3 of Swords Rx, 8 of Cups & 7 of Cups from The Haunted House Tarot
Who is here with me? 3 of Swords Rx – This is my brother Tom coming through. His death was violent and this image shares certain similarities.
What message do you want to convey? 8 of Cups – He’s telling me it’s okay to walk away; to move on to a new phase. I believe this is in relation to the resolution of my brother-in-law’s future residence. Even though I know it’s for the best it’s going to be an emotionally wrenching experience to see him relocated. I think my brother is trying to reassure me that it’s okay to feel bad about that while also being excited about what awaits.
What do I need to know? 7 of Cups – The 7 of Cups continues the message of the 8 of Cups. It’s reinforcing the hope that there will be many opportunities and possibilities awaiting me once the situation with my brother-in-law is resolved and I move on to the next phase in my life. It’s a card of magic and potential because it will give me an opportunity to explore different possibilities that will bring joy and happiness into my life
Once again this reading points out things I already understand on an intellectual level but haven’t fully absorbed in my heart. It’s going to be very difficult to watch my brother-in-law leave. At the same time I’m convinced it’s the best thing for him and the best thing for me. It’s not selfish to accept that I can’t do this alone, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to accept.
10 of Pentacles, 5 of Swords & 6 of Wands Rx from The Haunted House Tarot by Sasha Graham
I felt rather overwhelmed and befuddled this past week. I’m still trying to get things resolved with regard to a housing situation for my brother-in-law or, rather, I’m waiting for the Department of Social Services to do so. I realized they are a bureaucracy, and as such move at a glacial pace, however I have reached the end of my rope and can no longer sustain the current situation. I am in the process of selling my mother-in-law’s house and once that is accomplished my brother-in-law needs to be gone. I’m trying not to be harsh about the situation but I’ve been doing this for a year and a half with absolutely no relief and have reached the end of my internal resources. It came to a head earlier this week when my brother-in-law’s caseworker asked me to postpone the sale. To say you could have knocked me over with a feather would have been an understatement. This has resulted in a bit of spiraling on my part so I decided I needed to get some clarity.
I decided to try this Major Influences Spread by Nancy Antenucci that I found in 101 Tarot Spreads by 20 Modern Tarot Masters (Volume 1). I like three card spreads because they’re simple enough to not be overwhelming and one can always pull additional cards for further clarification. As you can see in the image above I drew the 10 of Pentacles, 5 of Swords and 6 of Wands reversed from The Haunted House Tarot by Sasha Graham. I do so love when the Tarot gives me such a clear message.
So, in answer to what are the apparent known influences in this situation I drew the 10 of Pentacles. The image in this card so perfectly fits my current situation that it’s unnerving. One of my primary goals or motivations in this entire thing is getting moved back into my house before winter starts. I had originally hoped to be there by Halloween but that is clearly not happening. I’m tentatively hopeful that I will be there by Thanksgiving, but I think it might be more realistic to hope that I can celebrate Thanksgiving in the house, even if I’m not fully moved in yet. So this image of a snow covered house with a happy family card in the foreground exactly expresses my motivations, desires and goals.
This 5 of Swords card is a bit unnerving because the figure in the foreground holding the knife looks like a man dressed in an old-fashioned nurse outfit. He seems to be holding the knife and staring at the heroine of the piece, but it’s difficult to tell his intent. I think this is to remind me that, while I am frustrated with DSS’s seeming lack of action up to this point, I’m not really sure what’s going on behind the scenes. All might not be as it appears to me. I’m sure there is a lot of behind the scenes negotiating and planning, to which I’m not privy, attempting to resolve this situation. And, as a dear friend reminded me during this week, this is nothing personal against me. As far as DSS is concerned, I’m actually rather irrelevant to this process. I’m the caregiver that provides direct services, but how it impacts me is really not their priority. I don’t have to like it but I also should be careful not to take it as a personal attack because then my responses create negative situations that don’t need to occur.
The 6 of Wands reversed reminds me that this isn’t a personal battle or a personal attack. As I mentioned in the previous card, this is more about bureaucracies that are underfunded and understaffed trying to do the best with the resources available to them and make sure it is in the best interest of their clients. I’m not their client so I’m just not their priority. If my need and interests intersect with theirs that’s great. If not, they’re not as cooperative. It isn’t an attack on me. If I can take the sense of personal attack out of it, I might be able to handle things in a calmer and more rational manner. At the same time, I think this card is reminding me not to abandon my needs either. I don’t have to go gently into that good night, and it’s important that I advocate for myself and my needs. I also need to be cautious about acting like Bam Bam Rubble, smashing anything in my way to emerge victorious. Remembering that these representatives of government agencies are not trying to prevent me from achieving my goals and desires, they’re merely trying to ensure my brother in law’s needs are being met as well. No one actually triumphs in this situation; it’s more a case of the best possible outcome.
Overall this reading help me clarify some of the issues that have been bedeviling me this past week. Ultimately I will get moved into my home and this house will be sold. My brother-in-law will be placed in a safe facility that can meet his needs. Both our lives will go forward. I need to be cautious not to let incorrect interpretations and misunderstandings create a hostile and negative relationship with these government agencies because that will not help this process. At the same time it’s perfectly fair for me to say that my needs matter too and I am not a doormat. I have every right to say enough is enough, and they need to do whatever is necessary to ensure that my brother-in-law is placed somewhere once this house is sold. That’s not me being selfish, that’s me looking out for my own health and well-being and survival.
Last week’s left me wondering how I could follow the message of the Page of Cups – taking better care of myself listening to my inner self. So I decided this week that would be the focus of my question. I kind of loosely envisioned the positions as Body, Mind and Spirit, but I wasn’t focused on those positions when I pulled the cards. Of course, as is so often the case in my relationship with Tarot and this deck in particular, I didn’t need to focus on positions to get the message I needed to hear.
The World, The Sun and 10 of Swords from Sasha Graham’s Dark Wood Tarot
The first thing that struck me about all three of these cards that they’re female, which I love. It makes it that much more personal for me. Two of these women are entirely nude, which reminds me that the best way to actually make myself a priority is to be completely honest with myself; to bare my soul, no matter how frightening that might seem. The figure in the final card wears a very revealing dress which suggests she is in the process of baring herself in order to move on to the next level.
The World reminds me that it’s time to make my physical health a priority; to make it the center of my focus. For many years my own health and physical needs have been put on a back burner and I’ve suffered the consequences of that choice. If I want to move forward from a place of health and wellness, I need to focus on eating well and being more physically active. I want to get to a place where I’m as proud of my physical self as the woman on this card.
The Sun, a card for which my Leo Sun has a strong affinity, shows me that my mindset also needs a shift so that once again I understand that it’s okay to make myself a priority. To move forward with a healthy mindset, and let go of the guilt and responsibility that have been holding me down for the last few years, I need to accept that it’s my time to shine; my time to be in the Sun. It’s okay to shine and not hide my light because I might be worried about other people will think. The Sun also reminds me that it’s okay to be warmed by the recognition and praise of others. I’m often very resistant to compliments. The Sun reminds me that there’s nothing wrong with having one’s achievements recognized.
The 10 of Swords suggest that this might be the most challenging part of my journey, the one I struggle with the hardest. At the same time, it may be the most achievable because it’s the one requiring the most practical steps. This will require me to face all those inner demons and slay them; to make my own journey into the darkness of my soul like Inanna. I have a feeling it’s going to be like lancing a boil or removing a splinter – initially painful, but ultimately necessary to allow healing.
Overall I find this reading very positive and a reminder that many of the things I’m struggling with right now can be changed by a shifting of mindset and being more positive and gentle with myself. Pounding myself into submission isn’t the answer to this situation. It requires a more subtle, sharp, Swords approach rather than my usual blunt, Wands approach. If I can follow the advice of this reading I think it will produce a hugely positive outcome which will produce long term, life changing benefits.
Get a Clue Spread by Nancy Antenucci from 101 Tarot Spreads by 20 Modern Tarot Masters (Volume 1) + The Hermit, 6 of Pentacles Rx and Page of Cups from The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham
The Hermit is telling me that what I truly know is how to be alone; how to handle things by myself. I know how to explore new territory in a search for answers and knowledge. I truly know how to rely on no one but myself. I know how to shoulder a burden and continue moving forward despite the cost. It’s a very short trip from self-reliance and solitude to isolation and loneliness.
The 6 of Pentacles Rx shows that I’m clueless about asking for or accepting help. As The Hermit shows, I’m comfortable, maybe too comfortable, going it alone. Asking for help has often seemed like a devil’s bargain to me. Often this is because when I have asked for help in the past it is either reluctantly or begrudgingly given or, after promising to help, people don’t follow through. At his often left me feeling like a character in Oliver Twist with my hand out asking “please may I have some more”. I’m clueless about accepting that people will be honest when I ask for help, and if they’re unable to do so will let me know. I’m clueless about accepting did people really do want to help when they offer. This is definitely a learning process for me.
The Page of Cups is showing me that what will help me transform my cluelessness into awareness is listening to my heart, my inner voice; being kinder and gentler with myself. It also shows me that I need to relearn how to be more heart centered, and focused. I need to reconnect with my emotionally vulnerable inner core, which is something I’ve never been comfortable doing.
Overall, this reading reminds me that while self-reliance and independence can be positive traits, they can also become negative traits when it makes one unable to ask for or accept help. It also reminds me that sometimes you have to be willing to be emotionally vulnerable in order to establish positive, healthy, reciprocal relationships. Reality is that always giving or always being the one who helps creates an imbalance in relationships. Denying people the opportunity to provide support and assistance can create resentment and strain, and may even eventually damage the relationship. If I want to avoid this I need to work at establishing a more balanced give and take in my relationships.
This spread is from Sasha Graham’s 365 Tarot Spreads. The Mystery School Spread’s cards are cast in a circle, symbol of wholeness, unity, and infinity:
1. How can I transform my consciousness? The Wheel of Fortune
2. What specific action can I take to awaken energy in my body? 9 of Pentacles Rx
3. What dormant ability lies within me? Knight of Swords Rx
4. What experience do I need to have? 4 of Pentacles
5. What knowledge waits for me? 4 of Swords Rx
6. How does my experience of life change as a result? 6 of Pentacles Rx
The Wheel of Fortune points out that change is the only way to transform my consciousness. Fighting against the cycles of changes futile and yet it is something in which I have engaged the majority of my life. I dig in my heels shake my head and stubbornly insist, “No, no, no!” At the same time, when I have accepted and embraced the change I have learned things about myself, knowledge I would never have acquired without experiencing the changes.
The 9 of Pentacles Rx is showing that the specific action I need to take to awaken my body is to actually pay attention to my body. Instead of being distracted by stuff and things I need to look within myself and listen to what my body is telling me it needs. Whether that is healthier food, more exercise, or more downtime and relaxation, if I don’t take proper care of my physical being how can I expect to have any energy at all.
The Knight of Swords Rx reminds me that my dormant ability is an ability to strategize and plan. Right now, I’ve lost sight of that because I’ve made a few decisions based on stress that ultimately bit me on the behind. That leaves me feeling off balance and foolish. I also realize that there is a limit to my energy level. Trying to do too much at one time depletes it much quicker, leaving me exhausted and burnt out. Recognizing this and delegating these tasks to other people that can help me is smart. Despite the fact that I feel like a failure because I can’t do it myself, this reminds me that it is probably the smartest thing I can do and I need to stop beating myself up about it.
The 4 of Pentacles shows me that the experience I need to have is one of conserving my resources. I need to prioritize my own needs the way I would someone else’s. For the last few years other people’s needs of taking precedence above my own and that needs to stop. I need to treat my energy like the precious resource it is;conserve it, value it, and use it wisely.
The 4 of Swords Rx reveals that the knowledge waiting for me is one of inner peace, solitude and learning how to truly be alone. I haven’t truly been alone my entire life, especially not in the last 13 years. I have always either lived with family or with my husband. The next phase is going to be quite a learning one for me because I’m going to have to learn to be completely independent. I’m going to have to learn to ask people for help because there will be no one here to step in and shoulder the burden without my doing so. It’s a rather frightening prospect but an exhilarating one as well.
According to the 6 of Pentacles Rx my experience in life will change how I look at the give and take of things. Sometimes we give to those who prove undeserving or receive aid from those we’ve never helped. Sometimes, it may not seem fair but I need to be true to my values regardless of others behaviors. At the same time I think this is a reminder that being cautious and slightly skeptical is not necessarily a bad thing. I think this ties in with the message of the 4 of Pentacles that I need to learn how to conserve my resources.
Overall this reading has reinforced some things that I already knew but needed reminding. I often find that when my own thoughts are the most chaotic, Tarot will help the universe remind me of my truth and clarify where I need to focus my energies.
Cards from The New Tarot/Le Psycho Tarot by Hurley & Horler
My friend Diane sent me a link to this reading from the Llewellyn website. I thought it looked interesting and decided to use it as my spread for this week. I find the message the cards have given me to be fascinating (of course I would, it’s about my life 😉)
Pile One: Top Card: The Hanged Man Question: What do I currently need to let go of and release in my life? 8 of Cups Bottom Card: An additional message from The Hanged Man. 7 of Swords Rx
Pile Two: Top Card: The Chariot Question: Where should I put my focus for moving forward? 3 of Cups Bottom Card: An additional message from The Chariot. 9 of Cups
Pile Three: Top Card: Ancestors Question: Advice from the Ancestors. Ace of Cups Bottom Card: More advice from the ancestors. King of Coins/Earth.
The 8 of Cups is showing me that what I need to release is my emotional connection to things which meant something in my past but no longer resonate for me. One of the first things that comes to mind is my doll collection. I have a rather large collection of Barbie and other fashion dolls and they haven’t sparked Joy in quite some time. It’s time for me to let them go so I can make room in my life for something new. I also think this refers releasing any lingering guilt about the situation with my brother-in-law. Intellectually, I understand that what I’m doing is not only the right thing, it’s the best thing. However that doesn’t mean I’m not occasionally hit with twinges of regret and frustration that I have to make this decision; that I was left to clean up this mess. The addition of the seven of Swords reversed suggests to me that the guilt I’m taking on isn’t mine to bear. What I need to release is feeling responsible for other people’s burdens. It’s time to start reclaiming my own life, and the only way I can do this is to stop carrying guilt, sorrow, and emotional entanglements that hamper me from moving forward.
The 3 of Cups shows me that my focus should be on finding what sparks joy in my life; finding new friends and social connections that help me enjoy and celebrate what awaits me down this road. Instead of saying no to things, I need to start saying yes and open myself up to the fun and happiness that can bring. This seems to be even more reinforced by the 9 of Cups, which certainly suggests feeling emotionally fulfilled and having your wishes come true. It’s time for me to take control and steer my path along the road that will bring fun, joy, happiness, and emotional fulfillment.
My ancestors seem to be reinforcing the message abov by giving me the Ace of Cups. Once again, I get a sense of reconnecting with my heart; rediscovering things that bring me joy and a sense of contentment and happiness. It is enhanced by the King of Coins, which tells me that once I find my emotional core and reconnect with my inner dreams, live a more heart centered life, I will finally realize my own worth and feel better able to deal with the practical day-to-day realities. I will become the ruler of my life; become more grounded, practical, and learn to appreciate and care for my body as well as my heart, mind and soul.
This reading has been illuminating in many ways; reinforcing some things I already knew. It’s helped me fine tune where I need to channel my energies as well as come closer to accepting other things which I’ve known for some time but resisted.
So, I’m having a problem with a neighbor over a small piece of property that belongs to me. She, however, feels that it is part of her property and has decided to try staking her claim by putting a chair on my property as though marking her territory. She’s never directly confronted me. Although, when I questioned her about what she was doing on the property, she did become rather verbally aggressive telling me she would not speak to me, and I should call the police. So I did. Naturally, it proved futile because she still behaves as if it’s her property.
Her property is to the left of the water, mine is to the right. The chair inside the fence, on the right side, is my neighbor’s.
I was becoming very stressed out by this. Headaches, anxiety, nervous stomach all decided to pay me a visit. One consistent trait I possess is that I’m very outwardly expressive when it comes to anger, I don’t internalize it. I sometimes joke that if depression is anger turned inward, I won’t suffer from it because I prefer to turn my anger outward. This situation, however, was getting the best of me. So I decided to do something about it because it had become intolerable and unacceptable.
When I find myself in times of trouble, Tarot always comes to me. So I did what I always do when I need clarification, I pulled cards! First I asked the Morrigan (my Matron goddess) “What is my neighbor’s problem? Then I asked my husband “How should I handle this?” And finally I asked my ancestors for additional insight or clarification. Here are my answers;
Pearls of Wisdom Tarot : King of Cups, Strength, 8 of Wands
The Morrigan showing me my neighbor’s problem as the King of Cups suggests to me that this woman would benefit from therapy. I’ve seen her in other circumstances and she becomes easily agitated and emotionally overwrought, disproportionate to the situation. She definitely gives off a vibe of an out of control neighbor who could easily cross the line into potentially harmful confrontations.
My husband sending me the Strength card as the answer to how I should handle this is just so true to who he was, and how he saw me. This is John sending me support, and letting me know that I’m strong enough to handle this. I shouldn’t let this get the best of me. I don’t need to become aggressive in this situation, I just need to stay calm, not lose my cool, and do whatever is necessary legally to make sure that this is cleared up.
The final card, additional insight from my ancestors, is the 8 of Wands. As soon as I saw this image the first thing I thought of was people plugging in to a tree or waterway (appropriate, as this property is along an arm of a lake). That made me think of restoring myself by plugging in to the nature that’s surrounds me. Letting myself just relax by watching the squirrels and the birds and the other critters coexisting on this property. When I shared this reading with two friends, they both also pointed out that it could also symbolize plugging into my support network and my community so that I know I’m not dealing with this alone.
This reading really helped me get a better handle and different perspective on this entire situation. I feel much calmer and much better able to handle it in a non-stress-inducing way. I’ve decided she can play all the games she wants and each time she puts that chair on my property I will remove it again. If she involves the police, I will just calmly explain that it’s my property and, unless she can prove otherwise, I’m going to remove anything on there that isn’t mine. In the meantime, I will figure out a way to put up a barrier or some type so she can’t access it anymore. Simple but clear steps that should prove effective.
I hope anyone reading this enjoyed the journey through my mini near breakdown. While I hope none of you need to deal with a similar situation, if you do, I hope this post will prove helpful in some small way.
ADDENDUM: I had a bit of an epiphany after posting this. 💡 I realized that although the King of Cups can indeed suggest that this neighbor would benefit from therapy; I think it’s also pointing out is that she is a master emotional manipulator. Now, that might not be the right interpretation for other people, but I have always had a problem with the suit of Cups. I would prefer to get Swords in a reading for myself over Cups any day (it’s my issue, I’m dealing with it). The point is, in my own readings, I often see the Cups Court cards as representing some type of emotional manipulation. As Mel Brooks said in History of the World, Part I “it’s good to be the king”. 👑 She enjoys the sense of power that playing these kinds of games gives her. To take away that power, I need to stop responding the way I have been. I need to remove myself from her little emotional games. I can’t believe I didn’t see that before! 🤦♀️
For the past few months I have been at loose ends. I can’t focus; haven’t been able to even start a new book; don’t even feel like changing out of my pajamas. As a result, I feel like a sloth. So I decided to gain some insight by using Tarot to explore what’s going on with me.
Using the Muse Tarot, I asked:
Why am I so unfocused? Queen of Materials Rx
What can change this? 10 of Inspiration
What underlying factors impact this? 3 of Voices Rx
Looking at the cards helped me realize that isolation and quarantine are negatively impacting me (something I’m sure us not unique right now. I can’t manifest what I want in my life. I’ve been forced into a caretaker role which is not innate to my nature and feels as though it’s sucking all my creative energies. I can’t focus on my needs and care for myself because I have to focus on others, and I rail against this restriction.
I can change this by taking baby steps; nurturing and tending to one interest, one creative endeavor even when I feel too worn out. Using the large amphora carried by the woman, I can carefully refill the smaller jars and slowly refuel. Instead of focusing on what I can’t do right now, explore what I can.
The reversed 3 of Voices touches on childhood feelings of feeling abandoned and excluded; as though I’ve been ditched in advance. Growing up I was always an oddball, a misfit and didn’t fit in well with most of my peer group. I had friends but even they didn’t get me. Quite often I felt like everyone else spoke in a code I didn’t understand and regularly mocked me (yes, I had issues). Being isolated and disconnected from friends and family right now triggers a lot of those feelings and made me realize it’s something I might need to work on a bit more.
I know I’m not alone in these feelings. In fact, in an odd way it’s reassuring to see other crafters expressing similar feelings or chatting with friends and hearing they’re going through their own moments of isolation and frustration. It helps me understand that I’m not in this alone, even if it feels that way right now. The best way for me to handle it is focusing on what I can do and using my creative energies in ways that revive and rejuvenate me.
I was recently reading a work of fan fiction in which the protagonist developed amnesia. The story focuses on learning who you are all over again, both the good aspects and the bad. This made me wonder how I would feel about myself if I woke up with all my skills and knowledge but no memories of my past, of who I was. As I slowly learned about myself, what would I think about that person? Would I be disappointed by things I had done? Would I be proud of what I achieved? So, I decided to work with my tried & true standby, my Tarot deck, to find an answer.
What positive aspects of the old me would I like? 10 of Swords Rx
What negative aspect of the old me would be disappointing? 3 of Wands Rx
How can I change that which should be changed? – 6 of Swords
What part of me would be changed the most if I had amnesia? Knight of Cups
So, who would I be? Page of Swords
The 10 of Swords Rx speaks to me of being a survivor; someone who is able to take a beating and keep on going, endure being stabbed in the back. There is strength, stubbornness and beauty in this image. She is not easily defeated and will continue on her journey despite any and all objections. I do think this is a quality I embody and it’s one of which I’m very proud. I think I’ve taken a lot of knocks in life; triumphed over a number of disadvantages and keep moving forward. The 3 of Wands Rx suggest that one of my less admirable qualities is that I’m not a self-starter; I will often let self doubt and insecurity undermine pursuing my goals, my dreams. I often became enthusiastically involved in projects other people have begun but rarely initiate them myself. This means I’m pretty good at helping other people achieve their dreams, but lousy at pursuing my own. The 6 of Swords reminds me that what I need to change is my focus and my willingness to pursue my own ideas. When I look at this image the woman in the boat has harnessed crows and has them pulling her across the water. She is alone, doing this by herself. The birds off in the distance are distraction, not part of her journey. This card reminds me that I can do it by myself, I just need to be focused and trust in my own ideas, my own thoughts. I can’t allow myself to get distracted by self-doubt, inner critics or other people’s input. The Knight of Cups shows me that without the life history I have had, I would be more open on an emotional level and more willing to pursue my hopes and dreams. I wouldn’t be so suspicious and emotionally closed off. Even looking at the image on this card I want to mock him and feel contempt for him. My initial reaction to this image is that he’s a poser, that this is an act to seduce someone into trusting him. Of course that tells you more about my state of mind and frame of reference than about this card. The Page of Swords as a reminder that if I were able to let go of my defense mechanisms and protective weapons developed to prevent and protect me from harm, I would be a perpetual student. I would maintain a youthful enthusiasm for learning new ideas and experiencing new things. I think if nothing else, the take away from this reading is that if I can let my defenses down a bit and listen to my inner self, I’ll find more joy and fulfillment in my life. Being a bit more trusting and open might bring untold benefits and satisfaction.
This card was actually drawn on January 23rd but it took me a couple of days to process it. I see it as the flip side to The Devil card that I drew on the 22nd and the reading I did in my previous post.
Having The Star appear so closely after The Devil shows that hope and healing are still possible even after such a harrowing experience. We can still find a light in the darkness no matter how how intense and overwhelming that Darkness might seem.
So, in exploring The Star’s message I pulled chords to answer the following questions:
How can we reinforce the thread of Hope offered in The Star? 2 of Cups Rx
What will heal the wounds left by The Devil? Temperance
How can we shine brightly again? 6 of Cups
What is the bright side to be found in this experience? The Magician Rx
What struck me about the reverse 2 of cups is that the image digests one way to re-enforce The Hope and healing shown in the store is by sharing our love and emotions, which we might usually keep between close friends and family or romantic partners, with others. We need to learn to embrace those that might be different and love them anyway. I may no longer practice Catholicism but the energy of this car reminds me very much of Jesus’s teachings to love one another as we would want to be loved; to turn the other cheek and forgive those who have hurt us. Such a simple but powerful message and one that I think will ultimately serve us all in the long run.
Temperance speaks of being forged into a stronger people. Using our differences as strength instead of a method to divide us. if we can move past the need to assign blame we can instead work to respect each other’s opinions and appreciate what we eat bring to the table two for joy nation into a place stronger, better and healthier than it has been in the past. It will not be an easy process and will require a lot of pounding out issues, smoothing disagreements and cooling tempers but if we truly wish it to be it can be done.
The 6 of Cups reminds us that we can shine brightly by growing up and accepting that the past is the past. We can’t allow nostalgic tunnel vision to blind us to the fact that things are different now and we need to adjust. The good old days were probably not as good as we remember and we can make a future that will be brighter as a result of facing that reality. We can also look at who we once were and try to become the person that our younger, more idealistic, self hoped and thought we would be. Or more simply put, be the person your dog thinks you are. Sometimes we let reality beat us down and loose sight of our better, higher selves. If this experience has taught us nothing else, it’s shown us how important it is to hold onto that side of our nature rather than wallowing in our most venal petty nature.
And finally we have The Magician Rx. I can’t think of a clearer way to show that the bright side we can find in this experience is to not submit ourselves to the will of others. Even if we agree with the beliefs and dictates of the people in power, that doesn’t mean we should unquestioningly follow their lead. The unfortunate truth is that people in positions of authority can quite easily abuse it. If we do not challenge them and hold them accountable, we might as well be cult members or living in a dictatorship. It has been said by wiser minds than mine that “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty” and I think that’s the message The Magician Rx offers us. We can’t rest on our laurels and trust those in positions of authority to always have our best interests at heart. We can’t let them drive things forward without demanding accountability and explanations. We can’t be mindless sheep or we risk losing everything we claim to value.
One of the visual themes that struck me in all of these cards is the transferring of energy. Whether it is energy coming from the universe to us, from us to others, or from us to the universe, each card seems to show this exchange in one form or another. To me, this represents the beauty and simplicity of “as above so below” and “as below so above”. We reap what we sow. The wolf we feed is the one that grows larger. These are warnings we have heard at various points which I think are very appropriate right now. if we want to heal as a nation then that’s where we need to focus on energy not on continuing to demonise or villainize one side over the other. This doesn’t mean that people shouldn’t be called to account for the wrongs they have perpetrated simply that we need to focus as much or more energy on moving forward and healing. I guess at it’s core, that’s what The Star offers us – the chance to move beyond The Devil’s traps and temptations towards healing and light.
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