Situation - 7 of Cups R
Challenge - The Lovers

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.  Water is associated with emotions, feelings, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and the inner planes, and the element of water.  The 7 of Cups can often reflect illusory options and dreams.  Sometimes these are genuine dreams which we can accomplish and choices we must make.  But at other times it symbolizes being so distracted by the options offered that we are unable to focus on any one choice and so become lost in fantasy.

"You are experiencing variety and activity in your psychic work or in your dreams.  The barriers are down between you and others so you may be feeling their emotions.  You're exploring your most imaginative fantasies.  You are probably expanding and exploring your intuitive abilities and finding new ways to use them.  You could also be experimenting with several secret or private relationships." - Gail Fairfield

Traditionally The Lovers, the 6th Major Arcana, represent choices, not only of a romantic nature but also of a life altering nature, and the coming together of opposites, polarities and opposition, the feminine and the masculine.  It represents the principle of relatedness and choice.  The Lovers is often seen to represent choices and paths we take in life.  It can also symbolize romantic partnership and alliances.  

"Upright:  You are working together, in coalition with others, to accomplish some joint goal.  You may not agree on anything else, but, for this purpose, you'll come together and work cooperatively.
Positive:  Two or more forces in your life are working together in a constructive and productive relationship.  People, ideas, or activities are cooperating in a coordinated manner.  This interaction validates and supports you as well as the others involved because you are working jointly toward goals that you all value." - Gail Fairfield

How interesting that my situation is the 7 of Cups reversed which suggests to me that I am no longer focusing on illusory dreams or wishes.  Instead I have dived deep and listened to my inner, intuitive side to focus on one specific choice.  I have been able to swim away from those options that don't meet my emotional needs, my need to be happy in life.  Looking at the dolphin on the Animals Divine card, I get a sense of playfulness and energy.  Dolphins are known for being intelligent creatures and I get the sense that these two are swimming in the direction they know is best for them.  They can help guide me in the right direction and help me make the right choice.

Of course the fact that The Lover can often refer to major life choices; choosing which path to take.  It also symbolizes the blending of different aspects - male and female, yin and yang, positive and negative.  In many ways we need to blends these two sides together because otherwise we risk becoming imbalanced or losing sight of our path because we are busy taking a side road.  I also like that The Lovers can symbolize creating coalitions and working with others.  I'm taking this as a positive sign that a new job is on the horizon.  After all one of the keys to creating a positive work environment is being able to work cooperatively with others; to create consensus and make all participants feel their input is valued and valid.

I see both these cards referring to my current determination to change my attitude and approach to my job search.  They seem to support my sense that I need to chase what I love to do and have faith that the money provided will be enough to meet my needs.  I also get a sense from the dolphins that I need to remember the joy I felt when I first started working in non-profits - that sense that I was making a difference and doing my part to make the world a better place.  I do still have a touch of that idealism, even if it has been shaded by a slightly more realistic, even cynical, knowledge about the reality of how charities operate.  It doesn't change the fact that most do great work and serve a valuable and useful place in making the world a little better.