Survival Mindset

From the Sun and Moon Tarot, the Emperor; from the Wisdom Keepers Oracle, Inspiration:

          It's daybreak, and though this Emperor looks very relaxed, he's already has his bee platoon reporting in about what's happened in the overnight hours. The lamb by his feet suggests that he is a lover of peace, but the shield leaning on this chair shows he'd go to battle in an instant to protect his kingdom. The phoenix on the shield implies he's no stranger to having to rebuild and start over. Perhaps it's not that he's up so early, but that he didn't sleep at all. Feeling responsible for the safety and welfare of others can put one in a survival mindset. That kind of pressure and worry is a heavy weight to bear.
          The woman drawn for Inspiration appears to have a woven, wide-brimmed hat hanging from her neck. Her forehead has a mountain of lotus petals on a background that resembles basket weaving. The booklet states that she can "dismantle your thinking," which could fit with the basketry idea. Fibers taken (dismantled) from various sources - pine needles, tree bark, rushes, vines, animal hide, etc. - are collected for making containers of all sizes. An important factor for selection is that the fibers must be pliable in order to be used. Looking at the Emperor, I'm not so sure flexibility is in his skill set. But what if he could break down what he's learned while eliminating what's no longer beneficial (pliable)? He might find room for adding new ideas (fibers) to weave into a sturdy container, possibly including a splash of color. Inspiration may help him realize structure is only good if it doesn't put a stranglehold on the spaciousness of joy.

I think it only makes sense to seek out and identify structures of authority, hierarchy, and domination in every aspect of life, and to challenge them; unless a justification for them can be given, they are illegitimate, and should be dismantled, to increase the scope of human freedom.

~ Noam Chomsky