Only where children gather is there any real chance of fun.
~Mignon McLaughlin, journalist and author
Is it true that the simplest things in life can bring us the greatest joy; that we are filled to overflowing with love for all life when we see the light of dawn illuminating a shadowy landscape, watch a bird construct a new nest, witness all about, the signs of earth sending forth its vital force, a cycle that has repeated itself since the ‘beginning’. The simplest things bring us such happiness. Spring reminds us of this. There is an enthusiasm that permeates everything as we reach out to embrace the gifts of birth and renewal. We rejoice in the simplicity of simply being. Memories appear from deep recesses in the mind; of days long past, of lying in an open field perhaps lost in the changing images of clouds drifting by and peace suffuses this idyllic afternoon.
In springtime children rush out into the realms of nature unable to contain the energy exploding from within. The freedom to be what most naturally seeks expression is a gift that children demonstrate in countless ways, laughter, adventure and an imagination that creates a world of magic courtesy of the belief that all things are possible. This freedom is accessible to all of us. At this time of year we may feel additional youthful vitality that launches us into carefree endeavors and spontaneous exploration of what we often call the wild side.
You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing. What! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play and run around all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again.
~Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, 1762
Unlimited, as children often are, we touch the edges of the forbidden—life without the thought of responsibility or duty. Fearless we navigate the open seas in a ship that never springs a leak and with a sail always filled with a good, strong westerly. Bound for where we know not but knowing that the mystery will always move us in ways that do not require effort or any thought. Suddenly the heart is our guide and like the North Star never steers us amiss.
April is a month to go forth into the world and scoop up a great portion of life; to feast upon the many opportunities dancing about us. Doors of opportunity that beckon us to walk on are open wide. They offer us an occasion to stretch our legs and without hesitation bypass fears that may have long kept us examining the inside of the same box for years—lifetimes! Like heroes rising up to answer a call from the collective pool of desire we, without resistance, open our selves to the realm of infinite knowing and so ‘agree’ to unloading all beliefs that line the walls of our self-made containers.
As we push out and up like seedlings sprouting with the warmth of the Sun, it is seen that no container holds the infinite, eternal Truth. No matter how comfortable, no matter how secure we appear to be in this existence, its relative nature, subject to change and impermanence belies Reality.
Children with their boundless enthusiasm, pure hearts and radiance show us the way. They remind us to play, follow our dreams (because dreams do come true!) and to share unconditional love as a way of being. Children only learn to judge by example and that being a part of our educational process.
Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music.
~William Stafford
Children are heroes. They stand on guard for causes without thought or provocation. They don’t know what a cause is. They may only know that something is amiss when a lack of love or harmony casts a shadow across their wonderland. Then they ever so sweetly want to dry tears, calm nerves and bring peace to an anxious mind.
I love these little people; and it is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us.
~Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop
How can we better serve the children in our world; to support them and show them a way that is free of judgment, full of acceptance and open to love and light? Embrace the child within. Remember the innocence that guided us, the openness that preceded us and the willingness to explore all things in the mystery. Remember there are always the mystery and the magic.
The tarot cards for April are all the Pages. Pages represent youth, vitality, creativity, and many of those characteristics mentioned in the previous paragraph—willingness, openness, innocence. Each Page establishes those qualities for their respective suit.
The Page of:
Pentacles (the element of earth and our physical experience) shows us what it means to be free from limiting circumstance. This young person, in harmony with the natural rhythm of the earth, exuberantly exploring all possibility, experiences life as richly abundant with learning and growth an ongoing process. This card shows up to remind us of the beauty of openness and the ‘rewards’ that come to us based on a connection with a deeper Truth. Though material possession is an aspect of Pentacles this suit also relates to the physical experience we have when we move to the next ‘level’ of awareness--that ‘I am’ spirit in physical form.
Cups (the element of water and our emotional experience) shows us what it means to be attuned to the heart. Carefree, playful, imaginative, creative the Page of Cups represents the inner child who from a place of abidance shows us a pure way of relating. Some say that this Page wears rose colored glasses. In other words that life is seen from an ‘unrealistic’ perspective. This Page however is motivated by a rhythm that originates deep within the waters of the world and is swept away by the power of the waves or is still like the surface of a high mountain tarn. There is no reason only feeling. Some might say that this is in fact Reality.
Swords (the element of air and our intellectual experience) shows us what it is to stand ready to speak Truth without fear of judgment or criticism. His thoughts are clear and the ‘value’ of his message is based upon that clarity. The efficiency of this Page is illustrated by the uplifted sword with tip pointed to the sky suggesting that the origin of his thoughts is a higher place. He uses no superfluous words. As the vehicle for the message is the mind he can be rational, logical and analytical. His gift is resolution of issues that may arise from the heart seeking balance.
Wands (the element of fire and our spiritual experience) shows us what it is to be free of any constraints. The suit of wands is our insight, intuition and knowing. With knowing is the acceptance that we are guided always by ‘thy will’. Life then, is easy and graceful. There is no effort required. If we have a goal the Page of Wands knows that it will manifest. He has only ‘positive thoughts’ and creates from the well of universal oneness—all things possible. His passion for life and the freedom to express that come from a place of having balanced the physical world with the emotional and intellectual aspects of a human being. He is free to ‘travel’ without constraint.
Enjoy the beauty, the freshness and the excitement of what the mystery holds. April is a time to let it out and let it go! Thank you for your presence…
