Tuesday December 26th, 2023

Illustrate an image of a triumphant yet humble hero of Middle-Eastern descent, making a victorious return home. He is riding a magnificent horse through an animated processional gathering. In his possession, six ornate wands adorned with crowns of laurels are held, embodiments of his successful exploits. In the backdrop, the sun is taking its evening retreat, casting a spectral array of warm colors over the entire scene, signifying the closure of one chapter and the eager expectancy for fresh starts.

Tuesday Tarot Contemplation: December 26, 2023 - Triumph, Truth and Emotion


Good day to all my gentle readers. It is time again for our shared exploration of what the cards can illuminate within our lives. Today our theme is ‘Reflection on the Past Year.’ The assistant’s hand was guided to the Six of Wands, Justice, and the Ace of Cups. Arguably, these cards hold a promise of victory, balance, and emotional growth.

SIX OF WANDS:

The Six of Wands, traditionally, signifies victory after struggle and success achieved through personal effort. This card can be seen as a reminder of how far you’ve come this past year, with all the triumphs, both big and small. As the stoic philosopher, Seneca, once astutely noted, “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” Reflect on those challenges turned successes – are they not the forge that crafted your resilience and perseverance?

However, ride not too high on the horse of victory; humility is a garment that best fits the shoulders of the triumphant. Stoicism teaches us to maintain equanimity in both defeat and victory. With every achievement, let’s acknowledge our efforts, but stay grounded.

JUSTICE:

The Justice card stands for truth, law, karma and the acknowledgement of our actions’ consequences. Justice demands that we must be accountable for our deeds in the past year. Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor of Rome, wrote, “Objective judgment, now, at this very moment. Unselfish action, now, at this very moment…

The Justice card is a call to personal accountability. Acknowledge your missteps with the understanding that they were necessary for your growth. Yet, let’s not live mired in regret, but learn from our actions. This is the path of wisdom - to see, to judge, and then to act.

ACE OF CUPS:

Ah, the Ace of Cups. A card signifying the flow of emotions, compassion, and love; it suggests the start of new relationships, or perhaps a reignited passion in existing ones. Stalwart Epictetus reminds us that, “Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view they take of them.” As we continue to evolve and grow emotionally, do not forget that our relationships with others are just as fluid. Introspect, have you held onto views of others based purely on the past?

It also heralds a time of inner peace and self-love. Take a moment to appreciate the emotional journey the past year has taken you on, and ready yourself to enter the new year with an open heart and a crystal clear emotional slate.


As we wrap up this session, I invite you to journal on this prompt: How have your trials of this year helped mould your character? In what ways can you practice accountability in the forthcoming year and what relationships can you view with fresh eyes? Meditate on your answers, and engage with them deeply, for therein lies the wisdom waiting to be unearthed.

Embrace the universal truth of endless transformation and remember, like the ceaseless river, we too are ever-changing entities. As we traverse into the dawn of another year, may these tarot themes of triumph, truth, and emotional evolution guide your journey. Until our next contemplation!