Self-Assessment, Completion, & Prosperity: A Reading for December 16, 2023

Greetings Seekers of wisdom on this fair Saturday. The spread today is a triumphant trio of Judgement, The World, and Ten of Pentacles. This spread calls us to practice reflection, recognize completion, and embrace the riches of existence- all through the lens of stoic philosophy.

Judgement — Awakening to Self-Reflection The card of Judgement, first in our sequence, awakens a sense of self-assessment and revelation. At the classical level, Judgement signifies a moment of epiphany, often signaling the end of one phase and the beginning of another. The ancient Stoics held that “He who does not know what the world is does not know where he is.” In today’s context, Judgement urges us to awaken to our ‘world’: our values, our actions, our character. These reflections form the heart of stoic virtue.

Today, prioritize self-assessment. Examine actions that may no longer serve you, thoughts clouding your judgement, or relationships that hinder progress. Remember, in Marcus Aurelius’s words, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength”.

The World — Embracing Wholeness The World, our second card, represents completion, synthesis, and accomplishment. Visually, The World symbolizes an ending that paves the path towards a beginning - a cyclical view of the world that echoes stoicism. Epictetus, a renowned Stoic, once said, “Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will—then your life will flow well.”

Take a moment today to identify and appreciate the cycles of your own life. Perhaps you’ve completed a project, ended a phase in life, or achieved a particular goal. Now is the time to celebrate these achievements and remember that each ending births a new beginning.

Ten of Pentacles — The Wealth of Life Finally, we have the Ten of Pentacles, the card representing material wealth, stability, and legacy. But Stoic philosophy views wealth more broadly than material riches. Seneca reminds us, “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”

Consider the wealth you have that isn’t material. The love from family and friends, the joy of learning, the happiness drawn from simple pleasures. These are the true riches in life. Remember to feel gratitude for these riches today, and every day.

Upon the close of this reading, I implore you to grasp your journal and ponder upon the following questions: What self-revelations have arrived or need further exploration? Which recent completions in your life deserve acknowledgement and gratitude? And finally, how can you shift your perspective to appreciate the unseen wealth that abundantly flows through your life?

Through introspection and self-dialogue, we find a path to become better versions of ourselves—imbued with understanding, gratitude, and recognition of life’s plentiful gifts. May the wisdom of the cards guide you through today, and always.

Until next Saturday, Helmsworth.