Compassionate Self-Control

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Chariot; from the Alchemist Oracle, 'You are exactly where you need to be:'

          A woman on a trike-bike moves with purpose through a busy city street. I'm sure there are plenty of distractions going on around her - a sale at the dry goods store, a fight at the pub, etc. - but she keeps on pedaling forward. She is learning to master her desires and control her impulses in order to reach her destination. Of course she might make a brief stop to say hello to a friend or offer directions to someone new to the city, but she continues on her way soon thereafter. She doesn't exist on a 'pepper diet,' but neither will she indulge her every whim; self-discipline helps her put off instant gratification that will only slow her down. To be honest, I abhor the New Age platitude endorsed by the Alchemist Oracle card: "You are exactly where you need to be." Is this what you would tell a woman who just miscarried? How about a young boy who just experienced a beating from his drunk father? I think a less punishing and more helpful view would be to say, "Yes, this is reality. How can you tenderly accept it and deal with it rather than closing your heart to life?"