Cultivator

From the Jolanda Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from the Bird Signs deck, 'Song:'

Man shapes himself through decisions that shape his environment.

~ Rene Dubos

          To assess what kind of ruler this fellow is, we would need only to look at how the choices he's made affect those around him. The orange tree in his hand reminded me of the Thomas Fuller quote, "He that plants trees, loves others besides himself." He probably treats those in his kingdom like what he grows - nurturing and protecting while also training and pruning. The naga that forms a protective hood over his head shows he is worthy of respect (and the jaguar loincloth that he won't tolerate anything that endangers his people). He asks me bluntly, what are you using your resources to cultivate? How will your actions shape yourself and your environment? The Song card is associated with the 5th or throat chakra. In balance, it is similar to one of the Buddhist precepts: I vow not to engage in false speech but to speak and listen from the heart. I can speak my truth, but I need to do it gently and with compassion. Sincerely expressing my gratitude can be a way to nourish others. My 'song' - what I say and how I say it - will create either loamy or rocky soil.