Seeking Forgiveness

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Four of Rivers (Cups); from the Animal Tiles, 'Bumblebee:'

In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls...

Leviticus 16:29

          Pollack associates this card with the Jewish 'Day of Atonement,' Yom Kippur. It is a celebration of one's essence and its indestructible relationship with G-d. Before this day, one must first seek reconciliation with others, righting the wrongs you committed against them if possible. This day of forgiveness is a reminder to be mindful of daily actions, making a choice to do what is good and beneficial instead of what is self-serving. This card represents casting off the old self to find healing and connection. Bumblebees are wonderful pollinators. Yet unlike the honey bee, they produce only the amount of honey they need to feed themselves and their young. These insects are reminders that we can do good work, but we must not hold ourselves to an impossible standard. Sometimes forgiving ourselves can be the hardest work of all.

Realize, right now, that there is a very big difference between doing a bad thing and being a bad person. ~ Michael Davidson