At the beginning of each month, I consider an aspect of the Card of the Year (COTY), the five of wands.
If you’re feeling agitated or even just tired of the ordinary business of being human, our card of the year, the five of wands, brings good news.
Backbone, Drive, and Courage
It’s good news but not easy news. But we know by this point in our lives that the whole thing about being human is that not very much comes easily.
The good news is that the five of wands indicates—among all the nods to conflict and competition—a certain resilience. We are determined. We do not soften our boundaries or capitulate. These abilities will carry us through all that conflict and competition we may be experiencing—or will experience in the coming year.
Now, the word “perseverance” alone is something of a slog. “Perseverance” brings to mind exertion, real effort. It’s a sweaty word. But it’s a word with backbone, drive, and courage. The five of wands assures us that we can engage—we have what it takes—and, who knows, we may even triumph.
Pair with Maria Popova’s interview with artist Rachel Sussman on perseverance, creative resilience, and more.
“And, certainly, you can’t throw in the towel after six weeks.” —Rachel Sussman