Numero Uno

ACE OF PENTACLES

I remembered there was a place I wanted to visit when I was first traveling through the Peaceful Kingdom. It was a garden, the entrance marked by a huge golden disk with a silver pentagram etched into the face of the disk. It was attached on either side to a elegantly beautiful Oak, and had vines with berries intertwined through the points of the star. The pathway beyond this was of the darkest, richest soil, lined on both sides with an abundance of the most beautiful flowers. A tunnel of trees covered the path, at the end of which was a pedestal. It reminded me of a Roman or Greek column, the top flat, perhaps an altar for any who might visit this garden. Beyond the pedestal I could see the mountains, always misty, since the first time I'd seen them. I knew that walking the path would bring me closer to the Soul of this kingdom.

First Impression - Here was the sense of singular focus upon all things Earth. My eye was drawn down the pathway right away, feeling very inviting in its beauty, but also in its solitude. There is great abundance grown here, giving one a place for deep meditation; a sacred place. Over all, there is much peace here. The Huge Pentacle suspended just above the path is warm and rich in color. It is beautiful to look at.



*song for Ace of Pentacles: Passage Through Life; Music by Kitaro

PAGE OF PENTACLES


"Ancient Mother
I hear you calling
Ancient Mother
I hear your song"*

~ ~ ~

"Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecete, Demeter, Kali, Inanna." She swayed slightly as she repeated the chant, many times. There was a sense of the very Earth beneath my feet, vibrating. I was mesmerized by her dedication and devotion to the singular point of the disk held aloft in her small hands. She was so young, yet, within this moment - for it was the first I had seen her - it felt as if she was as ancient as the Ancient Mother to whom she sang in between her chants. Her voice was like the sweetness of honey, pure, honest, and dreamy.

Not wanting to disturb this meditation and personal celebration, I remained silently back, then quietly, in my own revery, I turned and followed a trail back toward the castle. I was reminded of a blend of The High Priestess, and The Star, both of whom seemed to be a great influence for the reverence of this novice, training in the service of The Mother, for whom her family stood.

Image - This is the daughter of the king and queen, and sister to the knight in this Land of Pentacles. She is a shining example of Spirit manifesting purity and dedication in childhood. She stands barefoot, nothing between her and her connection to the Earth, holding the pentacle of her faith, which shines its light out to the Universe. The Wheel of the year is represented in the 8 beams of light from the disk. Her tunic is all the earth colors of her family. On its belt hangs the book she carries with her. She is a student, when not attending her duties in the community.

Insights - Within the innocence of a child, manifests the purity of faith, not because she must, but because she wants to embody the living qualities with which she communes daily. She represents scholorship, studiousness, the essence of the methodical way, deliberate, and dedicated to her path.


*song for Page of Pentacles: Ancient Mother by Robert Gass

Knight In Shining Armor

KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

"I'll reach out my hand to you,
I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name
And I'll be there...

...I'll be there to protect you
With an unselfish love I respect you
Just call my name and I'll be there."*

~ ~ ~

I slept in a room last night! After breaking the fast, I set out to explore the Land of Pentacles. There were many fields in various phases of working the land for a bountiful harvest. Between the mountains to the North, and the edge of the kingdom to the south, I traveled through fields, woods, across meadows with beautiful wildflowers. Approaching a newly plowed field I saw a young knight, in full armor, upon his trusty steed; both stock still, as if frozen in time. He beckoned to me, and greeted me as the son of the King and his Lady Queen. He'd been told that I was visiting. He offered to show me around, asked if I needed anything. He had a horse brought over so I could ride with him. As we retraced me morning journey, he told me what field would harvest which bounty. This was certainly an industrious kingdom.

First Impression Looking at the card, I felt as if it was paused in time. Like the other two (especially The Queen) it was a quiet and gentle card. It was literally down to 'Earth' and quite grounded, while portraying a knight within a wealthy family domain.

Image Here is a young man (the son of the King and Queen), completely covered in armor - showing only the outer qualities of this Earthy suit. What lay beneath the armor could well be a very different person, filled with wild passions, but always careful to present the correct demeanor when out in public. He is surrounded by Nature and the worked lands which he will inherit one day. He is proud of his position, while at the same time, retaining his composure. The lands show the gradations from a newly plowed field, to wild flower meadows, to cultivated lands which lead into forests, and finally to misty mountains; the progression of growth (evolution). His horse is dressed in the richness of the lush greens and purple and gold of the kingdom.

insights Within any moment of daily life, he has learned to take time to gather his thoughts, and to meditate upon plans for his world. The armor shows his station, but hides who he is at heart. Yet there is a sense of poise, wealth - born of hard work - and the peaceful manner born of inner spiritual wealth and work. This is a very dependable young man; reliable, responsible, practical, trustworthy, solid and honorable; always willing to help.


*song for Knight of Pentacles: I'll Be There by the Jackson 5

Daily Draw

DAILY DRAW
Deck: Robin Wood

Card One:
Theme of the Day - STRENGTH
A gentle power, exuding quiet strength. Approaching the day with Energy that is not overbearing. In all situations, be assertive without aggression. Remember, love equals Strength of Spirit.

Card Two:
Guide for the Day: - THE EMPRESS
It seems that The Empress remains my Guiding Source. There is mothering, and nurturing here, which brings a consciousness of health issues and I work to structure a daily routine for well being. All is guided by the gentle hand of love.

Card Three:
Meditation of the Day - JUDGEMENT
The foundation of the day is meditation of the wholeness in the completed journey, while stepping further into the next phase.

Card Four:
The Shadow Card - THE EMPEROR
Husband to my Guide, I am brought more intensely to planning, structuring, and implementing these in my day; following the rules which I have set for myself, always with an eye on Mastery, which enhances my courage.

Lady Of The House

QUEEN OF PENTACLES

"Open mine eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth thou hast for me
Open mine eyes illumine me
Spirit Divine"*

~ ~ ~

I'd been given two of the baskets and instructed to follow the trail further until I came upon a small clearing. I was to bring them to one I came upon along the path. I had enjoyed my time with the king and felt a bit reluctant to leave, but the night air was wonderfully cool, and the fire flies were winking at each other, as I walked. I was humming a song when I saw the flickering of more lanterns just ahead.

Sitting upon a grapevine throne was a beautiful woman. At first, when I entered the clearing, I thought she might be sleeping, but I saw her smile, open her eyes, and look happily up at me. "How wonderful to see you!" she said, and I thought that the King might have come along, quietly behind me. But she was speaking to me. She thanked me for the baskets and showed me where to set them down. "Please join me for some refreshments," she said. There were all manner of baked goods, and wineskins filled with sweetened tea.

She reminded me of The Empress, though there was a greater gentility here. I felt a quiet and gentle sense within her presence, and saw that, in fact, there were other creatures who found solace in her company, as I spied two sweetly sleeping bunnies, nestled into the folds of her beautiful satin gown.

We sat and talked for a long time, as she told me about this Peaceful Kingdom in the Land of Pentacles. She asked where I came from, and where I was going, and she suggested that I might spend some time here. "Perhaps a fortnight." While I knew it sounded like a great idea, I got the sense that even if I hadn't, at her suggestion, I'd have thought it was regardless. That is the effect she seemed to have, I suspected, on pretty much everyone. I agreed. On the morrow I would meet other members of the Court and then the towns people.

~ ~ ~

First Impression: Quiet contemplation; a gentle Lady, intent on inner work.

Insights: Abundance, and fertility are immediately notable. As are maternal, and nurturing born of a balanced Spirituality. Like the Empress, she also lives comfortably in both the Natural world and that of the Royal Court. Her work Ethic, is likely akin to The Emperor. All creatures great and small not only feel thus, but are safe within her presence. Acceptance of individuals is something which she has cultivated, ensuring that all find a home within her Domain. She is the perfect balance for the King of Pentacles.

*Song for Queen of Pentacles: Song of the Soul by Cris Williamson

Modified Celtic Cross Robin Wood Style

Celtic Cross Reading
June 1, 2010

1. Significator - JUDGEMENT

Quinessential Crone! My transition from my previous (haphazard) approach in spiritual work/life to a new (dedicated) approach. My search for a teacher has ended with finding my teacher, in the form of Tarot. I am no longer aimless.

2. Situation/Concern - TEMPTATION

In all aspects of life, as I make this transition from the old to the new, temptation has been a constant, drawing me away from my focus. My addictions (to disaster thinking; to running away from myself, to panic, to starting things and becoming bored with them, leaving them unfinished,) impede my progress in my inner work.

3. Cross or Block - STRENGTH

Strength (of spirit) is the 'cross' which allows movement forward, helping to bring my work back into focus from the temptations which might block me.

4. Below you, to build on - THE TOWER

Perhaps the most important foundation for me (because of previous meetings with this card) is my coming to understand that there is constant change and not to live in and fear the past so intensely. Knowing that there is always a choice in how to see a situation; go with the flow of change. (First time I have seen this card without disaster thinking, but acceptance).

5. Above: What has bearing - CHARIOT

With what is below, The Chariot provides the ride to moving forward as things change. It keeps me heading in the right direction.

6. Recent Past - EMPRESS

The recent (past few months) has put me into the 'driver's seat.' I am the Empress: mothering, nurturing and caring for myself.

7. Near Future - TRANSFORMATION/DEATH

With continued dedication, reforming old habits into new habits a permanent transformation is in progress; one that will change the very fabric of my life.

8. You right now - EMPEROR

With the success and continued progress, I see the wisdom in staying with the structure needed to walk my path; Follow the rules I've set for myself. The plan as it was created works; if it is not broken, don't fix it.

9. Environment - HANGED MAN

I am in a place (internally and personally) which is opposite to how I have been. I am seeking Enlightenment - new ways, and perspectives allow greater vision. I have the full support from those who surround me. They do not have to believe in what I'm doing to support me, and I have to see that the support is there, none-the-less.

10. Hopes/Fears - TEMPERANCE

Moderation allows for a calm affect, and this gives me the ability to keep working; to keep going and not run out of steam. My biggest fear is old tapes regarding not finishing what I start. But Temperance sets the pace that makes it all possible.
'Slow and steady wins the race.'


11. Final Outcome - THE STAR

The Star brings the light of belief in myself after the darkness of feeling unable to find my way. The progress of Illumination, like Temperance, is slow - I need to keep my eye on the goal, now brightened with success of the past two months, and keep believing in the fulfillment of our life-long dream with the understanding that change is at the foundation of life, but with structure, we perservere. This gentle progress brings the deepening of my path; rediscovering and recreating ritual in my life. Living the dream!

A Peaceful Kingdom

KING OF PENTACLES

"knock and the door will open
Seek and you will find
Ask and you'll be given
The key to this world of mine."*

~ ~ ~

I'm on a main road, now. No more cozy wooded pathways. These are well trod, looking-for-all-the-world like the dusty, old west highways that lead into places like Dodge City, or Tombstone. Instead, the view up ahead holds the spires and battlements of a castle. King Arthur's Court, anyone? Thoughts of Brigadoon dance through my head. It is really quite exciting. Maybe I am ready for people; not just the one-on-one meetings and places.

I pass beneath a huge archway, squared and cobbled, heading in toward the main courtyard, along with a collection of other folk. The hustle and bustle of the inner area is enlivening. Continuing toward the second archway, I wonder if I might not be stopped and turned away. At that moment, a man, dressed in the colors of the banners which hang from the walls, steps up to me and two others. "You'll do," he says, and ushers us inside, up a never-ending stairway, down a corridor, and finally into a great hall. One guard speaks to another and leads the other two forward, and I am pulled out a side exit, leading me back downstairs, but to a different entryway. "Just follow the path until you get to the vinyard." He hands me a few empty baskets.

The wilderness had returned as I head down the footpath. I had not noticed the time passing but night has fallen, and I use a lantern to continue on my way. The area is as alive with night life, as the courtyard had been with people. I even hear the hoot of an owl.

Lost in thought, I only see the elder gentleman sitting in the I enter beneath old gnarled grapevines, crisscrossing over the path. Lanterns are hanging from a few old trees. He smiles at me as I enter his little sanctuary. "Baskets, good, good." he comments. Suddenly I realize that this man, cloaked in richly colored, and fur-lined robes is royalty. In fact, beneath a grape-leaf wreath is a crown. Before I have a chance to stumble over my words, he gesturs with his bearded chin. "Pick the grapes."

A line from a movie comes to me. "Is he how you thought he would be? He certainly isn't how I thought he would be." And I pick grapes and commune in a most unlikely way with the man who is king. I understand then that peace within any place begins at the top. If you treat others with respect, and kindness, and even gentility, it creates its own flow of like sensitivies.

He is completely at ease, and I know, sitting in the throne room, he would be likewise. I have no doubts that he is completely in control, both of himself, and of his domain as well. This in indeed is a peaceful kingdom.

~ ~ ~

First Impression: A merry old soul. A warm, soothing, friendly card. A man at home in Nature, able to blend the richness of his position with the Natural wonders of Life. This manifests a spiritual and material richness. He is the picture perfect father figure; a steady, reliable, earthy, and yes, helpful man. He enjoys his pleasures and riches, and comfort is paramount in his own world. World leaders could learn a thing or two from him.


*Song for King of Pentacles: "Welcome To My World" sung by Elvis Presley