Today I drew the Ace of Pentacles. I could have gone ahead pulled it from the deck, because I simply knew it would come up. I have been noticeing the card for the last couple of weeks, as I page through before shuffling to select the card for a given essay. Today was different, before I even sat down at my desk, I said to myself do I really want to do the Ace of Pens? At some level the anwser was yes.

At the point that I drawn 50 something cards for the card of the week, I decieded to set aside a deck to draw the remaining cards from for the duration of the project. I chose the AN deck because I seldom use it to read, but I find it a beautifal deck I would like to get to know better. This weeks card is one of the most beautifal in the deck so I thought I would share the image with you.

The central figure is a wonderfully round woman. The deep greens used in the card imbue it with life, and connect the card to the natural world. A theme underlined by the sun rising on the horizon. The sun is presented in such a way that it does not steal attention away from the central figure. The position of her arm conceals her belly just enough to make me question. Is the image meant to be a woman carrying a healthy amount of wieght, or is she pregnant and just beginning to show? My question is reinforced by presence of so many birds, and the flowers in her hair. I feel the imagry is definately meant to place the card in the season of spring. An image of life renewing itself. Gaia shaking off winter, and filling the world with color and beauty once more.

I recall one of the groups members describing the 4 elements this way. Swords, An Idea. Cups Emotional Investment in the Idea. Wands, Working towards realization of the Idea. Penticals, Manifestation. I like this idea because as an artist, I have never embraced the Platonic idea that a dog is gross expression of the idea of dogness. Look at a matisse, the minimalist vision conveys the idea of womanhood. Perhaps even a certain energy, but can never match in my eyes the beauty of the lady on the left, much less the flesh and blood woman who modeled her. The Ace as presented is to my mind pregnant with possiblities. Like the Goddess in the myth of the shepard king, about to manifest the divine in the world.

This winter I find myself reflecting on the myth of the shepard king more than any other in my life. The theme has been reflected in the cards I draw and the authors I've been listening to online. The syncronicity with my life is powerful. Events this winter have unleashed Energies I cannot control, only direct, perhaps. I will not find myself next year where I find myself this year. I dont believe its possible. The personal problems of one of my family members have begun to take a toll on my job situation. My boss who has been through this himself has been wonderfully understanding, but these problems need be solved. If they cannot be solved, I will be forced to make a choice between my job and my family as they are on a collision course.

Three years ago another such event was forced on me. My then present job situation changed for the worse. My daughter posted my resume, just when a position was opening at my current workplace. Since I have worked for 3 employeers even at the same job site. My industry is experiancing some extreme consolidation. So I am now, working for the leading company in my industry, at their showcase site. I can only hope the Energies in play will have a simalarly auspicious result, and lead to a rebirth and not a death. The shadow of the Ace of Pens, is the 13th Trump, and just how the energies in play will resolve themselves remains to be seen.

Blessed Be, All, BB.

Divination: Beginnings, Worldly Gain. Perfection, Spirtual Attainment.

Reversed: Corruption, Greed, Looking to the Material Realm for happiness. Miserliness