I have always found this card very interesting. It keeps coming up in my readings and giving me new insights into it each time.

First of all, it usually stands for an unequal relationship, one in which one gives a lot more than he/she receives. This might be because there is another who is always ready to ask for more. But it may also be because the giver does not feel good unless freely giving of his/her time and effort. Usually the receivers were brought up to believe they had a right to ask for anything they needed, and the giver educated in the "good is as good does".

This meaning comes up more often in a love relationship, specially those in which one of the members is more "in love" than the other. The more that member gives and sacrifices, the less his/her efforts are appreciated, but just taken for granted. Another typical case is that of the sacrificing mother, father or parents towards their ungrateful offspring. Even when the parents have no more to give, the offspring seem incapable of seeking their own sustenance.

Finally, there is a meaning which I have personally come across more than once: being capable of giving only in the right measure. That means helping others help themselves, rather than embarrassing them with a whole load of attention and gifts. We must realize that most people are ready to receive only certain things and only to a certain point. Anything above that and we are hurting more than helping.

It is a fine art, this learning to give and receive. Because when we need help, we also must learn how to ask for it, or put ourselves in a position to receive. First of all that means realizing we cannot fulfill all our needs by ourselves. Next we must learn to swallow our pride and request aid at the appropriate time and place.

And finally we should be grateful, both if we are in a position to give and if we are lucky enough to receive when in need.