The Magician: You’ve Got this!

This is  great card to pull when you’re contemplating a day of action, or are beginning a big project. It’s a cheerleader: You go! You’ve absolutely got what it takes!

Most of the time, when I pull this card for myself, I grin. I take it as an open-hearted cheer of encouragement from the universe, and I feel uplifted and energized. A surge of optimism runs through me. Whatever I’m planning for that day, whatever project I was focussed on when I pulled that card, I know I have the energy, the resources, the tools, the strength to accomplish.

It’s not a guarantee of success, mind you. There are always things beyond our control. But insofar as it is within your control, it’s do-able. So, most times when I see that card, and I’m inspired. Energized. Encouraged. Watch me go!

Other times, though … this one can be hugely intimidating, you know? When I have a project in mind, but I’m not at all sure I can swing it. I’m too tired, I don’t have enough information, there are formidable obstacles, or the way is murky between me and my goal. And then I get this rah, rah cheerleader card. Sometimes, I just don’t feel it! I hear the “rah, rah, you’ve got this” chirp from the universe, and I roll my eyes. “Right. Like heck I do.”

How often do we do this to ourselves? We get a bucketful of encouragement, from a friend, a loved one, a co-worker, and we respond with a weak and ungrateful “meh”.

When that happens, I acknowledge the reality: Nope, this card does not seem to be fitting me right now. But then I step back and consider. Maybe the problem isn’t the input from the card; maybe — most likely! — the problem is my attitude. Maybe I need to open my mind to its suggestions, and let them percolate. Maybe I need to be a little more optimistic, or plan more carefully, or focus on the goal and not the obstacle. A little meditation. A walk in the fresh air. Brainstorm with a friend. Whatever serves to ignite my enthusiasm again, to give me the sense of power and capability this card presents.

By opening myself to the possibility of strength and ability, I am far more likely to achieve it.

So today, this month, let’s consider, then reconsider, those things we find intimidating. Reconsider the encouragement we’ve dismissed. Let those things be seeds. Let our minds and spirits be fertile ground. Allow for the possibility … and we’ll probably find it!