Ten of Swords
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “it’s like flogging a dead horse,” an expression that means a particular effort is a waste of time as there will be likely no positive outcome, the relationship or situation has naturally come to an end.
Aleister Crowley named this card “Ruin,” offering the reader more than a hint when interpreting the card, but I’m afraid he was right, for this rather blunt keyword kind of says it all. For there’s not much chance of this situation improving, yet despite how seemingly gloomy this challenging card may seem, there is hope and light within today’s message.
Let’s imagine you’re on a lake with others, when suddenly you notice that your little boat is leaking, in a state of panic you quickly grab something from your bag and franticly begin to ladle the water out while calling for help to your colleagues. You shout louder and louder, but quickly realise, not only can they hear you; but they’re intentionally ignoring your call for help and your dire situation. So, what do you do? Do you keep trying to gain their attention and approval, while losing valuable time filling your head with every excuse why they’re behaving with such disregard, or do you stop, reassess your situation and make a decision to make your own way.
There are times in life when we need to abandon ship, accept our situation, for despite how hurtful and painful these episodes may seem at the time. The alternative can be more destructive than the act of uncoupling and detaching from something that in all truthfulness is already over. Despite how tough this message may seem, there’s an important lesson within this empowering card! It’s time for a bit of self-talk, you’re better than that, time to renew your confidence and self-respect. Find the courage to let go, dust yourself down and give yourself permission to move on!