Moving Forward

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Chariot; from the Tao Oracle, Hexagram 8 (Holding Together):

Say the word 'quest' out loud. It is an extraordinary word, isn't it? So small and yet so full of wonder, so full of hope. ―Kate DiCamillo

What is this strange machine Pieper uses for a Chariot? It is a Trojan Armored Vehicle, employed by the British Army; it is not a weapon, but a vehicle used to clear minefields and make difficult terrain easier to navigate. Its excavator arm can be used to dig, remove obstacles, or deposit the fascine it carries to cross trenches or marshes. The plow on the front allows the vehicle to push things out of the way or to detonate mines. Such a machine capable of multiple uses reminds us that any quest or journey requires planning and preparation, knowing there will be difficulties we must face along the way. Smooth sailing should not be expected. Hexagram 8, Holding Together, points to joining things that are separate or different into a coherent whole without suppression. In the case of the Chariot, it suggests that our will, emotions, and logic need to work together, assessing each need as it arises. Pause, breathe, and let the solution come, then move forward.

As a Whole

 From Tarot by Caro, the High Priestess; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 8:

No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent.

―John Donne

The pomegranates on the High Priestess card are a nod to Persephone (something hidden), the hems of priestly garments (wisdom), and Solomon's temple (an inner essence). She invites us to stop looking outside ourselves for answers and take a peek within. If we plant the seeds we find, they will lead to a wise and fruitful outcome. One insight available is that nothing is independent - everything depends on various causes and conditions to exist, each subject to change. Our actions (or inaction) might instigate such change, creating support or imbalance for the whole. Hexagram 8 represents cohesion, when a group of people focus on what's important and needed rather than on personal, petty things. Kind of like a President obsessed with Big Macs and ballrooms rather than focusing on the services and assistance his constituents need.

Luminous Mind - BK

Dealing with Fear

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, the Knight of Wands; from the I Ching Pack, Hexagram 8 (Mutal Aid):

Don't you want to learn to deal with fear?

Don't you want to take the wheel and steer?

Don't you wait another minute here

What are you waiting for?

―Nickelback

Why do we fail to take advantage of an opportunity or pursue what interests us? Likely the cause is fear - fear of failing, of being vulnerable, of not knowing what lies ahead. As long as we've done our homework (investigated to make sure it's not a scam or manipulation), we might take this Knight's advice to go for it. Hexagram 8 implies uniting with others to stoke our confidence so that we can act rather than shrink. Whether it's having a friend as our wingman or seeking the support of a mentor, feeling like someone has our back can give us the push we need to take those chances.

Cohesion

From the Brady Tarot, the Three of Horns (Cups); from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 8:

          After a long migrational journey, snow geese gather. When people are under stress for an extended period and then get out from under it, they often want to reach out to others and share their joy. The relief and release felt seem to require others to witness and share in it, to make it real. Compassion builds from this place of sharing, as we realize that while life makes demands of all of us, we are not alone. The 8th hexagram suggests cohesion, a diverse gathering that comes together as a united whole for a common purpose. Cups raised that the States of America will one day find their way back to being united, even while maintaining their diversity.

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

 – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Seeing Beyond

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, the Nine of Swords; from the I Ching Pack, Water over Earth (hexagram 8):

 Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.

— Erma Bombeck

          Worry and anxiety can make us feel like we are using our energy to find a solution, but really all we are doing is focusing on the problem. We have no traction, spinning in the same spot. The problem is that we can be so used to living life a certain way that we can't imagine what it will look like any other way. Water over Earth (hexagram 8) suggests mutual help and united action. We may need the perspective of others to see beyond our dark clouds to the blue sky that lies beyond them.

Receive without Bias

From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, the Four of Swords; from the I Ching Pack, Hexagram 8:

          The element of Air (assigned to Swords) is rarely still. Even walking and breathing can move it. But in this card there is complete stillness. I personally read this suit as having to do with thoughts and communication. What do they look like in a receptive state? It means I am listening instead of talking; I put a hold on planning, looking for creative solutions and constructing strategies. My mind and ears are open but at rest, allowing me to recharge and receive inspiration without actively seeking it. No need to process anything at the moment, just welcome what comes without bias.
          The keywords given to Hexagram 8 are mutual help, a sense of community and united action. I know from experience that nothing gets done in a group if everyone is so busy asserting their wants that no one is listening. Actual needs and good ideas can get trampled over in the rush to have opinions voiced. Being quiet and attentive in the melee can be a plus. I can gather all the suggestions and spread them out, seeing the advantages and disadvantages of each view. Eventually people will wind down and be tired of making no progress, and I'll have a spreadsheet of ideas ready for them.