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It’s time for an accountability check-in. I decompressed twice this week. I think that’s more than last week. Progress right? Speaking of progress, today’s questions come from Christine Olukere, who invited me to be part of a panel called The Pivot Roundtable. In case you missed it, you can catch the replay here. I sketched more consistently this week and gave myself a homework assignment to do a portrait. One of the things we reviewed to prepare for the panel was small, messy wins. Part of being accountable includes celebrating my wins. What is a small, messy win that you are celebrating today?
This week, I’m continuing with THE LINEAGES OF CHANGE TAROT, Copyright © Lineages of Change (Adrienne maree brown, LLC; Alta Starr; chelsea cleveland; and Krista Franklin).
What seems impossible in the week ahead? I don’t have to wait for the week ahead. Since yesterday, I’ve wanted to tackle decluttering the entrance table. Four cards fell to the floor, and they are all reversed. We begin with the Seven of Earth. Seven is associated with contemplation, and even though the figure is upside down, it makes more sense because everything in the picture defies gravity. His dreadlocks are floating in the air with a hovering crown of wispy yellow light. Earth is generally associated with more practical and work-related things. I’ve tried to make too many changes simultaneously, so part of this effort will be defining the scope. When everything seems topsy-turvy, what can help you to be grounded? I can’t tell if the person is wearing a fabulous turquoise fuzzy sweater or if the artist intended the picture to seem like a floating head. Disconnecting myself from the outcome seems like the first step. Have you been able to believe seven impossible things before breakfast?
How can you attempt the impossible? The Eight of Earth in traditional tarot usually represents diligence. The person depicted in the card is thriving and has prepared themselves by sharpening pencils and holding a vision. There is a planter painted like the earth with a healthy blooming plant. The Seven of Earth is someone who has planted seeds and is resting. The Eight of Earth is doing the work. Yes, this is one space, but it can’t be the last space. I will need to add my five-minute tasks back to the accountability check-ins. I’m not waiting for inspiration. I’ll be back. One hour later…I’m back. What seemed impossible is done. My reward? Besides satisfaction, I found several pairs of my favorite earrings and over two dollars in change!
What insight have you learned from past attempts? I’ve learned that getting started is probably the best indicator of success. I learned to make it impossible to quit. I used my laptop table to store things as I sorted them, which kept me motivated, because I needed to use it later today. For this question, I pulled the Seven of Water. Once again, I need to take the time to reflect. How does this feel? I feel a sense of peace and accomplishment. I have more belief that I can do what I thought was impossible. I have downplayed my achievements in the past by focusing on the next task without celebrating my efforts. I was tempted to beat myself up over the junk drawer. The junk drawer was not in scope. We often don’t give ourselves credit because we focus on self-imposed failure. In traditional tarot, this card can represent illusory choices. I’m choosing to interpret the reversal as graduating and being able to make and act on choices that are aligned with my highest intentions.
How will you move forward? I got the Wheel of Fortune. I can’t stop the wheel from turning, but I can hold on and guide the change. Today’s victory does not mean I’m unstoppable, unflappable, and complete. I’m reminded that I will face this obstacle again and again. I will have to choose myself over and over. I’ll let Octavia E. Butler have the last words.
“Any Change may bear seeds of benefit.
Seek them out.
Any Change may bear seeds of harm.
Beware.
God is infinitely malleable.
God is change.” – Octavia E. Butler, Parable of the Sower.
Namaste
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If you want to infuse more play into your life to navigate the challenges, my current offerings are listed on my Link Tree. I also urge you to share your experiences and strategies with the community. Your voice is valuable to this journey, and your unique path can inspire others.
Picture Descriptions: All cards are reversed (upside down). Seven of Earth: A Black man whose dreadlocks are floating upward, defying gravity. There is a crown of wispy yellow light hovering above his head. There is an intense highlight on his nose. The background is a deep purple, and he is wearing a fuzzy light turquoise top. Eight of Earth: A Black person wearing a suit and a black veil covering the face. A planter painted to look like the earth is tilted to the left and covers most of the face like an eye patch. There is a green plant in the pot. There are artfully arranged circular pencil shavings behind them. The suit sleeve has a golden pocket watch with a chain like an octopus tentacle leading under the arm. The Seven of Water has a futuristic Black Woman, like the Diva from the Fifth Element. She wears a conical helmet that seems like metallic braids in a conch shell-like design that is bejeweled. Another woman faces her wearing a white, flowered turban and is bathed in a glowing blue light. The Wheel of Fortune is a blue card that depicts a Black woman wearing a scanty cut-out leotard, fishnet stockings, and stilettos. She smiles as she holds onto the wheel surrounded by compass arrows. The left upper and lower corners have stacks of books. There is a bird perched on the ones on the bottom. A snake is directly across from her in the center, and clouds are in the background.
