Card of the Day: Daughter of Pentacles

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The Wild Unknown Tarot [/caption]

Our little fawn from yesterday’s card is growing up! The arcing lines in the background of this card suggest growth, pregnancy, possibility and potential. She is up on her spindly legs, looking off to the left (associated with the feminine), in a posture of stillness and utter alertness. The animal realm (of which we are a part!) is such a perfect teacher of the unity of stillness and relaxed, yet alert, responsiveness.

She is learning how to use her gifts and resources. The rainbow adorned with the pentacle is a symbol of her natural endowments, which are hers to identify, develop and employ. Eager for guidance, she learns by observing and then by doing, tracking cause and effect all the while. She is on her way to empowered embodiment, a unity of instincts, desires and actions.

I’ve been spending my evenings creekside, under the waxing moon, serenaded by the peepers and the moving water, watching the moonlight create flashing diamonds on the ripples and eddies. Looking up at the fractal complexity of treetop branches, I leave aside simplicity and concentration and let myself loosen and soften under the moon’s gaze. I am learning new ways, listening to new wisdom, trusting everything I’ve learned and who I’m becoming to navigate a world coming apart.

I am privileged to be safe, to be able to sit at nature’s feet and worship, to pray for the world. I am grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned so far, and am afraid of all that I do not and cannot know. The teachings of this time are hard. Yesterday, Shugen Roshi gave a talk on Yunmen’s “Every Day is a Good Day.” I’ve never felt like I understood that teaching. Last night I wept at the truth and hardness of it. It’s true, and it’s not what I think it is. It’s not what I want it to be. The truth of it, through my tears, fills me with grace and grief. That’s how I know it’s true.

What’s true for you today?