Learned Helplessness

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Five of Stones (Pentacles); from the Rune Cards, Elk Sedge (Algiz):

In psychology, learned helplessness is a state that occurs after a person has experienced a stressful situation repeatedly. They believe that they are unable to control or change the situation, so they do not try, even when opportunities for change are available. —Jayne Leonard

In this Five of Stones, a person hides while multiple lightning strikes occur. Potter suggests that there are times we all have to pull back when health or finances go off track, but we need to be careful that we don't become overly passive. Even when things are out of our control, we can direct our thoughts and attitude in a more beneficial direction. And although there are many things we can't fix or change, we may be able influence them in some way. But this all hinges on us not curling up in a ball like a roly-poly. The rune Algiz is represented by a sedge with razon sharp edges, implying defense and protection. The deck's companion booklet suggests that we should be wary in times of need, when we may grab quickly at any support we easily find. We should be careful our desire for comfort does not bring us more suffering.