Making It Manageable

This week I'll be using the Dark Mansion Tarot, an independently published deck (Taroteca Studio) by Krzysztof Wasiuk and Magdalena Kaczan (artist). I'll also be using Miss Mai's Victorian Oracle, a self-published deck created by Mai (surname unknown). Today's draws are the Two of Cups and Buckle:

Partnership is giving, taking, learning, teaching, offering the greatest possible benefit while doing the least possible harm. ― Octavia E. Butler

Any partnership, whether romantic or otherwise, requires two things to make it manageable: communication and respect. These are what keep things in balance and requires the effort of both parties. Of course we might need to take a page out of Aretha's book when she sings, "R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me." Families, cultures and traditions can be widely divergent, so it's good to understand how each of our ideas about communication and respect have been shaped and formed. From there, compromise will likely be necessary. For instance, some people don't want to talk about every little thing, but not talking at all can make the other feel ignored. The Buckle card represents securing something, and in the case of partnerships, that might boil down to self-awareness. An objective view of our beliefs, behaviors, strengths and weaknesses can allow us to see our part in the mix instead of just dumping all the responsibility on the other person.