A Pagan network

9rules and Tarot

After a long wait since submitting my blog back in November 2008, a week and a half ago I discovered I made it into 9rules!

I'm part of the Religious Community. All the other religious bloggers are currently Christian. Here's my profile page.

Find out more about 9rules

When I first submitted to 9rules I did a Tarot reading (on the 11 Nov 08) to see what my chances were of making it and what being a member of 9rules would entail. I did a simple five card reading:

Present Position: Three Of Cups

Whenever I turn the 3 of cups it immediately invokes the idea of community. At learningtarot.com, under the heading valuing community the author lists a number of positive examples of what a successful community can/should entail.

"valuing community

taking part in a support group
developing a team spirit
working together
uniting with others
forming a group bond
helping each other
discovering a common goal
being neighbourly"

The 3 of cups is also a time of celebration and rejoicing (such as the birth of a child, a new job opportunity, becoming a member of 9rules). As soon as I turned this card I was filled with confidence that I would be accepted. However, such celebrations must end as we enter into this new phase of our lives and proceed onwards.

Present Expectations: Two of Swords

Not a favourite card, although, due to my SAD it's an accurate depiction of my mental state (the sword represents the mind/cognitive functions). The card depicts a woman paralysed, unable to cope with reality and shuts herself off from it. She is on the defensive, in perpetual fear of live and others, whom she avoids at all costs, unhealed from past hurts.This is a pretty accurate description of someone, like myself, who has to deal with this debilitating psychological disorder. This constant fear that paralyses the minds of social anxiety suffers is attributed to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Of course, the fear is more imagined than real. A basic hypothetical example of how anxiety is triggered is illustrated in this diagram. As you can imagine joining 9rules is a big step for me. My online social anxiety waxes and wanes and is not quite as detrimental as it is in the real world, but it's still a problem. But one, I believe, can be overcome.

What is to be Expected?: Seven of Pentacles

The 7 of pentacles is an interesting card. It depicts a man who through much effort has produced an abundant crop. In the deck I use next to the man is another smaller crop. This card presents two paths: Should the industrious man continue in his current endeavours, or should he go down a new path full of uncertainty but also, perhaps, even, greater possibility. I've been writing online about mythology for 5 years now. I've amassed quite a store of myths, but my understanding and interpretation of myth has changed over the years and I have often found myself leaving behind many of my old ideas and beliefs in favour of that other more mysterious path onto greater learning. My understanding of this card is not to become to dogmatic, rather, be flexible, be fluid, open up yourself to new possibilities through not only your own experiences but other others.

Immediate Future: The Chariot

This card is about self-control and strength, which are needed in situations when we want to make progress in our lives. For sure, the chariot indicates conflict both within and without. It advocates the use of aggression (although I'd much rather settle for assertiveness) and the need for courage in the face of stiff competition. Such challenges are opportunities to grow and learn and develop stronger unwavering characters. Keep a tight hold on the reigns and calm the struggle within yourself and proceed onward towards your goal.

Long Term Future: Hanged Man

The hanged man for me is symbolic of the supreme religious goal of in life. The secret of contentment in in face of uncertainty. The card also represents the self-sacrifice required to gain the otherworldly fruit or boon of the unconscious

When the wise rests his mind in contemplation on our God beyond time, who invisibly dwells in the mystery of things and in the heart of man, then he rises above pleasures and sorrow. Katha Upanishad

When the senses are brought under control, the mind is at rest, and the inner light has dawn, then the individual is filled with the warmth of that inner flame and finds contentment. The unbend-ed joy of life is untouched by momentary delights and the blackest heartaches (bhagavad-gita 2.15). not unlike St. Paul, the individual who has calmed their inner ocean and crossed over to the other side into ‘the mystery of things’ has “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12).

Cernunnos' Path: Hinduism and the Senses