Eight of Wands - Confidence

This card always takes me back when first seeing it, because of the ship in the turbulent sea. Then when I see the dolphins, it gives me the feeling of joy that freedom gives.

 It's always surprising to me when I draw my daily Tarot card. I look at the card, and often think, what the heck can that card possibly mean? This can't make any relevant sense? But the cards always make sense, regardless if initially, I think that they don't. This morning is no different.

The Eight of Wands brings the message of having confidence, and hope in forward progress, after struggle.

When we go through hard times, and struggle with burdens for so long it is an indescribable, wonderful feeling when we are released from them. Old habits, routines, and ways of living under duress, abuse or whatever our burdens, are hard to let go of sometimes, because they become entrenched in our personalities, we get used to doing without, and just trying to keep our head above water, to survive. It can be hard to trust life again.

This kind of circumstance makes me think of something I heard about today on CBC Radio. The story of Raju the elephant, and how he was rescued from his abusers in India, by an organization called Wildlife SOS. It's a very painful story to learn about, but at the same time a happy one, to know he has been released from being abused and in captivity after 50 years in chains.

Page of Pentacles - Stay Calm, Be Brave, Watch For The SIgns

This morning drawing the Page of Pentacles I reflected on my day yesterday. The day was a succession of  things that went wrong it seemed. Very annoying, most inconvenient, and anxiety producing incidences which happened from the time I left the house until I returned. I was dealing with issues like car problems, money issues, and not being able to contact people I needed to. I know I am just venting but that said, there were also many things that went very right.

Human nature being what it is, we habitually look at the negative when  life does not go our way. This was me yesterday. But I am grateful nonetheless.

Today I am going to resolve not to do this awefulizing, I don't think this is an actual word but it works in describing what I am trying to say.

Not unlike all of the Pages that represent the young novice, or inexperienced individuals and beginnings, I see the Page of Pentacles as that young immature part of ourselves that can't quite get a handle on how to cope with the material world,and what happens. He thirsts for knowledge and works hard to obtain it.

The Page of Pentacles has a message as a framework for living life. The card urges us to take care of ourselves, mind, body and spirit, through exercise, relaxation and interests  doing so with care, gentleness and time.

The Page of Pentacles needs steady order without surprises that create an instability.  This springs from a fear of not being in control, and we feel we are loosing our focus. Yup that's me. The only thing I can control, is myself, and I have a hard enough time doing this, let alone anyone or anything else. It's all about fear really.

I am reminded of the saying on one of my very favourite CBC Radio shows, that is no longer on, but I remember it fondly, The Dead Dog Cafe. At the end of the show they would say, " Stay Calm, Be brave, Watch for the Signs." Though it was a comedy show, there was always an underlining serious and wise message. This was the one I especially liked, and have used it to help me through those days like yesterday, and now will continue to use it.