8 is a number of setting priorities and goals, organizing your life, systems, regeneration and structure, practicality, balance and symmetry. On its side 8 resembles the lemniscate - a symbol of infinity. Cups are associated with the element of water, with emotions, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and inner planes. This card is sometimes seen as indicating a period of disillusionment; a time to walk away from it all and reflect upon what matter to you.  Reversed it can indicate looking at psychic or intuitive experiences and re-evaluating them; deciding which psychic tools are most appealing to you.  It may also be warning against over-organizing and warning that you need to trust your instincts and psychic intuition.

Reflecting on relationships and thinking over what you like and don't like about them.  Putting your emotions into some kind of order and finding ways of categorizing or analyzing your feelings.  Establishing emotional priorities  among several relationships or within a single relationship. - Gail Fairfield

The Vikings 8 of Cups shows a man walking away from 8 cups piled upside down.  Beside the cups runs a small red stream, possible blood.  The man walks into the distance with a jaunty air, as though he is leaving a difficult situation behind him.  The landscape around him is snow covered and frigid but a streak of yellow and orange lights the sky off in the distance.  The LWB calls this card Njord abandoning the Aesir after the decline of the gods.  Njord is a fertility god associated with the sea (one of the Vanir) and the father of Freya and Frey.  Whatever has taken place, Njord seems happy to be going home.  On the Romanian Dream 8 of Cups we see a man in casual clothes seated on the top of a cliff.  He is looking out over a canyon that seems eons old.  In front of his are two almost ghostly figures - one holds what looks like a spear in one hand and has her other hand on a prone figure.  She seems to be dragging it somewhere.  In the air above the man's heat we see 8 cups.  He reminds me of an archeologist taking a break to appreciate the breath-taking vista that is spread before him.  Perhaps he is imagining what those cups would have mean to the culture that created them.

I found both these cards intriguing for different reasons.  The Vikings 8 of Cups reminds me that sometimes leaving behind things we love can actually be liberating.  I don't doubt that Njord had connections with a number of the Aesir, he even married a jotunyor ( a female giant) named Skadi with whom he maintained a cordial relationship even after their divorce.  When his family first moved to Asgard to live with the Aesir, Njord must have left behind friends and loved ones.  And yet he moved forward and embrace the challenges that awaited him.  He reminds me that even if we physically leave behind people, places and things that we love they never truly leave our hearts.  As long as we hold them in our hearts they are always with us.

The figure on the Romanian Dream 8 of Cups reminds me of an archeologist who loves his work and love the cultures he studies.  I can easily see him dreaming of finding those beautiful chalices, even though he knows they will never truly belong to him.  His love of his work and the peoples he studies enables him to walk away from such treasures because he truly believes they should be shared with the world.  This is a message to me that sometimes the greater good (both for ourselves and for those we love) is often served by letting go of things we love.  For some reason this card is making me thing of a situation involving a loved one on life support.  They may be brain dead and no longer be the person we knew and loved, but we cling to the illusion that they will wake up again and all will return to normal.  The reality is that it might be kinder and healthier for all concerned to release that person and allow him or her to continue on their soul journey.  Even releasing a beloved pet who is suffering can be a heart-wrenching task but ultimately if we love them we must let them go.

That is the message of this card for me today - it's about being able to release things we love.  I often have a problem letting go of things, although for some reason not friends.  I think it depends upon the circumstances.  If someone hurts me and I decide I can no longer be friends with that person then I am able to cut off contact with him or her.  I may miss them and think about them but I am able to move forward.  At the same time I cling to possessions, to things.  I still miss my German Shepherd and talk about him every day and he died in 1997.  Of course the reality is that severing ties with friends does hurt me, I just won't admit it.  Even when I know that it was in everyone's best interests for the relationship to end, I find it hard to let go.  This card brought to mind the saying "If you love something let it go.  If it comes back to you it is yours.  If it doesn't, it never was."  All things in life have a cycle, even relationships.  There have been a number of times in my life when I have lost contact with people who were close friends and then reconnect with them years later.  It's as though we are meant to be friends but had to go through some challenges alone in order to truly appreciate each other.  It gives me something to ponder.

The Magician is the 1st Trump in the Major Arcana representing yang energy and the masculine power. The Magician is also represented by the planet Mercury - ruling communication, wisdom, will, and action in all forms and phases. The Magician is often symbolic of having strength of will to create your own life; to make the magic real for you. This card symbolizes the ability to communicate and control your environment, to focus your energy and concentrate. The Magician is about making your will into reality, manifesting your hopes and dreams into your life. 

The dark outfitted figure on the Fradella Adventure Magician card is Pulsar.  His "superpower" is an extraordinary engineering ability that allows him to create the tools he needs to do the job.  The figure on the Anna K Magician is a man with a long gray beard dressed in robes with his tools on the altar before him.  A spiral of energy hovers in the air above his left hand - obviously something he has conjured through his will.  With both of these men, they are able to create wonders things through a combination of skill and will.  One without the other would not serve either of their purposes.

This message was sorely needed today.  We were finally able to get someone from the visiting nurse program to visit Smitty & Edward.  She came with a public  health nurse from DSS.  They were very nice and asked a lot of questions about Edward, Smitty and the house.  John and I answered as best we could.  Smitty was there but it was obvious that she was so frightened that these women would take Edward away that she could barely speak.  On the plus side I think these ladies got a clear picture of how much assistance they need and how close Smitty and Edward are as well as John and Edward.  He might be skinny but he's definitely not abused or neglected.

The bottom line is that they can't help us unless we can find a doctor to examine Edward.  They were able to confirm that he has a fungal infection on his foot and it's now spread from his big toe to the other toes.  So that really needs to be taken care of by a professional.  As nice as they were, it was a very stressful and frustrating experience.  We keep running around in circles and it seems like there is no way out.  At least we feel better because we've gotten Edward into the system a little bit.

What made us both feel better was when we realized that these women could not take Edward out of the house.  John's and Smitty's fear was that they would take Edward if they didn't like what they saw.  The reality is that much like a mandated reported of child abuse - they are not authorized to remove him from the house.  They can file a report with the proper department or even call the police if they feel the situation is life threatening, but they cannot remove him.  Once they both understood that I think it relaxed John and Smitty.  It gave them a feeling of control over the situation. 

Of course once it was all over we were brain fried.  All I wanted to do was go home and sleep.  Dealing with government bureaucracies, no matter how nice or helpful, is still a frustrating and overwhelming experience.  At least that's behind us now and we can move forward with a slightly clearer idea of what we need to do.

Pages symbolize messengers, youth, innocence, opportunities for change, new possibilities, new growth, new experiences, acquisition of knowledge and expression of new emotions, risk-taking, grace, and art.  Wands represent inspiration, energy, passion, feeling, enterprise, careers, ambition, matters pertaining to the "spark of life" and the element of fire.  Traditionally the Page of Wands represents the restless spirit and impulsiveness of adolescence.  The Page of Wands can often represent a sense of dissatisfaction and a yearning for change or a new challenge.  Or it can symbolize taking risks with a particular role you have played, exhibiting a part of yourself that has previously been hidden.  Perhaps you have grown dissatisfied with hiding this side of your nature and now you want to let it burst forth and bloom.

The Fradella Page of Staves shows a young hero called Desert Fox dressed in fatigues and standing outside a bunker in a desert.  She hold a short staff in her hand and is calling out to someone.  Her short blonde hair almost seems to match her camouflage costume.  The sky behind her is leaden and gray.  The Page of Wands in the Anna K Tarot shows a young boy dressed in red and light blue standing on a makeshift pedestal and peering over a stone wall.  He holds a staff in his left hand and his right hand grasps the top of the wall as he peeks over to see what awaits outside the wall.

Considering that this is the second time this month I've drawn the Page of Wands reversed, there is obviously something about its message that I'm not hearing.  Of course it could also reflect my attitude towards beginning to search for a job.  I've been deliberately putting it off.  Like the Page in Anna K Tarot, I am safe and secure inside these four walls.  I don't feel limited or restricted in any way, just safe.  Unlike the brave, eager Desert Fox in the Fradella Adventure deck, I am not looking to charge forward in search of adventure and challenges. 

I think I still need some time to recover and refocus.  All that energy and enthusiasm is still there but right now it is focused on internal things like Reiki, yoga, aromatherapy and other things.  I guess I have been neglecting that side of myself for so long now that I'm still playing catch up.  It's almost as if I've been sleep deprived for months and now I sleep for hours and hours at a time to replenish myself.  That's what it is, I'm replenishing myself.  Perhaps my reserves were more burned out than I realized.  I am glad I have the freedom and ability to do this.  Many people are not that lucky.

I also realize that I would not be so relaxed about this if John wasn't home with me.  This has been an opportunity for us to just spend some time together; not "quality time", just time.  We may do nothing more than watch TV and talk but at least we're together.  Over the past few years, between my changing schedule, his changing work schedule and school, we just didn't seem to have much time together just relaxing.  We're making up for lost time in that area too and it's been a pleasant and enjoyable experience.  When I decide to look for another job or find another source of income, I'll do it with energy and enthusiasm.  For now I'm just going to take it easy and enjoy the summer.

I just love the image this mandala creates.  Figures representing each element - wands, cups, swords and pentacles surround the overflowing chalice from the Ace of Cups and are also embraced by the phoenix wings from Judgment.  It is as if this mandala is telling me that all of these various energies and qualities will help us deal with the issues that lay ahead of us.  The phoenix is a reminder that hope arises from the ashes; even if we face the worst possible scenario there is hope. 

It also tells me that where there is love and support, there is hope.  We have a number of friends who have been supportive and helpful in one way or the other.  Whether it was offering their own experiences to provide comfort or providing resources we can explore, they have shown us their love and concern.  Love is at the center of it all for us but it will take a balance of all four elements.  The fire spiralling at the center of the phoenix tells me that from this love and support we will be re-energized and find our center. 

There is such a sense of vitality and vibrancy to this card that it makes me feel hopeful.  We will survive this dark time and come out stronger on the other side.  We also shouldn't expect to handle all of this alone.  Friends often want to be helpful and supportive but we have to be willing to accept it - not always an easy thing for us.

The number nine is the number of the wisdom of the Moon.  It is also a mathematically magical number - its square root is three and the sum of any number multiplied by nine equals nine when added together (e.g.. 9 x 8 = 72, 7 + 2 = 9).  Nines can represent struggle, attainment, and having the end in sight.  Pentacles are associated with the material world, acquisitions of wealth and possessions, our connection to Earth and Nature, sensation, matters pertaining to the physical plane and the element of earth.  Pentacles can also be connected with practicality, groundedness and being realistic.  The 9 of Pentacles often represents abundance and plenty in one's life. 

The Fradella Adventure 9 of Discs shows a woman in a long slit cheongsam standing in a water garden with floating lights surrounding her.  A small green dragon rests on her left hand.  A green half mask obscures some of her features.  A waterfall rushes down behind her.  In the distance, an Oriental style roof if visible.

The Anna k 9 of Pentacles shows a mature woman garbed in a purple gown sitting on the edge of a well.  A vine with red leaves crawls around the gray stone well.  Pentacles decorate the side of the well and are visible on the top of the water.  The woman holds a golden pentacle in her hand.  The sky behind her is golden and the sun lights up the horizon.

Both of these cards offer a sense of serenity and solitude.  The images show that even if someone "has it all", they still need a place that will help them repair their spirit and rest their wounded souls.  Sometimes that solitude can become so seductive that we become lost in it and forget to find our way back into the outer world but for now the goal is to soothe the tattered spirit. 

Having drawn this card reversed today, I took it as a reminder that my place of refuge need not be mine alone.  Others might benefit from the healing energy I feel when I visit my house in Greenwood Lake.  I think today's lesson was that sometimes sharing that healing energy with others makes it more special to me.

Today hubby and I invited several friends and relatives to the house for a barbecue.  The day was beautiful (with a few burst of rain) and everyone had a wonderful time.  It was a time for enjoying each other's company and catching up; for reminiscing and rejoicing.  They key to the day was giving everyone an opportunity to heal body and soul.  The joy we felt at being with each other made us all feel lighter and happier.  Our ability to remember the good times and celebrate the fun we had gave us all a much needed boost when we returned back to our daily lives.  I'm just happy I was able to provide the place for this wonderfully magical event to occur.

Aces symbolize beginnings, the start of something new and the seed of new growth, feeling something new, maybe something you haven't felt before.  It might be a new emotion, a new relationship or a new awareness about an existing relationship.  The seed of love, anger, jealousy or another emotion has been planted.  Cups are associated with the element of water, with emotions, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and inner planes.   They represent the growth and awareness of the unconscious, emotional interactions and relationships with others.  Cups can also connect us with psychic activity and the Universe on an unconscious level.  The Ace of Cups traditionally refers to a new emotional connection, new insight about a relationship or new growth in an area that brings pleasure to your life. 

The Universal Fantasy Ace of Cups shows a somewhat whimsical image of a large golden chalice standing atop a pedestal.  It seems to be set top a high peak with a distant view of the landscape below.  waters pours from the chalice filling a trough carved into the pedestal.  A pink flamingo is perched on one leg in the center of the chalice.

The Ma'at Ace of Cups shows an ornately designed chalice pouring water out beneath a brilliant full moon.  The sky behind it is black with no other hint of light.  Three pink roses rest on the base of the chalice adding a slight touch of color and light to the card. 

Both cards offer a sense of emotional sustenance.  The waters of joy and emotions and love our forth and bless the lands or surroundings below.  Despite the darkness of the sky or the bleakness of the landscape below, the chalice promises hope and rebirth.  The presence of the pink flamingo adds a sense of whimsy and yet blessing to the card.  Although I'm sure it has meant different things over time, in modern America it often represented a happy and content home, perched on the front lawn for all to see.  The pink roses also suggest hope and happiness, friendship and love.

These cards made me happy just looking at them.  They made me smile.  I got a sense of blessing pouring down from a divine source; a blessing from the gods.  They want to share the joy, happiness and love they contain with those who need it most.  Like the many Grail legends the persist throughout history, these chalices represent hope, healing and happiness.  They promise to bless humans with their energy and wash us clean of whatever pains us. 

In terms of my life, I think the Ace of Cups is a reminder that love is all you need.  My sister and her kids came up for a visit today.  We definitely had some drinks (generous gifts of a chalice) but the more important things was the emotional connection.  My sister and her children are in a very hurt and confused state right now because of the problems in her marriage.  It does look like she and her husband will be divorcing and the kids are very upset.  They don't know what to do.  Visiting us gave them a chance to get away from it all and just relax and have fun.  They played some games, watched some movies and just enjoyed ourselves.  There were times when I got aggravated by things they did, but I didn't let it spoil the day.  Maybe that's the best thing I can do for them right now - offer them a place of healing and love where they can feel cleansed and whole again.

The 7 of Wands - triumphantly defending yourself; holding off all attackers; confronting your problems; facing adversity; dealing with challenges. All of these terms can be applied to the 7 of Wands. It is a card of triumph over adversity, or at least being willing to attempt to triumph over adversity.  Wands are usually associated with the element of fire, inspiration, energy, passion, feeling, enterprise, ambition, matters pertaining to the "spark of life", and action.  The number 7 in many cultures is a sacred number (think of the 7 chakras) and is the number of divine and earthly harmony, of fate and transformation.  The 7 of Wands often symbolizes standing up for what you believe in and defending your principles. 

The Universal Fantasy 7 of Wands shows a large, horse-like creature with a beak and 6 antlers or horns.  A woman sits astride the creature's back an hold the reins with one hand.  It is not clear if she controls the creature or has jumped upon its back in order to try to control it.  In the foreground another figure sits astride a much smaller version, probably younger version of the same creature.  It only has one horn or antler.  It appears as if the figure on the smaller creature is trying to defend and protect  others from the larger beast.

The Ma'at 7 of Wands shows two Native Americans standing on a shoreline with their canoe talking to a fur trader.  One of the Natives smokes a pipe with a dog standing nearby.  The trader is showing off a blanker and has other wares on display next to him.  There is a female Native American behind the fur trader.  She might be his wife, traveling with him and serving as ambassador, interpreter and companion.  In the distance the sky shimmers in shades of sky blue pink.  The ground appears to be snow covered. 

The one card offers a clear message of needing to defend oneself and one's home.  The other is a more subtle interpretation of a similar thing.  The Native American peoples were very welcoming to most of the first traders and explorers to enter their territories.  These people often took Native wives and even embraced some Native ways.  Unfortunately they also paved the way for future intruders who would not be so respectful and brought disease, violence and religious intolerance with them.  The openness and generosity of the Native peoples ultimately helped lead to their downfall.  Their boundaries were not clearly defended and by the time they realized the necessity, it was too late.

Reversed, this card may be telling me one of two things.  The first is that I am too quick to defend my boundaries and become so defensive that I may be denying myself the opportunities for experience and change that being more open would be.  Being defensive and cautious in how I deal with others has limited who I let inside those boundaries and may have caused a lot of missed opportunities.  On another level it might be showing that what I really need to shore up are not my external boundaries but work on being more firm and clear about my internal boundaries.  Maybe I need to be clearer about who I am and what I want to do.  Since getting laid off I've given it some thought but haven't actually taken any steps to firm these ideas up.  I need to stop letting my personal boundaries limit me and be willing to let those defenses down and take some chances.

The number nine is the number of the wisdom of the Moon.  It is also a mathematically magical number - its square root is three and the sum of any number multiplied by nine equals nine when added together (e.g.. 9 x 8 = 72, 7 + 2 = 9).  Nines also represent attainment, integration, completion and bringing things to an end.  Nines are about the natural flow of things and things proceeding smoothly.  Swords represent the growth of the conscious mind; developing our thoughts, ideas and system of beliefs.  Swords are about acting on our philosophy of life.  The suit of Swords is associated with reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind, communication and the element of air. 

On the Universal Fantasy 9 of Swords shows a figure in a stone room, huddled in upon herself in a corner on her bed.  Her hands are spread out on the wall as though fending off the shadow that hovers over her.  Her hair and arm covers her face as though that will help stave off this nightmare. The shadow that frightens her looks like a large figure holding a sword with 8 additional swords behind his back.

The Ma'at 9 of Swords shows a woman awoken in her bed by a ghostly lover holding a bouquet of flowers towards her.  On the left side of the image there are 9 swords hovering above her head.  It is unclear whether she is aware of the swords or if she is so seduced or bemused by her ghostly suitor that she is unaware of the danger.  Or perhaps she sees this ghostly suitor as the nightmare.  She may already understand that he is more of a threat to her than the swords hanging in the air above her.

This card is often referred to as the "nightmare card".  It shows mental fears that overwhelm us; self-doubts and inner demons that paralyze us.  I can easily see how this card applies to my right now.  The situation with my in-laws does seem to be a bit of an never-ending nightmare.  A lot of this is due to our fears of what might happen and possible problems - things that haven't actually happened and may never happen.  It is creating a situation that causes us to lose sleep and be lethargic and overwhelmed. 

Today as I was sitting with my mother-in-law she looked at me with tears in her eyes (after an especially frustrating conversation) and said "what's wrong with me?".  It broke my heart and made me realize that this is her nightmare too.  She has moments of lucidity (or may she is always lucid) and realizes that something is wrong.  She is finding it hard to verbalize things.  She forgets words and cannot explain herself clearly.  I don't know if this is due to an organic problem or if it is the result of being alone too much.  The only people she talks to regularly are my hubby and me.  Her grandson does call every week or so but that's really it.  My brother-in-law is deaf and has limited communication skills so that doesn't help either.  It's as if her verbal skills are atrophying from lack of use but her mind knows it's happening and doesn't know how to stop it. 

After we left I sat in the car and cried.  I've been so focused on my version of this nightmare and how it's impacting me and the hubby that I really didn't think about how it's effecting her.  On some level she is very aware of her current state.  I know that is genuinely my worst nightmare - to lose my mental faculties and be aware of it but not able to stop it.  To me, it would be like a state of living death.  If that's what it's like for her then I wish I could do something to change it for her.  I think this card is reminding me that I'm not the only one who has nightmares and I need to be more aware and sympathetic to what she might be going through.

Traditionally Judgment represents a time of returning to the light after experiencing the darkness.  It is a card of rebirth, renewal and rejuvenation; of healing and transformation.  It can also be seen as a wake-up call telling us that our perspective on life is about to change and wake us up to new ways of looking at things.   It may represent experiencing natural growth and maturation; an old phase of your life ending because you are ready and mature enough to move forward.  Things are maturing at their natural pace and now you are transitioning into a new phase of your life so it's time to celebrate.

On the Fradella Judgment card we see two teens dressed in 1950s clothing being beamed up to a spaceship.  The teens are Thessaly and Trey Xavier.  They disappear for over 40 years and are eventually returned to Earth.  When they return they have not aged at all and had acquired super powers.  The book suggests they were taken by the aliens to be judged and stand as representatives for all of humanity.  Their innocence and inherent goodness let them be found worthy and quite possibly saved humanity.  I'm guessing this card shows when they were beamed up to the spaceship but it might make more sense if this card is portraying their return.  They are now being brought back to Earth after spending more than 40 years in a void.  Do they remember what happened to them while they were away?  That is not clear, but at least now they are back and determined to be of service to their home planet.

The Anna K Tarot shows a woman walking up a flight of dark steps into a space full of light and brilliance.  There is a winged figure standing near the entrance and two smaller figures seem to be greeting her with joy.  This could certainly symbolize a dark night of the soul or a vision quest.  The image on this card suggests to me that this woman has been lost in darkness for some time.  It could have been spiritual darkness or actual physical darkness.  Perhaps she was suffering from depression or some other psychological malady that made her unavailable to these two figures (perhaps her children).  Maybe she was in a coma or in some other physical condition that made her unable to be there for herself and for those she loved.  Now she is coming out of that darkness and can embrace both her own true essence and those she loves.  She can be there to support and love them and accept their love and support for her.  She emerges healed and whole again in body, mind and spirit.

This really touched me today.  I've made no secret of the fact that the last few weeks have seemed like one long dark tunnel for me.  The situation with my in-laws is not getting better.  It hasn't gotten worse but we have accepted that stable is about as good as it will get for now.  However we have been able to reach out for support and help from a few different resources.  And this had made a huge difference for both of us.  It doesn't make this process any easier but at least it makes it seem there will be a positive resolution to it.  We have finally admitted we can't do it alone and maybe can't do it at all.  The final solution may well result in both of my in-laws needing to live in some type of assisted-living facility but we have come to peace with that.  Ultimately what we have to do is determine what is best for them and for us.  And we have to forgive ourselves and not judge ourselves too harshly that taking them into our home is just not a feasible, practical or realistic option.

The 10 of Pentacles can represent recognizing that decisions will soon need to be made about the kind of security patterns established in one's life.  Current stability might be stable but it is not growing or developing.  Job or home situation is steady but not stimulating.  Financial situation is safe and low-risk.  There may be stagnation if changes are not made soon.  For now the stability and security feels comfortable and seeking changes isn't a priority.

The Fradella 10 of Discs shows Sanctuary, a neutral zone created for superheroes and villains alike to relax and put aside their enmities.  It is a retreat, a safe place for them to go and escape from the responsibilities and demands put upon them by the world.  The Anna K 10 of Pentacles shows an older couple, a younger couple with a newborn infant and a young woman gathered together.  There are pentacles decorated streamers hanging behind them and the young woman holds an other strand.  The younger couple must be celebrating their child's birth with their family.  There is a sense of contentment and richness to this scene.  The young couple are aware of the blessings and want to share them with those they love. 

The overwhelming message of this card to me is that the love and support of family is worth more than all the material possessions one can have.  It is our connections to our family that allow us to bloom.  It doesn't matter whether those we consider family are truly biological relatives, simply that we consider them family.  I think one of the challenges in American society is that we form such shallow attachments to others - treating people we barely know as best friends, that we deny ourselves the pleasure of having a support network that allows us to truly sink in our roots.  We end up with a series of superficial connections to others and when we truly need their support and love, they are not there for us.  We may be like a plant that is able to grow in a harsh and hard-scrabble environment but it leaves us very vulnerable to environmental conditions and with few inner resources left to call upon when we need them.

I think the current situation with the in-laws is a reminder that we can't do this alone.  We need the support of friends and relatives who have experienced similar situations as well as community support.  We need to be open enough to admit that we need help; to be willing to ask others for advice.  This is not always either for either of us.  We have a tendency to fully embrace the "rugged individualist" attitude that can be so prevalent in America.  Another factor is that there have been times in the past when we have asked family members for support and assistance and were ignored or turned down.  That doesn't inspire confidence in their ability or willingness to help us now.

At the same time this card reminds me that I need to be a support for my family as well.  It is not just a one way street.  Right now my sister is going through a real rough patch.  Her 18 year marriage looks like its lease has expired.  That is a really difficult situation for her.  I need to be there to support and comfort her when she needs it.  It's not a time for me to cling to my typical "Debbie knows best" persona but to really listen to what she needs and try to offer constructive and helpful advice rather than snarky remarks.

The bottom line is that the 10 of Pentacles is a visual and visible reminder that it does take a village to raise a child.  The parents may be the primary caregivers but the child also needs aunts and uncles, grandparents and other family members to provide love and support.  Of course the challenge arises when grandparents or other relatives feel they know how to rear the child better than the parent.  That is not their function.  They can step in when the parent is unable to deal with the situation (or is no longer there) but otherwise it's important to realize that it's not about proving how much smarter you are or that you are a better parent.  It's about making sure the child feel surrounded by love and acceptance; that the child feels safe and secure.  That's what a child truly needs and all the Xboxes and iPods in the world cannot replace that.