Flying Low

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, the Nine of Swords; from the I Ching Pack, Hexagram 62:

Like a bird, do not fly too high or attempt too much because this will lead to disaster. ~Diana F. Hook

Though battered from his encounters with life, this guy is still standing with an expression that says "Bring it." He knows that getting knocked down is not an issue as long as you're willing to get back up and learn from your experience. Yet Hexagram 62 - Safety in Smallness - suggests a bit of humility is essential. It is good to be confident, which can give us the courage to act. But when we are overconfident, we lose our alertness and willingness to learn, falling easily into complacency.   

Look at the Pieces

From the Japaridze Tarot, Love (Lovers); from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 62:

           Instead of two lovers, the Japaridze card shows a pixelated heart over a human form. The companion booklet describes this card as an ethical or moral choice. The pixels remind me how complex human beings are. We are made up of millions of experiences that shape our ideas and beliefs. Judging someone only by the outside will miss all the bits of information on the inside. Taking the time to get to know someone - their values, goals and motivations - could completely change my mind about them (one way or the other). Hexagram 62 is often called 'Small Powers' and refers to how the small, seemingly insignificant things are important. It warns that one should read between the lines and notice the parts that make up the whole. I think when it comes to people, one of the easiest ways to do this is to simply observe their actions and how they respond to life's ups and downs.

Where's Your Head?

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, Death; from the I Ching Pack, Hexagram 62:

          It is particularly attention-worthy to me that I've drawn Death the day after my birthday. Yet it doesn't seem ominous (even with all the red), but more like a stop sign reminding me that life isn't found in the past or the future but the present moment. Dwelling on nostalgic memories won't turn back the clock; neither will lingering on resentments or past hurts change history. Focusing solely on the future with concrete expectations (which are likely never to appear) may make me miss what's going on right under my nose. Which leads directly into Hexagram 62, Thunder over Mountain. That crane is looking downward, not ahead or behind. Shelter is needed now, and he'd best be looking for a place to lie low until the storm passes. Both of these cards almost seem to shout, "Get your head out of the clouds!"

Clearly, all fear has an element of resistance and a leaning away from the moment. Its dynamic is not unlike that of strong desire except that fear leans backward into the last safe moment while desire leans forward toward the next possibility of satisfaction. Each lacks presence.

― Stephen Levine (1937 – 2016)