Sunday, June 8, 2014

Six of Wands - Recognition & Humility



    " Success has many fathers while failure is an orphan. "
    Everyone wants to feel they are responsible for success, but not for failure.

    " Success is never final ".
    After success you can't afford to become complacent and sit on your laurels. Hard work is still ahead, and is just as important as it ever was.

    Proverbs provide words of wisdom and insight, acting as guideposts, giving direction along the spiritual path.

    The Six of Wands is a very good reminder to always remain humble regardless of one's success and recognition, though it is a very satisfying card in the Minor Arcana, as it heralds public recognition.
    There are always many others that we can attribute to our success, and to be grateful for their help in so many ways. The old adage of what goes around comes around comes to mind, and when we can, we  pay it forward.


    Jason has been victorious after his battle with the dragon and retrieved the Golden Fleece with the Argonauts by his side, cheering and showering him with accolades. However Jason must remember, he cannot take credit alone and needs to accept his success with humility and grace. His hero-companions supported him completely, providing him with support and contributed their individual strengths and efforts. Jason could not have done it without them.

    I have always loved and deeply appreciated what Thomas Merton wrote about humility in his book New Seeds of Contemplation.

    "Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real."
    - Thomas Merton

    2 comments:

    Ellen said...

    When I think about success and humility I am reminded how difficult it was and still is sometimes to receive a well meant compliment. :)
    Great post Catherine!

    Unknown said...

    I know what you mean Ellen. I think it gets better with age, but that said I am still not completely comfortable with praise. We all need recognition however as it is a basic human need.

    We are a funny bunch many artist's as we are hyper-sensitive with delicate egos. It reminds me of how before recovery in AA alcoholics are referred to as egomaniacs with a big inferiority complex, before we get into recovery and sober up. I am so grateful for recovery.

    Women have a different experience then men, I believe when it comes to success and humility as well.

    Thank you Ellen for your comment!