E for Effort

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Four of Summer (Cups); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, 'Gebo/Gyfu:'

           During our dog days of summer (when the heat and humidity nearly match in degree), I often look as limp and lethargic as this young man. But the root of his issue isn't caused by climate but emotional attitude. In the companion book Weatherstone writes: "Dissatisfaction with daily routine can indicate a need to break free of its patterns and seek new ways to approach life with interest." Now this doesn't seem too difficult, does it? But most of us prefer to be entertained rather than stoke our own curiosity or creativity. Eugene lonesco wrote, "Boredom flourishes too, when you feel safe. It's a symptom of security." A little stress could be a good thing if it gets us off our bums; then maybe we can do something different. The rune Gebo literally means 'gift,' though it also implies a fair exchange. Everything costs something. Sometimes it is simply effort on my part.