Put Away the Yardstick

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Ascension to Paradise deck, the Manakin:

          What I first noticed in this card was the six lavishly decorated wands and the one plain staff in front. When there is a battle of wills, it's easy to feel we don't have what it takes when we compare ourselves to others. "I'm not as educated or widely-traveled," we might think. Or we simply may believe we don't have the resources that are available to others. Yet the Thoth keyword for the Seven of Wands is valor, a boldness and determination in facing our challengers. That simple staff might have more wisdom and strength than those ornamental wands. After all, it's what's on the inside that counts.
          Manakins are tropical and subtropical birds that are found in parts of Central and South America. They are known for the cracking and whipping noises they make as they engage in "lekking" - competitive displays by males as a way to entice a female partner. The authors of this deck suggest this bird encourages us to move out of the judgmental mind and into the all-embracing heart. I may acknowledge the advantages and abilities of others, but that doesn't mean I should dismiss my own skills. In fact, it might be that a different asset or aptitude is exactly what is needed.