TAROTSCOPE | DECEMBER 9 - DECEMBER 15
VIII OF CUPS
Grief and relief are ancient kin. Acknowledging loss is an act of love.
In our culture, sitting with sorrow is looked down upon. Dancing with depression is practically taboo. Spending time with shame or misery makes you virtually untouchable. But those who dare to touch this troublesome space stand at the threshold of our collective doulaing.
The eight of cups is a lesson in all that the appreciation of grief can lend to us. It is learning to say no without escaping into abandonment. It is not so much turning away from hurt as it is choosing to see what’s hurting. It is not the moment of moving on but it is the process of recognizing we must.
This week, notice what fantasies you’ve been refusing to shatter. What glass you’ve kept frosted with the hopes of seeing illusion a little clearer. Wipe away the confusing condensation. Let the ugly truth break through and let it be less or more ugly than you expected. The eight of cups follows the seven, where we are caught in a sea of indecision over many options, none of them undeniably divine. Thus, the eight helps us realize when nothing presented tempers the burn of our hearts. Not even the situation you might be pushing for could really quell the current enough to feel complete.
The eight is the entryway. The gap of grief. The soft den of darkness where we rest before we recollect ourselves. The eight is the ritual of leaving. In our culture, we don’t really know how to leave well. We run away. We escape. We neglect. We are not taught how to depart with intention.
This week, be undone. Knots untied but not reknit. Practice casting; aside, away, off and behind. In the light and more importantly in the dark. Stay only until the end of the spell.
In other words, make a ritual of grief. Make peace with a parting prayer. Pay respect by writing out your adieu. Light two candles, one to leave and one to lead you. Tell the stories of the dead. Lovers and teachers, relationships and even personal talismans. A bye can only be good if you really bid for 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.