TAROTSCOPES | DECEMBER 31 - JAN 6
IX OF SWORDS
The first part of any major shift is sometimes the most painful. The period of awakening. Of seeing what doesn’t fit. Of examining blocks as a precursor to surrender. As developed as we are, when we identify where we want to go, our minds are quick to perceive all the things that stop us from getting there. The Nine of Swords exceeds our mental skill to slash ourselves by seeing that spinning out is a survival instinct which almost never works.
This week, as the Sun comes to join Saturn in Capricorn, we’re offered a clear coat of reality checks. We’re inclined to make lists, face facts and look with lucid eyes. Meanwhile, Mercury and Venus make sweet and sultry aspects to Chiron and Uranus respectively, mixing up the melting pot of eccentric wounds and insightful words. Uranus preparing to station direct in Aries at the end of this week can have us hypersensitive to the thoughts, experiences and elements of our identity that make us distinctly separate. This can have us telling tall tales about our terminal uniqueness which lead to escapism, loneliness and a depressing kind of detachment. On the other hand, when positively expressed, this set of aspects supports us to transcend deep cuts and embody a character in which we feel comfortably ourselves.
The Nine of Swords represents the process of breaking down delusions. Of looking at parts in the plotline where we put ourselves last. We can procrastinate the plain and true, living painfully in the fantasy of blame but eventually, the Nine runs out of false lives. This card suggests that we be gentle while looking honestly at what’s in front of us. Our anger serves us spoonfuls of poison with serious side effects. It can be unpleasant to notice where our choices have led us down dead end roads but this awareness ultimately propels us into surrendering what wasn’t working anyway.
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them.” Nothing in Maya Angelou’s statement speaks of revenge. No part of it asks that we act out, yell or rush to reject a person, experience or situation. The Nine of Swords shows us where we’re reacting rather than responding. Where we don’t want to witness. Where we don’t want to understand because it might hurt. Where understanding could also help. Where witnessing could teach us about the power inherent in wishing for something different. Where we could sit and do nothing and have everything still be okay. Where lack of reacting leads eventually to a lighter load. Deep in the throes of mental anguish, the Nine directs with a firm kind of kindness.
The key to this week is sweet self talk rather than angry external blowups. Don’t be afraid to look when you want to leap. Release the notion that you and everyone around you is wrong, especially when you know intentions are likely filled with love. Let the idea of trying something new be more appealing than forcing fate to go your way.
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.