Sugar and Spice Meet Snips and Snails

From the Gaian Tarot, the Lovers:

The Lovers imply an attraction to something or someone, such as a person, a creative endeavor or a career. The fascination and appeal is the easy part; it's the commitment to maintain the harmony and interest where it gets tough. The two birds illustrated often represent love, yet the dove can also symbolize peace while the swan can emphasize aggressiveness. The rose has the velvety softness of the petals as well as the sharp prick of the thorns. Love isn't only sugary sweetness either. The bower of greenery behind this couple give them a sense of privacy. That time spent alone (whether my love is a hobby or a spouse) is what is needed to sustain the integrity of that passion.

From the Goddess Oracle comes "Uzume:"

Uzume was a shamanic Japanese goddess who used a bawdy dance to lure the sun goddess out of hiding. The howls of laughter from the other deities were too much for Amaterasu's curiosity, who came out of her cave to see what the uproar was about.  Uzume teaches the usefulness of play, humor and not taking things too seriously.  In tying this card in with the Lovers above, I can't imagine any commitment lasting for long without being able to laugh and have fun along the way.

Non-Zero-Sum Solution

From the Gaian Tarot, the World:

The more complex societies get and the more complex the networks of interdependence within and beyond community and national borders get, the more people are forced in their own interests to find non-zero-sum solutions. That is, win–win solutions instead of win–lose solutions.... Because we find as our interdependence increases that, on the whole, we do better when other people do better as well — so we have to find ways that we can all win, we have to accommodate each other....

~ Bill Clinton

It's taken many, many years, but I'm finally beginning to realize the impact of my selfishness and self-centeredness.  My attitudes, actions and beliefs have tendrils that reach out and wrap around other lives and environments, affecting them.  If I want a peaceful, compassionate world, the work is going to have to start with me.

From the Goddess Oracle cards comes "Uzume:"

This Japanese goddess literally let it all hang out, but not so she could be the center of attention.  Her bawdy dance and antics were designed to lure the sun goddess out of her cave.  She figured all the laughter and pandemonium would entice her, and sure enough, Amaterasu came out.  Uzume teaches me not to be afraid to laugh at myself, especially if it might help someone else.  The heads-up I gave to the reporter and police about the Microsoft phone scam going around ended up on the front page of yesterday's paper (a slow news day, obviously).  Needless to say I have been teased about my new role as a crime fighter by friends and family - my husband wants to paint a bat on my car and buy me a cape.  But the playful bantering will be worth it if it helps keep someone from getting conned.