Three of Cups - The Blue Bird of Happiness

Initial completion is what in all of the Threes of every suit represents. The Three of Cups augers the first part of the journey that heralds promise, and emotional fulfillment, love and happiness. Eros the god of love, is close behind Psyche's groom, whom she can not see. Psyche is in her bridal gown, and the nymphs holding the cups toward the couple in happy and joyous celebration.

It is a revelation of life to find out what we naively thought would make us happy once upon a time, changes as we age. When I was a girl of about 11 or 12, I was certain having breasts was going to make me happy. I dreamt of  wearing long necklaces draped over my bosom, I would be twenty, and  be a happy adult, as opposed to being an unhappy powerless kid. Wow, if it had been that easy I would be well happy by now!

I also believed if I could have a horse I would be happy, and I wanted to have a "normal " family. Neither of these things happened, however along with my ideas of happiness my dreams also changed, and this was a good thing.

I dislike that word normal. Normal does not mean happy, and happiness has nothing to do with normality. Frankly, I am not even sure what normalcy is. I know what happiness is for me. Happiness is sometimes an elusive thing, and certainly is different for everyone. Mostly I think it is living and appreciating the moment, and being grateful. Living in the past, or projecting into the future, is not where we find happiness. I now can take responsibility for my happiness, and that feels real good. This a great big life changing lesson, because it is based on reality, not on chasing castles in the sky, and not on having pipe dreams, or searching and expecting someone or something else other than ourselves to bring us happiness. It just ain't gonna happen!

The message of the Three of Cups is, to remember that, our initial feelings of joy and bliss are always changing along the path. The journey is not finished, and hard work lies ahead, but we can fully enjoy happiness in all it's human and divine promise, now.

Six of Wands - Success

The Six of Wands is a heady kind of card. It is about triumph, recognition and validation from others. You are rewarded for all your effort and hard work This card is very satisfying on an individual basis, because it heralds validation for perhaps some kind of creative work that one has achieved. However, it is important to remain humble, to keep you feet firmly planted on the ground, and know that there is still work ahead.

Success never comes without hard work, and if it does, it's often not appreciated particularly if it's given on a sliver platter. I have seen this on more than one occasion, where individuals take advantage of another's generosity, or their new found windfall is taken for granted. I think the reason for this behaviour can be partly attributed to human nature, however I do believe there are two kinds of people in life, those who give, and those who take. When I think about success I ask myself, what will my legacy be when I leave this mortal coil?

The Six of Wands really makes me contemplate what happiness and success mean. Life does not come with a manual for success. Many define it monetarily, and they follow this path, pursuing material richness, as opposed to inner treasures and gifts. Many do not simply perceive happiness as the thing that makes you successful.

 I have no desire to be wealthy, but like most folks would not choose poverty either. If we believe the meaning of success is happiness, then I think we can choose that for ourselves. But as Abraham Maslow' s hierarchy of needs indicates, we need to have the basics covered, such a food and shelter, before we can move forward in our pursuit of that elusive bird of happiness and on to self-actualization.