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Tarot and Trying to Control Everything

I have always been a worrier. It’s hardwired in me. I’ve learned to manage it, and of course reading Tarot helps with that, but recently my worrier genes have kicked into overdrive. (Thanks for that, pandemic.)

 

Worry is connected to control. I worry about the people I love, and I want to control the universe around them and keep them safe.

And, being an introvert and an empath, I have a vivid imagination that comes up with all kinds of stuff. Scenarios both wonderful, and terrible.

I’m sure you can relate.

Over the past five months I’ve tried to control all the variables I can. And I’ve been very bossy with my loved ones out of concern and adrenaline. But now that things are shifting and opening up, I have to adjust and remember how to function outside of the world that I can somewhat control, aka my home and backyard.

Previously I talked about a daily Tarot practice that I’ve found helpful, centering on dealing with overwhelm and getting some perspective.

Here is a similar practice, but centred on this idea of control, what we can and can’t control.

When you’re feeling worried, or anxious, or wearing yourself out by trying to be the Master of the Universe, She Who Is Responsible for Everyone and Everything, give this a try.

Give your cards a good shuffle. Make it a meditative exercise. Breathe, shuffle, breathe, shuffle. Do this slowly, methodically, until you feel calm.

Ask the cards, “What is in my power to control today?”.

Draw that card and lay it down. Look at that card and pay attention to the first thought, word or image that came to mind. Then, translate that into something from your daily life. Does the image reflect something or someone that you are concerned with? Does it help you to make a decision, to say yes or no to an opportunity or offer? Does it show you personal resources or strengths that you have access to. Don’t leave that card until you get the answer that you need.

Next, ask the cards, “What is not in my power to control today?”.

Follow the same process as above. Do you see yourself in that card? Someone in your life? External forces? World events? The weather? Loved ones? Once you have your answer, release that card and that desire to control. Let the need for control evaporate. Surrender and trust. It will feel like a relief.

Then, if you like, you can pull another card for further information about those first two cards.

For the situation you CAN control, you could ask the cards for how to navigate this situation, what steps you need to take for your best advantage or outcome.

For the situation you CAN’T control, you could ask the cards how to release this situation from your heart and mind, how to trust that things will flow as they need to, or anything helpful that the cards wish to show you.

Here is a brief example that I am pulling right now:

Control Tarot spread

Situation I can control: Eight of Pentacles. I can control my work, my day to day activities, and how I conduct my business. I can control where I put my focus and energy, and I can achieve some concrete goals if I put my mind and hands to them.

I like what I see in that Eight of Pentacles. I want to be that productive and grounded. So, I asked the cards how I can achieve that state, and Justice appeared. Lady Justice tells me to take responsibility for myself first of all. Act in alignment with what I believe, what I know to be truth, face things head on, rather than retreating into fear or fantasy.

Situation I can’t control: The Hanged Man. Here I see the entire pandemic situation, the Great Pause. I can’t control it, I have to surrender that idea. Also, I can’t control other people’s perspectives. Loved ones, friends, people who I pass in the street, I have no control over how they perceive and react to the pandemic.

I asked the cards for more information about that Hanged Man, what can I do to surrender control. The Moon appeared. The Moon tells me to keep moving forward even when I feel afraid. We are in a shadowy time, accept that nothing is certain. Trust my intuition and find guidance there, turn to my cards and a higher source of wisdom when I need it.

If you’re a worrier like me, try this technique.

Control what you can, and find freedom and peace in releasing the rest.

Let me know how it goes, and much love and peace to you.

As an aside, I am still social distancing. I am not seeing clients or doing Tarot events in person. I don’t plan to change this anytime soon, that is something I CAN control. But the Zoom readings are fantastic, as well as virtual parties. Book yours now, set yourself free.

 

2 Responses to Tarot and Trying to Control Everything

  1. Sara T August 4, 2020 at 6:20 pm #

    This resonated with me on so many levels. Thank you so much and I plan to use this in my practice right away!

    • innergoddesstarot August 7, 2020 at 6:32 pm #

      Oh I’m glad to hear that, thank you!

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