Wow, I find it very interesting that I drew 3 Major Arcana cards this week and two court cards, both of which were Cups.  Looking at the mandala image created by layering these cards using the Transparent Tarot, I am struck by the fact that it is almost entirely contained within the heart.  It is as if every issue that arose this week can be handled by listening to my heart.

The King and Queen of Cups stand as guardians and guides on each side.  The offer the balance between masculine and feminine energies.  The balanced scales and yin-yang symbol reinforce this concept.  The Wheel of Fortune and yin-yang symbol overlap like a ven diagram.  They remind me that although each has clearly indicated sections, nothing truly exists in isolation.  Their spherical nature suggests a holistic and cyclical energy present. 

At the center of this mandala the 9 of Wands is barely visible but its energy is felt.  To me, it suggests that at the core of this balanced and holistic energy is a burning desire to keep working at it; to keep the inspiration flowing.  It suggests a sense of determination and an unflagging willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve my goals.  The 9 of Wands figure is centered on the sword in Justice.  It as if the figure is bisected by its blade and is the support keeping the sword standing upright so it can balance the scales. 

I really love how these cards combine together.  There is such a sense of love, peace and balance here but at the same time the energy of the 9 of Wands shows that at its core is a passion and fire for doing what it takes to achieve this.  It suggests that achieving balance and wholeness is not easy.  It takes a lot of hard work and determination.  It reminds me of the fact that a good marriage is not a matter of luck or coincidence.  It requires constant tending and adjustment, collaboration and compromise.