Understanding the Dance

After telling my friend that this deck is visually more than the orangey-browns of cards already pulled, I receive another similarly-coloured card today. This one fits within the open arms of the angel Zapthkiel. I have read that Zaphkiel is the Archangel of Binah, the left eye of the Kabbalah, and the utter embodiment of understanding. In this key, he is the pillar of compassion and seeks freedom through forgiveness and generosity.

While at my friend's house at the beginning of the week, she reminded me of how much I do for others. Even though I don't feel comfortable in blowing my own trumpet, she is right, as I have given up a lot of my time for friends of late - be this staying with one friend who needed me during a difficult time, talking with others when they have been upset and anxious, or supporting people and sacrificing my own time on a professional level. I guess you don't think of these things as taxing when you love and care about others, but I have provided counsel and advice for a lot of my friends in the last couple of months; this could probably be one of the reasons why I need to withdraw from my social community for a bit.

I thought about all of this as I drew today's card. In one situation with a mate, I have tried to resist being judgemental. I have tried to be understanding about decisions which I wouldn't make myself and do not think will be good for her in the long run. She was my first thought when this card was pulled. I wonder if I will need to exercise this particular attribute of Zaphkiel for a little longer. She appears to be spiraling down a pathway of self-destruction, regardless of what I have been advising. Maybe today's card suggests that I listen to her that bit more, for she needs my compassion and understanding. I know only too well how easy it is to be dancing along recklessly in her shoes, since I once danced the same path myself. Becoming reckless is the only way that some people's needs can be heard.

It was so hot yesterday, but today it is wet and chilly. I am not sure whether it is more depressing to be in or out on a day like this, as I sit here, mesmorised by the view beneath my bedroom blind. I want to get out, if only for a little while. I have seen a book on angels in town which I thought might assist me with this deck. The pamphlet that comes with the cards is brief. It seems to have a strong leaning towards Buddhism, but speaks about the Archangels concerned very loosely. I have had to compile my research for each angel elsewhere.

My boyfriend's parents go on holiday for two weeks tomorrow morning, so we are having dinner with them tonight. We will stay at their house and then take them to their London airport in the early hours. This means a quiet day in preparation; something I could do with, believe me.



Illustration from The Angels of Atlantis Oracle Cards by Stewart Pearce and Richard Crookes