Today, the Tarot wants you to…
Listen with an open heart, because every piece of feedback can push you closer to mastery..
Getting feedback from others is one of the best ways to grow and improve in life. Whether you're learning a new hobby, working on a project, or just trying something different, other people's suggestions can help you see things you might have missed and find better ways to do things.
The Eight of Pentacles reminds us that getting better at anything comes from being open to advice, not shying away from it. Every bit of feedback, no matter how small, is a chance to learn and get better at what you're doing.
The Eight of Pentacles in the Rider-Waite tarot deck depicts a man sitting at a workbench, diligently carving pentacles into coins. He is focused, committed, and determined to perfect his craft. Behind him lies a town, suggesting that his work benefits not only himself but also the community around him. The card symbolizes hard work, repetition, and the drive to achieve excellence through practice.
The craftsmanship of the man in the Eight of Pentacles did not come naturally. It was born from countless hours of practice and a willingness to learn from his mistakes. This card appears today to tell you: embrace feedback as part of your learning process. Constructive criticism is not a reflection of failure but rather an invitation to grow and refine your talents.
Your desire to excel in your endeavors — whether it's a creative hobby, a professional skill, or a personal goal — is admirable. But growth rarely happens in isolation. Feedback from others provides a perspective you cannot always see on your own. Ignoring it can keep you stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, while listening to it can propel you to new levels of mastery.
The Eight of Pentacles shows that success is not about perfection but about constant progress. Listening to constructive criticism is a fast track to improving your skills, and today is the perfect day to start.
It can be hard to hear feedback, especially when you’ve poured your heart into something. However, it’s important to remember that feedback is not personal — it’s a tool for growth. Here’s how you can start using it effectively:
Detach Your Ego from Your Work. It’s natural to feel defensive when someone critiques your work. Remind yourself that their feedback is not about your worth as a person; it’s about improving your skill. Visualize the man in the Eight of Pentacles — he isn’t seeking perfection; he’s seeking progress.
Ask Clarifying Questions. When someone offers feedback, don’t just nod or shut down. Ask questions to understand their perspective better. For example, you could say, “Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?” or “What do you think would improve this part?” This shows you are open to learning and value their input.
Implement the Feedback Quickly. Don’t let feedback sit idle. Take one actionable step based on what you’ve learned. Whether it’s rewriting a paragraph, adjusting your artistic technique, or changing a strategy, acting on feedback is where true growth happens.
As you begin to listen to constructive criticism, pay attention to these three key elements:
Patterns in Feedback. If multiple people give you similar feedback, it’s a clear sign of an area that needs improvement. Treat it as a roadmap toward mastery.
Actionable Suggestions. Constructive criticism often includes actionable steps you can take. Listen closely for these and write them down. These are golden opportunities to level up your skill.
Positive Feedback Hidden in Critique. People often share positive comments along with their critiques. Don’t overlook the praise. It’s just as important to know what you’re doing well so you can keep building on your strengths.
The Eight of Pentacles urges you to step out of your comfort zone and listen to what others have to say about your work. Today, identify one person whose opinion you value and ask them for feedback on something you’ve been working on. It could be a painting, a written piece, a project, or even a personal endeavor. When you receive their feedback, respond with gratitude and openness.
Your skill will not improve in a vacuum. Every piece of feedback, no matter how small, is a stepping stone toward mastery. Remember, the craftsman in the Eight of Pentacles didn’t create perfection in one day — he did so through consistent effort and a willingness to learn.
Have you ever received feedback that transformed your work or skill set? Share your story in the comments below — I’d love to hear how constructive criticism has shaped your journey!