'Liberation Through Hearing'

Today's draws, both Oracle and Tarot seem to inform each other seamlessly. I drew from the Devas of Creation deck, the Chakra Insight Oracle and the Wild Animal Spirit oracle as well as a card from the Crystal Reading cards.

"Connection" from the Devas of Creation Oracle

The Deva for today is 'Connection' and depicts the angel Gabriel. I associate Gabriel most with blowing the horn that announces Judgement Day. Yesterday I drew Judgement on two separate occasions and in both times it was the horn that drew me in, the profound role sound plays in healing. As I've been doing a lot of work with the Root Chakra I asked the CIO which chakra could best support my root chakra today. I drew 'Sound' which is the throat chakra and the suggestion was "to consciously enter life's symphony of sound. Take time to listen with all of your senses. Be willing to hear what the world is communicating to you--even in silence. Honor the intuitive sounds of your own being and let them come through." It's quite a lovely directive and that this can support my base chakra feels like an invitation to dance, to move, to walk with strength and weight.

Chakra Insight Oracle ~ Wild Unknown Animal Spirit 

Then I asked what animal body was alive in me today and pulled Nightingale. Immediately I noticed the pale blue aura that this refined creature stands upon and of course sound came immediately to mind as this bird is known for its beautiful music. The LWB describes nightingale energy as communicative energy, healing energy. It's true that sound speaks to our bodies as a vibrational language and it has the capacity to change the very oscillation of our cells. I have been working a lot with sound as I explore root chakra work so seeing these cards here felt like affirmation of that.

Tarot de St. Croix

And finally, my Tarot draw completed the theme of communication. From the Tarot de St. Croix I drew the King of Swords and the Ace of Wands. Here we see King Arthur receiving Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake. Only those pure enough in heart could receive such a ritual implement. The next card I drew was the Ace of Wands. Here it's a simple Wand tipped with yods in the shape of small flames. Yods indicate the presence of divine energy in the world so this Wand has a quality of sacredness about it.

Its life-giving energy is seen in the blossoms it's sprouting. The cherry blossoms are all out and blooming here. Their presence heralds Spring, new energy bursting with life and potential. The background of yellow, green, blue feels like a progression from Solar Plexus to Heart to Throat which further supported my theme of sound and communication. Seeing the King of Swords together with the Ace of Wands what came to mind immediately was the Tibetan concept of 'Liberation Through Hearing' attributed to Padmasambhava in the 8th century. It was written down by his primary student, Yeshe Tsogyal and then buried. It was not to be found until some six centuries later.

It reminds me of a curious experience I had some decades ago. While I don't generally share spiritual experiences this feels germane to my post and so putting aside my usual reserve I share this experience as an offering. I was attending our weekly Chenrezig puja. Chenrezig also known as Avalokiteśhvara is the bodhisattva of compassion. I remember being tired that night and feeling bored as the rituals were being performed. Having done them many times and heard the sadhana many times none of it was moving me that night. I drifted in and out of presence during the subsequent hour of mantra recitation wishing I were elsewhere and feeling like I could be putting my time to better use. Boredom was the predominant theme lol. Finally the bell was rung to signal the end of mantra recitation and in that moment the bell called me out of my boredom into an experience of grace. Even though I'd heard this bell countless times previously I was suddenly actually hearing the bell. It was utterly pure, utterly brilliant. I heard it as the deity himself and it filled my whole being. This all happened in a flash and I was amazed that despite my boredom and going through the motions during the whole puja it only took those few seconds for the teachings to actually become real in me. Tea and chat followed the puja and I got caught up in various conversations and discussion.

Avalokiteśhvara ~ Four-Armed Chenrezig

However the deities weren't finished me and that night I had a dream in which Chenrezig manifested before me. Huge, taller than any building emanating the most beautiful, soft light. He was glowing with all his adornments and implements. As soon as I saw him I began to recite his mantra over and over as a way to acknowledge him and to let him know I "understood" who he was. However after I'd said a few rounds of the mantra I noticed that he was emitting an incredible sound. It was coming from within his very cells. It was inborn, like the humming of bees. My mantra paled in comparison and it hit me like a bolt of lightning, compassion isn't something that is taken on it comes from the very cells and emanates outwards. It is the sound of the cells in an ongoing state of love. I woke up soon after this. And naturally this astonishing blessing has stayed with me all these decades later.

Of the many jewels I took from this great blessing was never to underestimate the power of Grace. It is always waiting in the wings to support our unfolding.