TAROTSCOPE | NOVEMBER 18 - NOVEMBER 24
IX THE HERMIT
One of the oldest forms of hermit is the hag. The wise and wily woman living in the far-off place. The guides who do us the honor of showing us their creepy, crawly spaces. The healers who prescribe haunts. This week’s tarotscope is thus, a Q&A, inspired by a traditional Slavic folktale Vasilisa the Wise who is sent to visit the old forest witch, Baba Yaga. I first read this story in Clarisa Pinkola Estés book Women Who Run with the Wolves.
Vasilisa: What do I do when it is hard to hear myself? I am physically and emotionally withdrawn. I am frazzled and my focus is mostly frustrated. My shell is hard and solid and the light lives outside it. Slowing down doesn’t work. Speeding up is impossible. I’m trying to be good but I feel invisible and nothing occupies my attention long enough to bring real joy. How do I change this state?
Baba Yaga: Child, if you want to get found you must first get lost. This is different than hiding from yourself. When you are avoiding, you still know where you are. Worries are for your dolls to hold, and for the warts to pop. See that stagnation isn’t a problem. Learn that turning around is a troublesome and very talented teacher. Eagerness is for the innocent, not for the fully-fledged. And maturity is only good if you can keep up curiosity when you know too much. You are crossing the threshold from jungle to desert. Mind the wide gap. Be at peace with what is barren for in those places, fruit is most easily evident. Your hunger will show you that rich flavor does not emerge from the ripest tree. It presents itself to the one with the itchiest thirst. Do not take your yearnings for granted. Sort your desires and fears by first allowing them to surface. Frustration happens when you are trying to check out but you can’t stop seeing that it’s not working. This is a wonderful place to be. Absorb yourself in it.
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.