Destroying Damsels in Distress

From the Wildwood Tarot, the Seven of Arrows (Swords):

I have to be honest - the "damsel in distress" role this woman is performing really bugs me.  Maybe the arrows piercing her are actual, unkind words that people are saying about her.  But is there any truth to them?  If so, take responsibility; if not stand up for yourself with evidence that points to the contrary.  The traditional RWS meaning of this card usually deals with someone being sneaky and dishonest.  I think the manipulation this woman is using to find a rescuer or attention easily falls into the same category.  She needs to take a look at the skull on the rock she stands on.  It represents the death of her integrity and credibility.

     From the Shaman's Oracle comes the "Spirit of Destruction:"

The cave art in this card is symbolic of a force much like the Tower card in the tarot.  But rather than thoughts and beliefs, it deals primarily with emotions.  This Spirit effectively makes us look at the truth, whether we want to see it or not.  As the authors write, "When negative emotions plague us, they can ruin our contentment, damage our relationships, and undermine our true sense of self."  I'm sure the woman in the tarot card above is beset with insecurities and fear, but using manipulation will only put a bandaid on a gaping wound.  She must confront the shadowy, frightening places within to find her power again.