avidplecostomus-deactivated2013 asked: I have been having a lot of struggles in my life lately. I feel damned no matter what decision I make. Every major choice I must make in my life recently lead to major changes and possible loss. What should I do?
Something about the simplicity of your question moves me. I bet there are some sad stories there…
Three versions of the same woman, unrecognizable to each other. On the left, the grieving Queen who is certainly wiser for her tragic experiences, but who’s grown a bit colder, a bit more defensive. She gazes off stage left, not yet ready to move on.
On the right, we have Justice. One might read her as a sort of triumphant version of the first card — she wields the same sword, but with defiance and confidence. Where the figure on the left is veiled, the figure on the right looks directly outward at us, clear-eyed and unblinking. She is propelled forward by the sheer force of her desire to make things right, to set the record straight.
Remember this as you travel the “Sadder <—-+—-> Wiser” spectrum: this unfortunate period marks the end of a significant cycle in your life. Once you loosen your grip on that sword, a whole bevy of other magical tools will reveal themselves to you, spurring you to venture out in other directions. The woman on top of The World may look like she’s falling, but she’s actually dancing — above “right” and “wrong” decisions, above friends and enemies alike. That is what awaits you, when you’re ready. Whatever happens after that is anyone’s guess…
Wisdom is the product of experience, which usually is shorthand for “suffering.” But there is contentment in wisdom. There will be times later on when your life seems incredibly boring, with no major changes to be made or risks to be taken, but then you’ll remember phases like the one you’re currently going through and feel gratitude and awe all over again.
Damnation isn’t real, Querent, but despair is. Try to think instead that you are blessed no matter what decision you make, no matter what the outcome may be. You are blessed either way. Loss is always possible, that’s why it’s pointless to fear it.
Take care, you.
