Overwhelmed: Finding Balance and Letting Go with Tarot
Are you feeling overwhelmed, as if the weight of all your responsibilities is pressing down on you? Do you find yourself smiling and saying “I’m fine” even though, inside, you feel like you’re one step away from collapsing under the pressure?
This feeling of exhaustion can be isolating, almost like trying to hold a balloon that’s ready to burst from the weight of everything you’re carrying.
Hi, I’m Chris Bennett, an internationally renowned tarot reader, and if you’re here, maybe you’ve been holding it all together for far too long.
The reason I’m writing this today is because of a recent experience I had during an event. I drew the 10 of Wands, and immediately, the person across from me burst into tears.
I hadn’t even started explaining the card—she just took one look and crumbled, releasing what must have been weeks, months, or maybe years of keeping up a strong front. She was carrying not only her own responsibilities but also the unspoken weight of societal expectations, the pressure to succeed, and the relentless challenge of today’s cost of living.
“That moment struck me deeply, opening my heart to everyone who feels like they’re holding it together on the outside but is really feeling crushed under the weight of it all.”
In tarot, the 10 of Wands is exactly about this—a moment when we’re carrying more than we should, and it’s becoming too much to bear. If you’ve found yourself here, it may be time to give yourself permission to release some of that load. You don’t have to keep up appearances or push forward alone.
Let’s walk through what this card means and explore a simple ritual to help you begin to lay down those burdens.
The Meaning of the 10 of Wands in Tarot: A Heavy Load
When the 10 of Wands appears in a tarot reading, it reflects a state of carrying too much, usually without much help. The figure on the card struggles under the weight of ten heavy wands, each one representing different responsibilities, expectations, or worries.
The energy of this tarot card doesn’t just highlight hard work; it’s about feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, and perhaps even a bit lost.
For anyone unfamiliar with tarot, think of this card as a symbol of all those “shoulds” and “musts” you feel are on your shoulders.
If you’re curious about what a tarot reading might reveal about the weight you’re carrying, check out What to Expect from a Tarot Reading with Me, where I outline how we can explore these themes together in a session.
Acknowledging the Weight: Why We Carry Too Much
Many of us take on more than we should, often without realizing it. Perhaps you feel it’s your responsibility to keep everyone else happy, or maybe you’re scared of letting anyone down. This card’s energy serves as a compassionate reminder to check in with yourself and ask, “Am I taking on more than I can truly handle? What am I carrying that no longer serves me?”
If this resonates, you may also find strength in understanding and Embracing Your Shadow Side—that hidden part of us that holds the keys to healing, release, and profound personal transformation. For a deeper dive into healing old wounds, this Healing Your Inner Child Tarot Spread can be a profound first step.
If you’re battling emotional weight like depression, it might help to explore ways to fight depression or gain insight into handling adversity with these tips on overcoming oppression
Releasing Your Burdens: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re ready to begin letting go of some of these heavy “wands,” here are practical steps to help you start:
1. Identify Your Burdens
Write down a list of everything you’re currently juggling. Include responsibilities, obligations, or even people you feel compelled to please. Be honest. This step is crucial—it’s your chance to get a full view of what’s weighing you down and will give you objective dominion over your fears attached to them.
2. Prioritize What Truly Matters
Once you have your list, circle the things that are genuinely important to you. These are the priorities that align with your values and goals. For everything else, ask yourself if it’s something you can let go of or delegate to someone else.
3. Set Boundaries
Begin practicing small boundaries with the people or tasks that are draining you. Start with small steps, like saying “no” to an extra commitment or delegating a task that someone else can handle.
Mastering Negotiation in Life and Relationships offers powerful insights into setting boundaries and communicating your needs clearly.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Letting go can feel like you’re letting people down or losing control, but remember, you’re only human. Give yourself the same compassion and understanding you’d offer a friend who’s feeling overwhelmed.
Candle Visualization Ritual for Letting Go
Sometimes, releasing burdens is easier said than done.
To help solidify this intention, I’d like to guide you through a simple but powerful candle ritual to symbolically and psychically release what you no longer need to carry.
This ritual can be done alone in a quiet space—consider it your permission to take a break and reconnect with yourself.
You’ll Need:
– A white candle (for purity and release)
– A small piece of paper and pen
The Ritual:1. Prepare Your Space
Find a quiet spot where you can sit comfortably. Place the candle in front of you, lighting it as you set an intention to focus on release and renewal.
2. Write Down What You’re Ready to Let Go Of
On the piece of paper, write down one to three things you’re ready to release. These could be specific responsibilities, emotional burdens, or patterns of overcommitting yourself.
3. Visualize Releasing the Weight
Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and visualize yourself holding a bundle of wands—each wand symbolizing something you’re carrying. See yourself setting down each wand one by one, feeling lighter and freer with each release. Imagine the warmth and energy from the candle creating a protective light around you, filling the space left by what you’ve let go.
4. Burn the Paper
Safely burn the piece of paper (if you’re comfortable and can do so safely). As it burns, say to yourself, “I release this burden. I trust myself to carry only what is meant for me.” If burning isn’t possible, tear the paper into tiny pieces and throw them away with the same intention in mind.
5. Extinguish the Candle with Gratitude
When you’re ready, extinguish the candle and sit for a moment in silence. Allow yourself to feel the weight lifted. Take a few more breaths, bringing in peace and releasing any lingering tension.
Moving Forward: Embracing a Lighter Path
The 10 of Wands teaches that true resilience includes knowing when to set down what we no longer need to carry.
This isn’t just about reducing your load; it’s about making space for what truly matters, so you can be more present, grounded, and in tune with yourself.
If you’re ready to dive deeper and find clarity on your path forward, consider Booking a Reading with Me Here—a session designed to help you find clarity, release, and a renewed sense of purpose.
To understand even more about how tarot can offer healing, this guide to healing with tarot explores the many ways tarot can support your journey. You may also appreciate The Tarot Lady’s take on Tarot Cards that Indicate Healing, which can offer deeper insight into the cards you draw in your own readings.
If you’re interested in a more focused healing spread, Hermit’s Mirror has an excellent layout designed for releasing deep emotional wounds.
Let this be a reminder to keep checking in with yourself and, most importantly, to honor your limits. You deserve to live a life that feels manageable, supported, and deeply aligned with who you are.
Let go of the need to “do it all” and instead embrace the strength of doing what truly matters. You got this.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or carrying more than you can manage, remember you don’t have to face it alone. Whether finding clarity through tarot or reaching out to a trusted network, support is here.
For immediate help, consider connecting with IASP or Befrienders Worldwide for compassionate resources wherever you are. Relief and renewal are closer than you think.
