Sixes symbolize the union of opposites, finding equilibrium, harmony in the face of constant change.  Wands are associated with inspiration, energy, passion, feeling, enterprise, ambition, matters pertaining to the "spark of life", and the element of fire. 

"You've met the challenge to your identity and come through it.  Now, the self you're presenting to the world is more confident and stable.  You feel more secure with your identity and sense of purpose or personal direction.  You're settling into the groove of being this self." - Gail Fairfield

Victory, challenges overcome and equilibrium regained.  All of these can be represented by this card.  Looking at the image on the Grail card I'm am struck by the idea that one of the facets of this card is doing that which we did not think we could do.  The scene shown represents Perceval meeting the Wounded King.  By not asking a question (which he perceived would be rude), he condemns the king to remain unhealed.  Looking at this card makes me wonder what questions I'm not asking myself and what wounds are still not healed.

Looking at the image on the Patchwork card I am struck by somewhat of an answer - I have never truly felt victorious, triumphant, like a champion.  I have a tendency to consider anything at which I am actually skilled to be easy.  So when I accomplish something in those areas I don't see that as a true achievement.  It's when I can achieve things in areas at which I'm not very skilled that I feel a sense of triumph or victory. 

For example, if I get good grades in school I don't see that as such as accomplishment because doing well in school comes easily to me.  Passing my road test to get my driver's license or actually driving are things I consider accomplishments because getting behind the wheel of a car still frightens me.  Or if I manage to do something athletic, that would be an achievement because I've never considered myself an athlete.

Right now I'm working on the books The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and Wishcraft by Barbara Sher.  Both books provide exercises and concepts that raise similar issues.  I suppose that I'm like a lot of people, preferring not to really look at the hard questions and address the difficult issues.  I try to convince myself that I'm fine just as I am.  The reality is that there are things I am very happy with in my life.  I have a good marriage and several good friends as well as hobbies and interests that bring me a lot of joy.  Where i tend to feel less accomplished is in my career.  I've never really been sure what I want to do with my life.  Even my last job was something that I sort of stumbled into rather than an actual plan.  I did well at the various positions I held there but I didn't feel any calling for most of them.

That is something I'm trying to avoid falling into again.  That's why I'm trying to work on the assignments in those two books.  I'm not being as diligent as I might like but at least I'm trying.  I also need to start really watching what I eat and lose some weight.  Once I can achieve that, it will be a real victory.