The Path Around Destruction ~ Tarot for 28 March 2017

Like the Elder Futhark, tarot decks are divided into three sections that describe the journey of self in form involving the inner self, self in interaction with others, and self in the greater unified presence. Twenty-two cards comprise the Major Arcana and deal with archetypal or foundational influences. The remaining numbered cards along with the Court cards make up the Minor Arcana, divided into four suits representing the elemental energies of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.

Patterns and relationships between cards are significant with multiples bringing a greater influence particularly when they’re cards from the Major Arcana. Numerology is also considered with some tarot readers adding numbers eleven through fourteen to the Court cards although I typically don’t consider them.

I rarely pose questions prior to shuffling the cards allowing the cards themselves to guide the reading. Three cards appear again from the Major Arcana which makes sense given the concern around the world over the so-called new guy’s endless destructive antics. In fact, we begin with The Tower which is so amazing in the Thoth deck. Fiery and catalytic, fire explodes from a mouth open wide, sharp teeth visible as the all-seeing eye looks on from above, its rays shining forth in all directions. The Tower is coming down, geometric shapes depicting people falling from its windows and roof. The dove of peace flies above while a coiled snake looks on.

The Blessed Conduit between physical and nonphysical aspects of Self, The Star provides inspiration and hope and represents our manifesting dreams. The Goddess pours healing love and light to the earth below. She is inspiration from the Unified Presence creating optimism and joy. When this card appears, we’re to wish upon a star knowing our dreams will become a reality.

Secret knowledge, intuition, and inner wisdom from The Priestess round out the archetypal influences in today’s reading. She sits in meditation, arms raised in supplication to the Moon, the blue, green, and yellow energies of Water, Earth, and Air rising upward. Her eyes closed, a hunter’s bow rests on her lap. The fabric of the universe stretches out before her as flowers, grapes, a pinecone, and a camel emerge in creation from her sacred geometry. The Priestess is the gateway to and from the unconscious realm. She is a wise counselor, finding inner wisdom from alignment with the Unified Presence. As card two from the Major Arcana, The Priestess represents the choice the Fool makes between a focus solely on the self or one that considers the greater good.

Skipping past the hidden influence of the reading, the Prince of Cups appears in the outcome position suggesting movement toward emotional integration. An eagle adorns the Prince’s helmet, a snake coils upward from the chalice he holds in his left hand, a flower held in his right. He waits while his partner in battle drinks its fill from the calm water’s edge. The Prince is passionate and chivalrous, yet if ill-dignified, secretive and ruthless.

The numerology of the reading is nine, the number for completion and humanity. Sometimes our lives need to fall apart in order that we appreciate all that we have, to see that our lives are complete as they are. The Tower falls along with its inhabitants brought down by influences so catalytic as to leave nothing the same. Yet the all seeing eye of the Creator is unfazed by The Tower‘s destruction, certain that rebirth and renewal are its true outcome. The Star asks us to trust in the power of our aligned creative essence, knowing that our dreams are fully within our grasp.

As we align in our inner presence, like The Priestess, we go within and create the world we see and experience. The 10 of Cups appears in the position of hidden influence reminding us that when in emotional balance, Satiety is ours to experience. Ten cups positioned in the shape of the ten Sephirot of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the overflowing water suggesting that we balance what we need with the desire to push past all limits. Self-doubt finds no purchase with the 10 of Cups as we continue on with our journey in contentment and joy.

I can’t help but associate The Tower card from the Thoth tarot with the so-called new guy. I still can’t refer to him as the president. He’s a buffoon and lacks the moral compass to lead anyone anywhere except off the proverbial cliff. But while he turns the country upside down our lives must go on. I’m not recommending that we ignore the idiot because that’s not realistic. But what we can do is keep one eye on the toddler while we go on with our day. He’ll hate it, but he has pseudo-campaign rallies and endless golf games to keep him satiated while the rest of us find our contentment and joy in more appropriate ways.

In the end, The Tower will be rebuilt, made stronger by the revelation brought by its destruction. Our wish will be fulfilled and the orange loud mouth will go away, replaced by a more balanced and integrated approach to governance.

The message of today’s tarot reading is this: Change arising from inner wisdom far outweighs any brought by destruction. A greater good is at stake and when the fire dies back and the smoke clears, a new tower will emerge, one built from love and understanding. All that the so-called new guy wishes would remain hidden will be revealed for all to see ~ an Emperor wearing no clothes, his countenance ugly and profane, hidden no more, his Russian allies nowhere to be seen.

Blessed Be