An Organ Grinder's Monkey

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Seven of Fire (Wands); from the A'HA Oracle, Tiki:

Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.

– Nikos Kazantzakis

No matter what kind of work or service we do, there's always a concern about how the public sees us. So not only do we have to accomplish our objective, we feel we have to do some glad-handing and people-pleasing along the way. It is easy to become entertainers as we try to keep interest and opinion high while hiding any not-so-shiny parts. The tiki statues of Polynesian cultures are symbols of their ancestors. Each part had its own meaning: the size of the head represented power, the mouth and tongue were a challenge to opponents, and the eyes reflected infinite wisdom. What would advice would our ancestors give us when we spend so much time tap-dancing to the tune of others?  Perhaps they would tell us to let go of expectations and demands - to cease being an organ grinder's monkey. They might offer the wisdom such as found in the 22nd chapter of the Tao Te Ching:

He does not show off, therefore he shines.

He does not justify himself, therefore he is revered.

He does not boast, therefore he is honored.

He does not praise himself, therefore he remains.

Student of the Earth

From the Osho Zen Tarot, Adventure (Page of Pentacles); from the A'HA Oracle, "Tiki:"

The Page of Pentacles is as curious as a cat, always eager to investigate new things. He'll take apart a clock to see what makes the hands turn. He'll spend hours on hands and knees observing a roly poly. But unlike the Page of Swords, he doesn't do these things just to be more knowledgeable, he makes use of the information. If the clock ever stops working, he'll know how to fix it. The next time the bullies at school wallop him, he'll roll into a ball to protect himself. He reminds me that my natural inquisitiveness can do more than add new wrinkles in my gray matter.
Tiki, in Maori mythology, is the first man. These types of carved statues often represent ancestral guides or elders. In her booklet, Linnie suggests that we humans have a tendency to look for support in our decisions - someone to backup what we want to do. But she cautions that taking their advice might not always be the wise move to make. As the Page above points out, sometimes our own experience will help us blaze new and better trails.