Every week or so, Corrine Kenner, author of "Tarot Journaling", provides a prompt for journaling related to Tarot. This week's prompt invites us to "...Find a real-life object that reminds you of something you have seen in the cards, and write about it in your tarot journal" and write about what it symbolizes.
The item that comes immediately to mind is my cane, which is a type of Staff. I've used this cane for the past two years to help me walk while waiting for my hip replacement surgery. I had to put it away after the surgery in early March and use a walker instead, but a couple days ago, my physical therapist showed me how to start using it again, and I'm slowly returning to using it rather than the walker.
My cane is beautiful and often gets compliments from strangers, especially other people who are also needing walking assists.
It is made of metal with a black S-shaped curved handle and has a black rubber tip to help me keep my balance. The metal is enamel painted with a black background and a tapestry-style pattern of purple, blue and white flowers and deep green ridged leaves, similar to rose leaves. Like many medical canes, it can be shortened or lengthened so that it fits just right. After my surgery, I had to lengthen it by a notch to fit the New Me.
The cane is practical as well as elegant and is separated into four sections that are attached from the inside by heavy elastic cords so that it can be broken down and folded up. This lets me put it away when I am not using it - it folds up well for storage in a pouch or bag or shopping cart, and when I take it out it snaps into place again with a satisfying 'click!' My youngest daughter likes playing with it, folding it up and then flinging it away from her so that it pops back into place with great force, like magic. Even after two years, she hasn't grown tired of transforming it from a small, discreet package to a straight staff.
I sometimes joke that I 'have a stick and I know how to use it', meaning that I'll be able to get my way with my trusty wand, and people also are often drawn to make jokes about it - some people ask me if I have a sword hidden inside it, others tend to ask if there is a flask in there (swords and cups - two more Tarot suits!).
A cane is always used on the strong side of the body - opposite the bad leg that it's supporting. That seems obvious to me now, but when I first started using it, no one told me that and it seemed instinctive to put it on the same side that it was supporting to 'replace' the bad leg. Fortunately, someone corrected me early on and after that it was much less painful to use it. After two years with it, I thought I knew my cane well, and how to use it, but my therapist gave me a hint that no one had ever told me before that's made using it much, much easier - always use the cane so that it bears weight at the same time as weight is being put on the bad leg - when the bad leg is stepping forward, the can should also be in the forward, weightbearing position (but from the side of the body that is stronger). It took me a few tries to remember to keep that rhythm going and what it does is allow me to use the cane mostly for balance rather than leaning heavily on it and tipping my weight over to the stronger side - I get much less tired out that way, and avoid overstressing the strong side.
Do I even need to point out the analogies here? This cane is my staff - my wand, the symbol of energy and self-will and spirit. It is not only functional but beautiful and contains hidden aspects that let me size it to whatever my situation requires, yet reverts back to its strong, straight position without damage. It's not only beautiful and functional, it's also fun to play with and generates admiring and humorous comments from people who notice it.
Contained within it is the potential for other elements - what secrets of intellect (swords) might be hidden within my spirit? What hidden found of emotional nourishment (cups) might be carried there? And of course, how does my spirit and will help me in the physical world? It helps me walk freely and allows me to be more independent than I might otherwise be.
The method using it also is a good metaphor for me in how to use my own will - draw its strength from my own strong side but apply that strength paired up to my weaknesses. The idea is not to reject the weaknesses within me and lean only on my strengths, because that can tire and stress those qualities out to the point that they become weaknesses themselves. Instead, pair strength of will as I practice using my weaker points so that they will get the work out they need to become stronger.
While I sometimes hate having to use my cane and fear having it become a crutch I lean on too much, it has served me very well and I like its shape, the abundance and beauty portrayed by its design, and the way it helps me be independent and have freedom of movement despite my challenges. It has been a good tool and a good friend. I look forward to the day when I can put it away, but I will always keep it nearby, just in case.
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