An Education in Relations

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Four of Cups; from the Master Tarot, 'The Children:'

          The Thoth framework calls this card 'luxury.' The excess found in the Four of Cups is a saturation of love and devotion that can begin to feel confining. One person smothers another with attention, while the other person stagnates without an outlet. Thus what would normally give pleasure and joy has been transformed into apathy and ingratitude. Resentment is just a few sips away; the giver feels unappreciated, and the taker feels undeserving and uncomfortable. The Children card suggests we remember that innocent part of ourselves before all the causes and conditions we experienced shaped us. Rarely does anyone get a helpful education in how to have healthy relationships growing up. What we crave and what we fear often becomes how we love and live. Could we have a do-over?

To be in any sort of relationship where you do not express yourself, simply to keep the peace, is a relationship ruled by one person and will never be balanced or healthy.

~Bronnie Ware

Exit Strategy

From the Norse Tarot, the Princess (Page) of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, Children:

          Sometimes as we grow older, we gain wisdom; on the other hand, it can also bring a tendency to stick to the old ways of thinking and doing things. And while it's not a bad idea to look to past experience for help in the present, it can dig a deeper rut if "how it's always been done" is no longer working. Barrett describes this Princess/Page as holding aloft a torch to light the way to an exit of a cave. She found the way out (a solution) because she is an explorer willing to take a few risks. Now the question is whether to sit in the dark or walk towards the light. The Children card from the Wolf Pack suggests seeing through a child's eyes. Most children (at least those who haven't been raised in neglect, abuse or ongoing trauma) are optimistic and eager to try anything new. Curiosity replaces fear, and enthusiasm replaces apathy. I'm sure they'll be right by the side of that Princess as she makes her way out of the cave.