4.28-5.4.2026: Lil’ Petey Mindset

The epitome of “lack” sits opposite the epitome of “abundance,” with the Two of Swords between them? This week’s reading is begging me to talk about lack mindset vs. abundance mindset and how we can’t always choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond to them…

As you may be able to guess by looking at the two miserable figures stumbling barefoot through the snow, The Five of Pentacles is one of the most challenging cards in the Tarot. When taken at face value, it represents rock bottom—finding yourself in a position of absolute destitution and lack of resources. However, I tend to take a less literal approach to my interpretations of the Tarot. I hope beyond hope that no one reading this finds themselves in the position of these figures, out on the streets without two coins to rub together. But what you might very well be experiencing is a sense of lack. Unable or unwilling to see the positive in your current situation. Constantly on the hunt for more evidence to prove how shitty your circumstances are.

And your circumstances may very well be shitty.

But as Abraham Lincoln said, "Most folks are usually about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” At the risk of peddling toxic positivity (which I really, really try not to do): You can find yourself in the worst possible situation and still choose to focus on hope.

Some of the most inspiring people in history are those who endured cruelty, poverty, discrimination, imprisonment, violence, or loss—and still chose hope, grace, and purpose. Several examples come to mind and I was just about to copy and paste a few inspirational quotes here. But because I am a mom to boys of a certain age, I’m going to skip quoting Nelson Mandela or Maya Angelou or Malala Yousafzai this time, and instead describe a scene from the end of the Dog Man movie (you read that right).

But first, some context in case you aren’t as well-versed in children’s graphic novels as I am—hopefully you’re okay with Dog Man spoilers… ;)

Petey is a hardscrabble, street-smart villainous orange cat with a bad-guy-turned-reluctant-softie story arc. Lil’ Petey is his adorable, ever-upbeat mini-clone who, after much persistence, eventually wears Petey down by calling him “Papa,” drawing him pictures, and insisting on accompanying him on various villainous missions—despite the fact that he’s befriended his Papa’s arch-enemy, the titular hero of the story: Dog Man. Unlike Petey, Lil’ Petey and Dog Man are both optimistic to the point of naivety. They see the silver linings and possibility in everything. One evening, while walking through the city park with his bedraggled Papa, Lil’ Petey points out the beauty all around them:

Lil’ Petey: “Look at the pretty river!”
Petey: “It’s polluted.”
Lil’ Petey: “Look at those cute flowers!”
Petey: “Those are weeds.”

Petey drags his mini-clone back to the warehouse lair to work on his evil plan to destroy Dog Man. But despite his Papa’s ever-present anger issues, Lil’ Petey remains sunny.

Fast forward to the end of the movie. Lil’ Petey and his Papa have just learned they’ve lost everything. Their warehouse lair has been wiped clean at the hands of Petey’s despicable absentee father, who Lil’ Petey calls “Grampa.” They are not unlike the two figures on the Five of Pentacles as they hang their heads and trudge to Dog Man’s house where Lil’ Petey will take refuge for the night. As they pass the same “pretty river” from earlier, Lil’ Petey concedes, “You were right, Papa.”

Petey: “About what?”
Lil’ Petey: “The world. It’s nothing but mud puddles and pollution and weeds. Look, even the weeds are dying.”

At seeing his own negativity reflected in innocent Lil’ Petey, Petey softens. He takes Lil’ Petey in his arms and sits down with him right there in the middle of the city park.

Petey: “Hey, kid.”
Lil’ Petey: “What?”
Petey: “Look up.”

He points to the swirling galaxy of stars and planets twinkling above and Lil’ Petey’s eyes grow wide with wonder.

Petey: “You want to know something, kid?”
Lil’ Petey: “What, Papa?”
Petey: “This world has a lot of problems, but it can never be a horrible place… ‘cause you’re in it.”

Once-villain Petey later goes back to that spot, picks the dandelions, and places them in a glass bottle he found floating in the “polluted river.” He takes a cue from optimistic Lil’ Petey and makes the conscious decision to seek beauty amidst the hardship. Petey presents the makeshift vase to Dog Man in a gesture of goodwill.

We talk about the Law of Attraction a lot in HypnoBirthing®. And you’ve probably heard me talk about it in Tarot as well—Like attracts like. Where your attention goes, your energy flows. When we focus on the negatives, the worst-case scenarios, the things we DON’T want, we unfortunately create an echo chamber of negativity. And confirmation bias ensures that we find exactly what we’re looking for. Pollution. Weeds. The more we focus on the negative, the more examples of negativity we see and the more negativity we attract into our lives. When we harness the power of Abundance Mindset, we can attract positivity and abundance into our lives instead.

The Nine of Cups invites you into an Abundance Mindset. Here we see someone who has everything they need. They are comfortable and content, their cups overfloweth. Even if you’re not feeling as contented and “lucky” as the person on this card, surrounded by full, glittering gold goblets, you’re encouraged to notice and be thankful for the things you have. Adopt a gratitude practice. Look for the glimmers in your life. A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. Glimmers are those small moments you witness or experience throughout the day that spark a little joy or restore your faith in humanity. Maybe you stood up for someone at work or maybe a friend had your back in a sticky situation. Maybe it’s the sound of your kiddo’s laugh or being on the receiving end of a stranger’s kindness. Notice the goodness, the abundance, the things that are going well. And watch as they multiply.

The Two of Swords then presents you with a choice: Will you set your sights on Lack or Abundance?

Lack or Abundance—which do you choose?

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