Keeping the Line Open

From the Fey Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the I Misteri Sibilla, Conversazione (Ace of Hearts):

          Like a parkour practitioner, this fey leaps from branch to branch looking for the fastest and most efficient way possible to the top of the tree. Yet no matter how quickly things are moving, the Conversation card indicates that communication should not be sacrificed. Just as in an ER where doctors and nurses are constantly announcing blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart rates while looking for injuries, it helps to have an open line from various sources to keep us apprised of what we might miss as things move at a rapid pace. The best communicators are like great dancers, each letting the other take their turn at leading. 

The two words 'information' and 'communication' are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through. ~Sydney J. Harris

Everybody Knows Your Name

From the Fey Tarot, the Queen of Chalices; from the I Misteri della Sibilla, the Ace of Hearts (Conversation):

          Rather than a small cup, this queen sends out water from a giant chalice (reminding me of the practice of tonglen). People know her as a woman of compassionate understanding with the ability to deeply listen - skills sorely lacking in a self-absorbed society. It's no wonder she rarely has a spare moment of solitude. Her biggest challenge, however, is knowing how to gently mother herself, to take time to touch her own emotions tenderly and allow herself to apply the balm of kindness to them. As Brian Andreas poetically describes it, "There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself." The Ace of Hearts is a card of affection, and in this watercolor is a group sharing an engaging dinner conversation. As much as self-compassion and care is beneficial, we need people. The theme song from the series Cheers explains it perfectly:

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. 

Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. 

Wouldn't you like to get away? 

Sometimes you want to go 

Where everybody knows your name, 

and they're always glad you came. 

You wanna be where you can see, 

our troubles are all the same 

You wanna be where everybody knows 

Your name.