[Tweet “Today is about hyperbole vs reality. Who’s responsible?”]
Today’s #affirmation is brought to us by a man who thought he could take down P.T. Barnum. He was so huge that they called him the father of the modern circus. He single-handedly brought Jumbo the elephant to America.
Okay, so a lot of that is hyperbole…or to use the more common shortened version–hype.
This Governor of Rings is James Anthony Bailey who was born as a McGuiness. His career as a circus owner/ringmaster was legendary. He had his own show then joined with P.T. Barnum. They eventually joined with the Ringling Brothers to form what is a still active circus troupe.
Many of us dislike circuses now for the treatment of animals. I’m going to put that aside for now. Instead, I want to shine a light on this card. The traditional name is the King of Pentacles. He is often seen as a bit of a stick-in-the-mud Mr. Banks type by me.
His role in the Tarot is often that of taskmaster, banker, rule enforcer. Here he’s been given a different hat (top hat, even) to wear. This man is now a ringmaster of a circus. He must do more than point out the amazing acts and beautiful girls. He also is responsible for the overall financial success of his endeavors.
And more than that? He is the ultimate yes-or-no in many people’s lives. Their livelihood depends on this man. It cannot be an easy thing to have that much responsibility. I imagine he understood “heavy is the head that wears the crown” on a very personal level.
Responsibility happens.
I am responsible for making sure my bills get paid, my animals get the food and medical attention they need and so on. Some days I’d like to chuck it all to go live in a cave. But the reality is, responsibility exists.
So that brings us to today’s affirmation:
Today I am responsible for my own happiness. Today I remember to choose to be in a good mood. Today I remember to celebrate my ability to be responsible. Loved and loving, I love each of you.
Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!
P. to the S. Are you going to do #NaNoWriMo this year? It’s my first year as a participant. Usually I’m instead. I finally made the workshop an So if you are doing it, come find me! I’m TarotByArwen there.
Governor of Rings, Tarot of the Zirkus Magi, Douglas Thornsjo 2014
Funny, I rarely think of the King of Pents being involved in hype. Yet, if you’re in charge of a financial empire marketing is definitely one of your responsibilities. Interesting to read the circus history, and good luck with NaNoWriMo!
Hey Chloe! I know, right? I think of him as being a somewhat staid fellow. 😀