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!

Three of Pentacles - Compentent Professionalism

The Three of Pentacles is always a good reminder to have integrity, not just toward having a work ethic but in all aspects of my life.This card always speaks to me of completion, with the knowledge that there is still work and effort needed, to be put toward the tasks ahead. In other words, it is having a professional standard and attitude. This card also speaks of competency and hitting your stride.

I can't afford to take my successes for granted, and think I can now simply sit on my laurels. I must understand that I can not do whatever I want, whenever I want, without consequence, as this is a fatal flaw in any early success. At the same time I need to be cognizant of my limitations.

In today's world it seems difficult to find those who have a competent professional attitude toward the work they do, living life with integrity and principles. Many are very happy to take your money without completing a job or doing a task that is well done. We cannot however expect others to have professional integrity if we don't expect this from ourselves, and manifest it in our lives.

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