Sixes symbolize the union of opposites, finding equilibrium, harmony in the face of constant change.  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.  Traditionally it can mean moving away from something, perhaps something dangerous, a journey, moving to a new and/or different point of view.

The Universal Fantasy card shows a figure soaring over the landscape astride a large purple and green feathered bird.  The bird's beak is curved and dangerous in appearance.  There are six swords stacked behind the flyer's seat.  The landscape below is tan and rugged in appearance, perhaps a desert or stark mountain range.  The flyer is above it all atop his bird.  Is he flying to a battle or away from one?  Does it really matter, or is the important fact only that he is flying towards a destination?

The Ma'at 6 of Swords is full of rich, luminous, warm pastels - peach, pale yellow and blue-green.  In the forefront is a brown boat with six swords lined up across the rear.  In the front is a woman and child wrapped in a concealing brown robe.  The watch the black-robed figure who guides the boat to an island in the distance.  I just love the mystical and pale colors that somehow create a rich and vibrant canvas.  The figures an the boat are shrouded in darkness but they move towards a luminescent and bright future.  There is hope and a bright future awaiting them on that island.  Once they arrive they will be able to shed the dark cloaks they wear and bask in the warmth and brilliance that will surround them.

In many ways this card was especially appropriate today.  I threw off the cloak of gloom and doom that has been surrounding me and made some phone calls.  I realized immediately that contacting people who actually make money at providing the types of services I need are going to be much more cooperative than civil servants.  It's not that I don't appreciate the hard work civil servants do, it's simply that they can't help everyone with everything.  They have to prioritize.  Folks who thinks they'll get money by being helpful are more motivated to be helpful.  Anyway, I reached out to speak to a visiting nurse service and learned that they can provide services to Edward via Medicaid and to Smitty for a fee.  If we can get the services started for Edward (which won't happen until August at the earliest) then we won't need someone to help Smitty for a lot of time every day.  In the meantime we'll look into getting a paid home care attendant or visiting nurse for an hour or two Monday through Friday.  That will help take some of the pressure off us and get them used to having someone in the house.  I'm also hopeful that these folks can help us find a doctor to make a housecall and assess Edward's condition.  Actually I think they have to because without a doctor's referral, Edward can't be enrolled in the Medicaid program.  Once again, money can be an effective motivator.

On a more spiritual and internal note, I have decided it's time to finally move beyond the darkness of spirit I've been experiencing for a while now.  I hadn't realize how much working for PAL had been sucking out of me.  I realized that I've been in a prolonged twilight of the soul.  It hasn't really been a dark night but more of a gray, gloomy twilight where nothing was clear and I kept moving forward because I assumed I would want to get to wherever the road ended.  As a result I am enrolled in a MPA program in which I have no real interest.  I thought it was a smart career move.  I'll finish the degree because I have only 1 year left and because it makes sense but it's not my passion.  When I looked at this card I realized that it also symbolized my mind opening up again and taking me to shores I haven't visited in some time.  I am re-exploring my interest in Reiki, aromatherapy, crystals, natural perfumery and even yoga.  I have also decided it's time to get serious and finish my Dedicant Program for ADF.  I've been working on it for almost 9 years (well it's probably more accurate to say I've been procrastinating about working on it) and now it's time to finish what I've started.  I need to reconnect with my spiritual path because it will help lead me out of that gloomy twilight and back into the radiant and luminous world portrayed on Julie's card.  My spirit is starting to soar again and that's a wonderful feeling.