Open Eyes

From the Prairie Tarot, the Nine of Wands; from the Medicine Cards, Fox:

          When I was young, my family rented a house on a huge farm that included crops and cattle. This fellow reminds me of the cowhands who were constantly checking the miles of fence for rotten boards or downed posts. The cattle would often use the fence to scratch themselves on, inadvertently knocking it over or breaking through. Many nights I spent listening to calves call for their mothers when the cattle broke out and went for a wander. The Fox has been given the keyword camouflage - an indication that observing without being observed might be necessary. Sometimes the information that we need to be aware of only comes when we aren't obvious about seeking it. 

I think we all suffer from acute blindness at times. Life is a constant journey of trying to open your eyes. ~Olivia Thirlby

Healing and Humor

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion deck, the "Fox:"

          This king sits under an apple tree (suggesting health), holding a coin (implying financial stability) while in the middle of a field with red poppy-like flowers (indicating comfort). I am reminded by this card how much more is represented by wealth than just dollars and cents. I am hoping his appearance means I'll be given some direction on how to care for my back and nerve pain. I've never experienced chronic pain like this before, and it has made me feel a great deal of compassion for those who do.
          When I saw the card with Fox, I was curious about the mirror in which he seems to be peering. In her companion book Gray writes, "By meeting your own reflection, Fox teaches you the ability to laugh at yourself and your mistakes, and to view life with humor and appreciation." Pain and stress contract my my muscles and my mind. Humor helps me relax and find a brief respite. Larry P. Aitken (Chippewa) once wrote, " the Old Ones say that one of the greatest healing powers in our life is the ability to laugh." I tend to agree with that wisdom.