8 of Coins - Do It Again. And Again.

Stripped Down Overview: In the movie The Karate Kid, martial arts expert Mr. Miyagi instructed his young protégé to do menial tasks such as waxing the car (“wax on, wax off”). Ticked off that his mentor wasn’t teaching him to fight, but assigning him tedious cleaning jobs and repetitive tasks, the kid threw a tantrum. But what the master knew (that his student didn’t…until later) was that these seemingly monotonous jobs were teaching muscle memory—and the basic foundational moves of karate. Or let’s consider a prima ballerina: she doesn’t secure her position and dazzle crowds by sheer luck or even raw talent: behind each exquisite performance lies repetitious barre exercises, grueling pointe work and thousands upon thousands of arabesques, pirouettes, entrechats, fouettés and jetés. And this, my friends, is the core of the 8 of Coins: grunt work and routine. Focus, sustained concentration, dedication and practice—these lead to mastery. Want to become an expert? There are no shortcuts. Sure, some may learn and progress faster, but unless you’re, say, a piano prodigy by the age of five—you gotta put in the time and effort to become adept.
Keywords: Occupation; Perfected Procedure; Formula; Step-by-Step; Practice; Patient Application; Reproduction; One Thing at a Time; Training; Craftsmanship; Constructive Habits; Reliable Employment; Uniformity; Detailed Preparation; Simulation; Chipping Away at an Intimidating Goal; Absorption in a Task; Rehearsal; Repetition
Personifications and Embodiments: Piano Scales; Repetitive Exercises; Factories; Assembly Lines; Stencils; Sketching; Paint-by-Numbers; Engraving
Quote: Habit is a cable; we weave a thread of it each day, and at last we cannot break it. – Horace Mann
Challenge: Banality
Gift: Proficiency
Occupations/Vocations: Factory Worker; Craftsman; Engraver; Carpenter; Precision Machine Operator; Mass Manufacturer
Disney Character: The Seven Dwarves (Snow White)
Animal Totem: Spider
Flower Essence: Hornbeam (Bach)
Crystal/Stone: Black Spinel – Supports perseverance while fulfilling duties. Promotes disciplined, structured thinking. Focuses willpower on constructive approaches. Encourages modesty.
Aromatherapy: White Fir
Body Parts/Systems and Health Issues: Abnormal Cell Growth; Cancer
Mystical Messenger: Saint Eligius
Sabian Symbol: Pisces 15 – An officer drilling his men in a simulated attack.
Writing Prompt: A factory that manufactures custom pets
Affirmation: I discover what works—and do it often.
Naked Advice for the 8 of Coins
Career: In her excellent book for writers Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, author Anne Lamott tells the story of her older brother who, when he was ten, had a report to write. The topic was birds, and the teacher gave the students three months to finish. Except that her brother waited until the day before the report was due to begin. Panicked and overwhelmed, he sat at the kitchen table, surrounded by unopened books on birds, reams of paper and pencils. Their Dad put his arm around the son’s shoulders and said, “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird”. As a writer, I can’t tell you how many times this story has encouraged me over the years. In fact, as I was writing this mammoth book, the excruciating, crushing enormity of my ambition felt like trying to level a mountain with a butter knife and trowel. I’d tell myself “Card by card, Janet. Just take it card by card.” Like a spider returns to spin the same web design even after wind or human tears it down, so we go back to our task—again and again—to do what we do best. Is it always easy? Hell no! Sometimes boring? Hell yes! But this is what expertise looks like, and arises from: sitting our ass down, practicing our craft and relentlessly pursuing mastery. It’s showing up, refusing to “call it in” and doing the job…all because our integrity demands it.
Romance: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are solid, fulfilling relationships. You’re making steady progress, so keep applying what you know, and have learned, about romantic satisfaction. Now’s not the time to go on cruise control, however: just like a healthy garden needs attention and nourishment, so, too, does your partnership or method for attracting a mate. It’s important not to focus on what seems to work for your neighbors or colleagues, because you’re only glimpsing the public facet of their relationship—not necessarily what goes on behind closed doors. Avail yourself to books, podcasts or blogs about romance and attraction, especially if they resonate, because learning additional ways to develop stronger bonds can enhance what you already have. If you’re Facebook relationship status says “It’s complicated”, it’s time to make it more straightforward and simplistic (if only in your head).
Parenting: If you have a son, nephew, grandson—or have babysat young boys—you probably know Thomas the Tank Engine and crew like the back of your hands. Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the railway system on the Island of Sodor, encourages and praises the trains when they are “responsible, reliable and really useful”. When the 8 of Coins chugs into your reading, it’s time to evaluate what it means to be those three “R”s—and teach it to the younger set in both word and deed. Consistent practice and dogged dependability will outshine raw talent (and privilege) most times, so assign tasks of incremental difficulty to give kiddos a sense of confidence and accomplishment. How they perform the “little” things when young (e.g. homework and chores) can translate to how they go on to approach adult responsibilities. Likewise, show them how building upon past efforts can transform into a large creation—so provide jigsaw puzzles, Lego or Erector sets, crocheting supplies, quilting paraphernalia or paint-by-number kits for them to use.
Spirituality: With the assembly line, Henry Ford changed manufacturing history. Before his ingenious idea, many people would converge, all working together to complete one car (much like the 3 of Coins approach). But with an assembly line, stationed workers waited for the partially assembled car to reach them via conveyer belt. Each person performed one job…and one job only. Presently, assembly lines are still used, but robotic automation has taken over for humans. Sometimes, our spiritual practice is best approached by sections or compartments, especially if we yearn to see growth. For me, I use the Four Elements approach: if I’m too much in my head with thoughts, ideas and creative plans (Air)—with an abundance of passion, curiosity and energy (Fire)—I know from experience that I need grounding with nature, food and sensuality (Earth), as well as emotional connection, self-care, family time and long, hot baths (Water). Determine what’s lacking, then take small steps to incorporate them into your routine. Over time, you feel more balanced and whole when you address your spiritual “pie” one slice at a time.
Recommended Resource: New Yankee Workshop (TV Show); Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals (TV Show); The Weaver by Vincent van Gogh; Ghostly Gourds by Normal Rockwell
Card Layout: Personal Stamp Spread
1. What is a defining hallmark of my work?
2. What has led to this trademark?
3. What can I do to enhance it even further?
4. What is likely to cause procrastination or decreased resolve?
5. How can I best prevent or cope with such a scenario?
6. Who or what needs my personal stamp most right now?
7. How can I bring my special touch to this situation?
8: Final Advice
Absolutely, this is a book I'd read! Can't wait til this one is done, Janet. So glad you didn't let the bastards wear you down and that you continue to illuminate the Tarot darkness. ;-)
Posted by: Angie Turner | 05/06/2013 at 01:59 PM
Awww, thanks, Angie! I'm a bit surprised at how much excitement this book seems to be generating. :o)
I've decided to push up my book's deadline (my awesome publisher actually allows that!), and will aim to have it done by July 30...which means it SHOULD be out in October-November of this year. YAY!
Posted by: Janet Boyer | 05/06/2013 at 04:49 PM
When is this book going to be published and available to buy? I would like to read it.
Posted by: WingedTigerOwl | 11/30/2013 at 02:05 AM
Hi WTO! I'm working on Naked Tarot now. It will be out sometime next year from Dodona Books. :o) Thanks for your interest and I'm glad you're looking forward to it!
Posted by: Janet Boyer | 11/30/2013 at 03:04 AM