All that you are

 

The Hierophant and The Fool are good role models for two very different approaches to a journey. The Hierophant is the planner. This one makes list, has goals, itineraries, agendas. He/she is very clear on when they have achieved a goal … and when they have failed. There are charts and plans. Things can be measured. It is comforting to tick boxes off a list, the Heirophant knows that, and will help you craft that list. It’s the Hierophant in us who really loves those lists of New Year’s Resolutions!

The Fool has a radically different approach. He/she sets out on a journey only the vaguest of notions about where they will end up. They have no plan, they just follow their nose, follow their curiosity, follow that idea, that thought, that lights them up, one step at a time. One interesting thing leads to the next, learning every step of the way. It is definitely more chaotic than the Heirophant approach … but it is also more likely to lead to unexpected lessons, quirky discoveries, joyous serendipity.

This quarter, we’re looking at life through the fiery energy of the suit of Wands. Passions, enthusiasms, ambitions. What we can be, what we aspire to, our hopes and dreams … not our failures and woulda-coulda-shoulda’s. In a month dedicated to new beginnings, it’s easy to become critical of our current state. Instead of viewing ourselves as something broken, damaged and/or in need of fixing, how about we see ourselves as something strong, valuable, and growing?

After all, in this life we never really get a clean slate, because we always bring our old selves along – and that is fine. Think about all that you are with appreciation and compassion.

Who are you?

Let’s ditch the self-criticism. I’m not saying we pretend we’re perfect. None of us are. But let’s focus on our strengths, our skills, our abilities, our achievements. If you love making resolutions, if they inspire and guide you, then please make them. But if they too often become markers of failure and inadequacy, let’s try something different. Let’s take The Fool’s approach this new year we’re embarking – gleeful, open-hearted, curious, open-minded exploration. Let’s move forward with the confidence it will all be fine, because the point is the exploration, not the destination.

With that attitude, wherever we end up, we’ll have grown through the experience. We’ll have evolved into someone more open, more experienced, kinder, emotionally richer, wiser … The end of life’s journey is (so far as we can prove) death. As long as we’re alive on this earth, the journey is the destination. So long as we travel this journey of life with the attitude of the Fool, it will always be exciting and inspiring.

Who are you, right now? Not the bits you aspire to change, but the solid foundation you’re building upon. Tell me the good things. With those as your starting place, where might the attitude of the Fool take you this year? Be open! Be ready to be inspired!