Shifts from Knowledge

From the Idiosyncradeck Tarot, the Page of Swords; from the Answer Deck, Change:

          This Page is smart but honest enough to know he doesn't know it all. His preferred way of learning is to ask questions and listen to the wisdom of others. The sword with its tip buried in the ground implies he's practical about who he learns from - he wants someone with some experience. The little sapling made me think of the tiny "future" bonsai tree I received at a gathering of enthusiasts a few weeks ago. At the meeting were two masters of the technique and quite a few interested participants. It wasn't hard to figure out who had the knowledge and who was there to learn, as the experts constantly had a group around them as they worked. Their intelligence was not only heard in their words but was apparent in the beautiful bonsai plants they had grown.
          Change shows an older tree losing its autumn leaves as it prepares for winter. There is a striking contrast between the young sapling as it sprouts leaves and the older tree that is almost bare. I am reminded by this card that knowledge changes us, sometimes in simple ways and other times in dramatic ones. Just look at what happened to Bill Cosby's image once people learned of his past actions. That which is learned can't be erased, as a court room phrase implies: You can't unring the bell.

"Poseidon" (a trident maple) - it looked like a stick when I got it, but now has leaves!