The Five of Arrows (Swords)

Frustration

The Wildwood Tarot, John Matthews and Mark Ryan

Original Writing by Kathryn Ravenwood

If you are not feeling frustrated these days then you are an exception. We are in unprecedented times of conflict as a country, our day-to-day living conditions, opinions between friends and even family members, as well as in our own thought processes. It seems every time we think we have some valid information to guide us it misses the mark and only brings up more questions and conflict. Is the latest news another lie or truth? Who can we trust? What can we believe? How many disappointments can we bear?

In the above image a large ram leaps off a cliff in full line of sight of the hunter whose arrows keep missing the supposed easy target. He is shooting his last arrow and the target is quickly moving out of range. Unless he takes a breath and is sure of his aim this arrow will also fall short. But if he takes that time, the ram will probably be gone, the opportunity missed. The hunter’s frustration is palpable. What made the experience so frustrating? Was he not expecting the ram to appear and so was surprised, caught off guard? Or has he already missed several other opportunities and this is his last chance?  It takes practiced skill to be a bow hunter.  How did he continue to miss the mark? Interestingly, the ram seems oblivious and simply sails through the air.

The Five of Arrows shows us how mental and verbal energy moves from negotiations and seeking win-win situations to frustration. An unstable mindset reflects in our thoughts and what we say. Old patterns no longer hold validity and as they come apart we are challenged to hold on to resolve them into some kind of new format that brings a new sense of truth and order. The dictionary defines frustration as a “deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs.”  The more frustrated we get the less we are focused. As we lose focus we are vulnerable to mental chaos and confusion and are down the road to making choices and decisions from unrealistic thoughts, ideas, and a lack of factual information. We might shoot off our mouth, spewing our frustration onto those around us.

The Five of Arrows reminds us to take aim on our thoughts and words. Do we want to contribute to the exasperation and aggravation or can we take a breath, focus, and redirect our words and thoughts to constructive results? Matters only get worse when people engage in shouting matches or indulgent name calling and accusations. We might be able to manage our own thoughts and words, but how do we handle the barrage of chaos around us? 

 We continue to await the results of the US Presidential Election results. Even if a winner is declared today the frustration will continue. We can expect challenges will be made in the courts and on the streets. Arrows will fly fast and furiously. While some may miss the mark, some will stick and cause pain and suffering. 

I encourage you all to stop, take a breath, and allow yourself to center amidst the swirling confusion. If you feel frustrated, well, you are not alone! Acknowledge it and remember that things will eventually settle out. The new patterns may not be to our liking but at least we may then know where we stand, can re-aim our focus on the present, and go forward with more clarity. 

Energy creates thoughts. Thoughts creates actions. Actions create events. May you create in harmony and peace.

...Kathryn Ravenwood  11-6-2020