It's a Complicated Whole

This week I'll be using the Ship of Fools Tarot created by Brian Williams and published by Llewellyn. Paired with it will be the Wisdom of the Four Winds created by Barry Brailsford, illustrated by Cecilie Okada and published by StonePrint Press. Today's draws are Judgment and 'Antares:'

          The Judgment card shows Moses and Samuel sending a shower of frogs and locust down upon the Fool. Does he feel like he is being singled out for punishment by the Universe? Did his actions lead to his suffering? In either case, there is something to be learned - a wake-up call of sorts. As Vega 4 sings, "Life is beautiful, but it's complicated." Indeed, it is full of a measure of sorrow and joy for everyone. No one gets a pass, and to think otherwise just brings more suffering as we wallow in self-pity. On the other hand, intentional actions will cultivate seeds of sorrow or joy; we may try to hide our motives, but once those seeds grow, others will clearly see them for what they are. In Maori legend, Antares (the summer star) gave Tane (the life force) three baskets of knowledge for humankind. These baskets contained spiritual knowledge, knowledge about the natural world, and cultural knowledge. However, wisdom required using the three in balance in order to live harmoniously. Both these cards symbolize a need to see the greater whole and to act holistically, recognizing a connection between ourselves and all we encounter.