We are going to begin today with two things from yesterday’s comments section. The first is a link Karen B shared with us; the story she remembered about the wolves inside, like the Dueling Dragons. Don’t know anything about the site, but go here and see the retelling of this one. Yep, it’s the same concept. Thanks Betty Bear!
Relating to this, Judie mentioned making herself a reminder that said “Feed the right dragon.” What a really cool idea. Like visible affirmations on Post It Notes or messages of positive thinking taped to a mirror, having our brain nudged to get back on the desired track is sometimes all it takes to turn a bad situation around. Thanks for this clever way of reinforcing our self-improvement projects, JQ!
On our card altar we’ve come around to that triple dose which some of you don’t adore. Stay with me though, this one is totally worthwhile.
“Past Lives ~ XVIII ~ Major Arcana
The hands of existence form the shape of the female genitals, the opening of the cosmic mother. Revealed within are many images, faces from other times. While it might be entertaining to fantasize about famous past lives, it is just a distraction. The real point is to see and understand the karmic patterns in our lives, and their roots in an endless repetitive pattern that traps us in unconscious behavior.
The two rainbow lizards on either side represent knowing and not-knowing. They are the guardians of the unconscious, making sure that we are prepared for a vision that might otherwise be shattering. A glimpse into the eternity of our existence is a gift, and understanding the function of karma in our lives is not something that can be grasped at will. This is a wake-up call; the events in your life are trying to show you a pattern as ancient as the journey of your own soul.
Participation ~ 4 ~ Fire: Action
Have you ever seen the night going? Very few people even become aware of things which are happening every day …. In such a beautiful world we are living in small ponds of our own misery ….
Each figure in this mandala holds the right hand up, in an attitude of receiving, and the left hand down, in an attitude of giving. The whole circle creates a tremendous energy field that takes on the shape of the double dorje, the Tibetan symbol for the thunderbolt …
You have an opportunity to participate with others now to make your contributions to creating something greater and more beautiful than each of you could manage alone. Your participation will not only nourish you, but will also contribute something precious to the whole.
Intensity ~ Knight of Fire ~ Mastery of Action
The figure in this card has taken on the shape of an arrow, moving with the single-pointed focus of one who knows precisely where he is going. He is moving so fast that he has become almost pure energy. But his intensity should not be mistaken for the manic energy that makes people drive their car at top speed to get from Point A to Point B. That kind of intensity belongs to the horizontal world of space and time. The intensity represented by the Knight of Fire belongs to the vertical world of the present moment – a recognition that now is the only moment there is, and here is the only space.
When you act with the intensity of the Knight of Fire it is likely to create ripples in the waters around you. Some will feel uplifted and refreshed by your presence, others may feel threatened or annoyed. But the opinions of others matter little; nothing can hold you back right now.”
The first card has a message that I absolutely agree with, that of living all of our embodiments to release old patterns and move forward in our journey to be a more evolved soul, eventually becoming one with the Universe. The second card is cool because it is validation of our acts of mindfulness, and the hard work we are doing in that direction.
While the last message is simply a positive reminder to keep our focus. Since many of us are going through a fresh cycle or a life change right now, whether these are physical or emotional or purely situational, this draw says that we are on the right path. Be intentional with what we’re working on, and give it our all. Use our past lessons and this current energy to guide us, in our onward and upward spiral. All the while, gaining knowledge and happiness, with this loving and precise focus.
Aim at our goals, and we are better able to reach them. Just don’t forget, we need to also pay attention to all of the entertaining and enlightening sights along our route.
Today’s Deck:
Osho Zen Tarot
Interesting addition to that first card, in case you feel like going further with this one. Here is a quick over-view of the traditional meaning and definition of what is usually The Moon in standard decks.
Quick note on my own progress. It’s been up and down, with not much improvement. Biking every day but not doing well on the weight-loss front. I refuse to get discouraged, instead I’m being stubborn. (Cuz THAT worked so fucking well the first 50 years.) But I’m telling you honestly, I’m not giving up, just reporting in. Sadly the report sucks at this particular moment.
(Even though I thought the reading was encouraging. So, good news/bad news sort of deal. Upside? The pool was fabulous yesterday and we just got this summer’s schedule, I’m on the calendar two days a week, not sharing water with any other activity. There will be a maintenance closure in August, but only for two weeks.)
LateNight Link:
I’ve added back Julie Jackson’s Subversive Cross Stitch site, specifically her blog. She recently did a big upgrade but I haven’t had enough minutes yet to spend any time over there. This is more for me than anyone else. But, feel free to pop over and see what she’s got going on.
LaterNight Daily Dog:
Three happy dogs.
She just checked in! It WAS a busy day in groomer’s world. But she came through. Thanks so much, Empress!
