We meet again. And we’re back talking about the Nine of Swords (if you missed last week’s blog, catch up here). To refresh your memory, we previously explored the insights concealed within our stress and anxiety, urging you to lend them your ear. So, are you listening?
Now, we’re going deeper—deep into the realm of dreams, particularly the kind that gives you the shivers. Yes, it may feel like Halloween and a visit from Freddy Kruger is so last month, but this is the stuff of life, and it’s worth exploring.
Diving Deeper: The Significance of Nightmares
You might be wondering why we’re bringing up nightmares. Look at the picture on the card, and you’ll see – night terrors are a “thing” in this card. And, while they’re no fun while you’re in the moment, nightmares remind us that the heart-pounding, sweat-inducing experience we face in our dreams is an undeniable part of the human experience. We all have those moments when our fears seem larger than life itself.
A Personal Story: Wrestling with Nightmares
Speaking of nightmares, have you ever had a nightmare so vivid it felt real? After seeing the movie Jaws (I know the shark looks so fake when you see it now), I was terrified to fall asleep. Sleeping at the foot of my sister’s bed (where I slept for weeks after seeing this movie), I would drift off only to find myself swimming in the ocean and catching sight of that terrifying fin headed in my direction. Every night, it was the same dream: waking up drenched in a cold sweat with my heart racing. The fear of sharks – while somewhat irrational because I lived in suburban New Jersey and we rarely went to the beach – was paralyzing. I was convinced that sharks were everywhere – pools, my bathtub. They felt SO real. And, here’s the revelation – the real sharks were my fears. Once I began to understand and confront them, I could finally get past this recurring nightmare – and retire from my post as the official monster at the foot of my sister’s bed!
The Takeaway: Confronting Nightmares
Here’s an essential truth bomb: when you have a night filled with restless sleep and bad dreams, be gentle with yourself. Embrace your fears and anxieties. They are part of being human. And, if you feel so inclined, leave a small notepad next to your bed. Write down precisely what happened in this odd dream (even though you think you’ll remember it in the morning – you will not recognize it with the detail you have now). Then, decide whether you want to give it some thought and assign some meaning or if you want to let it go.
Acknowledging and facing your fears is the first step in rising above them.
Remember, the wisdom hidden within the Nine of Swords isn’t only about the darkness. It’s about discovering the light that exists within it.
“In the darkest moments, we find our brightest strength.” ~ unknown
Step into the World of the Nine of Swords – The Lord of Despair and Cruelty (Yikes!) – Watch the Video!
They say that the only way out is through. We are almost through this exploration of the Nine of Swords. What do you hope is waiting for you on the other side?
Until the next time,
Ever upward.
