Who's Pulling the Strings?

From the Tarot of the Crone, the Two of Swords; from Transforming Dragons, 'Chump:'

           A person looks at a mirror made of two sword blades. There is an internal conflict, so it seems unusual for a person to look at their reflection for answers. It reminded me of a phrase I heard over and over as a child: "What will people think?!" I would bet many people have that same tape in their head, and that it often produces choices and actions that aren't healthy for them. Perhaps if this person were to become still and quiet, the inner voice not connected with the ego could lend some guidance. Those who are always looking to please rather than follow their own principles often wind up as Chump. They look to others to provide them with a 'fix' - approval and acceptance - and base their self-worth on the accolades or criticism they receive. People who say 'yes' to everything normally don't do anything well; either they are so overloaded with promises to be kept that they can't remember them all, or they don't have time to do any of them efficiently or effectively. Even worse, they lose hold of their internal compass and embody the words of Margaret Thatcher:

If you just set out to be liked, you will be prepared to compromise on anything at anytime, and would achieve nothing.