Defense Mechanism
Hidden thorns
concealed by leaves
slowly become
exposed
over time
as vulnerable stems
are bared
to the world
and I’m left
wondering
how it happened
that sharp tips
now protrude
to scratch
the flesh of others
creative writing
Gideon’s Challenge
The Eager Shedding
Careful…
the breeze whispers
as sunlight coaxes
delicate petals
to stretch free
and shed their
fur coats
as they eagerly
seek to doff
fuzzy caps
and spread wide
and the wind breathes
Careful…
for there is still a nip
in the air
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Stretching
Cheery buttons
bright and vibrant
smile up
from beds of green
as spring warmth
awakens
little buds to open
and petals to stretch
open and eager
to greet the sun
and in my soul
I follow suit
opening up
to you
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Heavy Clouds
The promise
of rain
stretches above
in dark shades
of gray and blue
that blot out
a vibrant sky
and the path home
stretches long
so that only
if you run
will you avoid
the downpour
soon to come
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Sunbathing
I am eager
to stretch forth
with new tendrils
tender and delicate
seeking the light
and warmth of the sun
that is your love
shining down on me
like kisses
across the skin
and I share with you
my most
vulnerable parts
because you make me feel…
safe.
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Weekly Creativity Prompt – The Hierophant
Prompt:“Pull the card from your deck(s) that matches the card posted below. Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?”
Tarot of the Hidden Realm – Here in this card I see a kind old man willing to guide and teach, but not with a strict demeanor. Instead he nurtures our curiosity, provides us room to grow and guidance to keep us on the straight and narrow path as we explore and learn. He’s understanding, and willing to listen as well as to teach, and it is this energy that fills the card and any reading that this card would fall into.
The Wandering Echo Major Arcana – In this deck, the Hierophant is renamed the Teacher, and we see in the imagery the shifting grow of a moon from half to three-quarter and finally to full. The keys in the half moon speak of the tools we have and the knowledge we must gain, where the development of the moon speaks of growing into our knowledge as we learn more and more until finally we come to a place where we have the keys needed to unlock the doors to even more knowledge… and still more to explore.
Mara Lunne Tarot – One of the more traditional imagery cards in those chosen for this activity, this card depicts the Hierophant as a robed religious figure with a halo of holy knowledge surrounding their head and a tomb in their hands. In this depiction I see peace and serenity. There are no harsh lessons here, only trust and guidance passed down from generation to generation, and entrusted to us to be passed down as well.
Second Sight Tarot – Although the imagery in this card is not as traditional as the one to either side of it, I see this one as far more leaning into the “atmosphere” of the traditional imagery in the RWS tarot. It is in the ruffled cuffs of the sleeve, and in the Marionite cross (which I believe was meant to be the Papal cross) which serves as an emblem for the office of the Pope in ecclesiastical heraldry. This card speaks to me of stringent rules and rigid tradition.
Radiant Tarot – In this card we see the crow figure standing crowned and holding a key of knowledge. He is robed in red, speaking of knowledge and authority, and the head is turned to the past, speaking of knowledge that comes from the past through generations and traditions held in long standing. This card speaks to me most strongly of tradition and knowledge that holds structure and formality, but is perhaps not quite as stringent as what is seen in the Second Sight Tarot card mentioned above.
Twisting the Leaf 