19 COWBOY
KEY CONCEPTS: boundaries, skills, labor, survival, tradition, adventure, individualism, identity, frontiers, a rugged person, a man devoted to the querent, possibly the querent.
MESSAGE: The rugged Cowboy archetype embodies the spirit of the American west. This old-school icon projects hard work, skill and fortitude in the face of adversity. His culture is steeped in time-honored traditions passed on from New Mexico’s early vaqueros. Sturdy gear like bandanas, hats, boots, spurs, stirrups, and lassos help prepare him for his arduous day. He’s more robust than cowboy coffee; he takes a beating but still manfully grips the riggin’ of his ornery horse.
Cowboy knows strong fences make great neighbors. Barbed wire doesn’t just divide ranches; it also groups common livestock for their protection. Boundaries provide stability and clarity of purpose; we don’t graze the sheep next to the stallions, but all of them want to stay safe from varmints. Cowboy knows the needs of each and sets firm border lines. If he’s in your cards today, follow suit.
The Divine marshaled order and limits in this reality; there’s a reason you can’t grow Joshua trees from tumbleweed seeds. Consider this: separating day from night fosters focus on tasks relevant to each. It’s difficult to labor in darkness and challenging to cop a snooze under blazing-hot noonday sun. If you seek true productivity, build stronger boundaries. You can’t do everything for everyone, and limiting diversions helps you discover your spiritual purpose. Could a cowpoke finish a cattle drive if he allowed distractions to lasso his concentration? Wishy washy cowboys prove plumb useless in stampedes. Could a bronco-buster mount up without first fencing that rowdy horse inside the gate? No way. Boundaries are helpful for tackling both grueling jobs and cheerful celebrations. It’s crucial to say “no” to counterproductive requests if you want to say “yes” to happiness.
RELATED SITES: NATIONAL COWBOY AND WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK; CHANDLER OPEN RODEO, CHANDLER, OK; COWBOY BOB, TULSA, OK; THE BIG TEXAN, AMARILLO, TX; WAGON WHEEL MOTEL, CUBA, MO; ELK CITY FARM AND RANCH MUSEUM, ELK CITY, OK; EL RANCHO HOTEL, GALLUP, NM; SIDE JAUNT FROM AMARILLO TO TEX RANDALL GIANT COWBOY STATUE, CANYON TX.