Every Lid Has a Pot

From the Tarot of Durer, the Knave (Page) of Swords; from the Philosopher's Stone Deck, 'Complement:'

          I know what you're thinking... "Why is this older guy still a Page?" He definitely has the intelligence and skill to move up in the ranks, and nothing gets past his sharp eyes or ears. What he lacks are diplomacy and tact. If there is a pink elephant in the room that everyone else is politely trying to avoid noticing, he points it out with gusto. Whatever passes through his mind comes straight out of his mouth with no filter. The Complement card implies the adage that "every lid has a pot." Though this Page is not everyone's cup of tea, he works well with folks who have a hard time speaking up. He can also be a refreshing change when surrounded by people pleasers who can't utter an honest opinion about anything. He may take some getting used to, but he'll never deliberately lie or sugarcoat a thing.

I'll be out of town for the next several days celebrating my mom's 80th birthday and likely won't be able to post anything until I return. Just didn't want anyone to think I disappeared! 

Seeing the Whole

From the Tarot of Durer, the Knave (Page) of Pentacles; from the Philosopher's Stone, Complement:

          The booklet describes this Knave as a 'scholarly youth,' though the knowledge he seeks is not abstract. He prefers practical information that can be put to use - how to manage time wisely, live a long, healthy life and sustain a secure lifestyle. In his view, plans and dreams are only as good as the actions that follow them. He's a realist by nature; the skull denotes his awareness of how transitory life can be. For that reason, the Knave may be impatient to find the answers he seeks. The Stone card, Complement, suggests a lesson that might not come easy for this lad. He'd prefer a straightforward 'yes or no,' 'black or white' explanation for everything. Make it cut and dried, thank you very much. But the different pieces of stone that fit together like puzzle pieces imply that life isn't that simple. Sometimes the answer isn't either/or but both (like the question of nature vs. nurture). If he can incorporate this wider outlook into his education, he'll end up with a much more complete picture rather than only a piece of it.

Adding a Suit

From the Tarot of Durer, the Queen of Swords; from the Philosopher's Stone, "Complement:"

All of the queens have the ability to nurture and encourage according to their suit. The Queen of Cups lets me know when I'm not being kind (to myself or others). The Queen of Pentacles reminds me when I'm being impractical. The Queen of Wands will push me to be more assertive when I'm too passive. And the Queen of Swords points out when I've given false thoughts free rent in my head. When I am spiraling out of control, I imagine she would tell me to play detective and ask myself questions similar to these from J.C. Peters:

• What thought is contributing to this feeling?
• What evidence do I have that this thought is true?
• What else could be going on?
• What evidence do I have for those alternatives?

The pieces of boulder on the Philosopher's Stone card is similar to a jigsaw puzzle; they fit together nicely. In considering the four queens above, they also complement and balance each other out. It made me stop and think if the friends I have (people I look to for advice) could be sorted this way. If not, I might benefit by adding in the missing suit.