Unconditional Giving

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Gift of Stones (Queen of Pentacles); from the Animal Tiles, Buffalo:

          Once again I am glad to have Pollack's book in order to understand what her card's illustrations attempt to get across. The curvy stone outlines in the middle represent the Ggantija Temples, two prehistoric temples on Gozo, an island in Malta. The oldest temple predates both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. The structures were dedicated to the Great Earth Mother, and there is evidence an oracle (priestess) resided here. A few artifacts have been found, including the famous, full-figured sleeping woman. Yet as archaeologist Marija Gimbutas explains, this was not a feminist culture but one that recognized the importance of interdependent kinship: "she [the Great Earth Mother] embodied in Her all powers of nature, male and female together. They were not separated. There are many sculptures in which she has a phallic head. This is Her strength—life stimulation." The addition of Buffalo to this card reminds me of the abundance that comes from benevolence. Both draws make me ask myself, "What part of me do I give to nurture and sustain life? Do I offer my gifts only to who or what I find useful and enjoyable, or to all?"