Tuesday September 3rd, 2024

Tarot Reading: Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

Dear readers, our guide for today comes bearing an intriguing narrative shrouded in dualities and deep introspection. We drew Justice, The Devil, and the Four of Cups. These symbolic scenes can help shed light on how we might navigate the waters of our lives with stoic wisdom.

The first card, Justice, stands in her balanced nature, both a stern reminder and gentle encourager of the crucial element of fairness. Justice signifies equilibrium, logics and accurate judgment. She invites us to remember Marcus Aurelius’s words:

“Just as nature takes every obstacle, every impediment, and works around it—turns it to its purposes, incorporates it into itself—so, too, a rational being can turn each setback into raw material and use it to achieve its goal.”

This is your call to visit the seat of your judgments with fresh eyes. Evaluate whether the scales tip in favor of bias, prejudice, or unfounded assumption. To interact with the world judiciously, we must first seek to extend this equity internally - only then can we hope to externalize it.

Moving forward, we encounter The Devil. While this card is often misconstrued as ominous, it essentially represents liberation and uncovering of self-imposed bonds. It is a wake-up call to reflect on hidden dependencies and obsessions. Think about Epictetus’s wisdom:

“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them.”

Are there aspects of yourself or your life that you allow to hold you captive? Take this moment to breathe and disengage from these mental chains. Despite the nature of its depiction, The Devil encourages the breaking of shackles, and the reclaiming of power and autonomy.

Lastly, the Four of Cups urges us to reconsider our attitudes towards present blessings. The figure on the card stares blindly at three cups, oblivious to the divine hand offering a fourth. It teaches appreciation and contentment, echoing Seneca’s idea:

“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”

Reflect on this as you move through your day. Perhaps there are blessings or opportunities right under your nose, waiting to be acknowledged and received.

Each of these cards individually offers profound guidance, and yet, when sequentially paired, become a powerful narrative for introspection. From practicing fairness with Justice, breaking away from self-imposed chains with The Devil, to acknowledging our blessings with the Four of Cups, we are reminded to remain grounded and strive towards rationality and growth.

Journalling prompt: Reflect on a recent situation where you may have judged unfairly, and how you can restore balance. Consider the things you allow to hold you prisoner, and how you can free yourself. Lastly, think deeply about a blessing or opportunity you may have been oblivious to, and how you can show appreciation for it.