Don't Bring Me Down

From the Mythic Tarot, the Four of Cups:

You got me running going out of my mind,

You got me thinking that I'm wasting my time.

Don't bring me down, no, no, no, no, no

~ Jeff Lynne, ELO

Psyche, a new bride, listens to her two sisters whisper that her groom must be a monster since he only visits at night. Misery loves company, and these two want to make sure their happy sister doesn't remain content for long. I'm not surprised I've drawn the Four of Cups today, as the things that used to bring me joy - my tarot blog, my nature journal, etc. - seem to be more of a chore than a pleasure these days. I couldn't really put my finger on what changed, but I do know that there are several people in my life whose misery is overflowing onto me. They are either deeply depressed or dealing with amplified anxiety (like the black and red dresses of the sisters). I really gotta go dust off that Electric Light Orchestra album...

From the Symbolon Deck comes "The Inquistion:"

Here is the "finger-pointing" card; a scapegoat must be found in order to have someone to blame. That finger should be pointing at me too; in my effort to find out why my life suddenly seems to have lost all its color, I am putting all the responsibility on others. Even if people are unloading on me, I'm the one standing there listening to it. Time to take my own inventory and see what part I'm playing in this blue funk.

Bite Your Tongue

From the Mythic Tarot, the Page of Swords:

This Page is illustrated with Zephyrus, the Greek god of the West Wind.  One of the often told stories of Zephyrus deals with his jealousy of the relationship between Apollo and Hyacinthus (a young man who was a mortal).  He was so enraged to see them having fun while throwing a discus one day, that he blew it at Hyacinthus, striking him in the head and killing him.  It was a rash action that only caused more pain and is indicative of the immaturity of this court card.  I know that words can strike with the same effect as any sword, and once spoken, the bell cannot be unrung.  I may say "I'm sorry" over and over (and mean it), but it will never erase the pain I have caused.  Today's card encourages me to bite my tongue when my emotions want to unleash its fury, and wait until I am calm and able to speak with respect.

     From the Symbolon Deck, the "Inquisition:"

Poor lady...  She is obviously a free thinker who dared to speak her mind.  And from the looks of those who sit in judgment of her, she doesn't stand a chance.  There are two lessons in this image.  The first is that there are some people with whom I should keep my opinions and ideas to myself, as they will not be receptive to anything that strays outside the walls of their limited knowledge and understanding.  My views should be shared when people ask for them, not when I think they should be educated according to what I think is "right."  The second is that I need to be careful about judging others for their beliefs, especially when I would not want to be put down or made fun of for mine.  The life experiences that shape our perceptions are different for everyone, so the motto "live and let live" might be a wise one to follow.