Like an awful lot of people, I am experiencing major overwhelm right now. I am constantly reminding myself that having my kind of overwhelm is a good thing – at least I have a roof over my head and food to eat unlike the poor people of the Philippines. My heart goes out to them.

My stress is not a big deal, although, of course it feels like it when you’re in the middle of it. It’s only family and self-inflicted pressures: Christmas looming, blog posts to write, art to start and finish, house to clean, and on top of all that, our new Guide-dog puppy-in-training arrived last week, gods bless her.

I’m going to draw a card and hope that the tarot can offer some comfort. I will probably ramble a bit as I do a little meditative free-writing, so apologies in advance. Shuffle, shuffle (I’m lying, I can’t shuffle and type at the same time!).

Page of Pentacles (Robin Wood)

The Page of Pentacles represents ideas and knowledge translated into tangible objects, goals, work. She is carving out her direction. Taking it one step at a time. What she needs to know, she learns. She’s not trying to take on the world or do everything at once. She is focused, calm and enthusiastic.

Lovely card. Thank you, tarot. I see the Page staring intently at her gold pentacle and I feel relaxed. I can only deal with one thing at a time… and right now, I have to deal with things as they arrive, rather than trying to plan. I need to focus on what’s in front of me right now in the moment. Once I recognize that, everything will fall into place and I might be able to get some kind of routine going. This initial stage of puppy training requires constant monitoring and action. Pretty soon, that will pass and life will return to relative normality.

I am able to devote small chunks of time to the things I want to do – my passions – and even if that means doing some art or writing (like this) for only five or ten minutes, then at least I can renew my frazzled spirit. The Page of Pentacles is standing in beautiful surroundings. She is in the middle of nature – I must get out. The puppy has kept me house-bound since she arrived, so it’s time I let someone else babysit while I get some fresh air.

Wonderful. I have my answer.