Pick Your Battles Wisely

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Gemstone Oracle, Tiger's Eye:

A badger has decided to claim as his own the burrow of two ground squirrels. In Buddhism, this would fall under the second precept, which is "I vow not to take what is not given." This precept embraces much more than simply not stealing physical things. For instance, we can take over a conversation and not leave space for anyone else to speak. Or we can claim an idea that isn't ours to take. Tiger's Eye is a quartz stone with a golden shimmer due to crocidolite, a form of asbestos. It represents courage and personal freedom, which in the case of the Seven of Swords seems to imply that we're to fight back. Yet the asbestos in this stone - which is hazardous - offers a strong caution. We don't need to be a doormat, but we should pick our battles wisely by choosing those that are truly important and necessary. As with the ground squirrels, they can create another burrow - which would be much preferable to be eaten.

  

Lessons of Living

From the Badgers Forest, the Fool; from the Gemstone Oracle, Tiger Eye:

          This little squirrel is so intent on reaching those acorns, he is unaware that the branch is about to bend with his weight and send him downward. It's a good thing squirrels generally land on their feet and can survive many falls. The downside of being so fully trusting and eager for any new experience (without worry or preparation) is that the Fool often learns his lessons of living the hard way. It can be painful to watch these folks jump in the fire with both feet, knowing (from our own experience) what is likely to happen. Which leads into the quote for Tiger Eye by Lama Surya Das:

Taking the decision-making process away from people disempowers them. It also 

makes them much less likely to buy into the decision, however right it may be. 

Even if I lead in with, "I had a similar experience that didn't end well, " most people will think they will be the exception to the rule. Hopefully they will survive and not get on the insane 'rinse and repeat' cycle expecting the next time to be different. We all learn, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. Yet generally it is only our own experience we trust.

Independence Even in a Crowd

From the Badger's Forest Tarot, the Nine of Crows (Pentacles); from the Gemstone Oracle, "Tiger Eye:"

          The flock of crows over the field of grain remind me of the ribbons of blackbirds I often see on summer evenings winding across the sky. As my friend Sharyn says about crows, "they all go to work in the morning and come home together at night." Independently the crows may seek their food sources, but when the day is done they come together to roost in massive numbers (except in nesting season). Such groups offer protection from predators and allow the crows to communicate with each other about what they've experienced during the day. When my dad died unexpectedly several years ago, my mom quickly learned to be self-sufficient. Yet she realized she still needed the company of others; she said she never turned down an invitation that would include her in a group heading out for some fun. The freedom of autonomy can be enjoyable but inclusive involvement has its pluses too.
          The quote and keywords for tiger eye are:

Taking the decision-making process away from people disempowers them. It also makes them much less likely to buy into the decision, however right it may be. One’s own conscience remains the ultimate arbiter. ~ Lama Surya Das

personal freedom, independence, self-reliance, disciplined approach

The message of tiger eye appears to caution against getting caught up in the herd mentality. There's nothing wrong with hanging out with others and listening to their ideas and opinions about things. I have plenty to learn about the world, and like the crows, could benefit from any reliable information I might receive. Yet I still need to rely on my own conscience instead of jumping into any emotionally charged rally. I need to think with my head, not fly by feelings only.