Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Page of Cups

Card of The Day: Page of Cups.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:Cups11.jpg
       In the Page of Cups, we look at the aspects of the Page, and the qualities in the suit of Cups.
       The Page represents the serendipitous nature of youth. This is a time of life before we are jaded by the harsher aspects of the world. I remember back to my own youth. I was much more tolerant and forgiving. I had lofty ideals of changing the world. I took people for who they were, and didn't judge them for how they lived.
       The Cups suit represents the spiritual and mysterious side of life. Cups is not concerned with wealth or power. Cups wants to take you on a date, and experience a star gazing. Cups is laying in a hammock on a warm summers day, drinking in the warmth, and smelling the fresh cut grass.
        When the Page of Cups is your card of the day, revisit your youth. Those are the best times of our lives. Let the worries of of day to day living stay in the drawer. You didn't need wealth and possessions to be happy then. You only needed a good friend and a warm day.

Monday, March 30, 2015

The Four of Wands

Card of The Day: Four of Wands.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:Wands04.jpg
          Celebrate! The Four of Wands wants you to be excited and jubilant. I can think of many occasions the Four of Wands attends; Weddings, birthdays, carnivals, and picnics are just a few.
          I think we can have these feelings on a day to day basis too. Sometimes you just wake up the right side of the bed. Co-workers are happy and glad to be around you. Sometimes things go your way.
         When these moments happen, try not to let the news of the day dampen your spirit. As I get older I've realized there will always be bad news and tragedy around the world. Politicians we elect to represent us will not always do what we want, or be able to. War and natural disasters are just a few mouse clicks away. You don't have to look very far to find bad news.
       Good news however, you have to be open to it. There's plenty of it all around us. Unlike bad news, good news is the silent majority. It's right there in front you underlying everything.
       Don't waste the Four of Wands should you be blessed to draw it. There will be plenty of time to lament all the things that can dampen your mood. Today is not that day! Open yourself to celebrating the good fortune you have. There are many people, in much worse circumstances, that would pity us for not appreciating the good fortune we have.
      I wish you all a happy Four of Wands Day.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

The Emperor

Card of The Day: The Emperor.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_04_Emperor.jpg
          The Emperor sits on his large thrown ready to address any issue that may arise in his kingdom. It may seem like a good position to be in, however, he is not shown reveling in his wealth. In his hand is not a cup brimming with good cheer. Nor does he hold a sward to impose his judgment upon his subjects. In his hand he holds as short scepter representing his power and position.
         A lot of responsibility falls on the shoulders of the Emperor. The well being of himself and those he rules go hand in hand. Many peoples futures depend upon on his leadership.
         He also represents establishment and ritual. Emperors do not rule for short periods of time. His power comes from the longevity of time tested law and order.
         If you see yourself as this card, you may be faced with difficult decisions that effect many people. To be the Emperor is not easy. You may have to make decisions that are good for the many, but bad for your closest friends and family. Sometimes doing what is right can hurt.
        If seeing this card you feel someone else in your life is the Emperor, and your one of the masses,  you may want to interact with the respect and the customary rituals of his court. The Emperor has been around for a long time, there are ways things are done. He is not about to fly off in scattered directions of whim and fancy.
     

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Card of The Day: Temperance.
Of all the cards in the Tarot deck, this is the card I wish would influence the word. Temperance takes two undrinkable ideals and tempers them into something palatable. 
We seem to be offered either or choices today. My way or nothing. Temperance has been kidnaped, and respectful dissent is in hiding. 
We can still use the lessons of Temperance, even if the political landscape does not. 
Compromise should be associated with win win. Not win loose. 
If you have poured water from one glass to another, it takes a steady hand. Temperance is a wise and experienced hand at working with volatile ideals. In our day to day lives, it is always good to find someone who is steady and clear headed to do the mixing. If we choose inexperienced or biased hands, there can be disastrous consequences. 

Before you try to mixing ideals; make sure your hands are steady, and your heart is unbiased.   

Friday, March 27, 2015

Card of The Day: The Queen of Cups. 
Because Cups represent emotions and spirituality, and The Queen represents the feminine point of view, we have a very special individual before us. She is moved by the emotions of those around her. She cares about how and what your doing. 
You would wish her to be the doctor or nurse who gives you compassionate care. Being the Queen, she will do what needs to be done. She can be compassionate without letting her emotions cloud her judgement. If what you need is vaccine, she’ll jab you with the needle knowing it’s the right thing to do. 

We all have unpleasant responsibilities and points of view we have to convey to others around us. Wouldn’t it be nice if those tasks could be done with the energy of The Queen of Cups. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Five of Pentacles

Card of The Day: Five of Pentacles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:Pents05.jpg
          How do you feel when you see The Five of Pentacles? Do you relate to the two poor and desperate people in the picture? Are you one of the people who feel for these two souls, and wish to help them? Lastly do you feel these people, through their own bad choices, deserve the fate they are left to?
         This card represents hardship brought on through financial hardship, or health problems laying us low.
         The issue for me with this card, is an overwhelming compulsion to judge the people in the picture. You're all well aware of our society's conflict with the poor and disabled, not to mention race, gay, lesbian, and income inequality. In all these cases there are strong emotions tied to the symbolism they represent.
         The Five of Pentacles suggests you take a long hard look at your feelings on these issues. I myself have lived in both the worlds of poverty and affluence. I will not pontificate on how you should view these issues. I only suggest you try and think what it's like to be someone who is judged harshly by society. At some point we will all be old and in need of help, whether we be rich or poor.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Card of The Day: Three of Swords.

Card of The Day: The Three of Swords.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:Swords03.jpg
     The Three of Swords, to me, is the card I fear the most. To inflict the kind of pain this card shows you have to be very close to someone.
      We could also be the perpetrators of such pain as well. I think we have all done some pretty awful things to people from time to time. I have two sisters, and there are several things from my childhood that I would dearly love to take back.
      I'm afraid betrayal and emotional pain is part of life. I believe the key to this card is to not let it overshadow you. Better to have loved and loss, than to never had loved at all. Be resilient and forgiving. I know I need forgiveness now and again. With this in mind, I will try and forgive other people in hopes that they will forgive me for my faults.
      Although I didn't make the old saying, it still holds true, 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you'.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Card of The Day: The World.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_21_World.jpg

This is the card we strive for. The World represents the contentment that comes with achieving balance in our lives. Your wants and needs are manageable. You have purpose and meaningful direction in your life. Friends and family share happy and cordial gatherings.
When we pass through moments like these, make sure to to relish them. Like the river, we are always in constant flow. Once we are through the rapids, take time to appreciate the peaceful stretches before the rapids begin again.
For myself, I have never found the feelings from 'The World' card by being protected and safe. I cannot build a fortress strong enough to protect myself from all the bad things that might happen to me. The thicker and higher I build my walls, the father out of touch I become. The more I reach out to keep my world fresh and engaged, the more happness I feel.
I think shared experiences are the jewels of life. These are the treasures I attain from 'The World'.


Sunday, March 22, 2015

Card of The Day: The Fool.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_00_Fool.jpg
         The Fool is the first card in the major arcana. He is heading out on a fresh start to enlightenment.   He represents innocence and wanderlust. The Fool is unencumbered by prejudice, intolerance, or hate. His beauty is being un-jaded by experience. He wants for little except to drink in experience and the richness of the beauty around him.
       His folly is he does not have a wealth of wisdom that may protect him from going on the wrong paths.
       This is the conflict we face in life. Do we allow ourselves to go off into the world seeking beauty and knowledge? Or Is it more important to shield ourselves from all that may be out there to harm us.
       When you see The Fool card show up, it wants you to come back to the side of innocence. It's time to start a new journey and search for knowledge. Leave your fears and listen to your heart. The Fool knows there is beauty out there and he is willing to take the risk to search it out.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Card of The Day: The Four of Cups.

I find myself afflicted with this card on a regular basis. In the Four of Cups, a young man sits under a tree in self absorbed contemplation. The three cups he posses don’t seem to satisfy him. A hand from the sky is offering him yet another, but he is to preoccupied to see the offering. 
What is it about the human condition that we spend so much time worrying about things that don’t matter? Everyone of us have had the good feelings that come from giving to others, receiving hospitality, or going for a good walk. Yet we all to often fall into old patterns that keep us in the doldrums. 

If you can relate to this card, I think the answers are fairly self evident. Grab some boot strap leather, pick your self up, and get moving. Your mind will fallow your feet’s lead and come around. You don’t have to be in the mood to do something. Just do it and the mood will come all by it’s own.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Card of The Day: King of Wands.

     I like this king a lot. The kings of the suits represent the attributes of the suit, plus the personality of a leader. Wands are thinking and creative, and these are just the kind of virtues that we want in a great leader. 
     We want our king to listen to the young and the old alike, and not be stuck in antiquated ways of doing things. When the time has come to act we want our king to boldly bring us to a better future.
      Seeing this card makes me admire and want to add the King of Wands energy to my day. I want to take actions that would please this man. 

      I wish there were more high profile role models that live up to this card. If like me you have trouble finding a good role model, the next best thing is to be the role model. Take the initiative and lead by example.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Card of The Day: Four of Swords.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:Swords04.jpg
       The four of Swords displays a man in somber sleep surrounded by four swords. His hands are held as in prayer. A stained glass window in the background shows he is in a place of sanctuary.
       This card is telling us to take a break from our battles and difficulties. Often in modern society, we have a great deal of difficulty slowing down, or stopping when we need to heal.
        Sometimes we just need some peaceful place to contemplate the path we are on. The Four of Swords reminds us to take some personal time to think.
        This card can also signify the healing process. You cannot knit your broken bones or allow your medicine to work if you're pushing too hard. In my profession 'carpenter' I cannot count the number of times I've had to work through the pain of swollen joints and aching back. I could have used the advice of this card many times.
       I hope that all of you who need this card, use its advice and take a break.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Card of The Day: Six of Pentacles.
        I believe we see a lot of this card in our daily lives. In the Six of Pentacles, a man of wealth is giving money to a beggar kneeling beside him. Another beggar awaits a possible contribution. The wealthy man also holds a scale to measure the worth of those who are asking him for money. 
        This card shows the complex relationship of need, want, charity, power and control. 
        No one is judging the man giving out the money or his authority to judge the men asking for charity. The patron is hardly giving to the point where he is diminishing his wealth. The pittance he is giving the beggars is hardly enough to bring them up out of poverty. 
        When you see this card, ask yourself what your relationship to charity is. Are you in need of help from a benefactor? Will you have to sacrifice some dignity asking for assistance? Are you in a position to give charity? Are you using your helpfulness as true giving, or power and influence over those receiving your money. 
       Who has not heard water cooler talk of the distain for street beggars, welfare recipients, and asylum seekers. It is so easy to judge these people. It is so hard to be these people. 

       When you decide to give, think very carefully about what your doing, and why your doing it. The world may very well depend on your relationship with this card.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Card of The Day: The Hierophat.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_05_Hierophant.jpg
         I myself have a bit of difficulty with this Card. The picture shows a religious leader giving guidance to disciples. Or another way to look at it is, the head of an organization leading its members.
         This card represents the orderly establishment being run with a hierarchical structure. As we know there is power in numbers. The more orderly and well run the establishment the more influence the organization can wield. People who play by the rules and interact within social boundaries will do well.
         Of course if you are not one of the people who does well in groups, or blindly fallowed the orders from above, things can get a little rough.
          I myself, like all of us, have been on both sides of the coin. Sometimes I have fit in. Sometimes I do not. I've had to be the leader doling out orders, and I've had to be the good soldier following orders too.
          This card brings up a lot if issues for me. There are many well run organizations with kind and gracious Hierophants leading the flock. There are also many victims of poorly run, powerful groups who use their selfish ideals against anyone not belonging to their group.
          Choose your organizations wisely. If your team or group works together with a good leader you can achieve beyond your individual abilities. On the other hand if your organization is not founded on moral footings, and your leaders are not worthy of your loyalties, you may want to find a better Hierophat to lead you.
         The most important of all, is if your the leader of a team of individuals, please be kind and generous. You have an obligation to those that work or learn from you.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Card of The Day: The Sun.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_19_Sun.jpg
           Remember those warm summer days when you wake up and everything is right with the world. Everything is illuminated, and your fears and worries have been swept away with the warmth and light. This is what The Sun card is exemplifying.
           You may also find the feelings of achievement and recognition for a job well done. If your going to get a gold star this is the day.
           I wish for all of you to relish your moment in The Sun today. I think we can all feel the summer days are just around the corner.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Card of The Day: Strength.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_08_Strength.jpg
     This is one of my favorite cards.  I think this card eloquently shows the true power of strength. All to often people confuse power with strength. Gandhi, Martin Luther King JR, and Malala Yousafzai, all show the kind of strength this card depicts.  It is the strength of the intellect over our more base emotions.
       The woman fearlessly conquers the lion with her kindness and knowledge. Oh how we need more of this woman! I find all to often these days, people using power and anger to force and intimidate their will upon us. I will try and stay out of politics here, but I'll let your imagination wonder to the headlines we so often see depicting this kind of abuse of power.
      So please use your Strength as your tool of persuasion. Power has limits, Strength does not.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Card of The Day: Ten of Swords.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:Swords10.jpg
No one wants to see The Ten of Swords show up for them. The poor man lies face down with ten protruding swords. A low point for sure.
      How did he find himself at such a low point? Perhaps he has reaped the benefits of decisions he has made in the past. Maybe he's chosen the role of martyr, using himself for the benefit of some one else. I hope that he realizes how much he's sacrificed. And I hope it was worth it to him.
     No matter how this poor man found his way to this point, there is no lower he can go. It is time to painfully pull out the swords and begin to heal. A change of direction is upon him. It may not be easy but he's got nothing to loose.
     If you find that you empathize with The Ten of Swords, look for a new beginning. You have done your sacrificing, now it's time to pick yourself up by the boot straps and start again.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Card of The Day: The Empress.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_03_Empress.jpg
         The Empress is much like mother earth. She is grounded and life springs from her. She wants you to know that the true wealth is the wealth from the earth. Good fresh food, clean water, and the beauty of the land is what she values.
          Are you caught up in the technological world. Does money and the trinkets of capitalism surround you. Nature is calling. You are her children. We often stray from The Empress but she calls to us to come home. It's time to share a good meal with friends and family. Let The Empress sit at your table and share her bounty.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Card of The Day: Queen of Pentacles.

The Queen of Pentacles represents all the attributes you cherish in a good friend. Warm, inviting, honest, and hard working. I picture a person like Ruth Gordon from the movie Harold and Maude. Ruth was very practical, but honest to a fault. Her love of the natural world and beauty was inspiring.

The Queen does not preach her philosophy. She takes you as you are. This card asks you to examine yourself, and compare your values and actions. If you’re not living up to the Queen’s example you may want to make changes.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Card of the Day: The Hanged man.


           A very disturbing yet peaceful card. The man has committed some crime, but he is at peace with his predicament. Has he made a sacrifice that will allow the success of his ideals? 
            The man is not in pearl for his life, but he must contemplate how he got here. It is moments like this we test ourselves. Sometimes we must forfeit a chess piece to win the match. We will wait and show patience after the loss. The test will come at the end of the game to see if we have sacrificed wisely. 
           

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Card of The Day: The Five of Wands:


         At times do you feel at odds with every one and everything. Does the stream of daily activity seem hard to swim against today. We all have times which are not traumatic, but irritating and difficult. All of a sudden your teammates have turned from a well oiled machine into a group of individualists looking after their own self interest's. We watch our politicians going through these difficulties every day. With the weight of this card upon us it is difficult to make progress. If we persevere, and don't allow ourselves to become petty and demoralized, we will weather the lows and be ready to enjoy the highs. 

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Card of The Day: Six of Cups.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:Cups06.jpg
Six cups, brimming with flowers, are portrayed in this picture along with two people exchanging a gift between them. I cannot determine if it's the youth giving the flowers to the elderly woman or the other way around. I think the important thing is the exchanging of the gift, not who is receiving it. Both people in the picture look happy at the exchange. There in lies the lesson in the card. Charity and kindness. I believe that the act of kindness makes the giver more happy than the receiver. Here is the real test though, are you giving out of genuine kindness or are you awarding because you deem the recipient worthy. I think this card tells us to give out of kindness and not to judge the recipient. This is about true giving and true kindness.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Card of The Day: The Devil.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_15_Devil.jpg
Who is not moved by this symbolic card. I feel that that we are all given challenges that we must overcome throughout life. The two naked figures who wear the chains at the Devils feet are there voluntarily. You'll notice the chains are not bound tight. If they choose they can free themselves from him. The Devil represents our worldly gluttonous desires. Money, food, drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex, and many other worldly pleasures, that taken to extreme, bind us to him. We allow ourselves to be blinded by our desires. We use ignorance as a shield to prevent us from leaving his sanctum. I do not know of any person who does not battle against inner desires on a daily basis. Horns have growing out of my refridgorator for years, and I can almost see a Devils tale dangling form a bacon cheese burger. But life is not rewarding without the Devil to test us. The feeling I get from passing over a donut or french fries if fantastic. I will also admit that I have spent a long time in the Devils lair not able to bring myself to remove the chains. Do not fear the Devil, he is you. When you gain control over yourself, you conquer him!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Card of The Day: Eight of Cups.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#mediaviewer/File:Cups08.jpg
We have visited the Eight of Cups before. This is the beauty of the Tarot cards. Each time you look at the cards, the meanings strike you differently. This is why the concepts the cards represent are not static. We apply them to the ebb and flow of our lives.
         Today's look at the Eight of Cups shows a man leaving the cups he as acquired over his life time behind. The the superficial items he chose to collect within these vessels no longer satisfies. His tastes have changed. He leaves these cups behind for those who still value these things. He begins a new search for more meaningful ideals to fill his cups. I think as we age and hopefully become more wise, our values change. Some become more hardened and jaded. Some become more open and tolerant. I find myself pulled in these two directions almost daily. We are accosted continuously to be more fearful and condemning of others. I fight to keep myself open and tolerant. I fear most becoming dark and lonely.
       Perhaps this man is leaving behind the hate, greed, and gluttony he has acquired, and gone off to search for his childhood. The times before we knew of prejudice and want. A time before self consciousness.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Card of The Day: The Two of Swords.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:Swords02.jpg

The blindfolded woman sits on the shore guarding herself with two swards. She refuses to see the realities of the world around her. Anyone trying to reveal the truth, by removing the blindfold, will be blindly lashed at. She will strike at a friend or foe, for she can recognize neither in her blindness. Are you shutting off the world? Do you lash out at friends and family without rhyme or reason? If you find yourself avoiding painful situations, you may be experiencing the Two of Swords. Do not do harm to the bearer of bad news. They are just trying to help you. I believe this card is telling us to let down our guard and remove our blinders. With the blindfold you shield yourself from reality but you also deprive yourself of warmth and kindness from the ones who love you.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Card of The Day: The Moon.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#/media/File:RWS_Tarot_18_Moon.jpg
The Moon is a very mysterious card. In the daytime the sun reveals all. The creatures of the night sleep. Your troubles seem to melt away. In the nighttime, when the Moon rules the heavens, is a different situation. This is when the dark awakens the slumbering animals who come out to feast on the nighttime bounty. Our fears and worries rise from their hiding places in our subconscious. We rely on our sight all day. At night we must rely much more heavily on our remaining senses. In the absence of light our imaginations take the place of our sight.  The moon can be a source of anxiety for many.  For some of us however, we revel in the night. Who has walked alone in the moonlight along a wooded path. The silence is so beautiful. The hectic life of the day is replaced with peace and calm. How rejuvenating the night can be if we don't allow our fears to blind us from the beauty of the moon.  Conquer your fears, join in the celebration of the night, and the rising of the moon.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Card of The Day: The Hermit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite_tarot_deck#mediaviewer/File:RWS_Tarot_09_Hermit.jpg

How many times have I wanted to be this card?  Here a man seeks solitude from the hectic life of modern society.  Wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment are what he searches for.  It is so tiring to live in the stream of self interest that assaults from our electronic world. The Hermit turns away from this and finds places of peace to search for true meaning. He must find it for himself because anyone proclaiming they know the truth or the path to enlightenment, knows neither. If you are fortunate enough to meet The Hermit in your travels, learn what you can from him. He has learned much already, and you could be well advised to take knowledge of his teachings.