Daily Draw: Oracle of the Dreamtime ~ Rainbow Lorikeet

The new sun rises behind the stunning multi-colored Lorikeet; A child overwhelmed by sorrow and pain is transformed spirit and body into something new and magnificent.

In the Dreamtime, perhaps. Today, we need to rely on ourselves to make the transformation we desire. Everyone is beautiful when we stop comparing them to others, all of us sometimes suffer from great sorrow. To open our hearts, to lift our eyes we first must accept ourselves as we are. Then we can truly make a choice in what we would be transformed into. If we choose inner transformation and growth, everything else will follow.

The following is my personal affirmation written in 1999. I read it daily, I try to live by it's guidelines, and it has transformed my life.

Blessed Be The Day, For Me And Mine

When I curse or disempower another person

I absent myself from reverence.

I must shift and raise the frequency of my light,

For I receive from the world what I give to the world.

The temptations that challenge will always be with me;

Each temptation is not a defeat,

A signal I'm weak...

But an opportunity to prove myself stronger each time.

Take the time to appreciate that strength

And the Spirit from which it comes.

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Dreamtime ~ Brush Turkey

Brush Turkey represents us when we compare ourselves to others, think we come up short, and resort to foolish or dangerous measures that only harm us in the end. Envy is a ruthless taskmaster.

I'm reminded by this card there always have been and always will be women who are prettier, thinner, younger, smarter, richer, faster, stronger, nicer than I. I can choose to make myself sick and broke trying to look and act like someone else or I can accept myself for what I am, work on making myself a better person from the inside out, and not be concerned with what others have, do, or think of me. That is my choice, because I can recognize that none of those traits are better or more important than whatever went together to form me. As adults we have the power to make our own lives, for better or worse, with each choice we make. Let us choose to live our own life rather than miss it all by mooning for someone else's.

"Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own." ~ Harold Coffin 1905-1981

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Dreamtime ~ Frilled Neck Lizard

This card is rather a combination of the more traditional Tower and Death, in the very best sense, in that through our own actions we bring about utter cleansing, almost a rebirth. When we get angry enough about the state of affairs in which we find ourselves, then we have have the personal power to make the changes required.

I'm reminded by this card of three of these personal life changes. I'm still here, still live in the same house, to an outsider looking in, all is as it was. But inside looking out I'm changed, and so is my future, very much so. While by my own hand I initiated and encouraged these changes, I had to see the need, feel the anger and use that anger to cleanse so I could go forward. I'm here to say it was worth the trip.

"When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better." ~ Pauline R. Kezer 1957-

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Dreamtime ~ Kangaroo

The Dreamtime story of how marsupials came to be the only animals in the world having baby pouches relates to our Random Act of Kindness idea. Do a kindness when you see an opportunity; not because it might be expected but because our lives will be all the better for it.

Two recent examples: At my lowest ebb this month I received a package in the mail, anonymously, filled with special treats chosen or made just for me. I was so surprised you could have tipped me over with a feather. The first thing I opened was a small packet of 2 handmade bracelets, each with a note indicating the healing properties of the stones. I instantly put them on and have not removed them since. I roll them around my wrist many times each day when I get a whisper of heart pain and the effect is immediate. Someone cares that I am hurting, therefore I hurt less. The second occurrence was Friday. I was having lunch in a busy café and observed an older gentleman at the counter. He reminded me of my long gone dad, he seemed lonely, and he was wearing a cap that indicated his pride in being a military service veteran. All 3 reasons for me to call the server over, ask for his ticket and pay it along with my own. He will never know who did it or why, but I hope it made him smile all weekend; I know I did.

I'm reminded by this card that a Random Act of Kindness is far superior to special occasion gifts for those we love. They don't require planning, there are no expectations to be met, cost is irrelevant...the act itself is the important part of the exchange.

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." ~ Hebrews 13:2

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Dreamtime ~ Waratah

Love and loss, grief and devotion. If you've never read On Death and Dying by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross you should. She explains the 5 stages of grief in a way that will help you get through each of them. Your pain will be no less, but you will better understand the denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, and yes, guilt.

I'm reminded by this card that death and dying are part of life, but each loss still comes as a blow to the heart and mind. We suffer mini-grief daily when we hear of a family lost in a fire, or see a dead bird on the ground. We carry with us the deep fear of what if. What if he gets in a wreck on the way to work. What if she chokes on a fish bone. What if I drop dead in the laundry room. For being the one thing each living thing on earth has in common we sure don't know much about how to deal with it. For most it is the verboten subject. They haven't a clue if their spouse would prefer burial or cremation, National cemetery or small rough country cemetery; who gets the tools, who gets the sewing machine... So when we are at our very lowest ebb of strength and sanity we are faced with a million decisions and no clue. Don't do yourself this disservice. Talk to your spouse. Tell your kids what your final wishes are. They will say they don't want to talk about it and leave the room, but just keep talking a little louder. It will be said and you know what? In that time of greatest grief they will take comfort in knowing they are doing that last final thing, the way you want.

"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth - and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." ~ Elizabeth Kubler-Ross 1926-2004

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Dreamtime ~ Koala

Selfish secrets, interesting card to draw as my dreams last night were of a similar nature. The selfish secrets that come to mind today are parents going to great lengths to keep a secret from their children; often the children have known for years and couldn't care less. Occasionally the biggest secret burden we carry could have been off-loaded long ago, but we've begun to nurse it until it changes and deforms who we are. Then there is the opposite selfish guilty secret, the kind someone shares because they know it will give them release, regardless of what that unwelcome knowledge will do to the recipient...illicet affairs for instance.

I'm reminded by this card that most sad secrets are akin to vampires...drag them out in the sunlight and they wither and die. Kept hidden in the dark recesses of our minds they grow in power. What secret have you been hoarding, turning and fondling in your mind that should have been expelled long ago? Let it go, throw it away, disappear it, it isn't worth the life energy we've been giving it.

"The man who can keep a secret may be wise, but he is not half as wise as the man with no secrets to keep." ~ Edgar Watson Howe 1853-1937

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Dreamtime ~ Sturt's Desert Pea

A card of misguided justice and tragedy partially the result of ignoring intuition. Often we will say "it just came out of the blue" or "I still can't believe it happened to me" yet if we stop and think some tragedies could have been averted. The fireplace ashes get scooped into a cardboard box and set on the porch; we neglect the tire pressure, oil, water, and fuel in our auto; we stand on roller logs to get a better view of the awesome high tide. We know better.

We so seldom listen to our heart, or the small still voice in our mind, the spirit side of our being. It gets overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of busy lives. We should require of ourselves to spend an hour weekly sitting on a stump in the forest, a rock in the desert, the seat of a rowboat in the middle of a still pond...just listening. It is harder than you think. And of course there is always the "I just haven't got any extra time" yet someone is watching TV how many hours a week? Shopping at the mall how often? How many hours a month are on the cell phone bill? We have time, we won't take time, and the result is often tragic. Take an hour this week to just pause and think. If you can't do it you need it more than you can know.

"The life of the consciousness is boundless. It interpenetrates the world and is woven in all its imagery. Therefore, we must hearken closely to our inner voice." ~ Oskar Kokoschka 1886-1980

A change of pace this week, from tarot to the Oracle of the Dreamtime by Donni Hakanson, 1998, published by Journey Editions/Eddison Sadd Ltd. 45 round cards and 176 page companion book, art based on Australian Aboriginal culture and ancient stories of the Dreamtime.

Daily Draw: Tarot of Prague ~ 6 of Swords

At it's elemental fortune-telling roots, a trip across water to an unfamiliar place. I'm going across the Columbia River today to Costco, hardly unfamiliar, but not so common a trip with today's fuel prices.

I'm reminded by this card that tools can perform different functions than they were designed for. The earliest cards were used as a game. Some use them for straight fortune telling of future events, I use them as self-work tools here and occasionally for guidance readings. I look around my desk and I see a drinking glass being used for my tea light, an African Violet pot full of sand to hold incense, a soap box used to hold cards, a clear desk blotter being used to hold a collage of photos of my husband. So if a trip across the river takes us to a unfamiliar place I know I can adapt and get by using my wits and whatever comes to hand. We need to see our available tools with fresh eyes.

I look at this card and I see a single mother with 2 hungry children. She only has a blue wrap for warmth, but there is enough of it she could use a sword to cut a wrap for each. It is winter but she could use a sword to cut some branches for fire, that looks like a pretty tame swan, lunch on the fly. That mill wheel indicates there is potential for gleaning or work for grain. The wrap could be put over the swords for tent protection, and the ferryman has a purse and may be able to help. Don't despair, help is all around us, if we are willing to look.

"Focus on your potential instead of your limitations." ~ Alan Loy McGinnis 1933-2005

Daily Draw: Tarot of Prague ~ Knight of Coins

Prague is showing me a royal week isn't it? This Knight represents among other things, taking responsibility for one's own actions. It is probably the key thing we need to learn and do before we can ever get on with life. Laying cause and effect at someone else's doorstep gives away our own power to correct and improve behaviors and outcomes.

I'm reminded by this card that I've been putting off two actions because I'm suddenly unconfident of my ability to do them. I won't know until I do the job and doing the job is one way to rebuild my confidence and the only way to complete the obligations I've accepted. Thanks for the (Y) kick Knight of Coins.

"Neither death, nor exile, nor pain, nor anything of this kind is the real cause of our doing or not doing any action, but our inward opinions and principles." ~ Epictetus 55-135

Daily Draw: Tarot of Prague ~ Knight of Wands

The Knight of Wands gets fired up, and this one looks like he is carrying the Olympic Torch. Who could be more enthusiastic about the 2008 Olympics than the torch bearer?

Me, being of a more practical nature wonders about cost of this charade promoting one of the most expensive commercial events in the history of the world.

"We allowed you a charade of trivial freedoms in order to avoid making those impositions on you that are in the end both the training ground and proving ground for true independence. We pronounced you strong when you were still weak in order to avoid the struggles with you that would have fed your true strength." ~ Midge Decter 1927-

Daily Draw: Tarot of Prague ~ 2 of Cups

Complex emotions are one of the hallmarks of humanity. Great anger, passion, hungers, joy...I think feelings more than thumbs are what sets us apart from other living things. And having a friend or partner to share those emotions with enriches the good and helps dilute the bad.

I'm reminded by this card of old friends I haven't seen for a long time, and friends and family that have died and gone. It would be an amazing experience to have all those people in one room and be able to catch up on everything. Grief has probably made me maudlin but I'd like to know about Billy White, the little kid that sat in front of me in 1st grade and then moved away, my first experience with loss. I'd like to know what became of Sharon Wakefield, we went to school for 12 years together, how do we lose track of people? I'd like to know if Charlie Brown is still hermiting in Alaska and if the greenhouse effect has affected their village. And so many more, connections made and lost, part of life, but a sad part.

"I am a part of all that I have met." ~ Alfred Tennyson 1809-1892

Daily Draw: Tarot of Prague ~ 4 of Wands

Someone has to keep the home fires burning or there isn't much of a home. Ever notice how you can drive through a neighborhood and immediately spot the house where no one is tending the fire? A house can look unloved, just like a family can. It is a tough job for a single parent and those that keep working at it are much to be commended.

I'm reminded by this card that only two times between the first grade and the eighth grade did I come home to a cold dark empty house. We were blessed with two parents who loved us and who worked hard to create and keep a stable home. I am thankful today for that home.

"But the fire never dies
because you and I
Always remember
to tend to the embers
And I know that we always will" ~ Carolyn Arends 1968-

Daily Draw: Tarot of Prague ~ King of Coins

I'm self employed but I never seem to think of myself as this King. Today who comes to mind is my boss when I was a private secretary. (that is probably an outdated term, must look that up). He was the first person I ever met who understood the value of positive reinforcement. Hardly a day went by that he didn't tell staff or individual "good job, well done". He was free with "thank you" also. It was a great job and I can't tell you how many times I've said "good job well done" to others, it was such a life impacting experience for me.

I'm reminded by this card that compliments and praise well placed can work wonders, both in self esteem and production. It is too bad people so seldom think of saying it, particularly to themselves.

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." ~ Oprah Winfrey 1954-

Daily Draw: Tarot of Prague ~ King of Swords

I spent yesterday and today working with three King of Swords characters. Each highly skilled in their own field, each used to working alone. It was such a pleasure to see them put aside the differences, learn from each other, and work to the common good of all.

I'm reminded by this card, even though you often see my cynical side about humankind, I really do love my family; in-laws, out-laws, and ex-laws. When push comes to shove, mine will always show their true colours, a spectacular prism of concern and beauty.

"No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?" ~ Elbert Hubbard 1856-1915

This week's delicious deck is from Magic Realist Press, a 2 person design and writing team. The Tarot of Prague deck celebrates the magic and beauty of their chosen home, Prague, The Czech Republic. This particular copy is from a 2003 limited edition #0639.

Daily Draw: Robin Wood Tarot ~ 7 of Wands

This looks like a child who should be in school or playing Little League baseball. But even children, or perhaps especially children can be assailed from all sides and must learn defensive skill early on. In truth, I don't think there is anyone who can be more cruel to each other than kids.

I'm reminded by this card that I wouldn't be that young again for anything on earth. I have aches and pains and sorrows and problems but for me adulthood and the aging process are preferable to what children face every day.

"People who get nostalgic about childhood were obviously never children." ~ Bill Watterson 1958-

Daily Draw: Robin Wood Tarot ~ Ace of Coins

Fresh starts in the material world. While my coffee brewed I've been thinking about first day on the job at various places I've worked over the years. You can always tell when someone is new, that stunned clueless look is a dead give-away. That and the whispering trainer glued to their left elbow.

I'm reminded by this card of how wonderful the human mind is, what it can take in and process and return with usable information at our command. And to think we only use about 15% of it. I've got a 4 year old nephew who can point out math mistakes in his dad's college homework. The other day I couldn't remember how to make a cursive P. Yet we all go along, working in remembered patterns, learning something new every day. I love learning something new and I'm grateful for the brain I've got, even if it does forget to remember occasionally.

"Learning is about more than simply acquiring new knowledge and insights; it is also crucial to unlearn old knowledge that has outlived its relevance. Thus, forgetting is probably at least as important as learning." ~ Gary Ryan Blair

Daily Draw: Robin Wood Tarot ~ 10 of Wands

Today we take the final steps of one of life's paths, we lay a loved and loving companion to rest. As the 10 of Wands shows, the end may be heaven but the last steps can be long and unforgiving.

I'm reminded by this card when the journey is hardest we can reflect on the good times to lighten the burden. For one, we got almost 3 months reprieve with a change in medicine, that was pure bonus time. All I can say is that he was a good and faithful companion, and for a couple without children our animals are our family and will be grieved as such. Good-bye Windsor, and merciful journey home.

"Parting is all we know of heaven,
And all we need of hell." ~ Emily Dickinson 1830-1886

Daily Draw: Robin Wood Tarot ~ Knight of Swords

What a difference between this Knight and the Knight of Wands from Sunday the 4th. The latter thinks too much with little action, this Knight springs into action at the first notion of something afoot, thinking on the fly. I've worked with and for both types and I much prefer the Knight of Swords. Even if the action has to be redone or modified, he is always there with his shoulder to the wheel.

As has been pointed out lately this is a factor of my own personality that I need to keep my eye on...you know, use my 3 week rule. But by the time the engineer in the Knight of Wands gets done mapping out the route and logistics of taking the garbage out, the Knight of Wands has it done and has gone on to more pleasant activities. Because he knows how to walk and think at the same time.

"It is especially important to encourage unorthodox thinking when the situation is critical: At such moments every new word and fresh thought is more precious than gold." ~ Boris Yeltsin 1931-

Daily Draw: Robin Wood Tarot~King of Swords

This King seems to epitomize wise confident leadership, who takes the high road when faced with options, who will always do what is best for people. He may gain wealth and prestige because they come with the office, but that isn't what he seeks.

I'm reminded by this card of how convoluted elected leadership can be. Does cream rise to the top? Only in fresh milk I'm afraid, but you couldn't give me a monarchy on a plate, I'd rather have 10 warts on my nose. The warts would no doubt serve me better. And isn't opinion a wonderful thing, how lucky we each have one.

"Genghis Khan wasn't very lovable but he was bloody efficient." ~ Kerry Francis Packer 1937-2005

Daily Draw: Robin Wood Tarot ~ Judgement

Here is a good example of Judgement today. Straight out of the box, 8-10 shuffles and the first card I draw from this deck is a nudie...already I'm thinking I'll trade off this deck for a different one. The first thing people that are prudes say is "I'm not a prude, but..." and then list all the reason that prove they really are. But...I just don't see the need for nudity in decks and particularly on the Judgement card. I have to say, "huh?".

I'm reminded by this card, as I have been several times lately about making snap judgements and assumptions. I don't know if this deck has a lot of nudity, but I know many many people love it and use it as their main reading deck. So I'll withhold my opinion until I spend a week reading with it and using it for my daily draw...and then you can judge if I'm a prude or not.

"PRUDE, n. A bawd hiding behind the back of her demeanor." ~ Ambrose Bierce 1842-1914

The deck this week is The Robin Wood Tarot, art by Robin Wood, LWB by Robin Wood and Michael Short. Published by Llewellyn Publications 1991

Daily Draw: Feng Shui Tarot ~ Green Dragon Ace

This deck is growing on me. These minors completely flummoxed me to begin with because the images presented show none of the suit keys...because...it is all to do with Feng Shui. This card is the equivalent of the Ace of Coins but there is no coin shown encouraging me to jump to set keywords. There is also water at the bottom of the image so if guessing, the suit cups would come to mind. If I could only have one deck this would be a good one; I could learn a lot about Feng Shui which would enrich my tarot knowledge because they are all about Elementals. The tarot equivalent to the game Rock Scissors Paper, or what aids and what detracts.

I'm thankful to and reminded by the Green Dragon Ace that fresh beginnings and an open mind can enrich us immeasurably, if we are open to change and effort. Easy seldom offers growth.

"Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." ~ Gene Fowler 1890-1960

Daily Draw: Feng Shui Tarot ~ Hierophant

The Hierophant quietly reflects. Weighs the pros and cons. Avoids snap decisions. Observes everything and everyone around him. If he is at an impasse he recognizes that all knowledge does not lie within and seeks enlightenment.

I'm remind by this card how often I go off on a wild goose chase, leap to conclusions, make snap judgments, and the worst, assumptions based on knowledge I don't have. Life has a way of working out, it really does, in spite of ourselves, but it always works out better given time and thought.

"What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action." ~ Eckhart von Hochheim 1260-1328

Daily Draw: Feng Shui Tarot ~ Green Dragon 2

With fire and sword the Green Dragon maintains harmony and balance with wood and earth, ensuring none diminish, harm, or overwhelm the other.

I'm reminded by this card how easily it is to get unbalanced. We discover something new and immerse in it to the determent of work; we feel a calling to serve and in honoring that leave a family neglected; we have an exciting hobby we spend freely on which eventually makes us poor stewards of our finances...even the things that bring us joy and fulfillment can be harmful if we don't balance it with the duties life has presented us with. I will work on balance today. I have a moderate pile of ironing I've been avoiding, appliquéing instead. I'll have that pile done by lunchtime.

"But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?" ~ Albert Camus 1913-1960

Daily Draw: Feng Shui Tarot ~ White Tiger Queen

Life experiences and demands. They make or break us. Think of 10 people you know well. Have they had a hard life and risen above it or are they still, after all these years looking to lay blame outside themselves for their circumstances? Or have they moved on, way beyond, and made something rich and rewarding of their life... learning and growing from their experiences?

Yes, bad things happen to good people, but I'm reminded by this Queen that God gives us the face we are born with, we create the face and personality we die with. The past is a dead horse and obsessing about it will forfeit today. Life experiences are part and parcel of existence. Live? Or just Exist? The choice is ours each and every morning. What will you do today that will enrich your life?

"Take time to gather up the past so that you will be able to draw from your experiences and invest them in the future." ~ Jim Rohn 1930-

Daily Draw: Feng Shui Tarot ~Materialism

I drew this card some hours ago, a good one for today, I seem to need a kick in the (Y). I just looked at the clock and it is 12:20 PM. Where does the time go when we browse on the 'net? I'm not sure when I started but I'd guess at least 2 hours ago I dropped into Amazon to check on a meditation CD and got sidetracked into a book search that got sidetracked into a multiple search on Ebay. I haven't bought anything...just thinking and comparing prices and doing research. A huge time saver and dollar saver over getting in the car and going to town. Even in a big city, you can seldom lay your hands on just what you need, too many places to look, too far apart.

But...back to the card of the day...and Materialism. In truth I was doing two things, procrastinating and window shopping. Whether I purchase something or not, this type of shopping still feeds the materialism monster, because if I do it long enough I'll hit the buy it now button. Heaven knows I've said often enough I have everything I need, so why window shop my day away. Someone kick my (Y). Oh, thanks so much, now I'll go do what I was putting off and try to give the kiss of life to my day.

"If it moves, kick it. If it doesn't move, kick it until it does." ~ Phil Woosnam 1932-

Daily Draw: Feng Shui Tarot ~ Black Tortoise 9

In order to protect his environment the turtle has built a wall, which keeps the bulls on their side and in turn protects them.
This basic premise is what rules or laws are supposed to do, protect and serve.

It serves my interests to obey the laws of man and the 10 Commandments of God. The stone tablets are common sense in a world gone mad, the paper laws by the millions are tablet amendments because we are a tricky bunch, always looking for loopholes, the hole in the fence that spells freedom...we think.

I'm reminded by this card that when I break a rule or a law I am disrespecting my fellow mankind. I am no better or worse, yet I deliberately set myself above when I think I'm different, no need to comply.

"Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up." ~ Robert Frost 1874-1963

Daily Draw: Feng Shui Tarot ~ Black Tortoise Knight

This card recommends we stop loafing, stop looking backward, and get on the stick. Take some proactive steps to improve the present. Whatever has happened is immaterial, today and tomorrow are where our attention should rest.

I was a hairdresser for many years and this card reminds me of clients who would come in, describe a dated style and ask me to cut/style their hair that way. Crew-cuts, high-styles; Butch wax, Dippty-Do. What they were doing was trying to recreate a time in their lives when they felt happier, contented, safer...But life doesn't work that way. We do need to look forward and change what isn't working, enhance what is, let the past go.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." ~ Soren Kierkegaard 1813-1855

Feng Shui Tarot set was written by Eileen Connolly, the art is by her son Peter Paul Connolly. In honesty the book is a must have for this deck, the minors make no visual tarot sense until you grasp the Feng Shui laws at work. Otherwise they need to be treated as an oracle. I love the Majors and the additional information provided by the book adds a new dimension to reading. Published by U.S. Games 2005

Daily Draw: Haindl Tarot ~ 4 of Wands

When you look at this card what do you see? As I watched the scan come into the software I saw an image viewed under glass of a pueblo dwelling high on a cliff, restricted from closer view by the 4 Wands. That isn't the artist's view (*see below) but it is a perfectly acceptable tarotist view, as we all see something different in the cards. It is also the view most of us have of other people's relationships and home life. It really is true you can't know what goes on behind closed doors. So being the inquisitive and inventive race we are, we make assumptions. Often, that everyone else is happier, wealthier, more organized, than we are. Umm, no. Granted there are a lot of happy households, but being humans there is always conflict too.

I'm reminded by this card not to measure myself and my household's perfection level by assumptions I've made about other households. That way lies discontent based on the impossible. The only household I need to concern myself with is my own, and today I'd give it a 8. We are all together, healthy, have beautiful weather to look forward to...the only sand in the oyster is by 7:00 tonight my husband's job may be moot because of a lock out. In truth, our ship sails rough seas, but we can choose to make our day what we will. We are choosing to make it a good one.

"I have now reigned about 50 years in victory or peace, beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity. In this situation, I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot. They amount to fourteen." ~ Abd Er-Rahman III 731-799 CE

*The image drawn from a section of Haindl's painting Kathedrale shows a hand with an eye at it's center, holding a bubble.

Daily Draw: Haindl Tarot ~ Emperor

When you think of an Emperor archetype does your mind go to Napoleon or the Dali Lama? Telly Savalas or Billy Graham? Is there a middle road for an Emperor or is insensitivity and arrogance such a big part of the 'type' an Emperor can't survive retaining gentleness and humility?

I'm reminded by this card that those in search of power and success often shed the traits that hinder the drive; a loss both to themselves and whomever they lead. Without a soft side they become caricature humans. What a shame...

"When man becomes a caricature of himself; at every moment it is the mockery and the contradiction of what he is pretending to be." ~ George Santayana 1863-1952

Daily Draw: Haindl Tarot ~ 10 of Stones

Not your usual happy family castle in the background 10 of Coins image is it? At least the stones are stationary and not rapidly rolling out of view. This is a good image for today's economy, rocky road ahead and only the basic rock of the earth will hold it's value...and meaning. Because what was important last year materially won't be important this year. It is back to basics time.

I'm reminded by this card that quite often my age is a benefit rather than a drawback. The adults I grew up with; parents, grandparents, adult neighbors, all experienced the depression of the 1930's. They, and by association, I, know how how to grow a garden, butcher stock, use up, and most importantly, do without. The instant gratification and artificial plenty of today's world is a mirage which can be gone in an blink. I'm thankful I know to my core I have everything I need and I know the difference between want and need.

"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship." ~ Buddha Gautama Siddharta 563 BC-483 BC