Cards
Superstitions, Signs, and other “Nonsense”
Very Superstitious
I’m always looking for signs that the choices I’m making are “right” ones. And, I confess to being superstitious.
I knock on wood for luck. I avoid opening an umbrella indoors for fear of attracting bad luck. I don’t disturb “the spirits” by walking under ladders. While I don’t believe black cats crossing one’s path is a bad omen, I know some people do.
These common superstitions transcend time, place, and cultures. My husband, Jack, doesn’t think much of “symbols sent from whomever.” When I paused to write the first paragraph, I asked him to tell me some superstitions he knows.
I forget why …but you freak out about a hat on the bed.
I rolled my eyes. I rephrased my question, “What are superstitions that you knew about before we got married?” He came up with black cat sighting being “bad.”
Family Folklore
My father didn’t pass on any English-Scottish-Irish-German superstitions. Sure, he would “reverse” bad luck of spilled salt by shaking some over his shoulder. He may have mentioned in passing something about a Friday the 13th being “ooh spoooooky.”
My mom? Pffft! She has passed on quite a few “dos and don’ts” for tempting fate.
All of my maternal great-grandparents were born in Poland. They came to the United States in the early 1900’s. From Ellis Island, they settled in New Jersey.
My grandparents were born in Jersey City. So was my mom. My Babci (grandmother) and Dziadzi (grandfather) worked fulltime throughout my mother and uncle’s childhood. As such, my mom was typically in the care of her maternal grandmother, Josephine.
I think there’s something really fascinating about how family mores are established and take root. The traditions that are brought over from other countries through past generations are of particular interest to me. Community tales expand outward and catch on from town to town. Stories are perpetuated from family to extended family. Internal family tall tales are passed on from branch to branch on the family tree.
CORRECTION per my mom: I mistakenly reported Mom’s age. She is “over 70-ish.”
There are some real superstition “gems” that I picked up from my Babci, my mom, ciocias (aunties), and other members of the Polish community in New Jersey. Maybe you share in some of the following:
- Don’t count the pierogi as you put them in the pot or they will break.
- A fork is dropped and a man is going to come to visit.
- A knife is dropped and a fight or argument is going to take place.
- A hat left on a bed means that someone is going to die.
- An itchy palm means that you’ll receive money. {Shame on anyone who thought it meant something less wholesome.}
Teenager Tricks and Tales
My one and only sibling, Christen, was born two days before Halloween. As a kid with a late October birthday, her celebrations were often costumed events. There is a Polaroid photo somewhere in the family archives of her dressed like Dolly Parton. One friend donned jeans, a t-shirt and slicked hair like Fonzie from Happy Days. Another looked like she had stepped out of central casting of Charlie’s Angels. I was Dorothy Hamill (because I had the signature haircut.)
I idolized my sister and her friends. So, I liked what they liked.
In the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, every suburban household had a Ouija board. Given as Christmas gifts to most of us, the box collected dust in closets or on bookshelves. The boards would appear, however, during a brownies-cola-pizza-fueled sleepover seance.
Sleepover seances never lasted very long. Someone would ask about a deceased grandparent. Another would ask about getting kissed. Inevitably, an argument would erupt accusing someone of “cheating.” Typically fingers pointed at someone pushing the planchette around to spell the name of someone’s not-so-secret crush.
Few girls managed to actually sleep during these overnight parties. Being the first to fall asleep was always worrisome. It was in one’s best interest to stay up all night if they could. Would the other guests put the sleeper’s hand in water to cruelly get her to pee in her sleeping bag?
In the ensuing hours, the “Levitation Game” would be played.
A party goer would lay down on the floor. It was customary to put couch cushions, pillows, or a pile of sleeping bags underneath them. Safety first!
Everyone else would gather around the “levitator.” The person sitting over the levitator’s head would lead the ritual. The leader would instruct everyone to place two fingers from each hand, and only two fingers, under the body. In a hushed tone, she’s describe the levitator as being sickly or dead. The group would chant “Light as a feather, stiff as a board.” And, with any luck, the group would lift the body and let it down slowly to the amazement of all.
I do remember this game driving at least one party goer to tears. Another might call a parent for a very very early morning pick-up. It was always hard to know if someone was upset by the game, some bickering over teen drama, or being freaked out by having watched Rosemary’s Baby, The Omen, or whatever horror movie was in vogue.
I don’t know if “kids these days” try levitation. I kind of hope they do. It’s a fantastic party trick and right of passage for superstitious teens.
AstroNOMY not AstroLOGY
Once Christen hit high school and college, her Halloween fascination expanded into the metaphysical. At first, she collected books about witches. She developed an interest in past lives. She taught herself how to read star charts and tarot cards.
To this day, she is my resource for astrological readings and tarot cards.
I am a Gemini with ascendant Virgo. You can look up your chart at https://astro.cafeastrology.com/index.php.
When it was my time to go to college, I was hoping to ease into my freshman year. In addition to the two required courses my first semester, I had to sign up for a social science elective and a science elective.
Everyone knows that a Geology 101 course is known as “rocks for jocks,” with the reputation of being an “easy A.” I was looking for a similar course. What caught my eye as I flipped through NYU’s undergraduate catalog?
History of the Universe. Oh, what a title!
I’m thinking, I got this one in the BAG! I know all about the planets. I can describe all of the astrological signs. I recognize many constellations. How fascinating to take a class that talks about the universe in the context of history and humanity! Talk about an easy A, baby!
I took the liberty of looking up the course title to see if NYU still offers it.
And… they do!
HOU-UF 101 History of The Universe (4 Credits) Students in History of the Universe examine science as a way of looking at the world.
Awesome! Just what I was hoping…
They learn about the nature of the universe and about changes in the universe over time, including the origin and development of stars, galaxies, planetary systems, and the universe itself, as well as study of the earth and the development of life on earth and in the universe.
Uh — What? Like, astrophysics shit?
The course traces the development of western scientific thought from the work of Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo to the discoveries of Newton, Darwin, Curie, Einstein and Hubble, among others.
OK- seems cool. I know these names. Historical figures…
The course seeks to give students an understanding not only of modern science, but also of its development and of the methods, strengths and limitations of science and the scientific method. This course satisfies the requirement in Physical Science.
The course was NOT about astrology (and still isn’t). I was totally SCREWED…. but I did pass.
HOU is the single hardest courses I have ever taken. The only knowledge I retained from that class is the proper pronunciation of our 7th planet. Be sure to say “YUR-uh-nus” and not “Your-anus.”
Top tip, kids! When enrolling in your first ever college courses, be sure to read the course descriptions closely. And, if possible, get a look at the syllabus. I say this not as a former faculty member. I say this not as a learning experience designer in higher education. I say this not as a parent, sibling, or friend. I say this as a person who made such a grave error.
Meditations
Before Jack and I began this gap year, I had begun to think of ways to bring more meditation into my daily routine. One friend suggested daily prompts for reflection, another suggested using an app for guided breathing. Neither really suited me.
In fact, this video was a go to for my meditating. I highly recommend you take the next 2 and a half minutes to watch it. Come back to read on when you’re ready…
A dear friend of mine, Sara, has an energy and healing arts practice. She is a certified Feng Shui consultant and Intuitive Reiki Master. At the time I was exploring meditation, she happened to invite me and two other friends to her home. She was designing a new course a wanted to try out some things with us. Her session was a far cry from a Ouija Board/Levitation slumber party.
Sara led us through some reflection activities to get us centered. Her own energy is so calming. Being in her presence often feels like a warm hug even if she isn’t actually hugging me.
She has an impressive collection of oracle cards and tarot cards. While I’ve always had a reading done by other people, I’d never considered getting any cards of my own. Sara changed that for me.
Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign
Since getting my own cards, I’ve not been reading them on as regular basis as I’d planned. But, I do read them from time to time. The tarot card set I have is The Visions Guide. I chose this set because I liked that they were marketed as “a set of card to ease your mind.”
There are different types of “spreads” for tarot card readings. I like to stick to the simple 3 card layout. That is Past/Situation, Present/Action, and Future/Outcome.
I did a reading this morning. I didn’t have a set agenda. Although, it’s fair to say that I continue to wonder about this time in my life.
Am I where I’m supposed to be? Am I doing what I’m supposed to be doing? Will my being anxious dissipate as this gap year continues? What will become of my career and the next stage of my life?
I let the cards provide me with suggestions for reflection… I won’t do a full interpretation here but here are some takeaways:
Situation Card: Haven — A sign to pause and rest. The outside world hasn’t offered shelter. Focus on self-care.
Action Card: Three of Pentacles — Take pride in the work you’ve done and do. This is a good time to build and plan.
Outcome Card: The Star — Though there are dark times, the sun will always rise.
Yes, the card and the interpretations could be total bullshit. You probably think it is.
I know, I know. I’m basically buying into the author and illustrator’s musings, copyright 2017. You know what? Fuck you doubters. It makes me happy. It makes me laugh. I find it to be meditative.
A Different Card
Our backyard abuts woods. There are many critters that live there. In addition to the usual squirrels and chipmunks, we get deer coming through. We’ve heard coyotes and have seen a fox from time to time. A year ago, a neighbor spotted a baby moose. We have a wide variety of birds.
I grew up with the superstition that cardinals come to you bringing a sign from heaven. I’ve since learned other interpretations such as loved ones being safe.
When Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal… the Cards, took up residence in our yard, I was thrilled. I’d seen males before but I’d never before seen a female. I was amazed that this bonded pair would come every day, several times a day.
I look forward to seeing these two and miss them when they don’t visit. No matter the message they bring, their daily visits bring me joy. I find them a reassuring sign that I’m kind of on the right path and someone “up there” is keeping an eye on me.
Note: Jack and I will be on the road for a bit starting on Friday… I aspire to write but make no promises…