Big Smiles, Big Burdens

From the Mystical Moments Tarot, the Ten of Wands; from the Inner Eye Oracle, Decision:

No matter how bad you have it, someone will always trade places with you.

—Vince Flynn

I've been a part of the Armchair Theologians book club for well over a decade now; we are a close group and have developed a great respect and fondness for each other. Yesterday I was leading the discussion ("The Cosmic Web"), and we ended a little early. I took advantage of the extra time and asked each person how they were (really) doing. It is always a shock to find out the people who seem to live such charmed lives are often carrying the heaviest of burdens. Decision asks if we would trade lives with another, especially if we are well acquainted with their actual rather than imagined life. We might reconsider the weight of our own loads, seeing them a little lighter than was first thought. People need us to ask about them, especially now, to let them know someone cares how they're doing. As Oliver Stark said, "Often the people with the biggest smiles can be struggling the most."

Into Action

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Alchemist's Oracle, Decisions:

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.

~Benjamin Disraeli

The King of Wands is illustrated with Benjamin Disraeli, a politician and a writer. He was much admired by Queen Victoria; it was he who ended her protracted mourning period after Albert's death and drew her back into a more public role. Like the King of Wands, Disraeli was a leader who inspired others with his boldness, ambitions, and innovative approach. The Decisions card suggests weighing the pros and cons of possible choices, choosing one that offers the best approach, and then engaging in action. But as Disraeli said, "Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most." Just one small step forward is the beginning.