Lobster Limo

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Knight of Cups; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Tree Fern:

The more we are able to connect with ourselves, the better we are able to connect with others.

—Todd Baratz

Bless his heart. This fool is ready for love, and he is riding a lobster limo to find "the one" who will complete him. Even the bird (who is likely waiting for the lobster to croak) knows he's clueless. Healthy relationships require inner work before we go out seeking. We need to know who we are - our values, likes and dislikes, and boundaries - as well as how our history and upbringing has shaped our ways of relating and our expectations. But perhaps most of all, we need to have developed self-compassion, so we don't go looking for someone to give it to us. The Tree Fern has korus, or unfurled fern fronds, that remind us that all things need time to unfold and develop. Working on ourselves, with the idea of progress not perfection, is the best way to meet a companion we'll want to grow old with.

Second Thoughts

Today the card chosen from Williams' Ship of Fools Tarot is the Seven of Swords:

This fool is so intent on slipping off with his stash of swords, he's in the process of stubbing his toe and walking into a wall.  Sevens are about evaluating and choosing, and in this case the fellow has chosen to steal (words, ideas, etc.) from another to further his own interests.  His actions will be his undoing; dishonesty and wrongdoing have a way of coming to light.  As Robert L. Stephenson once said, "Everybody, soon or late, sits down to a banquet of consequences."  My responsibility lies in watching carefully for rationalization.  Sometimes my best defense is to talk to another about my plans; this can help me shine the light on my excuses and uncover my true motivation.

     The Wisdom of the Four Winds deck today produced the card "Tree Fern - the unfolding:"

 

These amazing ferns can grow up to 20 meters high with fronds up to 5 meters in length. The koru, an unopened fern frond, has long been a Maori symbol of new life, growth and strength.  The koru will instinctively uncurl and stretch toward the sun.  And like that frond, I must uncover what is buried and look at my shadow by shining the light of truth on it.  Otherwise, I may unconsciously react and make decisions based on what I keep hidden inside.