Five of Pentacles - Mercy

Daedalus is seen here having to let go, leaving his past success and acclaim behind, as he's lost all his wealth, experiencing poverty, insecurity, and he's full of worry over his adversity. More profoundly he's lost his self-respect, having confused his self-worth with material security, causing him to loose his sense of direction and faith in himself.

When we edify material success, whether it be in the form of people, places or things, there is a price paid. Ultimately we  must take responsibility for the part we've played in becoming our own worst enemy, like Daedalus has become.

However personal transformation is always possible, the kind that goes soul deep.
 Making a conscious choice to be kind toward ourselves and to forgive whatever it is that we have done, or how others have wronged us,  forgiveness can make the difference between starting over and redefining what it means to be successful and bring us to wholeness once again.

As Anne Lemott states is her new book, Hallelujah Anyway Rediscovering Mercy, " The way to feel whole is through mercy." 

 We harden ourselves in many ways to life Anne Lemott says. By practicing forgiveness and kindness we can soften that hardness. Denying others forgiveness and kindness, we deny ourselves, and visa versa.
In order for kindness and forgiveness to prevail, there will be no cruelty, but only mercy.

Eight of Cups - Are You Exercising Your Kindness & Generousity Muscle?

Not unlike Persephone seen here in the Eight of Cups, we all at some point, descend into the underworld of the unconscious, it is a spiritual experience that changes us, in an emotional, and/or spiritual way. In life when there is a circumstance, such as the dark night of the soul, or situations that might appear hopeless and hapless, it is difficult to think that we will ever see the light of day, because everything is out of our control, and there appears to be no way out. There is a way out.

After we emerge from this darkness, into the light we are transformed, into a new person that has gained a deeper empathy, allowing us to be kinder, and more generous people.

Research has concluded that kindness and generousity are the two determining factors that strengthen the bonds between human relationships. It may sound to us that this makes very reasonable sense, and we should certainly be able to behave accordingly, to turn toward one another in respect, instead of turning away. Much of the time reality does not bare this out, when you see how many relationships end in feelings of contempt, and even hatred, in particular when we see the state of the world full of war and violence.

That said, kindness is a like a muscle and the more we use it, the stronger it becomes and it affects those around us in a positive manner. Just as hate breeds more hate, kindness in turn breeds more kindness and generousity. So let's be kind and generous to one another.

"Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.". 
                                     Ian Maclaren

The Emperor - Is The World Unraveling?

The Emperor is the counter part to the Empress, though concerned with the inner world as opposed to the outer world. The Empress is the All-Mother, the Emperor is symbolic of the All-Father, creator of all the gods, a spiritual figure who concerns himself with high ideals, ethics and spiritual values.  He does have his dark side. Tyrannical authority can rear it's ugly head, where there is an abuse of power.

When I reflect on the very positive characteristics of the Emperor, he is a kind of the ideal of what men should be in this world. Unfortunately this is seldom the case, but there are some men that I can think of who set the bar high, and are men of integrity, great kindness, with a deep faith and belief in what is true and good. They stand for right, are defined by the courage of their deep spiritual convictions, to love their fellow human beings, and they set an example for others.

The world as we know it, can really seem like it is unraveling. I sure felt this way over the past few days watching the news, and it has not been the first time, nor the last time I am sure, I will feel the same way in the future.

 I could easily ask myself, where is God in all of this? What kind of a God allows for such tragic events to happen, and why is there such inhumanity toward humanity, and all living things?

It is difficult to make sense of it all, or to find some kind of resolution. My own personal experience is that sometimes the only resolution there is, is to accept that there is no resolution. I know this may sound hopeless and rather dissolute, and I might agree in some instances. It isn't the way I choose to think, in spite of what is going on around me in the world, because there is hope and that means a lot. Having hope is where acceptance enters our lives in knowing what we can and cannot change, and having the wisdom to know the difference, that is stated in the Serenity Prayer.

I am certainly not a Pollyanna, although I do love her. Rather pessimism, desolation and discouragement it is simply not a luxury I can afford, being a person in recovery from a disease of the emotions, alcoholism.

Today I recognize the things that upset me, and so I try hard to live by the law of spiritual progress, not perfection. I don't allow myself to be discouraged. I expect better things ahead, and try to be a part of the cure toward the world's ills, rather than be part of contributing to this malaise, and to be a force for good, much like a good mother and good father should be.

The Emperor - Egg Tempera on Porcelain Tile 12"x12" 2015, Catherine Meyers

Three of Cups - Relationship Myths and Realities

The Three of Cups is a celebratory kind of card, with a big but. Celebrate but understand that there is hard work ahead. Psyche, she is looking very beautiful, like a princess, content, and satisfied with this ideal situation. She doesn't see her groom yet, as in a true realistic encounter. Eros still exists in a dream state to Psyche, a situation with which she is content, and you could say she is very headily in love, with love.

The water nymphs flipping and splashing their tails about in the water, have raised their cups in a toast to the union between Psyche and Eros. The bright Sun in the background signifies life giving growth, full of joy and promise for the future This wedding however is not all hearts and flowers. It is more likely than not, a romantic fantasy, and a kind of enchantment now, but sooner or later, reality will come crashing in, as it does with all newly weds when they embark upon a new life together, within the bonds of marriage.  In our blind love, we believe that this certain special one, is going to make us happy, and much of the time naively, our own egos are at the forefront of the relationship, and what it will give to us.

 Many entering into marriage have unrealistic expectations, unreal dreams, often based on the 'myth' of what marriage is, that in reality painfully disappoints. Young girls are indoctrinated with this kind of myth about being a princess searching for her prince to save her. When I was a little girl I adored everything about Snow White, which was so removed from reality, as are so many of the promoted myths about love and relationships especially found in the powerful messages of the media. It's not all Walt's fault!

I think of what Jean Vanier says about the reality of love and marriage.

 “The word love has been so abused by publicity and advertisements that we no longer know really what it means.”
― Jean Vanier, Eruption to Hope

"The reality of marriage is that it is a place where a man and a woman are called to sacrifice their own egos on the altar in order to create one body..." 

 “Flowing from this union, source of a plenitude of joy, the love of the couple reveals itself through the daily acceptance of the limits and faults of each other and in mutual openness. It is this acceptance in and through gentleness, kindness, forgiveness, confidence and the desire to see shining in the other the warm light of the Spirit of God that becomes the great sign of the merciful love of God for man and His incessant forgiveness.”
― Jean Vanier, Eruption to Hope 

Strength In Numbers - Kindness Can Turn Into Miracles

I drew the Strength card this morning after asking a question on behalf of a life long friend, who is going through some serious health problems.

When I see this Strength card I immediately relate it to having a personal strength of character, and having the ability and presence of mind to overcome adversity. After some very hard lessons and many years of trying to do things on my own, coping and fighting against weakness, I finally realized I didn't always have to be strong, and that it was perfectly acceptable, and even desirable to allow myself, and more importantly to accept my own weakness, and to ask for help when I needed it.

People are mostly, and usually more than happy to help in whatever way they can, if we will only ask. Suddenly we find that our weakness becomes strength, because we have had the courage to reach out.

Cutting my nose off to spite my face, having a stiff upper lip, or a stoic attitude, is not strength, it is false pride. We delude ourselves into thinking that we can do everything all on our own if we are just self-reliant enough. No one can be strong all the time, and no one is an island. We need one another, and we need to care for one another, as the Creator loves and cares for us. The old adage 'Strength in numbers' is very true, as is 'United we stand, divided we fall'. You often hear these repeated time and time again, because they are so very true.

Although it is important, that we ourselves ask for help, we in turn do not have to wait for another, to ask us for help, if it is needed. Never underestimate kindness. Kindness can turn into miracles, and we all could use a miracle, and it is a good thing to ask for one, or why not even ask for two?

Ace of Pentacles - New Beginnings

Poseidon, seen here in the Ace of Pentacles, is a real big guy, the son of Cronos and Rhea, brother to Hades and Zeus. He is the "husband of the earth", the god of fertility, of all the waters and of the earth's surface, possessing great power and strength. Poseidon is a mover and a shaker.

All the Aces are powerful, always representing new beginnings and innovative ideas.
Here we find a wellspring of raw energy toward creativity and inspiration. The Ace of Pentacles symbolizes the material plane, in the form of the physical body or monetary things.


Since paying off my mortgage in November I am finally beginning to feel less of a financial burden. Struggling on your own so long is a real challenge. As much as I can stress about this pressure, I really wouldn't have changed it, because it has made me the person I am, and I have come to greatly love, and appreciate the kindnesses of others toward me. I have learned a lot about myself, some positive, some negative, which is all part of the learning process in the cycle of life

The little pleasures have so much to offer us, and if we can't appreciate them, no sum of money, or things will ever bring happiness.
When we are little, we have a true sense of awe, wonder and joy, taking such pleasure in simple things, and time spent with those we love and who love us.
A day at the beach with my little cousins, picking berries, spending time in the garden with my grandfather, exploring the woods, playing with my dog, or feeling such excitement over the first snow fall, were all things I remember, and I think it is important to be in close touch with these things to keep them at the forefront of my mind, knowing it is the simple things and especially our relationships, is where we find real pleasure, happiness and wealth.

 Yesterday I was very sad to learn of the death of another beautiful friend, who was a very kind, down to earth, humble man, who was very much loved and respected. Lately there have been a number of people that have died in our close knit community, that will be greatly missed.

The weather today is very Wintery with a storm in progress, but it doesn't bother me one bit, because I am appreciating the simple things.
I put on a big pot of chili in my slow cooker for supper. I finally got my internet going after being able to get myself a new router yesterday, my car insurance paid, and am well prepared for a power outage or a flat tire because I was able to afford some kerosene for my lamp, and a handy-dandy emergency, portable air compressor, and good sized order of groceries. My good neighbour just arrived to plow me out.

Life is sweet, beautiful, good, and so very transitory. I intend to savour every minute, as it is, for however long it is. I am grateful for life, every day.

There's A Skinny Naked Man In The Wood Pile! - Six of Pentacles

 I worked hard for four hours hauling in my Winter wood into the garage and stacked one cord out of the four I ordered. Friday the next half cord load arrives. That is if the weather holds as we are supposed to get a big dump of snow. Fortunately it was + 16 degrees out today and so I was even working in my bare arms at the end of November.

After my day of " woodin' ", I was late getting my card drawn, which is appropriately the Six of Pentacles. This is a card of harmony and benevolence. I'm sure my body won't feel so harmonious tomorrow after my physical labour, but I am not complaining. If it had not been for the kindness and generousity of the elder gentleman I got my wood from, I'd no doubt had no wood at all for the Winter, because wood is getting hard to come by as the logging companies are taking all the wood directly to the mill.

The fellow I got the wood from gave me a good price, and let me make payments over a period of time. People like this man, restores your faith in people, your trust in life is renewed, giving you the belief that we can count of the bounty of life sometimes, which is not always unkind. This often comes when we most are in need.

The Six of Pentacles augers a renewal of faith, trust in life and in one's capabilities. There is the promise of a kind of restoration of having faith in life, and in one's ability to get things done, somehow ,when you don't know how you will manage.

In the middle of my woodin' I took a break, and checked me email. I got the most wonderfully touching heart felt note from an artist friend in response to a post I had written on my about how the blues made me happy. She had such words of encouragement, and kindness, that strengthened me, and lifted my spirits so much. I am very grateful for her friendship, though we have never met face to face. She is a very talented artist, but more importantly a very special woman who knows the meaning of benevolence and how important it is to reach out to another human being.

Sometimes I wished I had a man to help me do these kinds of chores, like bringing my wood in, but it makes me feel good that I can get the work done and be independent. Who needs a skinny naked man in a woodpile anyway, not me!

Brains Versus Brawn - Seven of Swords

The saying, 'You attract more with honey, than with vinegar ', comes to mind when I think about the Seven of Swords. It's brains vs brawn. The card urges us to apply our mental energy, which needs to be used in a cautious way. What I am talking about is not simply using our intellect, but using our emotional intelligence.  We can't get the desired end by taking the heavy handed approach. Bullying, using intimidation, or any kind of force will never result in a positive outcome.

This card makes me seriously reflect on the recent events in Canada, the discussion and media coverage that has been happening lately regarding abuse, the rampant violence against women, and against others in general. This discussion though  difficult, is a long overdue and necessary one. I am glad it is happening and I hope it continues to enable proactive change. The whole world could greatly benefit from emotional intelligence.

 I think this card can warn against this behaviour, that can become a continuum and a cycle of abuse, about power and control, in order to get what we want. It will never enable us to get what we want, and will leave nothing, but deep misery, a sense of hopelessness and loss.

Discretion, tact, diplomacy, and a willingness to make compromises is always the best approach when interacting with another, though it may not make one feel good. But this is what life requires and at it's foundation should always be kindness and an emotional generosity toward others, including and extending toward ourselves.

The Seven of Swords is not all dark, as the Moon is lighting the way urging us to use, and to trust our intuition.

Four of Wands - Harvest & Reward

 Here we see Jason is celebrating with his sailing buddies, after the building of their great ship, the Argo. The group will set sail, and the ship will carry them on their voyage, in search of the Golden Fleece.

This is a very positive card, in that on a divinatory level, it augers a time for reward, and success. A creative idea has come to fruition, and it implies there is something worth celebrating. That said, this is the beginning of a hopeful journey, and there is still hard work ahead, before the goal is reached.

We never get to harvest and reward without the help of others. We can be very humbled, and often in amazement of how others can be so kind, and generous toward us. I believe these people are doing so, because someone was kind and generous to them, and they are simply paying it forward, as they say.

Having gratitude for the things received, and seemed not to deserve, hopefully will foster a humble attitude, in order to make us want to pass on to others, that, which was so freely given to us.

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.

King of Swords - Leadership

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

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

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

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

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

Knight of Pentacles - Persistance

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


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

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

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

Six of Pentacles - Harmony

As you can see, the fellow sitting in the chair is about to generously give his coins away to the man at his feet.

The Sixth of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana, is a harmonious card of philanthropy, generosity and the renewal of faith in one's capacities.

There is reward to be found in the giving of oneself. Benevolence toward another, and toward ourselves restores and renews our faith in the human race, and we are given a belief in who we are, and in our ability. We can be given a hand up when someone demonstrates kindness, and generosity. They believe in us, and we then can begin to believe in ourselves. We need not only to be charitable to others, but to ourselves as well.

 Often we are more ready to always give to others, and forget about taking care of our own needs. It's all about balance and being respectful toward everyone, including ourselves. We can't give away what we don't have.

We can happily accept generosity, but it is essential that we do not take advantage, thinking that we can now relax, sit on our laurels, and do nothing. We need to continue to do our part, and work hard at what it is we can do, figure out and accept what we cannot do, in a way that demonstrates our own personal integrity. Never underestimate the value and importance of small kindnesses.

The slogan that says, by giving it away, you keep what you have, is a good philosophy. At the same time it does not mean that we can expect to be rewarded for our generosity, but we need to believe that things will work out, if we have faith, in spite of our losses and struggles. We discover we can give unconditionally, which makes us better people, we can be an example to others and change lives, including our own.