a woman, who has long committed herself to social justice all of her life, a champion for woman, families and children.

 Hillary's very first run at being president was when she was about 14. She'd offered her name for school president. She was told by one of her male class mates, women can't be president because they're stupid. WRONG!

It will be a grand celebration for women everywhere, if she does become US President, as she follows in the footsteps with the spirit of Athene, the Suffragette Susan B. Anthony , all those who have blazed the trail before and those to come.

Susan B. Anthony - 1820- 1906

"Peace is not the absence of war—peace is the absence of fear, and the presence of justice." – Ursula Franklin in The Ursula Franklin Reader.

Justice - The Art of Taming Horses

Justice, a very fitting card to draw today as I've been thinking about the qualities reflected in this Major Arcana card. Athene who taught the art of taming horses is a warrior of the highest kind, unlike Ares the war-god for whom the arts of war were based solely on conflict. Not Athene, her arts of war sprang from high principles that uphold and preserve truth.
 
Athene, the goddess of Justice embodies reflective judgement and rational thought, qualities that the Greeks considered divine, because it's what differentiated human beings from the beasts. Her teaching of the civilized arts symbolizes the capacity of the mind to hold untamed nature in check and transform it through clarity and to plan objectively.

The first of the four cards in the Major Arcana traditional referred to as the Four Moral Lessons which are Justice, Temperance, Strength and the Hermit, all necessary for us to function effectively in life. The lesson Justice purports, is how we must learn to think clearly and to have a balanced mind, weighing one thing against the other. If we do not respect fairness and truth as being important ethical principles, there is not Justice to be found.

Today I found this wonderful article about a beautiful 96 year old women who I think must have the courageous, and youthful adventurous heart of Athene. There is much to be said for those who are understand the art of taming horses.

As Dinnie Greenway states, she understands some people are afraid of horses but says the trick is to treat them like people.
"If they step on you, it will hurt but if you are sensible and you are kind, they'll be kind to you."
Dinnie speaks of truth and fairness based on clear thinking and having a balanced mind.

Riding horses all of her life has kept her going and keeps her young, with the true heart of Athene.

The Lovers - Trust in Action

In this Major Arcana card The Lovers, we see a potentially very stressful situation were three women are pitted against one another in a kind of competition. Love, Rejection, jealousy, self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence, guilt and even shame would all come into play in this stressful scenario, because Paris the Trojan prince, has been commanded by Zeus to judge a beauty contest between Hera, Aphrodite and Athene who had been quarreling about who was the loveliest. Paris has had a very a stressed life to begin with, because his own father King Priam had sentenced him to death, but fortunately he was rescued by a kind shepherd. The three goddesses and Paris all find themselves in a stress filled circumstance and they all have a choice as to how they are going to respond.

Many of us, myself included I've noticed, can get ourselves feeling stressed when it's really unnecessary, or can be avoided. I believe this is rooted in worry and lack of trust in the midst of chaos and trouble. It can be our default mode, particularly if we have had trauma or difficult home lives growing up. We are used to living in our bodies in state of hyper-vigilance, and are perhaps always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Most of my life and I have had to fight against this, because it robs me of my happiness. That said, I also know reality and life are stressful for everyone in one way or another, and I am no different. I also know a certain amount of stress is normal and the fight or flight instinct in very strong within us.

 I can physiologically feel when my stress level increases, and most times it never feels good. I have to make a conscious concerted effort to change my reaction to that reality, doing whatever it takes in order to remain calm and to prevent stress..


Today I read this statement for a book of daily readings, which  really stood out for me to today. "Calmness is trust in action." I think this statement speaks for itself, and it is a good reminder to try to live this way, everyday.

Ten of Swords - Blood and Earth

Here we see Oretes in the blood and the earth.When I study the Ten of Swords I see this card as a symbol of today's world. We can feel beaten down, overwhelmed and even enslaved by the furies, by what happens to us personally and or by the events going on throughout the world.

On the other hand people can impart hope to us and we in turn can impart that same hope to others. That said we can't hide our heads in the sand. Nor do we have to be slaves of disillusionment and disappointment to take into the future.

Like most people, I am concerned about the future and I want to remain informed and hopeful. Sometimes I think I listen to the radio too much, but on second thought, it's what the media reports that often leaves me feeling overwhelmed and a little despondent about the events in the world. Then I ask myself, what is it that gives me hope in a seemingly hopeless world.

Much of our hope is found in our very own nature that we have been born with. My mother always said you can tell a child's nature by the way they respond to and interact with the world around them as a baby, always smiling and happy makes for a happy adult. I believe this to a certain extent, but to say we are not affected by the way others treat us especially at a young age would be naive. Even as an adult we can be affected by the behaviour of others. We need to find a way to respond that provides a positive solution.


Last night while listening to the radio I heard Kevin Bales, a social scientist, activist and journalist talk about the deadly link between modern slavery and environmental destruction. Many of us might believe the days of slavery happened a hundred years ago and perhaps think it doesn't exist like it once did. We can't imagine that the comforts we have in the western world are made by someone who is controlled by subjected to slavery, and contributes to the destruction of the environment.

Although Kevin Bales' work is very serious, and difficult being a leading expert in modern day slavery, it makes you really wonder how he remains hopeful, seeing so many world wide desperate situations. In spite of this, he impressed me as a realistic and a very positive individual as he discussed his book Blood and Earth . He left me feeling hopeful, because he sees a solution to stop slavery and to save the earth.

If circumstances are dire, I am left having to decide what I can and can't change.  Looking to others who instill and impart hope is also where I can find serenity and hope.

Like Athene, Kevin Bales is a warrior and calls on us recognize the harm we have done to one another, to put end to it, and to recommit to repairing our world.

The Lovers - What Do I Want?

This card typifies a kind of stereotypical beauty contest between the three goddesses, Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite, who were fighting among themselves. Zeus has appointed the reluctant Trojan prince Paris to be the judge of this contest.The Lovers card is symbolic of the problem of making a choice in love that reflects our values and the kind of person we want to become. There is a choice to be made between  free will and instinctual compulsions.

Seems to me I draw this card The Lovers frequently. I expect the reason being, it is something I struggle with at times, as I believe many women do. My immediate reaction is usually the same. I get a little excited initially, as it makes me think about love relationships because I am a hopeful romantic. I then immediately get a reality check focusing on my life, as a single woman.

 Oh I certainly don't see this as being a negative thing, although there are negative things about the single life that I mostly have come to see them as challenges, just as there are challenges found in a partnership. There are for me simultaneously more positive things about the solo lifestyle.

For me the most positive aspect about being a single woman is having a peace of mind and contentment within myself, and being comfortable in my own skin. It's been a long time since I felt I needed someone else to "complete" me, the way many of us were brought up to falsely believe, as if somehow if you are not committed to a significant other we fall short of happiness. Most women today don't need a man. but I think many might want one, but on their terms, not on anyone else's.

We no longer need to feel the validation of a man or anyone to give us a belief in ourselves. Nor do we need to turn ourselves inside out trying to be the person someone else wants or expects us to be. We are perfect in our own imperfections and don't need approval to be exactly who we are..

It's a different world today, but in other ways there are still so many things that need changing, and seem to be moving backwards instead of forward, in a still predominantly misogynistic society.

I think generally women want to be our own person, to live our own lives in peace, and taking responsibility only for our own happiness.

And so when I ask myself what is it that I really want? I have to say I want peace, regardless if this involves a life partner or not, and if I am happy within myself this is what matters most.

Ten of Swords - What Gets You Singin'?

Athene is giving those Furies the finger, telling them that's enough, back off, and has read them the riot act. The Furies have beat this poor bugger down to a pulp, and he appears to be dead in the water, without hope.
The Ten of Swords might look like a card of dread, defeat and victimization. And it a way it is, but there is hope and relief ahead. Oretes unconscious on the ground, is symbolic of a Christ-like kind of figure. Some might see Oretes as being symbolic of a victim.

There exists in this universe a life force for good, that helps us to find inner strength, and enables us to rise above our seemingly hopeless situation. I know this to be true, because I am speaking from personal experience. You don't have to look very far in this world to see examples of such horrendous circumstance that many have overcome. They come out the other side, and not only to lift themselves out of their situation, they will often help others to do the same through their example their own experience of strength and hope that comes from a power greater than themselves, from this life force.

I remember years ago, sitting in a living room with an elder, who I had so much respect for and greatly admired. She had been through so much suffering in her life. She was so strong, full of compassion, wisdom, humility, and gratitude. I put the question to her. Why is it many seem to get through life without suffering, and others get more than their share?

She had no pat answer, but she did share this. She said people who do experience more suffering are often able to experience compassion and empathy toward others, and have a depth of character that is often lacking in the individuals who don't experience this kind of walk in life.

I read the other day a comment the struck me, from another wise and spiritual woman. She stated that the Divine is not found in suffering but is found in joy. I've thought about this, and I asked myself is there joy to be found in suffering? I don't think so. But perhaps there is beauty and hope not because of the suffering itself, but because of what a person believes and how it changes them, and then they begin to can feel joy and the Divine.

I don't have the answers to this, but I know there are many important life lessons to learn through the struggle and heartache that comes with life. I do believe the God of my own understanding comes in through my wounds. We have the opportunity to decide how we respond to those wounds. We either lay down and give up, or we sing a special song, and maybe we even dance till the end of love.

I think Leonard Cohen said it best in his song You Got Me Singing.

Justice - The Three Edged Sword - Your Side - Their Side - The Truth

The first of the four cards in the Minor Arcana which are called the first of the Four Moral Lessons, which are Justice, Temperance, Strength and the Hermit.

I  am of the belief, based on my own spiritual values and intuition that human beings have an innate sense of justice that we are born with, that gives us a balanced mind and spirit to allow for our understanding.

Charles Darwin believed that mammals and animals in the wild, under certain circumstances, could be moral  just as do many other scientists believe, like primatologist Jane Goodell . The tide is changing and we are not the only species that experience  and have a sense of wrong and right.

I see Justice as the balance between the two perspectives of classical  and romantic thought, between the intellect and the emotions, the Ying and the Yang of life. These perspectives may appear to be opposites, but they share an essential interdependence. Justice represents the integration and balance between these two necessary perspectives.

Ten of Swords - Released and Redeemed

 Visually this card is not a pleasant one to look at, and always gives me a visceral reaction in my gut. Upon further reflection, I am always reminded things may look bleak here, because Orestes is seemingly lifeless and left for dead after being painfully defeated by the three menacing Furies. However this card has a strong message of hope.

This scenario represents the conclusion of a very difficult, and painful time. The fact is, this is the beginning of a new future that lies ahead, now that the truth has been faced. Athene has disarmed the Furies. She has clarity of vision, and impartial judgment. She symbolizes the mind's integration of dark and light, being the goddess of Justice, representing our human capacity to have reflective judgement and rational thought.

This imagery makes me think of the biblical principle about the sins of the fathers being visited upon the children. In other words these inner conflicts are passed down from generation to generation because grandparents and parents cannot honestly face these problems and their children inevitably suffer until insight can be gained. The good news is that once the crisis is over, life can change, and the sun can then rise again.

Athene represents having an impartial reflection, where those involved are not judged. There is always the hopeful possibility of being released and redeemed from our past mistakes and conflicts.

Ten of Swords - " For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Drawing the Ten of Swords today, after drawing the Nine of Swords yesterday, made perfect sense to me as we see Orestes beaten down and overcome by the torment of the Furies. Athene the goddess of Justice has come to put a stop to this ancient curse with clarity and vision.

I was also having my own continuing battle with the Furies again, but I took time for impartial reflection, and saw the end of a difficult situation, which this card represents.

Finally with some patience, my hacked pay pal and bank account issues are straightened out, and over. I really didn't want to have to make the calls, listening to muszac and being put on hold for long lengths of time, but if I knew didn't, I'd end up in another kind of mess.

When human beings have their feet to the fire, then and only then it seems, do we get the motivation to take action. Sadly this sometimes can feel too little to late. It's why those wise adages, proverbs and sayings exist, like, "Why put off tomorrow what you can do today?'

If you choose to maintain hope, fight a good fight, and come out the other side, you feel triumphant and proud that you've see things through to their conclusion. Many of us are good at beginnings and endings, but are unable to follow through with the middle bits, and we give up.

 If we didn't have struggles we couldn't feel the triumph that comes from overcoming. If we didn't have the darkness, we'd never be able to experience the warmth and light of the sun. Darkness is good, as is light.

What makes you weak should make you strong, when you can follow through and overcome.
Like Orestes, I think I need a nap!

Temperance Vs Adventure

When I saw that I'd drawn the Major Arcana card of Temperance today, it immediately felt like a right connection, and the perfect card for me today. Upon further reflection I see why. You might not think temperance and adventure are related, but they are.

When people hear the word Temperance, some folks may relate to it negatively, as they envision a bunch of purple rinse haired old ladies, who strictly adhere to a whack of rules, like complete abstinence in every area of their lives; sitting in stern judgment of others, to whom they are certain, are hell bound due to their indulgences of the demon drink, smokes and any kind of sexin' or other impure thoughts! Much the way some of my relatives lived life under tyrannical control and conditions. There was no dancing, no school, no woman wearing pants, playing cards, especially on Sunday, . It was like, everything was evil and a rule, and as if life itself was either immoral, unsafe, or illegal. Guidelines were non-existent.

Believe it or not, I once lived in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, however I was never temperate to say the least. I just needed an affordable place to live, as a poor student in Toronto!

In the Temperance card we meet the beautiful mythic figure of Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, symbolizing the renewal of relationship and Iris representing feeling. Her opposite counterpart is Justice (Athene), the rational one.

 In the way Temperance and Justice need each other, temperance and adventure need one another as well. Although Iris and Athene may be enemies in myth or the enemies within ourselves, we must integrate these two, as they will and can offer different solutions to the same problem.

 Having temperance in life is not about living life literally by the words like no, and don't, should or and shouldn't, in the sense that rigidly produces bad guilt and shame, in a puritanical,  judgmental, and merciless way. Temperance is about harmony, balance of the heart with kindness and mercy.

If we don't have adventure we can't transform ourselves. We stay stuck, bored, safe and it's not much fun!
The momentum to move forward comes when we grow and develop confidence. With confidence and adventure we are relieved of our boredom, and then the excitement begins! Growth and adventure are conduits for transformation.

Adventurer

I refuse to believe I'll ever be too old for adventure and and hope. If I thought no adventures would ever come again. I'd shrivel up, to age and die too soon.

Adventure scoops me up out of lethargy and rescues me from dull security.

Adventure requires leaving the safety of the known. I affirm: I am willing to
take the risks adventures entail.

Adventure requires the willingness to conquer. I affirm: I will be a victor in my adventures.

Adventures requires the willingness to have fun. I affirm:
I'll experience challenges as exercises in joy.
I'll be an explorer of life's mazes, instead of feeling trapped by them.
I'll view obstacles as delirously delicious lessons.
I'll recognize and revel in the beauty of strange new lands.
I'll participate in the laughing game of stubborn stick-to-itiveness.
So be it! 
              - Francis De Grandis

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.

Temperance - Finding Our Center

Before my recovery in the 12 step program temperance was not something I knew how to practice, no matter how I tried, I was always going to extremes. I lived with an all or nothing attitude and behaviour.

Here we meet the beautiful angel Iris in the Major Arcana card of Temperance, linked to the Zodiac sign of Sagittarius. Temperance represents the mixing of elements within ourselves and our relationships.

The card indicates good health in a holistic and balanced manner, that promotes moderation, and control in the way we live life. Living our lives in harmony and cooperation improves our relationship with ourselves and with others.

Though Justice and Temperance appear as opposites, they are also complimentary. Iris is kind, loving and merciful. Athene (Justice) is reflective, rational, and in her judgement she fights for principles, over passion, holding her instincts in control, being fair and objective. Her thought is not based on her personal feelings, but an impartial, objective assessment.

Justice and Temperance can be seen as enemies that exist within us, and how they are manifested in the way we approach life. Perhaps we allow our heart to dominate, or we are ruled always by reason and intellect, when what we need, is to find our center, a balanced heart and approach; integrating abstract truth, with the heart.

Kabbalah Tree of Life - Pastel, Coloured Pencil - 2010 - Catherine Meyers

Ace of Swords - Success!

Swords represent the intellectual side of life, will and action, where reason prevails over emotion. Swords cuts through muddled thought, and brings clarity. Order and justice rule, leading to abundance and prosperity.
Success in attaining your goals is ahead. An intellectual breakthrough is made. It's an aha moment and there may be a discovery, or even the publication of a book.


Here we see Athene, goddess of Justice, and this Minor Arcana card, like all Aces heralds a burst of raw energy, that gives a new perspective on the world. This new world view and perspective can create conflict. When we change our outlook and behaviour, this often upsets the apple cart where others are concerned, as they may not respond favourably. You may be full of enthusiasm and energy to embrace a new lifestyle, however others may feel their lifestyle, and the old order is going to be affected, and threatened, which creates conflict. Do not loose heart, as there is and can be a resolution with a strong heart, mind and will.

You may have found you want to pursue a change in career, or relationship. Perhaps you are considering moving to a different country, or residence. You might even have decided to return to school at a mature age, but, there may be negative reactions from the very people you love, and that love you.

 One may assume, that you can be confident in thinking, because family and friends love you, and that they would, and should be supportive; this unfortunately is often not the case, in many situations. especially with friends and families. This is the double edged sword, that the Ace of Swords presents, and you better be prepared for some quarrels, and disputes. I will reiterate, success is your's with a strong heart, mind and will.

Temperance - Mind, Body, Spirit Balance

This auspicious card brings good health. Temperance is the ninth card of the Major Arcana linked to the sign of Sagittarius. The angel is blending essences and the card represents a mixing of elements within oneself, and within relationships. Continuity can be found by reaching into the past, and this can be brought forth into the future.

Of course moderation and control in all our affairs is what Temperance embodies. It enables us to adapt to new circumstances. Diplomacy is present as is harmony of the psychic and material worlds. Temperance gives us balance of mind, body, and spirit which enables healing.

 Temperance is Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, with a kind and loving nature. She has one foot on dry land, the other in the water. reflecting her ability to unite the opposing forces. This is a hopeful card as the rainbow symbolizes, and the bridge between the heavenly and earthly realms, both the masculine and the feminine.

Learning to have a balanced heart is important, and an essential lesson, but there are always more lessons ahead as Iris can be ambivalent, and Temperance cannot exist without Justice or she becomes stagnant.

Justice - Clarity of Vision

Here we meet Athene, the Goddess of Justice, and the eleventh card in the Major Arcana, and associated with the sign of Libra. Relating to decisions being made fairly with fair outcomes, that set a confused life into a successful order. Divine or social justice where truth  triumphs, and success is achieved through negotiation in legal matters. Her double edged sword signifies impartiality and Athene's white owl, sitting on her shoulder reflects her clarity of vision.

We are reminded of the consequences of our actions spiritually. The often seen purple cloth in some cards is symbolic of compassion, and the pillars indicate confines and limits of the physical world. Meditation and attention to something in particular is needed in order to find a solution.

Meditation, contemplation and attention to something in particular is needed in order to find solutions. Consider if there is deceptive behaviour, justice will prevail regardless and responsibility for your actions must be taken.