The affairs of wizards

Today's card has some pretty strong key words: self-importance, impeccability, egotism. Not for nothing did Tolkien warn, 'Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.'

I was surprised by the use of the word 'subtle' there, so I looked it up: difficult to perceive or understand, clever and indirect, not showing one's real purpose, having or showing skill at understanding things that are not obvious. In other words, don't mess with wizards because they don't like to be messed with and they are always going to be one step ahead of you and you won't like it when they finally turn their attention to get rid of the irritation -- you.

We have to be careful in our daily lives not to be like wizards, tempted by ego or personal agenda to use our powers and influence in ways not conducive to the greater good. We may not realise it but we have the power to affect the lives of those around us for good or bad. It is better to be careful of being reactive, and to consider the consequences of our actions, no matter how tempting it may be to go around zapping the world with our thunderbolts.

'Current circumstances may be a test to see just how much spiritual wisdom you deserve to carry,' the companion booklet warns.

So we see the wizard, drawing up the energy of his powers into the spiral. He can cast it however he wishes. How will he use that power? We see a stormy sky vs a sunny sky, sunlit hills with a clear, silver path vs a lonely fortress up a steep and narrow trail. The wizard could go in either direction, and so can we.

'Move forward with integrity,' the companion book advises.

I have a good idea what situation this is pointing to. I seem to be getting very similar messages this week. This is an important lesson for me!