a bittersweet combination

  

three of swords + the chariot 

Today's tarot cards are a bittersweet combination of heartbreak and victory (the Chariot), which makes me think of Alanis Morissette's Ironic with its sorrowful lyrics like "a black fly in your Chardonnay."  Externally today's querent is confidently overcoming obstacles in their life, but internally this person feels ready to give up on their ambitions.  In the process of gaining control over their life - which is great - perhaps this person can only think about some betrayal they experienced in the past (Three of Swords).  Even though this querent is winning, largely because they convincingly promoted and marketed themself, the absence of one important person or thing is not only lessoning the value of this victory, but also increasing the querent's emotional pain.  A real-life expression of these cards might be someone honored with an ultra prestigious award, but during their acceptance speech they only cry and talk about a deceased parent or spouse who's not present at the award ceremony -- despite being a winner, this person continues to feel disappointed.  On the other hand, someone else may not cry publicly, choosing to hide any depression beneath a facade of competence and domination.

Today's art is by Lacey Bryant.