Transparent Oracle Sunday!

13, Element: Fire (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.  Fire has often been used as a representation of Spirit or the Divine, and this makes sense.  Fire brings transformation, animation or life, courage, and intent.  Fire has its dangers, though; it brings transformation through destruction that brings new birth.

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 this card is joyful playing.  Otters are known for their play, and play is a sign of intelligence and awareness.  Otters also form strong bonds, and work hard to protect their group of family or friends.   All while playing tag!

33, Element: Earth (North). North is the direction of Earth, and thus of the physical or physically formed or manifested world, and of nurturing, health, finances and security, and the wisdom associated with living simply, being well-grounded, and being in touch with our physical body.  Earth represents stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change; its dignities are cold/binds and dry/shapes.  Earth is the element of form and substance; it is connected to physical health, to material world security (and even wealth), and to our physical bodies and physical senses, and the pleasures and pains they bring.  Earth represents the fertile, nurturing and serene side of Nature, and it represents the tangible end result of our labors.

This one creates an interesting mandala.  I end up with a six-pointed star surrounded by Otters.  Fire and Earth make an interesting combination; Fire needs the grounding effects of Earth in order to be controllable, and Earth needs Fire in order to prevent stagnation.  What we’ve got here is a version of the Temperance card of the Tarot, which tells us that in order to balance extremes, we must experience those extremes.  My Otters are circling this powerful sigil, and perhaps their hyper awareness combined with their protective instincts and their intelligence and optimism are just what is needed to keep hold of this sigil, and to get the most from it. 

I’ve had a great weekend.  Friday night was the Sacred Mists Croning Ceremony, and it was beautiful, powerful and moving.  I found myself in tears throughout the pre-ritual meditation and the ceremony itself, and I did not expect these strong emotions.  Saturday we went to Point Park and walked the 2 mile Nature trail with my sister and her husband, and then the four of us went out to dinner early, and then attended a benefit concert, the proceeds going to Hurricane Sandy victims.  Today, I’ve been doing a bit of fall cleaning, and then went to a Yoga class.  I spent the evening with my sister, and now the weekend is over.  I feel pretty good, nicely rested and ready to begin the week. 

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