Duality is a recurrent theme throughout the Tarot’s twenty-two Major Arcana cards, which emphasizes the fact that understanding how to balance and integrate the complementary energies symbolized by these cards is an essential part of our spiritual journey. For example, the Empress and the Emperor form a dualistic pair, representing (among other things) the archetypal mother and the archetypal father.

How have three people in Orange County made a difference in the lives of African children? They started an organization that paid $2000 for repairs on a school in Gisenyi, Rwanda, bought milk for newborns of mothers with HIV in Bujumbura, Burundi, begun a campaign for AIDS awareness in both cities as well as other small projects that benefit children. In the US, it does more than raise money…it tells stories of Africa. It also conveys how much people in Africa appreciate that they are not forgotten.

However, it also lies within the power and responsibility of those who are being taught (and who are symbolized by the initiates on this card) to ensure that they are enlightened by tradition and religion, rather than enslaved or subjugated by them, since spiritual growth requires more than blind faith and unquestioning acceptance. 

Nightmares care about us because they are striving to get our attention: yellow flag, flashing light, warning. Something is amiss and needs immediate consideration, probably change.

When we begin to change a negative thought or habit, we may experience a great deal of discomfort in the beginning.