BOTTOMING OUT VICTIM MENTALITY MARTYRDOM
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BOTTOMING OUT having nowhere to go but up knowing it's darkest before the dawn being at the lowest point feeling things can't possibly get worse preparing for an upturn reaching the pits Reversed Early Phase: A low period may be developing. Events may start going from bad to worse. You may enter a downward spiral. There may be some backsliding in the future. Late Phase: The lowest point is behind you. You weathered the storm, and now the skies are clearing. You hit rock bottom, but managed to pull through. The discouraging signs are fading. |
FEELING LIKE A VICTIM bemoaning your fate feeling powerless seeing life as hostile suffering from an attack wondering “Why me?” feeling self-pity being on the receiving end Reversed Early Phase: You may begin feeling like a victim. Someone may start indulging in self-pity. Attacks may become more frequent. You may suspect someone is targeting you. The victim role may become more central. Late Phase: The situation seems less threatening. The attacks are decreasing. You're no longer on the receiving end. The period of powerlessness is ending. |
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putting your own interests last being self-deprecating feeling like a doormat taking a back seat letting others go first sacrificing |
Reversed Early Phase: You may start feeling like a doormat. Others could begin taking advantage. You may need to sacrifice in the future. Someone may be martyred for a principle. A mood of resignation may set in. Late Phase: The martyr role is fading. You no longer need to put others first. The time of sacrifice is ending. There's less need to take a back seat now. The ordeal of suffering is behind you. |
Description
The Ten of Swords appears to be a card of terrible misfortune, but surprisingly, it often represents troubles that are more melodramatic than real. The man on this card has quite a few swords in his back. Wouldn't one be enough? Isn't ten a little excessive? Perhaps this gentleman's suffering—though sincere—is exaggerated as well.
One meaning of the Ten of Swords is hitting rock bottom. When one disaster follows another, we feel devastated at first, but eventually we throw our hands up and laugh. It's so bad, it's funny! In films, the hero says, “What else could possibly go wrong?” and we know that's a signal for the bucket of water to fall on his head. When you see the Ten of Swords, know that the last bucket has fallen, and you can expect a turn for the better.
This card can also show when you're in victim mentality. You're certain that the whole world is picking on you just to make your life difficult. I picture the man lifting his head and saying, “You think you've got it bad … a cut on the finger. I've got ten swords in my back … count ’em—ten! Then he drops his head back down with a sigh. When we're in victim mentality, we think everything is horrible, hopeless, and impossibly unfair.
Being a martyr is also a favorite Ten of Swords activity. In this case, the man would say with a weak wave of his hand, “No … you go on. Have fun. Don't think about me. I'll just stay here with these swords in my back … but I want you to enjoy yourself.” Being a martyr in this sense is not the same as making a sacrifice for another with no strings attached. With the Ten of Swords, either is possible, but doing a good turn for someone else is more satisfying without the strings.
I don't mean to make light of misfortunes because, of course, there are many real tragedies in the world. Sometimes the Ten of Swords indicates a sad event, but you know when this is the case. There is not even a hint of laughter in your heart. Most of the time the Ten of Swords has a lighter side. It is as if your Inner Guide is gently kidding you about how you are handling your own personal tale of woe. When you see the Ten of Swords, check your attitude and know you've reached the point where things will definitely begin to look up.
Chariot—self-assertion, power, victory
Two of Wands—power, self-confidence
Six of Wands—self-promotion, being on top of the world
Nine of Cups—satisfaction, happy with conditions
Some Possible Reinforcing Cards
Hanged Man—sacrifice, martyrdom
Eight of Swords—victim mentality, powerlessness
