The reading begins with a poignant reminder to be aware of the ways in which information influences emotionality. When we look around to observe, perceive, and learn, it is vital to understand that our emotions are a filter that influences how we process what we know. Rather than allowing information to pull us in all directions, there is a better way, a middle way. One that is emotionally intelligent and intelligently emotional. From this place of balanced understanding, it is easier to know that what wells up from our dreams is a representation of who we are actually are: A person who deserves to be treated with respect and care. If we have filtered the learning and understanding to a high degree, then we can move confidently in the direction of our goals. In treating oneself as preciously as platinum, we instruct others in how to do the same. Where as the Gold Rule is externally focused – and often fixated on sacrifice – the Platinum Rule gives us the ability to share of ourselves from a place of abundance, rather than impoverishing sacrifice. Once all this is understood, the moment has come to act. You know you are well informed, you trust your intent, and you share without sacrificing – now go! Do that which has been sifted, cleaned, and checked for impurities. Act knowing that it is an accurate expression of yourself. In manifesting your will, it becomes clear that you see your purpose and accept it to be good.

The reading opens with a reminder that true friendship is a rare and beautiful light that nourishes us, and gives us the energy we need to thrive and put forth fruitful harvests. The cards then remind us that we are freed of our guilt, and that this happens by way of the connections we make. We learn from other people not only when we have erred, but how we can make amends and continue to grow. Coming out of these conversations and interactions we learn more about our moral drivers and motivations. The Sage makes an appearance to remind us that sometimes we learn the most when we take moments of silence to reflect and consider what we have done, said, or thought. And during these meditative times, the decks wanted us to remember that curiosity and deep analysis are vital for understanding everything we are trying to accomplish.

The context for today’s reading is the idea of how our emotions intersect with how we express ourselves. As with the instruments in a band or symphony, the meaning the plays out with our expression changes based on intention. The same metal flute with the same air moving through it can play the same notes an infinite number of ways, and that is one way to think about how our emotions color our words. Remember that you might not play the same melody in the same way on a different day, and take responsibility for the consequences of what you put out into the world. When your words cause a reversal for yourself others, remember to clear the rubble from your third eye to perceive better what has happened and why. Allow new information and understanding to reform your context and intent, then use that rubble to build something new and wonderful. The stones from a Roman ruin can be used to build a cathedral. You are that cathedral, that progress in work, that project that takes a lifetime. It is the living that matters, even more than the tasks themselves. As the storms come and go, as they will forever, remember your cathedral can withstand them. With each storm, you make repairs. You stay out of your own way, and allow yourself the grace to realize that guilt and shame are distractions once their lessons have been learned. If there is grief, consider how it might be a hole, and you can fill it with anything you want. What building material will you choose?

We navigate the world based on how we perceive it and what we know and learn from it. But our emotions and instincts are a filter, and we must be aware of them as we process the information that comes our way. Sometimes those experiences root themselves within us as shame, and this impacts our choices for the worse. Being free of shame releases energy once used for defense to be allocated instead toward growth. Making a safe space (both internally and literally) provides a respite, but guard against guarding so much that no one can climb the walls around your garden. Otherwise a transformational experience is not actually able to affect change in your life. Be aware of whether compasses that are externally set to true north haven’t been substituted for dials that can be set by biased hands. And finally, recognize that the safe space you built isn’t only for you, so remember to include features that benefit the community of people you love.

In the vast universe, things move at incredible speeds and yet take millions of years to reach each other. Like that cosmic ocean, we too are together and apart, separated and yet emanating into each other’s lives, seen through the static of each other we must filter down what we are seeing. We can’t look for what’s perfect, we have to look for what we see, and filter that down into our lives and ourselves. We can gain insight at times, leaping above the surface of the ocean and taking in new things, new ideas. But we return again down into our heart and our connection with others. Through willful action we play out those things we have learned and know. We are called to action to reflect the glow we have taken from the universe, or the seeds we have gestated within us. Sending the light back out, but filtered so that we are increasing the good and leaving things better than we found them. Finally we are reminded that we are part of something greater, and that we have to filter ourselves in that greatness so that we are being authentic and improving what we interact with. We have the strongest effect when we share our heart, our lives, our experiences so that others can learn and live with us.

We are what we are, but we share that through what we say. We shape ourselves through what we say. At times, we need to one reminded that what we say creates what we are in that moment. And that can cause fear. But we are released from that fear if we allow ourselves to be. Someone in our life is giving us joy and good juju. We need to connect with them and share our energy that they have helped of fuel. We must be aware of the energy and purpose from which others are sharing their ideas and opinions. It comes down to doing what needs doing now. All of the actions we can take need deliberate and practiced hands. It’s not just about sharing with others who bring us joy, but purposefully planting in their lives so that they can grow. When we are in harmony, when we are tangled together like vines or waves. We may be a single drop from a cosmic ocean, but we are the congruence of those we are with and the harmony of the interaction of those lives.

Dean and Jack start with an immediate reaction to the card suggesting that morality and ethics are set and stable. That with our instincts we simply know what is right and true. But we are reminded that even thought what is, still is, what will be is still coming. That even though we have made this action, this decision, this moral outpouring, we must still work to balance it with our own internal compass and evaluate the effects that though tempered by our context, are still true and real and must be dealt with. We are both perfect, and can still be better. Take from others, learn from them, even when you despise or hate them, what can they show you about yourself and the morality and ethics you are making for yourself. Don’t get stuck here. Your journey is one of joys and griefs, but you can’t be bogged down by things that would anchor you to the ground. You are given joy along the journey, and that is why you take it. With this contemplation, sit for a moment with the heat of your flames of action. Let the inspiration that dances in them fill you with ideas and creativity, that which truly makes us human.

At the start of the year, we get the reminder to speak our emotions in a way that seeks maturity through communication and honesty, authenticity. When we do share, it creates ripples both in ourselves and those we are speaking to. We need to allow those ripples to flow and give time for them to take shape and disperse. We are reminded not to just jump in and flounder, but to take time and consider, partly by taking a pause for something relaxing and introspective, like a bubble bath. From there we can contemplate that which might divide our heart or our soul, and gives us a sense of fear at the unknown. Because when we are at peace and contemplation, we can allow ourselves to dance above the water of the ocean, to reach moments of enlightenment or great understanding. Speak boldly so that you may find maturity and settle the dichotomy in your soul.