I use tarot and oracle cards as tools for reflection and contemplation. Rather than divining the future, they are a way for me to look more deeply at the "now."
"The goal isn't to arrive, but to meander, to saunter, to make your life a holy wandering." ~ Rami Shapiro

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Our Own Shadow

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Master Tarot, Love Your Enemies:


No one likes to be proved wrong, to have our mistakes in the spotlight, or be humiliated in any way. When it happens, we push back, pointing the finger of blame, spinning tales, or continuing to argue, even if we know that it's useless. We add to our original suffering by trying to roll away an immovable boulder. Even worse, we hate those who 'showed us up,' giving our self an ongoing case of resentment reflux. But our real enemy is within, who refuses to accept reality or take responsibility. When we do so, we have the power to make positive changes.

A great nation is like a great man:
When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.
Having realized it, he admits it.
Having admitted it, he corrects it.
He considers those who point out his faults
as his most benevolent teachers.
He thinks of his enemy
as the shadow that he himself casts.
~Tao Te Ching, 61

3 comments: