Virtue of Good

From the Morgan Greer Tarot, the Six of Coins; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, Island of the Hound-footed Horse: 

When you're accustomed to privilege, parity and equity and equality may feel like oppression. –Raphael Warnock

The Morgan Greer's LWB for this card reads "Generosity pays off through material prosperity." Past studies have shown that unselfishness has positive consequences for psychological well-being, physical health, and relationships. But new research (conducted among 25 countries) found that in the long run, generous people actually make more money - it literally pays to be generous. The Island of the Hound-footed Horse had an equine-like animal that tried to attack them. Its message is that when we have power over people or animals and mistreat them, we shouldn't be surprised when they lash out. Locally and globally, we are in a web of relationships. How we treat and care for others will ultimately affect us.

The sage has no concern for himself,

But makes the concerns of others his own.

He is good to those who are good.

He is also good to those who are not good.

That is the virtue of good.

–Tao Te Ching, 49

Beast of Burden

From the Transformational Tarot, the Seven of Coins; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the Island of the Hound-footed Horse:

          Ando's collage of the Seven of Coins seems full of regret. An older man heading down the tunnel of death wishes he were in the younger man's place. The young man wishes he had an exciting life traveling the world by boat instead of what he's doing now. Both remind me of a quote from Maya Angelou: "What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain." We've become a nation of complainers rather than changers here in the States. We're always looking for someone or something to pin the blame on rather than taking responsibility. In the CBD card, the voyagers come to an island where they meet a beast that is half dog and half horse - two animals that have been domesticated by man. Yet when they try to disembark, the animal attacks them. The meaning is stated in the book: "It is possible you are putting burdens and responsibilities upon others that you might better carry yourself." I am in charge of my own happiness, and I am solely accountable for what I choose to do with my life. No use trying to make anyone else carry that weight.