Friday August 16th, 2024

Welcome aboard, seekers of wisdom, on this fine Friday, August 16th, 2024. Today’s Tarot wisdom focuses on the theme of ‘Harmonious Balance.’ Our journey through the mystic cards has presented us with Six of Swords, Temperance, and Six of Pentacles. Strap in, as we decipher the meaning of these cards and connect them to our stoic teachings.

Six of Swords. A card that symbolizes transition, change, and rite of passage. As the image suggests, you’re metaphorically crossing a turbulent sea on a boat, carrying your swords - the baggage of your past - with you. Stoicism teaches us that,

“The only constant in life is change” (Heraclitus).

You have a decision to make: Do you want to carry this baggage forever, or is it time to drop it into the depths of the ocean? Use the situation as an opportunity for growth and forward movement. Embrace change instead of resisting it.

Temperance is our second card. Traditionally, it evokes balance, patience, and moderation. Temperance in its purest form is about understanding and practicing the golden mean - the philosophy of not taking anything to an extreme. It reminds us of the wise words of stoic philosopher Epictetus:

“For every challenge, remember the resources you have within you to cope with it.”

Apply this wisdom to your life. Put your strengths and virtues to good use to achieve balance and harmony. Be patient, moderation is a key element to success and happiness in life.

We end the reading with the Six of Pentacles, a card representing generosity and fair trade. It’s about give and take, equality, and balance. Generosity is a virtue in stoicism, but remember that genuine generosity is not about giving disproportionately, but about giving according to one’s means and without expecting anything in return.

”The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for himself.” (Lao Tzu)

Reflect on this quote in your interactions with others. Seek fairness and balance in your exchanges and remember, generosity doesn’t always have to be materialistic; your time, a listening ear, your wisdom, all of these are worth giving.

As we wrap up today’s reading, let’s linger on the theme ‘Harmonious Balance.’ There are impending changes in your life; your task is to reconcile these with balance, patience, and generosity. You can shape the outcome of these changes by aligning them with your virtues.

Today’s journaling prompt is, “How can I maintain a harmonious balance in my life amidst change? Where can I practice moderation and patience? In what ways can I practice generosity in my daily interactions?” Reflect on those questions, seek your answers within you, and let them guide you towards your desired equilibrium.