Five of Pentacles - Mercy

Daedalus is seen here having to let go, leaving his past success and acclaim behind, as he's lost all his wealth, experiencing poverty, insecurity, and he's full of worry over his adversity. More profoundly he's lost his self-respect, having confused his self-worth with material security, causing him to loose his sense of direction and faith in himself.

When we edify material success, whether it be in the form of people, places or things, there is a price paid. Ultimately we  must take responsibility for the part we've played in becoming our own worst enemy, like Daedalus has become.

However personal transformation is always possible, the kind that goes soul deep.
 Making a conscious choice to be kind toward ourselves and to forgive whatever it is that we have done, or how others have wronged us,  forgiveness can make the difference between starting over and redefining what it means to be successful and bring us to wholeness once again.

As Anne Lemott states is her new book, Hallelujah Anyway Rediscovering Mercy, " The way to feel whole is through mercy." 

 We harden ourselves in many ways to life Anne Lemott says. By practicing forgiveness and kindness we can soften that hardness. Denying others forgiveness and kindness, we deny ourselves, and visa versa.
In order for kindness and forgiveness to prevail, there will be no cruelty, but only mercy.

The Secret of Happiness -The Sun

The Sun is definitely the card of happiness, warmth, love, growth, accomplishment and success.

I was very happy after a wonderful trip away to see good friends. Upon return, I was tired out, but am now starting to feel more rested and less stressed.
I went to see a life long friend's art installation of 5,000 paintings he was commissioned to create, for the newly built Halifax Public Library. Wow, was that inspiring! The whole experience left me very reflective and introspective, happy and sad simultaneously, for reasons I won't go into, but in considering this card, it helps me to understand on a deeper level. After all you can't have the light, without the darkness.

 The Sun card is very timely for me to draw, and it makes me feel happy, especially because it mirrors much of the way I am feeling at present, and it gives me a deep gratitude.

 The sun-god reflects the power of the consciousness to dispel darkness, and where the bright light casts away shadows in the dark places of the Moon. The sun-god Apollo dispels fear, bringing faith and hope. The Sun symbolizes clarity, optimism and a renewed trust of the human spirit, moving toward our goal.

The Sun and the Moon are so closely related and one without the other, we would be lost. I am so grateful for both, grateful for happiness, pain, rainbows, and the rain.

Six of Wands - Success

The Six of Wands is a heady kind of card. It is about triumph, recognition and validation from others. You are rewarded for all your effort and hard work This card is very satisfying on an individual basis, because it heralds validation for perhaps some kind of creative work that one has achieved. However, it is important to remain humble, to keep you feet firmly planted on the ground, and know that there is still work ahead.

Success never comes without hard work, and if it does, it's often not appreciated particularly if it's given on a sliver platter. I have seen this on more than one occasion, where individuals take advantage of another's generosity, or their new found windfall is taken for granted. I think the reason for this behaviour can be partly attributed to human nature, however I do believe there are two kinds of people in life, those who give, and those who take. When I think about success I ask myself, what will my legacy be when I leave this mortal coil?

The Six of Wands really makes me contemplate what happiness and success mean. Life does not come with a manual for success. Many define it monetarily, and they follow this path, pursuing material richness, as opposed to inner treasures and gifts. Many do not simply perceive happiness as the thing that makes you successful.

 I have no desire to be wealthy, but like most folks would not choose poverty either. If we believe the meaning of success is happiness, then I think we can choose that for ourselves. But as Abraham Maslow' s hierarchy of needs indicates, we need to have the basics covered, such a food and shelter, before we can move forward in our pursuit of that elusive bird of happiness and on to self-actualization.

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

Ace of Swords - Success!

Swords represent the intellectual side of life, will and action, where reason prevails over emotion. Swords cuts through muddled thought, and brings clarity. Order and justice rule, leading to abundance and prosperity.
Success in attaining your goals is ahead. An intellectual breakthrough is made. It's an aha moment and there may be a discovery, or even the publication of a book.


Here we see Athene, goddess of Justice, and this Minor Arcana card, like all Aces heralds a burst of raw energy, that gives a new perspective on the world. This new world view and perspective can create conflict. When we change our outlook and behaviour, this often upsets the apple cart where others are concerned, as they may not respond favourably. You may be full of enthusiasm and energy to embrace a new lifestyle, however others may feel their lifestyle, and the old order is going to be affected, and threatened, which creates conflict. Do not loose heart, as there is and can be a resolution with a strong heart, mind and will.

You may have found you want to pursue a change in career, or relationship. Perhaps you are considering moving to a different country, or residence. You might even have decided to return to school at a mature age, but, there may be negative reactions from the very people you love, and that love you.

 One may assume, that you can be confident in thinking, because family and friends love you, and that they would, and should be supportive; this unfortunately is often not the case, in many situations. especially with friends and families. This is the double edged sword, that the Ace of Swords presents, and you better be prepared for some quarrels, and disputes. I will reiterate, success is your's with a strong heart, mind and will.