Friday, May 31st Tarot Insights

Hello, all! As we venture into this new day, I’ve drawn three key cards for us to reflect on; the Four of Cups, the Six of Wands, and the Knight of Pentacles.

Our first card, the Four of Cups, traditionally signifies a period of introspection, reflection, and perhaps even apathy. It’s a call to pause, to examine your emotional state, your current pursuits and desires. Epictetus, a notable Stoic philosopher, reminds us, “It is not things themselves that disturb people, but their judgments about those things.” Often, we trap ourselves in cycles of discontent, seeking external validation instead of internal peace. When we draw the Four of Cups, it’s an opportunity to question these patterns and realign our expectations with reality.

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

Next up, we’ve pulled the Six of Wands, a card typically associated with achievement and recognition. This ties beautifully with our earlier musings on the Four of Cups. It’s a reminder that success is measured not by what others deem worthy but by what aligns with our true self, our self-defined goals. The stoics regarded virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance as the only true ‘goods’. External achievements are by-products, not the primary objective.

”The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” - Epictetus

Lastly, we meet the steadfast Knight of Pentacles. The Knight, true to its pentacle suit, symbolizes dedication, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to a well-defined goal. This reinforces the principal stoic concept that one’s highest good lies in one’s own character and intention, the things most within our power. Our knight shows that virtue is a journey taken one firm step at a time, persevering through all adversities.

”Remember that it’s not just the future you can’t control, but the past as well. Live in the present moment, using your past experiences to inform your actions.” - Seneca

Today’s cards draw us into profound introspection, followed by a focus on directing our energies to recognize creations of our own self and a final call to gather our resources and channel them into consistent, dedicated action - the Stoic way.

For your journaling today, consider this prompt: Reflect on what internal changes you could make to shift focus from external recognition to internal peace, and what steps you can action today to align your efforts with your true self.

May these insights guide you through your day!