The 7 of Wands – triumphantly defending yourself; holding off all attackers; confronting your problems; facing adversity; dealing with challenges. All of these terms can be applied to the 7 of Wands. It is a card of triumph over adversity, or at least being willing to attempt to triumph over adversity.

But I drew this card reversed this morning. So it made me wonder, where am I not facing adversity in my life? In reality the answer is everywhere. I have a strange quirk in my nature – I can face certain types of hardship with no problem (financial issues, death, and illness). But I have a very difficult time trying things that might make me look stupid. And I’m beginning to realize, as I do more work no marketing with Elizabeth, that this is what is holding me back.

I know that I am a competent Tarot reader. I may not be stellar but I am good. And with practice and experience I will get better. I know these things in my core. And yet I still struggle with self doubt which causes me to avoid the conflict. It’s often easier for me to do nothing rather than do something and fail. Of course I realize the irony is that I have always learned more from my mistakes than I do from the things that come easily to me.

I love how the Whispering Tarot shows two people trying to work their way across a maze of trees while two snakes are slithering closer. It suggests that one of the ways to face adversity or deal with challenges is to work with others. I tend to be a solitary creature in many ways so the idea of actually asking for and receiving help from others can be quite novel to me. This weekend I’ll be working with my marketing partner so this might provide an opportunity for me to work passed some of these issues.