Tarot Tuesday - April 2nd, 2024: Facing the Inner Opposition

On this Tarot Tuesday, we have drawn the Five of Swords, Justice, and the Six of Cups. These powerful cards give us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on conflict, balance, and the magic of nostalgia. The universe seems to be suggesting a day of introspection and inner journeying. Let’s delve into the rich symbolism of each card and discover the wisdom they have to offer.

Our spread begins with the Five of Swords, a card associated with inner conflict and tension. This card harks to the stoic philosophy of ‘bracing oneself against disturbances’. Society might compel us quite forcefully to conform, to bend, or to surrender our core selves. The stoics encourage us to remain resilient in the face of such opposition, embracing the tension and the inner conflict. Marcus Aurelius once wrote,

“The obstacle on the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.”

This is no call to arms but a calm assertion of one’s individuality and strength. This card reminds us that it’s okay to stand our ground amid the clamor of societal demands.

Our second card is Justice, symbolizing balance, fairness, and truth. Justice is the embodiment of the stoic principle of `tranquility’. As Seneca, the famed stoic philosopher said,

“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.”

Justice invites us to be mindful of our actions, understand their consequences and to ensure that what we do is aligned with our values and principles. Strive for inner and external balance, make decisions wisely, and embrace the tranquility that results from fairness and sound judgment.

Lastly, we have the Six of Cups, a card that invokes joyful memories, reunions, and innocence. This card, synonymous with a return to a more innocent time, asks us to delve into the waters of our past, not with longing or regret, but with a sense of joy and appreciation for the experiences that have shaped us. The stoics suggest the idea of ‘Amor Fati’ that is, love of fate. Nietzsche explains,

“My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity.”

This card is a beautiful nod to that philosophy, reassuring us that our past, with all its trials and triumphs, was a key part of our beautiful journey.

In conclusion, while the Five of Swords encourages us to stand firm against external pressure, Justice calls for judicious actions and fairness. The sweet nostalgia of the Six of Cups teaches us to appreciate past experiences with a deep sense of joy.

Journaling Prompt: Reflect on a recent conflict you navigated - how did your actions align with your core values? Can you think of a nostalgic memory that warms your heart and teaches you something about how you’ve grown?