Tarot Reading for Tuesday January 16th, 2024

A fascinating, challenging, and constructive trio we have drawn today! The Devil, Three of Wands, and Six of Pentacles. Let us dive into the waters of our subconscious and see what advice these cards have to offer.

Our first card, The Devil, may sound harrowing but let’s meet this energy with a sense of curiosity rather than fear. In classical tarot interpretations, the Devil symbolises temptation and bondage; being stuck in an unhealthy pattern or addiction. It can be seen as a wakeup call, prompting us to address the self-imposed limits or negative habits that prevent us from living a fulfilled life. In the words of Stoic philosopher, Epictetus,

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

This quote perfectly illustrates the wisdom inherent in the Devil card. Surrender to your circumstances and seek to understand what chains need to be broken in order to move forward.

The next card, Three of Wands, is a beacon of exploration, foresight, and expansion. The bearer of this card is at a juncture of opportunity. The critical question to ask yourself at this point is “Where do I want to go from here?“

’Remember, it is not enough to be hit or insulted to be harmed, you must believe that you are being harmed. If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation.’ - Epictetus

Action is born from contemplation, my dear reader. Just as Epictetus suggests, your state of mind plays a critical role in shaping your reality. What sparks your curiosity? What lies beyond your horizon?

The final card, Six of Pentacles, is a sign of generosity and balance. This card reminds us that the energy we put out into the world is what we receive. The quote from Marcus Aurelius comes to mind,

“The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.”

As we make our journey in life, remember this simple yet profound principle. Do you give as much as you receive? Do you seek balance in your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being?

As the cards circle back to our point of departure, are we the same person we were at the start? At the heart of stoic philosophy lies the belief that the only constant in life is change. In the light of this reading, the cards ask us to embrace change, move away from self-imposed limitations and towards personal growth and spiritual liberation.

Take some time to reflect upon these insights, perhaps in your journal. Here’s a prompt: “Reflect on the chains that bind you, the horizons that call you and the balance that you seek. How can you move towards freedom, exploration, and equilibrium in the year ahead?”

And so, we discover our purpose and chart our course for the coming year. Till the next reading, may you walk with insight and resilience.