Sunday January 7th, 2024 - Tarot Reading: Balancing Decisions & Seeking Wisdom

Good morning fellow seekers of wisdom. Today’s theme centres around balancing life’s decisions and seeking sound advice or guidance. As Epictetus once said, “Only the educated are free.” Let’s dive into a new journey, examining the nuanced wisdom of today’s cards: Two of Pentacles, Two of Swords, and The Hierophant.

Our first card, the Two of Pentacles traditionally represents juggling, balancing, or managing one’s resources or circumstances. Picture yourself as a circus performer juggling two coins amidst the chaos of life. You’re busy, yet steady on your feet, balancing different areas of life: work, family, hobbies, health, and spiritual development. Stoics understood some activities are within our control, and some are not, but we orientate ourselves amidst these with skill and harmony.

”We should always be asking ourselves: ‘Is this something that is, or is not, in my control?’” - Epictetus

The advice here? Focus on what you can control, and let the rest flow. You need not be swept away by life’s currents, but rather learn to skillfully steering your own ship amid the waves.

Next, we have the Two of Swords, traditionally a card of indecision, blocked emotions, stalemate, a blindfolded figure with two swords crossed over her heart. This is a moment of pause, perhaps an unwillingness to make a choice or see the truth. While it is at times wise to remain at a standstill, we must eventually make choices and take actions. Recall Seneca’s thoughts on wisdom: “As long as you live, keep learning how to live.” Life isn’t meant to be lived in stagnation.

”It is not that we have so little time but that we lose so much… The life we receive is not short but we make it so; we are not ill provided but use what we have wastefully.” - Seneca

The actionable advice here? Learn how to choose well. Even in difficult circumstances, practice discernment - this isn’t about rush decisions, but more about cultivating the courage to take off your blindfold and trust your choices.

Our final card for today is The Hierophant, an archetype of religious structure, tradition, and societal rules. The Hierophant invites you to explore tradition and receive the teachings of those who have walked the path before you. Think of Marcus Aurelius: “He who sees the present has seen everything, as it has been from time everlasting and will be till the end of time.”

”Begin – to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.” - Marcus Aurelius

Consider this call to align with tradition as the foundation on which to build your unique path. Seek out mentors, wise counsel or established frameworks. Not to follow blindly, but as a starting point - a source of wisdom from which your own journey can find direction and shape.

And so, we close Sunday’s reading intertwining notions of balance, decision-making and tradition. Learning to juggle life’s varied facets, making wise decisions, while drawing wisdom from the traditions of our collective past.

As we part today, I encourage you to consider our journaling prompt for this week: In what circumstances do I succeed at maintaining balance in different areas of my life, and when do I falter? How does tradition and past wisdom influence my decision making?

Remember, fellow seekers, the more you know yourself, the better you are at adapting life changes that suit your needs.