Tarot Blog Post: Friday, September 6th, 2024

As we venture forth into this wonderful, exciting new month and the joy of the coming weekend, we’ve drawn some truly invigorating cards. Today’s tarot reading is a trio of life’s many facets: emotional completeness, transformation and rest. Our spread consists of three powerful cards - the Ten of Cups, Death, and the Four of Swords. Let’s dive into their meanings for a stroke of reflective wisdom.

Our first card, the Ten of Cups, is a symbol of emotional wholeness and familial joy. In the classical imagery, it is often portrayed with a rainbow of cups, a beacon of emotional wealth pouring forth from the heavens. From a stoic view, it signifies a completion of an emotional cycle and reminds us of a powerful stoic quote by Marcus Aurelius - “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

Following on, perhaps somewhat dauntingly, we have the Death card. Don’t fear, dear reader, as Death in this context does not typically signify a physical passing, but rather shines a light on transformation, endings, and new beginnings. Fear not change, for as Epictetus would teach us, “Nothing great comes into being all at once; the grapes do not ripen suddenly in the heat of the day.” This card prompts us to accept change and transformation bravely, using it as an opportunity for growth and rebirth.

Finally, we take a moment to breathe with our third card - the Four of Swords. It suggests a time of peace, rest, and rejuvenation. The classic image typically shows a knight in repose, sending a beautiful message of recuperation after great work. Perhaps it can be seen as the calm after a struggle or a time to step away from the stresses of the material world. As our Stoic icon, Seneca, once said, “True happiness is… to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.”

So, today we explore the depths of emotional abundance, embrace the transformative power of change and end by prioritizing restful peace. Each card provides a lesson, an action for us to contemplate and initiate. Ten of Cups urges the celebration of emotional achievements, finding happiness in the love of family and self. The Death card asks us to fearlessly embrace the transforming nature of life. And lastly, the Four of Swords offers a gentle reminder to rest, recover and cherish the peaceful moments in life.

As a journaling prompt for today, consider this: “In the face of change, impending or recent, how can I find the courage within myself to embrace transformation? How can I appreciate the times of rest without guilt or fear?” May your reflections guide you in your personal journey.