What is Freedom?

Freedom is the condition of being unrestricted. This can be on a personal level or civic liberty. My dictionary tells me that it is the power of self-determination or the quality of not being controlled by fate or necessity. Freedom of speech, religion, fear and want is generally thought of as the four freedoms. 

We’ll have a look at freedom on a personal level first and then tackle it on a global scale.

 Where to start? I asked my family and friends what is freedom to them? My husband only thought for a few seconds before answering, “Well that depends, to a person in jail, freedom would be the ability to get out of jail”. True … I hadn’t thought of an actual prison! “Then there is marriage!” Pardon, does he think marriage lacks freedom? No not at all, he is referring to a marriage where a man or woman feels trapped. To my quadriplegic daughter, freedom would be to kick away her wheelchair and walk again, have control of her bowels and have privacy. Gosh these are things many of us take for granted. I could go on with scenarios of the teenager who gets his first wheels, right through to the terminally ill cancer patient wanting to die and be free of pain, but I won’t because I need to ask myself, “What is freedom to me?”  

I truly have to examine the question to me from me … what is freedom? Peace is what comes to mind! Peace from distraction through a calm mind, tranquility, a clear conscious, understanding, harmonious surroundings and compassion. Naturally I also want material freedom … a home by the sea, adventurous travel, a secure retirement, and my family all settled in life. I am human after all, and I believe we are intended to live an abundant life, yet we also need to live a spiritual way of life.   

Material freedom is not greedy when there is gratitude!  A soul who has all the material possessions he requires, but does not share or care about his neighbor does not have true freedom.  This leads me into freedom on a global scale and what better way to introduce the next section then to quote a great spiritual leader: 

Words from the Dali Lama:

Practicing altruism is the real source of compromise and cooperation; merely recognizing our need for harmony is not enough. A mind committed to compassion is like an overflowing reservoir – a constant source of energy, determination and kindness. This is like a seed; when cultivated, gives rise to many other good qualities, such as forgiveness, tolerance, inner strength and the confidence to overcome fear and insecurity. The compassionate mind is like an elixir; it is capable of transforming bad situation into beneficial ones. Therefore, we should not limit our expressions of love and compassion to our family and friends. Nor is the compassion only the responsibility of clergy, health care and social workers. It is the necessary business of every part of the human community.  

Global freedom therefore stems from individual freedom. We are all individual, yet we are all in this together.

Peace, compassion, love, forgiveness are a few ingredients for freedom. Kindness to others has a chain-reaction. I know a wonderful lady from The Field of Grace just north of Brisbane who has a facebook page for random acts of kindness.  I would hope most people would show understanding, tolerance and love within their own family and circle of friends. How many of you treat complete strangers the same? There is something liberating about doing random acts of kindness to strangers. It doesn’t have to entail dropping $100 notes out of a window; just simply smile at a stranger, or let them go ahead of you in the check-out.  

Considering the title of this blog is ‘Freedom through the Tarot’, you must be wondering when we are going to finally get to the subject of Tarot, and how this all relates.

When I commence any Tarot class, the first card I always introduce is the Ace of Cups. I see this card as liberating with one important component … LOVE.  This is not the first card in a Tarot deck, but all Aces are regarded as a beginning, and may be described as a seed. The Ace of Cups plants the seed of compassion whereas the Ace of Wands plants the seed of passion. Passion and the Ace of Wands can be a good subject for the next blog. 

The first paragraph from the Ace of Cups in my book ‘Life Love Tarot’ reads: Pure intent is the first and most important thing to remember; when beginning a journey of spiritual development. When it comes from the heart, you can never be wrong; as there is no ‘wrong’ in love. One cannot be guilty if doing anything in good faith, with honesty and sincerity of intention.

The heart is the bridge between the higher and lower self; if we fail to go over this bridge, then we miss the beauty along the way.

Demonstrated as water overflowing from a chalice, the Ace of Cups exhibits the loving heart with a continued flow of energy. Humans are largely made of water, which is as essential to our existence as love is essential for our emotional well-being. The virtue of faith, or a firm belief without logical proof, is connected to the element of water. We need to have faith in each other and faith in the universe; but, mostly, faith in ourselves. Having faith develops loyalty and strengthens relationships. Ask yourself: what or who do you have faith in?

We are given an endless supply of love from the universe; it is all there for the taking – if only we were to reach out and receive. Most traditional decks will illustrate a strong hand holding a golden chalice. Could this hand be the hand of God, the universe, a loved one or a stranger? It is amazing how often we reject the hand of God through our fellow man. Next time a stranger smiles or gives way to you, think of it as a gift from them and accept it gladly. 

The golden chalice plays a significant role in the Catholic mass, as it remembers the Last Supper and the Crucifixion of Christ. As Christians sip wine from a chalice, the priest will say, “The Blood of Christ.” This ceremony is regarded as an outward act of thanksgiving for a sacrifice, which was given freely from the heart. Blood is the life force flowing through our bodies, and it is the heart pumping this life. The heart is regarded as the centre of thought, feeling and emotion. A person with the capacity for feeling emotion, and who gives thought to others has a pure heart. When a person’s heart is broken, they will be overwhelmed with sorrow. No matter what you do in life, do it from the heart. It doesn’t matter what you do, it is how you do it. If you happen to be a street sweeper, then take pride in the streets you sweep; do it from the heart; do it with love.

Life Love Tarot contains creative exercises, meditations, affirmations, and crystals that connect with each card. Below is an example taken from the article on the Ace of Cups. 

Creative Exercise:

The idea for this creative exercise came from my friend Chrissie. Chrissie did a cut out of her hand and energised it with reiki healing energy to send to my mother in hospital, with a message that her hands can always be there. I have also done this for people in hospital, or who are far away, with great results. Draw around your right hand and colour or decorate it with a special message, then send to a loved one or someone you feel has the need. This could also be a nice idea for children who are afraid to go to school or sleep. Draw around your left hand and fill it in with all you desire. You may like to place your paper hand under a chalice, or wine glass filled with rose quartz crystals.

Create your own Ace of Cups card:

Visualise a large, strong hand holding a golden chalice, with soft pastel colours overflowing, manifesting the never-ending flow of love. Above the chalice there is the shape of a heart dripping tiny droplets of blood into a blue pond. Capturing the essence of peace are lotus flowers in the pond, and a dove in the sky. As an addition to your card, trace around your hand and sketch a heart shape as the palm. Fill it with words of love, or a loving picture.

Affirmation:

“I hold out my left hand to receive the gifts of the universe; and I hold out my right hand to give guidance to those who seek.”

Crystal:

Bringing about purification on all levels, kunzite would be one of the most relaxing crystals I have held. Along with helping one settle after an upset or stressful day, it encourages self-love, unconditional-love and romantic-love. If you are privileged to own a piece of kunzite, then sit quietly with it and allow the loving thoughts to flow.

So, finally I write my own blog, with a little cheating; if you can call paste and copy of my own words from my book cheating. Nope, not cheating, but simply drawing inspiration from thoughts and ideas that I have carried in my heart for a very long time. 

I welcome your thoughts on freedom, and look forward to seeing new and old friends here on my first true blog. 

xxx Dawn Alice