Sixes symbolize the union of opposites, finding equilibrium, harmony in the face of constant change and being open to the energy flow of give and take in our lives.  Sixes can also represent a feeling of success after overcoming obstacles or difficulties  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 often seen as representing viewing things through rose-colored glasses or with a sense of nostalgia.  It can represent being in harmony with friends or family and enjoying everyday pleasures.  Or it may refer to pleasant memories or learning from past experiences.  It can also suggest being connected with your inner self and being able to balance past disillusionment. 

"Your psychic and intuitive processes are more predictable now.  You can count on certain emotional tools to work for you in familiar and recognizable ways.  You may be experiencing a consistent pattern in your dreams, visions or fantasies.  You could also be experiencing a reliable but secret relationship." - Gail Fairfield

Looking at these two cards I am struck by a sense of dreaminess and seeking.  The knight in the swan boat on the Whispering Tarot reminds me of the tale of Lohengrin the swan knight.  He seems to be seeking something for wish he years - true love, the maiden in the water who is offering him a cup. I'm not sure but he seems both sad and hopeful at the same time.  Are they saying hello to each other or farewell?  The sadness in his expression and the happiness in hers makes me think he is letting her go to return to her natural environment, where he cannot follow.

The young boy in the Spirit World 6 of Cups seems to be speaking to the spirit of one of his ancestors.  She is offering him a chalice.  Perhaps it holds the wisdom of the family; a protective talisman.  By drinking he may find himself able to access the family's history and connection to each other and to his world.

Both these cards seem to hold an element of sadness and joy at the same time.  There is a sadness because something must be released and joy because something will be gained as a result of that letting go.  For me right now this card is bringing to mind my brother Tom.  As I've mentioned before, Tom was killed when he was 16 by a homeless man on the Westside Highway in NYC.  That was in 1986.  I recently came across a photo of Tom when was in 4th grade, probably 10 or 11 years old, and every time I look at it or think of it I cry.  He looks so sweet and silly and hopeful in that photo.  His red hair, blue eyes and freckles make me smile in memory.  Then it hits me that within 6 or 7 years of this photo he was gone.  Whatever future he may have had, whatever hopes and dreams he possessed were wiped out by some low-life.  He was such a sweet, funny spirit with a fierce temper.  He was loyal and he was generous.  He loved animals of all kinds - his pets included cats, snakes and turtles.  I still miss him so much that it feels as if a part of my heart was ripped out.



I guess it's partly the time of year - Christmas was always a rough holiday for my family.  It's also getting near the time of year when several family deaths and births come up.  My mother's uncle died on Dec 10th, her mother died on Dec 17th.  And January 5th would have been Tom's 39th birthday.  I guess this card is trying to help me deal with this - to remember the good times with Tom and not get so lost in the memories that I can't move forward.  I'm actually a bit surprised at my reaction because I really thought I had come to terms with this but that photo just hit me hard.  I guess we never really heal from these kinds of losses.  The best we can hope for is a scab that doesn't rip off too easily.  I'm sure his birthday will be very hard but I really want to focus on the bright and fun side of knowing Tom, not the pain of his loss.