32: Striding forward with… the right tools

Are you using the right tools to accomplish your goals/tasks?

It’s easy to become fixed with the tools we use. We know the feel of them, the sound of them, the nuances and idiosyncrasies of them and reject improved tools, new items and tools others use in favour of our favourite, old standbys. We forget that new materials are being used, new shapes, new sharpness, new colour, new… are out there for us to improve the feel, the texture, the smell, the look, the ease of use every day.

So, are you using the right tools? Is there a tool out there that you haven’t tried that promises to make your goal/task easier, faster, better, stronger, more profound, more… ???

Do you know someone who does something quite similar to you using different tools than you do? Perhaps you can help them consider other methods/ways and they can help you see your goal/task in a different perspective.

Consider… what is the right tool? Could another method/way/tool be used? Is there a way to try before you buy?

Sometimes, the right tool is one we’ve been using all along. We just need to use it differently or to its full capacity.

Today, I have drawn the 4 of Swords – Truce. I am using the Thoth Tarot illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris.

My first impression of this card is ‘X’ marks the spot! These four swords seem to be doing just that.

Let’s look at this card more closely. If we look at the ‘X’ we see it is in green, the colour of Libra, and resembles the Rose Cross. The 49-petaled blue rose in the centre is harmonious and the rose is about spirit. The swords have a distinct pattern on each guard and these represent the four elements. The background is the blue of Jupiter and the yellow of Air. This card is Jupiter in Libra.

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Truce?’

This card is about breathing when you realise you’ve been holding your breath due to stress or concentration. It is that sigh that comes and helps you to relax. This is the lull after the storm, the peace after war, the relaxation after stress, the rest, recovery, compromise and refuge.

Go ahead, you know you want to… sigh. Doesn’t that feel better? Call a truce with yourself and relax. You’ve been working hard and you need just a few minutes of blissful breathing to refresh and regroup. All together now… deep breath in… count to 4… exhale.

Until tomorrow… love, light and blessings!

23: Trailblazing… distilling elements

Yesterday, I focused on productivity. I was engaged in distilling elements to put on to the cards I am making for the deck to accompany the book I am writing. It is a work of fiction and it is taking shape.

It is difficult to distill information in such a way as to release the extraneous until the purest elements remain. There is a conflict that ensues as you ‘weigh up’ what you will keep and what you will throw away. There is a ‘gray space’ that rises up to meet you as you begin separating out information. There will always be imperfect items that, in some instances, are vital but, in most instances, are not.

This seems to exist in any project-oriented task. What do you keep and what do you throw away? How do you ‘weigh up’ the value of any single element? How does the single element co-exist with the many pieces that give form and shape to an idea? Is consistency key to carry through the project? What elements need to appear in every instance? What elements can you pick and choose without losing the integrity of the project?

Okay, now I’m exhausted from just the thought of what lies ahead. This is where I remind myself to just take one step at a time and to trust it will all come together the way it should… without worry… without stress. (Breathe, remember to breathe!)

Today, I have drawn the Princess of Cups. I am using the Thoth Tarot illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris.

Now, she’s a beauty! She’s a bit green, but I love her gown!  Wow!

Let’s talk about what she really is about. She has the swan as her crest and this is attributed to Venus (Libra). Ten rays emanate from this crest and this is the number of Malkuth and the Earth. She is the Princess of the Earth, the base and primal bit, tied to fantasy and dreams. She holds a cup containing a turtle in her left hand and a lotus in her right hand. The turtle is tied to Cancer and demonstrates the influence of her father, the Knight of Cups. The lotus symbolises that she accepts expression of the emotional realm.

There are 11 hexagonal crystals on her gown. This not only symbolises Earth and Water but the hexagonal shape is symbolic the balance of Tiphareth and 11 is the number of magick. The fish is a stylized dolphin and this represents the influence of her mother, the Queen of Cups, and ties to the Empress (4 pectoral fins) linking her to Venus.

She is all about imagination, intuition and grace. She is emotionally unstable, childish and unrealistic. She is quite social.

So, what is the message for me today? Perhaps, it is about being realistic with what I can accomplish in one day or not being emotionally tied to the project I am undertaking. Perhaps, it is about allowing my imagination and intuition room to play.

Today promises to be quite an interesting day with this young lady in my cards. How will your day unfold? Will you allow time for play as well as work? Will you be realistic about what and how much you can accomplish without becoming emotionally unstable, tied to outcomes and putting yourself under pressure?

Until tomorrow… Love, light and blessings!