Dynamic Duo

From the Wheel of Fortune Tarot, the Knight (King) of Wands; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Kangaroo:

Andretti's King/Knight of Wands is shown as a Tibetan monk holding a drilbu (bell) and dorje ("thunderbolt"). These instruments symbolize inseparable aspects of enlightenment: the bell represents emptiness (potential) and wisdom while the dorje represents form (the material) and compassion. This King knows his fiery nature can be full of ideals, but to be useful, they must come down to earth in applied form. The story of Kangaroo tells of a time before she had a pouch and had to hide her joey on the tall grasses when she left for food or water. On one occasion, she find an old, half-blind wombat; she helped him to water, to food and to escape a hunter (each time checking on her joey afterwards). The wombat was actually Great Spirit, who rewarded her kindness with a pouch for her joey. Both of these cards emphasize the necessary relationship of wisdom and compassion if our efforts are to be truly useful to all.

When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. ―Dalai Lama

Rot in the Cross-section or Heartwood?

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Nine of Disks; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Kangaroo:

          The Nine of Disks generally means hard work has been rewarded with security and abundance. So what does the cross-section of our planet have to do with this? When we are at the top of the heap, it's easy to become self-satisfied. The gravity of our success may create strong self-absorption (consider our current President); we may become obsessed with more personal gain and forget about everyone and everything else ("Hey Trump, you're supposed to be a servant of the American people."). Like the intricate balance of the soil, air, water, plants and animals on this planet, we are interdependent ("Yes Donald, there is such a thing as climate change."). When it comes to resources, self-centeredness and greed will eventually crumble that tower of prosperity. The indigenous story of Kangaroo explains that she originally didn't have a pouch and had to constantly return to check on her joey hidden in the grass. One day, she came across a doddering old wombat who was trying to find water. In between checking on her joey, she took the time to guide him to water and later to grass. She even protected him by distracting a hunter who was going to shoot him. For her kindness, the Great Spirit provided her with a pouch so her baby could travel with her. Kindness may not always be repaid in full, but you can bet hatred and intolerance will be. Please America, let's choose the kinder (although not easier) way.

Instead of being caught in self-righteousness and blame, we can begin to face and

understand our own contribution to this problem and what we might do about it. ~ Judy Lief