The Dante Tarot 9 of Flames show several blue devils who seem to be bent on torturing and taunting souls and each other.  Two devils are engaged in a struggle in which one is pulling the other's tongue.  There is something both comic and somewhat scary about the cards.  If this is what the devils do to each other what can they do to our souls?  At the same time I can't help but chuckle at their antics.  They look so silly that it's almost impossible to truly fear them.  The meaning offered in the LWB is "Malebranche (Evil Claws):  Risque secrets, illicit trafficking, abuse & corruption."  Looking at these blue devils, I am struck by the realization that they are not as bad as I feared.  The fear of their powers gives them even more power.  And ultimately that is one of the key elements of this card.  And I found this tidbit about the Malebranche online "the devils of the fifth ditch who bring to hell and torment the shades of corrupt political officials and employees".  Oh how I wouldn't enjoy watching that particular torment.

The Fenestra Tarot image is similar to the traditional RWS imagery.  It brings to mind nightmares, inner demons and other nighttime nasties.  Of course we often find that there fears that torment us turn out to be only wisps and illusions once we face them head-on.  Having drawn this card reversed today, I think that is what it's trying to tell me - I can put those inner demons and self-doubts to rest and move forward; it's all in the past now.

Yesterday I made a decision to pursue potential opportunities to teach at local communities colleges.  This will allow me to actually put my two Masters degrees to good use, generate some income and still pursue establishing my Tarot business.  This is something I've held off for as long as possible because I have doubted myself.  Those inner critics can be quite vicious and effective at undermining one's self-confidence.  But I think I have finally vanquished them and mow I can proceed forward in triumph and glory!  Oh okay - I can proceed forward with only a minimal amount of fear and knee-quaking.