Nine of Wands - Not Organized But Prepared

The Nine of Wands in spite of it's chaotic, turbulent and imminent danger, is a card that symbolizes having a strength in reserve, which helps us to be prepared, and not necessarily organized.

This card reminds us that we can call on the power of the imagination which can supply us with new hope, new ideas, and even a new life, providing strength when we most need it, during our lowest ebb and our energy appears to be used up.

Being willing to try once more is what we need in order to bring to fruition our final goal. This creative power is directly connected to resilience, persistence the need to overcome rough and rocky seas and is a what enables all human achievement.

Ask Your Dentist, Mechanic Or Plumber If They Give Free Service

There is often discussion around giving free Tarot readings, and it once again has come to my attention.


It sounds generous to offer a free reading, and it is. As an artist it is like giving a painting away. I have done both in the past, given free readings, and free paintings. Don't misunderstand, no one forced me to do this, but it can become a trap and a slippery slope, if you allow yourself to be used by those who take advantage.

One that artists, tarot readers, or women can easily and quickly slide down. Perhaps we are wanting to people please, we want them to like us, we want to be kind, or perhaps we just don’t value our own worth either.

Tarot readers are creative compassionate individuals, they love people, many are artists, and many design their own decks. The woman who designed the most popular Tarot deck, the Rider-Waite-Coleman Smith,  was artist Pamela-Colman-Smith, who sadly died penniless, in spite of her talent and education. She was paid next to nothing for the deck she created. I think more than anything, she wanted to be recognized for the creative work she produced. We all have the basic human need for recognition for the work we do, and we also need it in the form of monetary remuneration, and need to understand the business of business, like any other profession.

There is a common attitude prevailing within our culture that undervalues women, their work, or anything that others perceive, to be your “hobby." Oh people want what you have to offer, they just don’t want to pay for it, because of this attitude.

There is nothing wrong with having a hobby, I have several, but it is very different than having and wanting a life and a business that you love, as the vocation you want to thrive through professional development.

I now rarely ‘give’ away my work. If this becomes the norm, giving your services away, you are not only devaluing your worth and value, you are also contributing to this very attitude, and do a disservice to other artists, tarot readers and women. I do believe you teach people how to treat you.


Now go ask your local dentist, mechanic or plumber if he gives 'free service'. If you do, let me know how you make out with that. And perhaps you will then come to the decision whether or not you  " Should You Give Free Tarot Readings? "

Here is one of my very favourite artists Gwen Rosewater, who created this fantastic Nine of Wands.

Nine of Wands - Gwen Rosewater - Artist

Nine of Wands - Ready For Some New!

Over the past week,  I have consistently drawn all the Nines from each suit. Today I've drawn the Nine of Wands. It the Universe trying to tell me something I wonder? I am seeing the meaning as reflecting exactly where I am at present in mind, body and spirit, the three realms of experience.

I have come full circle, weathering the storms, ups and downs, through the labyrinth of life to point of a completion, attainment, and acceptance, like a spiral, but where there is closure, there is also beginning and renewal in that cycle of life..

I have met myself and made a connection, come to a place of acceptance. I have found I need to ask some important questions in regards to the number nine, in all it's elements.  Questions about how to live life to the fullest. What makes me feel whole? What particular undertaking will make me feel more complete as a person? How does change affect me, and how do I feel about moving into the next phase of my life? Am I feeling connected to myself, to others, and to the God of my understanding?

Interestingly, the Latin word for nine is novem and has the same root meaning novus, which means new.
I'm more than ready for some new!

Nine of Wands - My Reality Check

The Nine of Wands card is all about the darkest hour just before dawn. It's a difficult experience we all go through at some point or another, and it isn't easy. We can choose one out of two actions, throw our hands up in defeat, hopelessly giving up, or we can give it another effort, and find out because of this, we've come out safely on the other side. We often underestimate the resilience, and reserve strength found within the human spirit, and it is important to remember to keep things in perspective. All is not lost, though it may feel this way.

Yesterday I learned about Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The Lakota Oglala ( Sioux ) live here in such dire conditions, that it is compared to a third world country, with 90% unemployment, overwhelming poverty, plagued with addiction, gangs, youth suicide, lack of housing and health services.

Here in the Western world we pump money into the 'war effort', waste billions, expediently exploit natural resources and our environment, seemingly hell bent at devastating life itself.

Our governments and big business have conveniently forgotten a very dark history and legacy that has lead to a genocide of a indigenous people, that is so unconscionable, it is beyond our white Anglo-saxon privileged comprehension.

If you ever need a reality check about your problems, remember the Lakota, and other indigenous people, who are struggling ever day, with unimaginable circumstances and burdens.
Also know, that there is strength to be found in weakness, and there is always hope to be found in despair.

Northern Boys - Graphite Pencil, Catherine Meyers

Nine of Wands - Full Wolf Moon

 
The time of the Full Wolf Moon, gives a strength that may be unexpected in the dark of Winter but I believe it does. The Wolf Moon is a great time to begin new creative endeavours. It also corresponds with the Nine of Wands, the card of strength in reserve.

These dark days cause us to withdraw into personal introspection and reflection, which can give us a creative strength that the Nine of Swords speaks of, and that we may be unaware of having. We find this reserve strength when we lest expect it, and when we most need it. This time can help to lead us to new life, hope and ideas.

 Like Jason, we may be in the middle of the raging storm in the Clashing Rocks. But we will make it through.We  rise up to the challenge are prepared when we are feeling the lowest, at the end of our rope, mentally, physically or emotionally.

I identify very strongly with wolves, because the wolf represents a woman's strong instinctual, intuitive and Wild Woman nature.

Full Wolf Moon

Nine of Wands - Reserve Strength

It might be hard to choose one particular card from the Tarot deck, I do have my favourites but I can honestly say I am very fond of the suit of Wands, particularly because they signify expression of spirit which I think suits my personality. Action, energy, ideas and growth are all attributes that all artists need, which I certainly identify with all of these and I aspire to these traits.

Like the Nine of Wands who faces many challenges, we can be in a constant state of worry because of the many challenges and storms, that arise, but we are resolute and overcome, by drawing on a  reserved strength, that we may be unaware of possessing.

 This card is a good affirmation at present, as I have much creative work ahead . I am feeling bolstered to reach my creative goal through the power of imagination, and creative spirit, which the Nine of Wands portrays.

 Many of us work better under pressure. I can't say I am really one of those individuals, because I don't like the stress. However it is often mysteriously wonderful when we are under deadlines, and are under pressure ; somehow we can pull out all the stops and meet the challenge, the arises from our need and willingness.

Having resolute courage means to face opposing forces. This requires faith, strength and a determination in spite of the odds.

Having courage does not mean that we aren't afraid, but we forge ahead regardless and we meet our fear face on.