8 is a number of setting priorities and goals, systems, regeneration and structure, practicality, balance and symmetry. On its side 8 resembles the lemniscate - a symbol of infinity.  Wands are usually associated with the element of fire, inspiration, energy, passion, feeling, enterprise, ambition, matters pertaining to the "spark of life".  They can refer to the growth and awareness of the self.  Wands are focused on discovering your true self, apart from others.  This card can sometimes be viewed as new ideas and new inspiration entering into your life.   Or as taking time to consider the various aspects of yourself that you portray and deciding which aspects you need to de-emphasize and which roles you’re willing to enhance.

Today was a bit of a tiring day.  I facilitated three workshops at an agency wide training.  They were basic "101" sessions covering issues such as professionalism, leadership and expectations.  To be fair, this is a workshop that many of these folks have already taken.  As I explained to some of them, if they want something different in the training sessions then they need to be honest in the evaluations.  They need to communicate their expectations to the agency, let's see if they listen.

I have to say that the energy in the workshops was pretty good.  The participants were interactive (overall) and contributed to the session.  They seemed interested in what I was saying and I think I gave them some useful information.  By the end of the day I was brain fried.  Even when I'm not facilitating a session, when I'm at these types of training I get exhausted from being around so many people.  It’s as though all my energy gets sucked away.  Maybe they’re actually psychic vampires.  It doesn’t matter what the training is about, just being around large groups of people like that wears me out.

When I got home I relaxed and waiting to see if anything interesting was on television.  Luckily enough I struck the jackpot - Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell was on PBS.  I LOVE that movie.  I think one of my goals in life is to be like Mame.  She truly grabs life with both hands and enjoys herself.  She also shares that joy and wonder with others in her life.  

Watching Auntie Mame made me think of the 8 of Wands.  If this card represents inspiration, passion and prioritizing your life so that you are able to fully enjoy and explore this side of things, then Mame epitomizes this energy.  She is a force of nature - an energetic, passionate, larger than life woman who is always exploring new ideas and new creative outlets.  She tries acting and writing; travels around the world exploring different cultures and even gives motherhood a try by raising her nephew.  She is truly an inspirational role model for me.  

Mame helped me remember the fun and joy we can find by opening up our personal borders and allow new ideas, new inspiration and new energy inside.  She shows us how we can bring these things into our lives simply by being open-minded.  This is a challenging concept for me because I have a very fixed quality in my personality (I blame it on my Leo sun sign and Capricorn moon).  Change frightens me; it throws me off balance.  I like the status quo.  However the reality is that change is inevitable and the only way to handle the situation is to allow yourself to enjoy it.

Tarot has actually helped me in this area.  It has allowed me to meet people who have very different viewpoints and life experiences and through the common language of Tarot I’ve been able to communicate with them.  I have been able to learn about their interests, hobbies and lives and had my own enriched by it.  I have learned that my perspective on life is not the only valid one and that being open to other’s perspectives can help me appreciate my own more and enhance them as well.