What's reflecting back to you?
Discover more from Shelley Writes
What's reflecting back to you?
Even mirror images can be deceiving.
Tarot Tuesday
Unlike a few weeks ago when I staged three images of the goddess Kali Ma for a Tarot Tuesday, these two Amaterasu cards came up separately in readings on consecutive days. When I get repeats like that, it means “take notice.”
Normally, I keep my personal readings separate from the ones I do for the collective. But in this case, having Amaterasu show up in both indicated to me that an important message was being delivered. (After all, I am part of the collective, and we are all One, yes?)
It’s not uncommon to get different variations on the stories and myths behind the ancient deities. Not only do many of the gods and goddesses show up in different cultures (sometimes with different names), but the stories we typically read today are the interpretations of others who have studied the traditional stories. So it’s understood that some minor inconsistencies will show up.
The guidebooks for the two Amaterasu cards shown here give a very similar account of the legend. However, the interpretations vary significantly, which indicated to me that this Japanese Shinto sun goddess whose name means “Great Shining Heaven” has a message for everyone.
The legend of Amaterasu reveals that she retreated to a cave when her brother, Susanoo, began neglecting his divine duties and was creating havoc on Earth. But so great was her light that when she descended into the cave, the world was also plunged into darkness.
Desperate for her light to return, the kami, Shinto spirits, placed a mirror at the entrance of her cave and began to sing, dance, and laugh outside. Drawn to their infectious merriment, Amaterasu drew closer to see what was going on and saw the image of a beautiful goddess radiating light.
Unaware it was her own image she saw in the mirror, she stepped outside the cave to join in with the joy of others. Once outside, the laughter healed her anger and depression and she agreed to leave the cave, restoring light to the world.
One interpretation given was that even when tempted to retreat from the world, it our own light that illuminates the world—and that by shining our lights brightly, we give others encouragement to shine their own.
The other interpretation given was that when you can’t see or feel your own light anymore, look to others and let the joy of their experiences rekindle your own.
That there are two ways to view this story is a perfect example of the duality in which we live. To me, the message here is that the world needs all of us working together to either be the light or receive its reflection on any given day. That way, we can all shine and share the brilliance.
The light is always present. We need only to follow the joy.
I have added amazonite and the I Speak My Truth candle to support your voice in claiming what is yours.
Upcoming Events
Spiritual Fusions Psychic & Holistic Fair: Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, June 24-25
Spiritual Fusions Psychic & Holistic Fair: AB Tech Community College, Asheville, August 19-20
Until next time… My best, Shelley