Feb 14, 2011

Settlers

Stephanie & Daniel @ Mt. Tabor

I met these two lovebirds atop Mt. Tabor one drizzly afternoon in November.  They were strolling arm in arm, taking in the view along the ridge.  I politely approached them and asked if they would participate in my art project.  Stephanie declined with a bit of nervous laughter, but her partner, Daniel, bypassed his initial reservation and agreed to give it a shot.  While listening to my interpretation of the cards, he became very keen on the whole experience and gently cajoled Stephanie into picking some cards herself.  It seemed as though her anxiety stemmed from a fear that the cards would indicate some tension or flaw in their relationship.  She was obviously very in love, so I affirmed the cards would tell her nothing that she didn't already know and made special sure to acknowledge the cards truthfully, but respect the genuine affection and support these two had for one another. 

The tarot touched on their relationship briefly, but the theme had more to do with finding one's place in the world.  I don't really remember the reading verbatim, but I do remember the conversation that transpired from it.  Daniel told me that he is from Croatia and emigrated to the United States from Germany in the late 90's.  He met Stephanie in New York City and fell in love.  A few months ago they moved to Portland together.  Although financial stability is still to be desired, this is the first time in their lives that they truly feel at home; they want to settle down and make Portland their home.  Daniel related this desire to nest is to an astrological phase that is currently ending, a thirteen year Gemini cycle that he claims induced and supported a prolonged period of exploration for him.  Thirteen years after he left Croatia, he has found himself here with Stephanie, committed, connected and content to call Portland home.  I asked him why he chose Portland and he pointed out the fact that we, complete strangers, were standing on the rim of a small volcano having a random conversation in the drizzling rain, reading tarot and making art.  "That's the difference between Portland and other cities I lived in," he said, "This conversation couldn't happen anywhere else".        


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