We are all living life with different struggles. We are all navigating life, and though we travel our own paths, we encounter the same themes and realities under different circumstances. A tarot deck is representative of the spectrum of the human experience. Each card in tarot has a traditional meaning and each deck the creator’s interpretation of that meaning. Kaila Wilde uses her knowledge and interpretation of the tarot as a personal growth tool and to create an affirmative statement + note to keep us lifted and to remind us that we are not alone.
Each week, take what you need. Leave what you don’t
Card:
Eight of Swords
Affirmation:
My mind is free.
Reflection:
The Eight of Swords is symbolic of feeling stuck or having thoughts that generate anxiety. From careers to relationships to personal expectations and responsibilities, there are many situations that could potentially arise in our lives that cause or push us to seek liberation. Often, we find ourselves in positions where we feel or think we are incapable of moving forward (or backwards for that matter). And although we have the right to our feelings, we sometimes have to ask ourselves “is every right worth exercising?" We must also realize we are accountable for managing and overcoming how we feel. Similarly, a range of thoughts are constantly running through our minds, and we have to learn how to control our thoughts -otherwise, they control us. So the truth is even though we may feel or think that we have no way out somehow we do; We may not always like the way out, but the majority of times one is always present. And in the cases where there is no foreseeable escape we are responsible for creating a way. When most of us feel confined, what we desire most is freedom from the circumstance that inhibits us. The desire for freedom is natural when in any state of confinement; However, sometimes we passively find ourselves succumbing to a restricted state or feeling instead of actively seeking out a path to freedom. The intention or goal should be liberation by any means necessary from anything or anyone that constantly and consistently restricts us.
Anxiety is one of those feelings or conditions that we all experience as human beings. Anytime we worry, anytime we are nervous, or anytime we feel uneasiness, we are experiencing some level of anxiety. Thoughts that generate anxiety in us are inevitable, so the question is not “how do I stop thinking thoughts that generate anxiety” but instead “how do I deal with the thoughts that generate anxiety?” Rarely is there a “one-size fits all” answer when it comes to matters of this nature, so the key here is finding and establishing various ways to deal with the stresses of life that produce thoughts that cause anxiety. The intention or goal should be to supervise the thoughts versus trying to evade them.
Application:
Replace or follow-up negative thoughts or feelings with more neutral or positive thoughts and feelings. I have yet to learn how to stop a thought from entering my mind, but I am always implementing and practicing the strategy of following any negative thought I may have with a more balanced, alternate (mostly positive) thought. Shout out to therapy!
Tarot Card from The Lioness Oracle Tarot