Shadowscapes - Five of Wands

[triple_entendre]

Fighting against the flow, strife, struggle, the thrill of competition, rising to challenges.

-- from Shadowscapes.com

What magnificent chaos! We see a blond in flowing white trousers and a red belt holding a spear/staff and running in one direction, while a white rabbit runs in the other direction. The rabbit is chased by a pack of wolves, some leaping upwards many times their height, some foxes are climbing the staves, holding on by the ends of their paws or the ribbon in their teeth, other foxes are crashing into each other or into the man. It's a fun, chaotic, beautiful tangle of a mess.

I recently learned that foxes don't usually hunt in large packs like this, so it's not only the man who's fighting the flow. However, I personally identify most with the rabbit-- going with the flow doesn't always mean that you're safe.

[crazy raven]

Originally Posted by triple_entendre

Fighting against the flow, strife, struggle, the thrill of competition, rising to challenges.

-- from Shadowscapes.com

What magnificent chaos! We see a blond in flowing white trousers and a red belt holding a spear/staff and running in one direction, while a white rabbit runs in the other direction. The rabbit is chased by a pack of wolves, some leaping upwards many times their height, some foxes are climbing the staves, holding on by the ends of their paws or the ribbon in their teeth, other foxes are crashing into each other or into the man. It's a fun, chaotic, beautiful tangle of a mess.

I recently learned that foxes don't usually hunt in large packs like this, so it's not only the man who's fighting the flow. However, I personally identify most with the rabbit-- going with the flow doesn't always mean that you're safe.

Hi tripel_entendre, I identified with the rabbit in this card too. In fact, Rabbit is one of my totems. But I don't think it means you're not safe, the rabbit is taking us, running to the next part of our journey. In numerology, 5 is the number that offers us a chance to change direction. It's the midpoint between 1 and 10.

This card also represents the 5th chakra, the throat center of creative self-expression. This chakra and endocrine gland thyroid are directly affected by the choices we make and how we make them. The thyroid secretes a hormone that stimulates our metabolism. Usually when making a choice we find ourselves in a struggle between our emotional and mental self. This struggle in a negative stance can really disorient the mind causing us to nervously run around in all directions at once. This can create great stress around us and in us. But seen in a postive way, we can gain insight by 'playing' and tossing around different strategies that opens our creative energy. In truth, the soul has been waiting for this challenge, it's enables us to change and grow. The foxes may be creatively displaying one's ideals and passions with others. If only we could slow ourselves down, we'd heed the the rabbit message of wanting to show us changed plans and a possible new direction.

With the rabbit...Brad Steigers book TOTEMS says

"If you have chosen the rabbit as your totem animal, you have an ally that will always be there to assist you in speeding up processes that appear to be merely limping along. This spirit helper may surprise you with the philosophical depth it will lend to your thought patterns. The rabbit has been a survivor for centuries, and your totem guide's skill in helping you through the rough spots in your earthwalk will be greatly appreciated by you.

And Ted Andrews book ANIMAL SPEAK

"Those with rabbit totems will see movement occur in their life in varying degrees of leaps and hops. It won't be a steady step-by-step movement. The leaps and hops do not usually take more than the cycle of one moon (28 days) to occur.

Although some associate fear with the rabbit, it has wonderful abilities for defense. Those with this totem would do well to apply them to their own life. Rabbits often create forms to use for hiding and resting. To create a form, the rabbit scratches a shallow bowl into the earth or grass that is open in front and in back to enable it to escape if necessary. Rabbit people should plan for possibilities. If a rabbit has shown up, it may indicate a need to do some more planning or check those you have already set in motion. You do not want to box yourself into a corner. Rabbits have a knack for avoiding being seen. They can freeze, holding perfectly still. They know that movement can be detected from great distances by many predators. If you are involved in competition--in work or play--it will be important not to foreshadow your moves.

Rabbits are also clever at doubling back, making quick and rapid turns. If they need to flee they can be extremely fast. Learning to shift from freezing to great speed is something all with this totem should learn. It will aid your success and enable you to take advantage of opportunities that may only present themselves for brief moments.

Rabbit energy is very prominent in this card!