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.  Pentacles are associated with the material world, acquisitions of wealth and possessions, our connection to Earth and Nature, sensation, matters pertaining to the physical plane and the element of earth.  Pentacles can also be connected with practicality, groundedness and being realistic.  The 8 of Pentacles is the sign of the craftsman, someone whose talents and skills are acknowledged and admired by all. 

"You are thinking over the style and level of security that you want in your life.  You've tried out several different approaches to home, money or career options and are now ready to reflect on your experiences and make some choices.  You're prioritizing your ways of using money, resources, and physical energy.  You're making the choices that are necessary in order that your material world will conform more closely to your needs." - Gail Fairfield

For some reason today I feel like an observer.  I am not the girl cradling the doll or the turnip-head carving the pumpkins.  I am the man in the store staring out at the happy girl.  I am the black cat peering over turnip-head's shoulder to inspect his work.  Maybe I am trying to be more observant with regards to the results of situations in my life.  Instead of getting caught up in the actual work or in the acquisition of objects, maybe it's time to take a step back and look at what they have brought into my life.  Has my life been enriched by the work I do or by the things I've acquired?  Rather than getting caught up in actions and doing things, I need to plan. 

I am starting to realize that always doing things prevents me from planning.  It is so easy to claim that I am too busy but unless I take a more thoughtful and logical approach to my own future, I will always be doing and not achieving.  At what point do I have enough dolls?  At what point have I made enough pumpkins?  Without some type of game plan I have no way of knowing.  I've put off the inevitable long enough.  Now I need to take the time to prioritize and consider my options.  I need to focus on what I want to manifest in my life and take a strategic approach to it.

In the past my approach to most things has been a combination of good timing and hard work.  I tend to fall into things and then become successful because I'm willing to keep plugging away until I get it right.  This can be a very positive and beneficial approach but it doesn't always take me in directions I want to go.  Now is my chance to take a more active and focused approach on manifesting my own success.  I don't need to count on timing or luck.  I can create my own luck but first I need to consider what that will look like for me.