29

Danger (The Abyss)

‘But screw your courage to the sticking place,

And we’ll not fail.’

Shakespeare, Macbeth

The situation is fraught with difficulties. You have to face the fact that they will not simply go away. All you can do is grit your teeth and rise to the challenge. Begin by accepting the reality of the situation just as it is. Wishful thinking is useless. Believe in yourself and refuse to give up, however bad things may seem. Be true to yourself and stand up for what you know to be right. Do not be concerned with whether others approve or not. All this takes courage. However, you will be rewarded by a much deeper insight into the issues involved. Armed with this knowledge, you will begin to understand what to do for the best.

An opportunity for personal growth

You face a test of your patience and determination. However difficult the situation, you must refuse to become a victim of circumstances. Do not allow your emotions to rule you. To give up at this stage would be the worst thing possible. Like water which flows without stopping through an abyss, you must carry on regardless of the obstacles which face you. Refuse to be paralysed by feelings of depression or despair. This would be like being trapped in the abyss. Live each day as it comes and try to stay calm. Keeping a cool head will help you to handle moments of crisis. It may seem that you are having to persevere against overwhelming odds. But if you can keep going, your efforts will eventually be crowned with success.

Further aspects of the situation

SIX AT THE BEGINNING

Because you have over-estimated your ability to handle the situation, you are now in a hazardous position. Yet you are reluctant to extricate yourself. Perhaps you do not appreciate just how serious things have become. You are in danger of growing so used to your condition that you cannot see how badly it is affecting you.

NINE IN THE SECOND PLACE

You can have only a very limited effect on the situation at this time. Although you realize that change is necessary, what exactly you can do about it is not yet clear. Be patient and do what you can in small ways. Take one cautious step at a time.

SIX IN THE THIRD PLACE

Anything you try to do now will only make the situation worse. It’s as though you are stuck in a hole, desperately trying to find a way out. But you succeed only in digging yourself in even deeper. The answer is to stop struggling and wait. If you can remain calm, the solution will eventually reveal itself.

SIX IN THE FOURTH PLACE

Be honest and straightforward. You may be concerned that what you have to offer is inadequate, but because you genuinely want to make a contribution, it will be accepted. Others will recognize that you are sincere. This is all that matters.

NINE IN THE FIFTH PLACE

You have gone as far as circumstances will allow. Be content with what you have achieved and do not try to do more. Being too ambitious at this time will create further difficulties.

SIX AT THE TOP

No good at all will come of insisting on having your own way. Your obstinacy prevents you from seeing that you are on quite the wrong track. Until you understand that your behaviour is self-defeating, the situation cannot improve.