In Case of Rain...

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Six of Spring (Wands); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, "Eiwaz/Algiz:"

On the Six of Spring, the fairies are preparing to celebrate Beltane. A May Queen has been chosen and some of the older fairies adorn her clothes with flowers and ribbons. Weatherstone points out in the book that the older ladies have been chosen in the past and know what it feels like to have the honor. Yet they don't feel jealous; instead they relive the excitement by helping the young woman step into her role. No matter what the recognition, rarely does any achievement or tribute happen alone. There are always people who keep the wheels greased and turning in the background.
Algiz is sometimes translated as "elk," although the Old English poem refers to it as a sharp-edged sedge. The painting above made me think of a basketball player with his arms up guarding the net. The elk's antlers, the sedge and the upraised arms all have to do with protection. This is not an offensive move, but one that puts up strong boundaries to preserve what is held dear. I get the feeling that I may need an umbrella today, in case someone tries to rain on my parade.