Tarot Card of the Day - Ten of Swords

It's typical at this time of year when there's such an emphasis on family and relationships and being happy, that anything that doesn't fit that pretty picture shows up in sharp contrast.

The Ten of Swords is about things coming to a head. We can look at both edges of the sword this way:

1. When you enter into family gatherings, are you going in expecting to fight with a particular relative because you usually do? If that's the case, try to move into the situation with fresh eyes, looking for the good in this person instead of searching for something to react to. Practice relaxation and breathing exercises in their presence so that you can drop your defensive posture and find ways to enjoy being in their presence. Better yet, try to understand why they say things that push your button. What is it inside of you that reacts and why? What is it inside of them that causes them to act the way they do?

Rather than allow a situation to escalate, see if you can't cut it through with the sword of compassion and understanding and put a halt to the cycle of reaction.

2. The other side of the sword is the need to speak up where you have habitually stayed silent. In some cases, dropping a defensive stance doesn't cause the other person to shift their behaviour. There is never a need to withstand putdowns and abuse. If your habit is to stew silently while being mistreated, then this card is an indicator that you now need to speak up and take care of yourself or others who are being disrespected.

Only you in your own wisdom know whether you need to defuse a situation or defend yourself. Trust you'll know in the circumstances which side of the sword to use.