Tuesday January 30th, 2024

A hand emerging from the darkness holds three luminescent swords piercing a heart floating in the midst of a violent storm. The heart is troubled, swirling with shadows and flashes of light that mimic the storm around it. Yet the swords, despite their seemingly destructive purpose, glow with a healing light that illuminates the gloom. Tendrils of this light unfurl around the heart, catching the edges and causing small flowers to bloom unexpectedly amongst the tempest. Each bloom stands as a beacon of hope among adversity, a testament to resilience and the power to overcome.

Tuesday Tarot Reflection: January 30th, 2024

Welcome friends, to the daily reflection. Today we delve into the complex story from Three of Swords, the illumination of Five of Pentacles, and the balance in Temperance.

Our journey begins with the Three of Swords, a symbol of sorrow and loss — but not without purpose. In traditional tarot, the Three of Swords evokes heartache, separation, or loneliness. However, let us remember the words of the stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, who asked us to:

“Modify your impulses: let go of desire, harness your aversion, limit your own will, let go of the future, commit the past to the cleansing fire…”

The pain of this card suggests a call to practice mindfulness, and bear our hardships not with resentment, but with understanding. Each sword is an opportunity to cut away what no longer serves us, to confront our shadows bravely and to heal.

The second card, the Five of Pentacles, reminds us what it feels like when things are apparently not going in our favor —symbolizing hardship, insecurity, and worry. This card could seem gloomy amidst the winter’s chill, but its message is starkly poignant in its integrity. As Epictetus states,

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

We should not see this card as a sign of impending doom but rather as a challenge to our perspective. It is a call to change our circumstances, to seek support, to be resilient. In the face of adversity, we are reminded of our power to adapt and strive, making the most out of trying conditions.

Our final card for today is Temperance, representing balance, patience, and purposefulness. Temperance advises us to practice self-restraint and moderation. It is a symbol of alchemical transformation, of blending elements to create something new and balanced. Reflecting back on stoic thought, we can see parallels with Marcus Aurelius who once wisely noted:

“Give yourself a gift: the present moment.”

Innately, Temperance represents the blend of experiences to create a more holistic worldview. Balance is not about eliminating opposing forces but wisely integrating them to manifest harmony, peace, and equilibrium within ourselves and our universe.

Journal Prompt

Reflect on these cards and on their interconnected narrative. How can you apply their teachings to your current situation? Are there elements in your life that need balance or healing? Journal your thoughts, reflect on the areas where you can practice patience and resilience, and identify the swords that you need to face and integrate. Remember, it’s not the card that defines us, but how we react to it.

Take all of this in stride and let the day guide you to where you need to be. Reflect, learn, and grow.