Five of Swords - Walking Away From Nonsense

As 2015 approaches, I have been moving closer toward making my life nonsense free. I am not going to take it from others, nor from myself. What I am talking about, is the negative kind of nonsense, not the ' lets run around, have an afternoon of make funny faces, and do impersonations, fun ' kind of nonsense.

The people in my life that dish out negative nonsense are rare, because I can't have people like this in my life. When they do appear, often as strangers, or acquaintances, it takes me by surprise. I am usually not prepared. It can really throw me off base, because in the past, I accepted this behaviour. I was a passive bystander, not an assertive participator in my relationships, unable to assert my own rights.

The Five of Swords indicates the shadow side of love, and walking away from conflict. I had to address this shadow side on two occasions this week, and I walked away, not without standing up for myself. This is what I have to do when others exhibit this kind of behaviour, otherwise I feel like I condone it, give the message that it's acceptable,  and these folks will no doubt continue fobbing this nonsense onto another. Passive aggression, bullying or abuse is a continuum, if it is not addressed.

 In my 12 step program, we are told to make amends with those we have wronged, as soon as you have wronged them. I have made this an essential part of the way I live my life. Some folks will never apologize for wrongs done, and so I have to accept that, and let it go. It is however easier to forgive another when they apologize, and then change their behaviour. Apologies, and changed behaviour can salvage relationships, and even strengthen the bonds between individuals. It is however, next to impossible to sustain a relationship with another who continues with negative behaviour, when an apology is non-existent. It can break hearts.

Letting go has meant saying goodbye to friendships, or deciding I can no longer continue on with some relationships be they recent, or long term, because I have accepted my own limitations, and boundaries.

That's all I have to say about this. I leave you with this quote...

Brains Versus Brawn - Seven of Swords

The saying, 'You attract more with honey, than with vinegar ', comes to mind when I think about the Seven of Swords. It's brains vs brawn. The card urges us to apply our mental energy, which needs to be used in a cautious way. What I am talking about is not simply using our intellect, but using our emotional intelligence.  We can't get the desired end by taking the heavy handed approach. Bullying, using intimidation, or any kind of force will never result in a positive outcome.

This card makes me seriously reflect on the recent events in Canada, the discussion and media coverage that has been happening lately regarding abuse, the rampant violence against women, and against others in general. This discussion though  difficult, is a long overdue and necessary one. I am glad it is happening and I hope it continues to enable proactive change. The whole world could greatly benefit from emotional intelligence.

 I think this card can warn against this behaviour, that can become a continuum and a cycle of abuse, about power and control, in order to get what we want. It will never enable us to get what we want, and will leave nothing, but deep misery, a sense of hopelessness and loss.

Discretion, tact, diplomacy, and a willingness to make compromises is always the best approach when interacting with another, though it may not make one feel good. But this is what life requires and at it's foundation should always be kindness and an emotional generosity toward others, including and extending toward ourselves.

The Seven of Swords is not all dark, as the Moon is lighting the way urging us to use, and to trust our intuition.

Five of Swords - Accepting Limitation

Portrayed here in the Five of Swords is Apollo, whom is revealing to Orestes his fate, and what obligations that lie ahead of him. Apollo sternly points to the five swords, regardless of how unfair it all may seem. He is expected to accept this allotment, without complaint or avoidance.

 All of us have to accept and come to terms with limitations, within ourselves, with others, and existing situations. At some juncture it is necessary, and positive to face reality, though it may not feel this way at the time, as it is not always easy for most of us, especially if we don't like the reality we are having to face. Hopefully in the long run, there will be a peace of mind, and we can learn to live with whatever circumstance we face and through acceptance, gain a new found happiness.

There are a myriad of actions we can take in order to accept our own personal limitations, and many of these are most helpful, whether it be meditation, counseling, some kind of self-help, or even a change in our relationships, living arrangement or location.


When thinking about the god Apollo, and consider Orestes allotment in life, I don't respond well to part of the idea conveyed. Yes, it is true, we all need to accept limitation in our lives, sometimes swallow our pride, but I am so I'm grateful I don't see the God of my understanding as stern, and merciless, as Apollo is toward Orestes, informing him that he must avenge his father's death, this is his fate, destiny and obligation, no questions asked. Orestes has no choice in the matter. I believe we make our own destinies, determined by our own choices made, and based on our own free will if so, I am not free.

 One thing that does not foster, or enable our ability to accept, and move beyond our limitations in life, is when another attempts to order us, through power and control, to behave in a particular way.  Nor is harshness, criticism and judgement from others, especially when in comes from ourselves, or from those we love. As well, it is of no earthly use to anyone, telling them they are stupid, lazy or hurling other threats and insults. Hurtful, and heavy handed words or actions usually increase, along a continuum, and result in abuse or a cycle of violence.

Obedience to me, has always had strong connotations of doing something out of fear or guilt, and control by outside forces. I have learned, the only way or reason I will "obey" God, and the laws of the Universe, is as a direct result of my own free will. I have chosen to obey, because I want to, and God has given me the ability to decide, and whatever choice I make, natural consequences will ensue, be they positive or negative.