Wedding Bells

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Lovers; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Adaptability (Moon in Gemini):

The widened consciousness is no longer that touchy, egotistical bundle of personal wishes, fears, hopes, and ambitions which always has to be compensated or corrected by unconscious counter-tendencies;

–Carl G. Jung

          Place's Lovers card represents the Alchemical Wedding - a union of parts that take us beyond our personal desires and interests (creating gold from lead). Jung described this process of letting go of false images of ourselves created by others, letting go of the protective mask we wear to face the world, and owning those aspects of ourselves that we've projected onto other people. It requires that we navigate between ego inflation (seeing ourselves as more important and special) and ego deflation (seeing ourselves as damaged and inferior). Like a regular marriage, this union can be difficult, which is where Adaptability comes in. The Moon in Gemini represents a person who is curious and an information gatherer. Their openness to ideas is what makes them versatile and able to adapt to a such a union of diverse parts. Rather than trying to be an expert, they continue to learn and stay attentive.

Rusty Armor

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Knight of Vessels; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, "Adaptability:"

          This Knight strikes a pose as if walking down a fashion runway instead of in a stream. I have a feeling he combs his hair before going to bed (wearing his Tommy Hilfiger pajamas). Place explains that his entrance into the water symbolizes a desire to make sense of the emotions seeping up from his unconscious. I untangle my emotions with art, poetry, music and journaling; what looks like a sticky knot often loosens up under the waters of these activities.
          The card Adaptability parallels the last two I have drawn from this deck (Innovation and Versatility). Though obviously male, the figure reminds me of the Hindu goddess Kali standing on Shiva. The agile mind of Gemini meets the Moon's emotional need for security. I'm experiencing this with a person close to me - her mind and emotions are all over the place as she struggles to find solid ground and deal with reality. Sometimes what has worked before in such cases no longer provides any relief, and we must search for other alternatives. Continuing to stand in familiar streams will just rust our armor.