For your own benefit, take pause and let others take the wheel.

Nine of Wands

Your tarot card for today is the Nine of Wands.

Pictured on the Nine of Wands is a man in an ongoing battle, and he is waving away any offers of help. He has eight wands in front of him, representing the challenges and opponents he's faced so far. And although he's been through a lot, he's not ready to give up yet.

The road is long and winding, and you never want to stop. So many people count on you. Family, colleagues, and friends look up to you. You refuse to let them down. This may be because you enjoy hosting people and events and are a good role model. Or perhaps you are a leader because nobody else is stepping up. You are the one who has to be strong because if you're not, who will be?

In both cases, The Nine of Wands is a reminder that your attachment to being in a leadership role is no longer healthy. What is good about holding a high-ranking position when you do not have time to mend wounds and savor your victories? It is time for a new chapter, so turn to the next page.

There Are (Other) Heroes Among Us

Take a long look at the card. This is someone who is still in recovery after past blows. But they are still standing and taking another beating. You make yourself irreplaceable.

Consider whether your total commitment to leadership has been replaced by your desire to be the only hero to save the day. You know your worth. Time and time again, you have proven yourself to be the right person to lead the way. But try to see it this way: could there be others like you?

Just like you, other people are hosting the strength, courage, and resilience to keep going no matter what. The Nine of Wands asks you to let go of your need to be in control all the time and instead allow others to take charge and continue your recovery.

It can be scary letting go of the reins but know that there are people who are more than capable of leading the way. So put your faith in the company you've kept.

Reclaim Your Motivation

In situations when the Nine of Wands is reversed, it's important to reclaim your motivation. For example, does your motivation for continuing the fight come from pride or obligation?

The protagonists on the reversed Nine of Wands are usually shown with their back to the viewer. They may have given up on the battle, or they may be about to. In either case, they have one wand left, and they're not sure if they have the strength to continue. However, they are stubborn.

The message from the Nine of Wands in this position is that it may be time to let go. You have been fighting for a long time, but you're unsure if you can take it anymore. So then why are you still holding on?

Check your motivation and see what drives you. Are you hosting something inside that no longer serves you, then it may be time to let it go. The Nine of Wands will be there to guide you through this decision.

What It Means to Be Enough

Once upon a time, the idea of martyrdom sounded romantic. But as you get older, you start to realize that it's not all it's cracked up to be.

The Nine of Wands is a card that speaks to the idea of being enough. In the situation where this card appears, you may have been giving too much of yourself to others. You may have been in a leadership position for so long that you've forgotten what it means to take care of yourself.

The Nine of Wands' message is that putting your recovery first is okay. In fact, it's necessary.

So today, lean on a friend or family member who has already given up control and found the peace that comes with it. Ask for advice, tell them about what you've done, and learn from what they've done.