“…the storm is a good opportunity for the pine and the cypress to show their strength and stability.”
Life can be a dumpster fire. Or a sudden storm. Or a dumpster fire in a storm.
When that happens…and it always does at some point for everyone…you do what you have to do to make it through.
During those times stability and comfort zones are sometimes more helpful than striving, goals or lofty ideals – even our so-called “personal growth.”
When the dumpster fire is particularly raging, it can help to get granular, get smaller but more stable. A lower center of gravity is more stable.
But so is flexibility. The tree that bends in strong winds doesn’t break. That is why coastal cypress trees are a classic symbol of strength in the storm.
When the storm comes, it is an opportunity to be the creator and protector of your own little bubble of strength and stability. You alone can’t stop the storm, but you can control your reaction to it. You can control your hunkering down and seeking shelter, protecting you and yours as best as you can.
The protective, competent, powerful, self-confident energy of the Emperor card reminds us of this.
Anything helps. Anything is better than nothing. This is where all the little milquetoast platitudes and meme-ish affirmations take on some actual value. Anything you can do to create a little stability for yourself, anything that will foster the strength and flexibility that you need has benefit. Meditation for even a few minutes, sitting and staring at your morning coffee for a few minutes, say that affirmation to yourself in the mirror, scroll and inspirational social media feed – draw that Tarot card.
You don’t have to be a towering redwood. A short and supple pine tree will do just fine.
If enough of us become our own little cypress tree, soon we can have a whole forest that can withstand any storm.
Sage Sips / TaoCraft Tarot 