Trimming the Overgrowth

From the Deirdre of Sorrows Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Hawthorn:

          All she wanted was an estimate for an irrigation system for her garden. Now these knuckleheads are getting nothing accomplished because they are too busy arguing (likely trying to impress her) about the best way to do it. From that 'hands on the hips' posture, she will likely be knocking some heads together soon. I can't stand to be in a group argument that simply revolves around beliefs; I much prefer discussions that center on facts and logic. We don't have Hawthorns in my area, but we do have pyracantheas (aka 'firethorn'). Unless you want an impenetrable thorny wall, at some point they must be cut back to be kept in bounds (thus the keyword, 'necessary evil'). These two cards don't bode well for my trip to 'cousin camp' hosted by my mom every summer. She believes in keeping family together whether we like it or not. I do love my cousins, but our ideas about all of the touchy subjects (politics, religion, etc.) are miles apart. I would prefer not to talk about them at all, but one of the group has big opinions that she enjoys sharing. Normally I sit in mute silence (inwardly churning) in order to keep the peace. But the second card suggests I might respectfully speak my truth, not to debate, but in an effort to cut off the never-ending flow. Or at the very least I could simply say, "I don't see it that way," and leave it at that.