Opening the Fist

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, the Ten of Dreamers; from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Aspen (Éabhadh):

Don't cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.

—Aubrey de Grey

In this Ten of Dreamers/Swords card, trees are uprooted amid a waterfall of blood. We can be so intoxicated with excitement as we shape our plans that we forget to test our ideas against reality. For some of us, it takes a lot of misery before we're ready to give up those dreams. But like a closed fist, we can't receive anything better if we don't open our hand/mind. Aspen (Éabhadh) is a tree that often grows in stands, colonies that share one giant root system. It reminds us that we need the support of other people. Rationalization can keep us from seeing uncomfortable realities, but others can help us see through these defenses, showing us the benefits and drawbacks of our ideas.

Competitive or Collaborative?

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Maker Six (Six of Pentacles); from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Aspen:

The Six of Pentacles offers a chance to practice generosity, creating more of a balance in resources so that no one lacks basic needs. Yet we can corrupt any generous offering by labeling others as worthy or unworthy of our gift, or by making a spectacle of our giving in order to look good in the eyes of others. We might find at some point, however, that we are the ones in need. Would we want to be treated as we have done? Aspens grow in large colonies that are derived from one seed but spread by roots. Each individual tree can live for 40–150 years above ground, but the root system of the colony is long-lived. It suggests that we are stronger when we support each other, and asks: "Is your mindset competitive or collaborative?"

Pointing Fingers

From the Anna K. Tarot, the King of Swords:

This King lives his life like a person would play a chess game - his moves are carefully and objectively planned in advance. His actions are pragmatic rather than idealistic, and he has no trouble emotionally detaching from any situation. He reminds me very much of the bankruptcy lawyer that has taken over the management of the group of homes where my mother-in-law lives. To keep things running until the property is sold, the residents have been told they must pay a $400/month maintenance fee or face eviction (even if they bought their unit). So far, three elderly residents have been evicted because they refused to pay. I can't imagine being so ruthless, but in the lawyer's mind, it's not fair to those who do pay. Still, making decisions so disconnected from sympathy boggles my brain.

From the Green Man Tree Oracle comes "Aspen - Eabhadh:"

One of the word oghams for the Aspen is "distinguished wood from the trembling tree," a nod to this tree's habit of fluttering its leaves in the slightest breeze. The shaking of the leaves was linked to the legend of the Aspen being used for Christ's cross. In Wales, the tree was deemed cursed because of its use. Now to me, this is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. Why would you blame a tree for something a human did? All that tree did was grow in the sun until a human cut it down. Using the mindset of the King above, perhaps this is a message for me to be more objective before pointing any fingers of blame.