Maybe Next Year

Daily Draw: Illuminated Earth Oracle ~ Responsibility

Where does responsibility end and apathy begin?

A big subject I carry through my life and it comes up here often. Change has to start somewhere, let it be me.

Bright Blessings to you and yours as we enter 2019

FacePalm Brilliant

Daily Draw: Illuminated Earth Oracle ~ Balance

An introduction to Claire Mack's beautiful oracle is going to riff off yesterday's post of planned obsolescence, and getting tools and appliances repaired.

There are so few ways we as singles can make a difference in keeping our Earth Illuminated. But a response to the idea that repairing things is a lost art brought this, from a small town in Australia.

"We now have a repair cafe in town. Once a month people come to a community facility and bring things to be mended, fixed. Others come to share their skills, to teach and to repair. last month toaster repairs were the most sought after." ~ Pam  

I can repair the knees in jeans like nobody's business. Invisibly if I get them soon enough. We need a DVD player repaired, another object going obsolete. We have good dry firewood, need sheetrock mudded. I could go on all day I expect...

Spoons and Screwdrivers

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ Shining Quarry/Knight of Coins

The Shining Quarry is invoked to increase material resources and assets, and to cultivate fruitful abundance.

If we purchase something that doesn't work out to be what we need, did we waste resources or increase knowledge?
If something we own has been outmoded by technology, have we lost something or gained something?

My biggest thorn in the side of good stewardship of resources? Planned obsolescence. Towns had appliance repair shops, villages had a fix-it person, we could get our blender or tv or bench grinder fixed good as new. We could say the cost of labor outgrew the cost of replacements. Or is it our push for cheaper stuff that got us hoist on our own petard? There is probably no going back now unless the world goes dark, at which time all those tools and appliances will be replaced with spoons and screwdrivers.

No Hope At All

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ Archangel of Mysteries/King Coins

This King of Coins acts as intermediary and mediator both above and below and guide for lost souls. Would that were true of all leaders. In much of the world kings have been groomed from birth, so theoretically  enter the position with much of the knowledge needed to rule for the benefit of the whole and understanding of noblesse oblige to the individual.

In Queen Elizabeth's year end speech a gold piano was in the background which the see nothing say anything are frothing over. Much of what royalty owns has the weight of gifts or ancientithicy foisted upon them. I've always had a kitchen, but I'd really like a shiny kitchen. Do our Kings of Coins ever dreams of an uncluttered space with no gold anything? Smooth lines, big windows, new carpet, dark ancient hanging pictures by artists they can't abide gone. Royalty is a gilded prison. At least I can hope for a shiny kitchen, this King has no hope at all.

Life In Process

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ Emperor

"Making sense of self" Benebell Wen
Probably the first thing that has made the Emperor card and path make sense to me. I see the word, get bent out of shape because the world is full of crap emperors and my brain stops there.

But what if I turn that to observe what kind of emperor I've become?
Ruthless because I can kick the superfluous to the curb?
A terrible short term trait but a must have for long term planning.
I learn by observation, I don't have to experience to empathize.
I have zero agenda based on world or personal view.
I can respect the idea without being subsumed by it.
Because I've made my own way without gifts and entitlements I know anyone can. Which probably brings me back to ruthless.

A life in process. What will I learn today that will change me tomorrow?

Low Magic

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ 7 of Coins/Orbs

"The nature spirit of low magic and spirit of the harvest" Benebell Wen
"Low magic/Gaia Magic/Earth Magic, draws energy up from the earth, which has been melded by existing within the manifest world around the magician." Frater Sg
All way above my pay grade, nevertheless interesting concept to poke with a stick, see if anything emerges.

Green thumb
Soothing spirit
Eye for color
Ear for music
Reasoning mind
Nature for notions
Word wealthy.   Low magic? I think so.

Wishy-Washy Faith

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ 8 of Cups/Chalices

Is it strength or defection to recognize failure and cut our losses?
Is it strength or defection to leave a group in the lurch because it isn't working for us? Is it legal to not finish a book? To not clean our plate?

Our 8 of Cups has so many permutations, great and petty. How can we measure the value of staying vs. walking away? I've let my subscription to WW lapse, it is so darned expensive. I've gained three pounds. Where is the win in that? I didn't ask to be invited to christmas dinner, and we weren't. Is that a win? Watching my little bundle of stocks this week...do I pull and flee, or invest more while they are low? What if I took my whole buy a house fund in cash and put it under my bed, or what if I put it all in Tractor Supply?

Those darn 8's. They require faith, not wishy-washy worrying and my stomach hurts thinking about it.

IRL (= in real life)

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ 3 of Cups/Chalices

One of the strongest themes in story and song is how and why family and friends interact. It is a basic core need to be +1 and more is better as a rule. I have a niece who has over 500 facebook friends. She runs a daycare and seldom goes anywhere. Does she know that many people who she cares about and who care about her?  I have no idea but I'm jealous.

I was listening to a quilting podcast this week and someone emailed in that they were listening at guild meeting. Ehh? Even in the real world her connection to online activity was stronger? I've been thinking about that ever since.

My closest friends are no where  near me and I've met in person so many really wonderful people whom I first met via mail and then via internet.  Never met even one I didn't like. Kalama is getting a yoga studio! I'm hoping to be a charter member and make some real life friends. Yes please!

Bev...we are breaking out the boiled peanuts as the centerpiece of tomorrows buffet. Thank you for your friendship. Carolyn...My word of the year painted rocks (2018 Reality) (2019 Equilibrium) are commingling as we speak. Thank you for being such a good sport for taking the commission each year and thank you for your friendship. Eluned, remember when postage was affordable and we'd send big boxes across the ocean? Thank you for your friendship.  Pam, thank you for giving Rob the trip of a lifetime, thank you for being our friend!  Judy, when I first contacted you, you said you didn't do much online...those were the days, thank you for your friendship. Joan... just. (((hugs))) And to so many more, Love, Sharyn

Eleusinian Mysteries

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ 8 of Swords

Benebell likens the eights to the participation in the ancient Greek semiannual Eleusinian Mysteries and the resulting release from fear of death. This 8 of Swords allows us to pretend we are not yielding to a change that will come, want it or not.

I'm a grown up, I can eat dessert first. She said, whistling in the dark. Because being a grown up provides exhilarating and terrifying stepping stones to life. We can fight to not take those steps...paying income tax, burying our parents, by pretending we don't have to go there. But we do and regardless of how we approach it, life wins. And in the end so do we, whether we flounce from the room or sweep through with royal dignity.

Do No Harm

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ Devil/Demon

Typhon. The most: horriblest, worst, biggest, terriblest, oldest, grisliest, and deadliest, a volcano demon with one hundred dragon heads. Youngest son of Gaia, felled by Zeus.

A lot of new to me information to take in so early in the day. As I've been reading I've been trying to think of anything I've ever done that might draw his eye or ire.

I've come to the conclusion that the littlest harm is as bad as the biggest harm. Honest. Because like 'husky', people carry that harm forward, grit that does not result in an oyster, but somewhere inside grinds away at our being.

The Capacity of a Hollow Void

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ 4 of Cups/Chalices

The Hollow Void? Ehh?
45 minutes later, I'm back from info-junky side road.
The little companion book is just enough to make me want to better understand Benebell's outlook. And get the companion publication, Book of Maps.

Is that a chalice of kool-ade?
No...just my brain is a hollow void, and each day I try to increase its capacity.

Doesn't Cost A Thing

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ 3 of Coins/Orbs

The mason's labor is validated each day because you can see and touch and use his output. Much of what we do daily is never remarked upon because it doesn't show. Office work, house work, healing work, is never in a state called finished, there is more of the same tomorrow.

I'm reminded by this card complimenting  a job well done never goes amiss. Take a look around today at our fellow passengers. They too would appreciate a little validation, a hug, a thank you. Doesn't cost a thing and gives much.

Bummed

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ 5 of Cups/Chalices

Distorted outlook. Destabilized.
I see the grapes, I see the empty cups. How did I get from here to there?

My doctor has requested my presence for a talk. Yipes. She also sent new findings about the only medication I take, and have taken since 2005. The beauty of the cure is now covered by the grotesquery of the side effects.

Carpola.

Ride On Sir

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ Death

Evidence based ritual, intuition based ritual. Symbolism pulled from every path of humankind. The little book that accompanies the cards is beyond my coping skills. In some part because I don't believe in anything and Benebell Wen believes in everything. Which leaves me having to think my way through. Yesterday's 2 of Cups/Chalices stumped me although I often returned to it.

All that said to say, a juicy meal indeed. Just the way I like it.
Me a Homer Simpson, my decks an Einstein equation.
Do I believe in Death? Yes, I guess there is one thing I believe in.
I believe in decay after death. That's two.
Am I afraid of death? Never. It is the dying I resist, so many bad ways to go. Ride on Sir, nothing to see here.

Man Up

Daily Draw: Spirit Keeper's Tarot ~ 5 of Coins/Orbs

Titled the Vagabond, this 5 recognizes the disconnect of change. We've had a goal, done the heavy lifting, got to the result...but are now unsure the change is what we wanted.

Ouch. Change is growth and if that change isn't what we expected we are still somewhere new. Even if we could take a step back it wouldn't be the same because at this point we have changed. That is life, fraidy cat prayers are pointless, man up.

The Ingredient

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ Lovers

Secular and spiritual.
Worldly and otherworldly.
Pure and profane.
Tolerance and bigotry.
Humble and pretentious.

Is any part of us singular? Life is a recipe we each create based on early environment combined with a lifetime of ingredients. It boggles me each human is so alike and so utterly different from the next.

I can't think of anything my mix needs today, but if offered I'd take a pinch of this and a smidge of that.

Example

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ 7 of Coins

Integrity. Whether we intend it or not, leading by example is what we share with others each day of our life.

What will we teach today?
From whose example will we enrich our spirit?
From whose example will we learn what Not to do?

Give. Receive. Breathe. Love.

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot~ 2 of Cups

The goal here is to be equally adept to giving and receiving.

Going out does it sound like good advice
Coming in does it sound like mind your own business?

Going out does it feel you are giving your treasures to family
Coming in does it feel like you are getting someone else's carpola?

Going out do food gifts feel like a true labor of time and love
Coming in does it seem like thoughtless sabotage?

Give. Receive. Breathe. Love.

Grumpyville

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ Ace of Cups

If we need shoes or a day off from work or blow the cobwebs off our brain, we can accomplish that without much fuss. But what about the inner person? This is where the Ace of Cups comes in, helping us to acknowledge the emotions that nourish or tear us apart. Emotions are a gift, without them we are just a gray rock with arms and legs.

I belong to a quilting forum and tarot forum, and I have learned when I get crabby about posts in general it isn't about them it is about me. I take a break of three or four days and hokey smokes, when I come back those people are really nice and make interesting posts, what was I so grumpy about?

If my cup seems empty I will curl up in the base and work on refilling the well.

Reflect

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia ~ 4 of Swords

Pause. Reflect. Listen.

That small still voice needs to be heard.

Pause. Reflect. Listen.

Brain In Gear

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ Strength

All our desires satisfied would soon eat us alive. Each day the news brings us examples of humans who don't get the concept of enough and cross the line.

Interesting to watch though...as long as it is someone else. Like seeing a train wreck or ship sinking about to happen. I've been there, getting so mentally or physically involved in something, crossing the line into obsession or oblivion. So hard to identify coming on, so clear in hindsight.

Strength. Brain in gear.

Getting My Mind Around It

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ 10 of Coins

Ever had someone old send you to the store for bread and they give you a dime to buy it with? Sorry grandma, bread is three dollars a loaf now.

I have the same mind set about housing prices. We've been here 20+ years. A big development has gone in below us and every time I drive by my subconscious snark ticks the box "rich people". Apparently on paper it turns out everyone is rich.

I keep telling myself it is all speculation and posturing until money is in hand. I keep shaking my head like a dog flapping its ears. My brain still hasn't caught up with reality yet. But I'm determined to move, so I'll do my trick of 'if I don't look it isn't there' re: prices. Who knew 10 of coins cost so much?

The Argument Within

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ 5 of Wands

A Wandsy run this week. Klanprachar sees the tiger as our perception vs. reality. the Wands as striving for the answer vs. opening up to one, fire as the ignition.

Hey, that's me! Striving vs. opening, mulling and  mulling and then eureka, the possibilities open up, Sometimes that mulling takes years, but without it, and knowing myself, I don't think that opening would ever present without that brain softening prequel. It is all good, and I recognize being able to think and mull are gifts of life.

We Just Keep Going

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ 9  of Wands

When life gets tough the tough get going. Does that make sense to you? It sounds like the tough get out which I don't find to be true, they slog on, bruised and bent, one leg in the ditch, limbs slapping us back, socks slipping down, falling into the pond because we thought it was a puddle. Knocking over things that will need to be set right again, grass stained and eyes full of dust, blisters and a rash everywhere, we Just Keep Going.

Something I read this week made me laugh out loud.  "People stay back from an edge, not because they fear falling over, but because they might jump." Michael F. Stewart

We just keep going because life is a minute to minute thing, and there are always the tarot tens to look forward to. Or not. That is why I make sure I have something to look forward to, and ignore the edge.

Flatlined

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ 8 of Wands

Rushing through our days. Is it real or is it Memorex? A 1970's ad campaign posited their products were so good you'd have the same experience live or recorded. We all smiled and said what a clever promotion.

The world has moved on. Everything is recorded. Many people have died getting the ultimate selfie. In a room full of people most will be screenglued seeing if their life is as photogenic as everyone else's.

This is neither criticism nor judgement. I get, that I don't get it because I don't do it. But I'd bet a zillion drachma the real thing would surprise and delight and the social thing gives the ultimate flatline experience. 8 of Wands, move along people, nothing to see here.

Good Side Of The Tide

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ 7 of Swords

"The witness within us" Klanprachar

The lying truth teller, mean sibling, secret spreader, hider of things, breaker of trust, applier of sabotage.

We do all these and so much more, and yet perceive and promote ourselves as a 'good' person; the reach of what a person is and does is limited only by imagination and length of life. Sun bleached or moon washed, we can only be what we are, flawed humans. And each day the sun and moon offer another opportunity to fall on the good side of the tide.

Flip The Switch

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ 4 of Cups

Mindfulness, contemplation.
I miss my pond sanctuary on the farm, someone else's sanctuary now.

I recognize with the right mindset already in place anywhere will do. My busy monkey mind needs to find a switch first. Perhaps it has been here all along, I just haven't given it the credit it deserves.

Dunce Cap

Daily Draw: Roots of Asia Tarot ~ Knight of Swords

Always my favorite court card. No farting around, get 'er done.
Klanprachar sees this knight as dangerous, be aware of opposition and conflict.  Well there is one in every crowd isn't there?

If I don't know by now not to believe everything everyone says I deserve the dunce cap and corner. Meanwhile, I love this card, shooting off in all directions at once.

Optimism w/Potential

Daily Draw: Roots Of Asia ~ Star

Optimism. I can. We will. Assuredly yes. 
Potential. Why not. Yes please. Let's do.

I can live with that brain set. In fact I do. Yes opens all the doors we didn't even know existed. 

Cheap At Twice The Price

Daily Draw: Merry Day Tarot ~ 5 of Coins

On this first day of December, I look at this heartbreaking image and acknowledge, once again, I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Most of what I hold dear I worked hard for but the other most of what I hold dear landed in my lap. I was born in a country of freedoms, and I was born white. I acknowledge being born and being white was where the Great Wheel rolled that day.

I'm reminded by this card to keep my heart open and mind ready to recognize any opportunity to return to the world ten times what I have. I would still be rich.

I wonder the criteria Poole used to people the suits: Wands/Black, Cups/Native American, Swords/Asian, Coins/White. A kernel to gnaw over today.