Claws Out

From the Prairie Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Medicine Cards, the Badger:

Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret joy, for it means pushing back a boundary-line and adding to one's liberty. — Henri Frédéric Amiel

A sword points upward toward a thunderhead, an anvil-shaped cloud that signifies a severe thunderstorm. Sometimes inspiration and creative concepts come quickly like a lightning strike. At other times, they build more slowly like a thunderhead. In the latter case, a collection of thoughts might amass, producing insights that bring great change. Badgers are known for their tenacity and fierce protection of personal boundaries. Ideas that produce change are often met with pushback from those who prefer the current state of things. Yet if such shifts will be beneficial for our well-being and won't cause injury to others, we need to dig in with determination.

A True Badge of Honor

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, Brock/Badger:

It’s not brave to refuse to pay attention, to refuse to notice, to refuse to feel and know and imagine. The opposite of sensitive is insensitive, and that’s no badge of honor.

―Glennon Doyle

The Page of Cups draws emotional people to him like iron fillings to a magnet. He is empathetic and compassionate, so people who hurt seek him out for his willingness to listen without being judgmental. He's incredibly attuned and sensitive, such that he can just look at a person and intuitively know how they feel. Yet he manages to keep his feet on solid ground by bringing his thoughts back to the sensations of his own body. Brock (Badger) lives in extended social tribes and is a home-loving animal. However, it is known for tenaciousness, power and courage when driven to extreme measures. Spiritual warriors don't go seeking battles to join, but they will face challenges with gentle courage if it means helping another. 

Watch for High Tides

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Queen of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, the "Brock (Badger):"

           The Queen of Cups could be described as imaginative, intuitive and compassionate. But what I notice about this pen and watercolor image is the water level. Waves swirl around her feet but do not cover her heart or head. Even in this realm, there need to be boundaries. Otherwise, her imagination that might be expressed in the arts might end up as crazed scribbling on a bedroom wall. Her intuition could turn into paranoia, where everyone is a potential enemy and every situation a conspiracy. Her compassion might become codependency, as she begins to think her happiness depends on making everyone else happy. Don't let the tide catch you off guard, Queen.
          Badger has gotten a bad name he doesn't deserve. This fellow is steady-going and home-loving; he only turns into a furry Hulk when his peace, security or family are threatened. His motto is "live and let live" - unless you cross those boundaries. His fierce strength and power make him an admirable defender, yet those same qualities make him tenacious when he meets an obstacle or challenge. I'm sure he'll be on the lookout for anyone trying to flood his burrow with emotional drama.