Long Arc

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Lovers; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, In the Peristyle:

Commitment is one of those words that is a noun but has an active element. As In the Peristyle shows, we take turns 'feeding' each other in different ways when we commit. At times that support and nourishment might seem lopsided - as with a mother who takes care of a child or a spouse who moves her home and career in order to follow her partner's job. But where commitment's vow of compassion and honor truly shines is when life turns things upside down: the adult child now cares for her aging mother or the husband who now cares for his wife with Alzheimer's. Sometimes the long arc of commitment can only be seen from a wide angle lens.

Out of Dark Spaces

From the Touchstone Tarot, the King of Wands; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, In the Peristyle:

          Black describes this King as a man who has self-confidence founded upon realistic skills and knowledge. He doesn't need any displays of superiority to make others look bad and himself look good. He never stays up late at night sending snarky tweets to those who he thinks don't hold him in high enough regard. He's a real leader who prefers to gets things done rather than waste time pontificating about all he has done or will do. The young lass feeding birds in the peristyle (a porch that surrounds a courtyard) is likely enjoying the fresh air and sunlight on her face after spending so much time doing chores indoors. She would likely agree with Jason Ward: “Birds have always had the ability to bring me out of a dark space and provide relief in bad times.” Nature would likely provide restoration and inspiration for a King with too much to do as well.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. ~Rachel Carson