On Adversity

[sdi]

I was reading this passage from The Book of Talismans:

Most scientists are agreed that Pearls are formed in the endeavour of certain bivalves to obtain relief from the irritation caused by some foreign substance which has penetrated the shell and which the Oyster, by covering with a pearly secretion, forms into a beautiful gem. The idea that Pearls are symbolic of tears arose from this fact, and illustrates the old adage that the most noble achievements have their origin in painful and enduring effort.

It caused me to realize that, just as precious pearls are formed of grit and water, so too is Fortuna Major is the sum of Tristitia and Albus: the greatest blessings are bestowed by suffering and reflection. We tend to think of Fortuna Major as the most positive figure in geomancy, but it is not so simple as that, I think.