Today’s Point of Reflection is a selection from what may be my favorite tarot deck: Vision Quest Tarot by Gayan S. Winter and Jo Dose.
After many years of unconscious resistance (a blog post for another day), I’ve come to a place of deep appreciation for and delight in "the Tarot" as a tool for self-awareness and personal understanding. I’ve overcome a gut-level, inchoate fear that had no discernible roots in my experience.
This deck, and one other that I may share over the next few days that helped me move beyond my discomfort, played a big part in my willingness to explore "the Tarot." My fondness for this deck is rooted in its indigenous, Nature-based focus. It just feels comfortable and, even more important, comforting to me. That’s not to say that the messages delivered by this system aren’t universal – and don’t occasionally amount to a kick in the rear-end – for they are, and they do. I just resonate with the symbols and feel at home in allowing them to speak to my heart.
Today’s Point of Reflection?
(You know, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried. Well, I guess could, but not without it seeming completely contrived and losing all credibility…)
V. – Shaman (relates to the Heirophant in traditional decks)
"In essence: WISDOM – transcendence – intuition – deep knowledge of underlying forces – clear insight into recurring cycles – supernatural talents – otherworldly, extrasensory visions
Inner message: The Shaman inside you is capable of merging his intuitive perceptiveness with the wisdom of the Elders. Meditate and find out what really motivates you, what your inner core truly desires. Don’t waste time trying to fulfill more superficial desires. They can never satisfy your ancient longing. That is not their task. Shift your attention to what is ESSENTIAL. Most essential in your life is your own being. Without knowing the true essence of your being, your heart will always remain empty and dissatisfied. Without recognition of who you are, without inwardly awakening to that, you stumble like a drunkard through a maze of meaningless limitations. Remember your Self! Take the time and whatever space you need to explore your innermost being. For that, you don’t have to go anywhere.
Outward manifestation: Much of what no longer feels right for you is ready to leave or fall away. Be thankful! You may have to go through the pain of disillusionment, but that’s in fact your liberation. If you want to awaken to Reality, no spiritual entertainment technique can help you. It is time to face yourself. The Shaman merely reminds you of your spiritual heritage. He points to your source, the unnameable, the mystery of your existence, the power that created everything and absorbs you back into itself at the end of this life. Contemplate how to best spend your time!"
© 1998 AGM AG Muller
This is What I’m Talking About!
Talk about a kick in the pants. I cannot imagine that, if you’ve taken the time to visit this blog and read this far, that this Point of Reflection doesn’t resonate deep within you, that it doesn’t poke you and prod you and yet make you want to smile and maybe even laugh – as in, "Yeah, I’m busted."
You’re here for a reason, and I’ll leave it up to you to decide what I mean by that.