Sussing out hidden motivations can be challenging. Finding our own hidden motivations, far more so. Not keeping  your shadow at arm’s length has some good payouts, though.

Today’s Tarot is the Seven of Swords, coming in reversed. Astrologically, this card represents the moon in Aquarius. You’ll often see the Seven of Swords when there is dishonesty or hidden motivations afoot. Sometimes, it’s outright thievery, while other times, just a hidden agenda.  Sevens are about control. The perpetrator expects to get away and may even be detached from the idea they’re snatching something that doesn’t rightfully belong. Whenever you see the Seven of Swords, cards are not all on the table.

I’m a helper by nature, and happily express it as fully as I know how. I have discovered when I do help, however, it’s vital to keep my own motivations clear and pure. Let’s say I may answer a question, or make a graphic, or contribute an idea somewhere; it doesn’t matter what, just something in the name of helping. If I’m clear on my motivation–and it’s honestly to contribute positive energy no matter how the energy is used–then once I’ve pitched it out there, I’ve fulfilled that purpose completely by offering what I had on tap and all is well. I can let it go and focus elsewhere, feeling good about the exchange.

But if I’m not clear on what I’m doing, then I may find myself later agitated. “Why aren’t they taking my advice? Is my effort unappreciated or am I not liked?” See the difference? If I KNOW why I’m doing the thing, then I know when I’ve been successful. But let’s say deep down, maybe I want to feel appreciated or validated or important somehow. Then the outcome will either stoke that buried need or not. If not, I’d be left hanging with a vague feeling of dissatisfaction without knowing why. You get itches that are hard to scratch, because you’re not looking at the true source of irritation.

With Saturn in Libra, I’m talking to lots of folks who are evaluating their partnerships of every flavor. Several times, I’ve heard people say they are worried about their partner not investing, not giving them appropriate status, or not being fully present in the union somehow. Virtually without fail, the folks most perturbed by the notion are the ones holding back their own investment, waiting to see if the other side’s going to ante up. It’s a Mexican standoff that’s not being acknowledged. This allows blaming the other when it doesn’t work out, but doesn’t resolve the underlying dynamic.

The Seven of Swords appears inverted with the message to keep your head clear; if you want commitment, you must be willing to give commitment. If you are in need of appreciation and validation, be willing to acknowledge that openly as well as give it freely to others. In short, don’t expect others to mind-read your needs, fill in your gaps, or risk that which you’re unwilling to risk yourself. Do your own work, dirty or otherwise, and you’ll feel better, more clearly getting your own needs met in the process. Don’t detach from the emotional component of your interactions. Light it up, and you’ll be able to make steps forward with confidence.

Are you honest with yourself about your needs? Are you ready to give others the same things you want from them?

Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti

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