River Guides

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Speaker of Rivers (King of Cups); from the Animal Tiles, 'Green Anole:'

          The big fish leading the others through the river is like a therapist or anam cara who can guide us through emotionally turbulent times. The Speaker of Rivers has enough experience and wisdom to help without becoming swept away in the drama. It is important, however, that this guide has been vetted and found trustworthy. Anoles are ectotherms, meaning they must use the sun or an environmental heat source to regulate their body temperature. In the same way, the King must regulate his relationship with those he helps to avoid becoming enmeshed himself. Like the anole's tail that can break off to distract a predator, emotional detachment is a skill that this King needs to develop. Such detachment does not cut off compassion or kindness. It is the realization that one person does not have the power to create change in another - that is solely the responsibility of the individual.