Stink Bomb

From the Daniloff Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Kuan Yin Poems, Verse 98:

Another such victory over the Romans, and we are undone.

—Pyrrhus of Epirus

Competition has its place in the business world - it helps keep quality up and prices down. But when it comes to relating to other humans, it's a stink bomb. There are people who will argue their views from sunrise to sunset, but they refuse to consider anything else from another perspective. As Pyrrhus warned, we might win the battle, but we lose what is more valuable in the process. "My way or the highway" will leave us in a lonely place. The 98th Verse underscores this caution:

Like a careless bird that plunges into the net, you are trapped.

There is hardly a chance to escape.

Researchers have found that people with a need to win tend to have poorer self-esteem than those who simply like to do well. Unfortunately, competition sets up the must-win group in a cycle that never really lets them feel worthy for long. Cooperation allows us to be a part of something greater than our ego, helping us to thrive, grow, and evolve. 

Seeking Information

From the Daniloff Tarot, the Page of Swords; from the Kuan Yin Sticks, Verse 98:

          I went in search of the symbol of the raven with a ring in its beak and found the story of Matyas Corvinus. After several Hungarian kings died in succession, just one option was left - a young boy living in Prague. His mother sent a ring to him via a raven as a symbol that he was to become the new ruler. The bird and ring would later become a part of his crest. Matyas was a true Renaissance king who patronized the arts, but he was well-loved for his compassion and care of the common man. He would dress as a commoner and spy on the nobles to see how they treated his people (thus his comparison to the Page of Swords). I prefer this side of the Page, one who seeks out information for justice rather than personal gain.
          The 98th Verse reads:

Plans and ambitions will be delayed, and whining will only add to your cares. Like a bird that has flown straight into a trap, you await a benevolent one to release the snare.

Most of the tarot court cards are known for passionate or hasty behavior, with the exception of the Coins suit. Especially when a conflict exists or a wrong needs to be righted, there is a feeling that things need to be squared away as soon as possible. But uncovering the truth, at least all sides and perspectives, requires time and patience. Making a judgment call before all the evidence is in can put me in the same position as the snared bird.