spike8184 asked: I am very creative at work and know that I have a talent for writing. Somehow I am blocked when it comes to writing as a career. I just can't get the words out. I feel sure I was meant to be a writer but that I am blocking my process for some reason. Thank you in advance. Mike
I think the reading above will resonate with you. The central figure is in mental anguish, trapped between the thrill of emotional revelation and anxiety over material concerns. That’s the line anyone walks when they decide to tie their preferred form of self-expression to their hopes of stability and career satisfaction. You wind up pulled back and forth between those two priorities until you just become paralyzed. And boy, have I been there.
Instead of running up against the same brick wall over and over with the same types of ideas and projects, (and then beating your face against it for good measure), you need to find something that you can actually bring yourself to write. Even if it’s silly, or seems to have no bearing on where you’d like to end up later on.
Do you think I set out wanting to write a lot about Tarot cards? No sir, Mike. It’s just sort of something that keeps happening. I am very process-oriented, which means I try not to set strict goals — I keep many projects in circulation at once, and I follow them wherever they want to go. Then I convince myself that wherever they end up (even if that’s “nowhere”) is just the way it was meant to be.That way there’s always at least one horse in the stable that actually wants to get out and stretch its legs… even if it’s not necessarily the horse I was hoping to ride.
One advantage to this is that I write more often, with greater output, than I ever did in the days when I tried to concentrate on just one novel or blog. Some of this work has been profitable, some of it hasn’t, but the juices are always flowing.
My advice is to stop thinking of this as a career you need to build and start thinking of it as a practice you want to sharpen. There are so many kinds of writers out there, and instead of whipping yourself for not being a certain kind, discover and make peace with the kind you are. I recommend Lynda Barry’s book “What It Is” as a guide to getting out from under your own brain and exploring the source of your true voice and potential.
Anonymous asked: I think you are so wonderful.
Anonymous asked: After a lifetime of living in denial and unhappiness, I finally realized my passion and am following it. Shockingly, from the moment I committed to it, things have gone very,very well. The last year of my life has been happier than I ever thought possible. Last week, I achieved a huge milestone, one I thought may take years of work. Yes, I'm blessed and grateful. But suddenly the fear is rampant. Why in the world am I so scared now when I wasn't before? I fear everything will fall apart...
In the Ethan Hawke movie version of “Great Expectations” (I know, I know), Chris Cooper tells young Ethan “There’s nothing harder than being given your chance.” It’s because suddenly now everything you do really matters — it did all along, but now you just happen to be in a time in your life when you can actually sense it, and the feelings of awe and pressure can be paralyzing.
Look at yourself there in the middle, leaping from the flaming wreckage of your old, deluded life. See how the rational and emotional aspects of your self look on peacefully and approvingly from either side?
I know that doesn’t make it any easier for the person making the leap — that’s hard no matter what. I recommend that every day you make contact with the still, quiet, caring parts of yourself that nourished you up to this moment, even through all the waste and tragedy. They’re waiting patiently for you to let all that go, so that the real work of your life can begin. They will grow and become larger parts of you, and the fear will melt away.
It’s your chance! It’s scary, but once you jump gravity will take over and you’ll realize that you’re not falling… you’re just free.
Nice work, Querent.
pour-my-heart-out asked: Hi, I'm unemployed and I was wondering, when will I get a job? Thanks
I hope you’ve read enough of these answers to know that I don’t just tell people what they want to hear.
I say that because I drew the Ace of Coins as the main card, which is a favorable sign of blessings coming from a new direction, but I also drew a second card, the Eight of Wands, which indicates suddenness. You might have to change your mind about some things to be able to accept the new challenges that these opportunities bring. Are you up to it, Querent?
afoxandafawn asked: It has been a few years since I have been in a relationship, and I'm longing for one. However, I don't feel like anyone would want me because of my looks. Is there anyone headed into my life soon, or are there still things that must happen for me to find love?
What? Aw shut up, you are totally cute and interested in cool stuff and people will like and/or love you. Am I right, people?
But the Two of Swords indicates that you have to make peace with yourself, inside and outside. Even if you did meet someone right away, you can’t expect them to shore up your self-esteem, or you’d become unhealthily dependent.
You have to strike your own bargain with yourself, and another with the world around you. Challenge yourself, but also accept compromises. And when all else fails, remember that like the Pamela Colman Smith version of this card, love is blind.
