Card for Thursday, October 28th, 2021
Pan (XV in the Major Arcana)
paired with
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Pan, most often represented by The Devil in standard, Christian influenced tarot decks, is a card of challenge. This card demands that we recognize and accept all aspects of our nature: both light and dark. Either as The Devil, or Pan, the Greek God of fertility, this card advises us to connect honestly with our innermost selves in order to identify unconscious behaviors, self imposed limitations, blocked or repressed feelings of anxiety, depression, or worry.
Pan is, historically, a more fun-loving, free-spirited, sensual, nature based entity than The Devil although, with the advent of widespread Christianity, Pan’s traditional connection to humanity’s more instinctive physical urges, celebration, and positive sexuality became an unpopular platform within the stricter theology of the Christian Church. Eventually, Pan was banished to Hell where the Devil gradually began to be represented by Pan’s signature hooves and horns.
In reality, Pan, and indeed The Devil card as well, remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. We are the ones who bind and chain ourselves when we refuse to honor our shadow side and accept all of who we each are, without embellishment or judgement. Pan offers the added suggestion that we cultivate our sense of humor about ourselves and release old information that has no basis in truth. We are being invited to be amused by ourselves, in a good way.
Lobelia is a stronger, bitter, neutral herb that gets things moving. It is expectorant, antispasmodic, stimulating, and in larger doses, emetic and will cause vomiting. For this reason, always work with an experienced practitioner when considering Lobelia. Historically, Lobelia is known as a treatment for spasmodic lung conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It has reportedly been used in various topical blends to provide relief from muscle spasms, strains, sprains, and bruises.
As an herbal or flower essence, Lobelia is said to be able to help us let go of self imposed limitations, assisting us in finding balance and thus, inner peace. It can be used to get the chi moving again, and bring a sense of calm, encouraging us to “lighten up” as we learn to work openly and honestly with our greatest adversary - ourselves - without being afraid.
Energetically, Lobelia removes blockages and brings “the breath of life”, that which flows through all living things on this planet. Breath is sacred, linking us to our physical bodies from first to last; Lobelia aids us in honoring this life force, reminding us we are not alone here.
Cultivating calm, peaceful, deep, steady respiration assists us in maintaining the natural connection to the flow of all physical life. Lobelia relieves constriction and effects healing by realigning us with both breath and flow. Challenges will still arise, but, when not blocked from within, will be easier to weather.
Pan knows well that we are all bound by the laws of nature, to the very core of our being, but that within this framework we are encouraged to feel free to be ourselves. Pan wants us to recognize the true facts of our lives and find the inherent tranquility, the relief, the simple joy, that honest self connection and personal validation bring.
This card underscores the need to examine our motivation for continuing to deny ourselves the love of self that is our birthright. We are being asked to stop punishing ourselves, or apologizing to others, for being exactly as we are. Our choice to continue to own and live out of this false information is what blocks and limits us.
Pan is here to gently but firmly push us back into the truth, the enduring flow, the balance of who we are, so we can break old patterns and learn to be more playful, more in tune, with the unfolding of physical life. Be the witness.
Today’s card sums up the messages we have been receiving for weeks: connect with our inner self via open, harmonious circulation through both heart and mind; use balance and challenge to learn and grow, embrace your Shadow as you celebrate the small things, for they are actually of what life is made. Things are what they are, but we get to choose HOW we dance with life.
A WORD OF CAUTION: Use only in small amounts. If unsure, please work with an experienced Practitioner as needed. Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.
*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalances.*
Tarot deck : The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra LaC, and Candis Cantin
Interpretation : Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS