While It's Easy

From the Shadowlands Tarot, the Nine of Wands; from the Brownie Wisdom Deck, "When Others Scoff:"

One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. ―Arthur Ashe

This little monster checks his prep list as he waits and watches, knowing a confrontation is imminent. The bandage across his forehead suggests he's met similar challenges, so he knows how to gather what is needed to prepare for it. As Sun Tzu said, "Plan for what is difficult while it is easy;" waiting until the middle of the storm is useless. The Brownie card suggests that there will be those who make fun of such readiness. But it is about more than just having resources at hand that might be needed. Preparation also gives us a boost in confidence that we can get through this successfully.

Exit Ramp

From the Tarot of Pagan Cats, the Ace of Swords; from Brownie Wisdom, 'When others scoff:'

          What's interesting about the Ace of Swords is the way the sword goes through the top of the crown - there is no covering. It symbolizes an open mind that creates enough space to see many possibilities rather than relying on a rigid, traditional framework of how things have always been done. Solutions are often found in what is innovative or what has been cast aside as worthless. The little booklet describes it as "an opportunity for a new way of thinking." Yet new ideas often create fear in those who prefer to keep walking the well-worn road, and those who are afraid will likely try to take control by infecting others through worrisome, dire predictions. The Brownie Wisdom card suggests that we don't tie up our energy arguing with these folks; the best defense is a good offense. Showing can be more persuasive than telling.