Cloudy Within

From the Stone Tarot, the Moon; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, Dhammapada 19:256:

Darkness within clouds the world without.

―Anasazi Foundation

Our perception of reality is not an accurate reflection but a constructed interpretation. This subjective view is shaped by our prior experiences, expectations, cultural background, emotions, and physical states. If we're having a bad morning, we're likely going to view everything with the taint of negativity until that mood changes. The Moon reminds us that what we think is going on could be like the reflection of a fun house mirror. The Dhammapada verse reads: "One is not just who judges a case hastily." Be curious rather than rash and include for others' assessments. Clarity can be a complicated thing.

Good Leadership

From the Stone Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, chapter 19 from the Dhammapada:

The glowing lion's face seems to give the King of Wands pause. He might ponder the question, "What is the difference between leadership and machismo?" Machismo might include bravery, but it is also interwoven with threads of dominance, aggression, arrogance, and feelings of superiority and entitlement. Such a toxic mindset forgets that a beneficial leader focuses on connection, communication and helping others grow so that the community will thrive. Ego takes a backseat to service in good leadership. The verse from the Dhammapada seems to encourage two other traits - patience and prudence:

One is not just who judges a case hastily.