Transparent Oracle Sunday!  I asked the question, “What do I need to know?” and then shuffled and threw my cards.  I got the following:

12, Weather: Lightning (South).  South is the direction of the midday sun and the peak of power and illumination; this direction is associated with passionate drive and creativity.  Lightning happens during a storm so that a built-up charge of electricity can be released; release is one of the correspondences to this card.  Lightning is powerful, and it can be seen as a method of cleansing, or even transformation through destruction.  This is one of the cards that is shown with four representations rather than three, so it presents a kind of crossroad.  Choosing a path should bring illumination, just as a bolt of lightning can illuminate the darkest night.

47, Jupiter (Above).  The direction of Above takes us up and out of the four traditional elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth, and reminds us that we are but a small part of the Cosmos.  Above also reminds us that while the Machinery of the Universe is huge, it does have an effect on each of us, and each of us is an important part of the workings of that Machinery.  Jupiter is my astrological planet; it represents expansion, leadership and joy.  Jupiter’s strong gravitational pull is seen as a protection for us on Earth; this huge planet pulls anything that comes close inward. 

51, Gateway: The World Tree (Below).  The direction of Below is not easily associated with spirituality, yet it is a powerful symbol representing the opportunity to create a strong foundation, and to connect to the tools and powers of the Underworld.  The World Tree is a powerful symbol in many cultures; in Wicca, the Tree is seen as representing the cast circle, and it is seen as a gateway to the Underworld.  The World Tree is about initiation of the most exciting kind; it tells of the ability to tap into the knowledge and wisdom that is a part of me through my ancestors, and it tells of the ability to connect with non-physical beings.

I stacked my mandala.  This one is a bit less obvious, and yet it has its own symmetry.  The upper and lower Lightning bolts go right through the middle of the trunk, roots and branches of the World Tree, as if energizing the Tree; the left and right bolts stretch out to either side, as if balancing the Tree.  In a way, it looks as if the four bolts are shooting out from the center of the mandala, where the roots of the Tree create the Gateway to the Underworld!  Imposed on top of the spot where the bolts emanate is the symbol for Jupiter; the planet is circling around the entire scene, and if we see Jupiter as being both expansive and protective, it could very well be increasing the opposing powers of the grounding of the Tree and the expansion of the Lightning, while protecting me from stray bolts or shards of wood with its immense gravity.  I have not visited the Underworld during a meditation for a while; perhaps it is time to return.  Interesting that the concept of Initiation is in the mix.

I got on the scale, and I lost another ½ pound; that is a total of 12 pounds.  Family vacation is still going strong, and I am walking and biking all over the place.

We had a great Reiki share last night, and today I spent the day in my much-loved garden.  Tomorrow, back in the garden, after a bike ride!

$>