Death

Published on February 10, 2009

I just got off the phone from a long conversation with Music (that’s what I call my colleague at school–who’s the Music teacher—and my true, dear friend). We had a meeting after school today to hear what all the tax cuts mean for us—the “Specials” teachers. I’m still nursing a sick stomach thing..and well, Music offered to go for the both of us.

Things don’t look good.

Do they look good anywhere in this country right now?

We both discussed what the worse case scenario could be, and possible ways to make that situation something we could survive. I know that no matter what happens I’ll be ok. But, it’s still all this uncertainty of what will exactly happen, that makes my stomach feel like a flock of pigeons going wild inside.

There’s talk that the state department of education might cut the Arts program all together state-wide. To me, if that happens, forget for a second that I’ll be out of a job–it’s like a huge black cloud just blanketed over this state. Can you imagine–a state with no Arts in the schools? I know I’m biased, but doesn’t it break your heart—that hundreds of thousands of children will not be making things, creating things, bringing home pictures for the frig? Doesn’t this really bother anyone—that this HUGE part of a child’s development will just fade into air?

Unbelievable.

So, what do I usually do in times like this?

Answer: ask my spirit guides to give me a little insight through the tarot.

Tonight, I picked the Death card. Number 13 in the major arcana. Some might think…oh oh Connie—but honestly, the Death card is nothing to be afraid of. It is something to embrace with warm and loving arms. My favorite book on Tarot (The Tarot Handbook: Practical Applications of Ancient Visual Symbols) says it best:

“THE RELEASER, ELIMINATOR, EXPANDER: One who is committed to change, metamorphosis, transformation, gifts in cutting through limitations, restrictions, and obstacles; desires to become ‘even more’ of oneself; desires to ‘let go’ of anyone or anything that is constrictive, and move toward expansion and growth. This is Scorpio, who, like the butterfly going from the caterpillar to the cocoon to emerge changed, transforms from the scorpion to the snake, sheds old skin and becomes the eagle or phoenix bird. This is the movement from the age of Pisces to the age of Aquarius. When a person is drawn toward this card it is a time of major transformation, setting something new into motion and at the same time letting something go, cutting through the very bones, the core, the form and structure of the old in order to release the new in a rebirth.”

My dear friends, this card could not be more true….more timely even. But why is it so scary sometimes–when all the oracles and signs are pointing in the direction you WANT to go in, the direction you KNOW you are to go in….but still, it’s that death, huh? That death of a life you grew into, death of a life that has become part of who you are, death of a day–a way of navigating–death of knowing for sure.

I’ve said this before, and I am about to say it again….I think it’s time.

I just simply think it’s time.

Peace & Love.