Balancing Both

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Page of Wands; from the Waterhouse Oracle, Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May:

They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.

—Terry Pratchett

This fellow has a look of boredom; I can imagine him asking why they must learn about places from a book instead of just going there. But knowledge and preparation are useful when traveling to new places. Knowing the climate will allow us to take the right clothes, and knowing the culture may help us not offend anyone. It can also be useful to know a few phrases in that language if it is different from ours. The name of Waterhouse's painting came from a line in Robert Herrick's poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time." It emphasizes the transient nature of life and encourages the reader to make the most of their opportunities. The poem was also a commentary on the social side of things - once married and with children, there would be little free time for enjoyment. This card is a counterbalance to the first, implying that study and planning are fine, but we don't need to neglect the going and doing in favor of it. 

Just for the Fun of It

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Nine of Coins; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May (1908):

          Black describes this card as "a time to savor," and James Ricklef says the same in Pithy Tarot: "Take time to enjoy what you have. Why else did you work to get it?" Indeed the hooded falcon that represents self-discipline (and why this woman has become independent and self-sufficient) also serves as a reminder to take some time off and do what one loves. Sounds crazy to think we have to train ourselves to relax, but consider the mindfulness movement, seminars on stress, and self-help books that abound to help us do just that. Waterhouse's painting is based on a poem by Robert Herrick ("To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time"):

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,

   Old Time is still a-flying;

And this same flower that smiles today

   Tomorrow will be dying.

Again the emphasis seems to be on taking time to enjoy this life instead of just slogging through it. Looks like a beautiful day ahead to do just that.