4 of Pentacles: Addressing the Weakest Link

I'm dealing with a challenging situation at work - one that will likely require me to make an important and difficult decision by month's end. There are a lot of things I enjoy about leadership: having the ability to improve the work environment for my team; recognizing the unique talents, abilities and contributions of each individual; problem solving; big-picture thinking and planning..... but there are less enjoyable aspects of it, too.

Without going into too much detail, I will say that I'm in a position where I must consider, and make decisions about, the overall strength of my team. I was up late last night with a coughing child, and as I was easing him back to sleep, I was playing various scenarios and options though my head in regards to how I could and ought to approach the matter. When I woke up I decided to pull a card to highlight the most critical aspect to keep in mind as I move forward: 4 of Pentacles.

Vikings Tarot; Lo Scarabeo

At first I noticed the solid composition of these four figures; they each bear a coin, and stand firmly upright in a diamond-shape, creating a strong foundation of strength and power. There are no weak links here, which is an important detail - if even one person begins to waver, the entire structure they create with their stances loses its integrity, and compromises them all. 

I noticed the 4 on this card - the number associated with April (affirming that this has been and will continue to be a major matter for me this month), and likewise associated with the Emperor (a card that has appeared for me quite a bit as I've transitioned into this director role). 

Pentacles are associated with the material world, with what we can experience with our five principal senses, with finances and resources. As I looked at this card I saw my team (albeit abbreviated here), each member offering their unique resources of education, know-how, experience, and energy; each carrying his or her responsibilities fairly and equally, working together to create a strong program. So what happens when one person isn't able or willing to shoulder their own weight? To avoid collapse, the other members end up taking on more and more until the responsibility starts to feel like a burden. Eventually it becomes a problem that needs attention. 

What this encourages me to do is not think only in terms of single individuals, but to keep in mind the team as a whole. What is in the best interest of the majority of these instructors? What can I do to support them? What actions can I take to ease the excessive demands on their time and energy that may eventually hurt their motivation and ability to enjoy the work that they do? 

I may be the nominated leader, but I work for these teachers just as much as they do for me. The 4 of Pentacles reminds me that it is my responsibility as a part of this team to make sure that the overarching organizational structure works smoothly for them, and to address any of those "weak links" that prevent them, and the group as a combined entity, from achieving their highest potential. Perhaps a tall order, but one I must face nonetheless.

Kenaz and the Knight of Fire

My blogging friend Ellen, from Greylady's Hearth, has been composing posts lately that focus on a blend of Tarot and runes, to lovely effect. I decided to try this combo out for myself, using my hand-made runes and my Vikings Tarot deck. I drew the rune first, asking for a general, predominant energy in my life right now. Then I drew a card asking about the best way to engage this energy. The results were very interesting!

Rune: Kenaz

Kenaz is connected to the element of fire, and signifies a door opening up to new things. This is a rune of energy, power and movement; troubles ease and creativity gathers momentum. The force that gathers with this rune is not erratic but controlled and purposeful. This is energy that has the potential to get things done. I envision this as a fire that builds and expands within until it bursts forth from its vessel and illuminates the path forward, like the Hermit's lantern.

Vikings Tarot/Lo Scarabeo

Tarot: Knight of Wands

This card features the giant Hrungnir astride his horse Gullfaxi. Hrungnir was rather boastful and had a competition with Odin and Sleipnir to see whose mount was faster (Sleipnir won; apparently there is nothing faster than the wind!). Odin invited Hrungnir to Asgard to hang out, where he drank too much ale and started tossing threats around. Thor decided to put him in his place, and slew him with Mjöllnir (Thor's souvenir was a shard of Hrungnir's whetstone lodged in his head).  This card, like Kenaz, is associated with fire, creativity and movement, and I love that this energy is mirrored between the rune and Tarot. There can be no doubt that this Knight is ready for an adventure.

Both Kenaz and the Knight of Wands symbolize energy in motion, and positive developments. Kenaz, in the image I posted, does appear very much like a door opening, and the Knight appears to ride forth from the mouth of the rune, ready to carry this heated torch forward to explore new worlds.

There is certainly movement in my life at present, and travel is in the forecast for the next month or two. The Knight of Wands is encouraging me to embrace the new forces unfolding around and before me, to open myself to new insights, opportunities and possibilities that Kenaz brings, and to see where it takes me. I'm game!

Taroscopes for August 2014

A day late but not a dollar short! It's been a long month, but I did make the Taroscopes happen for August!!

My husband spent several weeks traveling around Europe and naturally he had just one task assigned to him: find me some cards. And one of those decks was the Viking Tarot by Lo Scarabeo. This is a deck I've been wanting for close to a year, but simply hadn't bought yet. These days I don't want very many decks, so to receive one that I really craved was a special treat! And the best part? Yes, I could have driven down to Luna Sol Esoterica (author Ann Moura's shop in Sanford, FL) - they're carrying a copy currently. But the particular copy I used for this month's Taroscopes was purchased in Sweden, in a store dedicated to Viking history. So come on. No contest.

So here we go!

Viking Tarot - Lo Scarabeo
XVI-Tower

Capricorn - Judgment: August will be a month for figuring out what's really important to you, reviewing the path that has lead you to where you are at present, and considering how to respond to the voice that's calling to you. The possibility for significant change is just around the corner.

Aquarius - Page of Pentacles: If you're feeling weighed down by work or studies, remember, it's temporary. Hitting dead-ends just means you haven't found the right road yet - keep trying!

Pisces - 6 of Cups: You're going to really enjoy being home with loved ones this August. It's time to replenish the reserves by reconnecting with the people and places that anchor you.

Aries - Tower: Make sure your car is in good working order, and perhaps consider getting a case for your cell phone so it won't crack with you drop it. You can't always control change, but you can always do your best to prepare for it!

Taurus - Ace of Wands: Don't hide your light or mute your flame this month! You have a lot of creative passion and potential to share with the world - take a risk and see what happens.

Gemini - Lovers: You may have a big decision this month between two equally enticing - but very different - options, so it may be hard to decide. If you're feeling uncertain, get some advice from a trusted friend! On the love front, make time for date night!

Cancer - 4 of Cups: It's time to get real with yourself, and focus on narrowing down your next steps. You need to feel inspired, and you will, just give it some time.

Leo - 8 of Cups: You may feel like you're teetering on the edge of staying or going, trying something new or sticking with the tried and true. What will be most emotionally fulfilling in the long run? Let your answer guide you.

Virgo - Page of Cups: Enjoy the last remnants of the northern summer. Relax with a good deck of cards, and share your kindness with your loved ones. If you're a parent, make sure to have fun getting your little ones ready for school!

Libra - 3 of Cups: August will be a month of joy, happiness, and pleasure shared in great company. What more needs to be said?

Scorpio - 7 of Swords: This month brings a time for honesty, sincerity, and clarity. Keep alert for anything that feels less-than-Kosher, because it probably is.

Sagittarius - 9 of Wands: Pressure builds, the air gets hot, you wonder if you'll make it to the finish line…the good news is that you will. Dedication and fortitude will bear good results when all is said and done.

Viking Tarot - Lo Scarabeo

Enjoy the last, full, scorching month of summer. Be well!