Nine of Cups

While America has had an unnaturally calm hurricane season, areas of Vietnam are experiencing the worst flooding in decades after recent heavy rains. The news says another typhoon is on the way, which can only increase the rapidly rising death toll. However, the photos and video streaming out of Vietnam show an incredible amount of optimism, with many going on about business as normally as possible under the intense conditions. Some, like the engaged couple above, seem to barely notice the high water; for the time being, their faith and comfort in each other and the support of their families are enough to sustain them.

The bliss of the Nine of Cups itself occupies its own sort of eye in the storm. Balance is restored despite the excesses, delusions, and disappointments that have piled up in the Seven and Eight, and one's ability to love and care for oneself and others seem to have only been strengthened by those trials. On the other side of it is the Ten, which may test the limits of that blessing -- but we'll deal with that when we come to it, right? The Nine gives you permission to celebrate what you've overcome and to dream of a future in which you'll continue to thrive, come what may. It's worth noting that we do this by using what we've learned, not by pretending the bad times never happened. [Via]