Whipping Post

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Ten of Wands; from the Diloggun Cards, Oshe (5 mouths):

 Sometimes I feel

Like I've been tied

To the whipping post.

~ Allman Brothers

          The booklet describes this card as an altar of sacrifices. Whether we're working toward a goal or simply working toward a better life, we may feel like the Allman Brothers' song. But sometimes challenges help us grow. What may get sacrificed are character liabilities such as arrogance, closed-mindedness, selfishness or laziness. In this case, pushing ourselves beyond our normal comfort zone can help produce character assets.

          The cowrie throw of Oshe (five shells up) is associated with the following ethic and proverb:

Ifa: Unless we resort to caution and discretion, we will miss the blessings of prosperity.
Proverb: Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet.

Oshe suggests that what might get lost as we work are things of value - relationships with family and friends, hobbies, financial stability, common sense or ethical principles. Hard work is not the problem, but it needs to be undertaken with discernment.