Slow down, cowboys and cowgirls.

Many of us will be putting way, way, way too much energy and/or thought into something, this week.  This can be a good thing for some, though not so much for Farmville-obsessed others.  Whenever we place far too much emphasis in one area, another area winds up shortchanged.  We already know this story.

If we're not wise with our energy, we're going to be wasting valuable time on something stupid, useless, unnecessary or pointless.  We could very well hit a wall of some sort by attempting force or coercing someone into doing things the way we want them.  Alternatively, we will be very capable of hurting ourselves: physically, as we hurl ourselves into unknown territory versus patiently and rationally exploring it; emotionally, as we expect another to perform the impossible at an impossible moment.  And on and on we go.

I have to ask, what will this rushing-ahead, impatient, irrational, inconsiderate attitude solve in an uncertain time? 

Nothing although, with a new year on our hands, it'll be pretty easy to become so excited over a new beginning or opportunity that we fail to see its point and crash.  It'll also be pretty easy to overwhelm ourselves with to-do lists chock full of crap we may or may not do.  I don't get that.  I mean, sure, I can wear a pink tutu from now until 2012, but I won't. 

Watching the intentions and lives of some folks unfold, though, will be akin to watching a train wreck.  Some of us are just that much beyond help and repair.






Speaking of trains, the idea behind the reversed Train is one of saving our energy, whether in the form of sympathy or straight-up hard labor, for what and who matters most.  Prioritizing with our brains, not with our asses.  And acting responsibly.  Our energy is of the essence.  The reversed train advises against expecting miracles.  And it warns against abuse, whether of ourselves or others.  The propensity for accidents is increased here.  Whereas last week we possessed some amount of optimism and hope and blind faith and all that good stuff, this week will not be so fluffy and friendly.  It'll be raw.  Conditions could be cold, raw, annoying, painful, uncomfortable and/or just plain inconvenient.  People can be insensitive jerk-offs as well.

Therefore, surrender to your circumstances.  Try not to be so stubborn but flexible, instead.  Give-up a battle against the stubborn.  Give others their space and time to feel what they need to feel.  For every step or situation we speed into, we'll be taking two steps back.  We can be stopped right in our tracks, especially if we're unreasonable, so let's not push it.  Take your time, and please use common sense wherever you are headed-- there's a reason behind your possession of it.

Trains also happen to be a mode of transportation.  A means we rely on to transport us wherever we need to go.  And with this card in a reversed position, we can expect delays and all sorts of incidents to pop up which piss us off.  We can expect cancellations.  Break-downs, burn-outs, and mechanical failures are also a possibility as a result of pushing it and, in some cases, running on empty.  Exhibit caution and patience as you commute or travel, whether on foot or by car, bike, train, or aircraft.

Try to get enough sleep and give yourself ample time to get where you need to go.  Have a Plan B, even C,  handy as well-- chances are high you'll need one.  And give notice of cancellations and so forth if you can.

At the same time, let's not beat ourselves up if we can't be somewhere we're supposed to be.  The world's not gonna crumble without us no matter what some idiots have to say.

Return phone calls and e-mails, if applicable, this week.  Or, keep in touch with someone who really needs to hear your voice.

Keep in mind, too, that the odds of someone helping you out at the snap of your fingers will be pretty low all week long, for a number of reasons not necessarily involving someone's hate of you.  No one is a miracle-worker.  Shit happens.  And we're human here, not superheroes.

That's why we need to be prepared with a plan B like big boys and girls.  It would also help to be understanding of the predicament of another, but that's not really necessary 'cause no one will really care or wait for your empathy.  People are gonna do what they need to do. 

If we receive a "no", or a cancellation, or some other form of "no", then that's what is meant.  What is meant is "no".  Just "no", not "the world hates and is conspiring against you".  Not "I secretly can't stand you."  Just no.




The reversed Train translates to the reversed Chariot of the widely-recognized Rider-Waite deck.  The rider has been thrown off his chariot.  He is not in control.  Not in the right frame of mind.  Not a winner.

He'll get over it.

Again, what we have here is a warning against extremes, rushing into something new, acting without thinking, etc, that may put us in quite a pickle.  We are not in the right frame of mind to initiate a contract, take on a new client, close a deal, or make any big/long-term decisions.  Stuff like that. 

We should also be mindful of the amount of any over and under-the-counter drugs we might be consuming.  If we are driving, we'd better take it easy as our visibility and/or focus may become hindered, and not even think about driving under the influence of narcotics or alcohol.  Being drunk or high is not an excuse for absentmindedness and stupidity.

Be aware, as well, of any possessive, greedy, irrational, manipulative and nutty types out there.  Some are not thinking straight, and the lot of you know who these folks are, already.  Do not invite trouble into your homes or places of business just because you're feeling guilty or even generous and social.  It'll be difficult to rid yourself of this kinda trouble, not to mention that we've all been here before.

This may be an overwhelming or stressful time for most of us.  So do take it easy.  Rest up.  Breathe.  Say no as necessary.  Remember you.  Plan if you must, but take things one step at a time.  Be prepared for disruptions to your routine.  And try not to bite off more than you can chew.
 
Until next week.