2012 Tarot * Self Study * the Hermit & the Hierophant

When life gives you lemons, make (pink) lemonade. In hard times such as these, we have the choice, as it may well be wise, to soften, in order to better receive. What is yours that is good for the gander? Is it not better self taught than not? What is it that is ours to know, and intimately? What is it that you want to know? Is it time to master your craft or art? Are you willing to put in the time and effort to become masterful? How are you coming along with your investment of “ten thousand hours” toward just such a pursuit? What does it take to move from too serious to “curious George?” Isn’t it time to remove any “Peter principle” shackles that bind? As we tend to “shy away from things we don’t know how to do,” perhaps it’s time to revisit that purported “can do attitude?” Are you ready to “follow your muse?” Are you willing to let Ms. Guided show you the way. Self guided is at your convenience, on your budget, and without so much or many a formality. You can google it. You can go to the library and get the coupla few books it might take to get you on your way. Dig a little deeper and you may unearth that reference manual “bible,” that will be your life blood for years to come. And yes, it’s a matter of “research, practice, networking and scheduling.” You can build your website or start a(nother) blog. Is it perhaps time to write your story, choreograph your dance, sing your song, or even divine your way? Which is it, a conference or seminar, or that retreat center you’ve always wanted to visit? Is it time to join the club or sit in circle with like minded souls? Can you make space, give yourself the time, and set a deadline? It’s zen and the art of “fill in the blank,” with patience not the only virtue, but one that surely helps. And surely we might all be the better for redefining our relationship with this social and mass media of ours. Don’t fret. There’s still plenty of time (this year) to get your homeschoolin’ on.

Take a lesson, and take less on. Make the time and space to tend to your particular “talents, genius and gifts.” Till that soil and cultivate your garden. You are worthy of the time and effort invested. Make the decision to dive all in. There will be a dividend. “Transmute your (if only this or that) insignificant earthly faults into the philosopher’s stone,” with the “solid understanding that rifts and conflicts are openings for new life to take seed.” As sacred servant, “reveal universal law” as you know of it “to others.” Practice sacred service. If not you, then “who else will help keep thing together when all seems to be falling apart?” Help others to navigate their whitewater chaos and suggest how they may rebound from “setback” and “disappointment.” Consider too that it is perhaps time to pull back from “sexual or passionate desires,” and instead cultivate your “inner chi” in not dissipating the energies. Remain down 2 earth and give yourself the chance to see (her) with real eyes. “Seek out” counsel from your own “inner priestess,” especially when dealing with your proverbial damsel in distress. “Walk the spiritual path with your feet on the ground,” all the while watching out for “spiritual materialism,” in that you are not “using spirituality to feed your ego.” Remain “humble, understated, natural and trusting.” Remain “right here and right now,” without grasping for straws, nor retreating to safer ground. Know your “place of refuge, your temple, your meditation spot,” in order to do your work, in “clearing away” excess and what’s “stagnant, dense and oppressive,” in order to have clarity. Know “liberation and enlightenment.” Recall that “out of the compost, the mud and refuse of life, you grow, flower and disseminate seeds of (life) experienced wisdom.” Trust and “know that you are in good hands as a child of the universe.” As teacher we are pupil, and know that “life mastery” comes best from life experience.

“Complete your spiritual pilgrimage and temporal work,” by shutting out the weapons of mass distraction. “Use your work in the world as a spiritual path to achieve your higher destiny.” Work “in harmony with natural law with right and honorable intention in revealing that heaven is here on earth.” Employ “focus and discipline” in following your own way. “In touch with the inner light,” illumination awaits. Use your “inner resources” fully. “Seek solitude in order to go inward.” Via this “inward turning,” journey into the “inner temple” to live “in union with the divine.” Meditate! Continue to “use the healing power of your knowing hands to heal and guide others,” or “use your own way of healing to touch others.” Don’t overdo things nor go beyond yourself. Take it easy when need be and get yourself outside. Stretch and shake a leg. Keep things steady and even as you keep on with the keepin’ on. “Study and research” things out in depth. “Say no to passing diversions” and maintain a no nonsense attitude. “Stay sober” by declining the invitation. “Shut out the undesirable” and “seek your inner riches.” Refrain from any urge to run away from this world. “Go within” to be well without. “Live simply, eat well, and get on the land.” Follow “natural law” and order. Create from within, and remember to leave your light on, as wise men learn to take that of which has been offered them.