I use tarot and oracle cards as tools for reflection and contemplation. Rather than divining the future, they are a way for me to look more deeply at the "now."
"The goal isn't to arrive, but to meander, to saunter, to make your life a holy wandering." ~ Rami Shapiro

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Compassion without Co-dependency

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the King of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, the Dolphin:
          This king rules and guides with unconditional love, which is a good thing since his job is similar to running a customer service counter. Have you ever seen someone who stopped by a store's customer service department who was happy and just wanted to say what a great job they were doing? No, they're usually frustrated and impatient on good days and irate and hostile on the worst. Yet the King of Cups is known for his composure; he may keep his heart open and empathetic, but he doesn't get caught up in any emotional nets cast out. He remains compassionate without becoming co-dependent because he doesn't treat other people as an extension of himself. He's not concerned with pleasing other people or getting their approval, but genuinely caring for them without any emotional clinging. Sometimes that kind of care can send them stomping off in a huff. The Dolphin shows up to remind the king that while having deep feelings for others is a worthy endeavor, he needs to maintain his own emotional balance by coming up for air (with a few playful moves for good measure). Throw off that robe and get on your swim trunks, Your Highness; it's time to go parasailing.

9 comments:

  1. Lol, I don't see any parasailing in my future, but I love the concept! That the King of Cups may sometimes tap into his own Page of Cups, but in a mature, reasoned way, so as to have a bit of fun, have a laugh. Laughter therapy :D

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    1. Compassion with a sense of humor - now that does sound like a winning combination!

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  2. That is good advice. That King needs a play day so we can continue his calm rule.

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  3. So that 'he' continues to rule calming. Guess the we that slipped in comment above means we all should put on our bathing suits and go have a good splash.

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    1. Goodness, it's hot enough here for a good splash! But yes, play dates are just as important as those times that demand a more serious demeanor. :)

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  4. Play and having a sense of humour is known to be the necessary tools that help us to remain humble, and human. That's what I learned many years ago after reading the book The Spirituality of Imperfection, by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketchum.
    Life is way too short to be taking so much, so seriously, all the time. I say make sure you play everyday!

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    1. Absolutely! I think that play helps us remain curious and open too!

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    2. A great post Bev! I love the King of Cups! And the Dolphin makes for a wonderful pairing!

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    3. The dolphin did seem a bit synchronistic!

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