
Daily Angel Oracle Card: Games ~ Ludi, from the Gospel Of Aradia, by Stacey Demarco, Artwork by Jimmy Manton
Games ~ Ludi: “Games should be aboveboard and full of fun. They should never be underhanded, covert, mean-spirited, or harmful in any way. If someone is playing a strategic game against you, understand it for what it is – indeed, a game – and change the rules to suit yourself. Seek the light-hearted company of others. A celebration will soon be announced.
“A lighter heart is sometimes apt,
When a game between two is played.
One gets to know the other a little better,
And opinions may be changed or swayed.
But games too can be wild and dark,
Hiding what is and what will be.
Battered and bruised he way might go,
And winning bring no guarantee.”
It was said that Diana’s witches and those who were devoted to Aradia gathered annually for games – running games, horse racing, and other sports, as well as games of chance – and the celebration of a Sabbath. This could be wishful thinking on behalf of storytellers – imagine how delightful, hundreds of women dancing and gaming! – Or it could be marvellously true. However, women questioned independently described a setting where games were played and the rites to Diana were performed too.
And the place where they gathered? Well, it may have been an actual geographic location. Mention of the Italian city of Benevento recurs in the depositions, and so it was believed that this was the center of the games of the witches. However, in many depositions it also says,”they flew here” (brooms were optional!), so they may have met in a realm to which they traveled in trance. But wherever it occurred, the Sabbath gatherings were repeated each year and looked forward to by all witches in the spirit of friendship and love.
We see the shadow side of game playing in those games in which someone gets hurt – not physically hurt, but mentally or emotionally. Mind games that are played to belittle or bully someone else – or to make us feel better about ourselves at another’s expense – are not about enjoyment or even competition. Instead, they are about abuse of power. There is a deep seated problem with bullying and negative game playing, both amongst young people in schools and between co-workers within corporate environments. We need to attend to this issue and learn why this abusive pattern persists.”*
~ By Stacey Demarco
Where are games being played in your life right now? Maybe someone is playing you… maybe you have a feeling that you are being played but you are not sure. Maybe you are trying to deal with an issue in a strategic way, in an effort to remain on top of the situation. Only you know how games are being played out, and only you can be the one to make sure that no one is getting hurt. It may mean that you need to listen more closely to your intution… is it telling you that something is not quite right? Or it may be that you have to listen to your conscience… are you really coming from a place of integrity or are you manipulating someone to get what you want?
Whatever the situation may be, the message here is that we cannot live a life of authenticity if we are playing games. We cannot be true to ourselves if we are allowing ourselves to be played. This is of the old, competitive, lack mentality. It is of the old limited ways of thinking. It comes from trying to outwit others to put ourselves at the top of the hierarchy. These ways must be left behind in order to embrace the New Consciousness. The Consciousness of Unconditional Love.
For how can we manipulate or be manipulated in the face of Unconditional Love? How can we be our pure, undiluted and perfect selves? How can we come to a place of Divine Wisdom and uncompromised Truth? It simply cannot be.
Drop the mind games and open your heart to your situation. Maybe you need to let go of someone or something that is toxic to you. Maybe it is time to alter the direction of your life path to find a healthier perspective. Bless and release the games and step boldly into your truth. Demand the very same integrity from others that you courageously offer them.
Play games with your pets, your kids. Make sure they are uplifting, heart centered and fun. These are the only games to lovingly partake in.
Namaste
Dee
~Archangel Oracle
*Gospel Of Aradia, by Stacey Demarco, Artwork by Jimmy Manton