Yet, neither are we passive participants in the process. Whether life offers a delight or an anguish, our response is ours alone. Each moment asks something of us, and we get to choose our answer to its question. And with that reply in hand, we step forward into the unknown.
What courage it takes to be human! The willingness to engage life in this way, to craft a response to the various elements presented us, and to do so without any guarantee of outcome, is not for the faint of heart. Rather, it is an integral part of the valiant art of being human.
And yet, we are not on our own in this. We have life experience to draw upon. We have our logic and our good minds. Loved ones can offer helpful perspectives. We may have spiritual traditions that offer guidance. We also have something more. We have intuition. Merriam~Webster defines intuition as "immediate apprehension...without evident rational thought or inference." Intuition is a felt sense of things, a hunch, a gut feeling, a sixth sense. But it's not all airy~fairy. Intuition is a powerful tool for sound decision~making.
Laura Huang praises intuition in The Harvard Business Review, "especially in highly uncertain circumstances where further data gathering and analysis won’t sway you one way or another." Chess master Gary Kasparov claims "intuition is the defining quality of a great chess player." Much research is currently underway, notably by psychologist Gary Klein, on the role of intuition in high~pressured and unpredictable occupations, such as first responders and Marines. And in the scientific realm, author Bob Samples reports that Albert Einstein characterized the intuitive mind as a sacred gift, with the rational mind its faithful servant. He then notes "we have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."
So how do we reclaim that gift? First, by recognizing it as such, by not belittling its virtue, and by rooting out any hidden or not so hidden vestiges that live within us of our society's denigration of the suprarational, in favor of the solely rational.
Second, we can listen to our hunches. It is a fact that whatever we give attention to grows, which means we can grow our intuition by listening to it and acting upon it. We needn't forgo logic, but we do need to give intuition a place at the table, perhaps even a favored one.
Third, we can engage in practices that enhance intuition. For over 50 years now, I have regularly consulted Oracle decks, primarily the Tarot, for assistance in determining my answer to the questions life offers me.
What can be learned from this situation? What should I keep in mind as I choose my response? What am I missing, or what do I need to bring to the fore? What are the inner and outer forces I am likely to encounter in the next day, week, month or year?
With one of these or a similar question in mind, I choose a layout that matches what I wish to explore. I then shuffle the cards, lay them face down and let my hand be drawn to the cards that call to me. I turn them over, and look at the images presented. I then give my intuition free rein.
One of the many things I love about the Tarot and the various other Oracle cards that have recently exploded on the scene is that one doesn't need any prior knowledge to benefit from them. The images say it all. They awaken an awareness of what we already know, but may not know we know. As we move more deeply into a particular card, we find nuances that we may not have seen from the start. Engaging in this way, we arrive at insights to guide us forward.
But is there more to this than 'simple' intuition? Some say not, believing Oracles stimulate an inner wisdom, with guidance arising from our own spirit. Others believe guidance comes from a source beyond ourselves, like God or spirit guides. My own sense is that it comes from both. The cards are often uncannily accurate in capturing so beautifully the truth of our situation, too accurate to be explained by chance alone. And yet, intuition and a willing heart are needed to apply the wisdom gained to everyday life. But the truth is, I don't think it really matters. Whether you feel insights come from beyond or stem solely from intuition, Oracles can offer a fresh perspective or perhaps simple confirmation of what you already know.
I am delighted to be joining the healers, vendors and other readers at next weekend's Pueblo Holistic Fair. I will be offering Oracles readings, likely consisting of a 3~card Tarot spread accented by an Oracle card from another deck. As I completely trust you to be the expert on your own life, my readings are collaborative. I won't tell you what to do or make predictions. I will instead assist you in sparking your own intuition and wisdom as you unlock the messages held within the cards.
Whether you're curious to find out more, or are already convinced of the value of Oracles and ready for another deep dive, please consider stopping by. And if Southern Colorado is just too far away, details will follow shortly about an online Tarot class I'll be offering in May and June. Stay tuned!
Intuition is a part of the apparatus given us at birth. It is, indeed, a sacred gift. The insights gained can then be handed off to our rational minds~~faithful servants they were ever intended to be~~to determine how best and most effectively to enact that wisdom in our lives.
The Pueblo Holistic Fair will be held at the Pueblo Convention Center, Saturday, April 6th from 10~6 and Sunday, April 7th from 10~5. Yes, that's a mere week away!!! Admission is $5, with additional fees charged by readers and healers. Mine will be $30. I will also have a few copies of Enchanted, A Tale of Remembrance: Inspiration For Soulful Living available, with PHF discounts of 15% to 25%. Contact me for more info or check the Holistic Fair's Facebook page.
Intuition ever whispers its guidance. What say we listen?!!
Leia
