No Piggybacking

From the Prairie Tarot, the Queen of Cups; from the Medicine Cards, Skunk:

The reality is you probably can't solve what they're facing. Instead of trying to erase that uncertainty, help them tolerate it. —Angela Haupt

The Queen of Cups looks downward into a huge chalice. Intuitive and insightful, she is known for her emotional wisdom. She understands that most people don't want advice, they just want to be able to manage their intense emotions. She helps them see that their feelings are alerting them to something deeper that needs attention, patiently weaving them through the labyrinth to find what's at the center. It is her support and encouragement that helps them the most. Skunk reminds us that while helping others is commendable, we need to also know how to protect ourselves through boundaries rather than aggression. We must know how to separate our own emotional well-being from the need to fix or carry another's pain.

Inner Refuge

From the World Spirit Tarot, the High Priestess; from the Mystic Glyphs, Skunk:

When the winds of change reach hurricane force, our inner refuge of mindfulness, concentration, and discernment is the only thing that will keep us from getting blown away.

~Thanissaro Bhikku

The High Priestess guards our inner temple, the deepest part of consciousness. It is a refuge, offering us spaciousness and a place to breathe with ease. Dwelling here, we find not what the ego wants, but truth and wisdom if we will receive it. Skunk reminds us that it is okay to protect and defend our mental and emotional health, especially when we are trying to find our equilibrium during challenging times. As Paul Coelho reminds us, "All stress, anxiety, depression, is caused when we ignore who we are, and start living to please others."