Six of Wands - You've Got A Friend

 I couldn't have ever reached my successes or achieved my goals without the help of my friends. Regardless of what form this help comes, in big or little kindnesses from others it can be monumental, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant. This love, support and encouragement should never be underestimated or taken for granted because it can change our lives.

 It's certainly changed mine in too many ways to count, and I am so grateful for my friends and even for those who are not friends because they too have taught me so much about life and love.

Recently I had my 64th Birthday, and was given a surprise party, something that I've never had before in my life. I was completely overwhelmed by the kindness and generousity shown to me, and it will be one of the most memorable Birthdays ever.

 I can say that the kindness of others has changed my life, in that I'm so grateful, because it has deepened my humanity, it makes me want to be a better person and to continue to pay it all forward in whatever way possible.

There couldn't be a better card to draw today than the Six of Wands. Wands represent Creativity, Fire and growth all enveloped in self-confidence and progress.

In the Six of Wands, we see Jason who has finally achieved the goal of finding The Golden Fleece, but he could never have accomplished this difficult spiritual pursuit without the love, support, and encouragment from his friends that enabled him to fulfill his creative vision quest.

Love Never Dies - Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords continues on bravely in spite of loss.
She is very much the idealist, in that she can expect a lot from others. This can be a big disappointment if these expectations are unrealistic. My experience has shown me that people will, and do disappoint, because they will never measure up to unrealistic expectations.  I have to accept my short comings, know and understand, that I have in the past, and no doubt will continue to disappoint someone in some way, simply because I am a human being. I need to forgive and love myself and others for not 'measuring' up.

On the other hand people can surprise, delight and display loving kindness that will restore faith, and my belief in the capacity for love. In this troubled world today, I need to hold fast to this, because it gives hope.

 I don't have to expect others to believe in what I believe, but if they can truly love others, and show human kindness, this is what is important to me.

I lost a close friend to death yesterday, and though I know he was not so much a believer in God, he displayed more generousity of spirit, gentleness, and love than many people who don't, but profess to love God. I never expected this of him, and accepted him as he was, as he accepted me, warts and all.

I certainly will miss him, very, very much. He had a lot to teach others about love, and I hope he knew just how much he was loved. My friend had three essential qualities in order to live a full life, a love for his fellow man and woman, humility, and a great sense of humour. It was a privilege, and a great blessing to have known him.
Howard helped to show me the way, and to know that love never dies.

Seven of Wands - The Struggle of the Underdog

Unlike here in the Seven of Wands, where we see a competitive and evenly matched fight, the struggle of the underdog is all too often not a fair fight.

Our world seems to be in a battle that has historically resulted in socioeconomic problems affecting marginalized individuals within our society. As well, environmental and climate change are all serious issues that usually involve the underdog, fighting government and corporate power. Unfortunately this battle revolves around financial gain and exploitation.

My grandfather who was a humble and very wise man always said, 'The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. ' I do believe this to be generally true, but this does not mean that we can afford to cease to have hope and no longer fight the good fight for the principles of social justice.

 The worst thing we can do, is to sit on our laurels because we have become apathetic, cynical or fearful in demoralizing defeat. We must have the conviction of our beliefs, have courage and learn our value as human beings, knowing that we all deserve and have a right to fight for justice and dignity. We must advocate for, and have faith in ourselves and in others.

The saying, ' It's a dog eat dog world ' may certainly appear very true in our competitive society.  There will always be envy and competition and it is something we must accept.
 I am not saying competition is a negative thing, only when it is destructive and infringes or exploits the rights of another. We need to support, and encourage each other in loving kindness, in order to make for a kinder,  more hopeful world, in service of peace and freedom.

Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers,
But to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain,
But for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not look for allies in life's battlefield,
But to my own strength.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved,
But hope for the patience to win my freedom.
Grant me that I may not be a coward,
feeling your mercy in my success alone,
But let me find the grasp of your hand in my failure.

                                                                               -  Rabindranath Tagore

 

Page of Pentacles - Thirst For Knowledge

The suit of Pentacles are connected with all things of the earth and our physical selves, they are also associated with all the earth signs of the Zodiac: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

There is always a message to be found in the Page. Pages represent brand new beginnings, youth, unmarried, inexperienced individuals and the novice.

The scholar is represented in this card who has a thirst, and pursuit for knowledge. We can be educated but not necessarily have a thirst for knowledge, resulting in an educated fool. This person is careful, uses common sense, and diligently applies a love of learning and education, which can lead to an eventual vocation if the individual stays the course.
 Many of us start a new hobby or interest with great enthusiasm, however may fail to persevere, we can get lost in the details, and drown in our thirst for knowledge.

If we want to achieve and actualize our long term goals, this individual needs encouragement and mentoring in order to develop the intellect, that imaginative temperament over the duration of time, through creative nurturing care, and kindness.

Being connected to and with the earth, gives a strong foundation to creative learning, as there is a need to balance the mind with our physical selves, and overall health. The mind, body and spirit are all vital to our overall sense of well being and health. By keeping physically active, and spending time with nature, this affects all the other aspects of our lives in a positive way.

Outdoor learning in and about our natural world and environment, can be one of the best kinds of learning for everyone.

The message in the Page of Pentacles is, a thirst for knowledge, enables us to persevere in our pursuit for education, only if we are honest with ourselves, open minded and have a willingness to learn.