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Thoughts, ideas, perspectives, ruminations. If we make it through life without ruffling a few feathers, have we really lived?

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Thistle – Day 1015

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Baby Bud and Mommy Thistle – Photo: L. Weikel

Thistle

I didn’t get a chance to walk yesterday. We went to the powwow and by the time we got home, a walk simply wasn’t going to happen. So I was determined to log some miles today. In fact, I walked both the long and the short routes (walk about and walk around). And the upshot of both was that thistle was demanding my attention.

If I’d known I was going to write about it this evening, I would’ve taken even more photos of this phenomenal beauty. Thistle is blooming in most fields and along the roadside all along both of my usual circuits. The stunning lavender-leaning-toward-pink blossoms kept grabbing my attention the entire afternoon.

Spiny, almost weapon-like leaves appear on some of the plants, appearing like fireworks splaying out in a manner that yells, “Get back!” And yet other plants seem to shyly downplay those very same needle-like weapons, toning them down and making a point of calling all our attention to each stage of their floral explosion.

Something to Think About

Most times when something, be it flora or fauna, persistently insists on catching my attention, I take it to mean that it’s bringing me a message of some sort. I honestly didn’t feel that today.

Every time I took one of the photos that are accompanying this post, I had a conversation with the plant itself, thanking it for sharing its particularly lovely self with me today. It almost felt like the Spirit of Thistle was showing me herself in every aspect of her blossoming, encouraging me to appreciate each stage for its particular loveliness.

When I realized I was getting the nudge to share these photos tonight, I wondered if perhaps the Spirit of Thistle wanted to reach out and speak with one of you. It’s possible some of you aren’t getting outside enough or frequenting venues where Thistle can get your attention, and this is a way to get the message across. I’m not saying the attributes of Thistle don’t have application in my life. I’m just saying they don’t feel as personal to me as many other ‘messages’ I receive on my walks.

Teenager Thistle – Knows it all; Photo: L.Weikel

Keynote

In checking with Nature Speak* by Ted Andrews, I discovered that Thistle’s keynotes are ‘keep a sense of pride; and protect yourself against criticisms of others.’ In reading the actual discussion of the plant, I got a sense that Thistle is best known and most respected as an aid to the function of our liver. It sounds as though Thistle can be used to both cleanse and tone one’s liver. (Again, as I mentioned in this post, always use the utmost care when working with the medicinal qualities herbs. They are every bit as potent as prescription medications and should not be used carelessly or cavalierly. Ideally, you should seek the input of a trained herbalist.)

Our liver does a ton of work inside our body, cleansing our blood and helping us eliminate toxins. The toxins it confronts are not always on the physical level, either. Our liver can suffer from exhaustion or toxicity from prolonged exposure to anger, rage, criticism, and other ‘negative’ emotions. It stands to reason that sometimes our liver needs a rest, a chance to catch its breath (metaphorically) and recover its mojo. Thistle can help with that.

Scottish Connection

Thistle is the national flower of Scotland. It’s said that a Danish marauder was trying to sneak up on a Scottish camp and stepped on a thistle, causing him to shriek out in pain. This served to warn the Scots that an attack was imminent and permitted them to defend themselves appropriately.

It’s plausible that Thistle’s appearance in our life is suggesting that we may need to protect ourselves. It may be appropriate at this time to express our upset at the way we’re being treated by others.

It occurs to me that we’re hearing a lot about how so many people are in each other’s faces about this, that, and the other thing, but primarily (lately) about masks, vaccinations, and our responsibilities to ourselves and each other. From my observation, the most vociferous declarations seem to be made by those who feel they owe no one any deference; that the only righteous concern is adherence to their own beliefs and choices for themselves.

Maybe It’s Not OK

Crone Thistles – They’ve seen it all; Photo: L.Weikel

I’m wondering if perhaps Thistle is suggesting that it’s ok to stand up for the collective. It’s ok for people to express some of the anger they’ve been swallowing. Many have patiently waited for those demanding respect for their personal space and ‘freedom’ to realize there are other people sharing this planet with them, and sometimes we have to do uncomfortable things or sacrifice a bit for the benefit of us all.

And when the hoped-for epiphany regarding generosity of spirit and sacrifice never arrives? Maybe it’s time to express some righteous anger. Perhaps in as beautiful a manner as possible, but express it nonetheless (before it poisons us all).

*affiliate link

(T-96)

Ears of Corn – Day 1014

Posted on by Lisa Weikel 2 Comments
Eagle Flute – Photo: L. Weikel

Ears of Corn

Although I haven’t yet this season, I do intend to buy some local ‘salt and sugar’ ears of corn before the season ends. That’s a late summer delicacy that’s hard to top. Rolled in butter and perhaps dusted with a little salt (or not – my preference), I’ve always found the cobs packed with both white and yellow kernels to be the most delectable.

But I want to write about a wonderful opportunity to experience a local gathering of indigenous people that’s taking place this weekend. The Roasting Ears of Corn Festival is taking place on the grounds of the Museum of Indian Culture in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This weekend is the Museum’s 40th annual festival/fundraiser.

Sunflower Dancer – Photo: L. Weikel

Powwow

I don’t know if this event is technically considered to be a powwow. I have a feeling that powwows technically have dance competitions, whereas it appeared that the dancing that took place at this festival was demonstrative as opposed to competitive.

I’m pretty sure it’s been 30 years since Karl and I last attended a powwow. There’s something mesmerizing about the beat of the huge drum around which five or six men arrange themselves. As soon as I heard the piercing songs of these men, my eyes filled with tears. It’s an involuntary response I’ve had ever since the first time I attended a powwow and witnessed first-hand the Native American traditions of this land.

Every single time, tears roll down my cheeks and my heart leaps into my throat.

This strange reaction doesn’t last long. It’s not as if I attended these events in the past (or even this afternoon) weeping uncontrollably. I can only surmise that the distinctive calls of the men, the beat of the drum, and the jingles on the garb of both the men and the women speak to something deep within my soul.

Intertribal Dancer – Photo: L. Weikel

Weather May Not Permit

Although the brush with Hurricane Henri may wash out the second day of the Roasting Ears of Corn Festival, consider attending tomorrow. If there’s a break in the rain and you yearn to experience the joy of watching (and perhaps participating in) native ‘social’ dancing (as opposed to ceremonial dancing, which is usually only done within the tribes), this gathering was intimate and lovely.

Intertribal Dancers – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-97)

Recommendation – Day 1013

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Evening clouds on the horizon – Photo: L. Weikel

Recommendation

Now that the Olympics are over, Karl and I were forced to find something new to distract and entertain us. And we couldn’t even rely on my discovery last night about Ann Axtell Morris’s fascinating life, since we have to wait another handful of months, at least, before Canyon del Muerto is released. Lucky for me, just the other day I read a friend’s recommendation on FB about a movie I hadn’t even known about.

If you’re like me and harbored a little bit of a crush on Val Kilmer in your 30s (yeah, loved Tombstone – it was a major favorite movie in our household), you need to see the astonishingly powerful documentary, Val. It recently premiered at Cannes and is airing now on Amazon Prime.

This production is essentially a documentary that Kilmer created and narrated as he’s been living his life, although now the narration is given an assist by his son Jack.

I hesitate to reveal much of anything about the film. Not only hadn’t I looked it up ahead of time, I hadn’t even watched the trailer. So I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Val Kilmer and my friends raved about the production. And therefore that’s how I’m going to leave it with you, too.

Familiarity

There’s something familiar to me about Kilmer that touched my heart in this doc, and I wonder if his ‘truth,’ if you will, is what I’ve always sensed no matter what role I’ve seen him portray. Some of his experiences growing up were eerily reminiscent of our own family. (Not mine as a child; rather, ours – Karl’s and mine – raising our sons.) There’s a lot in this film that hit home.

I have to say, it makes me want to binge-watch some of his oldies but goodies. And Amazon just so happens to be featuring many of them.

Give it a look. It’s unique and poignant. I personally feel it should win some major awards. It is extremely well made, powerful, and I have a feeling it’s going to haunt me for a while.

(T-98)

Something Completely Different – Day 1012

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Canyon de Chelly, 2004 – Photo: Helen Stewart

Something Completely Different

Are you guys ready to contemplate something completely different for a change? I know I am. The outside world exhausts me. My inside world is running a close second in that category.

I’m filled to the brim with concern over the myriad catastrophes clamoring for our attention. I’m bored with worrying over choices made by myself and others that challenge the status quo – perhaps even rocking the foundations of much I thought I knew. It doesn’t matter that they’re unsurprising in the grand scheme of things. I crave a respite from the plight of Haitians, Afghanis, victims of wildfire and drought. The ravages inflicted on all of us by years of fear, distrust, and lies are taking a steep toll.

A Respite

And so it was that I found myself reading an article this evening that got me excited for a movie that will be released before the end of the year. I urge you to read the article itself because it contains a lot of the backstory to how the movie came to be made and why.

The movie is called Canyon del Muerto. It reclaims from the invisibility of sexism the story of one of the first female archaeologists, Ann Axtell Morris. Morris played a huge role in the 1920s and 1930s discovery and excavation of Canyon del Muerto and other sites within Canyon de Chelly, Arizona and elsewhere in the American Southwest, as well as the Yucatan.

The only reason her contributions to archaeology were noticed (or perhaps even permitted) at all was because she was married to Earl Morris, her idol in the field and a renowned archaeologist 11 years her senior. He sounds like a pretty cool guy in his own right, very possibly being a key inspiration for the character of Indiana Jones.

An Old Story

It frustrates me to read about how brilliant and enthusiastic Ann Axtell Morris was, not only in her painstaking excavation work, but also in how she wrote books that popularized the field of archaeology and served as an inspiration to other women. It’s shocking (yet not) that her books, while written for adult and presumably well educated readers, were sold as children’s books. Why? Because publishers refused to believe that it was appropriate for a woman to write about archaeology.

She published two books recounting the archaeological adventures of Earl and herself: Digging in Yucatan and Digging in the Southwest*. I’m excited to see that the link to Digging in Yucatan actually takes you directly to the text of that book. Both texts are technically out of print, so I’m delighted that I’ll actually be able to read at least Digging in Yucatan. Unless I can find Digging in the Southwest in a library, I’m afraid I won’t be reading that one anytime soon.

Taking shelter from the sun – Canyon de Chelly – Photo: Helen Stewart

Diné

Another equally heartening aspect to the telling of Ann Axtell Morris’s tale and the making of this movie is the profound respect the writer, producer, and director of the film paid to the Navajo (Diné), whose land and ancestors were excavated by the Morrises. And yes, you did read that correctly: their ancestors were excavated by the Morrises. This fact – and the profound ramifications that had on the rest of Ann’s life from the Diné perspective – is part of the story covered by the movie.

It sounds like this movie was impeccably made with great respect accorded to both the Land and the People. I recommend that you read the article I linked to in The Smithsonian. It contains a lot of details that only make me want to learn more about this fascinating woman and, of course, look forward to watching the movie when it comes out.

Special Place

Canyon de Chelly holds a special place in my heart. It is where I first met Alberto Villoldo and learned about the trainings offered by The Four Winds Society. Karl and I and our two younger sons camped in Canyon de Chelly, hiked with Diné guides, and witnessed first hand the astounding sacredness of that land.

As a result of our experiences there, I personally emerged from that Canyon with a calling to cultivate and hone my shamanic skills and take that training to a whole new level.

I can’t wait to see Canyon del Muerto.

*affiliate link

(T-99)

Raw Truth – Day 1011

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Four of Swords – The Naked Heart Tarot* by Jillian C. Wilde

Raw Truth

It seems my post from last night struck a chord with many of you. As shocking as the image of that poor rat, impaled by ten swords as it was, the raw truth of its message feels undeniable. After all – it took ten swords to kill that rat, that persistent story, that frame through which we observe and judge ourselves, our family, our country, or maybe even the whole world. The time has come for us to ‘stick a fork’ in old paradigms that no longer work and which, maybe, stopped working a long time ago.

It’s hard to let go of cherished versions of the way things are. In fact, a lot of times we don’t even realize that what we believe or tell ourselves is so, isn’t (and maybe never was).

And we humans can be so amazingly stubborn. It doesn’t matter how many times we may be shown exactly how circumstances or relationships are not as we imagine them to be, we persist in seeing what we want to see rather than what’s actually there (or isn’t). Hence why we need all those swords to finally get the message across.

The Foundation

We’re being asked and, if we don’t comply, forced to reassess some pretty fundamental and core beliefs this year. I’ve been suggesting that this drastic disruption of our foundations is reflected in the planets, specifically how Saturn is squaring Uranus three times throughout 2021. As energies that influence us wax and wane, it’s easy to tell ourselves we’ve done the work being asked of us – only to discover, like the unexpected kick of a mule (not one of my precious donkeys!), that we were only telling ourselves we’d shed those beliefs. Turns out we do still believe the stories we’ve been telling ourselves all this time.

The longer we persist in playing this game with ourselves, the longer we avoid taking our place at the helm of our lives.

All of which brings me back to the card I chose last Saturday (The Hermit) and the card that supported and gave context and foundation to yesterday’s 10 of Swords: the 4 of Swords.

Time and Space

Now more than ever we need to give ourselves space to simply be with our own thoughts and feelings. It seems so simple, doesn’t it? And yet, at least for me, it is one of the hardest things to actually permit myself to experience. Maybe it’s because I don’t want to look at how some of the beliefs I’ve held all my life aren’t true. Or how some of the relationships I thought were rock solid turned out to be ephemeral.

The truth is, we all require a safe place where we can simply be; a place where we can look at what is no longer solid and decide to build new foundations elsewhere.

Don’t forget to give yourselves that safe place as we navigate these turbulent circumstances. Find that place of stillness. Don’t be afraid to look and see what’s really there. Then we won’t be nearly as surprised when (and if) the structures we though were there crumble before our eyes.

*affiliate link

(T-100)

Ten of Swords – Day 1010

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Ten of Swords – The Naked Heart Tarot* by Jillian C. Wilde

Ten of Swords

I get the feeling that we keep thinking we’ve been through the worst of it. Or maybe more accurately, we keep hoping we’ve made it through the worst of it. But by all appearances, that might not be the case. And it’s hard to avoid knowing what’s going on in the world, or avoiding the way it seems to be falling apart at the seams. So when I asked for a bit of additional guidance tor us this week to supplement our visit by the Hermit a few days ago, I chose from The Naked Heart Tarot*. And I chose the 10 of Swords. (Sort of appropriate, given the number of my post!)

I’m wondering if you had the same reaction I did when I first laid eyes on this card. “Whoa!” I said out loud, causing Tigger to lift his sleepy head off his paws and give me a look. I returned his gaze, showed him the card, and said, “Do I really want this to share this message with everybody? It looks like how I feel – and probably captures how many others feel – but yikes. It’s dark.”

It’s true, too. I’m roughly familiar with the ‘traditional’ meanings of most of the cards in the tarot, and the message does seem to be a confirmation of how I feel. But I judged it and found myself wanting something more optimistic.

The problem is, I asked for guidance. It would lack integrity to pick and choose which message to share and which to not.

Ten of Swords

The image is uniquely distressing, I admit. And yet the message – particularly as expressed by the creator of The Naked Heart Tarot* deck, Jillian C. Wilde – does admittedly feel perfect for us to bear in mind over the next few days (or weeks).

The keywords she ascribes are Resolve and Release. Right on so far.

“The rat lies on its side as ten swords are driven down from above piercing its spirit, hinting that the end is near.

The Message. The Ten of Swords represents a time of completion when a much-needed ending to a conversation, idea or discussion is necessary. You’ve already been through every detail, argument, theory, and solution there is to offer, and now you are starting to cycle through them again. Rat energy reminds you that it is time to purge old ways and victim mentality, release the clutter and the story attached to the situation, so you can allow room for new beginnings. Going back through it and over it all will not bring you any closer to resolution. It is time to get to the heart of the wound, and cut out the drama, and bring things to completion. Time to release and let it go. Agree to disagree, or just bury it in the past, so at this stage, you can move forward. You may feel a sense of resistance or sadness as you go through the process, but it is also an opportunity to reflect upon valuable insights. All is not lost, it is a chance to drop the weight of the mental baggage that has cut so deeply into you, give it to the Universe and let it go. The worst is over.

Additional Meaning: Completion, liberation, final discussions, end of arguments, defeat, backstabbed, release.”

Yup. I can definitely see the applicability of this entreaty to release and resolve both on the micro and the macrocosm.

Four of Swords – The Naked Heart Tarot* by Jillian C. Wilde

Four of Swords

Underneath the Ten of Swords was the Four of Swords. While I’m not going to say much about it here, just looking at it I’m confident you can glean how it provides the foundation to the top pick. Underlying our ability to embrace the message of the Ten of Swords is the necessity for us to create a safe space where we can embrace quiet and contemplation. A place where we can be alone with our very own thoughts – free of the yammer, blaming, and arguments being levied all around us.

It’s sort of like the black cat in this card is the Hermit from our pick the other night. Yet again, we’re being urged to create space and be alone with our thoughts. We’re encouraged to allow silence to help us sort out what it is that needs to be released and resolved so a new foundation can be created.

We can do this.

*affiliate link

(T-101)

Ironweed – Day 1009

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Ironweed in a field near me – Photo: L. Weikel

Ironweed

I don’t know why, but I’ve seen dozens of references to ironweed over the past several days. As can be seen above, the plant has a sturdy stem and sports a deep purple flower. It’s stunning.

I’ve noticed this wildflower in other late summer fields of years gone by, but never knew its name. The fact that its name is being brought to my attention time and time again feels significant. In fact, as I took the above photo during my walk this evening, I was hopeful that I’d find some information about it in my copy of Nature Speak* by Ted Andrews.

Sad to say, there was no such entry. But I feel this lovely flower has a pretty obvious message that we need only open our hearts and minds to ‘hearing.’ And that is: we’re being pummeled by a variety of circumstances nationally and globally, and in the midst of it all? We are being asked to bloom precisely where we find ourselves – and allow our beauty and influence to ripple outward. We’re being asked by life to make the choice to both survive and flourish and we must stand strong against forces that threaten to overwhelm us.

The stems of ironweed are course and sturdy. It’s clear they can withstand harsh weather and probably even survive being trampled by animals and even field equipment. But the best part of this plant is the rich, royal color of its flowers. They’re incredibly lovely, especially when flirting with goldenrod and other wildflowers.

Herbal Uses

Naturally, people living close to the land have worked with ironweed for millennia. There are a variety of uses associated with this wildflower, with a few mentioned here.

It’s always important to use a high degree of care when working with herbs, wildflowers, and the remedies created with them, because they are often extremely potent – and can have serious repercussions if used with prescription (and non-prescription) medicines. Just because herbs and wildflowers are ‘natural’ does not in any way make their use automatically safe.

Pay attention and see if there’s a lot of ironweed growing near you. I have to wonder why I’m seeing so much more of it this year. Is it just me noticing it? Or is more appearing because on some level the plant world knows what we need, collectively, to restore or bolster our health?

*affiliate link

(T-102)

Natural Distraction – Day 1008

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Cloud Raptor Hovering Above Us All – Photo: L. Weikel

Natural Distraction

There’s a lot going on in the world right now. I realize I’m stating the obvious. But it’s rough to put our attention anywhere where news of the outside world can seep in because it’s all so overwhelming. And while I sit here contemplating the most recent headlines and questioning whether I want to write about anything of consequence, I find myself scrolling through the photos on my phone. Nah. My thoughts are irrelevant; but the sun and clouds? They offer a perfect natural distraction.

I’m not sure what was going on in the atmosphere toward dusk this evening. The clouds were doing all sorts of things, seemingly indecisive of which way they wanted to go, what texture or color they wanted to embody, or how they wanted to express themselves. At times rippling like gentle currents in a stream and at others creating vapor creatures covering vast swaths of the sky, it was as if the sky was a cosmic doodle notebook.

Repeating Faces and Textures – Photo: L. Weikel

Doodles

Yes, sometimes when we have a need to distract ourselves from thinking about something we have no power to influence or remedy, it’s helpful to doodle. Today (just today!) there’s so much occurring around the world and in our country that feels so ominous yet remains essentially out of our reach: the recent earthquakes in Alaska and Haiti (why does this island nation suffer so many relentless tragedies?), the horrific crumbling of Afghanistan to Taliban rule – including the long and short term vengeance that will probably be meted out to those who sought equality and freedom; and the depressing surge of Covid-19 delta cases claiming the health and lives of more and more (primarily) younger people, many of whom thought they were invincible.

And that’s just three ‘huge deals’ playing out on the world stage. We all know there are many more ongoing issues – wildfires, approaching hurricanes, droughts, floods. It’s hard not to think we’re in some sick disaster movie.

Roadrunner? Running Pheasant? – Photo: L. Weikel

We Have Beauty

We have zero control over how most of these issues play out. It’s beyond upsetting to contemplate the suffering of so many and feel…powerless. And so I’m sharing the beauty that played out in the skies above me today.

Spirit was doodling – giving us a natural distraction. Perhaps we’ll each be inspired tomorrow on how we can make a difference in our unique sphere of influence. If nothing else, keeping ourselves from despair and envisioning beauty and joy surely has to have power of its own?

(T-103)

Yellow Jacket – Day 1007

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Not the wasp that stung me – Photo: L. Weikel

Yellow Jacket

Aaargh. I took advantage of the temperatures being ten degrees lower today than they were earlier in the week and mowed my part of the lawn. (For some inexplicable reason, Karl and I have taken to each mowing our own segments of lawn.) I hadn’t mown more than two stripes of lawn when I felt a searing pain in my left knee. I was surprised because I was in a really grassy part of the lawn, with very few stones that might accidentally get flung at me. But when I looked down, I realized a yellow jacket had entered my jeans via a large rip just below the knee.

Curses

I flailed and I hopped and I shook my leg, slapping at my pant leg and fearing there were more inside my pants. I’m sure you’re shocked to learn that I yelped and called that yellow jacket every name in the book. The only reason I know it was a yellow jacket (looked just like the one pictured in this article) was because it fell out onto the top of my sneaker as I beat my leg senseless.

But it was a singlet (thank goodness). I have no idea where it came from or why it attacked me. I suspect it may be related to the fact that Karl had a run-in with a whole bunch of wasps last week, when he was mowing ‘his’ part of the lawn behind the barn. He hit a nest built into the ground, and boy did they get him good. I think he suffered at least six or eight stings, poor baby. One got him so good it left black and blue bruises on his leg.

His reaction to the stings was a bit, shall we say, aggressive (albeit understandable).

My theory is that this single yellow jacket was a type of kamikaze wasp. It knew a human was associated with the roaring machine that cuts down everything in its path (including their homes). It knew what was responsible for attacking its home and family recently and it was determined to avenge their deaths.

Shifting Blame

Well, in addition to name calling, I also yelled at the yellow jacket that stung me (and any others that might be listening) that I hadn’t harmed them. I’d even tried to ward Karl off of taking revenge against the wasps that attacked him last week. I’d been their champion, in a sense – or at least their apologist. I couldn’t believe they were going after me when I’d done nothing to provoke them.

I have no idea whether my innocence was conveyed and a crisis was averted or if I just happened to piss off one solitary yellow jacket. All I know is, I’m glad I only got stung once because this single sting is causing me a disconcerting amount of sharp, burning pain. Perhaps it’s because I was stung on my knee cap. There’s not a lot of flesh there, and it’s also getting aggravated and stretched whenever I walk.

Mother’s Remedy

I immediately patted down the sting site with bleach – and took a couple Advil, mostly to no avail. I’d say the best treatment of the entire evening was holding a Ziplok-ed bag of ice against the swollen sting site. Now that the icy numbness has worn off, it once again feels like my knee is on fire.

I’m thinking about the fact that the sting took place on my knee. Since knees are associated with moving forward, it might mean that I’m being ‘provoked’ into taking affirmative steps to create the change I’ve felt approaching for some time now.

Or maybe we just have a bunch of really angry wasps down by our barn and they’re going to make everyone associated with the lawn mower pay.

Photo: Griffinpest.com

(T-104)

Hot and Humid Week – Day 1006

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IX – Hermit – Tarot of the Crone by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince

Hot and Humid Week

Here’s something pretty interesting that just happened. As I sat down to write this evening, I felt a nudge to pull a card from Ellen Lorenzi-Prince’s Tarot of the Crone deck. It’s been an oppressively hot and humid week, and weather like this is exhausting in and of itself. Add to that any personally stressful or tough emotional stuff one might be ‘weathering’ and inspiration might best be sought outside of oneself.

I’ve mentioned before that I love this deck and yet I haven’t worked with it for a while. As with anything, I go through spates of working with one deck or another. There are about six decks I own that I go back to again and again. Others, while they may look good or have cool artwork or imagery, just never seem to click into a deep, reliable groove with me. I tend to cultivate relationships with the decks that speak to me.

Looks Familiar

So when I chose a card (and looked at the bottom card for context) for tonight’s post, I thought it looked familiar. In fact, it felt like the pair, working in tandem, felt familiar.

Doing a quick search I was surprised (but not surprised) to see that I’d chosen this exact same PAIR of cards back on June 9th. Only I chose the Hermit on top (as the main card) this time, with the 9 of Cups providing the ‘healing’ foundation.

Well, here we are. Last time, I chose the 9 of Cups as the main card for us to focus upon. Healing. How appropriate. With the Hermit card underneath providing the foundation upon which to heal.

This time it would appear this Hermit/Wise Woman has us continuing to consciously separate ourselves for a time from the intensity and insanity of society. Hmmm. Wisdom indeed.

One interesting synchronicity I discovered when I read my post from the last time these cards appeared together? I chose them during the last oppressive heat wave we endured – the one that started our summer ‘early.’ Tarot decks are comprised of 78 cards and I tend to shuffle relentlessly and bordering on the obsessive. So their appearance in reverse positions is…notable. And my title in that post? “Our Collective Feelings.”

Here are the images and passages of those two cards again. Apparently they require our considered reflection yet again:

IX – Hermit

“I speak

No one listens

But I know what I know

The Hermit is a bag lady rejected by and rejecting comfortable society. She stands on the street of a faceless city, her own face exposed and eloquent. Her dress is a blue that recalls the depths of ocean and sky and the boundlessness that lies beyond their shallow edges. She carries her bags in both hands because she’s learned that balance gives her endurance. She is alone but her isolation is the result not the goal of her journey. Where she goes, others cannot follow. She seeks the mystery at the core of life, at the core of herself. She looks for the magic that exists even in the most artificial environment. She seeks answers to questions that have not yet been born.
The Hermit says look to yourself for the answers, look into the worlds inside you and the uncharted realms within, behind and beyond the ordinary. There are secrets only you are meant to discover and truths only you can divine.”

9 of Cups – Tarot of the Crone by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince

Nine of Cups ~ Healing

“I am the Many and One

I am whole who has been broken

I am the power of redemption

I am the renewal of creation

Two unusual beings, with ribbons of red life spiraling through the serene lavender of their skin-like cloaks, touch and twist and merge in the creation of something wonderful, whole and new. The Nine of Cups represents healing of the heart and soul: when what has been separated comes together again, when feeling flows free and true, when you are aligned with your greatest good, when you become more than you believed you could. The authenticity of your self is not subsumed by bonds with others, but is enhanced through acting with integrity and love.”

(T-105)