Tears of Joy and Sadness

"Life is rarely simple. There is no such thing as completely good or bad; even the best outcomes may come with a price, and even the worst disasters can often have a silver lining. Loss and grief show us the value of what we had, and how lucky we were to have it. The toughest challenges give us the opportunity to rise above. That doesn't mean that the hard stuff isn't hard. Of course it is. But if you can find the positive side of even the worst events, it will help you to stay strong and keep moving forward. Maybe you can even inspire others who are dealing with their own difficulties to keep moving forward too."

Think about the tough times you have come through in the past and look back at what followed. Did you survive? Did you grow from the experiences and become stronger or wiser or kinder? Did a closing door open another one for something good? If so, take a deep breath, look at whatever you’re dealing with right now (and let’s face it, most of us are dealing with something), and remind yourself that one way or the other, it is going to work out okay. Perhaps not the way you want it to, but okay.

This card may be an indication that you are struggling with tough times. Or perhaps you are coming out the other side. Maybe both. Either way, stay strong and smile when you can, even if it is through your tears. If this card doesn’t represent you, perhaps it is a reminder that even those who present a happy face to the world may be hiding tears underneath. Be kind and give people the benefit of the doubt. You never know what they are dealing with behind closed doors.

It’s okay to be sad. It is also okay to be happy, even when things are horrible. There are two sides to every coin, and no situation is black and white. Getting through day-to-day life is often dependent on finding a balance. In a quiet or sacred space, place two glasses or goblets of water in front of you, one almost full, the other almost empty. Say, “God and goddess, please help me to find and keep my balance in this challenging world.” Pour water from the fuller glass into the emptier one until they are as close to even as you can get them. Then pour a little back. Do this a few times, and when you feel that you have a sense of balance, sip a little from each glass and raise them each to the gods in thanks.