We Are One: The Big Guidebook

[Raggydoll]

Elder of Water

By Starlight

 

The Elder of Water is in touch with his emotions, his intuition, his creativity, but is not overwhelmed or overpowered by them. He navigates the tides of Life calmly, purposefully, assuredly. He trusts his ability to do so, reading the currents and the tides and observing the weather and movements of the sea life and of the stars. He flows with Life’s currents with experienced expertise and sometimes with a dash of quiet, calculated adventurousness. He can manoeuvre safely, and knows how and when to make the smallest of course corrections so that he and all those in his care remain afloat and safe and heading in the right direction. He has depths within him that he also navigates wisely and well. He is not afraid to plumb those depths because he knows that great resources and treasures lie there. At times he can appear aloof or distant, but his love never wavers. It is a part of who he is once he has given it and is as constant and vast as the oceans he sails. He is a compassionate man who does not falter when the going is tough. He has the power and the might of the oceans within him to draw on, and he can guide his vessel and all on board to quiet, protected harbours. He is a wonderful caretaker, full of empathy and understanding. He is a source of strength and a port in a storm. When you are with him, you believe everything will turn out ok, no matter the challenges you must face to reach that point. He is a good listener with great empathy and knows what is being said even when no words are being spoken. He shares his thoughts and advice when asked to do so, and you are free to accept or reject what he says. He is slow to anger but if pushed too far beware the tsunami!

 

Image copyright notices:

Vintage portrait of man "HC00303" by Community Archives of Belleville & Hastings County is licensed under CC PDM 1.0 (Public Domain) - Link

Ocean background “Waves under a moody sky” Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash - Link

Boat steering wheel License to use Creative Commons Zero - CC0  - Link

Captain’s hat "Wall2Wall Captain's Yacht Sailors Hat Snapback Adjustable Sea Cap Navy Costume Accessory" by tikneiqcvx is licensed under CC0 1.0 (Public Domain)

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Ace of Air

By Starlight

 

The Ace of Air is about the initial spark that sets things in motion. Some might see this as being divinely-inspired with separate elements falling into place without conscious effort and becoming a coherent idea or a whole picture. Others might feel that the subconscious has played a part and has revealed the goings-on in the depths of their psyche. However we understand the process, there is a clarity now - thanks to flashes of inspiration and insight - that was absent before and we finally have a sense of direction. The immaterial and unseen has taken the first step towards manifestation.

 

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Two of Air

By Gregory

 

When you can't make up your mind which path of many to take, it makes it worse that you know you have to do it anyway. It leads to a paralysis of indecision. It seems easier to bury your head in the sand and hope something will happen without your doing anything. But all that means is that you have given away whatever control you had. Take charge - decide. Have a say in your own life.

 

Attributions

Signpost cobbled together by me;

 

Teenager from unsplash:

Christian Erfurt Chemnitz, Germany

Just shot a friend while a conversation about business… Heart vs. Brain. Life vs. Stress - it’s all calming down.

 

The background - Unsplash: Hampstead Heath

Brett Jordan @brett_jordan

Also in creativecommoinc.org under licence

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Three of Air

By Aquarhapsody

 

Three swords pierce a heart in the midst of a storm. The 3 of Air represents heartbreak; the feeling we have in our chest when someone breaks bad news, or we are faced with grief and loss. This card signifies a release of sadness. When you pull this card, know it is okay to cry, it is okay to let this heartbreak out into the world to feel relief. Take time to heal after this pain.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

4 of Air

By Paula

 

Being of the element Air, this is a card that refers to the mind, to logical and rational thought. Being a 4, it also tells us about creating firm and solid basis structures. The 4 of Air indicates a need for withdrawal and rest so that it becomes possible to gain clarity in the mind and structure of thought to continue the path.

The image itself was created in a way that leaves its elements camouflaged in the landscape, which means that to be able to absorb it, the reader is forced to stop and focus all attention on the image and thus observe its details. Swords symbolize the willpower required to stop and reorganize when we are often commanded by the force of impulse, not always the best way towards the goal we set out to achieve. By doing so we will be able to destroy obstacles and open the right paths.

Owl indicates the presence of wisdom and knowledge to overcome the challenge.

In different circumstances, life asks you to observe the situation at a distance, to stop, rest and reflect before taking action. This is the concept associated with the 4 of Air.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Five of Air

By Gregory

 

Pick your battles. There’s no point in fighting to spite yourself, to make a point. No-one wins. If you must fight, only do so when there is something worth while to be won.

 

Attributions:

Foxes: Zao Fox Village, Shiroishi-shi, Japan

From unsplash: @cloudvisual; cloudvisual.co.uk

 

Background: unsplash

From unsplash: Snowy Austria @danieljschwarz Daniel J. Schwarz

Dead hare without head on Schwarzenberg, Vorarlberg, Austria.

 

From wikimedia commons: Asurnipal 

Free to use when attributed

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schwarzenberg-Bödele-dead_rabbit-01ASD.jpg

 

Vulture: wikimedia commons

gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura

Licensed under creative commons; 

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Six of Air

By Gregory

 

Movement is part of life. Migration and returning, starting again, change - they happen to us all. Embrace it or stay stationary, stuck in a rut or in a stagnant or even bad situation - your choice.

 

 

Attributions - a photo of mine and a photo my daughter took.

 

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Seven of Air

By Geoxena

 

Here we see a game of three-card Monte. This is what is known as a confidence game – from which the phrase “con artist” was born. The con artist has shills working for him, who “win” rounds, but no one else can ever possibly win. The con artist cheats and convinces his marks to try again, and the stakes are raised. Meanwhile a pickpocket works the crowd. This card is about deception, trickery, and even thievery. It can also represent betrayal and sneakiness. Don't believe everything you see or hear. Also look inward to see whether you might be lying to yourself about something important.

 

Artist's Statement When I chose to create this card, I knew there was no way I was going to draw someone tip-toeing away while carrying an impossible bundle of seven sharp swords. I came up with several ideas, but kept coming back to the concept of a confidence game taking place with a crowd around it – the epitome of deception and thievery. In New York City, many years ago, I saw these games in the streets and the crowds they attracted. The game is impossible to win and yet the swindler has the crowd believing they can beat him and win, while pickpockets take what they can get, so I thought this was an appropriate depiction for this card. I drew a police officer in the background, heading their way, as homage to the soldiers in the distance on the Rider Waite version – which shows that the thief isn't really getting away with anything because they see what's going on. I had fun drawing all the faces and clothing, and the dog! I used Prismacolor and Faber-Castell colored pencils on Arches Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper, 300 g/m (140 lb.) weight.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Eight of Air

By Czenzi

 

The Eight of Air shows a man bound by his own thoughts. Like the character in Kafka’s “The Hunger Artist,” he has tied himself to a way of being that may not be healthy or in his higher interest. Yet, he feels bound to this way of behaving. This may be because of the influence of others, past or present, as in the case of the Kafka story. The bars are behind him, however, pointing to the fact that he may actually have a way out by moving forward. Even more, there is space open to him on both sides. His limitations may be as much self-imposed as they are real. This card may serve as a call to adjust our perceptions of self and experience.

Keywords: Mental blocks and barriers. A propensity toward negative or false thought patterns. The willingness to restrict oneself or be restricted unnecessarily by others. Engaging in self-criticism. Breaking free of a mental barrier.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Nine of Air

By Grandma

 

I don’t see any card as good, bad, or neutral. Tarot encompasses all experience.  Even the typical RWS Nine of Swords holds promise.  The sitting figure may be in anguish or alternately waking from a nightmare.  A colorful comforter offers warmth.  The swords can be taken down and used as weapons and tools.  

 

This time, however, I went for unambiguous nightmare all the way.  Stormy seas, darkness, knives and snakes – what good could come of this?  The terror on the tiny face is justified.  

According to myth, Medusa, whose face turned those who dared to look at her to stone, was tormented herself.  She was beautiful before she was cursed with snakes for hair and forced to live alone in a cave.  Medusa represents someone who is so utterly abused and has so much pain inside that they lash out, are cruel to others, or create misery for anyone around them.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Ten of Air

By Arania

 

With all the worries in the world and the calamities which befall us, we feel sliced up into pieces, but the 10 of air reminds us that while it is bad, all the pieces are still attached to each other It might be a tremendous effort, and sometimes impossible, but there is a chance we can pull ourselves and our lives back together. Mentally, this means a time of depression and time, but also a chance to let the worries just glide right through us and not to be affected so deeply by it all.

Reversed, the 10 of Air announced a loss of coherence, a falling apart of a status quo which has been bad to begin with.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Novice of Air

By Jewel

 

Loyal, smart, clever, practical, opinionated, and resourceful.  A fledgling seeker of knowledge with an insatiable apatite for intellectual pursuits.  Practical and rational perspective above all else.    A scholar enthralled with the world of ideas.  Always thinking, analyzing, and prepared.  Expresses herself more confidently than the other three Novices, which can backfire giving the impression of a know-it-all or of rigidity when in truth her intellect is the shield she uses to hide her vulnerability and insecurities.  But despite this she has much courage and no fear in sharing her knowledge or expressing her ideas and opinions.

 

Keywords:  Loyal, smart, clever, practical, opinionated, and resourceful.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Explorer of Air

By Raggydoll

 

This woman is strong, swift and clever. But she sees no need to display her strength when it isn't necessary. She chooses her battles to reserve her energies and to keep her mind clear. At this stage she is observing, assessing and listening to the good advice of her allies. She is exploring her surroundings and her life circumstances. The raven helps her see things from a higher perspective; it speaks with wisdom and from experience. The Raven can see beyond the visible; into what has been and to what will be. It is there to caution her and to guide her on her path, as long as she takes the time to listen. If she talks too much or starts picking unnecessary fights then she will not be able to hear it. And if she gives way to arrogance or recklessness then it will promptly leave her side. There is a sense of strategy and preparation, but that must not fool you. She will fire her bow in seconds, should it be necessary. Her mind and her fingers are as quick as the wind. She is one you do not want to underestimate. You might just need her to speak for you, and to help you fight your battle at some point. 

 

Keywords:

Sharp mind and sharp vision. A time to observe and assess. Wise allies. The importance of listening to good advice and of seeking higher perspectives. The ability to speak and fight on behalf of yourself and others. Tense expectation. A situation where things can change quickly. 

 

(This card will also be featured in my own deck - HER Tarot)

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Nurturer of Air

By Wanderer

 

The Suit of Air relates to insight, understanding and communication, and the role of the Nurturer is to share his love of these things. Here, he reveals the mysteries of the Moon... showing children how to understand the phases, so that they can see the world with clarity. He takes delight in showing others how to cut through misunderstandings, to see the reality of what faces them. With infectious enthusiasm, he inspires wonder and insight, shining a light onto fears and superstitions to inspire confidence, and teaching us to trust our intellect.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Elder of Air

By Pen

 

The Elder of Air has always had high aspirations and ideals. He has spent his life attaining knowledge and from this lofty peak above the clouds he can watch over his people yet treasure the peace he needs for his sharp intellect to work unhindered. I see him as a sort of Zarathustra, pondering on the mysteries of Life, the Universe and Everything. He gazes out to distant horizons, silent in spite of his usual brilliance with words, slowly becoming one with Air as his arms turn to wings, when he will take one step and soar even higher into the blue.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Ace of Earth

By Stephanelli

 

The Ace of Earth symbolises a number of things.  It can indicate that material wealth is coming from a new force or that a new career related opportunity is approaching.  It can also represent the action of planting a solid foundation to build upon and hence work your way up through the Earth suite to abundance.  Planting the seed is also an act of trust, we trust that what we plant will grow.

The acorn symbolises the planting of the seed and all the new potential that is presence at the planting.  The soil is fertile and good, indicating that when we plant our seed, if we nurture it properly.

When this particular acorn grows, it does not grow into a beautiful oak tree, but into an apple tree symbolising that even if we plant a certain seed in the earthly energies, it may not grow as we expect it to!

The apples indicate the abundance that is present at this time.  They also pave the way to a new opportunity - it contains seeds that be planted to grow the next tree!

There is more symbolism in this card, but I would like to encourage the reader to find this out on their own and in relation to their reading.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Two of Earth

By Day Soleil

 

There’s a lot on your plate at the moment. You may have multiple responsibilities, decisions to make, and a to-do list that feels endless. With all these demands on your time, you might feel like curling up into a ball and hiding from the world. But the 2 of Earth serves as a reminder that you’ve got this. After all, you’re the master of multi-tasking, conducting a symphony out of the chaos. In fact, you may be making it look so easy that others don’t realize the effort you’re expending. If you need assistance or find you’re unable to say “No,” work on speaking up and drawing firmer boundaries.

 

Keywords: responsibilities, possibilities, multi-tasking, prioritization, weighing options

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Three of Earth

By Nemia

 

The Three of Earth deals with solid materials, tangible projects and the value of fair, respectful collaboration. Creative impulses turn into satisfying work with lasting results. Our legacy to the world is built with our talents, skills and abilities – and deep joy.

 

Artist's statement:

Wilhelm Schadow's portrait of himself, his brother and the sculptor Thorvaldsen (used here with the permission of the Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin) is an example of the card's spirit. Medieval cathedrals were built in perfect collaboration of many, just like bee hives.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Four of Earth

By Gregory

 

Obsession with money is the root of so much that is wrong in the world. It makes people miserly, greedy, acquisitive. The more they have, the more they want. You end up stuck, guarding your spoils with all your energy, with no energy left to move forwards. You can enjoy it far more by sharing. To give really is better than to receive. Enjoy your stuff but don't get hung up on it, or your life will stop dead in its tracks.

 

Attributions

Roof detail, imperial enclosure, Hue by Nguyễn_Thanh_Quang

Wikimedia commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Nguyễn_Thanh_Quang

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

 

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Five of Earth

By Grandma

 

While this card typically represents pain, rejection, hardship, sickness and loneliness, it also shows the possibility of hope, safety, recovery, redemption and warmth.  The typical RWS weary travelers need only to turn to see the welcoming lights of a church they are stumbling past.  In my interpretation, the Pentacles themselves hold hope.  

 

A man sits on a bench, head bent, eyes closed, hands folded.  Is he dejected, pensive, praying, asleep?  Is this the same each time one looks at the card, or does the observer’s view point change?  As with all Tarot cards, the meaning can vary with each reading.  As with all life experience, something that at first glance seems obvious can be far different on closer observation. 

 

The five pentacles are yin/yangs of experience.    

 

The first is Fire and Water, two elements which even within themselves hold paradoxes. Fire destroys and Fire warms.  Water inundates and Water nourishes.  Either can be catastrophic, yet they are both essential.

 

The second Pentacle shows the yin/yang of loneliness versus community.  An old man, alone, poor, hungry, worn out, is juxtaposed with a young family representing love, togetherness, comfort, vitality – everything the old man has lost or perhaps never had. Appearances can be deceiving, though.  The old man could be at peace in his rough circumstances while some seemingly happy families are suffering in ways that we cannot see.  Circumstances and perception can change meaning, as can careful examination.

 

Pentacle Three shows night and day, opposites which are intrinsically neither good nor bad, better nor worse.  Nor are they truly opposites as each blends slowly and inexorably into the other.  Nightfall can mean relief at the end of a difficult day, while daylight can be relief after a difficult night.  Each can conversely signify that time has run out.  Together they comprise the cyclical unchangeable progression of Life, unswayed by the particulars of lives.

 

Number Four speaks to just that.  If energy is eternal, and it is our vessel that begins and ends, then Spirit is eternal across reincarnations.  The fetus is the physical manifestation of Life  before each life, the skull is what is physically left behind after each life ends. They bracket each incarnation.

 

And the fifth Pentacle represents the range of emotion with which we experience life and Life.  Look carefully to see the words “joy” and “despair”.  At times all seems hopeless, and at times the hopelessness is real.  At times all seems joyous, and at times the joy is real.  At times there is nothing to be done except survive the bad and savor the good.  At times a change in perspective or balance can alter our experience. Fundamentally, negative and positive give each other meaning.  Neither can exist without the other.

 

We suffer, we recover, we suffer and recover again.  We hold recovery within us as palpably as pain.  It is day, it is night.  We are born, we die.  A man sits on a bench, head bent, eyes closed, hands folded.  Is he dejected, pensive, praying, asleep?  It’s not always easy to determine, even for ourselves.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Six of Earth

By Starlight

 

Giving and Offering

Receiving and Taking

Be centred enough to know when to move into any of these modes.

The six coins are arranged in the manner of the Tarot de Marseille. The four coins in the centre represent stability and structure while the two coins at the feet and head of the figure indicate being grounded and, at the same time, seeing the overall bigger picture.

Traditionally, the 6 of Pentacles in the Waite-Smith deck (aka RWS) is about charity and generosity. Those meanings are included in this card:

                   You have the Midas Touch. Money will flow to you because of your efforts. Success is yours.

                   You will benefit from the philanthropy of another.

                   Be on the lookout for opportunities to “pay it back” or “pay it forward”.

This card also explores things a little further, based on the theme of this deck We are One.

First and foremost is the idea of responsibility. Our actions have consequences for ourselves and others. What do we need? Why? What do we want? Why do we want it? What do we hope to achieve if we get what we want?

Midas wanted wealth for wealth’s sake. It did not end as well as he hoped.

On the other hand, what needs our attention? Where can we be of service and do some good for others? And are we truly being of service, or are we just “throwing money at it” in the hopes that we will be seen to be doing our bit and our responsibility ends there?

We need to know ourselves well. Do we really need what’s being offered? Will it create obligations we could do without?

On the other hand, are we too generous? Have we taken care of our own needs before meeting the needs of others?

Robin Hood took what was needed to fulfil basic needs, especially hunger – his own, that of his men, and that of the poor. It is important to remember that we cannot operate without our basic needs being met.

It is also important to remain grounded and to remember the bigger picture; that our choices and actions affect others and that we are part of a greater whole.

The key, then, is to be fully present in the moment, any moment, so that we can see the opportunities before us, whether it is to take what is being offered or to give to those in need; to receive what is given with gratitude or to provide another with the opportunity to take, if they so choose, what you have to offer.

When we are stable, grounded and fully aware of the bigger picture, we can recognise our needs and our end goals. When we are stable, grounded and fully aware of the bigger picture, we see the needs of those around us, and recognise those moments where we can lighten another’s load, be it with money, a listening ear, support and encouragement, a hug, our words, our presence.

6 of Earth honours our connection to each other on the ordinary, every-day level, and in the deeper, more profound human and spiritual sense.

                                                                            We are One.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Seven of Earth

By Flaxen

 

Golden Dawn title: The Lord of Success Unfulfilled. Saturn in Taurus. 

 

Saturn is a constricting, limiting force and Taurus brings a heavy, plodding energy. Here, in the unbalanced sphere of Netzach, they bring stagnation. The ground in the card is barren and the fruit turning brown. The sombre colours reflect that our dreams may be turning to ash.

The 7 of Disks represents those times when, despite our best efforts, our hard work doesn't bear fruit. Perhaps the soil wasn't right or the climate changed for the worse during the growth period which means the harvest has failed. It would be a good time to reflect on the current course of action and see what can be salvaged.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Eight of Earth

By Paula

 

8 of Earth is a card that conveys focus on tasks, details. To achieve recognition and mastery at work, you need to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to approach perfection. Commitment and determination are fundamental to achieving a good final result, perfecting each technique, each detail with great attention.

Because this is an Earth card, it speaks to us of the practical part of life, of tasks, of routine, of health, of finances. You may be asking about any of these aspects. Because it is an eight, it indicates a process that is underway but at this moment requires more effort. Reversed it may indicate sloppiness, lack of concentration or attention, which may relate to a physical symptom or a task.

In the image of the card I chose to give a touch of Portugal, my country. Instead of the traditional coins, I chose to use “Corações de Viana”, a fine gold and lacy work characteristic of the North of Portugal, the so-called “Filigrana Portuguesa”. It takes a lot of precision and skills to make these pieces; it is an art that usually passes from parents to children, just as the concept of the letter invokes the goldsmith's skill and mastery.

I chose an "aged" scene because this perfection can only be achieved with time and many hours of practice and learning.

Dedicate yourself to your task now with your heart and soul and then get the reward and recognition for your work.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Nine of Earth

By JeanetteBelle

 

She has seen it all. She has been through so much in her life. All that she has, belongs to her—all of it was found, created, or bought by her through her own means. She owes nothing to no one. She is a woman of means, of beauty, of wisdom, and of experience. She walks through the rest of her life with poise and dignity, knowing that she has no regrets. She is not concerned with what others think about her because she is beyond such drama. She lives her life with authenticity, knowing who she truly is.

 

If this card has shown up in your life, then she reminds you to live with dignity and pride for the gains that you have won because they were hard won in some circumstances. This card is about having gratitude for the things that you have, the people around you, and the lifestyle that you have created. It all belongs to you to enjoy as you will.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Ten of Earth

By Raggydoll

 

Keywords: Family. Legacy. Security. Comfort. Wealth. Aristocracy. Traditions. Limitations. Personal sacrifices - on behalf of future generations or family expectations. 

 

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Images sourced on pixabay.com

- Background, by GregMontani

- Statue (Gustav Vigeland), by ifinnsson