So-Long Spica: Week 14

[Joan Marie]

September 1st, 2019 is the final appearance, for a while, of the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. Spica's retreat from the night skies coincides with, if not the actual end of Summer in the northern hemisphere, certainly the "spiritual" end of it. No matter the weather, it just doesn't feel like summer anymore.

In a couple of weeks we will begin the Sacred Days of Autumn group reading where will prepare ourselves to greet the new season, so this week for My Celestial Week let's consider the changes that the waning season has brought to our lives. Let's have a look back over the past 3 months and consider how it has affected us, how it has changed us.

As we say so-long to the beautiful light of Spica the star, let's take a little time to bid farewell to the summer of 2019 and consider what it has left us with, how it has changed us.


As always, here are some suggestions (and they are only suggestions) to give you a little spirit of the planet of the day that may influence your reading:

• Monday - Ruled by the Moon - Home life, inner life, family life

• Tuesday - Ruled by Mars – Adventures, challenges we had or took on, obstacles we overcame, or didn't

• Wednesday - Ruled by Mercury –Intellectual pursuits, learning

• Thursday - Ruled by Jupiter - Journeys we took, chances, beginnings

• Friday - Ruled by Venus – Love, relationships, Art, social life, style

• Saturday - Ruled by Saturn – Work, discipline, training, obligations, patience

• Sunday - Ruled by the Sun – The cycle of life, plans, advancement, self-confidence, vitality

I wish you fun with this and hope the exercise leads to some wonderful ideas and inspirations for you.

(If you are new to My Celestial Week or want to know more about it, you can see this post.)

Also remember, you can jump in any time, the week starts when you start it.

So choose a deck for this week's exercise and begin when you are ready.

The star Spica

[Diana]

First time I’m joining My Celestial Week. I feel like I’m in the company of the illustrious! I'll be doing my readings the evening before in preparation for the next day which is why I'm posting this on Sunday evening. I can therefore take it into my dreams so that it can do its alchemy and I'll hopefully be better prepared for tomorrow.

First I want to say thank you to Joan Marie, the Tarot and the Stars, in no specific order.

(On a side note, I read that Spica is a double star.)

Am using the Osho Zen Tarot deck. http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/osho-zen/. I like
Osho. And he had a great sense of humour.

MONDAY - ruled by the Moon - home/family life

So what’s up ?

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COMPARISON

Comparison brings inferiority, superiority. When you don't compare, all inferiority, all superiority, disappears. Then you are, you are simply there. A small bush or a big high tree--it doesn't matter; you are yourself. You are needed.

A grass leaf is needed as much as the biggest star. Without the grass leaf God will be less than he is. This sound of the cuckoo is needed as much as any Buddha; the world will be less, will be less rich if this cuckoo disappears.

Just look around. All is needed, and everything fits together. It is an organic unity: nobody is higher and nobody is lower, nobody superior, nobody inferior. Everybody is incomparably unique.

Osho - The Sun Rises in the Evening, Chapter 4

[Joan Marie]

Felt in the mood for The Stretch Tarot this week. It's nostalgic vibe suits my intention of reflection over the summer.


Monday - Ruled by the Moon - Home life, inner life, family life

The Tower. What a way to start.
This is an interesting depiction of The Tower.
Instead of bodies falling from it, we have three women all hiding their faces.

That was sort of me this summer. I was working on a lot of projects and I had little interest in socialising, or even going out much at all for anything. Summer is the best time of the year at my home, that castle in the back. Not much reason to leave it that I can see. But it maybe can get a little oppressive with so little break from it. I maybe took the holing up too far and lost touch somewhat with people near me.

I don't regret it, I was doing what I wanted to do but maybe now is the time to re-connect with my immediate world in a tangible way.

[Diana]

Tuesday - Ruled by Mars – Adventures, challenges we had or took on, obstacles we overcame, or didn't

Osho Zen Tarot

Hey, Osho - wherever you are right now I reckon you're laughing. Because you always loved to laugh. And you told such funny jokes sometimes. But why did you let yourself be led astray ? Did you forget that the path is straight and narrow and few there are that enter it ? Oh well, we all get led astray. I'm not going to be the one to throw the first stone.

Yesterday, you were really kind to me. Sometimes the cards in this deck are a lot darker. Will you be kind again to me for Tuesday - ruled by Mars? Let's see....

Ace of Clouds: Consciousness.

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From the Little White Book - not because I'm feeling lazy, but it's a very nice message for me. So thank you Osho.

Most of the cards in this suit of the mind are either cartoon-like or troubled, because the influence of the mind in our lives is generally either ridiculous or oppressive. But this card of Consciousness shows a vast Buddha figure. He is so expansive he has gone even beyond the stars, and above his head is pure emptiness. He represents the consciousness that is available to all who become a master of the mind and can use it as the servant it is meant to be.

When you choose this card, it means that there is a crystal clarity available right now, detached, rooted in the deep stillness that lies at the core of your being. There is no desire to understand from the perspective of the mind--the understanding you have now is existential, whole, in harmony with the pulse of life itself. Accept this great gift, and share it.


"The influence of the mind in our lives is generally either ridiculous or oppressive" you say. That's what I liked about you - you didn't put flowery stuff around things like that. Straight to the point with no beating about the bush. But I have been working hard on the mind thing you know. Oh I see, you knew that already.

I really am getting deeper and deeper into meditation. Am really eons away from this Buddha state though. Sigh... it must be lovely to be a Buddha. Oh... you're telling me that it's everyone's destiny eventually to be a Buddha so I don't need to worry ? Oh, that's NOT what you said.. sorry. Oh you're telling me to shut up and stop talking and get out of my mind for a while ? That that's the whole point of this card to stop jabbering and get back into the closet ? Okay, I'll go in a minute. Let me just finish off with this post.

When you choose this card, it means that there is a crystal clarity available right now, detached, rooted in the deep stillness that lies at the core of your being. There is no desire to understand from the perspective of the mind--the understanding you have now is existential, whole, in harmony with the pulse of life itself.

Well, you know where to find me. In the closet (so you can't come in). It was where I was anyway all summer. But then again, you know that I suppose. See ya and thanks for the little chat.

[Joan Marie]

Tuesday - Ruled by Mars – Adventures, challenges we had or took on, obstacles we overcame, or didn't

2 of Cups

Without going into detail, I think I did a pretty good job last summer of keeping some things together, keeping some situations from spiralling out, setting intentions that others picked up on and helped carry out.

Yes I know this all sounds vague, but I've really become allergic to discord as I get older. And really if I put my mind to it, it's really not so hard to change the vibe of a situation with a well placed word or gesture. People respond to it. Usually anyway.

[Diana]

Yes I know this all sounds vague, but I've really become allergic to discord as I get older. And really if I put my mind to it, it's really not so hard to change the vibe of a situation with a well placed word or gesture. People respond to it. Usually anyway.

Not vague at all. I don't know if it's protocol to comment on other people's readings in this august section of the board, but I just wanted to say that even from my tiny little perspective and view that I have, you manage this remarkably well.

[Diana]

It's way past midnight. Wednesday already.

Wednesday - Ruled by Mercury –Intellectual pursuits, learning

As I want to use this opportunity to really explore more of this deck through the lens of its creators, I am again relying on their Little White Book.

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This card recalls an old Zen story, about a lion who was brought up by sheep and who thought he was a sheep until an old lion captured him and took him to a pond, where he showed him his own reflection.

I think I may have seen a pond but it is possible that I mistook it for a puddle. So maybe I didn't see as clearly as I would have as in a pond. But I think I caught a glimpse of an old lion. So I'll look out for him again. But I mustn't forget that as I think I am a sheep, I will think that the old lion is my enemy. And he has to capture me and all. It's all very allegorical. Right up my street. I love allegories. They are so nourishing. This deck seems to be greatly suited for me during this Celestial Week.

[qndynes]

Oh my goodness, I'm late in joining in this week but will jump in tonight!

[qndynes]

As we say so-long to the beautiful light of Spica the star, let's take a little time to bid farewell to the summer of 2019 and consider what it has left us with, how it has changed us.

For Monday, home and inner life. The biggest lesson and ordeal for me these past 3 months is learning to resolve, manage, and redirect irritations in the home. I've been living in a super uncomfortable living situation as we, my partner, son, and I, transition into a new place. This tense living situation has caused serious problems and stress for me. I've had to learn to proactively shield my self, become stronger for myself and my son, as I stand my ground. It's been quite an ordeal which I'm looking forward to seeing the end of.

[qndynes]

As we say so-long to the beautiful light of Spica the star, let's take a little time to bid farewell to the summer of 2019 and consider what it has left us with, how it has changed us.

Tuesday, for challenges & obstacles. This is definitely all about confronting and and engaging with money issues in an honest way. Learning how to keep it clear between my partner and I. And learning to work together for common goals. Again there are the limitations of home life popping up. Clearly, when we expected to move out didn't pan out, not enough to do so. But we learned and now approach our goals from a place of seeing eye to eye and communication.

[Diana]

Thursday - Ruled by Jupiter - Journeys we took, chances, beginnings

Tell me about my the journey I took, those chances... and those beginnings.

Queen of Fire - Sharing

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From the Little White Book :

The Queen of Fire is so rich, so much a queen, that she can afford to give. It doesn't even occur to her to take inventories or to put something aside for later. She dispenses her treasures without limits, welcoming all and sundry to partake of the abundance, fertility and light that surrounds her.

As you move above to the fourth center--that is the heart--your whole life becomes a sharing of love. The third center has created the abundance of love. By reaching to the third center in meditation, you have become so overflowing with love, with compassion, and you want to share. It happens at the fourth center--the heart. That's why even in the ordinary world people think love comes out of the heart. For them it is just hearsay, they have heard it; they don't know it because they have never reached to their heart.

But the meditator finally reaches to the heart. As he has reached to the center of his being--the third center--suddenly an explosion of love and compassion and joy and blissfulness and benediction has arisen in him with such a force that it hits his heart and opens the heart. The heart is just in the middle of all your seven centers--three centers below, three centers above. You have come exactly to the middle.

Yes, there has been so much love in my heart that I didn't know sometimes where to bestow it. I looked around and all that seemed to remain were my "enemies" so I loved them too. Love is like a fountain that flows without ceasing. The source never tarries - all I have to do is cup my hands and drink.

But then where do those tears come that are now falling gently down my cheeks ? Where does this sadness come from - suddenly and unexpectedly ? Should I not be celebrating that I have shared so much and still am left with as much as I had to start with ? How can love and sorrow be present at the same time? You don't speak of this. What are those new beginnings you speak of ? Where do I go from here ? And how can I touch those whose hearts seem to be so closed and impervious to love ? I long to know.

But thank you for the recognition. Humans like to have recognition. It's one of our little foibles.

[Joan Marie]

Wednesday - Ruled by Mercury –Intellectual pursuits, learning

The Page of Cups

I mentioned before that my summer was spent largely engrossed in projects but I was also preoccupied with reading and learning lots of new things. And this card fits so well with how it all affected me. I felt, and still do feel , in a constant state almost of inspiration. This has saved me. Ideas and inspirations don't come from thin air, they are the happy products of reading and thinking and listening to and sharing ideas with people.

A lot of that took place here on this forum. I mean just look at our deck project for one. And so many other wonderful inspired things.



Thursday - Ruled by Jupiter - Journeys we took, chances, beginnings

Judgement

Such an interesting and unusual depiction of this card. The butterfly from the caterpillar, the awakening mummy (?).
I took some chances and went out on some limbs. I brought an idea into reality and am now seeing it fly. That was the work of the whole summer really. It started earlier but it was this summer that the effort was concentrated, put under pressure and emerged a finished product, a finished journey, that really is just at it's beginning. When I look at it this way it all does feel kind of magically intense and my work will always carry the feeling of the summer of 2019.

[qndynes]

As we say so-long to the beautiful light of Spica the star, let's take a little time to bid farewell to the summer of 2019 and consider what it has left us with, how it has changed us.

Wednesday, intellectual pursuits, communication. The lesson learned is that applying myself in moderation to intellectual pursuits will lead to less constrictive and more beneficial results. Wanting to consume and know obsessively just ends up caging me in frustration and overwhelm. Yep, duly noted. Whatever I want to build, whomever I want to reach with words, necessitates a measured touch, a grounded touch.

[qndynes]

As we say so-long to the beautiful light of Spica the star, let's take a little time to bid farewell to the summer of 2019 and consider what it has left us with, how it has changed us.

Thursday, explorations and opportunities. Applying myself against all odds and my insecurites, is equally as important as being passionate about the project, opportunity, or goal sought.

[Diana]

Friday - Ruled by Venus – Love, relationships, Art, social life, style

Hoping for something not too serious - have had enough of seriousness this week. Something lighter would suit me today.

PAGE OF RAINBOWS- ADVENTURE

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When we are truly in a spirit of adventure, we are moving just like this child. Full of trust, out of the darkness of the forest into the rainbow of the light, we go step by step, drawn by our sense of wonder into the unknown. Adventure really has nothing to do with plans and maps and programs and organization.

The Page of Rainbows represents a quality that can come to us anywhere--at home or in the office, in the wilderness or in the city, in a creative project or in our relationships with others. Whenever we move into the new and unknown with the trusting spirit of a child, innocent and open and vulnerable, even the smallest things of life can become the greatest adventures.

It's been scary sometimes what I've had to face and try and overcome. Relationships have been fraught with perils at times. Some of the adventures I could have done without - but then again, I did learn much and am not the same person as I was before these adventures. Plans and maps and programmes and organisation were pretty useless. I just had to take one day at the time and walk and walk and walk. And I never lost sight of the fact that in this valley of the shadow of death (i.e. fear, uncertainty, doubts and bewilderment) that I had to trust and walk and walk and walk. I never lost sight of the rainbow and it accompanied me and still does as the adventure is not yet quite over.

I'd love to be that little child on the card. To regain that innocence that seems to have got lost somewhere in the forest.

Cult of Tarot is also part of my rainbow. And part of my adventure - but this time a soothing and gentle adventure.

[Diana]

Saturday - Ruled by Saturn – Work, discipline, training, obligations, patience


NINE OF WATER - LAZINESS

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From the LIttle White Book :

This gentleman clearly thinks he's got it made. He sits in his big over-stuffed chair, wearing his sunglasses, shaded by his umbrella, with his pink slippers and his piña colada in his hand. He doesn't have the energy to get up and do anything because he thinks he's done it already. He hasn't yet turned to see the mirror cracking around him on his right, a sure sign that the place he thinks he's finally arrived at is about to shatter and dissolve before his very eyes.

The message this card brings is that this poolside resort is not your final destination. The journey isn't over yet, as that white bird flying into the vastness of the sky is trying to show. Your complacency might have arisen from a real sense of achievement, but now it's time to move on. No matter how fuzzy the slippers, how tasty the piña colada, there are skies upon skies still waiting to be explored.

I wasn't happy when I drew this card early this morning. I groaned and said "for god's sake, give me a break." And then I said "to hell with you, I'm tired dammit", so this afternoon I had a siesta for FOUR HOURS !!! Was dead to the world - don't remember any dreams either. Now that's pretty lazy.

Osho Zen tarot can be brutal sometimes. And that worries me somewhat, that the place where I think I have arrived may "shatter before my eyes". Also, I never thought that all I did to get where I finally got to this summer was my "final achievement". But it is a warning and a very kind one, although brutal. I can't get complacent now that a certain sense of harmony has returned. In the sense that it's not chaotic anymore. But a certain sense of harmony is pretty fragile. And anyway, harmony in the human realm is never permanent. It can all come crashing down in an instant - all it needs is a hurricane or a bolt of lightning that causes a fire that burns everything that you've built.

Can't rest on one's laurels. Time to go to the next step now. One more step. And then after that another. Do I know where I'm going ? Not in so many words... but there is a pattern that I've been following and it has been good for me so I will continue in the same vein and see. Back to the drawing board for me... not the one in my head, but the one in my heart.

The work aspect of this Saturday reading is not very apparent here. It seems to be pointing to inner work. I think the Osho Zen deck usually speaks of the inner and not the outer. It's not concerned with day to day stuff. But it does speak of my "obligations" here, because my inner work that I do directly impacts my obligations. And requires constant discipline.

[Joan Marie]

I have not been good about keeping this week. I have kept up with some things, but not my readings or studies.
Trying to catch up here.

Friday - Ruled by Venus – Love, relationships, Art, social life, style

9 of Swords
I've been drawing some dark cards this week.To draw "cruelty" for the day of Venus is a tough message.
This is probably more than I want to get into here, but when I think about my summer, which is the focus of the week, I do realise that I made some decisions, not really consciously, but I really chose to put my limited energies for relationships and family, into the most productive places. I've sort of decided informally that the relationships that are just kind of draining, weren't what I gave my time or attention to.

I haven't cancelled or cut anyone out. I'm just not available at the drop of a hat anymore to those who don't have my best interests at heart. I actually just realised this. That I did that. Cruelty comes in many forms. Sometimes with a smiling face. I just don't have time any longer for that and the relationships that are worth my time are better because of this. Not only do they get my focus, they get a better version of me.


Saturday - Ruled by Saturn – Work, discipline, training, obligations, patience

The Moon
My inner life and outer life are (finally) converging. This summer was the beginning (again finally) of finding my voice. I have a long way to go though. I relate to this woman on the card, the look on her face. She has her very own way of seeing things and she wants to go with it. It's a kind of soft, gentle power that this world typically discourages and tries to trick us out of using.


Sunday - Ruled by the Sun – The cycle of life, plans, advancement, self-confidence, vitality

Queen of Swords
Getting a Queen here is pretty encouraging.
She looks a bit stern, but maybe it's just serious, direct, having intent.
This summer ended with my having some very strong realisations about myself. Some of this was a result of the 22-week (I'm on week 8) of the Spirit Keeper's Tarot workbook thing I've been going through. I've had some surprising and much needed results that have me thinking bigger about things than I ever have before, realising the self-imposed limits I've been living with all my life and just getting past them.
Yes I like this Queen here.
A good ending for this week's exercise. I learned some surprising things.

[Diana]

Last day of the Celestial Week. Osho Zen is too intense for this kind of exercice. I won't use it again. Each card would require a whole week or more to integrate.

Sunday - Ruled by the Sun – The cycle of life, plans, advancement, self-confidence, vitality



XIV INTEGRATION

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The image of integration is the union mystica, the fusion of opposites. This is a time of communication between the previously experienced dualities of life. Rather than night opposing day, dark suppressing light, they work together to create a unified whole, turning endlessly one into the other, each containing in its deepest core the seed of the opposite.

The eagle and the swan are both beings of flight and majesty. The eagle is the embodiment of power and aloneness. The swan is the embodiment of space and purity, gently floating and diving upon and within the element of the emotions, entirely content and complete within her perfection and beauty. We are the union of eagle and swan: male and female, fire and water, life and death.

The card of integration is the symbol of self-creation, new life, and mystical union; otherwise known as alchemy.

I've been working for months even years, and definitely over the summer, since as long as I can remember in fact, even as a little girl, with this idea of duality. I've never believed in duality. Maybe because of my metaphysical upbringing when I learned about Oneness. Night and day have always been the same to me - and I ponder again and again why in the story of creation that when God said "let there be light and there was light", it is followed by "the evening and the morning were the first day" and not the morning and the evening, or the morning and the night. It is most curious. Even in my deepest meditations, no answer has been received (yet). Once I had a tiny glimpse but it vanished before I could take hold of it to examine it. The answer will come one day. In the writings of my main teacher in spiritual matters and mysticism he often reminds that there is no power in evil and no power in good - but the power is the Light. This is a hard thing to integrate. We have a tendency to ascribe power to evil, but it's harder for humans to not ascribe power to what we view as good.

The Celestial Week is over. It was too intense. Next time I'll use the Cat Tarot of Marseilles instead !!