The Sanctuary of Our Own Life: A Tarot Reading

 

Well now, this is an interesting tarot reading. An expression of duality coalescing from the integration of four spiritual aspects of Self.  Three cards from the Major Arcana (somehow I can’t call them Trump cards anymore) along with two cards from the suit of Swords including one Court card, and one card from the Suit of Wands are present in this reading.

The presence of any Major card in a reading indicates an archetypal or spiritual influence affecting the querent. With three present in this reading, The High Priestess, The Hermit, and Strength appear to act as primary nonphysical influences. The fourth influence is the King of Swords, a Court Card expressing intellectual presence and given its position in the deck, I give it as much regard as the Majors in this reading.

I like to see a spread flow from one card to another, or from one level to another. I typically like to consider Elemental influences and/or physical versus nonphysical influences in a reading. In this spread, the Two of Swords begins as significator with influences flowing to her from the nonphysical aspect of Self. The woman sits blindfolded, her swords in balance, choosing the dispassionate view to remain unaffected by the world around her.

The energy flowing from the nonphysical aspect of Self supports the woman in her alignment. On the left are the feminine or receptive influences; the projective or masculine influences on the right, all emerging from the 4 of Wands, from unified Source presence.

There’s an interesting numerological pattern as well. Beginning with 4 of Wands, each side splits into two, converging into the 2 of Swords, the Fire of Spirit transmuting into the Air of Intellectual presence. The 4 of Wands suggests the sanctuary of Source, its will strong as it begins its focus into physical form. It reflects balance and harmony, completion and Divine Order.

The High Priestess and the Hermit begin the first level of influence. The High Priestess sits in balance as the Divine Feminine representing intuition and the Triple Goddess. She asks us to observe synchronicities and to go within, trusting in Self to find our truth. The Hermit stands above creation representing the Divine Light of Source, alignment, and retreat. He stands apart from distraction, his journey guided by an inner Voice. Together they represent the balance of receptive and projective influences. Both suggest proceeding from the inner balance of Self, staying above the fray, while experiencing all that physical form has to offer.

The second level of influence ratchets things up a bit. Strength in the receptive position suggests the woman stands in her own power, the realization of inner strength apparent as she lovingly caresses the lion at her side. Her inner courage allows her to experience life with confidence and joy. In the projective position, the King of Swords represents her rational, analytical mind. Her powerful intellect allows her to assess situations based on reason and careful analysis, reinforcing her confident approach.

The two levels integrate into the 2 of Swords suggesting alignment before action. The dispassionate view, or remaining in the observer role, allows the woman to make decisions from a rational perspective, preventing the ego’s drama from influencing the outcome.

This reading is suggesting that reaction to everything we see around us doesn’t keep us in alignment with Self. Instead of creating our own experience, we spend too much time caught up in the creative experiences of others. It’s no wonder we don’t feel in control of our own lives. We stay too long in the lives of others to appreciate the sanctuary of our own.

So maybe that’s what the reading is really suggesting. Find the sanctuary within. Trust the inner voice because it will never fail you.

~Blessed Be