Power Play

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three laughing stocks:"

The mental flexibility of the wise man permits him to keep an open mind and enables him to readjust himself whenever it becomes necessary for a change. —Malcolm X

The Two of Swords in the Thoth tradition represent a peace gain through mental flexibility. Like the moon, we need to be able to change our ideas when necessary. Cognitive elasticity enables us to enhance our problem solving, regulate our emotions, and improve our relationships because we see other viewpoints. The angry man, jealous man and miser in the Brehon card are ridiculed because they are trying to control what they can't and lose the power they have. The angry man loses control to his emotions (which now control him); the jealous man loses the ability to fully appreciate and enjoy what he has; the miser becomes what he fears - functionally destitute - because he refuses to use his resources. If we can master our attitudes, then we can master change.