And Then Nothing

Daily Draw: Shaman's Oracle ~ Shaman of Reflections

How do we reflect to others?
Is it different than we reflect to ourselves? Indubitably.
Do we challenge our own thinking as a matter of course?
Are we lockstep with who we were, what we did, what we believed 20 years ago? 40 years ago?

I'm reminded by this card my outer reflection is identical to the 40 year old one. Yet at least 10 years ago the inner reflection became diametrical. I believe and live by the same commandants. The first three? Ludicrous. The freedom is indescribable. The peace incalculable. I am responsible for my own character, reflection, life. I can live with that. And then nothing. I can live with that also.

"Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances." ~ Mahatma Gandhi 1869-1948

Recognition

Daily Draw: Shaman's Oracle ~ Hunter of Dreams

Opening up to realization we have and are changed at some recent point. Sometime this past summer I began to feel this. Somewhere in the back of the back of beyond in my mind and body something was stirring...my parched well was refilling.

I'm reminded by this Hunter my life is my own again. Truly. I can grow into a bigger better me in directions that are of my own choosing. If I dare dream something there is nothing to bar recognizing and embracing it rather than slogging along oblivious to anything but anger pain and grief. Those three things can reduce our personal dream to a pinpoint.

"What you create in yourself will sooner or later be expressed through your mind and personality." ~ Christian D. Larson 1870-1954

Wanted: Friend

Daily Draw: Shaman's Oracle ~ Dancer of Friendship

Find one, make one, be one. And keep one.

Easier said than done.

"Friends are relatives you make for yourself." ~ Eustache Deschamps 1346-1406

Hunter Or Hunted

Daily Draw: Shaman's Oracle ~ Hunter of Paths

Am I the hunter or the hunted?  This creature has a long neck and can see in all directions but the hunter is leaping for its back, indicating to me the hunted looks but does not see, unlike last week's owl.

I'm reminded by this card of the times in my life I've chosen enmity or become the enemy. Either position is unpleasant and offers no cold pleasure to the dark corners of my heart. Hate binds an enemy to us as surely as love does and puts our life in hock to them. Can we not see that?

"You not only are hunted by others, you unknowingly hunt yourself." ~ Dejan Stojanovic 1959-  The Sun Watches the Sun

From the mind and pen of John Matthews and paint brush of Wil Kinghan, the Shaman's Oracle, Watkins Publishing, London England 2010. Beautifully slip cased with hardcover 88 page book and 52 cards based on ancient cave art. Five suits of ten cards each: Spirits, Ancestors, Dancers, Hunters, Shamans, plus the Journeyer and Companion cards.

Knowingly Know

Daily Draw: Wisdom of the Four Winds Oracle

The author indicates seeking knowledge and truth is a double edged sword, there are times when we can't deal with the truth, can't accept the knowledge of what is before us. But once in never out.

I'm reminded by this card of all the things I wish I didn't know. It is part of life and humankind, but not the life and humans I would ever knowingly know.

"I was trying to tell myself
what I must have known
before
in a form
I wouldn't recognize at first." ~ Rae Armantrout 1947-  Next Life

Fun

Daily Draw: Wisdom of the Four Winds Oracle

Innocence. This card asks us to set aside all the actions and images that steal our innocence and just have some simple fun today.

I'm reminded by this card being with Rob is always fun. He has a fine sense of humor seldom seen by anyone but me, never by anyone he does't trust and that includes most people. 6:03 AM. He hasn't been funny yet, but it won't be long...

"I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny." ~ Theodor Seuss Geisel 1904-1991 Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat

Laugh

Daily Draw: Wisdom of the Four Winds

Funniest cartoon: Johnny Hart "Clams Got Legs"
Funniest book: Patrick McManus "A Fine and Pleasant Misery"
Funniest joke: Bea Arthur "Wide Mouth Frog"
Funniest face: Dr. Linman when his untack retacked
Funniest job: The six years with Myrna

I'm reminded by this card of my never ending source for a daily laugh, Xing-Xing and Xavier. Thanks guys

"I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints." ~ Billy Joel 1949-

Good Job Well Done

Daily Draw: Wisdom of the Four Winds Oracle

Did you ever notice that crows flock off to work in the morning and flock back home in the evening? I've never actually figured out where work is but I always salute them in the sunset and say good job well done.

I'm reminded by this card we seldom say good job well done to ourselves. We should, each sunset.

"Once while St. Francis of Assisi was hoeing his garden, he was asked, 'What would you do it you were suddenly to learn that you were to die at sunset today?' He replied, 'I would finish hoeing my garden.'"

A Lifetime Of Life

Daily Draw: Wisdom of the Four Winds Oracle

Owls wait. All the while observing the total terrain around them. When prey saunters up the owl can instantly move...because it's 360 degree survey has already told it who what when where for the surroundings. This is akin to what we call instinct or intuition. Or mother's eyes in the back of her head. It doesn't just show up, it is made up of a lifetime of observations and experiences and training.

I'm reminded by this card, aging isn't all bad.
A lifetime of life is a treasure trove indeed.
And what's the alternative? Nope, not going there, not yet...

"Instinct is the nose of the mind." ~ Madame De Girardin 1804-1955

Rebirth

Daily Draw:Wisdom of the Four Winds Oracle

I wear jade 24/7. It's deep meaning for me began in my teens and has continued to empower and remind and strengthen and comfort each time I touch or look at it.

I'm reminded by this card, the book meaning is reconciliation, compassion, rebirth. In this first clean day of the Yule time I can but try to rise above the ruthlessness, nee pettiness, I've spent so many years cultivating and work toward those things. If I am willing... even this can come to pass.

"This thing I am feeling, I’m almost certain, is the closest I’ll ever come to standing somewhere in between truth and reconciliation." ~ Raquel Cepeda 1973-  Bird of Paradise

Open Doorways

Daily Draw: Wisdom of the Four Winds Oracle

On this winter solstice eve, as I plan/map/dream out my new year the Abalone suggests using this time to draw all my parts together, let go of what hinders, drop any clinging shell that prevents me from filling that space with knowledge, harmony, light.

Sounds arty-farty? Winter Solstice works form a large part of who I am. It is a matter of walking the talk, and is what sets practical application of my skills above clanking bracelets and glass balls. I eagerly await 2015, dropping the painful crimping shells of the last five years with both ceremony and pleasure.

"If we never experience the chill of a dark winter, it is very unlikely that we will ever cherish the warmth of a bright summer’s day. Nothing stimulates our appetite for the simple joys of life more than the starvation caused by sadness or desperation." ~ Anthon St Maarten

Wisdom of the Four Winds is the deck featured this week, 280 page hardcover companion book by Barry Brailsford, containing full color images of each card; 50 cards illustrated by Cecilie Okada. Published 1999, StonePrint Press, New Zealand

Snapped Awake

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Radiant Sun ~ Mercury in the 1st House

I don't remember the last time I was bored, but restless? I can recognize that feeling a mile off. Mercury is the suit of change and even for happy or content folk, a little change is nearly always a good thing.

I'm reminded by this card of coming home from school to find mother had moved the furniture around. Again. Of coming out of the grocery store and getting into a Jeep just like mine, except there were a pair of big white shoes on the passenger seat. I chopped bread and butter pickles into the macaroni salad yesterday. Little changes by design or surprise snap us awake...which is always a good thing.

"When people shake their heads because we are living in a restless age, ask them how they would like to live in a stationary one and do without change" ~ George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950

Blow Them Off The Map?

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Radiant Sun ~ Mars in the 11th House

When I drew this card I mumbled harangued thought war is stupid war is weird was ever a war worth the cost in lives? Was ever a war not instigated by the gray beards? Have the soldiers ever had shoes that were comfortable? Was a sword ever worn that wasn't awkward and movement limiting? Was there ever a knob of land held at huge cost that wasn't abandoned when the war moved on as it always does? They had numbers in Vietnam, I died for hill 314 has a nice ring for the families doesn't it.

All that said, my little rebellion this morning was working out in a word document how to print Friday's quilt mystery clue with just the pertinent images and directions. Forty-two minutes later...was the ink saved worth forty-two minutes of my life? War is like a ball of saved string, the first string looks simple, but shortly there are a thousand strings all knotted together and no way to get the eighty-first string out without disassembling the ball...No good answers here. Don't start but if you do blow them off the map, get it over and done with?  If this incarnation of civilization all goes up in smoke is it any loss? Not in my mind. But then I'm on the prod about my lost forty-two minutes aren't I?

"The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages." ~ Banksy Wall and Piece

Universal Design In Retrospect

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Radiant Sun ~ Mercury in the 5th House

What an interesting house this is. Change through creative self expression is how the companion book short-hands it. Drama queen could represent this house, but not for long, they have no goal, attention span, stomach for the long term grand and extravagant.

Retrospect shows this personality, as today is obscured with one hit wonder people. Thomas Jefferson as opposed to George Washington. Clint Eastwood as opposed to Tom Cruise. Jodie Foster as opposed to Miley Cyrus. Scott Hamilton as opposed to Dennis Rodman. We begin with the universal design and instantly begin to individualize for better or worse.

"They say Elvis is dead. I say, no, you're looking at him. Elvis isn't dead; he just changed color." ~ Dennis Rodman

Hard-Hearted Hannah

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Radiant Sun ~ Moon in Pisces

I had an Home Economics teacher who asked us one day, "how often do you cry?". My response was nearly every day. She did a double take and said "Sharyn, you are way too sensitive". It was news to  me...

I'm reminded by this card I obviously still remember that conversation, and I set out to make myself a hard-hearted Hannah. And for the most part I achieved my goal, I've often been referred to as ruthless. Except when it comes to seeing other people cry. Or when an animal is lost or abused, or even just being cute. I expect all of us have an empathy gene, but sometimes we go too far in trying to survive this world and just pave the whole thing over...

"Do not confuse peace of mind with spaced-out insensitivity. A truly peaceful mind is very sensitive, very aware." ~ Tenzin Gyatso Dalai Lama 1935-

Child Betrayed

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Radiant Sun ~ Mars in the 4th House

A house divided. Yesterday I took the opportunity presented and asked some hard questions. And got the answer I expected.

I'm reminded by this card to wonder if betrayal ever really heals? We live our life applying poultices and potions for those oldest deepest childhood wounds, we rigidly look forward never backward, no, never never speak of it... Is there ever true peace and healing? Was there ever a punishment invented that was harsh enough? I doubt it.

"The more you trust, the greater the betrayal. The more you love, the greater the harm." ~ Ren Guang Xi  Autumn's Concerto

Gave It All

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Radiant Sun~ Saturn in the 12th House

When sympathy and sacrifice go too far. When time and dollars spent in social, religious, fraternal organizations out pace the effort spent on family.

I'm reminded by this card how easy this is to do for people with big hearts. The more involved the less perspective until their personal life becomes a boneyard. And the social, religious, fraternal organizations go right on.

"We can  be obsessed with doing that we have no time and no imagination left for being." ~ Thomas Merton 1915-1968

Inner Critic

Daily Draw: Oracle of the Radiant Sun ~ Mars in the 6th house

I don't know about anyone else, but my biggest and sometimes meanest critic is myself. I learned early on to not be a perfectionist, I'm not good enough to think I can do anything perfect. And as circumstances and age have combined to make my short term memory absent from the game, I don't bother trying to learn something new anymore. It is an exercise in pointlessness.

I'm reminded by this card, and the critical self review above, that I have learned to say this is finished, it is my best work, and that will do. Life is short and the next thing sings it's siren song, maybe this time I'll get it right.

"After all, one knows one's weak points so well, that it's rather bewildering to have the critics overlook them and invent others." ~ Edith Wharton 1862 - 1937

A beautiful deck this week from the Smith/Astrop team, Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Astrology cards to illuminate your life. The set contains 84 cards and 144 page soft cover book. Connections Book Publishing 2002. ISBN 1-85906-071-4

Give It Some Wellie

Daily Draw: Santa Fe Tarot ~ 3 of Wands/Rainbows

Her application of practical knowledge has changed hope to actuality.

I'm reminded by this card progress doesn't happen in a vacuum, we need to lean into the wheel too.

"I like stuff designed by dead people. The old designers. They got it right because they didn't grow up with computers. All of the people that made the spoon and the needle and the cotton gin didn't have microprocessors. You could do a good design back then." ~ John Maeda 1966-

Sharyn's Soapbox: Top Five Needs

Daily Draw: Santa Fe Tarot ~ 6 of Cups/Buffalo

Two in the hand are worth four in the bush for this traveling Yei?
Remember when we made sure we had a couple quarters in the car and in the pocket in case we needed a phone?

I'm reminded by this card, my first thought was 'I clearly have enough'.
Second thought 'but if I give one away I won't'.
Third thought 'there are more where that came from, I can see that'.
That second thought embarrassed and surprised me.
My stingy bone needs flexed and loosened up. Time to do our $$$ donation to the local animal shelter. We have so much and they have such a tight budget. How many ways can we save and comfort an animal's life today?

#5 Cleaning Supplies
Basic cleaning supplies are always welcome. Dish-washing liquid is needed for cleaning bowls and kitchen utensils. Laundry detergent is always a hot commodity in an animal shelter, where mountains of laundry are commonplace. And bleach is a required cleaning supply at animal shelters.

#4 Treats
Treats help for training and for rewarding good behavior in the shelter. Unopened jars of peanut butter, meaty type jerky training treats, and unopened bags of cat treats, dental chews, catnip, and other treats make great donations.

#3 Toys
Cat toys, dog toys, rabbit chew sticks, Kongs, etc., are always welcome. A bored caged animal makes for an awful existence. Having toys for dogs and fuzzy mice or scratching posts for cats helps make their stay at the shelter a little more tolerable. Birds and other small animals will appreciate toy donations as well, so don’t forget to see if the shelter has a need for those, too.

#2 Fresh Linen
If you’re looking to clean out your linen closet, feel free to donate whatever items you no longer need. Clean towels, blankets, and sheets can be used as bedding materials for cats and dogs, so the fluffier the better. Of course, actual dog beds and cat beds are always received with open arms as well

#1 Money!
Monetary donations are always first and foremost on any shelter’s wish list. Monetary donations allow for animal shelters to treat ill or injured animals that come to the shelter as a result of abandonment or cruelty cases. Additionally, a lot of non-profit animal shelters rely on monetary donations to remain open and to help the community at large.

Thank you...

Cup Of Humanity

Daily Draw: Santa Fe Tarot ~ 7 of Cups/Water

This Yei stands upright, hands raised as if he is supporting all these cups. In his mind he probably is, but we can see clearly six of them are contained in the clouds and the one free cup is upside down, empty to anyone who is looking.

I'm reminded by this card of 'head in the clouds', a phrase that means ignoring the obvious for the imaginary.  The principles of loving, caring, thoughtfulness, kindness need to be honed, or we become the empty seventh cup. My mother has long forgotten all the magic words and the reasons for using them. One of the things that makes it so hard to be around her, it is how diminished the person becomes without that cup of humanity.

Skill Of Gifting

Daily Draw: Santa Fe Tarot ~ Page of Cups/Water

As son of Water Mother, he was generous with his gifts of droplets, scattering them over the vegetation and communities nearby. But his gift was often consumed by the sun before plants and humans could utilize it.

I'm reminded by this Page how often our gifts fall on fallow ground because we don't know enough yet to give when or where it will do the most good.

"They always gives me bath salts," complained Nobby. "And bath soap and bubble bath and herbal bath lumps and tons of bath stuff and I can't think why, 'cos it's not as if I hardly ever has a bath. You'd think they'd take the hint, wouldn't you?" ~ Terry Pratchett 1948- Hogfather

Too Much Is Not Enough

Daily Draw: Santa Fe Tarot ~ 5 of Wands/Rainbows

They both have a sufficiency of prayer sticks, but still they covet more.

This is a hard habit to break in a land of plenty. Lots of anything must be better than a few of something. Need doesn't enter the picture. Just more. I'm so grateful to FlyLady for making me conscious of this behavior. (I haven't been to the site in some years, just looking at the apps and journals and calenders starts a I want salivary gland. No I Don't.)

"One thing in, one thing out." ~  Marla Cilley

Oddball Priorities

Daily Draw: Santa Fe Tarot ~ Page of Coins/Buffalo

Do many of us completely grow out of Page of Coin priorities?

I'm reminded of the time we bought a pool table when we were living in a duplex where the living room was so small no where around the table would we get a clear shot. The cues always needed to be rear to the ceiling. It was sure fun though. I think that Page lives on in our hearts, perhaps he keeps the grinch out.

"The passionate pursuit of the nonessential and the extravagant is one of the chief traits of human uniqueness." ~ Eric Hoffer 1902-1983

Taking The Bullet

Daily Draw: Santa Fe Tarot ~ 5 of Swords/Lightning

This Yei is holding all five arrows but the rainbow is rejecting his sacrifice. While not really possible, I consider I've taken the breast cancer bullet for eight friends, 1 in 8 being the current number of women who will get the disease.

I'm reminded by this card of Rob's last beating by his father when his brother stood up and took a bullet for him. It was so bad, Les went to the house, brought a loaded shotgun back and told his father he was never going to beat Rob again as long as Les was there to stop it. Within six months both had left home, Rob at thirteen, Les at fourteen.

"Heroism is endurance for one moment more."~ George Kennan 1845-1924  "The Problems of Suicide McClure's Magazine, 1908

The Santa Fe Tarot, by Holly Huber and Tracy LeCocq, published by US Games Systems 1993. The art expresses the story of the five stages of the emergence of the native Peoples. Card images are presented as sand paintings with figures face on and considered to be facing east. Suits are Rainbow/Wands, Water/Cups, Lightening/Swords, and Buffalo/Coins The kit includes a 175 page softcover companion book.

Rebel

Daily Draw: Spiral Tarot ~ Knight of Wands

This Knight is always the one at the forefront of any rebellion. Impatient for change, doesn't always understand the resulting consequences.

I'm reminded by this Knight where would we be without their impetus to get the rest of us off our hineys?

"never back up
never back down
and FIGHT.” ~ Otep Shamaya 1979-

Good Day For A Brood

Daily Draw: Spiral Tarot ~ King of Cups

Usually leading with his heart more often than his brain, this King can be secretive and brooding, leaving us befuddled as to how to interact. Not allowing feelings an outlet and exposure to the commonsense light of day can lead to some unusual character traits.

Could these be choked off Kings of Cups, masquerading as Kings of Swords? I'm reminded by this card of Howard Hughes' later years, isolated, afraid of germs.
Honore de Balzac, who was up to fifty cups of coffee a day by the time he wrote The Human Comedy.
Sigmund Freud who had thirty surgeries for mouth cancer yet still smoked continuously. In truth there are no Kings of Cups, Swords, Wands, Coins, we are composed of all four spheres.

"What some people interpret as brooding melancholy is serenity. I don't feel required to grasp all the time." ~ David Guterson  1956-

Miser

Daily Draw: Spiral Tarot ~ 4 of Coins

One of our less attractive sides, the miser.

I'm reminded by this card we can be misers in a eleventy-seven ways.
We can be miserly with our companions and children and friends.
We can be miserly with our knowledge and help.
We can be miserly with our worldly goods.
We can be miserly with our love. To what purpose?

"The miser robs himself." ~ Johann Kaspar Lavater 1741-1801

Expectations

Daily Draw: Spiral Tarot ~ 8 of Swords

Bound, blindfolded, stuck, fenced. Not physically but mentally.

At this time of year I'm reminded by this card of unrealistic expectations. People don't change, gifts don't fulfill. Physical and financial resources squandered won't alter that outcome.

"Realize the past no longer holds you captive. It can only continue to hurt you if you hold on to it. Let the past go. A simply abundant world awaits." ~ Sarah Breathnach 1947-  Simple Abundance

Wooshes In

Daily Draw: Spiral Tarot ~ Knight of Swords

It is easy to make this Knight part of your life. Charming, intelligent, quick witted, he whooshes in and gives everything a needed shake up.
But he never stays for the long haul.

I'm reminded by this card of the hurt of being suddenly abandoned, and the relief that follows.

"She's gone. I am abused, and my relief must be to loathe her." ~ William Shakespeare 1564-1616

Better

Daily Draw: Spiral Tarot ~ 9 of Cups

Satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment.

I've finally gotten past thinking RED ALERT! CANCER! with any cough or pinch of pain. I'm slowly regaining my home after having mother here for a year. I have to remind myself I'm retired, I don't have to rush...but I'm learning. Churchill's black dog still accompanies me but at a safer distance. Nine of Cups indeed. And having Rob home with us is the best of the best of the best.

"Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this." ~ Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862

The Spiral Tarot this week, 158 page companion book and card art by Kay Steventon; published in 1998, US Games Systems. Steventon is based in Australia, and often lectures and teaches there. The Spiral is based on archetypes from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Arthurian myths, and includes symbols from the Kaballah Tree Of Life.

Mental Truant

Daily Draw: Thousand and One Nights Tarot - 8 of Coins

I'm at a loss with this card beyond apprentice and teacher. Is the instructor bored, is that why he has a thick book? What I do find interesting is the view through the dutch door. What is going on back there? Or it is out there? Is the foreground outside rather than inside a smithy? Is that the alleyway and then another room or is there someone riding a burro in the house? Is there a party going on? That looks like celebration streamers. Is that laundry hanging or shop goods?

I'm reminded by this card how I get by when taking instruction I do not find useful.

"The library, on the other hand, has no biases. The information is all there for you to interpret. You don’t have someone telling you what to think. You discover it for yourself." ~ Ray Bradbury 1920-2012

Swag

Daily Draw: Thousand and One Nights ~ 4 of Coins

Bowls, cups, trunks, ponds of treasure. The peacock and peahen are in full color, the fruit tree is loaded. These folks have 'got it all'. Or do they? The fellow with the sword is talking to the other person, who has his finger in his ear.

I'm reminded by this card of financial advice. Have you ever wondered how many stockbrokers, bankers, futures traders, financial planners are wise stewards of their own money?

"You let me throw the bricks through the front window. You go in at the back and take the swag." ~ Ezra Pound 1885-1972

Life's Groaning Boards

Daily Draw: Thousand and One Nights Tarot ~ Page of Coins

Our Page is standing before a fully laden table with an attitude of surprise, temptation, anticipation.  The problem with being in Page mode, our base knowledge keeps us walking upright, but the urge to gorge at experience has not been tempered by life.

I'm reminded by this card the annual Bonnie Hunter quilt mystery gift starts today. We look forward to it with great anticipation and for the first timers some apprehension. It is all in good fun, and some Pages have already printed out the first clue, announced it on-line, and have their pictures up on their blog. I understand their super competitive nature, but I love to have things to look forward to. It is all part of life's great feast.

All our thoughts, words, actions, are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind." ~ Kahlil Gibran 1883-1931

Lyngbakr

Daily Draw: Thousand and One Nights Tarot ~ 10 of Wands

As if these sailors didn't have enough to do, at sea in a tiny ship...

I'm reminded by this moving island with a mouth, for all my despair in mankind, I am occasionally amazed at what enormous tasks we are willing to take on. Pulling up stakes and moving to and settling a frontier for one. My hands and feet are cold and it is 70 degrees in my house, how did they survive winters? Building a rocket that will fly to the moon. What motivates people to trust a man made machine enough to get in and blast off? Digging a canal between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans? Building a pyramid by pure manpower? Amazing tasks.

"The human animal is characterized by two great fears that other animals are protected from; the fear of life and the fear of death." ~ Ernest Becker 1924-1974

Home

Daily Draw: Thousand and One Nights Tarot ~ 4 of Wands

Does this card look idyllic? I should say so. The few times I've toured grand homes I've been gobstopped by the style and beauty. And to think many of those people had second and third homes. The idea of just shopping for stuff to fill them makes me tired.


I'm reminded by this card home is in the mind and heart, and we each have a different vision and need. I love my funny old A-frame even if it doesn't have much storage space, it shouts home to me even snow and ice topped.


"I live in my own little world. But its ok, they know me here." ~ Lauren Myracle 1969-

The Rose The Tree

Daily Draw: Thousand and One Nights Tarot ~ Wheel

The wheel, the rose, the tree.

I'm reminded by this card what seems long lasting is more likely only momentary. If it's good savor it, if it's bad it too will pass.

"Carpe diem." ~ Horace 65 BC-8 BC

Shadow Life vs Lived Life

Daily Draw: Thousand and One Nights Tarot ~ Page of Cups

He is perusing a manuscript, there is a closed box with potential treasures, a book that is normally locked, and a vista leading to all the wonders of the world.

I'm reminded by this card, it isn't necessary to learn everything the hard way, a little preparation when possible can sweeten life's journey exponentially. The key is to avoid confusing living vicariously in our mind vs living by doing.

"Most of the images of reality on which we base our actions are really based on vicarious experience." ~ Albert Bandura 1925-

People Watching

Daily Draw: Tarot of the Thousand and One Nights ~ Page of Swords

He is watching two men eating and drinking, the elder man does not have a turban and seems to be doing the talking. The problem with the image is the talkers are behind closed doors and the watcher is sitting in a tree peering through a window.

I'm reminded by this card people-watching is one of the best free hobbies going; airports, Ikea, restaurants, anywhere people congregate. But hiding and listening? Crossed the line buddy, that is why you are a Knave rather than a Knight.

"Cheaters never prosper." Tim Conway 1933- as Ensign Parker

This visually stunning deck is from Lo Scarabeo 2005, art by Leon Carre (1888-1942). Based on the collection of Ancient Eastern Stories and Fables (also known as the Arabian Knights) the oldest Arabic manuscript dates from the fourteenth century, although scholarship generally dates the collection's genesis to somewhere between AD 800–900. There is no associated deck book.
The original art by Leon Carre was painted in miniature for an edition of Sir Richard Burton's late nineteenth century translation of these stories. It was published in twelve volumes in the1920s. Assouline Publishing has now printed an abridged version of this masterpiece.

Setting An Example

Daily Draw: Moon Oracle ~ Freya

Freya, Valkyrie goddess of war, wealth, sex, and fertility, lover of material things. Often paying with her body for things that couldn't be purchased for money. Is that lowering standards or thinking laterally?

I'm reminded by this card of shaped thinking. I've never been hungry, living on the streets. I've never been a prisoner of some old mens war. I've never been offered the option of either or. I've never had to pay Rob for something I needed or wanted. I'm a white woman with many skills in a free country. So why do I feel brainwashed someones sex life anywhere outside the marriage bed is a capital s Sin or any of my business at all? The older I get the more often I wish I'd been trained in simple ethics rather than the channeled ethics of religion. I know of no religious laws that haven't been broken by those who command them which in my mind negates anything they represent.

"I'm not young enough to know everything." ~ J.M. Barrie 1860-1937  The Admirable Crichton, Act I

Forward Is Good

Daily Draw: Moon Oracle ~ First Quarter Waxing Moon

Stability. It can also mean stasis. At this point something needs to be encouraged or pushed and occasionally calls for ruthlessness.

I can jerk something by the roots right out of my life and never look back. If I do feel a backward pull, I redouble my progress. I'm reminded by this card not everyone can do that, it is no doubt a good thing. we would likely spend our time looking over our shoulder for the ax rather than forward.

"The concept of stasis allows time to stand still." ~  La  Monte Young 1935-

The High Life

Daily Draw: Moon Oracle ~ Hera

Hera, goddess of women, marriage, and maternity, married to Zeus, a god with zero intention and understanding of fidelity. He beat, bound, and hung her from the sky when she revolted. Her reaction to those females and offspring of his chronic philandering was to treat them to death.

Ah, the high life of the gods. Sounds like any soap opera or talk show guest doesn't it. It's always been there, it never changes, makes me wonder if it isn't hardwired into some people who manage to blunder in to each other and begin a fresh new cycle.

"The tombstone over the grave of the conscience always reads Human Nature" ~ Stefan Molyneux 1966-

Completion

Daily Draw: Moon Oracle ~ Full Moon in Air

Completion or outcome from current project, projection favorable.

We are having our bathroom shower refitted this week. As always when we have to hire something done, we wonder how anything gets competed at all...but this is a promising card, I'll restart my enthusiasm.

"Dimidium facti qui coepit habet" ~ Horace 65 BC- 8 BC

Impulse

Daily Draw: Moon Oracle ~ Crescent Waxing Fire Moon

The Moon is aligned in Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Go for it, simple as that.

"Impulse without reason is not enough, and reason without impulse is a poor makeshift."  ~ William James 1842-1910

When I Was A Child

Daily Draw: Moon Oracle ~ Black Moon Earth

Slowed progress on all fronts, self discipline, frugality, use and finish what you already have.

Such good advice, and late coming. Too many flush years when new and shiny and consumerism was encouraged and instant gratification was key.  I'm reminded by this card of my glass jars of buttons. Not collectible fancies, but shirt and blouse buttons, gathered in  grandmother's button box when clothing was no longer reparable. Ask the next fifty people you meet if they save buttons. I'm reminded by this card a shirt or blouse will wear for many years. Today's consumers donate them early on and purchase new ones. A microcosm of our economy, not a clue about living in dark moon.

"Rags were precious, to be used, spread with mentholatum, to wrap sore throats; or to make rag rugs; better cloth was cut up and used for quilt squares. Printed chicken feed sacks became skirts, flour sacks became underwear. The phrase "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without" was a household aphorism." ~ Judy Busk Legacy of the Great Depression

Opposing

Daily Draw: Moon Oracle ~ Mansion 6 Bridge

This card is a Gemini, ruled by Mercury and Venus. Opposing views, often between fast get it done and slow do it right think about it all day all week all Akkk. In days gone by this moon mansion was considered to be a good time to besiege a town.

Shades of yesterday. I'm reminded by this card I told Rob last night I was going to stop being bossy. He laughed until the tears squirted. But then we wouldn't be opposites attracting would we.

"You can't love me.'
'Don't be bossy. I can do what the hell I like."
Jo Beverley 1947-   My Lady Notorious

This week features the 1st edition Moon Oracle, published by Eddision-Sadd 2000 by Caroline Smith and John Astrop. 72 cards and 128 page book offer a practical introduction to lunar astrology including moon phases, elements, mansions, and goddesses, plus Moon Tables for pinpointing signs and phases.

Magpie Bait

Daily Draw: Lojong for the Layperson ~ Slogan 55

Slogan 55, liberate yourself by examining and analyzing. Liberation from chronic habits we don't want allows us to experience a calm and relaxed state that is authentic rather than superficial. (pine tree cross section showing pith and rings)

I'm reminded by this card of 'removing the bookmark'. To keep myself within my two hour limit on computer time, ever so often I have to review my bookmarks. I got into the habit, which is a polite word for addiction, about ten years ago, of cruising Ebay for rhinestone brooches. It started out once a week-ish I'd look, and sometimes I'd find something and sometimes I wouldn't. When I finally removed the bookmark I was scanning new items two or three times a day. I never bid more than $10.50, but I had a lot of wins and a drawer full of pretties. Funny how removing the bookmark stopped me cold. Could it be I'm a lazy bum in addition to all my other faults? Probably...but I do love my pretties and wear them all. Not necessarily at the same time.

"Jack Beauregard: You shine like the door of a whorehouse. A blind man could spot you ten miles off.
Nobody: I like folks to see me.
Jack Beauregard: Maybe folks don't share your pleasure." ~ My Name Is Nobody 1973

Moi?

Daily Draw: Lojong for the Layperson ~ Slogan 13

Slogan 13, Be grateful to everyone. Ever had one of those people who don't even have to open their mouth and all your buttons go off? The great teachers all seem to say when we meet and interact with those people we are seeing a fault in them we can't see in our self. ( lantana and dogwood berries around a redbud leaf)

I'm reminded by this card particularly of two women I often crossed swords with when I was red hatting. One in my own chapter and one in the on-line forum. I find it hard to believe I'm anything like them, but I'll think it over during the thumb twiddling breaks in jury duty today. Could it be bossiness?
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Mio? Bossy?

Ego Hump

Daily Draw: Lojong for the Layperson ~ Slogan 59

Slogan 59, In service to the greater good, let go of expectations of reward and/or acknowledgement. (pyrite/fool's gold nuggets)

This is quite the ego hump to get past. Anything from day in day out daily slog to random acts of kindness, something in us wants that good boy, very well done notice. Being aware of the why we do something will bring the answer to 'is this ego or is this service?'.