Doubts Are Traitors

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Knight of Wands; from the Nature Mandala Meditation Oracle, Balance:

Our doubts are traitors,

and make us lose the good we oft might win,

by fearing to attempt.

― William Shakespeare

The Knight of Wands has enough confidence and charm to talk a fire elemental into helping light the damp wood of a campfire. Though he may find it hard to accept advice from others and understands that confidence isn't competence, this knight recognizes that self-doubt has the power to destroy many creative starts. The Balance card suggests there is middle ground between arrogance and timidity - both of which can hinder our ambitions. There is advice that helps, not just criticizes. And by beginning, we can make progress through both practice and learning from mistakes.