Ancestral Path - Eight of Staves
By Julie Cuccia-Watts; book by Tracey Hoover
Publisher: US Games Systems, Inc.

Book:
"Description: A flock of ibises rise in agitation above a fertile island nestled in the Nile, disturbed by hunters' spears. They race against fate or destiny, their life or death dependent upon the deadly skill of the invisible hunters. Luxuriant palm leaves rustle in the wake of the flight of the birds and weapons. The hunters also test fate/destiny, as ibises were sacred to Egyptians. The hunting of sacred ibises, whether for food or sport, was prohibited. This card exposes the uniquely human proclivities for murder and senseless destruction.

"The anthropomorphic representation of the god Thoth was that of an ibis head above a human body. Thoth was the god of wisdom, associated with the moon -- great in magic and cunning (frequently working in magical partnerships with Isis, Mistress of Magic)."

"Meanings: Swiftness, speed, skill, racing against danger. Message of life or death (represented by the spears aimed at the ibises). The swift resolution of a situation or problem; whether it is a positive or negative outcome is indicated by surrounding cards in a reading. Negatively, it can imply deliberate and/or wanton destruction, desecrating the sacred, or defying authority through destructive acts."

I hate to admit it (especially since I know it will go on my permanent record) but I don't much like this card. It's criminal! It brings to mind "hit and run" type crimes, such as bank robberies, whose success depends on swiftness of execution followed by a speedy getaway. It's human disturbance of the peace. Permanent destruction for short-term benefit.

Once upon a time, on a Wednesday afternoon, I brought my canoe through a tunnel of mangroves into a small and secret lake, unreachable by foot in the middle of the swamp. There were ibises resting in the tops of the mangroves surrounding the lake, and an osprey came and snatched a fish from the water about ten feet from me. We were all at peace. They've since made the area into a public park, with a boardwalk ending in a platform on this lake. Greater access, they said. More enjoyment for more taxpayers. I went once to visit, but there were no birds there -- just some litter. Progress serves us with one hand, and robs us with the other.

When things are moving right along, we need to take a minute to consider whether it's a healthy, constructive course or a damaging, destructive one.

One Love All Love
Moonchild