Stoic Tarot Reading for Monday, January 22nd, 2024

Welcome gentle readers to this Monday’s tarot reading, a refreshing encounter with introspective wisdom and fiery determination. The cards drawn today are the King of Wands, the Five of Wands, and The Hermit.

The King of Wands opens our spread, a beacon of fiery passion, creativity, and leadership. His energy captivates us, reminding us that true leadership flourishes from the seeds of compassion and understanding. As Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius once said,

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

As we apply the wisdom of the King of Wands to our daily lives, we can embody effective leadership by eschewing bitterness and resentment, to instead mimic virtues that matter. Embrace the spirit of confidence, creativity, and determination in your actions today.

Our journey continues to the Five of Wands, symbolising a struggle or a conflict. It’s all too easy to see this card as a sign of doom. But in the light of Stoicism, we are reminded that perceived setbacks are not obstacles, but training grounds for our personal growth. Remember the words of Epictetus:

“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”

Facing adversity takes courage, but also the insight to see that every disagreement or clash is an opportunity to learn, to challenge our views, to grow. Nothing is inherently good or bad. It all depends on our perspective. Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.

Our final card today is The Hermit. Taking time to retreat, ponder and evaluate is necessary for our development. The Hermit’s light does not reach far into the distance, signalling a focus on the present, on the ‘now’. As Seneca once advised,

“Two elements must therefore be rooted out once for all - the fear of future suffering, and the recollection of past suffering.”

Don’t let the past or future rob you of your present tranquillity. Retaining a sense of peace within requires seclusion from time to time. It’s in solitude that we become acquainted with our true selves, separate from external influences and noise.

Prompt for Reflection

To round up this journey, let’s engage with a journaling exercise drawn from our tarot reading today. First, envision yourself as the King of Wands - What area in your life requires this level of decisive leadership? Second, bearing in mind the Five of Wands, write about a recent conflict and how you could use it to grow rather than letting it pull you down. Finally, recollect the wisdom of The Hermit - When was the last time you took a moment for solitude and what did you discover about yourself in the process? Happy journaling!