I got this question from the lovely Sasha Graham (the fabulous Tarot Diva) whose new book 365 Tarot Spreads is due out in May.   I find it interesting that these two cards seem to be different resonances of the same energy.  The Close (or Death) is a card of transformation, endings and beginnings and letting go.  The 10 of Swords offer a similar message – it’s time to lay down the arms and give up the battle.  Once we’ve released the urge to cling to the fight we may find that there are new opportunities opening to us.

On a purely practical level there are things I can’t and won’t release right now (and I’m no assuming I need to do so).  Caring for while in-laws (while sometimes thankless, relentless and frustrating) is non-negotiable.  I get the sense these cards are speaking to me of releasing an outworn and useless mindset, letting go of that damn inner critic that won’t shut up and starting a new way of thinking about myself and this situation.

Sometimes I can be a bit glib about things like this but I truly believe we have the power to create our own fate.  In my core I know that if I only focus on negative aspects of my life that’s the energy I will keep attracting.  If I focus on what I want to bring into my life I can do that as long as I truly believe.  Wishful thinking is real if I believe it’s real.

Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day miseries that drain and exhaust me.  I won’t blow smoke up anyone’s butt (least of all my own) about how crushing and relentless this caregiving stuff can be.  However I refuse to let it crush my spirit.  I want to embrace the learning opportunity this provides even if I would prefer to forego the lesson.