Nostalgia is a powerful thing – it’s what has made much of recent pop culture so well received (having seen Ghostbusters: Afterlife last week, I speak from recent experience). And while the past is a wonderful place to visit, we cannot let ourselves stay there for too long. Features like Facebook Memories and an excess of digital photos makes it easy. Others have trauma in the past and may need to visit it in order to heal; they shouldn’t stay there too long either. The present and what we do in it is more important in the long run.
Blessings!
Six of Cups – In Ector’s Keeping
Meaning: Nostalgia. A time of reflection and reliving fond memories of bygone days. Drawing nourishment and comfort from recalling playful days of childhood. Old friends re-enter one’s life, bringing pleasant surprises. Efforts of the past come to fruition. Happiness as a result of previous kindness. Meeting aspects of the past.
On the flip side, it can mean an unhealthy attachment to the past that prevents one from appreciating the present. Having to contend with frightening and debilitating memories of childhood. Insecurity and longing for protection.
The Story: After the marriage of Uther and Igraine, Morgause (or Anna) left her mother’s side and became the wife of King Lot. Morgan was placed in the care of the Sisterhood of Avalon, and Arthur was hidden away by Merlin. The sage wisely kept the boy’s identity a secret, fearing those who would wish harm on Uther’s son. It was said that Merlin traveled to the home of Sir Ector and his family. This remote land and its loyal family made for a secure foster home for Arthur.
Fosterage was a common practice of the noble blood. Children would often stay with the foster family until they came of age, which was generally fourteen for girls and seventeen for boys.
In the case of Arthur, no formal arrangements had been made, and some say that Ector and his wife knew not of Arthur’s royal blood. But on the bidding of Merlin, the family accepted the boy.
While in Ector’s keeping, Arthur enjoyed a freedom he would never know again. Most thought him just one of the many royal bastards (as did Arthur himself), which meant his movements were no more restricted than those of his foster brother Kay. Being no more privileged than his companions, Arthur’s childhood instilled him with a sense of fair play and honor. Kay and Arthur were given an education and made to study literature, foreign languages, poetry, music, and the arts of war, after which they were free to roam and enjoy childhood pastimes.
Arthur was a likable boy who later cherished his years and friendships made while in the care of Sir Ector.
Legend: The Arthurian Tarot by Anna-Marie Ferguson
Parting the Mists 