Stoic Tarot - December 21st, 2023

---

Today is the shortest day of the year, making the theme of our reading “Seizing Light Within Darkness”.

Our first card drawn is The Sun. In tarot iconography, The Sun represents success, radiance, and abundance. Yet, within stoic philosophy, we are reminded by Seneca that “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” On this day of minimal daylight, the Sun card challenges us to create our own light – to illuminate our path not by external validation, but through self-acceptance and appreciation of the now.

My friend, do not just bask in your achievements but remember to bask in the journey that led you there. Inner fulfillment does not rely on the accolades, but on the knowledge that you are applying your virtues and abilities to their fullest.

Our second card today is the Knight of Wands. A symbol of energy, passion, and adventure, he implores us to seize the day, or “Carpe Diem”, as the poet Horace once wrote. However, Epictetus reminds us that while we should be active, we should also remain grounded in rationality: “It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgments concerning them.”

In the hustle and bustle of pursuing your desires, keep your judgements grounded in rational thought. The passion of the Knight of Wands can sometimes lead to impulsive actions, do not let your passions unground you from the beauty of the moment.

Finally, we end with The Empress - an embodiment of creativity, fertility, and abundance. She inspires us to create, to lavish world with ideas birthed from our soul. Marcus Aurelius prompts us on this note: “The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”

In essence, The Empress asks us not just to create but to develop a life and work that are authentic to you, rather than a carbon copy of societal expectations. Embrace your uniqueness in your creations and be the bringer of new perspectives.

Today, the cards remind us to seize the light in the winter darkness - the inner joy within our achievements, the rational grounding within our passions and the uniqueness within our creations.

Journaling Prompt

Today, let’s reflect and jot down on the following: “What are three actions I can take to illuminate my own path, guided by rational passion and creativity, rather than external validation?”