Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Seven of Wands - Boundaries

Goddess Tarot, Seven of wands, Kris Waldherr
After our family weekend, the Seven of Wands is coming up repeatedly for me. Today it is the version from the Goddess Tarot by Kris Waldherr. When I look at the picture I instantly feel like I have to brace myself for something. This card is all about being faithful to my own convictions and to stand up for my beliefs. I am the only one who knows deep down what is good for me and I will stay strong and chose my battles wisely.  I am not going to start any argument but I will not give in to manipulative behavior either. It is obvious this is a solitary act of bravery against six other wands but I am rather with myself  than with people who don’t really see me for who I am.
So this card is all about creating boundaries for my emotional balance and as a way to keep “the peace”

When I am writing this the Goddess Durga comes to mind. I haven’t given her much thought lately. Maybe it is a good idea to reconnect with her energy by chanting to her during my meditation and/or to meditate with her seed mantra: Dum
"Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others".Brene Brown

15 comments:

  1. It is hard for me to stand up for myself too. Not in an argumentative way (which I can do very well, lol), but in a calm "I know this is the right thing for me" kind of way. I'll be standing next to you in my thoughts - got a spare rod? :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My dear friend you are so supportive and kind. This feels already a lot less lonely on that rock! :)
      I am better in lashing out than keeping calm too. I wish I had done less of the first and more of the latter this weekend. :)

      Delete
  2. My rod is to hand, too! While she may be standing alone on that rock, in spirit we are here with you :) I like that you are reminded of Durga and her boundary setting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kerry. As I've said to Bev, this feels so good; knowing you both are there for me
      I regret I have forgotten about her. It almost seems as if you only give a goddess attention if you are in need :)

      Delete
  3. It just dawned on me (second cup of coffee must be working), but there have been two female deities I've always been drawn to - Kuan yin and Durga. It makes sense really, as they balance compassion with strength/boundaries.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know much about Kuan Yin. Isn't she a lot like Tara, who is also a goddess of compassion?

      Delete
    2. Probably more info than you want, but....
      There is a Boddhisattva, whose name is Avalokitesvara, in Vietnamise we call her Quan The Âm, in Chinese, Quan Yin. It means: 'Listening deeply to the sound of the cries of the world'. And listening deeply is the practice of mindfullness. But if you are full of pain, full of anxiety, full of projections, and especially full of prejudices, full of ideas and notions, it may be very difficult for you to practice deep listening. You are too full. And that is why to practice in order for you to have space, to have freedom within, to have some joy within is very important for deep listening. Avalokitesvara, Quan Yin, she practices deep listening to herself, and to the world, outside. She practices touching with her ears. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

      When the Lotus Sutra was translated into Chinese, Kuan Yin, the “one who hears the cries of the world,” emerged as an embodiment of compassion that has occupied a central place in Buddhist teaching and practice ever since. Over the centuries Kuan Yin has been portrayed in a variety of forms. At times she is depicted as a feminine presence, face serene, arms outstretched, and eyes open. At times she holds a willow branch, symbolizing her resilience—able to bend in the face of the most fierce storms without being broken. At other times she is portrayed with a thousand arms and hands, each with an open eye in its center, depicting her constant awareness of anguish and her all-embracing responsiveness. ~ Christina Feldman, Shambhala Sun

      Closely allied with Kuan Yin is Tara (Star), goddess of protection and compassion, worshipped by Tibetan, Mongolian, and Nepali Buddhists. According to "Mandala: The Architecture of Enlightenment" by Denise Patry Leidy & Robert A. F. Thurman (Shambhala 1997): "Tara is the archangelic and archetype-deity bodhisattva representing the miraculous activities of all buddhas. In myth she is born from Avalokitesvara's tears of compassion or from her own vow to be enlightened and stay a woman...

      Delete
    3. Thanks for this info Bev.
      Deep listening:this could be one of the tools you were writing about. And it is is something I can work with for sure. It is even connected to my word for the year Listen!
      Did you know Tara was originally a Hindu goddess and was only adopted later by Buddhism?

      Delete
    4. Makes sense, as Buddhism itself developed from Hinduism. I've often wondered if the two weren't different faces for the same idea.

      Delete
    5. Fascinating info, Bev, and I love how Kuan Yin connects with your word for the year, Ellen! Interesting to think of Kuan Yin and Durga balancing one another...

      Delete
    6. I've been reading up about Kuan Yin and I think she and Durga are perfect together. I've put them both on my altar so I wont "forget"them when things get better.:)
      Also I am trying to listen more deeply; with my heart.
      Somehow I feel these two energies can move mountains
      Thank you so much for this Bev!!!
      hugs

      Delete
  4. we get pushed when we Don't know or set our own boundaries. How would they know?

    I love this deck.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right Sharyn. It is a pity I had to learn to set boundaries for myself and wasn't taught when I was young ( like many of us) It is still difficult for me and it feels always like I am doing something I am not supposed to :D

      Delete
  5. Ellen , Things I learned in my dysfunctional family growing up. 1.How not to set boundaries, didn't know how to be assertive, or how to resolve conflict. I saw conflict and passivity, never assertiveness or conflict resolution. I had an aggressive father and a passive mother. Growing up in a family like this, I was going to either behave in an aggressive or passive manner. I choice the passive because that's what I learned. May you be blessed with assertiveness and resolution.
    Catherine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Catherine. Thank you for sharing This. I guess we are both on the road to assertiveness and resolution. We know the direction, we're not there yet. but our goal within reach. With each step we'll grow stronger and become more who we are meant to be
      Hugs

      Delete