Keep a Door Open

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Nine of Coins; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk, the Internet:

          The tree on this Nine of Coins is shaped in the form of the Hebrew letter Beit/Bet, which literally means 'house.' It is both a dwelling place and sanctuary. Shanahan writes about this card:

I am the fulfillment of my

desire— having sown

I reap command— command!

Her persistent effort has led to her financial independence, allowing her freedom in other areas of her life. But with such success comes additional responsibilities. Falkov describes the Internet as a worldwide electronic network that provides communication, a marketplace, a library of knowledge, and a stage for entertainment. Yet it also sustains hackers, trolls, and misinformation disguised as fact. It's enough to make a person want to hide in her house; thankfully one side is open as a reminder to (as the Goo Goo Dolls put it) 'let love in.' The obligations we accumulate and the dark side of humanity we must deal with doesn't discount the wonder and potential that is also there. When, as Wordsworth writes, "the world is too much with us," we need to seek out some of that beauty and joy to remind us that life isn't all bad.

Watching the Rodeo

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Star:

This card is perhaps one of the quirkiest illustrations of the Star I've ever seen, and it took several minutes for its meaning to sink in. The three monster-beasts represent physical, mental and emotional drama or chaos. When I'm riding one of those animals, I can't see it for what it is. But when I can step out of the situation or away from the people - detach - I can objectively see what is going on. I had such an experience during a meeting last night. The ongoing discussion got more and more complex, but not in an "uncovering the layers" sort of way. One woman used the the term "mental masturbation," and that adequately described what was going on. When I tried to point out the elephant in the room, I think some of them just thought I couldn't stay in the saddle intellectually. My hope and healing won't come from trying to be a better rider, but by standing back and watching the rodeo.

The card this morning from the Post Psychedelic Cyberpunk is the "Internet:"

Falkov describes the Internet as a network that has become a marketplace, stage, library and worldwide communication system, but unfortunately it also contains parasites, predators and viruses. It isn't inherently good or evil, but I still need to use common sense when I engage it. When I got home from the group last night, I questioned whether I wanted to remain a part of it. Like the Internet, it has both its pluses and minuses, but if I stay I'll need to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground while I'm there.