Council Cards

By Anne Marie Bennett

Wisdom from My Death Card

scdeathI am serious.

I know you love the idea of calling me “Sister Death” as did St. Francis of Assissi, but I have come to you on this collage as male. Please call me Brother Death. Since you have two big brothers and no sisters, perhaps Brother Death will suit you better.

My message for you today is this: immerse yourself in all the colors- literal and metaphorical- of Life. That is the only way for you to be ready to take my hand as you take your last breath.

I stand before you, ancient as Time, against a backdrop of feathers of the angels. We are all supporting you and offering you gentle reminders and support. Listen closely, you will hear us whispering.

But remember, I am the Serious One. This is no joke. Death is no joke. I am the Great Interrupter and I spare no one. Let this be consolation to you, and let this be the impetus that keeps you awake.

Divine Child

This is one of the first cards I made. This archetype is especially pertinent to me right now because I am focusing a lot of energy on helping myself remain present and more mindful, which (for me) is not exactly an easy practice.

Who are you?

I am the one who was the first child created.  I am the essence of your childlikeness.  I am made of stars and wishes and flowers and dreams.  I am the original Child of the Universe.  The universe, and your soul, are my home.  I am the one who nudges you to play, to stretch, to move, to laugh, to create, to grow, to dream, to simply be.  I am the one who allows myself to be held in the arms of The Great Mother.

What do you have to give me?

I give you a heart that is full of delight and wonder in each and every moment.  I give you the ability to forget agendas and schedules and to be in the moment, THIS moment.  I give you a sacred release from time constraints.  I give you the power and the desire to create, to dream, to play, to laugh, to give freely.  I give you the desire and the ability to let yourself be held and loved fully in the arms of the Divine Mother.

What do you want from me?

I want you to be still every day, spend time with yourself in nature every week.  I want you to relax, to let go of worries and your anxieties, and to simply enjoy what your life holds, all that it holds. I want you to stop and smell the flowers.  I want you to experience Joy in its fullest blossoming every moment, every day.

How will I remember what you have taught me?

When you see the stars at night, you will remember that you too are a child of the Universe and you will feel my presence in your heart.  When you hear a child’s laughter you will remember that laughter is my Divine Gift to you.  When you are in a hurry and you see something beautiful or delightful, you will remember that place in your heart that holds me.

Radical Acceptance

Who are you?

I am the one who bows down to What Is.

I am the one who lets the flow of life surround me.

I am the one whose fingers point UP even when life brings me DOWN.

What is your message for me today?

My message for you today is this: breathe into the moment., breathe into the day.  Allow whatever comes to flow around and through you. Fighting against “what is” only causes more stress and heartache.

Questions to Ponder

question markFeel free to explore one or more of these questions in your journal, or respond in the comments below.

1. What message does my Radical Acceptance card have for YOU today?

2. What does the phrase “radical acceptance” mean to you?

3. How do you point your spirit UP when life brings you DOWN?

Anne of Green Gables

scanneofgreengables

One of my favorite books of all time is Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Besides the fact that the main character is a young teen who—like me—always has to tell people to spell her name “Anne with an E,” I am drawn to many of her other qualities: optimism, resilience, generosity, exuberance.

I have added Anne as a Neter in my deck because I want to be reminded of these qualities and to call these qualities out in myself.  At times she belongs in my Community suit of people who have influenced me, but she is also an archetypal Council suit Neter who represents the themes of friendship, optimism, and resilience.

Here is what Anne Shirley said to me recently in a reading:

I am the one with unstoppable optimism. I am the one who loves life, who is grateful for what I have. I am the one who had a difficult childhood until I was adopted. I am the one who is a lot like you- making up stories, writing, finding Kindred Spirits to hang out with…

My message for you today is this- lighten up a little! Give yourself some time today doing what you love- play at your art table, take a walk and breathe in the fresh Spring air, watch a TV show that makes you laugh, read a book that delights your heart, reach out to a friend and share your heart.

 

What about you? Are there any fictional characters who have made their way into your heart and mind? Maybe they belong in your SoulCollage® deck too!

 

Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Cat

I am the one whose heart was broken.

One year ago today (May 8, 2021), our cat Seymour let go of his aging, sick body and transitioned to the Beyond. These are SoulCollage® cards that I drew a few weeks after he died and they spoke great comfort to me.

I hope that these Neters bring comfort to your own heart in whatever grief you are experiencing.

This one (left) I classify this in my deck as being of two suits- Committee (the 2 broken-hearted people on the ground) and Council (the Mime of Sadness on the top).

Broken Heart says: I am the one whose heart is crying because I have given my heart fully to a sweet little cat and he has left me. I am the one who is sad.

I am the one whose heart feels torn apart. I am the one who continues to love Seymour even though I cannot see him.

I am the one who is watched over by the Mime of Sadness.

I am the one whose heart will be stronger when stitched together at the broken places.

Mime of Sadness says: My message for you today is this- know that you are not alone in your sadness. Know that others have felt this same tearing of the heart. Know that the Spirit world looks kindly on you for the love that you bestowed upon Seymour and for the love that was given you in return. Know that we are helping to lift your sadness. Open to Our Presence. All is well.

 

Dancing On Gravestones

scdancingongravestonesI am the one who is laying backwards on top of a tall gravestone as the sun rises. I am the one who holds flowers in my hand. I am the one who is tall and graceful. I am the one who is strong and balanced.

I am the one who came to this cemetery to grieve and to honor a loved one who has died. I am the one who honors the memory of my loved one by living life to the fullest- by moving and dancing and buying flowers and watching the sun rise every day.

My message for you today is this- there is no grave site or cemetery for your beloved Seymour. His body has turned to ash but his spirit is still a part of your spirit. You are united in this way for always. As you are with Sasha, Scooter, Minnie- your spirit-felines. And Suzy your spirit-canine.

You are allowed to feel sad whenever that sadness comes. Allow it in. Allow that sadness to remind you what a big heart you have. Your heart hurts so much because you love so much. Grief is simply the flip side of love. So… feel the sadness, and remember that you can honor your loved ones’ lives by carrying on their legacy. Think on what legacies they each left you. What lessons did they teach you? How can you carry this forward in your own life?