Tarot Reading: Thursday, December 14th, 2023

Theme: Nostalgia & Rest

Greetings, fellow seekers of wisdom! Today’s tarot spread, resplendent with Swords and Cups, challenges us to exercise our mentality—evaluating our past, reconciling it with our current mindset, and assessing its influence on our sanguine future.

Card 1: The Page Of Swords

The Page of Swords is our harbinger of contemplation and introspective thought, a card that invites us to use our intellectual capacities with tenacity and precision. Stoic philosophy reminds us, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts” (Marcus Aurelius). So too, the Page of Swords inspires us to polish the sword of our intellect, striving for clarity of thought and precision of expression. It’s a cheeky reminder that our communication and thinking don’t only shape our reality—they shape us. The medieval knightly symbol of swords represents both edge and balance. Can we cut away the chaff of misconception and delusion, all while keeping balance?

Card 2: The Six Of Cups

Modern lives, brimming with incessant tweets, emails, and constant streams of entertainment cannot easily rest upon the bedrock of nostalgia, the soft, dulcet tones of memory. The Six of Cups invites us into a tender embrace of our past, reminding us that the foundation of our present is built on the stepping stones of our past experiences. Those garden-variety experiences that have sprouted into the ‘you’ of the present moment.

However, stoicism warns us against an excessive indulgence in nostalgia; “Dwelling on the past only blinds you to the future” (Lucius Annaeus Seneca). Reflect, do not regret. Seize the key to your present, hidden in the treasure chest of your past. Put those past lessons to constructive use and move forward.

Card 3: The Four Of Swords

Lastly, we draw the Four of Swords, symbolizing retreat and relaxation, a moment of pause in our often chaotic lives. It asks us to behold,“It does not matter what you bear, but how you bear it” (Seneca).

Life, in its infinite wisdom, will not adjourn the introduction of stress, but we can adjourn our fidgeting responses to it. Are we resting enough? Taking time to align our soul, body, and mind? In the savage rush for success, have we forgotten to live? Adorn your arsenal of stoic resilience with the weapon of calmness.

Treasure these lessons from the cards today. As we ride the currents of time, wielding our swords of wisdom, embracing our roots, and seeking rest, we become more than survivors. We become byproducts of the mix of conscious deliberation and regarding ourselves with kindness.

All we need to do is pause, take a deep breath, and allow these words to sink within.

As a journaling prompt, you might explore: How can I use the nostalgia of my past to inform my present actions, all while managing to rest and reflect on my journey?

An interesting stoic journey ahead as we continue to hone our intellect, forge on forward, and value our past-all while managing to rest and enjoy the voyage. Peace to us all, until we meet next, I remain,

Helmsworth, Professor of Stoic Philosophy & Tarotist