As Above, So Below for Thursday, 14 December 2023

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The reading notes for today’s reading are below. You’re welcome to watch the video here.

• Significator runes: Hagalaz (9th card, witch rune, destruction within established boundaries, hail, Norn rune of the past, celestial ice egg, protection, luck, trance work, Water; Populus (crowd, people, follower)
• Cards: 4 of Cups, The Tower, The Empress
• Patterns: Two cards from the Major Arcana (soul-archetype cards)
• Overall numerology: 9+4+16+3=32; 3+2=5 (change, innovation, protection, freedom vs restriction)

Hagalaz and Populus are the significator runes for today’s reading. As the rune that describes the above side of the equation, Hagalaz describes a transformation of some kind, while Populus, as the below or ego side of the equation, describes passively following along with the crowd. Together, the runes may suggest a shift in perception concerning a group that is influencing you, or it may suggest the need for more self-assertion. But let’s see what the cards have to add to the final interpretation.

Today’s cards are the 4 of Cups, The Tower, and the Empress, so right away we see a strong soul-archetype influence with both cards from the Major Arcana. And with the reading’s numerology of five, along with Hagalaz, significant change may happen today.

Beginning with the 4 of Cups, we see a man sitting on the ground, his arms and legs both crossed. A large oak tree is behind him and three golden cups are on the ground before him. And then we also see one more cup being offered by a hand that reaches out from a cloud. The Suit of Cups reflects the Water element and our emotions. His arms and legs crossed suggest a defensive posture so he doesn’t appear to connect with the cups in front of him or the one that’s being offered, nor does he draw any strength from the energy of the oak tree behind him. He appears contemplative, but it could be that he’s withdrawn due to a lack of emotional satisfaction.

Next, aligning well with transformative Hagalaz, The Tower shows a catalytic experience where lightning has struck the top of the tower. Fire has broken out, smoke is billowing, and two people fall from the windows. The card has a seven numerology which suggests a re-balancing is taking place, possibly reflecting a new perception forming. And the feeling here is one of blowing the lid off of how you see things.

So far, it seems like the reading is suggesting that something has happened that will change how you see a situation or, with the influence of Populus, it may involve a group you’ve been part of, or perhaps how willing you are to follow along instead of asserting your own position or ideas.

Lastly, we come to The Empress, and the suggestion of growth, fertility, beauty, love, the Mother aspect, and success. So, after the transformation experienced with The Tower, The Empress paves the way for growth, new beginnings, and potential success. You now think about things in a different way that you can no longer ignore, and The Empress provides the path forward for additional personal growth.

SUMMATION

Something significant has occurred that transforms your perception or awareness. You may have been uncomfortable for a while, but then something happens that allows you to see a situation, likely involving a group, in a new way. The positive side of this, however, is that now you have the opportunity to pursue new experiences without the influence of the group holding you back.