Transparent Oracle Sunday! 

59, Grail Hollows: The Stone (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 Stone represents the deepest and most pure manifestation of the element of Earth, and tells us of traditions that have been around for a long time (some of them relatively unchangeable, and that can be either good or bad).  The understanding of those traditions, and within that process, the determination of their validity for us personally, brings us authority.  This understanding also offers us entry into the understanding of the mysteries that are the foundation of spirituality, and of life and living.

69, DNA/Labyrinth (Within). Within is the direction of the Self, and thus the cards associated with this direction deal with the ways our Self connects to the world and perceives the world, and the Self.  This direction is mostly abstract, and yet is our bridge to the Universe around us.  The Labyrinth offers us a visualization of the Path that takes us to an understanding of the “self”; who we are, where we came from, and what we can become.  Perceiving our potential, merely perceiving it, can end up being a catalyst that activates that potential.

55, Guide: Mermaid (Below).  Ascension and escape from the physical world seem to be our tasks for this life; however, in order to ascend, we need to first understand this word we are attempting to grow out of.  The cards of Below assist us in that endeavor.  Mermaid tells us of many non-physically manifested concepts: feelings, emotions, love, compassion, and healing.  Like Water, none of these can be held in place by our hands, and yet all are important ingredients within a balanced and harmonious and satisfying life.  Learning to access these ingredients and use them for our benefit without “over-spicing” the recipe takes focus and Will, and loss of control can bring obsession and destruction, but it is well worth the risk.

I then stacked my mandala.  This one is a bit harder to discern because the Labyrinth seems to cover everything.  But in a way, that makes perfect sense.  In the center of the seeming confusion of the strands of DNA swirling in the shape of the Labyrinth is The Stone, the foundation of everything that holds the other cards in place, and the goal, the middle of the Path that is the Labyrinth.  The place that we are headed to, and sourced from.  Not much can be seen of Mermaid, except for the eyes, peeking over the rim of The Stone, between the strands of the DNA of the Labyrinth.  Mermaid is telling me that deep and mysterious emotions are important; they are the foundation that in many ways drives us, and that influences our personalities and the way we communicate with our world.  In order to understand these deep mysteries we must access the teachings and lore and traditions of those who have come before us along the Well Worn Path, and once we have a handle on those, we are then to sail upon the stormy sea of our own feelings and emotions and instincts and intuition.  That is an intimidating venture, but a necessary one.  It looks like the time has come for me to begin a study of my own “self” once again.  After all, I am always evolving and growing and changing, so a periodic exploration is very beneficial.

Well, Friday evening turned out to be quite interesting.  I heard back from Lady Lilyth, who receives, reviews and responds to Third Degree Lessons.  I’ve passed the last part of Lesson 6, and will be moving onward in my Third Degree Training!!  I really am excited about this.  And LOL, when I asked Danu if She knew about this, She chuckled.  “Why else would I stay away from you, My Daughter?” She said, with an amused laugh.  My Dear Lady Danu was waiting for me to get the darned email, and She did not want to spoil the surprise.

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