By Michelle Crandell
The Fool hears a beautiful wordless melody sung in a clear soprano voice. He sees the singer, a lovely girl walking toward a pool of water, carrying two urns. Kneeling before the pool, she empties both urns; one into the pool, the other on the ground, near a tree.
“What are you doing?” he asks. She looks up, unafraid, eyes twinkling midnight blue. “I’m refilling this pool so those who need water may drink. I’m watering this tree, so it may live and bear fruit.”
Desperate for water, the Fool drinks. It tastes like liquid starlight. Hungry, he eats the fruit and his heart begins to heal. “I’ve witnessed so much suffering I can’t fix, the follies of mankind,” he whispers. “It’s hopeless. Nothing matters.”
The girl flashed a brilliant smile. “Your journey matters! You’ve persevered through such adversity. Don’t quit now. You’re almost there!” she exclaimed. “Let’s sit in this present moment and imagine possible positive futures for the world….and for yourself.”
The Fool closed his eyes, struggling to overcome doubt. She whispered, “Have faith in yourself. Trust the path you’re on. Your life does have a purpose. Create the best ‘you’ you can be and see what happens.”
She rose. He followed her, renewed by her encouragement. “Follow your star, Fool. It will guide you to your destination, no matter how far away it seems right now.” Then, she ascended high into the night sky. As she disappeared, the Fool called out, “What’s your name?” “I’m Hope,” she replied. The Fool followed the star she became.
Michelle Crandell provides individual readings for a fee. Once a year, she teaches LEARN TO READ TAROT. For more information, email michelle.crandell@gmail.com or call 501-655-6242.