Yesterday we started with one of our favorite boys, today it’s one of our gorgeous girls. My niece Madalynn is 24* now. I know she doesn’t read this (maybe someone could share a link on FB), but I’ll be sending her my greetings anyway. And hoping her special day was full of love, gifts, and joy. Happy Happy to our Mad Hat!
* (How is it that these babies are all getting so damn old?!)
So, last week, that 16 mile ride? Yeah, add .96 to it, and you have today’s bike distance. We went to Springfield. The real one. Where that cartoon family was born (and apparently still lives).
See?
This shot was taken from a (matching and) delightful café table in front of our second stop. The first errand didn’t have a bike rack either. Funny, I was getting so used to seeing them and having plenty available.
They were locked to each other while we shopped.
The daily draw has one of those really long definitions. I’m abbreviating this time, because we’ve all seen just about every card in the rotation by now. (And I’m sure that someplace in the History Quilt archives there are several full-length versions, if anyone is interested.)
“Snake ~ 6 ~ Transmutation
Snake medicine people are very rare. Their initiation involves experiencing, and living through, multiple snake bites, which allows them to transmute all poisons, be they mental, physical, spiritual, or emotional. The power of Snake medicine is the power of creation, for it embodies sexuality, psychic energy, alchemy, reproduction, and ascension (or immortality).
The transmutation of the life-death-rebirth cycle is exemplified by the shedding of Snake’s skin. It is the energy of wholeness, cosmic consciousness, and the ability to experience anything willingly and without resistance. It is the knowledge that all things are equal in creation, and that those things which might be experienced as poison can be eaten, ingested, integrated, and transmuted if one has the proper state of mind…..
This medicine teaches you on a personal level that you are a universal being. Through accepting all aspects of your life, you can bring about transmutation….
This is heavy magic, but remember, magic is no more than a change in consciousness Become the magician or the enchantress: transmute the energy and accept the power…. “
You all know by know how very much I adore this creature, and all of her symbolism. Snakes are, to me, one of the most perfect, and beautiful animals. Adapting to the environment, sensing everything so deeply, and letting go of what no longer fits. It’s a process I would very much like to do better with in my own life.
The message she brings today is very similar to yesterday’s card of Risk. Encouraging us to be all that we can be, and step off with no fear. Recognize our power, acknowledge our strength, and don’t even give fear a second thought. We have been through so much now, we can only learn more and do better from here on out. Embrace it, wear it proudly, slough off what is holding us back as it serves no purpose but to stifle what would otherwise be excellent progress.
The lessons and signs from Snake are cyclical and never-ending; sometimes sharp, but always direct and focused. In a positive, lovely, and simple way.
Not much Grand Dog news to report, but what little there is, is good. He has come out from under the bed several times today. And he’s eating fine (in case you were wondering). He is also really done with me posing him around The Burrow.
“I am SO over this.”
In health news, it has, once more, been confirmed that I am, indeed, allergic to sunscreen. Confirmed! I tried it ONE more time, on my arms and shoulders. (I know, I’m an idiot. But it was HOT and sunny outside!) Remind me next time that I hate being itchy just as much as Max does. Now, I’m outa here. Gotta go drench my tired self elf in magical blue stuff and put my feet up. (Also, synchronized swimming is on!)
Today’s Deck:
Medicine Cards – The Discovery Of Power Through The Ways Of Animals by Jamie Sams and David Carson
