0 - The FoolBEGINNING, SPONTANEITY, FAITH, APPARENT FOLLY
As Card 0, the Fool lies at the beginning of the Major Arcana, but also somewhat apart from the other cards. In Medieval courts, the court jester was someone who was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense with this card that anything goes - nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation.
The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction - one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.
I - The MagicianACTION, CONSCIOUS AWARENESS, CONCENTRATION, POWER
The Magician is the archetype of the active, masculine principle - the ultimate achiever. He symbolizes the power to tap universal forces and use them for creative purposes. Note his stance in Card 1. He acts as a lightening rod - one arm extended up into the Divine for inspiration, the other pointing toward Earth to ground this potent energy. His abilities appear magical at times because his will helps him achieve what seem to be miracles.
What makes the Magician so powerful? First, he is not afraid to act. He believes in himself and is willing to put that belief on the line. He also knows what he intends to do and why. He doesn't hesitate because he understands his situation exactly. Finally, the Magician can focus with singleminded determination. As long as he remembers the Divine source of his power, the Magician remains the perfect conduit for miracles.
In a reading, the Magician implies that the primal forces of creativity are yours if you can claim your power and act with awareness and concentration. This card is a signal to act and act now, provided you understand exactly what you want and are committed to getting it.
II - The High PriestessNON-ACTION, UNCONSCIOUS AWARENESS, POTENTIAL, MYSTERY
The High Priestess is the guardian of the unconscious. She sits in front of the thin veil of unawareness which is all that separates us from our inner landscape. She contains within herself the secret of how to access these realms and offers us the silent invitation to "Be still and Know that I am God."
The High Priestess is the feminine principle that balances the masculine force of the Magician. The feminine archetype in the Tarot is split between the High Priestess and the Empress. The High Priestess is the Mysterious Unknown that women often represent, especially in cultures that focus on the tangible and known. The Empress represents woman's role as the crucible of life.
In readings, the High Priestess poses a challenge to you to go deeper - to look beyond the obvious, surface situation to what is hidden and obscure. She also asks you to recall the vastness of your potential and to remember the unlimited possibilities you hold within yourself. The High Priestess can represent a time of waiting and allowing. It is not always necessary to act to achieve your goals. Sometimes they can be realized through a passivity that gives desire a chance to flower within the fullness of time.
III - The EmpressMOTHERING, ABUNDANCE, SENSES, NATURE
The Empress and the High Priestess are the two halves of the female archetype in the Major Arcana. The Empress represents the fertile, life-giving Mother who reigns over the bounty of Nature and the rhythms of the Earth. From her comes all the pleasures and joys of the senses and the abundance of new life in all its forms.
In readings the Empress can refer to any aspect of Motherhood. She can be an individual mother, but as a Major Arcana card, she goes beyond the specifics of mothering to its essence - the creation of life and its sustenance through loving care and attention.
The Empress can also represent lavish abundance of any kind. She offers a cornucopia of delights, especially those of the senses - food, pleasure and beauty. She can suggest material reward, but only with the understanding that riches go with a generous and open spirit. The Empress asks you to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness.
IV - The EmperorFATHERING, STRUCTURE, AUTHORITY, REGULATION
The figure of the Emperor says much about the essential qualities of Card 4. We see a stern, commanding figure seated on a stone-slab throne. His back is straight, and his eyes meet ours directly. He is confident of his complete authority to rule.
The Emperor represents structure, order and regulation - forces to balance the free-flowing, lavish abundance of the Empress. He advocates a four-square world where trains are on time, games are played by rules, and commanding officers are respected. In chaotic situations, the Emperor can indicate the need for organization. Loose ends should be tied up, and wayward elements, harnessed. In situations that are already over-controlled, he suggests the confining effect of those constraints.
The Emperor can represent an encounter with authority or the assumption of power and control. As the regulator, he is often associated with legal matters, disciplinary actions, and officialdom in all its forms. He can also stand for an individual father or archetypal Father in his role as guide, protector and provider.
V - The HierophantEDUCATION, BELIEF SYSTEMS, CONFORMITY, GROUP IDENTIFICATION
Except in rare cases, every human being grows and develops within a culture. We learn the ways of our society by living with others, and this molds who we are. The Hierophant represents this process of "official" learning in a group setting. A Hierophant is someone who interprets secret knowledge. On Card 5 we see a religious figure addressing two initiates in a formal church setting. He is attired in the elaborate vestments of his office. His task is to bring these two into the orderly structure of the Church so that they too can take up their appointed roles.
Besides churches, we learn within schools, universities, clubs, teams, companies, and societies. The Hierophant represents them all because his realm is formal, institutional settings. Such environments emphasize belief systems - facts, rules, procedures, and ritual. Members are rewarded for understanding and following conventions. They identify with their fellow "students" and develop a group identity. In fact, the Hierophant is one of the three cards that represents group interactions. (The 3 of Cups and the 3 of Pentacles are the others.) This card stands for groups that are organized and structured; everyone has a role and all the rules are known and agreed upon.
In readings, the Hierophant often represents structured learning with experts or knowledgeable teachers. This card also stands for institutions and their values. These can be enriching or stifling depending on circumstances. Sometimes we need to follow a program or embrace tradition, other times, we need to trust ourselves.
VI - The LoversRELATIONSHIP, SEXUALITY, PERSONAL BELIEFS, VALUES
The Lovers is one card that is easy to remember. Love and sex are riveting subjects, and, as you'd expect, Card 6 represents both. The urge for union is powerful and, in its highest form, takes us beyond ourselves. That is way an angel is blessing the bond between the man and woman on this card.
In readings, Card 6 often refers to a relationship that is based on deep love - the strongest force of all. The relationship may not be sexual, although it often is or could be. More generally, the Lovers can represent the attractive force that draws any two entities together in a "relationship" - whether people, ideas, events, movements or groups.
Card 6 has an additional meaning. It can stand for tough value choices and the questioning that goes with them. In some decks, the Lovers shows a man torn between two women - a virgin and a temptress. This love triangle symbolizes the larger dilemmas we face when we are tempted between "right" and "wrong."
In readings, the Lovers can indicate a moral or ethical crossroads - a decision point where you must choose between the "high" road or the "low" road. This card can also represent your personal beliefs because to decide you must know where you truly stand. This can mean going against those who are urging you in a direction that is wrong for you.
VII - The ChariotVICTORY, WILL, SELF-ASSERTION, "HARD" CONTROL
Picture Julius Caesar riding his chariot triumphantly into Rome after defeating his enemies and conquering vast, new lands. This is the spirit of the Chariot. Card 7 represents the victories that are possible through will-power and self-mastery. A military image is appropriate for the Chariot because it stands for the strengths we associate with combat - discipline, grit, determination and assertiveness.
In a sense, the Chariot represents the positive aspects of the ego - our "I" identity. A healthy ego is one that is strong and self-assured. It knows what it wants and how to get it. Sometimes we can get annoyed at someone whose ego is a little too healthy, but, nevertheless, we often turn to that person to lead us through difficult moments. We know he or she won't be wishy-washy.
In readings, the Chariot often appears when "hard" control is in effect or advised. Hard control is not brutal, but firm and direct. It is backed up by a strong will and great confidence. The Chariot can mean self-control or control of the environment. This card also represents victory. There are many types of wins; the Chariot's is of the win-lose type. Your success comes from beating the competition to become Number 1. Such moments are glorious in the right circumstances.
VIII - StrengthSTRENGTH, PATIENCE, COMPASSION, "SOFT" CONTROL
Usually we think of strength in physical terms - big arms, powerful legs - but there is also inner strength. Inner strength comes from an exercise of the heart muscle. It is perseverance, courage, resolve and composure - qualities that help a person to endure when times are tough. In the past, a person with inner strength was commonly said to have "character;" he or she could be counted on even in the darkest moments. Card 8 represents this special energy of quiet determination. Strength is not a flashy card, but one that is solid and reliable.
In addition, Card 8 represents the qualities of patience and compassion. Getting angry is easy when events turn sour, but dealing calmly with frustrations takes great strength. So does accepting others and forgiving mistakes. We need strength to mold situations "softly." The Chariot controls through mastery and authority. Card 8 is more subtle, even loving. Notice how the lion (itself a symbol of strength) is being guided and tamed by the woman's gentle hands.
Card 8 will appear in a reading when its qualities are needed. It can be a reminder not to despair or give up. You have the inner strength to endure and triumph. If you are pushing too hard, you need to withdraw for the moment and be patient. If other people or circumstances are driving you crazy, remember the strength that comes with love and forbearance. These will see you through the hardest moments.
IX - The HermitINTROSPECTION, SEARCHING, GUIDANCE, SOLITUDE
The hermit is a familiar figure in history and literature. Typically he is a crusty, bearded character who has withdrawn from the company of men to live a life of seclusion and hardship. Card 9 supports this understanding. The Hermit represents the desire to turn away from the "getting and spending" of society to focus on the inner world. He seeks answers within and knows that they will come only with quiet and solitude.
There comes a point in life when we begin to question the obvious. We sense that there is a deeper reality and begin to search for it. This is mainly a solitary quest because the answers do not lie in the external world, but in ourselves. The hermit on Card 9 reminds us of Diogenes, the Greek ascetic who is said to have gone out with a lantern in hand to "search for an honest man." This is a symbol of the search for Truth which the Hermit hopes to uncover by stripping away all that is unnecessary.
In readings, the Hermit often suggests a need for time alone - a period of reflection when distractions are limited. In times of action and high energy, he stands for the still center that must be created for balance. He also can imply that withdrawal or retreat is advised for the moment. In addition, the Hermit can represent seeking of all kinds, especially for deeper understanding or the truth of a situation. "Seek, and ye shall find," we have been told, and so the Hermit stands for guidance as well. We can receive help from wise teachers, and, in turn, help others as we progress.
X - Wheel of FortuneDESTINY, TURNING POINT, MOVEMENT, PERSONAL VISION
In Greek mythology, there are three women known as the Fates. They are responsible for spinning out the destiny of each person at his birth. It is not surprising that the Fates are spinners because the "wheel of fortune" is an apt image for the elusive turns of a man's fate. This is the theme of Card 10.
The Wheel of Fortune is one of the few cards in the Major Arcana that does not have a human figure as a focal point. This is because its center is "above" the realm of man - in the higher levels (clouds) where the destinies of all are woven together in the great tapestry of life. The Tarot recognizes that each person sets his own path in life, but is also subject to the larger cycles that include him. We experience chance events that appear to be accidents although they are part of the great plan.
In readings, the Wheel of Fortune can represent these unexpected encounters and twists of fate. You cannot prepare for the impact of this card; you can only be aware of its presence. In addition, Card 10 suggests certain wheel-like actions - changes in direction, repeating cycles and rapid movement. When the energy of the Wheel arrives, you will feel your life speed up. You are caught in a cyclone - one that may deposit you anywhere. "Round and round and round she goes, and where she stops, nobody knows."
XI - JusticeJUSTICE, RESPONSIBILITY, DECISION, CAUSE AND EFFECT
On Card 11 we see the familiar figure of Justice. She has the scales of equality and impartial judgment in one hand, and the sword of decision in the other. In the Tarot, Justice represents the understanding that life is fair and just. Even though the vagaries of day-to-day life tend to make us doubt this fact, Justice reminds us that there is Divine Balance. Notice the similarity between the Emperor and Justice. Both cards stand for universal order; the Emperor in its underlying structure, Justice, in the action of karma - cause and effect.
There is a serious feel to Card 11 - the tone of the court room. This card refers to legal matters of all kinds, but is not restricted to them. The courts are where judgments are made and decisions rendered. These are weighty issues. Our legal system is the official arena in which we explore the principles that Justice represents - fairness, impartiality and the quest for Truth.
In readings, Justice often appears when you are concerned with doing what is right or making sure you receive your due. It is also a signal to do what needs to be done. A time comes when responsibilities must be accepted, and accounts settled. The past will continue to haunt you if you do not recognize your mistakes and make amends for them. In the process you will have to weigh matters carefully and perhaps make important decisions about your future course.
XII - The Hanged ManLETTING GO, REVERSAL, SUSPENSION, SACRIFICE
I find the Hanged Man to be one of the most mysterious cards in the Tarot deck. It is simple, but complex. It attracts, but also disturbs. It contradicts itself in countless ways. The Hanged Man is unsettling because it symbolizes the action of paradox in our lives. A paradox is something that appears contradictory, and yet is true. The Hanged Man presents to us certain truths, but they are hidden in their opposites.
The main lesson of the Hanged Man is that we "control" by letting go - we "win" by surrendering. The figure on Card 12 has made the ultimate surrender - to die on the cross of his own travails - yet he shines with the glory of Divine Understanding. He has sacrificed himself, but he emerges the victor. The Hanged Man also tells us that we can "move forward" by standing still. By suspending time, we can have all the time in the world.
In readings, the Hanged Man reminds us that the best approach to a problem is not always the most obvious. When we most want to force our will on someone, that is when we should release. When we most want to have our own way, that is when we should sacrifice. When we most want to act, that is when we should wait. The irony is that by making these contradictory moves, we find what we are looking for.
XIII - DeathENDING, TRANSITION, ELIMINATION, INEXORABLE FORCES
Death! A powerful energy indeed. Who can look at the dark, skeletal figure on Card 13 and not feel uneasy. Here we see the face of our deepest fear - our greatest unknown. In western culture, we recoil from Death because we think of dying as annihilation. In the Tarot (and in "real" life I would suggest) Death is not a permanent end, but a transition into a new state. Life is eternal in its essence, if not in its form. To grow, to move, to live - we must "die" to the old to give birth to the new.
It is a truism in Tarot work that a responsible card reader never interprets Card 13 as physical death. This is a wise and important rule, not only because of our fears of death, but also because this interpretation is too limiting. Death is not just something that happens once to our bodies. It happens continually, at many levels and not just in the physical. Each moment we die to the present so the future can unfold.
In readings, Death often represents an important ending that will initiate great change. It signals the end of an era; a moment when a door is closing. At such times, there may be sadness and reluctance, but also relief and a sense of completion. Death also suggests getting down to basics. Dying has a way of making you concentrate on what's important. This card can remind you to cut the unnecessary from your life. Finally, Death can mean you will experience an inexorable force in your life. Death is inevitable, and sometimes there are events that are inescapable as well. When these moments occur, the best approach is to ride out your fate and see where it takes you.
XIV - TemperanceTEMPERANCE, BALANCE, HEALTH, COMBINATION
There are certain people who exude a kind of quiet composure. They may not say very much, but they go about their business with an air of calm and graceful deliberation. Their presence is comforting because they are so centered. For me, this is the energy of Temperance.
To be temperate is to show moderation and self-restraint. In a world full of enticing indulgences, it is often necessary to find the middle ground and avoid excesses. Sensible, maybe, but also a bit boring? The energy of Temperance may seem unexciting on the surface, but it is the calm of a hurricane's eye. All around are swirling winds, but in the center is a stillpoint that brings everything into balance.
In readings, Temperance can represent a need for moderation, especially when "extreme" cards are present (such as the Knights). This card can also indicate a need for balance. In conflict situations, Temperance suggests that compromise and cooperation are vital. Look for any opportunity to bring opposing parties together. In fact, to temper means to modify by adding a new component. By combining and recombining, we come up with the ideal mixture or solution. Finally, Temperance is the card of good health in all areas - physical, mental and emotional. When illness or dis-ease is a concern, Temperance holds out the promise of vitality and a greater sense of well-being.
XV - The DevilBONDAGE, MATERIALISM, IGNORANCE, HOPELESSNESS
Lucifer. Mephistopheles. Satan. The Prince of Darkness. No matter what we call him, the Devil is our symbol for the "dark side of the Force." He represents all that we view as bad and undesireable. From our human perspective, we see the world as a struggle between light and dark. We want to vanquish the bad so that the good can prevail. In fact, good and bad cannot be separated, just as you cannot separate a shadow from its source. Darkness is simply the absence of light, and it is caused by errors that hide the truth. Card 15 shows us these errors.
First is ignorance - not knowing the truth and not realizing that we do not know. Second is materialism - the belief that there is nothing but the physical. As spiritual beings, we have a natural longing for the Divine, but we can lose contact with this source of truth if we trust only our senses. Finally, there is hopelessness, which robs us of our joy and movement toward the light.
Although the Devil stands for evil to most people, it usually does not have this rather frightening meaning in a reading. Most often this card lets you know that you are caught in a unhealthy, unproductive situation. You may be "in the dark" about something - ignorant of the truth and its implications. You may be obsessed by a person, idea, substance or pattern that you know to be "bad" for you (or maybe you don't). Sometimes this card reflects back to you the negativity that has caused you to doubt yourself and your future. We are prone to many errors in life. Card 15 lets you know when they are serious enough to require attention. When you see the Devil, examine your assumptions carefully. Make sure you are not working from a false picture of yourself and your situation. Hold fast to your highest vision of who you are.
XVI - The TowerSUDDEN CHANGE, RELEASE, DOWNFALL, REVELATION
The Tower is often an unsettling card. Fire, lightning, falling on jagged rocks - definitely looks like trouble! Card 16 will not be welcomed by those who dislike change. It represents a sudden, dramatic upheaval or reversal in fortune. Most of the time change is gradual, giving us time to adapt. Sometimes, however, it is quick and explosive. This is the action of the Tower.
In movies, the hero sometimes slaps someone who is groggy or babbling. He may have tried everything else to get through, but finally resorts to sharp pain to "snap him out of it." Sudden crises are life's way of telling you to wake up. Something's wrong, and you're not responding. Are you too full of pride? Expect a blow to your ego. Are you holding in your anger? Expect a screaming fit. Are you stuck in a rut? Expect a BIG surprise.
How you respond to the Tower's changes will make all the difference in how painful the experience will be. Recognize that the disruption occurred because it was needed. Perhaps embracing the change is too much to ask, but try to find the positive in it. In fact, you may feel tremendous release that you have finally been "forced" into a new direction. You may have a burst of insight about your situation and reach a new level of understanding about it.
XVII - The StarHOPE, INSPIRATION, GENEROSITY, SERENITY
In all societies and cultures, people have looked to the stars as a source of inspiration and hope. There is something about their twinkling light that draws us out of ourselves and up into a higher plane. When we turn our eyes heavenward, we no longer feel the distress and troubles of earth. We feel instead the serenity of the stars. The Star reminds me of the clear, high voice of a soprano. There is something otherworldly about it. All the harshness and density of everyday life has been refined away leaving only the purest essence. After being exposed to the Star, we feel uplifted and blessed.
In readings, the Star is most welcome when grief and despair have overwhelmed us. In our darkest moments, we need to know that there is hope...that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Star is the opposite of the Devil who strips us of our faith in the future. Card 17 holds out the promise that we can eventually find peace of mind. The Star also reminds us to open our heart and release our fears and doubt. If you have been holding back in any way, now is the time to give generously.
It is important to remember that the Star is inspiring, but it is not a card of practical solutions or final answers. Truly without hope we can accomplish nothing, but hope is only a beginning. When you see Card 17, know that you are on the right track. Your goals and your aspirations are blessed, but to realize them, you must take positive action. Use the light of the Star to guide you in your efforts.
XVIII - The MoonFEAR, ILLUSION, IMAGINATION, BEWILDERMENT
If you look around the room right now, you will (probably!) see furniture, objects and people that are comforting in their familiarity. Everything is exactly as you expect it to be. You *know* that if you closed your eyes and then opened them, the room would still be the same. But...have you ever been in a situation where the familiar is gone, and, in its place, there is a world so bizarre and extraordinary you can't even grasp it? This is the experience of the Moon.
Most of the time we live in a tiny pocket of normality that we wrap around us like a security blanket. We turn our backs on the marvelous, mysterious universe that waits outside. From time to time we may sneak a peak with our imagination. Or venture out through fantasy or expanded awareness. Indeed we can be thrust out there unprepared through drugs, madness or intense experiences such as battle. Most often, though, we ignore it.
The Moon is the light of this realm - the world of shadow and night. Although this place is awesome, it does not have to be frightening. In the right circumstances, the Moon inspires and enchants. It holds out the promise that all we can imagine can be ours. When we are stuck in a rut, the Moon can guide us to explore the unknown and allow the unusual into our lives.
Unfortunately, though, we are mostly afraid of what the Moon has to offer, so, in readings this card often stands for our fears and anxieties - the ones that make us lie awake at night. Since we can lose our way in the moonlight, Card 18 also stands for illusions and bewilderment. We must beware of deceptions and false ideas that can lead us astray. Sometimes the Moon is a signal that you are lost and wandering aimlessly. You must find your way back to the path and your clarity of purpose.
XIX - The SunENLIGHTENMENT, GREATNESS, VITALITY, ASSURANCE
Brilliant. Radiant. Sparkling. So many of our words reflect (!) the power and glory of light. When we turn on the light in a room, we "illuminate" it so that all the dark corners are visible. When we turn on the light in our minds, we are "enlightened." We see clearly and understand the truth. Both within and without, the energy of light expands our limits and makes us shine.
Throughout history, people have honored the Sun as our greatest source of light and warmth. In the myths of many cultures, the Sun is a prominent god - full of vigor and courage. He is the vital energy center that makes all life on earth possible. It is natural, then, that in the Tarot the Sun also symbolizes radiant vitality and splendor. The Sun is definitely not a meek and retiring card.
In readings, you will have no trouble interpreting Card 19 if you imagine yourself to be a Sun God. How would you think and feel? You would have complete confidence in yourself. Not the cocky kind, but a true self-assurance. You would have unlimited energy and glow with health. You would have a greatness about you and stand out brilliantly. Finally, you would know and understand everything. When you see the Sun, know that you will be successful at all you undertake. Now is the time to let your light shine.
XX - JudgementJUDGEMENT, REBIRTH, INNER CALLING, ABSOLUTION
I've always found Card 20 vaguely disturbing. On it, we see people rising up at the call of an angel. It is Judgment Day, when the faithful are brought to heaven, but ... what about those that are not saved? Have they been judged and found wanting? For their sins, will they be denied the presence of God? It is this aspect of judgment that makes me uneasy. How can it be reconciled with forgiveness?
In fact, judgment comes in two forms. The hurtful kind says, "What you did is wrong, and you are bad and worthless for having done it." This type of judgment separates and leaves no room for redemption. It is possible, however, to judge without condemning. We assess the matter, weigh all sides and try to discern the truth. We recognize the need to choose and hope for the courage to do so wisely - but all without blame.
In readings, Card 20 can be a reminder that judgments are necessary - sometimes you *must* decide. At such moments, it is best to consider the matter carefully, and then commit yourself without censure. If you are being judged yourself, learn from the process. Take what is of value, correct what needs correcting, but never lose sight of your own worth.
Card 20 also stands for the feelings that come with "salvation." When the angel calls, you are reborn - cleansed of all guilts and burdens. The past and its mistakes are behind you, and you are ready to begin anew. You may even feel a calling - a personal conviction of what you were meant to do. If you are in a low period, in need of hope and absolution, Judgement can show you that renewal is at hand.
XXI - The WorldINTEGRATION, ACCOMPLISHMENT, INVOLVEMENT, FULFILLMENT
It's Thanksgiving Day. You've just finished a wonderful meal, and there's a hot mug of coffee in your hand. Friends and family are arguing about the latest fiasco, the baby's cooing at you from across the table, and your feet are rubbing the belly of a devoted mutt. You're happy, fulfilled and truly thankful (at least until you have to start the dishes!). For this moment, the World and everything in it is yours.
We all recognize this feeling. It can come at any time, in any circumstance, and it is always welcome. We can feel it at home raking the leaves or on the world stage accepting our Nobel Prize. It can seem quiet and simple, or wild and glorious. What is this feeling, and where does it come from? Card 21 can help us find out.
A major element of happiness is wholeness - the sense that everything is working together in harmony. Not in a static way, but with dynamic balance. Involvement is also important. To be happy, we must feel connected - engaged with what is around us. There is also accomplishment - knowing that we have goals and are moving toward them successfully. When all these elements come together, we feel fulfilled and blessed.
The World represents these moments and all that goes into them. In readings, it is a very positive sign that you are in a position to realize your heart's desire. What that is for you may vary depending on the situation, but it will always feel great. Remember, though, that Card 21 is a symbol of active contribution and service. To hold the World in our hands, we must give of ourselves to it. That is the source of true happiness.