Ten of Wands
Ten of Wands
The Ten of Wands shows a man overburdened with the weight of a heavy load. He walks toward a town and seems to indicate someone who has just finished a harvest and is struggling to bring the fruits of his labors to market.
This card, like all others in the Tarot deck, has both positive and negative aspects to consider. In one sense, he is reaping a bountiful reward for hard work in his harvest and thus represents our own success after a long and perhaps difficult struggle. We have fulfilled a creative venture, realized a dream and now must deal with the consequences of that fulfillment. The realization of a creative vision, however, often carries with it the weight of responsibility, and the Ten of Wands indicates that this weight may be too much to bear. This card represents those among us who are unwilling to let go of excessive responsibility, or those who lose the freshness of the original vision after it has been fulfilled.When a creative venture is begun, as in the card of The Fool, we are lighthearted, carefree, and excited by the new possibilities despite the pitfalls which may lie ahead. In contrast, the Ten of Wands suggests that we have taken on too much and need to release some of the burden. Perhaps this means taking more time out for relaxation and the enjoyment of life, or it may simply mean that we need to adopt a more balanced approach to our worldly cares. Are there unnecessary burdens weighing upon you that you can release in a healthy, wholesome way? There is always a need for temperance and balance to maintain psychological and spiritual health.
Nothing exists for this man except his burdens and responsibilities. How true this is for so many today! We take on so much, trying to do all the things that need to be done. We think that if we can hang on until the weekend (or vacation, or end of semester) then we can finally relax. The weekend comes, and the overload continues.
In readings, the Ten of Wands can be a sign that you are pushing yourself too hard. If your days are an endless round of duties and tasks, then you need to lighten up for the sake of your health and well-being. Cut back, and take on only those activities that give you pleasure. If you love your work, but it's all-consuming, you may be too narrowly focused in one area. Balance your life with other interests.
The Ten of Wands can also stand for those occasions when you have to assume the lion's share of responsibility. You may be blamed or left holding the bag. On the other hand, you may have to step forward and take charge because you are the only one capable enough. Rightly or wrongly, the clean-up will fall to you.
The Ten of Wands indicates that your life is going to be tougher than usual for a time. You will have to fight uphill for every little gain. Each step will feel like a struggle. When you see this card, be kind to yourself. Lighten the load wherever you can, and let others help you. You don't have to handle everything yourself.
This card can also mean being oppressed by outside sources. Overworked, over tired, over stimulated. Having more on your plate (or back) than you can possibly handle. This is being overwhelmed at it's worst. Life and everything in it becomes a burden, and each little task just adds weight. People who are moving houses in the next month get this a lot--and you can see why. But usually, if this card is prominent in a spread, you need to take a chill pill, and you need to do it now.
Carrying of a weighty load. Heart tried by pain. Ruin of all plans and projects. Complete disruption and failure, but any of the problems may soon be solved.
Oppression. You need to stop working so hard. If you cannot stop, then conserve your energy and pace yourself. When you are over-committed everything becomes a strain. Delay making decisions if exhaustion prevents good judgement.
Burdens, responsibilities, resentfulness. Perseverance, success, though health may suffer. Able to accomplish anything, but goal may not have same worth. Should study, travel and make new goals but feel tied down by responsibility. Misuse of energy.
Heavy duties, difficult tasks, You will successful even though in terms of health and anxiety, the price may be high. Perhaps some obligations have to go. The overload is not through choice or planning, but just "happened"
A person who "bends over backwards", often in a relationship, in order to try and make it work, and the other person is no even aware how much the other person is trying to carry the relationship.
Health issues - tension (neck and shoulder); headaches; vision; overwork.
Strength and energy applied to selfish ends. Desire to ruin happiness of others. If a lawsuit is pending there may be loss.
Prepare a bath of steaming water and add a few drops of pine oil. Light a green candle consecrated for healing and after the water cools sufficiently bathe in the candlelight. Massage your temples and breathe in the vapors. Imagine your tensions being cleansed away. For the time being think only of the water, the pine scented air, and the gently flickering flame. This brief but potent respite will enable you once again to take up your burden with renewed hope for the future. Remember this too shall pass. The only sentence that is always true.