Past Wisdom

by Raipun @ deviantART

Still feeling low. I imagine I'm going to feel this way for a while. 

Since I haven't done a reading with my new Wildwood deck yet, I decided to do a mini one just to glean some advice/wisdom from who or whatever would like to assist me. I plan on doing a more in-depth reading with both my BoS deck and Wildwood next week for Imbolc. Until then, I just wanted a general glimpse... and the three cards I drew seem to put an emphasis on themes from the past.

First was The Ancestor, followed by Balance (ha) and Knight of Arrows - Hawk. All three of these cards feature an animal. The first featuring a reindeer, the second, dragons, and the third, hawk. I found that interesting.

Ancestor definitely puts an emphasis on heeding words from helpful energies or people, or even stepping back into the past to recall what was learned. There's also the concept of hibernation, of being in a restful, "asleep" state, of being cold or temporarily stilled. Now, in comparison, the guidebook has caught me off guard, because the author associates Ancestor with Imbolc. How appropriate. With that in mind, she represents new beginnings, a new path, moving onward, heeding the inner voice, communing with nature... A certain line, however, seized my attention: "You may have been reluctant or concerned at first, but whether you realize it or not a shift has occurred."

Balance is one of those straightforward cards that communicates just that - balance. Two dragons intertwined around a tree trunk, with a face carved in the rock below. Of course, I'm exceptionally fond of this card because of the presence of dragons (or snakes, depending on your interpretation, but I love snakes just as much). The meaning, however, is clear. Balance is needed. Or, to quote the book: "You must be balanced and patient. The time is right to rest and contemplate all the facets of your existence. To continue now you must be still and calm."

Last, the Knight of Arrows - Hawk. The sole symbolism of this card lies in Hawk, who I always associate with keen sight and determination... the ability to see things from a higher perspective. The book has him associated with vision and power, but also as a messenger of fate. 

Of course, the cards know exactly what they're talking about. Or Adonai and its aspects. I find it interesting that these cards - specifically the last two - relate to doubt and uncertainty, which I have been feeling in excess these past few weeks, particularly in the area of purpose and art. 

But it seems I need patience... I need to embrace this feeling of not knowing, of being directionless. Maybe that's the point. Maybe I don't need a direction - maybe I just need to do whatever I feel like doing.

I'll wait till next week's reading for more insight on that, though.