Yes, But....

A two-card spread today, one which asks "What do I need to know?" and the second of which says, "And what about the other side?"

Card #1: What Do I Need To Know? Alchemy, Haindl Tarot

This card is Haindl's interpretation of the "Temperance" card in the traditional Tarot, and he does give it a new spin. Most of us think of the idea of "temperance" as "everything in moderation", but the alchemical idea of to "temper" something, or the "temper" of something, is more where Haindl is going with this card. Look at the card; it is a confluence of opposites. The medieval Alchemist combined things with opposing elements to "temper" them, to moderate, and modulate, them into their own true nature. So too this card, for us, tells us that today what we are going to experience is many things that seem to be directly contradictory to one another--it is for us to moderate them, combine them, perform our own personal Alchemy on them and in so doing temper these elements of our day to produce synthesis, making something we can use....

Card #2: "Yes, but...": Daughter of Wands. Haindl Tarot


Simply put, Radha, the Daughter of Wands, is the avatar of joy. She's about delight in the sensual, the natural, the simple joy of living. Combined with the above card, our "yes, but" is answered with--"but me no buts. GO out and have a wonderful day amidst all the contradictions. It will all work out, and you can't do it wrong!" So--go ahead into your complicated, union-of-opposites day, and know it is all going to be a great ride. In the words of my wonderful friend Arwen, "seek joy, y'all!"

Spread of the Week...

Just a note to those who follow--life has become convoluted lately and for the foreseeable future I am not going to be able to update this blog every day. So, when I have missed a few days, we'll be doing a spread, using the number of cards equivalent to the number of days missed. So, since we haven't updated for four days, that means today, a four-card draw, and of course that almost shrieks "elemental attributions"....so--four cards, one each for Head, Heart, Hands and Hopes, or, put more simply, Air, Fire, Earth, and Water:


Card #1, Head: Two of Swords, Daniel's Bootstrap Tarot

The Two of Swords is a card about balance, and about imbalance. Where swords are fire, this card is about making choices between two things we want or will, but where swords are Air, as with this spread, we are dealing with Ideas--two ideas, neither of which is compatible with the other, and the necessity of choosing between them. There's a reason why the person on the card is blinded--neither choice shows all of itself in the first iteration. They are ideologically and intrinsically in opposition to one another, and you can't have both. And yes, you're "blind" in a way, when you attempt to make this choice...so--let's see whether any of the other cards will give some insight....



Card #2, Heart: Daughter of Cups, Haindl Tarot

Brighid is the Irish Goddess of poesy, smithcraft, and healing, and seems to be a pretty good representation of the "Heart" as we are interpreting it in this spread...it's Fire, perhaps the bardic "fire in the head", and represents what we Will, or what we want/desire/care about. As represented by Brighid, this card fits with the preceding card by suggesting to us that the power of prophecy, of intuition or the Divine Spark of gnosis or inspiration of the Gods, might serve as the key to show us what our True Will is, in the matter of the choices above. We have to make a decision, and the two choices are not clear--so use the power of Brighid to help us decide what we truly Will (which is different from what I 'want', but that's another discussion).







Card #3, Hands: Father of Cups, Haindl Tarot

Odin is the Rune-Lord in this card, sacrificing himself to himself, to receive wisdom of the arcane. Most importantly for his position in this spread, the card shows action--but, if there is such a thing, passive action. Odin acted, he did something, which is the representation of this card--"Hands" asks, "what should I DO". And in answer, the card says,
"Wait. Listen. Pay Attention. You are going to receive wisdom and knowledge here. Put yourself in the position where you can do that, and let it happen." So--our Hands must rest, and perhaps pick up a tool of writing in order to record, as Odin did, the new ideas and suggestions which the Universe will afford us.






Card #4, Hopes: Bee, Druid Animal Oracle

The representation of our Hopes, the Water/Emotion component of this layout, is the BEE--which means Community, Celebration, Organisation. Bees invite us to celebrate. Seems as if, connected to the other three cards, our Hope is that the choice we finally make will bring joy and celebration to ourselves and our community, however we are defining that word as related to this instance. Finely attuned to the position of the sun in the sky, it is the bee who brings the sacred solar drink of mead as a gift to humanity. The bee, with its highly defined social structure and extraordinarily productive and efficient community, all centered around the Queen Bee, was seen as symbolic of the ideal society - centered on the Goddess, paying homage in sacred dance to the sun, and producing an amber substance form the flowers of the fields and woods that could both feed and divinely intoxicate. So, here, this card says, "In making the Choice your Head must make, consider the needs of your Heart--Do the work of your Hands, and focus on the richness and bounty the correct choice will bring to you and all whom you love."

And so--there are our options, and there are our tools, and there are our helpers and Guides. Let's get to work...

All Those Hands...

March 2, 2012: Six of Coins, Daniel's Bootstrap Tarot

One hand reaches out, holding a variety of "coin" both portraying actual currency and the "currency" of effort and time. And below is a sea of reaching hands, seemingly clamoring "mineminemine"...

It seems that way, sometimes, doesn't it? As if there were never enough "coin" to go around, as if all we do is give, as if there isn't going to be anything left for us...and yet, the hand reaching down from above is fully extended, and there is a subtle feeling in the card that there is, that there will be, enough to go around.

Sixes are always about balance. This card bespeaks both inner and outer balance, husbanding of resources so that there is enough to give to others because you have also given to yourself. And it makes clear to us that we are not only speaking of material resources. Look carefully--besides the currency, there is the pentacle representing spiritual resources and protection, the coiled snake-rope representing both the giving of the sudden and unexpected, and the constant putting forth of energy and effort, the clay tablet representing the work of one's own hands, and even the silver medallion showing the human skeleton, reminding us to give of the Self. And we also recognize that in that sea of clamoring hands, there may be those who will give to us in their own turn...

So, that's the message for today. Balance giving with receiving--where you pay Coin, Coin will be paid to you in return. And whatever you do, don't scrimp your generous heart. Give and ye shall receive....

Acting In Harmony....

March 1, 2012: Three Of Wands, Haindl Tarot

Three flaming rods, pointing to Heaven. Three things from which never to be moved: One's oath, one's Gods, and the Truth. Three beacons of life illuminating personal darkness: Self, Sense, and Spirit.

Today is the second anniversary of the death of a beloved Craft-brother, Roy Cuchulainn Moorman. On this day it does not surprise me to have drawn the card that represents acting in harmony with the truth of the Universe. "Virtue" in the alchemical, mystical, and spiritual sense, does not mean "being 'good' " or "being 'virtuous' ". It means "being REAL." Roy was real. He was all he was, and each person who met him became by that contact more of their own Self. Today, let's take that as a beacon. Each and every thing you think or do today, put it to the test. Is it authentic? Is it truly of your Self? Is it truly of your Spirit? And then, go do, or say, or become, that thing. Authenticity. Virtue. Three rods. Acting in harmony with Universal Truth. Really, that's all there is.

Shhh.....

February 29, 2012(Leap Day): High Priestess, Haindl Tarot

The High Priestess in this deck is a radiantly silent woman gazing from behind a lovely and luminous Full Moon at the serenity of the night-silent Earth. The Moon here appears to be Full, but the High Priestess, symbolically, is not in the moonlight, but hidden behind the Moon. She therefore signifies the Moon's silent time, the darkness of the New Moon, when you are not the Sun shining upon your "Earth" but are withdrawn into your own dark stillness. It is the season when you must be quiet, must look inward. This does not mean barricading yourself in the house and refusing to speak to anyone. Instead, it means to take life slowly, to spend time alone, to keep still and feel a returning to who you are, to re-introduce yourself to your Self. If you have been very active in your business or social life, the High Priestess says to step back and look inward for awhile. Instead of trying to conquer the world, seek peace with yourSelf. Under the influence of the High Priestess, patience and calm are more important than action.

During the season of the High Priestess, you are able to find a sense of wholeness in life, and you need not try to separate your existence into pieces. It is a time for intuition rather than analysis, for feeling rather than thought. You may experience deep feelings that you cannot put into words. That's ok. You may actually, perhaps, find that you do not want to put these feelings into words. They are yours, spoken in the silent realms of your soul, where words are not necessary and you speak to yourSelf in that hidden language known only to you. The High Priestess advises resisting any demands, the clamor of your outward-focused mind, to "explain yourself." You need time, you need distance from the world, you need silence. Yes, you have commitments, to your business or to your children or to your responsibilities. But this day is sovereign. Today is the one day in the last four years when all things are turned around. You may say, to me or to your Self, "That sounds great, but I can't right now. I'm too busy." But--is this really true? Often, for all of us, at least part of our "busy-ness" is habit. If there's work to be done, yes, we must do it: feed the baby, answer the e-mail, do the dishes, go to the meeting. But after your work is done, instead of going out or scheduling something else, today is the day when you might best choose to spend some time alone. Even in a frantic day of errands, it is possible to try to develop a distance, an inner calm. Sit down, relax, be quiet. It's just you, now, you and the High Priestess. You are alone. Be still.....

OK, OK, I hear you. You're a wee bit uneasy about that, about a whole day/afternoon/evening of only your own company. Time to the Self is so rare, that when someone suggests it, most people say, "Oh, YEAH! That sounds great!" But often, we do not really mean it. The idea of doing nothing, of letting the inner life awaken, frightens us. Being alone with my Self? Having to look at my Self, listen to my Self? No, thanks! Let's go to the bar! But the High Priestess gazes serenely from behind her Moon, and asks you, "Am I really so hard for you to talk to, Self? Please stay here with me. I miss you."

The High Priestess is a card of quiet joy and inner peace. She represents your Soul, your Inner Power. Just as the Magician is the avatar of Personal Power, the outer power to Act, so the High Priestess invites you to join with Her, with your Self, in the Inner Power of serene and silent meditation. You have family, you have a sweetheart, wife or husband, you have kids, you have a job, you have responsibilities. But most of the time, the one place you are likely to fall down on or ignore your responsibilities is in taking time for your Self. Today, one day in four years, in a "time outside of time" the High Priestess is asking you to do that, to be with your Self, to be with Her. Go on, now, get outta here, go take your Self time. I am doing that, too. See you tomorrow!

Walking The Line...

February 28, 2012: Temperance, Utah Maninni One Tarot

Water pours down, fire rises up, meeting at the center in circles of earth and air--all the elements, all in balance, each effectively manifesting itSelf...

So--here we are, a brand-new day, nothing much has happened yet at 11 AM....What can we do to balance this day? How can we use ALL our talents and abilities, and overstress NONE of them...how can we do what is appropriate for the situation? I have an idea....

I awoke this morning to a long-loved saying posted on my FB wall by a friend. Here is a way one can truly remain in balance, exercise Temperance, today and every day...




The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz)

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word.
2. Don't Take Anything Personally.
3. Don't Make Assumptions.
4. Always Do Your Best.

If we can do this, today and every day, we will be in the very aura of Temperance. Might not be a bad way to live...

Three Messages....

I spent the last two days either afk or ill, so your TarotWitch let the Realms lie silent. So, of course, stepping back into the aether, the question for today is, "What would you like me to know, now that I've been away?" Three days, counting today, three cards, one each from three Avatars. Here we go:

Friday, February 24: Avatar of this day, Spider Woman. Card, Mother of Stones, Haindl Tarot

She stands, gazing deep from within the labyrinth, into your eyes, into your soul. She is silent, as the turning angles of the labyrinth bring you face to face with your Self, again and again. She has drawn the threads together, and has created a shape of complexity, one which rivals the interconnected and divergent threads of your life. She is at Center, remembering that from this position she is aware of, and has control of, each and every breath, thought, being, idea that touches the strand of her web of Self, anywhere. At the Center, there is power. Where do you stand?

Spider Woman is the Life-Weaver, and at the end of the week, she draws the threads to center. She's a reminder that power always is found most plangently in the Spaces Between, and that nothing can reach you at Center that you do not control. Not a bad message for a Friday evening!

Saturday, February 25: Avatar of this day, Saturn. Card, Seven of Cups, Haindl Tarot

It's a party, and of course, you're the guest of honor. The drink flows freely, and the tone is convivial...or is it? Who's that, standing over there in the corner, talking to no one, an empty cup in hand? Could it be you've forgotten something in this mad flurry of alcoholic abandon? Where's that rent check again? What, you spent it on all this wine? Aaargggh!

This card shows up when you have been hurrying headlong through the moments of your day without actually noticing what they contain, because your main focus is to get through it all, getting'er DONE. When you arrive at your well-earned after-party, you simply leave it all behind, forgetting that there might have been MESSAGES in the mad scramble. So--here and now, think. Sit back, breathe, consider. Take a retrospective look at each and every accomplishment of the week, with that Saturnian focus of order and guardianship, that set of lenses that gives you the acute focus on the minutiae of the moment. What might you have missed, have failed to notice? What could you, perhaps, rethink? Go over to the Being in the corner, right that cup and fill it, put a loving arm around the part of your Self that has missed your attention in the headlong scramble. Success is an illusion when the precious bits of humanity and self-care fall by the wayside. Let's think the moments through, this time, and make sure we pick up all the pieces.

Sunday, February 26: Avatar for this day, the Sun. Card, The Moon, Utah Maninni One Tarot

Maybe it seems odd that on Sun Day, the card the Realms send us is the Moon. It shouldn't, though, if we think scientifically. The Moon is, after all, a rock, a cold body hurtling through space. It's luminous, plangent and illusory--its mysterious light is, when all is said and done, a reflection. And it is the Sun which makes the Moon shine, and changes its shape--the Sun, and the Earth.

So--put yourself there, into the heavens, for your message for this day. You are the Sun, today--you're the flaming source of heat, light, and energy in your own personal Universe. But--you are also the Moon. You reflect that which surrounds you, in the form and shape which is permitted to you by your own personal Earth, your body, your spirit, your responsibilities. You are the source of your own Being, you are the shaper thereof, and you are that shining reflection of Life that illuminates your own darkness.

So, today, make up your mind that you, as the Sun, will shine your brightest, reflecting light on your own Earth, and that your Moon will gleam serene and calm into your own darkness. I am being deliberately obfuscatory here--you know exactly what I am talking about, though, as it applies to you. So--focus, shine, shape, reflect. And go and do. It's Sun Day.