A Stoic Walk with the Kings - A Reading for March 25th, 2024

Greet Monday with quiet mindfulness, dear readers, as we stroll through the royal courtyards of two kings – King of Wands and King of Cups, with the Ten of Wands as our guiding light.

The King of Wands sets the stage today - energetic, charismatic, and a natural leader. In the classical sense, this card represents vision, honor, and a sense of life’s natural rhythm, qualities that we should strive to emulate. Stoic philosopher Seneca once said:

“It’s not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It’s because we dare not venture that they are difficult.”

Let’s venture into daring this Monday and embrace the leadership of the King of Wands. Explore the day with a clear vision, start the work week with noble intentions, and fall into the rhythm of life.

In contrast, or rather, as a complement to the passionate King of Wands, we meet the King of Cups. A true diplomat of emotion and champion of balance, this king is deeply intuitive and able to navigate any emotional waves sent his way. He mirrors the calm surface of a lake, reflecting the world around him without letting it disturb his peace. Take note of his diplomacy with your own emotional realm. As Marcus Aurelius proclaimed:

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

Use the strength of the King of Cups to remind you to hold power over your thoughts, respond instead of reacting, and stay balanced amidst any challenges that may come up.

Underscoring this royal audience is the Ten of Wands, a card of responsibility and burden. Often, as we progress in life, our responsibilities seem to multiply. As we are persistently led towards our long-term goals, sometimes the immediate weight can seem unbearable. As this card emphatically represents, the solution isn’t to drop all wands at once, but rather, to re-evaluate and redistribute the load. Epictetus advises:

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”

Contemplate on what responsibilities align with your goals and values, discard the ones that don’t, and you’ll find the load a lot less heavy.

All in all, today brings us a royal challenge. Embrace the wise, visionary leadership of the King of Wands and navigate your emotions with the diplomacy of the King of Cups. Remember, to lighten your load, not all wands are yours to carry.

Today’s Journaling prompt: Reflect on your current responsibilities. Are they aligning with your visions and values? Write at least one thing you can let go, and one aspect in your life where you can apply the lessons of the Kings.