Labor Lost

From the Gill Tarot, the Star; from The Circle, Reflection:

In the companion booklet Gill writes, "Following the period of instability (Tower), which invariably led to much inner questioning, many of us in fear and relief turn to constructing another Tower, again on our old ways of thinking." It's that instant reflex that seeks only to protect rather than understand that keeps us repeating old patterns. Yet the ibis, a symbol of truth and wisdom, suggests a better way - the one that the Reflection card represents. Of course it can be tempting to reflect on and blame the actions of others, but a true reflection shows only our own face. If we really want positive change, we need insight into our choices and their results. As Confucius stated, "Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous."