Today, I am continuing with the creative #Actctober2021 Tarot Challenge hosted by @GlitterbyInk and @LivingJivaWell
The prompt: Today, how will I act with focus?
Deck: The Urban Tarot by Robin Scott
Conscious draw – The Chariot
The truth is that I always need a bit of this Chariot energy, being altogether too laid-back – my own self-assessment… anyone can jump in any time to contradict me… didn’t think so – and more of a follower than a leader.
Not a trailblazer by any stretch.
Interesting also that, by way of a little bit of Tarot numerology, the number 7 and, therefore, The Chariot holds some significance for me. My birthday is on the 7th of this month. And all the Tarot 7s, for good and bad, have been trooping the colours in the last few days.
I’m only on the second prompt of this challenge and the word ‘challenge’ itself is rather starting to hit home. This deck is pulling no punches. In fact, you might say that so far it’s been all punch and no puff.
No glitter-farting unicorns of joy here. Just the hard 7s.
There’s got to be a message in there somewhere.
The Chariot speaks of strength of will, determination, unwavering focus. Turning your lights on full-beam (a phrase which for me conjures up images of wide-eyed rabbits caught in the headlights). Forging a path and moving towards a goal, letting nothing stand in your way.
Acting with such focus will certainly get you places, but at what cost?
For the second card, I let the deck decide.
Unconscious draw – 7 of Swords [Reversed]
This deck has delivered yet another 7 (yesterday the heavy energy of 7 of Pentacles) to temper the enthusiasm and laser focus of the Chariot VII.
This particular card evokes some of the negative energy that the Tarot 7s can bring – the shadow side of Netzach, 7th Sephira on the Tree of Life – when passion and persistence tip over into ruthless ambition.
When the Charioteer rides roughshod over those who they might encounter on their path regardless of the fallout.
Careless. Thoughtless. Disempowering.
I don’t really identify as the ‘Ruthless Charioteer’.
But have I ever pushed forward at the expense of others? Exploited a situation? Ridden rough-shod? Taken advantage? Acted purely out of self-interest? Have the ends always justified the means?
All questions to be answered honestly elsewhere. Somewhere not here.
While we’re on the subject of the tricky and notorious 7 of Swords, I gained a new ‘bigger picture’ perspective on the 7 of Swords from The Urban Tarot deck guidebook.
The deck creator refers to the way the complex bureaucratic machine of wealth, law and government rolls ever onwards at the expense of and exploiting those it is meant to serve: “The wheels of justice grind the powerless beneath them, while those already in power find a way to take advantage at every turn”, perpetuating inequality and the status quo.
I have to say, with the current state of the world, that’s resonating pretty powerfully with me right now.
Anyway…
How will I act with focus today?
It seems that the answer, no surprises here, is all about intention.
The intention to act with integrity – certainly one of the demands of the suit of Swords as they relate to our thoughts, words and actions – and, of course, to act with compassion.
This is how I act with focus, today, and every day. I listen to the still small voice within and I let it guide my intention in my thoughts, words and actions. As I focus on my goals, I harness the ambitious, passionate and determined energy of the Chariot VII (and the 7s) and direct it positively with an intention for the highest good for myself and others.
Simples! ? A little bit of healthy ambition is a great thing, but not at the expense of others. And that’s gonna turn round and bite you on the arse anyway… karmically speaking.
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