Research

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Daughter (Page) of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, the Anvil and Hammer:

If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?

–Albert Einstein

The Daughter/Page is curious with a strong streak of practicality. She's learning about effective tools and how to use them, yet she's willing to expand their use in inventive ways. The Anvil and Hammer are tools of the smith, a craft that was surrounded by an air of mystery and respect. Their ability to transform iron into weapons and useful implements was much admired. The Daughter desires to use resources wisely and effectively, transforming her life and those around her. Yet it is a sure bet that she will take Bob Iger's advice: "You can't allow tradition to get in the way of innovation. There's a need to respect the past, but it's a mistake to revere your past."

For those friends who were concerned about Hurricane Helene's impact (which was supposed to gallop right over us): We were very lucky, while others were not. It took a turn eastward, so we got the west wall instead of the eye. While there has been flash flooding, our house isn't under water, and while there is a lot of debris to pick up, our tall trees are still standing. 

Agency

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Chariot; from the Pictish Oracle, the Hammer and Anvil:

A person with a health sense of agency believes they are responsible for their thoughts, feelings, and actions. ―Jason Spencer

          The artist's use of one horse rather than two pulling in different directions made me think of the word 'agency.' In social science, agency is defined as the capacity to act independently and make one's own decisions. It is similar to responsibility, but also requires some knowledge and resources to be effective. If we don't understand that our emotions and thoughts are rarely indicators of reality, we have little ability to competently navigate our own chariot. We must first learn how to pause before reacting and sort fact from fiction. The Hammer and Anvil carvings are a nod to the craft of the smith, a person who was able to take rough lumps of ore and transform them into gleaming weapons or tools. We too must shape and transform old patterns of thinking and habits of action if we want to hone our power of independent choice. Like a talented smith, it will require a commitment to patience and practice.