Reaching Ever Higher Toward Unified Presence ~ Tarot for 27 March 2017

A young boy reaches toward an open window while the girl fiercely protects her material possessions. The Devil represents the choice within between a focus on self and one that embraces the greater good. Each of the three initial cards, the 8 of Cups, The Hermit, and The Devil reflect the choice to abandon emotions that no longer serve, choosing retreat to find wisdom within, and the ultimate choice we make.

The World appears in the hidden position of the reading while the Knight of Cups signifies the outcome. The suit of Cups, or our emotional presence, dominates the cards of the Minor Arcana with three Major cards providing the overall influence. When more than one card from the Major Arcana appears in a reading it suggests archetypal or foundational influences are in play and we should pay close attention to their message.

The overall numerology of the reading is eight, a Saturnian number signifying structure, discipline, and strength suggesting that a more grounded attitude might be needed at this time. This is supported by the illustration of the cloaked figure from the 8 of Cups leaving eight golden cups behind, staff in hand, as he ascends the mountain before him to a more fulfilling emotional awareness.

The Hermit suggests retreat in order that we find inner wisdom. He stands atop a mountain, his lantern shining its light in all directions. He is the Creator personified giving light to the world withdrawing in meditation and alignment with the Unified Presence.

The Devil is always an interesting card irrespective of the deck. In the Robin Wood tarot deck, it really illustrates how we balance our instincts with our Higher Self, reflecting the illusion of polarity within as one side of self protects the material side of life while the other reaches for a higher purpose.

We’re reminded by The World in the hidden influence position of the reading that the Fool’s journey toward awakening is a given. We can live life fractured by our experiences typically brought about by a focus on self, or we can choose a more compassionate experience that acknowledges the greater good. We ascend to new experiences either way at journey’s end.

The second card from the suit of Cups in the reading, the Knight of Cups, appears in the outcome position. A young Knight sits atop a white steed holding a golden chalice as they both emerge from the surf. Wearing a conch shell as a helmet, fish adorning his armor, it appears that the horse itself is part fish with its rear haunches resembling a large fish jumping from the water.

Emotional awakening is felt with the Knight of Cups as he takes a leap of faith into new emotional clarity. It’s a quest of sorts the rider and horse take, his passion in synchronicity with his dreams.

Sometimes we go as far as we can with a situation. When clarity is lacking sometimes the best choice is to step back and regroup. The Devil requires that we acknowledge the choice we make to remain self-absorbed or to seek a higher purpose in life. Trusting our inner voice can be difficult when life seems uncertain, but it’s exactly where we find the light of truth and the strength necessary to press on.

Awakening to our higher self, our Unified Presence, is inevitable; however, the journey we take is our choice.

Blessed Be