Agency

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Chariot; from the Pictish Oracle, the Hammer and Anvil:

A person with a health sense of agency believes they are responsible for their thoughts, feelings, and actions. ―Jason Spencer

          The artist's use of one horse rather than two pulling in different directions made me think of the word 'agency.' In social science, agency is defined as the capacity to act independently and make one's own decisions. It is similar to responsibility, but also requires some knowledge and resources to be effective. If we don't understand that our emotions and thoughts are rarely indicators of reality, we have little ability to competently navigate our own chariot. We must first learn how to pause before reacting and sort fact from fiction. The Hammer and Anvil carvings are a nod to the craft of the smith, a person who was able to take rough lumps of ore and transform them into gleaming weapons or tools. We too must shape and transform old patterns of thinking and habits of action if we want to hone our power of independent choice. Like a talented smith, it will require a commitment to patience and practice.