Five of Swords




                                                                                                         Photograph by: Arpita Pal


Best part of reading tarot cards is to depict someone’s personality whilst mind-body-soul spread reading. It becomes more interesting when someone’s mind or soul is represented by minor arcana card- ‘the five of swords’. Based on my reading experience, I get 3 out 5 persons having ‘five of swords’ traits.
The picture portraying this card is self-explanatory, a man smiling at his opponents who have accepted their defeat. His smile is a showcase of his pride to win not a physical but mental battle. Yes, we are talking about his victory over an argument. He seems to be satisfied by winning an argument, or I may say overpowering his opponents. Well by this time I am sure people reading my blog would have related this card with someone in their surroundings. A person, whose only motive in life is to win over a situation, no matter if it is productive. It doesn’t matter if it brings any significant change to their life, all they want is to win that fucking argument they have got themselves into for the sake of their ego. It is important for people like them to have the last word. I am sure people might question, what’s wrong in winning an argument, and my answer is of course there’s nothing wrong in winning, but definitely dragging someone into an argument against their will is an offence. For e.g. I once got into an argument with a colleague on religious belief. My very first reply to the man who challenged my religious belief was – ‘our perspectives are different, and it’s a sensitive matter. I prefer not to discuss such issues.’ Who cares, because he was not there to discuss but to argue. I ignored and walked away (maturity is in losing argument, to retain your peace) but little did I know he walked to my work station to have his last word (see winning is important), ‘Arpita, you really need to listen to what people have to say. They have their own experience and perception, you need to respect them.’
‘Then may be people need to respect my perception and space as well, please excuse,’ I replied. Eventually I had the last word, but I realized somewhere I wasn’t happy about it. Wasn’t willing to insult or hurt someone, hence I couldn’t smile the rest of the day. No! It wasn’t productive. But what else you can do? Subtly you have to tell these ‘five of swords’ to ‘Shut up!’ This is just one small example, being a vegetarian I am always dragged into non-productive and nonsensical arguments of not living and enjoying my life. They say we vegetarians are sacrificing a lot when it comes to good food. Well we never felt that way, we are happy with our own choices, then what is bothering you?

Robert Quillen quoted once ‘discussion is an exchange of knowledge, argument an exchange of ignorance.’ What I take from his statement is try to have a discussion and sort out your doubts rather than impose your views or choices on others and wane their energy as well as yours in argument. Our purpose in this life is to make this world a happy place instead of suffocating others with our ego. I read somewhere, ‘winning an argument is losing it as it makes the loser feel bad.’ Think over it!

Comments

  1. So true!!!...thanks for writing my feelings too in ur words..

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