Fuel Layers

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Five of Fire (Wands); from the Curious Oracle, the Crypt:

The real conflict is between truth and lies. ~Don Miguel Ruiz

In forest fires, the fire spread is dependent on the fuel layer on the ground: grass, timber litter, shrubs and slash or blow-down. If the fire doesn't have enough fuel on the ground, it likely won't reach the crown of the trees and become uncontrollable. The Five of Fire suggests conflict that often starts with 'mind litter' - misinformation, a lack of data, and opinions stated as facts. Perhaps it is time to do a controlled burn to reduce the fuel layer by applying concrete evidence. The Crypt is a burial vault; what 'sleeps' there won't awaken in this lifetime. I am well aware that even cold, hard facts won't sway some folks whose self-identity is tied up with their pet opinions. Life is too short to waste. As Ben Goldacre wrote, "You cannot reason people out of a position that they did not reason themselves into." Sometimes the only thing you can do is to get away from the fire and save yourself. 

Make Your Own Meatloaf

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Knight of Fire (Wands); from A Curious Oracle, the 'Crypt:'

          Nothing quite says 'adventurous' like riding atop a flying, small-engine plane while holding two torches aloft. The Knight of Wands is an adrenaline junkie; he thrives on daring feats and tackling impossible challenges. In his world, 'risk' is not a word spoken in hushed whispers, but yelled with enthusiasm from the rooftops (from which he will likely jump with a self-made parachute). Though his weaknesses are a lack of common sense and a failure to follow-through on projects, he can teach me to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. Of course I don't need to replicate this guy's definition of different and exciting; as I was telling a friend the other day, we each have to "make our own meatloaf." The Crypt card's keyword is 'slumber,' a recognition of what's missing from such a nonstop lifestyle and the physical and emotional toll it can take. Sometimes chaos and risky behavior can be a distraction from dealing with the hollowness or lack of purpose I feel inside, and then the adrenaline can truly become an addiction. It is only when I'm willing to pause and quiet myself that I can see what is missing. Then perhaps I can find a solution rather than a temporary escape from my distress.