An Artist's Journey

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Archive for the tag "Journey"

The Same Journey, with a New Road

March 13, 2010

An Artist’s Journey

September 23, 2008

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All things must come to an end, even gods. One view of this card is as the end of era. There is a part of your life that may soon change dramatically or come to an end. It is a warning to prepare for such a drastic change. Life is always changing around us, but we often don’t notice. The death of Odin is a reminder to take notice and prepare for such an end. We must face the consequences of our past actions. This is also a rallying cry to face your fears. The wolf that waits for you might just be a figment of your imagination that you need to recognize.

Half of the dead belong to the goddess Freya, and yet most can only quote the lore that the dead go to Odin in Valhalla. You too may be owed something that you have not claimed. Perhaps you have been looked over, perhaps your just due has been forgotten. It is time to collect on your debts. This is not the time to be a pushover; nothing will be given to you. It is time to put in the work.

Storms bring chaos and ruin, but also the necessary water for new growth. Rain charged with lightning provides greater nutrients to the soil. The storm bringer is about strength in the face of discord and the recognition that storms are temporary things. If you can weather the storm in your own life, seeking strength to stand within, the potential rewards are greater and charged with possibilities.

There is light within you and there are those who wish to take it, to devour you. And yet, you have a hunger inside you, a great need, that if unchecked will rise up and cause you to devour another. We are the light and the monster, the goddess and the wolf. Dark Grows the Sun is about the balance of these two. Consider if there is someone in your life who takes too much, but also consider if there are those to whom you rely on too greatly. At any point you can be one or both of these figures, but the result is the same, a light is drained. Things may be out of balance. Reflect on the power dynamics within your life and relationships.

You are not invulnerable. At a moment’s notice your life can change. As Balder was the beautiful son of Frigg and Odin, so are you a beautiful spirit in the form of flesh. You may have recently suffered a loss, or are about to. Take care that you are tending to the areas of your life where you may experience weakness or find that your strengths do not apply. Balder was not killed by his strength, but by his vulnerability to mistletoe and the betrayal of Loki.

You face great pain or perhaps already carry it as a burden. Three times tested and three times born anew. The “Shining One” lurks deep within us all waiting to emerge, tempered with fire. You are on the verge of such a metamorphosis or are influenced by someone who is. Are you the spear bearer of someone else’s pain? Do you stand on the edge of a new beginning? What trials do you face and what might they bring?

In order to achieve victory we must risk our own liberty and face great challenge. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The great Valkyrie is chooser of the slain and bearer of the mighty mead horn in Valhalla. She usually stands by Odin’s side both in honored battle and honoring those who died in battle.

Life is a cycle and as we walk it we find ourselves at different points within. Consider the weight of promises and obligations. How do your words reflect where you are? Have you promised more than you can commit? Do you need someone to hold your oath or do you find yourself holding others?

Here we see Odin holding his drinking horn and spear. Odin's only nourishment is wine or mead. The bird on his drinking horn shows Odin’s connection with the eagle. We see the runes on his staff spell out "Gungnir," the name of his spear that never misses, and holds those who swear on it to their oaths.
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