19:3
Using RWS and a small cross spread of 6 cards.
This spread is to look at the energies surrounding my chosen path in regards to improvement of my health.
Card 1-me…5 of cups
Card 2-(crossing card 1) what crosses me at the moment…King of Wands
Card 3-(above) my mind…10 of pents
Card 4-(below) foundation…3 of swords
Card 5-(left of cards 1&2) past…7 of cups
Card 6-(right of cards 1&2) future…Hierophant-rx
I read and found in the book interesting interps from Mary Greer that resonated with my cards within my chosen spread…
For the 5 of cups (card 1, me)-
Sacrifice, Healer, Martyr, Victim, Addict: This is the well-known “wounded healer” archetype, based on the maxim that you can only be healed by what wounded you. The more difficult aspects of victimization and addiction…
In changing my views on food, and proper nutrition, the road has been difficult, surprising, and rewarding. I have been educating myself on what food is (as ridiculous as it may sound), and how it may be effecting my overall health. Having done this for about a month has proven to be a challenge and yes, I have felt a loss, even a sorrow at what I should no longer eat to improve my health. It is a transition felt physically, emotionally, mentally, and I do realize the self-pitying aspects of which I must avoid.
For the 10 of pents (card 3, the mind)-
Family, Royalty: Included here is everything that relates to the classic notion of an inner mother, father, and child and ranges in experience from immaturity to mature responsibility…Ten of Pentacles also represents the family archetype.
This card is in the position of my mind, card 3, above. I realize that a change must be made and kept up with. My family is extremely supportive, and, frankly, I could not begin this without them, I am so very grateful.
For the 10 of pents (card 3, the mind) and the Hierophant-rx (card 6, future)-
Mentor, Guide, Teacher, Wise Old One, Higher Self: This category indicates wisdom but also where something has matured past its prime. It is the oracular voice of counsel and guidance, which provides detached and philosophic answers rather than immediate ones.
Again, going back to feeling supported…I was at my local library one day last month, taking out a few cd’s, as the lady was processing me out, her computer stalled. She said it would take a bit to reboot, and as I waited something caught my eye to my right. It appeared to be a small book, but in drawing it closer, I realized it was an audio book called
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. I read the back of it and by the time the computer was up, I decided to check it out as well. That was the beginning of my interest in improving my health as I learned more about the anatomy of food. I do see these happenings as given guidance and proof that I am ready for a change.
For the 10 of pents (card 3, the mind)-
Creation, Birth, Death, Rebirth: All ritual can be seen as re-enactments of a “first time” as well as a change of seasons or change of states that take us through death into rebirth.
There is a need within me to think about food in a different manner. It is almost a need to know a truth about the food I eat that I did not know before. I have tried different diets in the past, but have failed. When I heard this particular audio book, I really felt like I was uncovering something hidden. Something I did not know that was useful to me on different levels. I think that is what made it so appealing…uncovering, revelation of truth. And in wanting to adhere to a proper diet for the rest of my life, I think I really needed to go deeper as to what nutrition really is all about. Most of the information I heard made my jaw drop, and was sort of a “scared straight” moment.
For the Hierophant-rx(card 6, the future) and the 7 of cups (card 5- the past)
Shadow, Devil, Tempter: This is whatever inhibits, or blocks the path through life. In Jungian psychology, the Shadow describes aspects of your personality ignored or repressed by the conscious mind. Marie-Louise von Franz, in Man and His Symbols, notes, “The function of the shadow is to represent the opposite sides of the ego and to embody just those qualities that one dislikes most in other people.” In the Middle Ages people avoided falling into the shadow of the Pope’s blessing (the raised hand of the Hierophant), as this shadow represented the Devil. The reversed Empress, Emperor, or Hierophant can take on these characteristics. This archetype also includes whatever tempts you to overindulge, like the Seven of Cups…
In the past (7 of cups) I did indulge in a cornucopia of junk food, you name it, I ate it! I also believe that even though I am in a better place with my food choices, there have been and will be(Hierophant-rx) times of temptation to the old ways.
So the story goes like this:
5 of cups
Card 1(me) I decided to make a change, the circumstances were ripe for a change in diet. In that change, I can only see what I have lost as far as nasty food choices are concerned. With some effort, and with time, I will find the good in making that change, and not to feel sorry for myself that I cannot eat what everyone else is eating. What crosses me…
King of Wands
(Card 2) I found some wonderful material (books and audio) to inspire and guide me. At first, I do admit, to moving a bit too fast into the change, but having taken a step back, I am moving at a much more slower pace, which agrees with me.
10 Of Pentacles
(Card 3, my mind) In addition to the books and information, I am finding more support and available conversation and feedback with my family. I am convinced, in my head, that this is the right direction to go in as far as good food choices.
3 of Swords
(Card 4, my foundation) What sort of started it all was that I was noticing that I was getting heart palpitations. Every so often I would get them, which had never happened before. So I had my blood pressure and pulse taken. My pressure has always been good, and remains so, but the beats per minute were through the roof. At one point I was 98 to 100 beats per minute which is not good for a person my age (42). Normally, for my age group, it should be between 60-90. This is what set me on a course to change.
7 of Cups
(Card 5, my past) I do realize that how I perceived food in the past was skewed. I indulged in too many bad foods for too long, and I have been looking for a change for a while now, on and off.
The Hierophant-rx
(Card 6, my future) This is an earth card and just like card 3, the mind (10 of pents), things must move slowly if the change is to be permanent. Temptation will be everywhere, but it is all so new to me, exciting, and I will have to find the good on this road that “seems” less traveled.
When I did this sub-step I shuffled and turned the cards like normal.
I wanted guidance and a real read for myself, which I hadn’t done in a while. To include Mary Greer’s quotes from the book seemed like the natural thing to do, because they just spoke to me.
Everything in my spread seemed clear to begin with, but with Mary’s interpretations of the archetypes, it made for a remarkable and flowing practice for me. This sub-step was really enjoyable.