Today, I turned to my tarot deck with a leadership question in mind: "What does my team need from me?" The answer came in the form of the Three of Pentacles, a card that often bears a powerful message for leaders and team members alike. The Three of Pentacles in the tarot is traditionally associated with teamwork, collaboration, and skilled craftsmanship. It is a card that speaks of the benefits of collective efforts, reminding us that the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts. As the leader of a team, this card speaks volumes about what your team might need from you. The appearance of the Three of Pentacles in response to my question suggests the need to foster an environment that promotes teamwork and the pooling of individual skills. Your team may be craving a space where each member's unique abilities and expertise are recognized and appreciated, and where they can confidently contribute these strengths towards a common goal. The Three of Pentacles also emphasizes mastery and craftsmanship. As a leader, it suggests that you need to encourage continued learning and skill development within your team. It's about creating an atmosphere where people feel safe to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Leadership isn't only about guidance—it's also about setting the stage for your team members to develop their skills and feel proud of their work. In the words of the acclaimed American football coach, Vince Lombardi: "Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." This quote reflects the essence of the Three of Pentacles, highlighting the profound impact of individual contribution to a collective goal. Moreover, as a leader, it's important to remember that you're part of the team too. Just as you facilitate the growth and development of your team members, so too should you be open to learning from them. The Three of Pentacles encourages this reciprocal relationship. John C. Maxwell, an influential leadership expert, once said, "Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others." This perfectly encapsulates the message of the Three of Pentacles. Embrace collaboration, nurture the skills and abilities of your team, and together, you can build something truly remarkable. As we move forward, let's remember the wisdom of the Three of Pentacles: Valuing each person's unique contribution, fostering collaboration, and encouraging continuous growth and learning are the keys to a successful and harmonious team. When we harness the strengths of everyone involved and work together, we can create something far greater than we could have alone. Until next time, may the wisdom of the tarot guide your journey.
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5/5/2023 0 Comments queen of SwordsDrawing Strength from the Queen of Swords: A Mindful Approach to Personal EmpowermentAs we journey through life, we often seek strength to help us navigate the challenges that come our way. In moments like these, we may find guidance in the ancient wisdom of tarot. Recently, I asked the question "What can give me strength?" and pulled the Queen of Swords tarot card. This card, often associated with intellect, clarity, and independence, offers valuable insights on how to cultivate inner strength through mindfulness. The Queen of Swords is an embodiment of wisdom and resilience. She represents a strong, independent, and sharp-witted individual who is not afraid to cut through confusion and get to the heart of the matter. As the poet Cora Linn Daniels once said, "The Queen of Swords is a woman of penetrating mind, whose thoughts, like a rapier, cut through obscurity and falsehood." With this in mind, we can interpret the appearance of the Queen of Swords as an invitation to develop our inner strength through mental clarity, focused intention, and deep self-awareness. Mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present moment with an attitude of non-judgment and acceptance, can help us achieve this state of being. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer of mindfulness practice in the West, reminds us that "Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience." As we cultivate mindfulness, we become more self-aware, and this heightened self-awareness can grant us the mental clarity and determination embodied by the Queen of Swords. To strengthen our connection with the Queen of Swords and draw upon her qualities, we can incorporate the following mindfulness practices into our daily lives: Mindful breathing: Regularly take a few minutes to focus on your breath, allowing thoughts to come and go without judgment, anchoring yourself to the present moment. Journaling: Dedicate time to journal about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, with an emphasis on self-reflection and understanding. Mindful communication: Engage in conversations with others with an open mind and heart, listening deeply and expressing your thoughts with clarity and compassion. By integrating these mindfulness practices into our daily routines, we can begin to access the strength, clarity, and wisdom of the Queen of Swords. As we develop our mental clarity and self-awareness, we will be better equipped to face life's challenges with grace and resilience. Remember, the Queen of Swords is a symbol of personal empowerment, reminding us that our strength lies within. By cultivating mindfulness, we can harness the power of the Queen of Swords and tap into our inner well of strength, helping us navigate life's complexities with wisdom and confidence. 4/29/2023 0 Comments King of SwordsHappy Birthday Carmine!Today's tarot reading is in honour of my friend Carmine, who is celebrating his birthday today! The King of Swords is a powerful and thought-provoking card to draw on this special day. The King of Swords symbolizes intellect, authority, and clear communication. As a court card, it represents a mature, experienced individual who is adept at using logic and reason to make decisions. Drawing this card on your friend's birthday indicates that he may be entering a phase of his life where he will be called upon to take on leadership roles, make important decisions, and communicate clearly and effectively with those around him. This card also suggests that your friend possesses a strong sense of ethics and a commitment to fairness. As he steps into this new phase of life, he should embrace his inner King of Swords by confidently using his intellect and communication skills to navigate complex situations and make wise choices. "May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams, and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art - write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." - Neil Gaiman Dear Carmine,
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! As you embark on this new chapter in life, may you channel the strength and wisdom of the King of Swords. Trust in your intellect and communication skills to guide you through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Embrace your leadership qualities and always remember to act with fairness and integrity. Here's to a year filled with growth, self-discovery, and moments that surprise and delight you. Happy Birthday! With love and warm wishes, Monti 4/27/2023 0 Comments Knight of PentaclesKnight of Pentacles - A Steadfast Path to MindfulnessToday, let's delve into the world of Tarot and explore the Knight of Pentacles, a card that encourages mindfulness and stability in our lives. As we embark on this journey, remember that Tarot can serve as a gateway to self-reflection, and a tool for gaining insights into our inner world. The Knight of Pentacles represents the qualities of diligence, patience, and perseverance. This card often appears in a reading when we are called upon to adopt a steady, practical, and responsible approach to life. It symbolizes the importance of laying a strong foundation for our goals and dreams, and invites us to take a mindful approach to our endeavors. As we contemplate the message of the Knight of Pentacles, let's consider the words of mindfulness practitioner Jon Kabat-Zinn: "Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience." When we practice mindfulness, we learn to accept and befriend every aspect of our lives, allowing us to navigate challenges with grace and poise. A general reading for the Knight of Pentacles might look like this: Be patient and persistent: Remember that significant achievements take time, and the journey towards them is just as important as the destination itself. Nurture a patient and steadfast attitude, and remain committed to your goals. Stay grounded: The Knight of Pentacles encourages you to maintain a strong connection with your physical and emotional well-being. Cultivate a daily mindfulness practice to help you stay present, grounded, and centered in your life. Embrace responsibility: Take charge of your life and accept responsibility for your actions. By doing so, you build a strong foundation for success and create an environment in which you can flourish. Cultivate discipline: Develop the discipline to consistently work towards your goals, even when the going gets tough. Remember that progress is made through dedication and consistency. As we journey with the Knight of Pentacles, let us invite mindfulness into our lives and embrace the qualities of patience, perseverance, and responsibility. By doing so, we can create a stable and fulfilling path for ourselves and those around us. May the Knight of Pentacles guide you towards mindfulness and steadfastness, and may your journey be one of growth and self-discovery. |
AuthorMonti Tanner (he/him) BEd, BA, MEd Archives
May 2023
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