Just My Way

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Four of Fire (Wands); from the Tao Oracle, 'Standstill' (12):

          In the Four of Wands (illustrated with a fire juggler), discipline has brought about a level of completion and perfection. Right timing, right order, and the proper amount of energy have been found to keep things in balance and flowing smoothly. But Hexagram 12, Standstill, suggests the flow has suddenly been frozen. This lack of positive movement maybe because what works smoothly for me may not work that way for another person. Until I see that my way is simply a particular approach that works well for me, not necessarily the right way of doing things, there is likely to be little thaw in the situation.

What makes us miserable, what causes us to be in conflict with one another, is our insistence on our particular view of things: our view of what we deserve or want, our view of right and wrong, our view of self, our view of other, our view of life, our view of death. But views are just views. They are not ultimate truth.  —Norman Fischer

Get Your Bearings

From the Victoria Regina, the Six of Wands; from the Alchemist Oracle, 'Standstill:'

          This card shows the Prince of Wales parading in front of Queen Victoria upon his triumphant return from India (one of the few times he pleased her). When it comes to public recognition, I tend to be like the horse who looks ready to buck and run to the stable. It is nice to be appreciated for one's efforts (feedback can be helpful), but too much pomp and circumstance can leave us feeling like our next accomplishment should be even grander than the last. To circumvent this worry, the focus can be turned to the people whose shoulders we stood on to meet this challenge. I read the Standstill card as two separate words (pre-coffee): stand still. After being acknowledged for our efforts, a lot of energy may be coursing through our veins. It can make us eager for the next mountain to climb, the next pleasure to chase or the next mystery to unravel. Yet adrenaline tends to pump us up while leaving logic in the corner with no dance partner. Finding time to be grounded and breathe might give us a chance to get our bearings before jumping on our horse again.