Tarot Reading for Tuesday, January 9th, 2024

Today’s tarot reading gifts us with a beautifully grounded yet hopeful narrative. The frames of reference for today are The Six of Cups, The Page of Pentacles, and The Three of Wands.

Six of Cups

The Six of Cups in classic tarot imagery is a symbol of nostalgia and looking back to the “good old days”. Yet, in the words of Stoic philosopher Seneca, “Time heals what reason cannot.” Today may dredge up a wave of memories, reflecting on past joys and maybe also past despairs.

But as readers of Stoic philosophy, we realise how we can’t go back in time, nor should we want to. Instead, what we can do is learn and grow from these memories. They are clues to our ideals, the values we cherished, and the lessons we’ve learned. Instead of getting caught up in the whorl of nostalgia, today requires us to acknowledge these findings with grace and look ahead earnestly.

”The past can’t be changed. The future is yet in your power.”

Page of Pentacles

As we move onto our next card, The Page Of Pentacles, a major theme of today’s reading becomes evident. It’s about learning. The Page often symbolises young energy, a curious disposition, and a drive to learn new things. In the realm of Pentacles, this focus is usually towards the physical or the material, practical skills or even wealth creation.

Paired with our Stoic understanding, we see this card as a prompt to start learning something valuable. Remember, the stoics viewed wealth not just in terms of money alone. Wealth is also the richness of knowledge, wisdom, and experiences. Keep your senses open, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to invest time in learning something that might bring long-term benefits.

”Wealth is the product of man’s capacity to think.”

Three Of Wands

The Three Of Wands speaks of a hopeful perspective, anticipation of what the future might bring, and generally, a forward-facing view. Drawing on traditional tarot, this card often symbolises a future full of potential, adventure, and rewarding experiences. It speaks of plans turning into reality and long-term visions beginning to bear fruit.

In the spirit of Stoicism however, we understand the importance of Mindful Anticipation, balancing our hopes for the future with an awareness of the impermanence of things. It’s great to anticipate, but we need to cling not to the outcome, but to the journey itself.

”What we anticipate seldom occurs, what we least expected generally happens.”

Indeed, today’s spread seems to guide us on a journey from reflecting upon the past with the Six of Cups, actively learning with the Page of Pentacles, and looking forward with mindful anticipation with the Three Of Wands. As we traverse this day, may we integrate these teachings into our actions, thoughts, and words.

Journal Prompt: Reflect on a memory that surfaced today. What does it tell you about your values and ideals? How can you use this learning to navigate the present and plan for the future?