Transparent Oracle Sunday!

57, Grail Hallows: The Sword (Below). 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 Grail Hallows present esoteric and hidden knowledge about the elements and the Tarot suit of Swords/Air.  The Sword stands for truth, authority, empowerment, nobility and destiny.  It may only be wielded by one who earns the right, and when this card appears, it tells of a higher calling that when responded to will bring the respondent into their true and destined spiritual power. 

45, Mars (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.  Well, I just learned about Mars this week within my study of Astrology.  Mars is about drive and energy and passion; it is also about striving to do things our own way, about conquest, power and aggression.  Mars can bring sexual tension, often infused with domination or submission, as well as fiery tempers.  Since Mars is connected to the element of Fire, all the traits of this planet can bring transformation.  There is that concept again.

27, Guide: Salmon (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.  Salmon is an incredible animal; it can swim the seas and when the time is right, it can find its way back to where it was spawned.  That takes a knowledge and wisdom about where the Salmon has been; there is that concept again.  This Guide is also about cycles, tradition, and memory of what has been.

I stacked my cards and created my mandala.   Mars is a tight circle, possibly representing the path of Salmon.  The point of The Sword impales the bottom Salmon, as if holding it in place.  Drive and passion are the impetus that is motivating the attainment of knowledge and wisdom, cycles, and memory of what has been.  Holding those things in place is authority rightfully given, the foundation that brings the manifestation of Purpose.  Wow!!  Absolutely incredible mandala, and fitting completely with the events of the past few weeks, as I have completed my Shadow Work. 

To truly manifest and own this reading after I threw these cards last night, I submitted Lesson 8 of Third Degree.  Actually, I was probably done with the lesson over a week ago, but I just felt that it was not yet time to actually hit the button.  And this was the correct thing to do, in hindsight.  The exercises associated with the homework for this one were challenging, and they really came at me head on, and quickly.  It’s a good thing I was open to doing them, because they were going to happen no matter what, and if I stood in place and tried to slow things down, I just would have gotten run over.

But this is all good.  The things I learned while working on this Lesson are a part of my life and living now, and I am certain that the synchronicity that began with such strength and relevance will continue to serve me.

Tonight, I teach a bellydance workshop at the Yoga studio where I hope to take Yoga Teacher Training.  I am looking forward to sharing the dance I love so much with a great group of people. 

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