Self-Will Run Riot

This week I'll be using the Daniloff Tarot, created and self-published by Alexander Daniloff. I'll also be using a set of Kuan Yin Sticks with the corresponding verses from Stephen Karcher's book The Kuan Yin Oracle as well as from www.kuanshihyin.net. Today's draws are the Magician and Verse 3:

Kuan Yin Painting by Tilly Campbell-Allen

          With the mask hiding half his face, this Magician sends up an immediate red flag. He has accumulated knowledge that he's turned into some amazing skills, but he gives off a vibe that he's hiding some criminal motives behind his cloak and table cloth. It always amazes me how people with such talent choose to use their gifts in nefarious ways (the recent corporation hackers are a good example). Recovery folks use the phrase "self-will run riot" to describe those who use their volition in self-centered and selfish ways without regard to those they hurt in the process. The Kuan Yin verse describes a swallow that returns to her nest during a storm only to find that it has fallen apart. The only solution is to begin again, having learned something from the experience. When I'm on the receiving end of the 'con wand,' revenge and hatred will only keep me in a whirlpool that doesn't allow any forward progress. Instead I can take the swallow's example, focusing on what's important; I can rebuild, being more discerning instead of an easy mark.

Sometimes we want to believe something so badly that we allow ourselves to be taken advantage of.

― Aaron B. Powell