Today’s card is a reminder to me that I don’t have to accept all invitations to arguments. I know a few people who seem to relish picking at flaws of others. They love to point out any mistakes. Perhaps they see it as a way to help others improve. For me, it can hit me one of two ways.
I can see it as an opportunity to review things in my life for improvement.
I can see it as someone needing to feel superior because their own life isn’t fitting their needs.
Really depends on the context and how often it occurs as to which I see it as.
I’m fairly thick-skinned with most but those closest to me can hurt me the worst with this. I have to monitor my reactions and decide which sword I will pick up.
Will I pick up the one that allows me to parry back sharp and swift?
Will I pick up the one that lets me thrust straight to the heart in defense?
Will I pick up the one with the blunted tip so that I only bruise in return?
Will I pick up the one that requires two hands and all the force I can bring?
Will I pick up the ceremonial sword that shows I am ready to learn new moves?
I can attack back (and is it really back if the person truly means well but delivers poorly?)
I can stop and listen to my own intuition. A self-check to see if the advice is warranted is never a bad thing.
This Five of Swords from Lisa Hunt’s Fairytale Tarot reminds me that the sword I choose today will have repercussions. I must breathe. Maybe even count to ten or perhaps one hundred. Swords tend to have more than one way to cut–pointed tip, sharp edges, double edges. As the one wielding the weapon, I am the most qualified to NOT use it.
So what about you? What do you think? How do you react to criticism?
Five of Swords, The Fairy Tale Tarot by Lisa Hunt, Llewellyn 2008 (out of print but available as an app for your iOS phones. Not sure about Android. :D)
Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!
I think try to pause and breath before I react. This will be more difficult when I am tired or irritated already.
All I can do is try
This is such a helpful way to look at swords Arwen – and I wish I had thought a bit more along those lines of choosing which sword and how to wield earlier this week. I surprised myself with how prickly I reacted to something that normally wouldn’t have pushed my buttons. A deep breath (or ten) may have saved me the necessity of a later apology for my overreaction.