Sunny Side?

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Moon in Leo:

You might ask, is there always a sunny side? Maybe not. Or maybe it just reveals itself a little further down the road when our perspective broadens enough to see the whole picture.

―Richelle E. Goodrich

Place makes the statement that even the wealthy can find themselves in this position. Like the unbalanced beggar who reaches out though coins lie at his feet, we are rarely satisfied and constantly consumed with getting more. Place suggests what is missing is something greater than ourselves - the Quinta Essentia (fifth element) - an incorruptible energy of the universe. Focusing on spiritual principles and values rather than ourselves can give us another perspective of the world. Moon in Leo describes someone who is creative, loyal and warm-hearted, yet they always need validation from others. Unfortunately, this need can tank our self-worth when not received regularly. Instead, we might try validating ourselves, using our own yardstick of core values and goals to see how we're measuring up.

Put It on the Priority List

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Clover:

The human body’s adaptability is a testament to its remarkable design and evolutionary history. 

– Dr. Moses Lee

The Five of Coins shows a neglected outbuilding covered with vines and surrounded by weeds and dilapidated furniture. Likewise, the human body is often ignored. When we're busy, its needs often get overlooked until we are in pain or sick. But if we plan on traveling around in it for a while, it deserves our care. Clover - a symbol of hope and opportunity - reminds us that while our body isn't bullet proof, it is resilient. Managing our stress levels, eating healthy, exercising and getting rest can acknowledge all this wonderful vehicle of ours does for us. 

Shifting the Focus

From the Morgan Greer Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the Island of Trees:

At its core spirituality helps to give your life context. It's not necessarily connected to a specific belief system or even religious worship. Instead, it arises from your connection with yourself and with others, the development of your personal value system, and your search for meaning in life.

—Mayo Clinic

Rather than focus on loss and illness, the Morgan Greer suggests that our spiritual practice can be a great comfort in our distress. It can keep us tethered to what connects us and sustains us, offering us strength and a hope for change instead of obsessing about how bad things are. Passing by the Island of Trees, one of the seafarers broke off a branch that began to grow apples after three days, feeding them all for over a month. It suggests that we look for the simple things we can appreciate, even when we are going through hard times.  And as Ralph Blum stated, it can be transformative: "There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy."