Like Sunlight Through Stone

Interpersonal relationships can be challenging when expectations aren't met, and this can be further exacerbated when communication channels becomes muddied. Attempting to match up the puzzle pieces of disparate experiences, to get on the same page or find common ground, can prove at times to be quite difficult; sometimes the pieces just don't fit. But there is often room for a little ambiguity; space for many truths to sit together at once. An open heart and still mind may embrace the wholeness of that union (or dichotomy, you might also call it).

The Queen of Swords is a natural expert at this: balancing clarity with caring, seeking to understand while also maintaining gentle-but-firm boundaries; searching for truth amidst emotional turmoil, but never discounting another's perceptions.

Tarot of Vampyres; Ian Daniels

When I pulled this card yesterday morning I was immediately jarred by the raven on this Queen's shoulder because it pierced my dream memory; I was visited by such a bird in my sleep. It was large in size and I only recall being uncertain if it was a crow or raven, but based on its beak shape I'd been fairly certain that it was the latter. Perhaps it was a messenger.

As I was pondering the Queen of Swords' gifts of perception, and her ability to lock onto the most important undercurrents of a given situation, I suddenly thought of a new stone I acquired several days prior. It is called "strawberry obsidian" (if I understand correctly it is a manufactured stone, something along the lines of goldstone or blue sandstone). I picked up a piece and it felt nice in my hand - smooth, cool, bright but in a muted sort of way. And then I held it up to the store lamp and it was like a whole other world opened up before me. The light illuminated the stone's inner workings so brilliantly that it took my breath away, lightened my heart, and I knew I wanted to bring it on home.

The Queen of Sword's essence reminded me of that moment. Like sunlight though stone, situations that seem opaque when grasped closely may reveal all of their complex layers and delicate filaments when we are willing to hold them up to the light.

Perhaps it doesn't matter so much if we can't find a measure of common ground. What matters is that we don't hide from truth; that we open our hearts to understanding. Our openness and willingness is an invitation for those puzzle pieces to be brought back into alignment. And if it is still not enough, then what matters is finding peace with that incongruity.

Interestingly as I was looking deeper into the dream raven, I came across this phrase:

"Raven will show you how to go within in yourself, into the dark areas and then illuminate them, making you ‘sparkle’ and bringing out your true self. Inner conflicts should then be resolved, however long buried they are – this is the deepest healing." (Click here for the site)

And with that the circle was complete, the message filled out: the Queen, and the stone, and Raven's presence in my dream all symbolic of the search for clarity, the at times painful willingness to shine light into the dark, to understand, to express, to heal, and ultimately to release back into the universe.

Even Queens Pass Gas

A good sense of humor is critical in life, and that includes when working with the cards. Two nights ago my older daughter came to me and casually asked if I'd pull a card for her. I agreed, as usual, and asked what she wanted to focus on. She said (with a very straight face):

"What would it be like if I ever accidentally farted in class? How would I deal with that??" 

I had to laugh. I asked her if this had ever happened to her before, and she quickly denied it, but it was very apparent that it was a real concern of hers, so I told her I'd pull a card about it, and we'd see what Tarot had to say. I laughed for a second time when I pulled:

Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

Before saying anything, I showed the card to her, and she started to chuckle, too. I said, "Well, this Queen certainly seems to be having some indigestion - just look at the cloud she's sitting in! She definitely knows what it's like to fart in class. But look at her face! Do you think she cares? No way - she's all 'Yeah, I farted, so what? You guys are SO immature...'"

My daughter laughed and said, "Yeah, it's perfect! So now I know what to do. If it ever happens to me I'll just be cool and act like it really doesn't matter at all!"

I think that the Tarot has a sense of humor, too.