The Tool of Perseverance

From the Motherpeace Tarot, the Magician; from the Toltec Oracle, Witsilopochtli:

          Motherpeace's Magician is a shaman, a person who accesses wisdom from the natural and spirit world for purposes of healing. But Noble also calls her a 'tool-maker;' she not only brings knowledge to help her people, she creates something that will be useful to them. She is the hollow bone through which information flows as well as the ability to manifest that which would be helpful in a practical way. Yet Noble also points out that this will require "a certain diligence or self-discipline that is hard to come by." Nothing gets dropped in the lap fully formed with instructions attached. From the Toltec Oracle comes Witsilopochtli ('left-handed hummingbird'), who was considered a god of war. The hummingbird was sacred to the Toltecs, a symbol of mysticism and strength. The relative direction left was considered the side of mystery and spirituality, while the right side was associated with logic and matter. Witsilopochtli represented the spiritual warrior, a person who works to improve or correct her own weaknesses. Sanchez warns against self-pity and while encouraging the warrior to maintain a peaceful heart even amid the struggles. I am reminded that moments of challenge don't exclude moments of joy just because work is involved. In the words of N. Gingrich, "Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did."