It Was a Nice Idea

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Seven of Coins; from the Alchemist's Oracle, Instincts:

Everything was such a damned nice idea when it was an idea.

― Tim O'Brien

          This fellow doesn't seem that pleased with the result of his work; sometimes the fruits of our labor just don't meet our expectations. I have a raised bed that I often toss the dead seed heads of wild flowers in that I collect on my walks. Two years ago, I added a couple of woodland sunflower seed heads, and this year I had about 500 filling my 4x6 foot flower bed. I had the same experience with some copper tips I found that had been dug up by a grader. Like O'Brien's quote, it seemed like a good idea at the time. I spent several hours pulling up plants and replanting a few in more appropriate spaces this past weekend. My goal is to redo the bed with flowering plants for hummingbirds and pollinating insects. Yet the Hamsa hand, a protective Middle Eastern talisman, suggests either a full stop or a pause. If I fear making a mistake again, I might forego enjoying some lovely flowers I took a chance on. But with a pause, I can do some research first before planting. 

Training and Skill

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Alchemist's Oracle, 'Instincts:'

          Considered from the context of communication, this Ace of Sword makes sense. We can protect someone's reputation or commit character assassination. We can share information that has been validated, or we can speak aloud whatever passes through our mind and be thought an idiot. Like guns, it takes training and skill to wield a tongue. The Hamsa sign is a Middle Eastern symbol of protection. Here, it asks us to rein in the ego and follow our protective instincts. As Bernard Meltzer said, "Before you speak ask yourself if what you are going to say is true, is kind, is necessary, is helpful. If the answer is no, maybe what you are about to say should be left unsaid."