Tarot: 10 of Wands

Oppression, Earthly Responsibilities, Working with the System

The 10 of Wands usually indicates some kind of oppressive, heavy burden. Maybe you need to get to work on a project, or take care of some mundane necessity, but you don’t want to do it.

Maybe you find yourself procrastinating, or neglecting your responsibilities altogether, creating more stress.

Bureaucracy, red tape, paperwork, obedience to the official orders, and other earthly necessities and responsibilities can also feel overwhelming, especially for Light Beings, which we are.

So, how do we get things done without feeling more weighed down?

The 10 of Wands suggests that the mental burden is much heavier than the actual reality. Once you get started on a task, the momentum carries much of the burden. It will likely be much easier to accomplish it than you expected.

The 10 of Wands also recommends working intelligently rather than with brute force, which usually backfires. How can you lighten the load? Are you doing more work than necessary? Are you overestimating the importance of something? How can you find personal meaning and authentic inspiration for the first tiny step? How can you change things up or make the task fun?

Another choice is to accept the rules of the game – accept that we live in an oppressive and fraudulent system matrix. Yet you can still fulfill your responsibilities with integrity, creativity and beauty, as you rise to challenges victoriously.

You can allow the game and its limitations to bring out your most authentic, carefree self. You can play the game like you’re having fun, even if the game is rigged.

10 of Wands by karacol at Deviant Art, Artist Unknown [If you know the name of this deck, please contact me], Dark Angels Tarot, and Shadowscapes, intuitivefish.com
10 of Wands by karacol at Deviant Art, Artist Unknown [If you know the name of this deck, please contact me], Dark Angels Tarot, and Shadowscapes, intuitivefish.com

When The 10 of Wands Shows Up In A Reading

Health and Body Image: There comes a point where the enjoyment of health requires a push of discipline, or a letting go of harmful addictions. These choices aren’t easy, but they’re still necessary. Understand that you’ll need to make some sacrifices and take steps outside your comfort zone in order to enjoy a pain-free and disease-free life. Learn how to enjoy these steps and sacrifices so you’re not tempted to give up.

Occupation and Finances: If you’re considering an occupation which requires executive ability, or an official position, or any kind of production or reproduction work, this card is your signal to pursue this path. In any occupation, you’ll inevitably encounter “red tape,” or dreaded work meetings or the tiresome and often pointless paperwork of bureaucracy and taxes. The 10 of Wands is a message to accept these establishment rules and practices with a respectful attitude and use your intelligence to best fulfill them. How can you transform mundane work into bliss?

Relationships: Relationships inherently come with a set of obligations. Be careful that you or your partner are not resisting or carelessly forgetting about these responsibilities. Do whatever is necessary to ensure you’re equally carrying the weight.

Hidden Meaning: As Light Beings living on a lower density planet, how do we carry our Earthly burdens with intelligence, beauty and grace? The first principle is to let go of resistance. Allow what happens to happen, trusting that the overwhelming challenges, adventures and victories… are just what we wanted to experience. Learning to flow with the universe creates a much more pleasant reality than working against it.

Reversed: If the 10 of Wands is reversed, beware of relying on a dishonest or irresponsible source which only creates unnecessary work for you. There’s likely some double-dealing going on. Someone or something with a false appearance, or false diplomacy is talking out of both sides of their mouth in order to avoid substantial work, or to avoid some kind of consequence. Or maybe you’re putting a lot of work and effort into a project but it isn’t producing desired results. If the inquiry concerns an occupation or relationship, the occupation or relationship isn’t going anywhere. In this case, your mental processes can’t be trusted. You’ve taken on more than you’ve needed to, you’re wasting energy on the wrong motives, or fears and lack of self-belief are creating more pressure. Realistically clarify your desired outcome, then take simple, committed actions to achieve it. Also, be careful not to cut corners, even if it will cost you.

Advice: We can either accept the responsibilities that come with material realm or we can cry, whine and complain about them. Cooking, cleaning, earning an income and paying taxes under a corrupt socioeconomic system can feel overwhelming. Or each action can become an authentic, creative, sacred ritual. Our perspective and attitude can change everything, including corrupt systems. The advice here is to work smart. Imagine how you can personally enjoy doing the necessary things, or accept karma. Carry your burden with honor. Obey the “red tape” and the official orders and rules. Meet with or submit to your superiors and authorities. Let go of all distractions which are only used for procrastinating purposes, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment while fully engaged with the work. Stay focused on your desired outcome, and you’ll achieve your objective.

Astrological Association: Capricorn

Element: Air on the 10th House

Timing: December 22nd to January 20th, or 10 years

Reversals: Generally, an obstacle must be overcome before a favorable event can occur

Yes or No: Potentially yes, unless card is reversed

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