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

Book:
"Description: A young mother leaves a terraced papyrus field, shouldering a bundle of ten papyrus reeds. Another bundle, her youngest child, is carried in a pouch. An older son walks ahead of her, carrying a box of grain; another grain container is strapped to his back. The field rises above the Nile, part of a bay in which nestles the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut (the only female pharaoh in Egyptian history). This Nubian family is part of the laboring servant/slave class drawn from Egypt's conquered territories, who were set to work every fertile strip of land surrounding the Nile. (The reign of Ramses II also marked the era of Israelite enslavement. Historians speculate that Hebrew slaves probable labored to build the pharaoh's new royal capital of Per-Ramesse, 'house of Ramses.')"

I really love this card! The mother's burdens don't seem so hard for her to take -- just part of normal life. She may have to work hard, and her labor may be enforced, but she doesn't look oppressed. At least in Egypt there was something to eat! Remember the story of Joseph? Or the Exodus: "And the sons of Israel kept saying to them: 'If only we had died by Jehovah's hand in the land of Egypt while we were sitting by the pots of meat, while we were eating bread to satisfaction, because you have brought us out into this wilderness to put this whole congregation to death by famine.'" (Ex. 16:3)

"Meanings: Being overburdened, pressured, and taxed to the limits of one's ability to cope. The card calls for the need to balance everything very carefully, as the tightrope is tautly stretched and may snap at any moment. Responsibilities and obligations can be oppressive and stressful if not balanced with perspective and the release of nonessentials. Distinctions between exploiting and being exploited need to be considered. Issues arise concerning slavery and/or servitude to society, family, or one's job."

The RW & derivatives that I'm used to seem much more stressful, with characters hunched under the weight of their loads. But this Ten of Staves gives me a good feeling -- that the work is worth it, that nothing essential is lacking, including the strength to carry on. Servitude is definitely an issue. Who do you serve? What are you working for? Why do you work so hard? The card reminds me of single mothers (who work harder than most) -- willing slaves to the needs of their children.

One Love All Love,
Moonchild