Undiminished Overflow

This week I'll be using the Vision Quest Tarot, a deck created by Gayle Silvie Winter and Jo Dose (Illustrator); it was published by AGM Müller. I'll also be using Bird Cards, a deck and book set by Jane Toerien (Author) and Joyce van Dobben (Illustrator); it was published by Altamira-Becht. Today's draws are the Three of Water (Cups) and "Cuckoo:"

The mind constricts and love unbinds. The mind says, "Don't let go or overflow." Love says, "Be free without formality." ~ Rumi

          Inside myself is a small, tightly capped container labeled "conditional joy and love." Like a million dollar bottle of wine, it is shown off but never shared; its purpose is to try and support my self-worth when it is sagging. If the bottle ever breaks, all is lost. But there is another vessel inside, one that is more like a hollow tube. Joyfulness flows in and out without ceasing or diminishing, because its source is not based on external conditions. The overflow begs to be shared, to be offered "without formality." Like the breath, it seems only natural to send out what has been freely received.

          The only information I've ever learned about cuckoos is that one of them really loves Cocoa Puffs. As the Bird Cards book is full of New Age ideas but no practical information, I did a bit of research about these birds. I found that the cuckoo family gets its common name from the call of the male Common Cuckoo (goo-ko) - no connection at all with breakfast cereal. The feathers of the cuckoos are generally soft, and often become waterlogged in heavy rain. As a result, they must sun themselves to dry out and relieve the heaviness. This card reminds me that emotional treasures aren't meant to be hoarded. As Reba McEntire sings:

Smile's not a smile until it wrinkles your face,

Bell's not a bell without ringing;

A home's not a home when there's nobody there,

A song's not a song without singing;

Love isn't love till you give it away.