Lone Lion or Flock

From the Jolanda Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Bird Signs deck, 'Waxwing:'

          An arch has been created by these six wands, watched over by a hatted lion and an eagle. The lion illustrates the strength and power that was needed to accomplish this goal, while the arch suggests that this victory is a stepping stone to other challenges. I was curious about the letter 'N' at the top; it could simply mean the direction north or it could be the chemical symbol for nitrogen (used in both fertilizers and bombs). I'd bet on the chemical. The eagle implies freedom and far-sight. Though this 'win' brings more opportunities, discernment will be needed to choose those that are worth fighting for. Waxwings show up here in the South during their winter migration. They are one of the few species of birds that can survive for months on berries. They gather by the hundreds where fruit is found and pause long enough to strip the shrub or tree clean. I am reminded by the waxwing that if you don't mind sharing, any endeavor done with a group can mean more support and fun.

Working together in concert more smoothly not only helps us move more quickly; it changes the nature of what we can undertake. When we have the confidence that we can orchestrate the group effort required to realize them, we dare bigger dreams. ~ Justin Rosenstein

Associative Pairing

From the Jolanda Tarot, the Lovers; from the Bird Signs deck, the "Waxwing:"

In the progression of the tarot majors, the Lovers isn't the first card that shows a relationship. The Hierophant also does, but in that card the alliance between people shows an imbalance of power. Here in the Lovers is a true partnership where neither person is more superior or given more respect than the other. And what develops from such a harmonious commitment? The egg between the two serpents suggests there is the potential for something wonderful to be created.
The creators of the Bird Signs give the keyword "curiosity" to the waxwing but don't explain it. One curious trait I've discovered about these birds is the wax-like red tips on the secondary feathers. The purpose of these scarlet-colored, extended feather shafts have been much debated. However research has shown that these tips provide visual markers for age (older birds have more red), and waxwings tend to mate with birds close to their own age. Added with the Lovers card, the Waxwing's message is an admonition to make sure there is a strong, common bond before making a commitment. Shared values and ethics would be the most important commonality for me.

Checks and Balances

From the Jolanda Tarot, the World:

This is one of those cards that when I first see it, my initial impression is, "What in heaven's name..."  But as I continue to ponder it, I see: the ocean that supports the whale and other marine animals; the whale's spout on which the earth rests; the woman who comes from the earth adding steadiness to this balance; the woman creating light and stars which in turn light up the ocean below.  In daily life, I tend to focus on the "beads" of the necklace - all the different, seemingly random people and events that I come into contact with.  Rarely do I notice the thread that connects all these beads, that makes it into something whole and complete.  It is hard for me to comprehend and remember that my life is interwoven with everything and everyone else. 

From the Bird Signs deck comes the "Waxwing:"

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
~ William Shakespeare, Hamlet

I was excited to see this bird pop up today, as I just saw a visiting group of them in the neighborhood, happily scarfing down cherry laurel and ligustrum berries.  These birds are unusual in that they can live for months at a time subsisting on nothing but berries.  They always come in large groups; their crested heads and Zorro-like masks make them easily recognizable.  Cedar waxwings can become intoxicated if they eat too much fermented fruit.  These birds remind me that like Horatio, I can become intoxicated with my own philosophy, wrapped up in my own ideas and closed to all others.  Being with groups of people give me a chance to bounce my thoughts off them and listen to theirs in turn, offering a checks and balances system to keep me tethered to reality instead of my own little fantasy world of opinions.