This card reminds us that it is normal to struggle sometimes. If everything came easy, we wouldn’t appreciate them. Currently, there are some serious struggles socially, economically, politically, and even with our current weather. Overcoming things has to be taken one step at a time. Big issues sometimes makes us want to take wide, sweeping actions, but when others are involved change is often more effective in little steps. Keep the faith, folks.
EIGHT OF ARROWS – STRUGGLE
MEANING: In the darkness of failure, the burning torch of hope remains lit in the human soul and encourages struggle. Courage is needed to survive the storm.
DESCRIPTION: A lone figure struggles across a bleak landscape, leaning heavily on a staff. Closely wrapped in a cloak and thick garments, she fights her way through a blizzard that whirls around her. In the ground amide the whirling snowflakes, we see eight bent, broken, and wasted arrows, weathered and tattered by the elements.
READING POINTS: However much we wish that divisive and conflicting issues and moral dilemmas didn’t exist in our lives, sometimes they are an unavoidable part of the journey. If we are lucky, we have the support and sympathy of friends and loved ones to help us deal with the struggle, but not always.
Sometimes, because of the very personal nature of the problem, we are alone, dealing with a thorny dilemma that only the individual at the center of the issue can negotiate. The choices can be painful and stark. The path may appear fraught with unfamiliar obstacles and pitfalls, and with no obvious remedy. All these elements may strain our core beliefs, causing us to doubt the validity of previous choices. Such profound personal struggles require calm, decisive and resolute action. Reach down into the very core of your being and summon all the reserves of your courage and wisdom. See honestly what the issue will require for you to resolve it and present those who might be a party to the problem with an implacable and unyielding dedication. View this necessary sojourn with clear eyes and a resolute heart, for to overcome these tests of life makes us stronger.
The Wildwood Tarot by authors Mark Ryan and John Matthews and artist Will Worthington
Parting the Mists 
Leave a Reply