Relax, Smile, Have Some Fun

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, Enigma (High Priestess):

What wisdom do you read in the book of your soul?

How must you apply it in this matter?

The above sketch was an early study of the Mona Lisa. You can see where Da Vinci toyed with adding a palm frond in her arms. I had no clue how to answer the questions for this card, until I read in the companion book that this work of art  is also known as La Gioconda, the "the Playful One." My life lately has been filled with situations that needed handling, problems that needed solutions and quite a lengthy "to do" list. What has been missing is pure, joyful play. Setting aside the serious adult and allowing myself to connect with that fun-loving childlike part of myself isn't easy. Heaven forbid that someone might think I'm immature or a slacker. Yet that merry gleam in her eyes reminds me of the need for balance in my life - no matter what else may be going on.

From the Insectorum Divinorum comes the card "Diversity:"

Beetles make up 40% of all described insects, and there are approximately 174,250 lepidopteran species (butterflies, moths, and skippers). Having attempted to identify many insects in both categories, I can easily see why Esmeralda chose "diversity" as a keyword for this card. In her booklet, she prompts me to remember the numerous ways there are to solve a problem or deal with a situation. Adding this information to the High Priestess above makes me think of a quote by actor John Cleese: “If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.” Play is like meditation; it can relax the rigid barriers in my mind so that other information and ideas can flow through.