Elliot Adam's Blog, page 83

The Card of the Day: The Five of Wands (Reversed)

 “Stop comparing yourself to others.”

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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 have to 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 have to be perfect at everything? Have you ever stopped to think how adolescent that is?

The adolescents on the card are competing. Each is trying to prove that he has the biggest stick. Each thinks there can only be one winner. “Either I win this or I am humiliated.” They do not have the wisdom that age engenders. They do not see that each is an individual, with there own combination of unique skills. This is represented by their uniquely 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 also 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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The Card of the Day: The Page of Cups

“Creativity.” 

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The Page of Cups symbolizes the creative inner-child. This is the part of you that can still be amazed with wonder and curiosity at the world around you. Everybody has creative energy, and it is expressed differently by every individual. The Page of Cups invites you to play, be inspired, and create something beautiful. The Page of Cups follows his heart. He is the sensitive poet of the tarot. He also adores “imp-like” pranks.

Do you avoid your creativity because you feel you aren’t an artist? Do you remember the joy of being creative as a child? Do you ever just let loose and allow yourself to play?

If the Page of Cups were 100 years old, he would still find time to play. He is the archetype of the creativity. He is dressed in pink and blue. Pink is the color of love, harmony, kindness, and the heart. Blue is the color of communication, healing, creativity, and depth. He is a master at communicating his feelings through creativity. He lightens the hearts of others, through words and deeds. His creative expression gives voice to feelings others have trouble articulating.

Like many children, he’s taken his pet along with him where he isn’t supposed to. In this case it’s his fish, representing depth, and creative wisdom, and luck. The water lilies on his tunic symbolize that he blossoms in the realm of feelings and emotions. He is very sensitive, but often is having too much of a good time to sit about moping.

When the Page of Cups appears, your creative inner-child wants some attention! If you give in, you’re sure to have a lot of fun. Children trust in the magic of making stuff to express themselves. They love to draw pictures, paint Easter eggs, and are so proud of turkeys made from hand tracings. They never say, “Well I’m sorry I can’t paint today, because I’m not perfect at art.” They dive right in because it’s fun! It also keeps them too busy to think of scary things like sharks, bogymen, or monsters lurking in the closet. Keeping your creative mind occupied keeps it from imagining frightening things.

When the Page of Cups appears, tune out the inner critic that all too often whispers in your ear. Do something expressive just for the joy of it. Make your house more vibrant and colorful. Do something crafty, make something, play, spend some time teasing a big baby (especially a grown up one).

Let your creativity be a channel for feelings that need to find expression.

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The Card of the Day: The Hanged Man

 “Sacrifice.”

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The Hanged Man represents making a temporary sacrifice to achieve a greater goal. This could mean sacrificing time, energy, comfort, resources, old habits, or an outdated attitude. For success to be achieved, a sacrifice is often required. By pooling your best energies and resources into your goal, you can ensure that it has the opportunity to manifest.

What changes would you like to see in your life? Do you have a goal that requires a lot of work? Is making a sacrifice scary for you, because it means that everything will change?

The Hanged Man is suspended from the branches of the Tree of Wisdom. He is seeking to improve himself. By hanging upside down, he is gaining a new perspective, and he looks at the world from a different vantage point. All the blood rushes to his head. All his energy is being pooled into his mind. He is temporarily sacrificing the use of his legs and arms. This represents sacrificing the desire to walk away. The Hanged Man is suspending his normal routines, to focus his energy. His face is calm. Although he is not "comfortable," he is not suffering. He knows that sacrificing his usual stance of keeping his feet firmly on the ground will free his mind to new solutions.

If you want to achieve anything in this life of lasting value, you will need to make sacrifices. The currency of the Universe is "exchange." What you put in, you will get out. It is comforting to know, that if you make the sacrifices, and do the work, you can alter the course of your destiny. Any goal you have, can be achieved, but it does require that something must be given up. At first sacrifice may feel like you are "losing something." This is an illusion. Investing time and energy into what empowers you can release you from habits and attitudes that have been keeping you stuck.

For example, if you want to lose weight, you may have to sacrifice eating after 8pm and cutting your calorie intake. To get a wonderful new job, you may have to sacrifice some of your leisure time, to look for a job, and meet with the people who can open doors for you. To foster a talent, you may have to sacrifice a lot of time, to refine your skills.

The appearance of the Hanged Man is often a good sign. He represents looking at your life through the lens of transcendent wisdom.  Viewing your experience from a different point of view leads to breakthroughs that will lead to a glorious new you. You can achieve your goal, if you are willing to be courageous and make the proper sacrifice.

To free yourself from dissatisfaction, you may have to sacrifice your routines, habits and the status quo, just like the wise Hanged Man.

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The Card of the Day: The Two of Pentacles (Reversed)

“Details matter.” 

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The Two of Pentacles is a card of juggling unexpected events. These events aren't bad or good, they are merely unpredictable. The infinity symbol binding the two coins represents the eternal truth that life does not always go according to our plans. The juggler on the card survives the undulations of fortune because he remains flexible and adaptable. This is symbolized by the boats that remain afloat amid the tumultuous waters.

How do you respond when things don't go according to plan? Do you get angry and prepare to fight? Do you retreat and hide? Are you able to remain good humored? Can you laugh at it?

The juggler is an entertainer. He takes lemons and makes lemonade. He takes the troubles life sends him and turns them into teachable moments that uplift the moods of others. The Two of Pentacles reminds us not to fight the waves the sea hurls at us, but to float above them. Know that in life there are going to be waves. Don't take them personally! "Why is this happening to me," should become "Thank you Spirit for sending me this valuable lesson to remain adaptable." In nature, life that cannot adapt to change becomes extinct.

Today be flexible! Let unexpected eventualities roll off your back. Learn to laugh at them and use them as a way to strengthen yourself and others. Perhaps all you need to do is unexpectedly cheer someone up today. You can juggle anything life sends your way with grace and ease.

Upright or reversed the Two of Pentacles remains a card of unpredictability. When reversed, the Two of Pentacles warn you not to be too careless in matters of stability or financial security. Pay attention to the details instead of glossing over life with broad strokes. Check and recheck your bills, automatic payments, accounts and contracts. Sometimes this card appears to indicate that something that you have been avoiding or neglecting needs more care. Two of Pentacles reversed can highlight work that needs to be re-done, or less sloppily. If you focus on refining the details, you wont regret it. Prevention is the best cure. Try to anticipate issues that could arise with projects and deadlines and get ahead of the curve.

Expect life to make a few waves today. The best way to handle this unpredictability is with flexibility and good humor. Remember not to fight through the waves, but to sail over them. Sometimes, the Two of Pentacles reversed heralds seemingly disappointing situations that end up being blessings in the long run. Be flexible today.....the random occurrences you encounter will only be an issue if your expectations remain fixed. On the most basic level, this card can simply indicate a need to confront financial situations that need your attention and get them organized and in order.

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The Card of the Day: The Knight of Wands

“Adventure.”

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 our personal history. By exploring new places, you are on a journey of discovering yourself. When you return from a trip your mind 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.

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The Card of the Day: The Five of Cups

“Snapping out of negative trance.” 

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The  Five of Cups symbolizes the trance-like state of focusing only on the negative, even when there are so many blessings around. The figure on the card gloomily stares at three spilled cups. He fails to notice the two perfectly upright cups still standing behind him. This card shows that just because everything in your life isn’t “perfect,” doesn’t mean that you need to feel bad about it all day....month...........year...................decade!

Does your mind ever feel hypnotized with problems? Is it difficult to see all the blessings you have because you can't stop focusing on the negative? Does ruminating about problems rob you of countless hours in your day?

If you’ve ever experienced this sort of hypnotism you know it seems very difficult to snap out of. It usually occurs when the mind is idle. "An idle mind is the Devil's workshop!" If you are used to being a “problem solver," it can be difficult to be at peace when there is no task to do.  The mind immediately shuffles through its memory banks to drudge up something that we should have anxiety about. Then the mind says “Here’s a doozy! Remember this horrible time? What if it happens again?” The trance begins, and pretty soon twenty minutes have gone by, leaving you feeling like crap about yourself.

When the Five of Cups comes up in a reading, it’s message is to “Snap out of it!” If you’ve ever seen the television program “The Dog Whisperer,” the host Cesar Millan is asked to fix the behavioral problems of dogs. The dogs “get stuck” mentally on behaviors like barking at the mailman, dragging the owners on a leash, chewing things, etc. There is a visible shift in the dog’s body language the moment it transitions from being at peace to getting stuck on the negative behavior. Cesar Milan watches for this shift and makes a sharp “SSSSKK!” sound. This breaks the dog’s trance, allowing it to refocus on a positive behavior instead.

If dogs can snap out of trance you can too! However, you need to catch yourself as you’re slipping into it. When we were children and moped, our guardians (hopefully) snapped us out of it. As adults we must step in on our own behalf. If you slip into negative ruminating today inwardly give yourself a “SSSSKK!” and immediately shift your focus. Remember the details of your favorite place on Mother Earth. What is your happiest memory of a place? Close your eyes and remember each of the details of the place. The sounds, sights, smells, feelings. When the anxiety interjects just keep seeking the details of the place. Details are key.

I think of a river I used to visit. I remember how the sound of its rushing waves took my anxieties with them. I remember the beautiful light that sparkled over her surface like a thousand diamonds. I remember the feel of the large cool rock I sat on. I recall the majestic blue herons that flew overhead, and the deer that came to drink the clear waters at dusk. I remember feeling completely relaxed and at peace. These were my calmest days of youthful summer.

There! I snapped out of the negative trance! Now quick give me something constructive to focus on! Perhaps all the things that I can do, and that are possible. Snapping out of negative trance gives you the opportunity to actually do something constructive toward your future.

Today shift your focus to break trances when they start. The more positive details you can remember the better you’ll feel. Negative trances don't help anyone solve anything, so knock it off! Place your focus on something that makes you happy or restores your faith in yourself instead.

You deserve to enjoy goodness in life, even when everything isn't perfect.

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The Card of the Day: The Ten of Wands

“Service.” 

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The Ten of Wands represents being of service to others for the success of the whole. This includes the whole family, whole organization, or whole community. The Ten of Wands reminds you that it is never a waste of time to put forward your best efforts, especially if is improving the lives of others. Although your burdens may feel heavy at times, take heart. The efforts you are exerting now will ensure a brighter future. What goes around comes around!

At times do you feel like the man on the card, struggling and straining with the tasks on your shoulders? Do you express your love to others by your actions, more than words? Are your efforts being pooled in a direction that with benefit not only you, but others?

The man on the card is hard at work. He is returning from the fields with a great harvest, but the work is not easy. At first glance this card might elicit feelings of stress and exhaustion. But if you look closer, you see why the man is struggling. His huge house looms in the background. It's size suggests that he doesn't live alone, but has a large family living there, depending on him. Although we can't see the man's face, I'd like to think he wears a determined smile. He knows that his work matters, and is valued by the whole. Without him everything would fall. There would be no house, no money, no food, no loving and safe environment for his children to grow in. His service is his greatest expression of love. Although his present moment feels tough, he is ensuring a greater future for everyone. This is the dream of every family; to leave the next generation with more stable than the one before.

Some burdens in life can feel hard to carry. Unexpected events happen. Things just get dropped in your path. Someone you love might need help. This is just part of life. There is nobility in serving the whole, but only if everyone in the whole is also doing their part. Serving shouldn't be confused with codependency. The people you are helping need to be able to demonstrate they are also helping themselves. Even people you care about need to demonstrate that (if they are able) they are willing to carry their own bundle of sticks!

This card also has a harvest theme to it. This indicates that the toil, work and service you put into your long-term goals with provide a bountiful harvest. This card has a Saturnine quality to it, indicating that if you do the work and endure the discomfort you will eventually enjoy the reward.

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The Card of the Day: The Moon

“Deeper instincts.” 

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The Moon symbolizes your instincts and unconscious emotions. These undercurrents can alter your perception of the world around you. If you harbor habitually negative emotions, you will look at the world and will zero in on negativity. Likewise, if you are brimming over with positive energy, you will see a world brimming with joy. The Moon reminds you to check in with your unconscious emotions, moods and feelings. These emotions are coloring your perception of the “good” or “bad” things you are seeing in front of you.

What "color" would best describe your emotions today? Are your emotions a healing blue? A depressive grey? A glowing, heartfelt pink? A sunny yellow? An emerald green or a dirty yellow-green? Have you been feeling a bit "moody" lately?

The Moon beams brightly in the sky pulling on the instincts of the animals on the card, in very mysterious ways. A wolf appears in the image, howling at the moon. The wolf represents the primitive, instinctual side of your nature. A domesticated dog also appears alongside the wolf. The dog represents your "civilized self."

What is the dog doing in the card? He is howling at the moon just as loud as the wolf! This represents that no matter how "rational" and intelligent you may like to think you are, you will still be pulled by mysterious and irrational forces. The Moon is a force of nature, which tugs on your deepest instincts and emotions.

A lobster is drawn out of the deep waters, pulled from it lair by the power of the moon. Lobsters have hard shells to protect them from the world around them. However, there is no armor that can contend with the moon's power. This symbolizes that no matter how much you try to wear hardened armor over your own vulnerabilities, you will still be influenced by your habitual, sensitive nature.

Nature "feels" the moon, because the moon tugs on the earth's gravity as it orbits. The moon's great weight pulls on the oceans, lakes, and rivers as it circles, creating the tides. Humans are made up of about 65% water. It is probably safe to say that our bodies are unconsciously affected by this rhythmic, cyclical pull each month.

The moon pulls on our instincts. When this card appears, it is a time to listen to your instincts and let them guide your path. Tune into your intuitive hunches. Trust yourself when something doesn't "feel right." Reconnect with your deeper, wiser, magical self. Like the lobster emerging from the depths on the card, let the deeper wisdom you possess emerge from your depths, bringing valuable insights to your conscious mind.

When the Moon appears, it reminds you to trust your deepest feelings, hunches, and instincts. With time and practice your intuition will grow sharper and will guide you through any challenge. Many people in our modern society would like to think the rational mind is the only foolproof way to experience reality. However, it is undeniable that we are creatures of nature and instinct. Sometimes people don't act rationally. Sometimes there is no logical explanation for why something occurs. Sometimes "signs" do present themselves on our path. Sometimes we need to tune into the undercurrents that are shaping the realities we experience. You possess great depth, and now it is time to allow it to emerge.

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The Card of the Day: The Eight of Swords

 “Freedom from fear that binds and blinds.”

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The Eight of Swords illustrates the kind of fear that blinds us, causing us to not see the present. It paralyzes us as we wait for "bad things" to come to pass. The Eight of Swords symbolizes fear that relies on past evidence to validate it. Something traumatic happened to the woman in the card. She was blindfolded, bound up, and abandoned. The people who brought her to this place are gone. Her fear that she is worthless has convinced her that all that remains is to wait for the tide to come, and swallow her whole. She has been "shunned."

Has a traumatic experience from your past made you feel damaged or worthless? Is fear blinding and binding you somehow? Are you so focused on potential catastrophes that you can't see your many opportunites? Do you rationalize your fears using past traumas to validate their existence?

The Eight of Swords uses grey imagery that makes the woman's situation look hopeless and bleak. But always with the tarot you must look closer....

She can free herself! So easily!

Wait, wha?!

She could use any one of the abandoned swords that flank her to cut the ties around her hands. With her hands free she could quickly remove the blindfold. Her legs obviously work so she could still run to the safety. Perhaps she could seek sanctuary in large castle behind her. Why is she not focusing on fighting for herself, or her survival? Why is she accepting the shame cast on her by others without fighting?

It's because she really believes she is worthless.

Feelings of worthlessness are lies that will keep you scared and bound. Today you must see your worth! If you are having trouble seeing your worth, look at the people that love you most. How would they feel without your love in their lives? How sad would they be if they never experienced the special memories you made? Reflect on your irreplaceable light today. Your light is so special, so uniquely you. In the whole cosmos, there is only one like it.

Let's see if there's still some fight left in you today. Cut away the fears that bind you, rip away the blindfold! Stand up to what is scaring you. Feel your mighty worth. The past can't get you now so don't let it continue to overthrow your mind.

You are a survivor.

You are worthy.

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The Card of the Day: The Ten of Pentacles

"Legacy."

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The Ten of Pentacles is a card of legacy. It represents investment in the things that really last. It is also a card of family and tradition. When the Ten of Pentacles appears, it asks you if you are working toward leaving the world a better place than you found it. This can include caring for the future generations, cultivating a talent that impacts the world, or being a representative of what is best in humanity.

What really matters to you? What legacy do you want to leave? Where does the best part of yourself shine through? How can you ensure that your light continues to shine long after you are gone?

The old man in the card reflects on a life well lived. The roots of wealth are firmly established for the future generations surrounding him. He never grew up in a wealthy home. He sacrificed and scraped throughout his youth so that he could leave something better for his children and grandchildren. He is not only leaving his family "a house," or "money." He is leaving them with his example. He is also sharing himself and his love in the present. The love he has for his family is the greatest legacy he will leave. The family is content and has more than they need. His children have been "raised right," and will pass on all the love and learning they received to their children.

Today, make great memories with your family. It is important to work hard and plan for the future, but it is even more important to stop, reach out, and connect with your loved ones. Love is your greatest legacy. Don't sweat the small stuff. Forgive past pettiness. Every human being has a mixture of "good" and "bad." Nobody's perfect!

This card also asks you to look at your progress toward your larger goals. The things you are building that will remain long after you have gone. It could be a book, a business, a masterpiece, an art-form, or even a property. Perhaps your life's work is merely to be your best self, and to spread kindness and love in a world that really needs it right now.

The Ten of Pentacles assures you that what you are investing your energy in now will have positive results, well into the future. Your life is becoming more and more secure. There is no need to fear the future when the Ten of Pentacles appears. Keep an eye on the long game and be patient. Now is an ideal time to establish strong foundations.

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