Eight of Wands- Motivation

Oh boy, would I ever love to be swimming with the dolphins, like those we see here in the Eight of Wands.
With full sails set, Jason has safely escaped the wrath of King Aeetes. He has faced and triumphed  the over the obstacles, that are now behind him, and he is homeward bound.

I've always been very fond of Wands, but being the 'awefulizer' I am from time to time, this card tends to concern me when it comes up, the sea look rough and it indicates that everything is moving along rapidly, and that if I don't keep up, I could be left behind! Nonetheless, we are urged to be confident in our forward progress, and for me, the Eight of Wands is really a card of motivation.

 An outpouring, and a release of creative activity is implied, after overcoming tension, anxiety and difficulties. Well that's darn good news, and now, play with the dolphins!

Traveling could be ahead, but this is not necessarily a physical journey, but perhaps a kind of inner travel of the psyche, where we are given challenges that enable personal growth. Personal growth often comes to us through difficulty, meeting the challenge of competition and self-doubt. There is a correlation between conflict and creativity, and this stimulates the imagination. As a result our weakness can become our strength, and transform into further motivation, with buoyancy and the confidence to continue the journey.

Ten of Swords - Resurrection

 

The Minor Arcana card I drew this morning, the Ten of Sword's, is a very appropriate one for this beautiful and glorious Spring Easter Day. 

Upon first looking at this card it looks ominous as depicted in most renditions. It is a card of perfect desolation, representing an apparent hopeless ending. The darkest hour is just before dawn, but there is major change and transformation on the way.

In fact, it speaks of triumph, conquest and resurrection, in spite of the harrowing and fearful imagery of extreme danger, bloodshed and fear. The man who lies limp and defeated has been tortured and seemingly clings to life by a thread. He is a Christ like figure. However upon closer examination, the emphasis is actually on overcoming, and triumphing over defeat, and on the resurrection of life and rebirth.

 In the distance, the sun is slowly rising in the horizon, heralding a new beginning in the midst of the defeat. The sun is life giving.

Once the crisis is over, the sun shines again. We have been freed of some deep rooted wound and burden within ourselves, that has been released and redeemed but our suffering. It is the final conclusion and the end of a difficult situation. A new life begins, and the sun shines brightly upon us.