Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’ve tasked myself with leading you on a meandering tour of the virtual garden of delights and curiosities and thoughts that make up my world – all through the lens of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words.
C is for..
cardiognost: (obsolete) one who knows the workings of the heart; knowing the secret thoughts of people.
(NOTE: This word is often assumed to apply only as a definition in Christian theology as a trait of God. I, however, am taking a totally secular view, and holding this as a definition of something we’re all capable of. Let’s just say we’re creating a new iteration of an obsolete term.
I think this Queen of Hearts might be one of my favorite postage stamps ever – a vintage beauty from 2009. The Queen archetype has been appearing for me in many guises of late, not the least of which is through numerous conversations about sovereignty. But I especially like it when I continue my explorations in dream time. And so here’s a glimpse of a nocturnal vision in which the Queen of Hearts appears…
I’m standing in my backyard admiring a bush with amazing red flowers. The scent is intoxicating and when I bend closer I hear the flowers talking and simultaneously notice they are shaped like little red lips.
This discovery excites me – I turn to see if there’s anyone around I can tell. And that’s when I notice a cool table in the yard – small enough to seat one person, with a round silver metal top that has a black club (card image) painted on it. As I walk over to get a better look, suddenly my grandmother is sitting at the table laying out a spread with a deck of playing cards. She motions me to look at the card she’s just laid down – it’s the Queen of Hearts. But there’s a little tab on the heart symbol, and when you pull it, underneath appears another picture of a heart – this time an antatomically correct version. She flips the tab up and down, and the effect is the heart is sort of “winking” at me. This seems to delight my grandmother as much as me and I start laughing. I think I really need to stop because the flower lips are whispering something and if I could just quiet down I could probably make out what they are saying. As it is, it’s just an intriguing buzz.
I confess to being a wee bit disappointed that the Queen, my grandmother, and the amazing talking lip flowers didn’t make it back with me into wakefulness, but I’m certainly glad I got a dreamtime chance to visit with them.
And never fear, I wouldn’t end a post about cardiognosis without giving you a glimpse at the inner workings of a heart.
I can’t help but think of what Hafiz said as well: “An awake heart is like a sky that pours light.”
Oh how I want a heart like that!
What about you? What kind of heart do you have? What makes it happy? Who have you been visiting with behind closed eyes? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Ooh, I want a heart that pours light, too! But I just have the ordinary sort of heart: sometimes tender, sometimes full of gristle, and beating away all the time without ever taking a break whether it’s feeling heavy or light, clenched like a fist or open like a bowl.
Black and White (Words and Pictures)
“Heart open like a bowl” is a wonderful image Anne, and one I’ll be holding on to. I’m in the first stages of thinking about a heart-related project and you’ve added a lovely little spark for my brain.
What a great dream. I like the heart necklace.
It’s a fun necklace indeed. In fact, it also has a pin back, so if I remove the chain, it’s possible to wear my heart on my sleeve. 🙂
I’ve been dreaming a lot about my late husband, and it has to be because I crave his secure and steady presence in my life right now. He had a way of making these times feel like an adventure and assuaging my worry and fear. In my dreams, he does. My heart is full of love and tenderness for my friends and family, distant though they are. Distance may not make the heart grow fonder, but it does give the love a certain poignancy. A strange kind of beautiful pain.
These are tender times indeed Margaret. I trust you know people are holding you in their hearts, just as you are holding them.
Hari OM
I do believe my heart is more light than anything – yet it is being tested for its energy and sometimes the charge is low… what a wonderful word, though. Only three days and am already expanded!!! YAM xx
Ah yes, I think you’re right. This truly is a time when we have to practice exquisite self-care, including recognizing when our charge is ebbing. May you find all the resources you need always.
I like the sound of “cardiognost”. I hope my heart is as full of light 😉
C is for Colour
I’m sure it is! Thank you for stopping by and sharing a bit with us.
Dreams are wonderful gifts. The one you described sounds like it brought you happiness. I had a wonderful dream not long ago with George Harrison, floating upward in a golden glittery beam. He turned around and looked at me and smiled at me as if to say everything will be alright.
Cardiognost is a cool as heck word. I want to remember that one.
Dreams can indeed be wonderful gifts, and yours sounds wonderful. Bedtime is always a pleasure for me just to see what interesting things will show up when I close my eyes.
What a great story. Figuring out what makes you happy is one of life’s great journeys. Weekends In Maine
Indeed Karen.
Dreams are so beautiful! Hearts full of light are a blessing. I hope I have one. 🙂
I agree Srivalli, both about dreams and hearts. And I’m sure your heart is full.
Human hearts can be such changeable things, and yet so faithful too.
Feeling safe and loved and being able to return that feeling makes me happy.
I hope you are safe and well.
Tasha 💖
Virginia’s Parlour – The Manor (Adult concepts – nothing explicit in posts)
Tasha’s Thinkings – Vampire Drabbles
Hearts are indeed incredible things. I hope you and yours are safe and well too.
My heart smiles all the time I think. If not just smiling as its natural expression, smiling at something, with a sense of humor.
I loved your dream. I often have dreams that don’t make it to my wakeful stage and that makes me sad. The Hafiz quote is beautiful!
Thank you so much for dropping by my blog, Deborah! I love the idea of your post.
A smiling heart is a wonderful thing, and a great gift to all those around you as well. May the A-to-Z challenge keep us all smiling.
Hi Deborah – I too hope my heart is full of light now – but somewhat feel it’s curtailed … still time to rejuvinate it with gentle thoughts … and be ready to understand other’s cardiognost in due course … take care – and all the best – Hilary
I think gentleness is a perfect response in these wobbly times Hilary. Take care, and sending you all the best as well.
Love that necklace! Thanks for hopping by for A to Z!
My pleasure Chris, and thanks for visiting as well.
Will be popping by every now and then Deborah as I always enjoy your posts – this time round I am not taking part in the A-Z. Loved your dream and all the messages. Thank you for sharing – keep safe and well.
Thank you Susan. Keep safe and well and shining your light.
I talked to my own personal Queen of Hearts a lot when I was doing some work around living by love and not by guilt. She was a refreshing presence!
I love that Kathleen!
From Toffee the cat: My old man and old woman say I am the light of their lives and fill their hearts with love. (They also say I’m a little madam sometimes too – but that’s another story!)
Dear Toffee – I think you’ve chosen a very fine home to rule over, with delightful subjects. I trust you’ll do your best to keep them in line.