TAROTSCOPES | AUGUST 26 - SEPTEMBER 2

SON OF SWORDS

The Son of Swords is quite the camper. Quick to find the trail and just as happy to lose it. A friend with a rhythm, he needs little swaying to come to your side. Faithful to the beat of every drum, he’ll just as skillfully slip away with the salmon headed upstream. Nebulous and nimble, he knows how to pitch a tent, so long as you don’t expect him to stay at home base. Before you can say “tomorrow” the fabric of festive conversation will get folded up, rolled with whimsical rods of reasons to leave, stakes pulled up from the ground and packed along a spine of indecision as he heads off in search of variety. His intention is bright as he aims to smile and please but many have been left wanting for what feels unfinished in his wake.

Technology offers us tools of dexterity. Connection is quick. We plug in for the opportunity to see and be seen. For fear of missing out, we watch and read. We self-educate. We adulterate. We call one another out over two-dimensional screens. Our intention is often pure, but our awareness of impact is not generally thorough in the shallow sea of endless scrolls. News goes viral, but not without infectious disease. We plug in to relate but somehow, in the speed of our searching, cords get twisted and cut, blown fuses giving rise to sparks of alienation that could have been prevented by more careful conversation in covered spaces - or better yet - out under the stars together, basking in the brilliance and understanding of history and time that is bigger than us.

The Son of Swords is smart and eager to learn. Inquiring often with critical questions, he has a mind that has moved on before it can fully digest the information presented to it. In a world where so many of our elders have fought faithful battles for causes we take for granted, we are rapid to reject their ideology in favor of our so-called inclusiveness. True, many do not always share our understanding of the newest queer terms. Truth be told, I often cannot keep up with them myself, try as I might to honor and use respectful pronouns and principles. In a world where technology speeds up the development of information and tells a story, then rewrites faster than we can read it, we have the opportunity to offer patience to many who do not share the speed of our conditioning. We are all imperfect, flawed in our focus, feeling profoundly and often without the tools to untangle ourselves. But this week, the Son of Swords presents itself, deft and determined to learn.

What can you learn from those who fought for the cause before you? Can you hear that perhaps they are not against your progressive values so much as they are afraid of their own erasure? Are you willing to listen to their story and acknowledge its relevance? Is it possible that they would find your mission more than worthy, so long as their fight was not for nothing? Is there a way to test the stronger fibers of your latest upgrade before attempting to discontinue the latest version? Can you call out your heroes for their spirit rather than their rudeness? Can you call them on the phone before you count them as zero in front of a hundred others? The Son of Swords lends us the ability to see things from all sides, to slip on someone else’s shoes, to change our minds and thereby change our hearts for the sake of connection. This week, find someone you criticized and cut them a compliment. Get rid of your gossip and give the floor to gratitude. Permit your curiosity to conduct your questioning. Learn to listen and listen to learn.


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.

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