TAROTSCOPE | OCTOBER 21 - OCTOBER 27
FATHER OF PENTACLES
This week as Venus moves through sextiles to Saturn and Pluto and the Sun slides into Scorpio, the darkening moon pulls us deeper into night consciousness. Furthermore, Mercury slinks closer to their retrograde station point. This immense wave of water and earth energy submerges us into the enigmatic bond between being depressed and needing deep rest. Still, Mars isn’t yet ready to quit the wind. As he squares the nodes and Saturn from light-footed Libra, we’re asked to ground our intellectual vigor in physical techniques. Hopefully this process will encourage a slower assemblage of a permanent and supportive perspective.
Under this currently oracular alignment of planets, the Father of Pentacles guides us into a firm yet flush consciousness. The Father of Pentacles represents cardinal earth, often reminiscent of the zodiac sign Capricorn. Let us examine some of the more esoteric qualities associated with the kind of supreme authority that doesn’t find its power at the expense of others’ pain but rather, in one’s own experience and connection to the divine.
If we trace etymological lineage of the word authority (with which we associate Capricorn) we find the Latin word auctor, meaning ‘originator’ or ‘promoter’. We might also think of the English term ‘author’. Here we begin to understand that true authority is a connection to and capacity for divine creation. To manifest an original.. To tell an idea. Simply put, one role of the Father of Pentacles is to give form to the divine.
True, if we further break down this root, we find the pre-fix au-, from the Latin term aurum, meaning ‘gold’. The symbol of the chemical element, one which we often equate with riches. True mass of wealth though is not physical, the physical is only the symbol for a more profound and godlike root.
AU is also the abbreviation for ‘astronomical unit’, the mean distance from the center of the earth to the center of the sun. A power so large that it illuminates this titanic stretch of space. Authority is born from a pure aura; a distinct atmosphere emanating from a person or thing. Like an aureola, a beaming circle at the crown of a divine being. Like the lights of the Aurora, an electromagnetic phenomenon shimmering in the night sky, also the name for the goddess of the dawn.
Today we see authority as the quality that enables us to give orders, to influence others and to make poignant decisions. But legitimate authority comes from something bigger than us. Connection to that thing comes from practice, from study, from observation.
Related to this thread of thought is the augur, an omen which foretells an outcome. In ancient times, augurs were often religious officials, carefully examining natural signs, especially the behavior of birds, divining prophecies and approvals or disapprovals of intended actions. To have something on good authority, is to have a reliable source. How do you design yourself to be reliable? How do you distinguish yourself as someone on whom you and others can depend? You do not lie or pretend. You are honest and forthright. You observe. You reflect on the meaning of things and you tell them. The Father of Pentacles reminds us to act in ways, seemingly mysterious yet exceedingly natural to our higher selves.
This week, see yourself as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Check in with what you are authorizing. To be an authority is in some way, to be authentic; to be of undisputed origin. Genuine like pure sound and light. Your ideas and actions are proof of who you are. Your capacity to influence your environment is strengthened when you are closest to this seed self. Your manner calcifies. Becomes firm and rich with experience.
When you have harnessed your authority you can then share yourself with the appropriate audience. The etymological root of au- is Proto-Indo-European, meaning ‘to perceive’. Words deriving from this root include: audible, audit, audio, audacity and latin audire, all related to listening. The Father of Pentacles reminds us that the source of our creations is what we have perceived in the divine order of things. We can only tell what we hear. Au is not so far from ॐ, the seed of sound. The pure essence from which all other sound emanates. Focus yourself on the present. Notice what can be gleaned from tangible experience. Offer yourself to the practice of listening and creating simultaneously. Be in command of your own aura. Give yourself substance with action that speaks to you.
WHAT EVEN IS A TAROTSCOPE? We often think of horoscopes as predictions that are specific to each astrological sign. In Ancient Greek, the term horoscope simply means "I watch the hour." To astrologers today, a horoscope is a chart that maps the planetary bodies in the sky. From this chart, we derive meaning that can influence how we work with energy. Regardless of our unique individual charts, we are ALL working with the same energy from above. Each week, I examine this energy, pull a tarot card and write a guided meditation with the collective in mind. My tarotscopes are meant to be read as inspiration. Please note that because we are all operating with our individual energy, some elements will resonate more than others. Take what you like and leave the rest. Tarotscopes are offered freely in an effort to cultivate collective healing. I am always grateful for your support in sharing this work with anyone you think it might help. If you are inspired or find support here, please consider making a donation to help sustain these weekly offerings.