Elliot Adam's Blog, page 76
February 22, 2022
The Card of the Day: Strength (Reversed)
“Remember your strength!”
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The Strength card is a symbol of inner fortitude, which helps us prevail in the face of life's challenges. Strength is something that needs to be reinforced every day. Just as muscles need to be continuously used to maintain their power, so too does inner strength need to be exercised. Every time you act in your own best interest despite your fears and inner weaknesses, you are developing strength. Strength is a choice. You can either buckle to what keeps you stuck and afraid, or you can choose excellence.
At what time in your life did you feel you were at your strongest? Do you sometimes forget you are that same person? Do you need to get back on track by standing up to inner weaknesses which have been keeping you stuck and afraid?
The woman on this card does not sport bulging muscles, but she is the epitome of inner strength and confidence. The lion on the card represents her "lower" impulses, such as fear, anger, bad habits, belligerence, and other out of control behaviors. She confronts her lion by gently closing its mouth, thereby not allowing it to consume her. The infinity symbol above her head shows she is eternally confronting the lion. Her strength is part of her now. It has been habitually reinforced, by confronting and overcoming weakness every day.
Strength is not manifested by large displays of power, but by gentle, compassionate, self directed corrections in the form of good decisions. Strength is also not just used once and then you're done! It is a daily routine that becomes so much easier with time. Its also important not to make self corrections because of how "guilty" you feel. These inwardly directed corrections should come from a place of self love and compassion, or they won't work (later the lion will rebel and revert, if it has guilt to latch on to).
You are definitely more powerful than you may give yourself credit for. Human beings get stuck in ruts, and sometimes it feels that we can't change something because we've been acting that way so long that it is just part of who we are. Your identity is not fused to any behavior that undermines your majesty. If something has been running amok like a wild lion that you feel can't be self-controlled, think again. Every day you have the power to rise up and be excellent. You have the choice to direct your own life or leave it to the shadows. Being strong in the face of your inner beast can feel difficult at first, but with continued positive action the lion is always tamed.
Make at least three choices today that give you power over the beast. This will affirm your strength.
When the Strength card appears reversed it usually comes at a time when you are starting to doubt or forget your abilities. Don't let this happen! A good way to bolster yourself is to keep a "Courage Journal." This is invaluable little book is where you will record your victories, great and small, each time you face a fear and win. Every time you meet a challenge you are afraid of, and persevere, write it in the Courage Journal. Every time you make a huge life achievement, write it in the Courage Journal. This very special book can be taken off the shelf any time you are facing a scary challenge. The Courage Journal is written proof that you can accomplish what you once thought "impossible." It is also proof that you can handle the issue you are facing now. To begin your journal, start with the five most pivotal turning points in your life where you kept going even when you thought you couldn’t. That is where your courage and character are found. Write about who you were before the event, and who you became after. Remember that you have come so far and can go even further. Add pages to your Courage Journal each time you choose bravery. In time, you will see written proof of your excellence.
Strength Reversed can also indicate that you are being too hard on yourself in the quest for self-improvement. The woman on the card is making gentle self-corrections. She isn’t beating the lion up. Today, be kinder to yourself when taming the unruly parts of your experience. It is important that you aren’t just courageous, but that you are also respecting who you are and what you bring.
Remember your courage.
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February 21, 2022
The Card of the Day: The Page of Pentacles
"Passion for learning."
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The Page of Pentacles represents the passion you feel for what really interests you. This can be a goal, a talent, a creative pursuit, or a career that you love. To get better at anything, you have to work at it. When your interests become "work," it can be easy to forget why you used to love it. The job to do (and the anxiety to do it well), can soon take the place of the passion. The process of getting better at anything is strewn with mistakes. Errors are your best teachers. If you don't remind yourself what you love about the work you do, your morale can quickly sink. If you throw in comparing yourself to others, who you think do it "better," and you've got a perfect recipe for anxiety, apathy or avoidance. In order to reclaim your passion, get back to the basics. It's time to remind yourself what initially made you passionate about this pursuit in the first place!
Why did you choose to go into the work you do? What did you like/love about it when you were just getting started? Has perfecting your talents become something that gives you more anxiety than joy? How has this work made your life more meaningful?
The Page holds up his Pentacle with reverence. It is a symbol of his passion for learning, perfecting, and understanding. He lives in a fertile valley in the shade of trees and mountains. Although he is a child of the "Earth element," he always seems to have his head in the clouds. The tall trees and the towering mountains lie far beneath where his dreams take him. This kid is going places! His red hat symbolizes the passion he has for the fresh goals he is just getting started with. He is not just a dreamer but also a "doer." His green tunic represents that abundance will always result when there is a self-motivation for improvement.
Sometimes anxiety about doing well at something causes avoidance of the very things that used to bring you joy. The Page of Pentacles asks you to try to remember, what made you passionate about doing this work in the first place. Did it make you feel good to help someone? Was it something that you felt brilliant in? Did it build your self-esteem up, because you had a gift, and you used to know it?
For success to take root, the love of the pursuit must supersede your anxieties about it.
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February 19, 2022
The Card of the Day: The Seven of Wands
“Taking the high road.”
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The Seven of Wands signifies standing up for your integrity. When you let your personal honor code inform your decisions, you will find yourself on the high road. Taking this road isn’t always the easiest path, but it is the one that will make you shine. The Seven of Wands encourages you to think as an individual, and avoid devolving into “group think.” This could mean not engaging in gossip to appease a wounded ego. It could also mean not going along with something that violates you sense of right and wrong, just to gain the acceptance of others.
Do you stand up for what is right, good, and the just, within you? Are you able to take the high road and not engage in slander and gossip? Can you rise above the the lower human impulses for bickering, pettiness and the ego’s need to be “always right?”
The man on the card is defending his position on the high road. He is on the hilltop, above all the rest. You can’t see the other individuals attacking him on the card. You don’t need to. They are all the same. They are more interested in banding together to “fit in’” and targeting those that stand out. The man at the top of the hill is in the best position. He is “King of the Mountain,” and no one will dislodge him. If you look closely, the man is wearing two different kinds of shoes. This shows that he is a nonconformist. Wearing two different shoes has made him a target by those who choose uniformity. This mob doesn’t know who this guy thinks he is! How dare he stand apart from them, thumbing his nose at their conformity. The group below feels good sharing a brain, but the man on the hilltop is true to his own integrity. This distinguishes him as an individual with personal strength and honor.
We might like to think that only teenagers self-consciously care about what others think. But in every human is an instinct and desire to be accepted and belong. Unfortunately, many adults engage in way too much negativity to gain the acceptance of their “tribe.” This manifests as gossip, group think, throwing others under the bus, racist/homophobic jokes, and rejection of people who appear “different.” We all like to believe we are good people, but chronically engaging in these sorts of behaviors can rob “good people” of their integrity and individualism.
Every now and then you hear someone who shines with integrity say “I’m not going to engage in this conversation.” Or “I actually really like her, she quite nice if you get to know her.” It isn’t because people with integrity believe they are better. It is because they embrace compassion, and know the sting of unfair rejection first hand. We admire these people because they have courage and take a stand and not engage in what is beneath their dignity.
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The Card of the Day: The Six of Wands (Reversed)
“Validate yourself.”
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The Six of Wands represents gaining attention through excellence. This card reminds you that nobody does you like you! Everybody has a gift, talent, or personal strength that they really excel at. This card advises you not only to embrace your talents, but to display them unapologetically. Only you have your unique recipe of abilities. The best way to improve your life is to love yourself fully, and this includes the gifts that you bring.
Were you taught that it’s immodest and rude to call attention to your gifts? (A huge epidemic in the Midwest!) Do you diminish your abilities and belittle your talents so others don't think you are "better than them?" Are you speaking up, and getting compensated appropriately for the work that you do?
The man on the card is the center of a triumphant procession. He is elevated by his peers because of his gifts. His regal bearing shows that he is completely comfortable with his self-confidence. He isn't being arrogant, he is simply owning what makes "him," him. The others in the procession carry their own wands, but only his wand is wreathed with glory. He is "standing out," and he isn't afraid of it. His horse is richly dressed, this guy is not afraid to put on a show. Most people love it! It appears that he saved the town, or is a marvelous celebrity. However, if you look closely behind the man riding the horse, there is another face in the crowd. This face holds an expression of jealousy and envy.
It's a sad fact that the people who shine brightest will often be the targets of others who are insecure with their own abilities. Sometimes this fear of being targeted causes talented people, with extraordinary gifts, to hide their gifts. And yet, it really isn't about others. If you are following your passion, and loving every moment of it, then it won't matter at all what others think. If you truly believe in your value, and your worth then there should be no question that you should own your best-self. If you are afraid to be yourself because of a backlash from others, then you probably have some serious self-loving to get to! In the end, it's not about what others think about you, but what you truly believe about yourself. Do you feel worthy enough to reveal the "real you?"
Today, it's time to fully embrace your talents, abilities, and your worth. It's time to stop throwing yourself under the bus, to appease the wounded egos of the weak. The people that you actually want to attract will love when you are confident. You will actually attract other individuals who are comfortable in their own skin. The people who are repelled by your light will go away. And good riddance! Buh-Bye! The only thing you need to do is follow your inner compass, and stop conforming to what the bovines want you to be.
So ask for that raise! Stop apologizing for yourself to make others feel better. Raise your prices if they are way too low. Let your thoughts be known (respectfully). Call attention to your talents and promote them. Go for that promotion. Stop following and lead your own life. "Own it!"
Go out and be your own best cheerleader!
If the Six of Wands appears reversed, you are put on notice to identify any erosion to your self-confidence that you might be experiencing. Like the reversed picture, don't let the opinions of others (the crowd on top) take precedence over the belief you have in your own gifts and abilities (the wreathed wand at the bottom). What others think or say about you does not matter as much as what you think and believe about yourself.
It can be encouraging to receive the validation of others, but never place yourself in a position of dependency on it. An authentic feeling of validation can only come from within. Anything else is a fleeting imitation. Ask yourself why you are doing what you excel at, is it for “them” or for you? Love yourself, your spirit, your unique beauty, your talents, and your abilities without the need for validation. It doesn’t matter what others think about your talents as long as you are happy with what you are creating. Keep your eyes on your own paper and create the life you want. The only validation you truly need is your own.
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February 14, 2022
The Card of the Day: The Three of Cups
“The Graces.”
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The Three of Cups portrays the famous Three Graces from Greek mythology. The Graces are goddesses of charisma. It was said wherever they walked, flowers sprang up, and joy and laughter abounded. The Graces (also called Charities) each stood for attributes you can embrace to elevate your personal energy, transforming it from depressive to jubilant. We get our word "Charisma" from the three Charities (Graces). Charisma is that magical energy which makes others like you. Charisma is a gift all of us can develop. Anyone can increase their personal charisma by embracing their authenticity, lightening up, and bringing positive energy to others.
Does the energy in your environment feel bogged down? Do you feel too distracted by stress to even think about lightening up? Did you know that you can make your world happier by embracing your own charismatic energy?
The Three of Cups depicts the three Graces in their unique colors: red, white, and gold. The names of the Graces are Euphrosyne, Aglaea, and Thalia.
Euphrosyne is in the red robe. Her name means “to delight, cheer, gladden.” Euphrosyne shows that our environment becomes more vibrant when we embrace our humor. Any time we make someone’s day better with a smile or lift the energy with laughter we are channeling her gift. Euphrosyne's message is "lighten up!" Use humor to diffuse what you are afraid of. Laughing at what brings you anxiety is a useful tool for overcoming it. Red is the color of courage, vitality, and passion.
Aglaea is in the white robe. Her name means “radiance, bright splendor, and light.” Every time you are sharing your inner radiance, you are embracing her gift. When you are embracing your inner light, you create a palpable positive force of energy around you that others will immediately perceive. Being relaxed in who you really are causes others to feel safe enough to be open with you. When you look into another's eyes and see that their inner light is also sacred and radiant, you are touching Aglaea's gift. White is the color of purity, truth, and Spirit.
Thalia is in the golden robe. Her name means “to warm, to foster, to bloom.” Each time you patiently nurture something (yourself, a talent, a dream, a child) you are embodying Thalia energy. Tending to your hopes and wishes makes life meaningful. Thalia brings success through gentle tending of your goals. She also teaches that helping others with the very same things you struggle with, is the quickest way to boost your own feelings of self-worth and value. Gold is the color of success, wealth, and the warmth of the sun.
Everyone can elevate their personal charisma. Like any skill, the more you use it, the more natural it will become to access. Charisma raises energy. It also makes it much easier for you to get ahead in life. Sometimes we are taught that if we don’t fight we won’t get what we want. This sets you up for a combative existence. It is so much easier to tap into the gifts of the graces. People love to help likable people! Charisma transforms the energy of a room as if by magic. That is why talented people exuding tons of personal charisma get top dollar. We want them to raise our energy, and bring us the same joy, through music, words, and entertainment.
Today, tap into your personal charisma through humor, radiating your authentic light, and offering warmth and kindness to others. Watch your environment immediately improve with the gifts of the Graces. You’ll be amazed at how much easier life will feel if you bring positivity to this situation.
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February 13, 2022
The Card of the Day: The Knight of Wands (Reversed)
“Focusing your energy.”
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The Knight of Wands symbolizes the urge for exploration and adventure. He is the traveler of the tarot (here he is pictured visiting Egypt). He understands that by removing himself from the humdrum routines of day to day life he can gain better perspective of who he really is. A free and fearless spirit.
When is the last time you broke routines and explored the world outside your home or work? Do you need a big vacation, or a small get away to regain perspective? Do you go to the same old restaurants, same pubs, same neighborhoods in your community? Are you overdo for some spontaneity?
Travel broadens the mind. It frees us from monotony and allows us to explore environments where people don’t know all of our personal history. By exploring new places, you are actually on a journey of discovering yourself. When you return from a trip your mind actually looks at the life you left behind with renewed clarity. It's called "leaving the bubble."
In his “Four Quartets,” T.S Eliot wrote:
”We shall not cease from exploration, and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.“
Not everyone can take big trips to exotic locations, but you can still go to places that allow you to connect with folks that are different from you. Once there, you will realize that you aren’t so different after all. By seeing yourself as they might see you, you might find you are more interesting than you thought.
Today reclaim your spontaneity. Go an outing outside of your normal perimeters. Visit a restaurant with foods you haven’t tried. Talk to people that don’t look like you. Get excited and plan a larger trip if you need a vacation. This world is so awesome, get out there and explore!
Today stop being bored or boring. You are not your job or your routine.
When the Knight of Wands appears reversed, he asks you what you have learned from all your exploration over the past year. Up until now, you have probably been seeking answers, and looking in unlikely places. When the Knight of Wands appears reversed he is asking you how you can channel this disparate information into productive ways to improve your life. When this card appears reversed it warns against allowing your energy to remain scattered.
Breaking out of your ruts and routines is only half of the journey. Seeking yourself outside of yourself can only offer a distorted reflection. The answer is always found back at square one...within. Exploration can give you a glimpse, a new perspective or way of seeing. However, always you will return to yourself, translating this perspective into personal wisdom for a tangible benefit. What have your explorations been teaching you? There is something very important for you to understand. Today, stop and think about what your journey has been repeatedly teaching you. Do something with what you have learned! Now it is time to take all the excitement of exploration, and allow it to manifest into positive life changes.
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February 12, 2022
The Card of the Day: The Five of Wands (Reversed)
“Feeling it’s them against me.”
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The Five of Wands traditionally represents competition, ambition, and struggle. It symbolizes the inner tension we feel when we are caught up in our egos, constantly comparing our “status” in relation to others. Early on kids are taught “you must be the winner!” Life is a series of competitions.... best at music, best at Monopoly, best at softball, best at spelling. You must win at each thing you try otherwise...........you must be a loser, a nothing, a failure at life. This sort of “all or nothing” thinking sets up impossible standards that can never be attained. As kids grow into adulthood, they carry this toxic baggage, feeling there is something wrong with them. No wonder so many adults struggle with self-esteem.
Do you constantly compare your “status” with others? Do you feel that you must be perfect at everything? Have you ever stopped to think how adolescent that is?
The adolescents on the card are competing.[1] Each is trying to prove that he has the biggest stick. Each of the competitors think there can only be one winner. They think to themselves, “Either I win this, or I am humiliated.” The teenagers on the card do not have the wisdom that age engenders. They do not see that each is an individual, with their own combination of unique skills. This is represented by their distinctive colored costumes and designs. Each figure in the card has condensed his whole concept of self-worth on a game of sticks! This is all or nothing thinking, and it is very damaging to self-esteem.
Think about it, could you ever attain being the richest, most beautiful, eternally young, perfect bodied, artistic genius? Oh, and smartest person in the world, best at every sport, every subject, every language, every artistic medium and every skill set known to man? Nobody can do that! The truth is we each have a unique combination of gifts. You might not be the best at each skill and talent you possess, however, there is no person on the planet with your unique combination of talents, skills, and abilities.
Today, catch yourself if you are playing the game of the big sticks! It’s ridiculous! You don’t have to win at everything to be worthy. You are special, unique and radiate a beauty that is all your own. Nobody does you like you. My favorite entertainer Judy Garland used to say:
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
When the Five of Wands appears reversed it alerts you to anyone who may be projecting negativity onto you because of their perception that somehow you are “better than them.” People with wounded egos often look at others who project self-confidence or kindness as threats. To be kind implies that somehow you aren’t enduring your own struggles. This isn’t always the case, but insecure people often assume it is so. When confronting people with low self-esteem it’s important that you don’t let your ego get triggered when they treat in you in a less-than-kind manner. Immature behavior like this says more about them then it does about you. Keep being excellent for yourself. You will attract those of like mind and will repel those that you don’t really want around anyway.
Don’t participate in ego struggles brought on by the comparison game. There is no need to struggle or prove something to others who are obviously wounded. It's time to keep your eyes on your own paper. Be at peace with wherever you are at. My wise friend and teacher Nancy Retzlaff wrote in her book "Cinderella Doesn't Live Here Anymore," that:
"Comparison is a ticket to Hell. Do not pass go, do not collect $200, go directly to Hell! If you compare yourself and come off superior today, you're sure to find yourself inferior to someone tomorrow. It never ends. We are all unique, and it's like comparing apples to oranges on the physical level of what appears to be."
Today you received a Get Out of Hell Free card! Love yourself and stop playing the game of superior/inferior.
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[1] Johannes Fiebig and Evelin Burger, The Ultimate Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot, (Woodbury, MN. Llewellyn Publications., 2016), 86. The authors of this book were the first to make me realize that these were adolescents competing in a struggle.
February 11, 2022
The Card of the Day: The Eight of Cups
“Listen to what's calling within.”
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The Eight of Cups represents taking the journey within, to the realm of your authentic feelings. Periodically you must go deep within yourself, to hear your Spirit, and reclaim strengths and abilities you forgot you possessed. Although the journey inward is of great value, it rarely feels easy to begin embarking on it. It is often accompanied by a period of depression, feeling crazy, or the sense that you've hit a patch of “bad luck." The Eight of Cups reminds you that you've probably made a similar journey before, just prior to a deeper revelation about yourself. Your instincts will once again, be your best guide.
When you are quiet, do you hear the call of your authentic self? Do you seem to go through periods of confusion, depression, or seeming "bad luck?" How has your life improved in the past, as a result of listening to your heart?
The man on the card is reminiscent of the Hermit. He is taking a journey alone, staff in hand, returning from the realm of water and shadows. He is walking toward the sea, representing his deep unconscious feelings. These feelings were not acknowledged in his daily life and were acting up in strange ways. At first thought he was crazy… then just unlucky. Finally, he realized his authentic feelings were not being respected or acknowledged. He wasn't being true to himself.
The moon is eclipsing the sun in the picture. Thoughts about what he should do, or be, to gain the acceptance of others in his daily life (the sun), are now being eclipse by his instinctual self (the moon). At long last he has the courage to go within and reconnect with his real feelings. His authentic feelings are now his best friends, giving him depth and wisdom to persevere.
The moon has been associated with the instinctual since the dawn of humanity. It elusively pulls at our awareness, and yet it is easy to dismiss and ignore (just like our instincts). The Latin word for moon is la Luna, where we get our word "lunatic" from. If your instincts are chronically ignored, they can make you feel crazy. Like a neglected child, unheard emotions will "act up," if they are habitually ignored. This often manifests as periods of bad luck, sadness, imagined illnesses, or times where you feel utterly lost and powerless. Returning within will help you reclaim your authentic self and arm you with the ability to set everything right again. This journey can only happen alone, and in the dark places. The darkness is where the potential for healing happens.[1]
The Eight of Cups appears to remind you to let your instincts guide your path. The very fact that you are reading a tarot book demonstrates that you have the courage to listen to these unconscious feelings. The unconscious speaks in the language of pictures, myths, and symbols. Instincts do not adhere to the laws of a logical, organized, and rationalized world. Your deeper instincts can feel messy at times, and very confusing if you aren't used to acknowledging them. And yet, they must be acknowledged if we are to find our way through the barriers that thwart our progress (symbolized by the craggy rocks on the card).
The Eight of Cups is an image of deep healing. If you listen to your instincts and they will give you the power to overcome previous blockages. You can then return to the land of the sun with profound insight; less burdened and free.
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[1] Jamie Sams and David Carson, Medicine Cards: Revised, Expanded Edition (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1999), 245. The Black Panther totem featured in this deck alerts us to the healing potential found in the darkness of the unknown places within.
February 9, 2022
The Card of the Day: The Four of Pentacles
“Seeking security.”
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The Four of Pentacles represents material security and stability, which is very different from being secure in yourself. Although this a wonderful card (financially speaking), it warns against being consumed by the pursuit of security, in the external world. The Four of Pentacles reminds you to balance both your worldly position, with the needs of the "authentic you."
Do you feel harmony between your "inner" and "outer" life? Are you "maintaining an image" because you fear sharing your authenticity? Have you found that no matter how much you achieve, it still doesn't feel like it's going to be enough?
The miserly man on the card had a very difficult early life. He knows well what it is like to go hungry. He was the eldest, in a poor family of eight children. Dealing with severe poverty in his early childhood created a lot of emotional turmoil, accompanied by feelings of being "worthless." One way for the man to medicate this sense of worthlessness was to make a lot of money. He was also going to be "the best" at everything he did. He thought if he gained enough money and status, he would finally prove to the world he was worthy. The man moved to a looming city, buzzing with opportunity and flashy personalities. He did everything to gain their acceptance, and soon became the wealthiest man among them. And yet, no matter how much money he earned, or how much approval he gained, he still felt empty, and insecure.
Here we see the miserly man clutching his four pentacles. They are the symbols for status, money, power, and achievement. These are not bad attributes to have so long as they are held by one that is already secure in himself. As tightly as the miser holds these attributes, they never seem to bring him an authentic sense of security. Look at his face. There is still suffering happening there. Internally he remains a scared neglected boy. Now, in turn he's neglected the needs of his inner self. His four pentacles have become barriers. The one on his head makes him forget he is connected with Spirit. The one clutched to his heart blocks him from feeling his real feelings. The two pentacles under his feet cut him off from being grounded in nature. His nature.
The pursuit of position and wealth are not inherently bad things. By all means, be a great financial success! The problem lies in "deadening" your humanity, to conform to the world around you, in order to finally feel "good enough." Your humanity can be described as the part of you that feels love and compassion, for yourself and others, and is in constant dialogue with your true spirit. Many people in our culture use their work, or worldly position as a way to seek validation. And yet pharmaceutical companies are getting rich because these same people are depressed and miserable, seeking an authentic feeling in all that is artificial.
Today, listen to the needs of your true nature. What you seek to make you feel good about yourself isn't found "out there." It sounds cliche', but " True security can only be found within."
You are worthy, just as you are.
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February 8, 2022
The Card of the Day: The King of Wands (Reversed)
“Don’t forget you are competent.”
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The King of Wands is the wise counselor of the tarot. He came up the “hard way,” and has survived many trials by fire. Because of his experiences, he speaks with gravity and wisdom. The King of Wands represents the part of you that is wise and competent. He teaches you to trust in yourself. You haven’t let everything fall apart up until this point, so why panic and assume that suddenly you’ll drop the ball now. The King reminds you, that if you don’t trust in your own competency and abilities, you are betraying the very part of yourself that helped you survive. This part of you deserves some respect!
Do you have trouble trusting yourself, no matter how well you do your job, or run your affairs? Are you someone that came up the hard way, and has some uneasiness about not having some of the perceived "advantages" of people you think are better off? Have you proved to yourself time after time, that you are competent, and even after all this time still don’t believe it?
The King of Wands doesn’t “command” people to respect him. Others need only to look at him and do. Although he carries himself with dignity, and a regal bearing, this king was not born “royal.” He was a soldier and came up through the ranks the hard way. He earned the respect of his men by winning battles and saving his kingdom on more than one occasion. His competency at leading naturally caused others to follow. When the former king died without an heir, the people named this proven warrior "the King of Wands."
As a King, the throne he is seated on is naturally emblazoned with lions. However, the King carries another powerful emblem that speaks to his familial roots... the “lowly” lizard, seated right next to him.
Lizards are survivors. They can live in the hottest climates by moderating their body temperature. They can literally "take the heat." This symbol reminded this king's "lowborn" ancestors for generations, to not allow emotions to get “too hot,” or “too cold.” This quality always helped the king, when assessing himself and others.
The "noble" soldiers in the army used to laugh at the lizard on this soldier-king’s banner. To the upper echelons, lizards were “dirty,” or even worse “evil.” Lizards were definitely not “royal.” For many years as a young man, the king felt shame about the lizard being on his family’s crest. Like the lizard, it meant that he too was "low-born." However, now the king places the lizard alongside the royal lion emblem with pride. The king has gained maturity and wisdom. He now understands that coming up as a lizard gave him more valuable gifts that he wouldn't have gained, had he been born into the “lion’s club.”
Today it’s time to acknowledge that like the King, you are competent. You “belong” and deserve a seat at table in front of you. You've worked hard to get here. Don’t look at others and assume they are "better" because they have more money, a greater position, better schooling, more "this" or more "that." You don’t know their real life or private struggles! Everyone has difficult things they are working on...even the most well to do. No one gets a “free pass” in this life. Like the King, you will also have to battle the baggage in your consciousness that causes you to doubt yourself and your place in this world. This inner saboteur will tell you to retreat, because you aren't as good as someone else. Tell that malicious voice to take a hike! It's disrespecting your inner lizard.
In truth, there is no practical way to compare lizards and lions. This is a false equivalency. Each animal brings its own gifts. However, just because the lizard's gifts are not as immediately apparent, does not mean that it should be underestimated or dismissed.
Respect your inner lizard today. It may not be as glamorous as the lions you see on the shields of others, but it is the reason you've survived, and it deserves to be honored.
When the King of Wands appears reversed, he arrives at a time when you may be starting to doubt your competency, gifts and abilities. This usually occurs when your focus is directed outwardly and the links to your authentic, inner-self feel diminished. Sometimes this card is just a reminder to stop comparing yourself to the achievements of others. Remember the false equivalency of comparing lions to lizards.
New opportunities are arriving that require you to tap into your deepest strength. This can be scary. Fear of new experiences can lead to doubt in your ability to succeed. If you are beginning to doubt your talents, abilities, or strengths remind yourself of your total journey up until this point. Remember all the times you pushed past former barriers and succeeded. Reach deep within for that implacable belief in yourself. Reacquaint yourself with the strongest version of yourself that you can remember from the past. That person is still you, no matter how far your experiences have taken you away from that time and place in your life. The King of Wands reversed asks you to truly remember who you are.
The truth is you do have the ability to succeed in whatever situation is presenting itself. Be open to personal growth and transformation now. Do not let your fears undermine your sense of self-confidence. The King of Wands is a tough character, upright or reversed. He is a survivor that always finds a way to succeed. In truth, he is a symbol for the same qualities which reside within you. Bolster your self-confidence by remembering the version of you that is competent, strong, and empowered to act. The King of Wands encourages you to be more assertive and less passive.
Be confident and believe in your competency. You’ve got this!
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