Metaphors, Shall We Dance

Metaphors for the Month: January 2010

By Suzanne Wagner

Cultivating gratitude.
by Suzanne Wagner

Arthurian Tarot: Britannia, Camelot
Mayan Oracle: Polarity, Ik, Ahau
Aleister Crowley: Science, The Emperor, Worry
Medicine Cards: Mountain Lion, Grouse
Osho Zen Tarot: Exhaustion, Letting Go, Friendliness
Healing Earth Tarot: Grandmother of Feathers, Six of Shields, Grandmother of Pipes
Ancient Egyptian Tarot: Ten of Wands, Prince of Swords, Princess of Wands
Words of Truth: Exhaustion, Laughter, Energy, New Possibilities

Britannia was the Celtic goddess of sovereignty. The word sovereignty indicates complete independence and self-government, or a territory existing as an independent state. This month we are to look at where we have or do not have indepen­dence, authority and power.

One of the many stories of Britannia is about a group of brothers who were lost in the forest and desperately thirsty. They happened upon a well guarded by an old crone. The crone demanded a kiss from anyone who wished to drink from the well. All the brothers except one refused the crone’s offer.

Water represents the feminine principle and the experience of abundance and grace. Water also represents the great mystery and gifts from other worlds.

The one brother was willing to look beyond the appearance of this situation and feel into something deeper and more magical. He chose to be in this experience whole-heartedly. He wrapped his arms around this old crone and kissed her as if she were his own spouse, upon which she magically transformed into the most beautiful maiden. When asked her name, she said, “I am Sovereignty.” She predicted he would be a king and that his actions that day would show how his reign would transpire. She stated that his reign would be rough at the beginning, smooth in the middle, and yet have a peaceful end.

This month it would be interesting to look at what we resist. Notice what gifts are being offered and, regardless of the form in which they are manifesting, take them to heart. Be willing to let go of preconceived notions and judgments. Allow “willingness” to be the new motto for 2010: It is by our willingness that we begin to carve out the patterns of our reality.

Take time to notice if you are not liking or wanting how your reality is manifesting. See if that manifestation is tied in any way to how much you are resisting the gifts offered. Are you not taking them because you believe you deserve more? But what if the “divine” is giving you a great gift hidden in some disguise? Sometimes the best gifts are discovered later. Be willing to let go of how your ego wants things to come to you.

The universe will tend to show you where you are shallow, have little honor, or where you believe you are entitled. Look beyond appearances and. Be open to wisdom and knowledge that comes in all ways and forms.

You may experience a need to let go of situations and circumstances due to feeling totally exhausted. This pattern seems to stem from the realization that we are experiencing a lack of sovereignty over our situations and the patterns presently challenging our life.

You may feel life is not giving you the opportunities you think you deserve. You may be unwilling to take less than you have been given before. But in this circumstance, it would be wise to learn gratitude for what is offered and take humbly that which is given in the moment.

Gratitude cultivates more abundance. Learning to appreciate what others have to offer and feeling their heart in that process can open up other op­portunities later on. Grati­tude can cultivate humility. Humility cultivates respect. And respect from others who feel honored by your heart will open tremendous gifts and usher magic back into your life.

Suzanne Wagner is the author of numerous books and CDs on the tarot. She lives in Salt Lake City. www.suzwagner.com

This article was originally published on December 30, 2009.