Argumentative Altercation

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Knight of Air (Swords); from the Curious Oracle, Alchemy:

When we respond from a more dispassionate perspective, and are not just caught in the game of defending or promoting our ego, it is as though a different world opens up. We begin to see how our limited focus has prevented us from developing a bigger vision of what is going on and how best to respond to it. ―Judy Lief

With beak open, claws extended and feathers flying, this Knight of Swords/Air is not afraid of an argument. He believes if he has the facts, then he's right. What he lacks is context (what might be true in one situation is not necessarily true in another) and empathy. He's got skin in the game - he enjoys the reputation of being knowledgeable and likes to prove it. Alchemy (transformation) suggests there is a middle way without painting everything in black or white. Sincerely listening rather than just telling can help him not only better understand another perspective, it can make him less argumentative. And being less cocky can make the other side more willing to listen to his point of view as well.

Without a Net

From the Osho Zen Tarot, Trust (Knight of Cups); from the A'HA Oracle, 'Alchemy:'

I don't mind working without a net. ~ Mary Chapin Carpenter

          Having genuine faith in anything is tough for humans; we'd rather experience a known amount of pain than deal with uncertainty. But this Knight goes beyond a mere mental acknowledgement; he acts without knowing for sure what the outcome will be (at least in the realm of emotions and relationships). The Knight of Cups doesn't have to do this blindly, however. Buddhists speak of 'bright faith,' which is trust based on observing certain practices and principles that work in another person's life. Yet the second step is just as important - 'verified faith' - when this framework is used in one's own life and tested. Only if it meets the personal test is it relied upon. The card of Alchemy shows bees creating honey from nectar. After gathering a load, each bee passes its mouthful to other workers who chew it and pass it on for about thirty minutes. It takes at least eights bees their entire lifespan to make one teaspoon of honey. Both cards suggest learning from others and accepting assistance. We might have to work without a net, but that doesn't mean we have to do it alone and without wisdom freely offered.

Feeding the Mind

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Queen of Air (Swords); from A Curious Oracle, 'Alchemy:'

          The Queen of Air feeds a group of crows, each representing different ideas and bits of information. What do I feed my mind with on daily basis? Once I turn on the computer, I've got news from friends and family as well as news from the world at my fingertips. I attend several groups where people share opinions and beliefs, and I am always reading books and magazines to educate and develop myself. In a world over-run with a variety of media, it's easy to experience information overload; I must be aware of how much absorb, taking in only what is beneficial and leaving the rest behind. Alchemy is a medieval philosophy and early form of chemistry based on purifying, maturing and perfecting substances. Not only was it focused on base metals, but human consciousness as well. DeFount describes this card as an intentional rather than accidental transformation. What do I do with the knowledge I mix together in my head? Is it used to make me feel better about myself or smarter than other people (fertilizing my ego)? Knowledge that smugly sits stagnates; knowledge mindfully applied transforms.