Not in Circles

From the Tarot of the Master, the World; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Populus:

We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps. ―Hermann Hesse

The Vacchetta World card has the Italian names for the seasons at the top and bottom, implying coming full circle. Yet it's not a circle we travel but a spiral. Every person we meet and experience we have changes us in some way, widening our knowledge and outlook. Populus means "the people;" the dots themselves remind me of two rows of people sitting in pews. This is a collection of people who share the same ideas and use peer pressure to squash independent thinking. Here, life moves on around us while we stay stuck in one place unless we break from the collective. As Leo Tolstoy explains, “Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking...”

Who's Saving the Heroes?

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Six of Wands; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Populus:

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.

 —Norman B. Rice

          This Six of Wands, with its horn, pipes and drum sticks, hints at a challenge met with success. The pairing of it with the Populus card (literally 'people'), reminds me of those who run into danger in order to protect and save their community. Whether they are health care workers dealing with a pandemic or firemen and EMTs dealing with a disaster, they have the courage to face and handle a crisis for the greater good of all. But who protects them? Many governors of states whose hospitals were just recently overwhelmed by Covid-19 patients are now removing mask mandates and lifting other regulations. But who is looking out for their heroes? Who is protecting those who give their lives to save us?

Producers

From the Tarot of the Master, the Three of Coins; from the Paracelsus Oracle, 'Popolus/Populus:'

The artist used the faces of Roman Emperors on the coins in this deck. The sword, spear, and shields leaning against the tree explain how these rulers produced goods for the Empire (note the top of the tree has been cut off but there are still acorns on it). And though the rulers changed quite frequently, the Western Empire lasted about 507 years with the first 200 years known as Pax Romana. The bigger the business or the Empire, the harder it is to keep things peaceful and stable. The Populus card means a gathering of people, and the booklet suggests having faith in them. As any employer will tell you, it's hard to find good help these days. If those around you are loyal and honest, consider that a treasure of immense value.

I'll take fifty percent efficiency to get one hundred percent loyalty.

~Samuel Goldwyn