No Complaints

From Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, the Blood Bond (Four of Water/Cups); from the MentorSpirit Cards, Clarity:

         This card, while resembling the Lovers and Two of Cups, is actually a nontraditional version of the Four of Cups called "Blood Bond." Such a relationship can be through family ties, but it can also a strong bond forged by friendship or an allegiance to a group. And though these relationships represent strength and security (the number four), they can require a strict loyalty and obedience. I used to spend a week at the beach with my mom and cousins each summer, along with our kids. Five adults and seven children is kind of chaotic, but we managed. But when the kids became teens and young adults, that beach house started feeling mighty cramped with no space to breathe. Sometimes those blood bonds can feel less like stability and more like a strait jacket. The fractal on the Clarity card looks like a tornado; in this case I would guess an emotional one. Musician Joni Mitchell once said that any song about overwrought feelings would fall flat without clarity, otherwise it would just be complaining. I think being in a tightly knit group lends itself to complaints more than clear seeing. But I'm the one who needs to figure out my own values and priorities rather than stay in lockstep with the rest of the troop. No need to complain if I can't take responsibility for my own needs.

Preparation is not a Four Letter Word

From the Idiosyncradeck Tarot, the Ace of Arrows (Wands); from the Answer Deck, Clarity:

          In a barren area, an arrow has been planted in the ground. A small plant is beginning to grow around it's tip, but looking at that hot sun overhead, I wonder how it will survive. Is there an irrigation system in place? What about the nutrients it might need that aren't present in the sandy soil? The thing about being passionately motivated to act is our emotions can get ahead of our brains. Our enthusiasm overlooks the details that will require our project to stay alive. The Clarity card suggests (before going off half-cocked) we let our adrenaline rush die down just a bit, at least enough to let the mud settle. We might want to jump in immediately, but there's a good chance we're ill prepared to hang in for the long haul. Preparation might feel like it's slowing us down, but in the end it will be what keeps us going to the finish line.

It's Revealing

From the Spiral Tarot, the Lovers; from the Sacred Journey Cards, "Clarity:"

          The faces of these two lovers show they obviously don't share the same expectations. While she seems to be looking for spiritual union, he's obviously only looking for a fleshly one. The angel above them holds alchemical gold in his hands, symbolizing integration and wholeness. Neither expectation is better, but combined together they will bring fulfillment. Added with the Clarity card, it is plain that the Lovers is about the battle within me of my heart and head. "Truth as it is revealed" suggests patience while things play out. I obviously don't have control over the timetable of events happening, but eventually the clouds will clear. Then I'll know what to do with that pot of gold.

A Bit of This, A Bit of That

From the Spiral Tarot, Temperance:

After a long, exhausting night (a definite Tower moment), I was happy to see this peaceful card. The sun shines between two mountains, liquid is mixed in two cups, and a rainbow arches over everything. When struggles happen, I think it is human nature to either believe everything is doom and gloom or to try and firmly shut the door on what happened and pretend you never have to look at it again. But the sun between the peaks, the combination of colors in the rainbow and the mixture in the cups remind me it is never this nor that but something in the middle. Moderation and balance is needed not only in perceiving the situation but also in my actions that follow.

From the Sacred Journey Cards comes "Clarity:"

When I'm tired and emotional, it's easy to believe what I feel is reality. But just because I fear something doesn't mean it is going to actually happen. My thoughts and emotions often mushroom things way out of proportion to what they actually are. I need to go back to Byron Katie's advice. Do I absolutely, positively know this thought is real? How would my life be different if I didn't believe that thought?

Let's Make a Deal

  From the Tarot of Dreams, the Two of Wands:

Door number one or door number two: which will I choose?  The red door promises new adventures and excitement, but will also bring challenges and obstacles to overcome.  The blue door promises calmness and routine, but the stability may begin to feel tedious and dull.  I suppose my choice will depend on whether I've been riding a roller coaster or carousel lately.  Too much stimulation, and I'll probably be ready for a bit of serenity; too much boredom, and I'll be ready to add some spice to my life.

     From the MentorSpirit deck comes "Clarity:"

In making a decision, my attitude and emotions are what can muddy the waters.  If I am fearful, my choice will be based on the "what ifs;" if I am angry, my choice will be based in a need for revenge.  Sometimes neediness masquerades as love, and my selection will lead to enabling.  If I am full of false pride, I may refuse to admit my ideas are wrong, and opt for what backs up my beliefs.  There's a lot that can affect my clarity; my job is to honestly examine myself first, before I come to a decision.