Art/Temperance

This is the 14th card in the Major Arcana. I choose this photo because it really expresses for me how various parts can integrate and have overall feelings of harmony. I was standing in front of a building that has glass walls in the front and back. So that not only did I photograph my reflection, but also the reflection of the landscape behind me and also the landscape that could be seen in front of me through the back glass door. I felt that it created a very pleasing surrealistic impression.

Most of our life's work is to integrate and combine the light and dark sides of our nature so that we can express ourselves in the world in our own unique way. Take the time to reflect on your gifts and talents. Opposites attracts, and when they blend together they create greater possibilities to live a more passionate and wholistic life.

The Hermit

The Hermit is the 9th card of the Major Arcana. I took this picture last summer right accross from where I live. The door was open, I stepped in and found myself in a magical corridor of green. I looked down and saw my shadow with the branch on top of the grass....green on green. I felt mysterious aloneness, as if looking at myself, outside of myself. At that moment I was definitely the Hermit.

The Hermit is not about socializing. It is about pairing down your life to the essentials so that you can reflect on your journey. The legend says that the Greek philosopher Diogenes was seen walking with a lantern, when asked what are you looking for, he responded "I am looking for an honest man". I think this is where the Hermit symbol came from. The Hermit is about looking within for the truth without the veil of rose colored glasses.

Should a person pull this card it is time to take a break from one's busy life, or ideally, go on a retreat. Isolate yourself for a moment, a night, a period to reflect on whether you are compromising yourself in a situation? A relationship? This is a good time to ask yourself: Are you postponing something? Are you not accepting your own truth? Do you really love the one you are living with?

Take the time to enjoy aloneness. As a zen master would say, "sit down, have a cup of tea".