Let Go of Your Leaves

From the Roots of Asia, the Five of Wands; from the Mahjongg Oracle, Unicorn:

Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots. 

—Victor Hugo

We humans have a high regard for our own opinions, but not so much those of others. It can be infuriating talking to someone who has a different idea about how things should be done, often not realizing we are providing the same experience for them. There is no movement until we realize facts and ethical values are very different than opinions. The Unicorn represents the ability to be a good judge of character and the habit of taking a long-range point of view. Both of these characteristics help in trying to come to an agreement. A person who doesn't share our opinions is not our enemy. And it is a good reminder to consider whether we're looking for short-term gains or long-term improvement. 

It's Not a Question of How Many

From The Classic Tarot, the Queen of Staves; from the Constellations Deck, the Monoceros:

"Well, now that we HAVE seen each other," said the Unicorn, "if you'll believe in me, I'll believe in you. Is that a bargain?"

~Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass

Because she is so fierce in following her own passions and creative inclinations, the Queen of Staves has a gift for encouraging others to do the same. She will prod, cajole and support us so that we believe in our abilities enough to take a leap of faith. Sometimes her enthusiasm and confidence in us is enough to motivate us to give something a try. In today's world of competition and looking out for one's self, her dedication is as rare as the mythological unicorn for which this constellation is named. The thing is, we all have the ability to nurture the talents of another. And though our encouragement might not always have an effect, there might be a few for which it makes a huge difference - much like the story of the little boy tossing the starfish back into the ocean.  

Turned On Its Head

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Five of Pentacles; from the Mah Jongg Oracle, 'Unicorn:'

          In the Dhammapada (Buddhist scriptures), chapter 23 is called "The Elephant." A well-trained elephant could be used in battle (steady even when pierced by arrows) and in parades (unfazed by celebratory crowds). The elephant represents great strength and power - the same qualities that can be found in a well-trained mind. But here, the elephant has been turned on its head and the potential lost. The booklet calls this card 'impoverishment' (spiritual or material), a term that brings to mind HALT, an acronym of things to be aware of:

• Hungry - Am I feeding my body regularly with good, healthy food? Am I feeding my mind with 'junk food' (ex. nonstop news), making it crave more instead of the nourishment it needs?
• Angry - Do I allow the energy of my anger to pass, instead of being reactive and simply adding fuel to the fire? Is there a physical cause that is making me overly sensitive? Do I need a 'time out' to cool down?
• Lonely - Am I isolating because I have submerged myself in an emotion? What small thing could I do for another person that might help me get out of my head and back in the company of others?
• Tired - Am I multi-tasking, not getting enough sleep or taking on too many responsibilities? Can I take time each day to relax my body and mind so that both parts can get some rest?

The Unicorn is associated the ability to foresee events, but instead of being a clairvoyant gift, it is simply from the practice of prudence. Prudence is being wise and practical when it comes to managing resources, and there is no greater resource than the body we ride around in every day. Today I intend to give mine more gentle attention, no matter what is going on around me.