Today’s post talks about how to create change, overcome learned helplessness, and regain your sense of agency, in the fallout in the US of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Tarot is a useful way to collect your thoughts, plan and then jump into action. A Tarot spread for change and action is included to support you.
In an era of extremism, the recent ruling by the US Supreme Court affects everyone, regardless of where you live, and regardless of your gender. In a country that has significant global influence, people with uteruses have been told that their bodies and lives are to be dominated and controlled by impregnators. People with uteruses have been explicitly told they do not have the right to agency. [Agency means power and the ability to use it].
I created Acorn and Burdock and Chakra Healing Tarot because I believe in self-empowerment, even in circumstances where we might face limited options. I believe that empowerment begins with whatever agency you have. And I also believe we often have more agency than we may sometimes have allowed ourselves to believe (even if only in our minds).
Where does agency/personal power begin?
It starts with your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Yes, feel what you need to feel. And then we also need to CHOOSE where to direct our thoughts. Are we directing our thoughts toward choices that have the long-term effect we want? And then it’s time for consistent ACTION.
Here’s the thing about consistency. People think it’s hard. THAT’S A LIE.
YOU’RE ALREADY DOING IT. Your daily life is in fact a reflection of all the things you’ve been doing consistently. You’re already consistent.
The shift is realizing you’re already consistent, and making adjustments that are sustainable over time to get the outcomes you want.
What does this have to do with bodily autonomy?
What does this have to do with bodily autonomy? Everything. At a broad scale, and in your individual life. If you realize you can create the long-term outcomes you want by making a slight shift in something you’re already doing, you start to realize that you have agency.
And then you can also find tangible ways of contributing to causes that need the resources to fight for bodily autonomy, basic human rights and critical healthcare services for people with uteruses. Regardless of who you are, you can find ways of contributing for the long haul.
The Tarot spread
I created this Tarot spread (but you can use any system you prefer) to support your personal reflection and planning on this work. I suggest you save this and set a reminder to come back to it every New Moon to remind yourself to keep making those slight shifts that create the crucial and long-term outcomes that must be forged now.
The questions
- how I can honour my emotions and needs right now
- how I can direct my thoughts and energy to contribute to necessary change
- tangible, productive and sustainable action I can take now
- how I’ll remain consistent in my ongoing actions to contribute to change over time
Now let’s get to work.