3/9/14

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

70, The Web (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 Web represents the entanglement and interconnectivity of all life, and of all experiences.  The Web also reminds us that because of this entanglement, everything we do affects those around us; those things we do may seem small, but they have the potential to grow, and to have a much larger affect than intended.

26, Guide: Otter (West).  West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  The first thing I think of when I see the Otter card is joyful playing.  Otters are known for their play, and play is a sign of intelligence and awareness.  Otters are at home both on Earth and in Water; they form strong family bonds, and work hard to protect their group of family or friends.   All while playing tag!

16, Guide: Snake (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.  Snake has powerful symbolism in our world; it is seen to represent many medical/healing modalities, and the Kundalini energy.  Snake corresponds with the dragon, and is seen as a mundane representation of that mythical beast.  Because Snake can shed its skin and appear renewed, it is associated with healing, fertility, regeneration and rebirth.  Snake can access places that would be out of reach for most of us, and so Snake can share both knowledge and wisdom.  However, the knowledge and wisdom owned and shared by Snake is neutral, and we need to be careful what we choose to do with what we learn.  Eve learned that lesson in the Garden of Eden.

I then stacked the cards and created my mandala.  This one puzzled me for a bit.  Were Otter and Snake stuck to The Web like moths snared by a spider?  Or was The Web acting as a hammock, allowing Otter and Snake to just be, without needing to expend energy to stay upright?  Were the three Snakes isolating the three Otters, working with The Web to hold them prisoner?  Otters are social animals, but in order to understand our connections to each other and to our world, we need to look inside of us, and perhaps that is the message today.  Perhaps Snake is not emanating out of the center of The Web, but rather is inviting us to follow Snake into the center of The Web.  This kind of learning about self does need to be done in a solitary fashion, and there is power to be had from this kind of study.  Power joins us with others, but power also isolates us from others; both are useful.  Today, I am being asked to be more aware of that solitary version of awareness, even in the midst of a group celebration or activity being enjoyed with family or friends.

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