TAROTSCOPES | AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12
IV OF WANDS
The Four of Wands is simultaneously an opening and a closing. Drawing the curtains in order to close a window so we can stare at the scene without the wind chilling our bones. A glimpse of a world beginning to form. A line we draw ourselves and a commitment not to cross it. A coloring in of our own form. A rainbow of consciousness begun to manifest. The Four of Wands is what happens when the dream migrates from the rose-tinted flesh of fantasy to the bones of something real. Suddenly, the thing we inspire is possible. But feasible possibility inherently breeds the difficulties that arise when we come face to face with reality.
Physical manifestation is not without its hurdles. Easy to soar the skies of our hopes and dreams, much harder to land softly, to posture ourselves slowly and purposefully, cupping the load, however light the weight, in our hands. Form is a prerequisite to function. The needle that embroiders our dreams can lead to a magnificent picture if we are willing to practice our skill with sharp and tiny objects. If we are willing to trust our own lines enough to paint inside them. To stop trying to create from nothing but to work with what we have. To remember that the tension inherent to progress is not a fence to block our path, but a wall where a gate lies hidden. And if we feel the call of the wind rushing through our hair, nudging the small of our backs, we’d best heed the signal to open it.
I think often about the prize and punish system within which I was socially conditioned. Sometimes it was better to not have a god at all than to worship something that would hurt me for mistakes I had to make in order to learn. Under a patriarchal system, we are trained to a very particular scale of saint or sin. What would happen if we invited a power that was neutral to sit at our table? What if the god or goddess who walked with you had no appreciation of good or bad? What if there were only right and left and no direction that was wrong? What if the only thing you had to do was choose? What if choosing to do nothing were also a choice? What if choosing the high road simply meant seeing things big picture while the low road meant a necessary plunge into pertinent details?
The Four of Wands grants us the opportunity to test the waters of our eagerness with newly strengthened fins in a momentarily holistic structure. It encourages us to try without fear of failing. It reminds us that a step simply leads to what’s next. The end’s not near. We are constantly arriving. The Four of Wands is an invitation to open the window and hang your laundry, then let the Sun do the work of drying it. This week, operate from the idea that when it comes to genuine dreams, you can’t mess up. Do the work of seeing obstacles as openings. Smile as you saunter through them. When in doubt, the simplicity of grinning at what or who is in front of you can bring more joy than you might have bargained for. And before you can think you don’t deserve a sliver of delight, remember there’s nothing wrong with relishing it. To not appreciate gladness might be the only way to sit in sin.
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.