Taking the Extended Hand

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Six of Earth (Pentacles); from the Tao Oracle, 'The Taming Power of the Small:'

          Look closely and you'll see these climbers are connected to each other by a rope system. Shannon Davis of Climbing magazine writes, "A team of more than two has greater stopping power (weight) during a crevasse fall—a major concern on early-season climbs and when the snow is soft." A crevasse (a deep crack in ice or a glacier often hidden by snow) is a great analogy for those times in life when we unexpectedly meet health or financial setbacks. Yet having a rope system - people willing to share their resources with us - can offset the problem and allow us to get back on our feet. A crisis is overcome through a group effort, not because we pulled ourselves up. The Taming Power of the Small (hexagram 9) refers to times when we have little control or influence over our circumstances. The result is often that we struggle uselessly, attempting to "push the river." Like the spider who must endlessly repair her web, Padma encourages us to relax about situations we can't control and be alert for opportunities that will be of benefit. No sane climber in distress would tell his team, "I got this. I don't need your help." When opportunity reaches out, it would be wise to take its hand gratefully.