Coming and Staying

From Tarot by Caro, the Ten of Cups; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 13:

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

―Henry Ford

Anyone who's ever owned a house knows that no matter how nice it is, it will require upkeep. Families and partnerships are no different. People change as the years go by and develop new ideas and activities. Unity can thrive with diversity if we don't assume everyone needs to be the same. Emotional awareness (the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions and those of others) and emotional intelligence (using emotional awareness to guide thinking and behavior) are important keys. Hexagram 13 is about gathering with others; it encourages us to step out of our comfort zone and interact. Outside groups can teach us how to deal with disruptions and disagreements without resentment or animosity. Sounds like a great way to learn some skills to keep a family together too. 

But First, A Question

This week I'll be using the Japaridze Tarot, painted by Nino Japaridze. Its booklet was written by Steve Lucas and the set was published by U.S. Games. The oracle I'll be drawing from is the I Ching, illustrated by Klaus Holitzka with instructions by Marlies Holitzka; it is published by AGM Urania. Today's draws are the Seven of Tides (Cups) and Hexagram 13:

          Japaridze states that this card is about overwhelming choices and ethical challenges. The jewels, coin, and golden statue bring to mind a verse from Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Where our attention and time are spent usually show where we think our 'treasure' lies. But the snakes in this card are a warning to be careful about what we pour our heart into because we might end up bone-dry after all of our efforts. Hexagram 13 is called 'Communion with Humanity' by Holitzka. It suggests that harmony is possible if there is a common goal and everyone can use their individual talents. As Phil Jackson put it, "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." Using our personal abilities and skills is not about making a name for oneself but for creating a better whole. Perhaps the question asked in the Seven of Tides should be "what's in it for us" rather than "what's in it for me" if emotional fulfillment is what we're seeking.