The Page of ADHD

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Page of Staves/Wands; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, the "Kea:"

The Page of Wands is definitely not a dull boy, but here in the States I bet he would be diagnosed with ADHD. He finds it hard to be still and quiet (he loves that horn), which is necessary if you are going hunting. His attention is all over the place - never focused - so he's oblivious that there are hares darting about right under his nose. No doubt he'll soon lose interest and be off on another adventure. Yet in spite of his inattention, nonstop motion and impulsiveness, this young man has good characteristics too: he's fearless, curious and full of fun.
The Kea, or Mountain Parrot, and the Page of Wands are two peas in a pod. This bird will follow hikers and campers, wait until they put down their packs or camping gear, and have a ball going through all their stuff. Of course the contents may not be usable when he gets through with his playful perusal, but that is unintentional. Brailsford describes the Kea as "the clowning one" and assigns him the key phrase "Innocence at Play." I am reminded of a time when I was in college and went with a couple of friends to a large grocery store late one night. We found a display of children's sunglasses, so we each grabbed as many as we could carry. We went to the produce section and put the glasses on Idaho potatoes, oranges, bunches of broccoli and whatever else we could find. After finishing our fruit and vegetable enhancements, we left, so consumed with the giggles we could barely walk a straight line. Such innocent play helps me bring forth the good characteristics of the Page and depressurize my stress too.

Benevolence before Vengeance

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Ten of Swords:

A Fool raises his sword, preparing to take off a man's head.  Eight other men with swords watch, seemingly more curious than angry.  This image takes me back to my younger years when it seemed like any slight could provoke me to rage.  Humor at my expense, wounded pride or a trust violated could result in me venting my frustrations with my fists (or whatever weapon might be handy).  There was no pause where I asked myself, "Is making such a big deal over this slight really that important?  I felt retribution was my right, a chance to wield the sword of justice.  My over-the-top reactions inevitably landed me in the same position as the man on the ground.  I am thankful today I tend to favor less extreme options, like not taking things so personally and making a charitable assumption about another.  Benevolence rather than vengeance is my goal.

From the Wisdom of the Four Winds comes the Keeper of the South, "Kea:"

The kea is a large parrot found in the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand.  Mostly olive-green, the wings underneath are a bright, red-orange color.  With an insatiable curiosity and an urge to explore, the kea is known as "the clown of the mountains."  These birds will investigate cars, backpacks, or other unguarded belongings and will fly off with whatever treasure it finds (once snagging a Scottish visitor's passport).  Kea teaches both humor and playfulness, and reminds me that sometimes its okay not to be so serious.