Trust Funds

From the Jolanda Tarot, the Nine of Pentacles:

The sun releasing coins like raindrops made me think of the drought conditions we are often threatened with here.  It sounds weird, but air with moisture is lighter than dry air; dry air creates a high-pressure area which deflects storm systems.  Adding to the problem is lack of transpiration when the ground is dry - a process like evaporation where trees and other plants release water into the air (fully grown trees can release hundreds of gallons a day).  Thus no moisture is added to the air, causing an ongoing lack of rain.  I think of this cycle as I look at the Nine of Pentacles; these coins didn't magically appear from nothing - there was effort expended in order for the "rain" to come.  Self-discipline, persistence and hard work is what will allow me to make progress toward my goals.

From the Bird Signs deck comes "Quail:"

Interesting that this bird came up today, as the local plantations have been hosting a quail hunt for bigwigs and celebrities who like to shoot stuff.  In their defense, I will say they are geared toward conservation; they manage the numbers of birds and other game animals to prevent them from disappearing altogether.  Though they hunt the birds, they do so wisely, making sure there will be plenty to hunt again another time.  The creators of the deck tag this bird with the keyword "trust."  While I'm sure they meant another definition of the word, to me I think of something held back and saved, much like the plantations do with the wildlife resources we have here.