Today’s card is from a very direct little Tarot deck. There’s little to wonder about here. The creator of the deck has repurposed the Magician into a very believable new idea. Motivation. So what motivates you? Carrot or Stick?
Our Magician holds out a shiny gold trophy or a whip as your two choices. A gold fish is cramped in a too-small-for-swimming fish bowl. Behind him you can see the signs for Cancer and for Scorpio. Water, anyone?
I just told a client last night that a fish grows to the size of its environment. Sometimes you have to make your escape for the deeper waters, the bigger pond. But what makes any of us actually take that step?
Let’s face it. It’s not easy leaving your comfort zone. If you have gotten used to the idea of where you are (even if it’s not where you want to be), you may not be willing to risk it.
Better the devil you know, right?
WRONG! What if you never make that move? What if you never break for the finish line? What if you never step out of the hamster wheel you’ve allowed yourself to think of as progress?
That’s the whip.
Let’s look at the trophy instead. What if you succeed? What if you find a job that makes you wake up before the alarm goes off? What if you create a family of friends who truly understand you and help you become better each day?
Don’t stay in a bowl that’s too small, y’all, Swim out. Remember Dory? Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. Just keep swimming.
When you need motivation, focus on the carrot for yourself. We have enough outside forces ready to apply whips and sticks. Love yourself. Love that bright and shiny you in the mirror. Tell yourself every day what a marvelous human being you are.
And know that you are. Be your own carrot, darlings.
Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!
Motivation, Bright Ideas Tarot, Llewellyn Publications, 2005