Christmas 2018

Five of Swords

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A feeling of imbalance and negativity prevails.

  

Visconti-Sforza deck © U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

General Meaning

Traditionally, the Five of this suit references the grim and sobering process of cleaning up the battlefield after a conflict. The war as a whole has not been won or lost yet, but in this skirmish there were grievous casualties. This card admonishes the loser to study carefully what went wrong, so that a new strategy can be devised and more setbacks forestalled. There is a need to regroup and rethink the game plan, discover your blind spots and weak links, and take corrective measures before getting back into the field for another round.

In these modern times, when the battle is more often being waged with words, laws and contracts instead of weapons, we have even more reason to examine our approach, our style, strengths and weaknesses. If we have underdeveloped communication skills or lose our objectivity in tense moments, our ability to reach our goals and dreams will decline. But, if we avoid letting ourselves be haunted by the misfortunes and detours that inevitably befall us, we will go on to achieve those goals. Do not obsess. Try to learn something.

In the Advice Position

Challenge the pessimism of others around you by evoking their higher nature.

The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.

The Five of Swords in this position advises you to prepare yourself for disappointment over how your fellow humans are setting their priorities. It seems that the lower end of human nature may be eroding good will in the current situation. Due to a strong cultural trend toward scarcity thinking, a "me first" outlook prevails. If this means that you need to develop a thick skin or carry your sword of truth closer, then do so.

Try not to be too quick to anger or jump to conclusions. Just because others may have a pessimistic sense of the world, their reality does not have to undermine yours. There is certainly no point in struggling or competing with them. Your challenge now is to learn how to sidestep confrontation and evoke a more evolved response from people. At the very least, be assertive about setting boundaries for yourself.

Thank You Jesus Christ for Creating The Way of Your Word!

What happened now?

I took my kids to the Vinoy for breakfast and my son gave me a Visconti Tarot Deck for Christmas. Of Course I opened it that moment and picked a card. I couldn't read it and the book with it was in Spanish (i think) so I've only now finally found it on Google.

It really feels appropriate. I got him a set of Patch Tarot too, which he laughed about when opening them later at my dad's house. I was so glad they went and were able to share with my dad and family. But once again I felt out of place, and still seem to be alone left out of whatever . . . it's annoying, but also seems to be normal for me. I'm not sure what to do, and am more inclined to avoid people more than ever.

It was weird as my dad asked me about spending Christmas alone. He was able to track me on my iphone in the family app we share. But I guess what's weird for me is that I usually do spend Christmas alone, or really have done this more than not. Even in his house for countless years as a child. . .

I Love You Dearest Loving Lord Jesus Christ.