OVEREXTENDING BURDENS STRUGGLE
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OVEREXTENDING trying to do too much refusing to say “no” taking all the blame assuming another's debt doing the lion's share having to work overtime shouldering all the work being saddled with an extra load Reversed Early Phase: You may become overextended. It may get harder to say “no.” The lion's share may fall to you. There may be extra work in the future. You may have to delegate. Late Phase: Demands are decreasing. You no longer have to shoulder the responsibility. There's less overtime now. You've passed on some of the work. |
FEELING BURDENED never having time to relax feeling tied to a treadmill being taxed to the limit assuming responsibility being held accountable carrying out an unpleasant duty cleaning up a messy situation being left holding the bag Reversed Early Phase: You may start to feel burdened. The work may increase. You may get in over your head. A taxing problem may be looming. Worries may become more oppressive. Accountability may become an issue. Late Phase: The burdens are decreasing. The unpleasantness is behind you. You've managed to get off the treadmill. You're no longer the main one responsible. The load is lighter now. |
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fighting uphill doing everything the hard way experiencing resistance pushing against the current having to work for every gain finding that nothing comes easily laboring |
Reversed Early Phase: A struggle may begin. Resistance could develop. You may need to fight for every gain. The path ahead may be steep. The opposition could make your work harder. Late Phase: The struggle is ending. There's less resistance now. You no longer need to work so hard. The path is heading downhill. The tough times are behind you. |
Description
On the Ten of Wands, we see a bent figure trying to carry ten heavy poles. They are ranged so closely in front of him that he can't even see where he's going. Nothing exists for this man except his burdens and responsibilities. How true this is for so many today! We take on so much, trying to do all the things that need to be done. We think that if we can hang on until the weekend (or vacation, or end of the semester) then we can finally relax. The weekend comes, and the overload continues.
In readings, the Ten of Wands can be a sign that you are pushing yourself too hard. If your days are an endless round of duties and tasks, you need to lighten up for the sake of your health and well-being. Cut back, and take on only those activities that give you pleasure. If you love your work, but it's all-consuming, you may be too narrowly focused in one area. Balance your life with other interests.
The Ten of Wands can also stand for times when you have to assume the lion's share of responsibility. You may be blamed or left holding the bag. On the other hand, you may have to step forward and take charge because you are the only one capable enough. Rightly or wrongly, the cleanup will fall to you.
The Ten of Wands indicates that your life is going to be tougher than usual for a time. You will have to fight uphill for every little gain. Each step will feel like a struggle. When you see this card, be kind to yourself. Lighten the load wherever you can, and let others help you. You don't have to handle everything yourself.
Some Possible Opposing Cards
Fool—carefree, living in the moment
Hanged Man—letting go
Four of Wands—free of burdens, escaping oppression
Four of Swords—relaxing, resting
Seven of Swords—avoiding responsibility
Some Possible Reinforcing Cards
Justice—accepting responsibility, being accountable
Five of Wands—struggle; hassles, resistance
Six of Swords—getting by, struggling along
Nine of Swords—worrying
Five of Pentacles—struggling, hard times
