MeeWah
Mon. 19 Sept. 2005
I was not sure I would participate in this project & had a vague idea of waiting to see, especially since the internet connection has been more wonky than usual the last few weeks & even thought I might end up missing the sign-up. In fact, lost connection sometime Sunday evening (18 Sept) & was offline until just before I realized I was up far too late. About to head for bed, I thought I would check again.
Lo & behold, found meself at Daizdy's thread, Traveling AT Member Deck ~Sign-Up~ ! How more synchronistic could one ask for? Took that to be a 'sign' & rather blindly posted to participate. Afterwards, saw I was the first. & again struck by the synchronicity.
Tues. 20 Sept. 2005
More members signed up & the thread is a few pages long already just from the sign-up posts! Glad to see Umbrae, (Tarot Garden) whom I had the pleasure of finally meeting at the Melbourne Tarot Conference amongst the participants. He showcased an impressive collection of rare & limited edition decks at the Conference, all decks most people would never get to see otherwise. Most memorable were: the #10 & last copy of a poster-sized deck; a pocket-sized metallic Thoth; an original Rock & Roll Tarot by Chris Paradis.
Jeannette (Tarot Garden) posted she mailed the World Spirit to me as the first person to start off the Traveling AT Member Deck! Should not be long now... Not having seen the World Spirit other than via online scans of a few cards, I am very curious. I think I am going to plan on acquiring a copy.
Wed. 21 Sept. 2005
Thread grown to several pages long now & more members added, some of whom unfamiliar or new faces.
Late this afternoon, Don told me a box had arrived in the post. I tripped from two left feet as I ran out to the kitchen. Not Jeannette's box but the box of books & decks I mailed home from Australia because there was no room in the small suitcase for them after I packed TemperanceAngel's soaps. (A lesson there in bringing more decks & books than clothing or too many--I think.) The good thing is Major Tom's Marseille deck, published at the Conference is in that box along with retrokat's Golden Tarot!
Thurs. 22 Sept. 2005
Jeannette's box was waiting for me whence I arrived home this evening. Literally dropped everything (so not my style)--handbag, lunchbag, sweater--to grab the book-sized white box off the kitchen table. Dimly heard Don in the background 'Well, HELLO to you, too!" but I am too busy feeling my way atop the kitchen table for a pair of scissors I just know is buried under decks, mail & papers to do more than mumble 'O, howdy, honey, love you, too!'
As usual, Jeannette packaged the deck well & with a personal note on an intriguing postcard. The deck's box is black with its exuberant Fool card pictured on the box front & smaller images of 5 other cards from the deck on the back side. It opens by a lid running lengthwise alongside the right of the box.
Quickly skimmed the deck, of a larger size than most decks I use (except for Templar & DruidCraft), the artwork resembles woodcut drawings--black outlines & deep colour contrasts. The black borders tend to emphasize the use of black. Overall, strikes as vaguely reminiscent of the Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg for the combined effect of black & bright colours though the style very different.
Showed Don the deck & he thought it 'awfully dark'. I think the black border tends to give that appearance; however, it looks like it would work as a shadow deck, too. The more I look at the cards, the more I think the deck's general intense look is the effect of bold colour tones with black, black borders. The almost primitive artwork expressive of the basics as in the primal activities & communal life as closest to nature & spirit.
Spent more time looking over the cards than doing anything with them. Seems almost sacrilegious to disturb them with shuffling, but I have finally shuffled them & thrown the cards for a rarely used spread that I think was created by Wavebreaker: New Deck Spread.
.....3.....
1.........2
1. What will you teach me?
2. What do I need to do?
3. What will our relationship be like?
Drew 3 cards I never see, so that alone quite arresting!
1. 1-The Magician: World Spirit will show me/teach me where true magick lies & where Spirit resides.
I do understand the power to effect anything lieth within me, ditto for Spirit--but sometimes I have doubts. Perhaps refers to The Magician's adaptability to different circumstances; the ability to utilize that possessed to commune with spirit & to make things happen. & despite the appearance of things.
On another level, I see it as referring to being inspired to initiate an online Samhain ritual (in Spirituality). Strongly believe that by the smaller acts of faith can one contribute towards positive change & The Magician is an initiator, a self-starter.
I have been seeing evidence of The Magician at workplace, especially today in getting what I want accomplished & then some.
2. 13-Death: This one is fairly easy. I shall need to relinquish an old way of thinking/doing. Be willing to embrace the new. A sense of 'Today be the first day of the rest of thy life.'
I have heard mention of this deck oft enough to remember its name, but never got to check it out any further than seeing some scans of the cards in passing. I was recently struck by a card that I thought I saw somewhere & from the deck, but I have looked through the entire deck a few times & do not see it. Oddly, it had the same look & intensity of what I thought was The World--in this deck, the card is The Universe & not the card I thought I saw.
On another level, it resonates with some changes I want to make. It does involve discarding to make way for the different/new.
3. Sage of Pentacles: Our relationship will be that of a wise one & student. Respectively, World Spirit & I. That works for me!
Since I associate the suit of Pentacles with readings, it alludes to honing the abilities, too. That works, too.
[Edited for spacing.]
[Edited for typos.]
Fri. 23 Sept. 2005 - 6 of Swords
As is usual, I carry 1-2 decks with me to workplace, mainly to facilitate personal Tarotwork & any readings being done for others during breaks. So, of course one of the decks the World Spirit & the other the DruidCraft for a reading I am in the midst of. They both share a roomy & thick black velveteen drawstring lined in gold satin--a bag that formerly contained toiletries.
I have to note that I love the back design of the World Spirit: an hourglass with multi-coloured sand on black; set against a diagonal juxtaposition of sun & turquoise sky & starry night.
Don is right for noting the deck appears to glow in the dark. An 'illusion' fostered by the combination of vibrant colours against black & with black accents & lines. I like the linocut/woodcut style that reminds me of M.C. Escher's use of black & white contrast for the optical illusions for which his artwork is famous.
6-Swords appropriate for the day. The figure of a woman in muted red garment & with a feathered hat in same colour alludes to the use of the active intellect & planning to effect a goal. She is reaching up to folks standing on a dock to help them into the boat she is in. The boat is loaded at one end with swords & a chest--protection & provisions towards the journey ahead. Orange boat reminds me the autumnal season & Samhain just around the corner. Here, the boat represents life's passages within the cycle of Life & Death. Me Da been coming to mind frequently--his birthday was in September. I learned so much from & miss him. Much to do in preparation for the seasonal observances.
Number 6 alludes to the 6th day of the week, tomorrow/Saturday whence the rest of the weekly work must be done & usually overnight, after which I get the remains of Sunday off.
Though faced with volumes of work, felt relatively calm & at peace, knowing work progressing well despite the various issues that tend to arise. Know the practice of working ahead will pay off in less problems at week's end, whence the majority of the work must be completed in preparation for the new week beginning Sunday.
Also spoke to my Ass't at some length, detailing the concerns I have had regarding her work. Very productive whence focussed but not for some time now due to personal matters. This evident from perceiving the need to follow behind her, which takes away from the resources. The emphasis not on her person, but on the general thoroughness required as our work depends heavily on attention to details & accuracy. No leeway for shortcuts as that tends to overlook aspects that can impact on a larger scale & bite us directly.
Card imagery reminds me of the rescue efforts underway for those affected by Hurricane Katrina & Hurricane Rita. (Why are not the storms with male names referred to as Hymmicanes? Must be the traditional association of storms with the 'feminine' aspect.) Note, too, the seagull perched on the piling at the end of the dock. Watching the proceedings closely, as if an onlooker with more than a passing interest or concern. So 'tis with the wider audience at large--the eyes of the U.S. & the global community.
Almost forgot: spent the majority of last evening transcribing a portion of reading with the DruidCraft--a Swords activity. Transcribing takes longer than a reading itself as it involves the use of notes & working from a semi-meditative state. Aim to finish by the weekend if not sooner in order to go on to other readings.
Sat 24 Sept 2005 - 2-The High Priestess
The deck now has a nick-name, inspired by Don's remark: the Glow (in-the-dark) Deck.
A card I occasionally see: 2-The High Priestess. The sky-clad Priestess stands with her arms aloft holding a billowing cape-like piece of cloth behind her, in a grassy clearing ringed by low-lying stones & trees. An opening between stones in front of her leads to a path between two trees in the foreground. The path appears to be laid with yellow stones but could be a reflection from the moonlight. Above her is a dark blue sky with a waning moon--a thin sliver of crescent moon & the rest dark Her pose speaks of 'drawing down the moon', a serious & beautiful Pagan/Wiccan rite wherein the Goddess is invoked to be channelled through the person leading a circle, usually the High Priestess of a coven. The Moon is associated with Goddess energy so such rituals are conducted according to the phases of the moon & the particular purpose.
The High Priestess card one of my favourites in most decks, & this one no exception. The Samhain ritual planned for next Friday for the Aeclectic folks has been on my mind. Hoped to reflect on it during a break at work & to possibly coincide with a mirror version in private as I have done for past Aeclectic rituals. A formal solitary version usually conducted on Halloween, after the trick-or-treaters.
A wee wary leaving for work because in the rush, I dropped the cards which I had left out to look at. Took that to mean I ought to be extra careful to avoid figuratively 'dropping the ball'. Resolved to check the work closely for possible glitches, especially since head feeling fuzzy & I could inadvertently miss something. Checked to see that all the cards picked up & in the same position before tucking them into the same bag they have been kept in.
I tend to see The High Priestess as affirmation of the plans later in the week. Also as encouragement to utilize the intuition & even at workplace, where I spent the afternoon from just before 3PM & through the night until almost 3AM Sunday (today). The head store manager spoke to both Ass't & I regarding in-store pricing & policy on other matters. Made a point of emphasizing that he was glad the previous Scanfile Coordinator no longer in-house. & added he was being nice about it. Ass't & I discussed the oblique way of telling us what he expected. He known for a hair-trigger temper. Later, whilst I was making my rounds on the floor, he stopped to remind me about a meeting on Wednesday (my day 'off') for area Coordinators at another location. I want my Ass't to be present also, but meeting does not include other staff, only the department leads.
'Called' upon Goddess to guide me to possible problem areas for the new ad officially beginning Sunday morning at 6AM. Reminded Ass't to check off items & prices in an ad copy for those shelf tags she hung. I had already checked a portion from starting the weekend price changes Friday as usual to lessen the amount of work for Saturday night. The majority of the signage already printed in advance by me on Friday, I did a store walk to check on displays or changes that tend to not be included in any material I am privy to & found more that needed attention--as usual. Afterwards, informed Ass't I would sort through the hardcopy of price changes which I printed earlier in the evening as part of the plan to work ahead--almost 900 pages (!)--for the week ahead rather than wait until Monday morning since the volume evidence of a rough week. On Monday, there would be other paperwork associated with it to prepare in kind. Happily, she took the initiative to do a last store walk so I could address the paperwork.
Just prior to leaving, my eye was caught by a few items in the ad I realized I had not seen any data for, & we both went to check on them. Sure enough, they needed to be fixed to match the new ad. After she left, I wrote a note detailing the major issues & corrections & left it with the ad check for the opening manager.
Unable to peruse my notes & the deck during a late break after midnight due to the chatty presence of other late night co-workers in the breakroom, I did so after returning home & before hitting the sack.
[Edited for clarification: I am employed at a national chain supermarket. Job entails handling price changes on store level; ensuring price integrity at check-out; trouble-shooting & customer service. I am not a department head per se as I am not salaried (& better off that way), but answer directly to store managers & work closely with other department managers.]
Sun. 25 September - 10 of Cups
The diversified look of the Wild Spirit version speaks to me: 3 people of various cultural backgrounds clasping right hands with upraised left arms & dancing on a grassy plain.10 golden cups arch over their heads. A young child is smiling & clapping her hands on card left. A dog at the legs & almost underfoot of the male dancer, reminiscent of the traditional Fool & dog. In the distance on card right is a rough-hewn home. Autumn leaves on the ground & flying through the air.
My family a blended family of different cultural backgrounds & nationalities. It has been an illuminating journey of relationships & the things that make a family--none of which depends on the blood lines. Certainly significant as the second appearance of this card--first appearance almost 2 weeks ago in an RWS daily draw. Note the autumn leaves to indicate the season & again, reminiscent of the circle celebrations. Especially meaningful for today: love of blended family; harmonious relationships; joyful celebration in gatherings; living in the moment; abundance; excess.
Stumbled off to bed about 5AM after giving up on trying to stay up instead of sleeping away a chunk of a day off. Saturday the only day I have to work overnight, & it usually takes me at least a couple of days to recover from the disrupted routine. Awoke to a phone call inviting me & Don to lunch at a nice restaurant from K, girlfriend of youngest son, J. She apologized profusely for waking me, familiar with my schedule but trying to coordinate with my older son's plans whilst he in town for the weekend. He meeting up later in th day with older brother also in town for weekend to see the Pittsburgh Steelers at a local sports bar. Daughter unable to attend due to work. Peering myopically at the luminescent numbers on the alarm clock & saw nigh 11AM--slept half the day away again on day off! Assured her the phone call fine as I intended to be up earlier anyway & overslept through alarm clock. Got in a few hours which is good for me. We agreed to meet at 1PM at Captain George's, a seafood restaurant known for its buffet & decor.
Due to everyone's work schedules & the older boys working out of town, very challenging to arrange gatherings so the spur of the moment oft the only means. & I rather like the spontaneous occasions as expressive of living in the present. We have an agreement to be willing to suspend other things in favour of touching base with family &/or friends whence the opportunity presents.
I let Don sleep on whilst I went on online to do the usual: check in at Aeclectic Tarot; address PMs & e-mails. Also to continue work on a reading with the intent of finishing it by evening. Suddenly, heard Don yelling in drill sargeant voice 'Less than 30 minutes to get to Captain George's! MOVE IT!!' Phone rang twice before we got out the door. First J checking on our progress & then C to say he picking us up. Don & I had a hearty laugh: the boys must be hungry.
Captain George's famous for a seafood buffet, an all-you-can eat feature & also has a regular menu. We generally do not go to such places because that kind of feature wasted on us & prices on the high end; however, the advantage is the choice of an array of dozens of dishes, from appetizer, soup, salad, main courses through to dessert. The last time I was there the kids still mere babes. In the vestibule, we saw a large sign apologizing for the appearance due to a remodel. As we neared the dining areas, we saw black plastic taped to portions of the muralled walls at intervals like so many scattered wall hangings. Speculated aloud that perhaps windows being installed & hoped the magnificent artwork would not suffer unduly. Black plastic struck jarring notes amidt its otherwise fascinating decor.
Detailed sea themed murals run across all the walls. Stunning large pieces of stained glasswork & etched glass; solid wood tables contrast with the formal gray upholstered chairs. Spotting our 'hosts', we headed to their table. I was charmed by the rectangular tables with inlaid centers of seashells in a sort of mandala design. J said he thinks he could duplicate it. Pointed out the etched glass running atop the length of the room divider next to our table (etched with dolphins cavorting amidst waves) as part of the addition he helped build & install with construction crew by a former employer. After a waitress took our drink orders & returned with them, we headed to the buffet area.
Stunned by the copious array of foods, saw the card's Cups arching over the view. Abundance & excess. Took my time to choose a select variety in sample portions on a luncheon-sized plate instead of a dinner plate (to leave room to try dessert): salmon, catfish, mashed red potatoes, broccoli, baby green beans. Once I sat down, J asked me if I like scallops. Love them & he passed over some from his plate. Don dismayed to find what he took to be hush puppies actually those breaded scallops. I directed him to the ribs, which more his type of food. We spent over an hour at the restaurant, enjoying the food & touching base with each other. I was both amused & chagrined to see C & J bicker as they did whence their 5 years' difference more evident, but relieved they kept it low-key. K told me she needed to order wedding dress well in advance since it can take months to receive order. I have offered to do the silk flowers for the bridal party if K interested as an alternative to the real flowers to keep the cost down & also for keepsake purposes.
Upon leaving, hugs all around & the promise to keep in touch via phone & e-mail.
I think we all left in a warm & satiated haze to our respective destinations. For Don & I, that was breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Mon. 26 September 2005: 0-The Fool
World Spirit's Fool is a non-traditional depiction of The Fool but its imagery apparently takes its inspiration from the traditional with a twist. A full-bodied blonde female, her dress of full albeit ragged blue-white skirt, white blouse & red-black bodice echoes of fairytales, the old European cultures Germanic/Slavic. Perched on her left leg atop an A-frame terracotta roof whose structure seen in yesterday's 10-Cups, her left arm over her head as if in flying mode; the outstretched right arm features a yellow dove perched in her hand. Behind her on card right iridescent blackbirds wheeling in opposite directions & one holds a flower in its beak. More birds recede in the distance behind them. A brown dog is immediately behind her, its mouth closed. On card left a redorange bird holds a 4-petallled flower in its beak, as if heading straight for her. A yellowgreen bird seems headed off the roof & a dark blue bird hovering below her & over green foliage grasps a yellow flower in its talons.
The encounters with World Spirit has been characterized by the majority of the seldom-seen cards. The Fool presents as an encouragement of exploring new ideas--such as this deck. Of taking leaps of faith in that which the life is composed--participating in the journal project. Prominance of birds symbolic of Air element. Alludes to the use of the mental faculties. Logic & the irrational have their place for the combination of both dual forces comprise the life mirrored in the cards. The nature of Tarot studies & Tarotwork. The various coloured birds seem to allude to the rainbow; the chakras. Being attuned to the environment & to the inner promptings. Communications. The unexpected, the unpredictable.
Though I knew a larger than usual work volume coming from the 900 pages of hardcopy printed on the weekend towards this week's work, not until after I retrieved the weekly tag order from the 'back room' (Receiving) that I saw just how daunting. Based on first the weight of a full large carton & then upon opening, this week includes an additional sales plan besides the usual price changes. Then there is also the push to be prepared for an audit/inventory in two weeks. We really should have been preparing all along, but as usual the demands of the day-to-day operations tend to not allow time for the test-scanning on a large scale--the store is one of the largest in the area & carries tens of thousands of items. This somewhat explains the work-related premonition since last week, which preceded a rather belated announcement by thepowersthatbe of a major database & software conversion. Also a strong feeling of more changes to impact my department & supported by The Fool. This means a need to not only immediately implement a plan to handle the work load on a timely basis but to involve additional help if I can get it (not holding me breath) & to be prepared to work extended hours. Glad it occurred to me to try to work ahead as much as practical a couple of weeks ago though unsure of the means to maintain the practice in the face of the excessive.
Before I could proceed, other duties needed tending to first--a quick sign walk for display changes & missing signs; researching scan discrepancies. Afterwards sorted the sheets of price tags according to their respective headings for each day of the week they are to be hung, matching them with the hardcopy paperwork. Since Monday's price changes actually part of last week's tag delivery & already prepared by me Saturday, I left them for my Ass't & continued to determine what else needed to be prepared for today from the new tag delivery connected with the remainder of last week's work. That is one of the issues I hope to get to address during Wednesday's meeting: that some work received after the fact & contribute to the scan discrepancies at check-out.
To keep focussed & to avoid worrying, I tried to keep the figure of The Fool in mind. She is tripping the light fantastic; engaged in a dance of life to wherever it may lead.