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 relationship is reaching a level of understanding that is more reliable and predictable.  You are feeling more secure about your feelings, knowing that they won't be drastically changing.  You know what to expect from yourself and others on an emotional level." - Gail Fairfield

Okay sing it with me "Memories, light the corner of my mind.  Misty, water-colored memories of the way we were".  Seeing this card made this line from the classic Streisand song flash into my mind.  It seems somehow so appropriate to the innocence and sweet memories evoked by this card.  There is a bittersweet quality to it; a longing for what we once had and no is forever lost.  The challenge is not in the remembering, it's in refusing to move beyond the memories.

How many times have we found ourselves reminiscing about childhood escapades?  How often do we talk about "the good old days" and find ourselves yearning for those times again?  It can be wonderful to chuckle about our adolescent adventures and friends but if we have nothing new in our lives to replace those memories and experiences then we are truly bereft.  This card reminds me of a Twilight Zone episode in which a man returns to his childhood town during a summer night.  He revisits the old malt shop and his favorite carousel.  He is thrilled to find that nothing has changed.  Along the way he even encounters his childhood self and his father.  An accident finally forces him to realize that he cannot stay in this time forever.  His father helps him realize that his present is not quite as unappealing as he had originally believed.  Ultimately what we learn is that our childhood memories are wonderful gifts but staying trapped in them, like so much cellophane wrapping prevents us from making new experiences that will lead to more wonderful memories.

This card shows Fanny Price and Edmund Betram soon after Fanny's arrival at Mansfield Park.  She is feeling bereft and alone.  Edmund offers her friendship and affection that Fanny will always treasure.  The spark ignited by Edmund's thoughtful gesture will lead to Fanny's love for him as an adult.  In this case the treasured memory does ultimately lead to a satisfying adult experience.  It even reminds me of the tales that make the news periodically about high school sweethearts who re-unite years later and rekindle those romantic feelings.  The treasured memories of that first love will always hold a place in our hearts.  It is only when they leave no room for anything else or take on unrealistic proportions that they can become more hindrance than help.

In my life I have come to realize this symbolizes my time at PAL.  My memories of "the good old days" under our previous executive director preventing me from seeing those times as they really were - good and bad.  And may even have kept me there longer than was beneficial to me.  While I regret the fact that my departure played out the way it did, I have come to realize it will prove to be for the best.