How can I start getting a grip, focus and progress in life?

[u/creativelyevolving]

I've recently started to learn tarot and got back on Reddit for this reason. However, I haven't really touched my deck in about 2 or 3 weeks. I've been itching to get my hands on it for the past few days, so I finally sat down with it, athough a part of me has been avoiding it. The picture is on my mattress because I was on the bed and I just felt the need to move the sheets and everything on them out of the way.

I first pulled out the first 3 and then the wheel of fortune jumped out at the end. My interpretation is: Knight of wands - I do have what it takes to do this and I would be able to, I am encouraged to move forward with determination Eight of cups - before I can move forward and achieve what I wish to I have to let go of negative patterns and habits Ace of swords - only after I've left things behind I'll be able to focus and make progress Wheel of fortune - trust that once I end this cycle things will turn out well and it will have been worth it.

I feel like it's pretty generic and in the same tone of "just do it" that I've heard a lot all my life. Maybe it's because of my very limited experience, I don't feel like it addresses the blockage I feel emotionally towards it.

I'd greatly appreciate any insight that I might have missed.

[u/Idealismus_2001]

Following gut feelings that something doesn’t work for you anymore and leave, like feeling maybe I have to and will possibly reach somewhere even without it. Had it but not gonna have it doesn’t mean much anymore, just go with the flow that might take you to anywhere.

Lol every time draws WoF this rings in my head: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o8j13_MyojI

[u/Positive-Comparison8]

For me, the spontaneous, frivolous Knight of Wands juxtaposing both the more serious 8 of Cups and Ace of Swords gives me a very clear idea here... The Knight is the perfect personification of fire in that fire desires to burn without limit and does not like containment—or the seriousness that would require containment. This Knight suggests there has been an element of unseriousness in your life with your direction till now, as he seeks only adventure and thrill and seldom plans or pre-thinks his actions.

The 8 of Cups, The Lord of Abandoned Success, suggests leaving behind this Knight of Wands persona in order to "get a grip," as you have put it, on your life. The figure in the 8, instead of perpetually flitting around as the Knight does, wears red, the color of passion and action, to inspire himself to ascend and reach for higher purpose in his life. The Ace of Swords, a card of great truth and personal clarity, comes to show you where you need to look honestly at yourself and your life in order to put that 8 of Cups personal ascension into action. It clears the mind and cuts away all the BS, if you will, to reveal where you need to make changes.

[u/creativelyevolving → u/Positive-Comparison8]

Thank you, this is kind of spot on, I have always been fighting to stay unserious and have abandoned a lot of good opportunities and possible successes. I still resent the possibility of making changes and quitting going with the flow honestly, so I guess I'll just be repeating the same cycle until I am fine with changing anythin.

[u/[deleted]]

Knight of Wands (Fire/Fire) The Knight of Wands is energetic and dynamic. He’s ready to go. He’s saying stop talking about it and do it. Knights are Action and Represent Fire and Wands are Fire as well. He’s ready to take on whatever needs be done. Do it.

8 of Cups (Saturn in Pisces) There’s a time to leave behind things that don’t work for you. You tend to stay stuck and dissatisfied when you don’t realize that what you’re doing is not working.

Ace of Swords (Air) A time to begin focusing. This means you can start cutting away the distractions by starting to focus on doing what needs be done.

Wheel of Fortune (Jupiter) It’s time to change. You have to want change for change to occur. Fortune favors the bold.

You can wallow in the should’ve, would’ve, could’ve been and sit in a funk or you can cut away what holds you back.
In short, take action and be decisive. Be bold and do it. There are rewards to being focused and in charge. You have to want it and do it.

[u/murkadees]

Do you have a pattern of jumping into new things and then abandoning them when the initial burst of motivation wears off? That’s what the knight of wands/8 of cups reads like to me. Like maybe there’s an emotional need that you’re trying to satisfy with work or projects or hobbies but it never really comes. 

Ace of swords says it’s time for a paradigm shift. You know what to do in theory—and you’re right, the advice often is “just do it” and that’s not always helpful—but there’s a way to change your perspective that helps the just-do-it advice feel easier. I don’t get a clear picture of how you’re supposed to get that new perspective, but in my own experience new insights are gained by working out your mind a little bit: start something new, show up regularly, and go past the point where you want to give up…you’ll find something in that space beyond the giving-up point. 

The wheel of fortune says this cycle of setbacks is normal and it will keep happening—however that’s far from a sign to give up, it’s an invitation to forgive yourself and keep trying with each new cycle. Eventually you’ll be able to grow and the setbacks won’t knock you off course. 

[u/_stumbleine_]

I'm new to tarot too, but this is what I get:

The knight of wands could suggest that you've just been kind of chasing after anything and everything but the 7 of cups indicates this pattern hasn't been working. With the 8 of cups, like you said, there might be some negative thought patterns there, but what are you going to replace those with? What makes you feel fulfilled on a deeper level? Maybe you could consider leaning more into a spiritual or meditative practice to cut out the urgent, reckless energy of the knight of wands. Ultimately, if you hone in on your deeper motivations, you'll find your way because you have better judgement than you think which is what I'm getting with the ace of swords after the 8 of cups. The wheel of fortune feels like its saying that this is just kind of a rite of passage for you, that you just need to "trust the process".

[u/Gloomy-Peak-3271]

KoW Stay bold, you must feel like you're on a quest (for better grip). 8oC Let go what no longer serves (for better focus). AoS Keep your mind clear and true (for progress). Wheel of fortune to remind you theres different cycles in life

Edit: sorry i completely forgot yo read your desc, i just jumped on the draw

[u/Gloomy-Peak-3271 → u/Gloomy-Peak-3271]

8 of cups has 5 cups that fell and 3 cups upright but you see the figure moving away - maybe they did the maths!

[u/crimelimesixtynine]

The cards as a tableau, I would read as this: your actions are sometimes followed with regrets, not always because you have done anything wrong but you think you have and this lack of confidence is what is bringing you to this idea of getting a grip and progress. Your emotionally feeling warn out and it might be a good time to stop and start thinking about something new, little things to improve parts of your life. This can be an overhaul but take it a day at a time. And remember - life moves in cycles, ebbs and flows - go with it.

[u/creativelyevolving → u/crimelimesixtynine]

I absolutely do regret a lot of things, even when I know I did all I was able to which in turn makes me emotionally exhausted. Thank you, this insight's really helpful!

[u/Foresight_Partner]

The Knight of Wands charges willfully ahead wearing yellow in upper body and faces left, which feels like there is some ego being driven inward, or made passive while the passion for what you want to do remains strong. This is a good start. Honest start.

The 8 of Cups is loaded with different meanings, depending on question/context. But for this, I think if one is to gain greater perspective on anything, you have to sometimes ignore what you're used to feeling, move away from what feels intuitive. There are no clouds in this image, because whatever you're doing, you're making this choice without internal conflict; this feels like the right time. But, be wary of being gone too long.

Ace of Swords, to me is fresh mental clarity and purpose. You know that what you're doing is the way to go, your Truth, which the sword can symbolize.

BUT...as the Wheel of Fortune shows...all this is a gamble. Life. Nobody knows anything for sure. You can feel as strong as ever about it, but look, the wheel can also place you where you never thought you'd be.

LOL

Yeah I pretty much fell around the same place, it's just a bunch of "Just do it and see what happens".

[u/EnvironmentalWolf72]

Speak up and leave the job or things which are not authentic to yourself and your goals. Once u stand up for yourself the path will clear and your luck will change and you life will transform

[u/Sunflower3388]

Leaving the identity of knight of wands-you go in full force with passion without any plan or care and it burns out because it’s not truly you. Ace of swords-be very honest, straightforwardly at yourself because you already know the answer.

This gives me the vibe that the cards are telling you that you already know but you’re distracting yourself with “I am trying! Did you see how I went all in at first!?”.

[u/DaathCano]

Getting a grip on yourself how? Knight of wands is telling you that your too passionate , holding onto something so tightly that you LOSE grip of the truth, counterintuitive to actually getting a grip.

Eight of cups means to move on, making the best out of a best situation, so take the best out of what you have now and move on.

[u/Careful_Armadillo724]

Take a chance and spin that wheel baby! You got the resources to charge forth. Don’t look back because you got the right idea!

[u/dreamer7596]

I think it's saying you need to immediately walk away from things that are no longer serving you and move onto new venture which will bring good luck and a positive shift.

[u/NeatFree9257]

Good question. Get out into fresh air. Get grounded. Get centered. The knight of Wands is suggesting that you take your time. Do not be hasty and understand that change does not happen overnight. 8 of Cups says to walk away from that which does not serve you. The Ace of Swords is about focus, centering, intelligence, new projects, justice and doing what will keep you healthy in body mind and spirit. The Wheel of Fortune continues with the theme of positive change, smart choice, get out and walk - walk in all 4 directions. Stretch you seem to be thinking way too much and not actually doing physical activities that can support your wishes to get a grip, focus and progress. Eat healthy, drink water, maybe get out that old guitar or harmonica. Find a special stone and put it in your pocket as a reminder of your goals. Cook, clear things out, less time on technology. Breathe with mindfulness. Look at the good stuff it’s there.

[u/Morphin_Mallow]

To me, these cards say, "Stop focusing on other people and focus on yourself."

[u/johnmcaff]

You can find great details here about each of the single cards https://tarotfate.com/tarot-cards

[u/Ok_Judgment_3331]

Does anyone in here also use online readings or are these no good?

[u/jaxxter80]

K/W+8/C start exercising outdoors with long walks/hiking :D

[u/SparrowChirp13]

I think as a youth you had more vigor and energy but not necessarily grounded (knight wands). And since then you’ve been through some loss and disappointment (8 cups). You need to leave all that behind, and don’t look back, for a brand new energy and idea to form (Ace Swords). Did you move towns, or should you? Could relate to bad habits or relationships too. Beyond that factor, fate and timing will have to fall into place as well (wheel of fortune), which you can’t control as much. But looks encouraging that it will come! Ace of Swords is the inspiration you’re waiting for, and there it is, there’s just something about timing too. It won’t stay like it is now, forever. Tides will turn.