Tag: Astrology

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: FOUR OF SWORDS

Notes on: The Four of Swords

(Centered in Between)

Artist’s Notes:
 
A rest between battles can take many forms. Do we spend it catching up on needed sleep with a sword ready to use at our side? Do we sit in reflective contemplation and meditation, replaying the last battles and see how we can improve both our game and the outcome? Do we travel deeply within ourselves until the call comes once before?
 
How do you define a battle? Is it an argument or a skirmish either between us and another one-on-one or between two sides, one of which we are part of? Could it be the simple battle of existence and the calm between battles that we face each night, each day bringing new growth opportunities and new challenges? On a larger scale may it not even be an incarnation, a lifetime of growth with the rest time in between beginning when our bodies expire?
 
Each level reflects those below and those above. Still, rest is a good thing.
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suit of swords represents thoughts, ideas, plans, and conflicts. Fours express stability and the manifestation of the energy involved.
There are times when our thoughts become too much for us and the inherent conflicts and battles that arise feel like a never-ending battle. We need to establish a truce, a withdrawal from conflict to meditate and be silent within ourselves, to gain further energy with which we will return and find resolution or synthesis of the ongoing struggle. The four of swords represent this time of withdrawal and meditation.
 
 
Astrological Correspondent:
 
Jupiter in Libra- The Jupiter in Libra energy is impartial, fair and open-minded, and willing to consider all sides. It seeks harmony and resolution but at times can become indecisive when there is not a clear solution that will benefit all. Jupiter wishes to expand truthfully while the Libra energy tends to be diplomatic and wants everyone to be happy. These two energies can often bring one to a deadlock at which time it benefits one to meditate on the solution
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Four of Swords occurs in a reading, a moment of rest occurs in a conflict. This does not mean that the conflict has gone away as much as that it is time to take stock and look at possible outcomes and solutions before the battle starts up again. It is best not to fool oneself that things have resolved as this card does not mean peace but a brief pause for healing and reflection. Further effort will be necessary
 
When the Four of Swords shows up reversed or badly aspected,, it may mean that the truce is over and that it is time to return and resolve the conflicts at hand. If the inner work has been done during the truce time then the resolution will be possible.
–GAR
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
In a time when divination wasn’t born what defined fate? In the words of the Spider, he would say this.
 
“Purpose and conviction are two sides of the same coin. Both entail a concept greater than what we can grok. Time may assist at times but True Fate is timeless. You may postpone what i weave but that doesn’t mean you are home-free. Fate waits for when you forget even if that means waiting till your higher self forces this burden on you. After all the more you fight the more energy you waste.”
 
To be held captive by our conviction is the greatest gift and curse that has been bestowed on those tied to fate. The more we sit in our power the more we achieve but we are held responsible for the personal gains as well. Each life will define its karmic weight through its actions. So what will you do? Become a legend puppet or and waste of thread?
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: THREE OF SWORDS

Notes on: The Three of Swords

(The Last Connection)

Artist’s Notes:
 
Two beings are in conflict and then a third decisively ends it, severing the strong negative attraction. Still, both beings are feeling somewhat bereft. They might not understand why it had to end.
Yet, from the point of view of fate, everything happens in its time. We are left to pick up the pieces when the bubble pops. The best way is by looking at the attachment dispassionately. Was it necessary to have that conflict in our lives? It was definitely intense and few things are as drug-like as strong emotions. A period of reflection to understand the nature of the connection and how to form new ones without toxicity might be in order. One question to ask always is whether the lesson was worth the price. We don’t ask this to recriminate or obsess over the past as much as to understand and develop our own values.
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suit of swords represents thoughts, ideas, plans, and conflicts. Threes deal with maturity, accomplishment, and transmission of the energy involved. Thought separates one thing from another for the purposes of comparing and contrasting, breaking down, and analyzing. What is that energy of separation in its maturity but that of sorrow and loss? When we find separation from those we loved and cherished we feel grief. When we find that we can no longer hold on to things we once innocently believed there is grief as well. Knowledge replaces faith and we grow wiser but sometimes it hurts. In the long run, the separation itself is an illusion tho. Every relationship (whether it be with beliefs, places, or people) still exists and we still learn from it. They have just moved into the past.
 
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
Saturn in Libra- Saturn is the planet of hard lessons and when in Libra, the focus of the lessons is our relationships and partnerships. When our relationships come under scrutiny, then we notice the flaws, and what we need to learn from them becomes apparent. This can often result in learning the lesson and moving on or learning the lesson and rebuilding the relationship using what we have learned.
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Three of Swords comes up in a reading, it often means separating from something or someone the querent has loved and the ensuing grief that that provides. Heartache. It may be helpful to give some time needed to reflect and heal.
Threes can also represent a balance. In this case, if there is an imbalance between two plans, ideas, or people and a tendency for one to be subsumed within the other, the Three of Swords can clearly if painfully state “This is your stuff and this is mine and this is what we need to work on before harmony can happen”
When the Three of Swords comes out reversed or badly aspected in a reading, it may mean a clinging to old hurts and separations and an inability to move on and put them in the past. It can show someone who has not yet accepted the ‘gift’ of insight the separation gives.
The Inversed Three may also mean that one is trying so hard to keep a bad relationship going that they are subsuming themselves rather than showing who they honestly are. This in the long term is seldom healthy.
 
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
The weight of our burdens will come crashing down one day whether we like it or not. This moment when the line was crossed for the Spider was when his life mate was murdered in the first dragon war. In the pits of all his despair for the loss of his only anchor, the first horror of Magick was born, the Word of Power Death. A single utterance gave awareness and power to a new force, mortality, in a world thought to be undying.
 
This was only the beginning, however. In a short span of time, all began to age as time gained an immense foothold and importance in reality as it affect both mortal and immortal alike.
 
When that last straw falls and it breaks your back you are forced to act to ensure you will live on. Claw your true power out of the hole you left it in. Take the blood, sweat, and tears and swallow your pride for even the greatest forces must act when it is their time. So what will you do crumble or perish?

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: TWO OF SWORDS

Notes on: The Two of Swords

(Held to Truth)

Artist’s Notes:
A Male Figure with the head of fox spars with his reflection in a cavern. He is working at conceiving of and countering any move that an opponent may utilize against him. In a very literal sense, he has his sword at his own neck, ever seeking to improve his skills and his strategy so that when the time comes he will know when to act and the best way in which to do so. Above him is the i Ching hexagram which corresponds to this energy T’ai or Peace where both the Earth trigram and the Heaven Trigram are in balance in each other’s natural place.
It often feels in these times as if life is pushing us not to act in ways that would be beneficial to our progress and growth, but to react, following other people’s agendas and not our own.
It helps then, to prepare ourselves and challenge ourselves each step of the way. Is this really the time to act? Is this what I want to do? Will this benefit me and others in the long run or is it just surrender to Adrenaline and the mood of the moment?
Sometimes, the best course of action is to not act until the time is absolutely right and then to act fearlessly without any self-doubt whatsoever.
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suit of swords represents thought, ideas, and plans. Twos represent duality, subject, and object. What do we do when two separate ideas are presented to us. We can let them battle themselves into the ground and engage in endless debate or we can sit with them first contemplating one and then the other, thesis and antithesis until we reach a synthesis that integrates the best aspects of both. The forming of this synthesis can bring total release and peace. Of course, then a new antithesis to the synthesis appears and the process continues.
 
 
Astrological Correspondent:
 
Moon in Libra – The Moon in Libra is all about peaceful aesthetics. People with this placement tend to be aware of all sides of a situation and are able to find a compromise (synthesis) with all. Again though this synthesis comes from a full understanding of all sides of the equation.
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Two of Swords shows up in a reading things are at an impasse and it might be time to withdraw and consider both paths. There is an inherent tension between Thesis and Antithesis so eventually, it will need to resolve but time can be taken to look at both and arrive at the optimum solution. (Compare this then the Two of Wands which suggests immediate action)
When the Two of Swords shows up reversed or badly aspected in reading then the weight of the decision has become too much. Either matter have fallen out of our hands or things have collapsed because of the inherent tension.
–GAR
 
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
The Spider once told me that his definition of friendship was someone who always had his sword at your throat forcing you to grow.
Another time he told me that this symbolized the three points of the friendship sword and that friends should have swords at the heart and groin as well.
The Spider doesn’t have many friends.
Nor is he wrong.
–NF
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: ACE OF SWORDS

Notes on: The Ace of Swords

(Seed of Fate and Air)

Artist’s Notes:
 
There are few things as mighty as a new idea or viewpoint. Indeed it shines as a beacon in the night as it looks to either become part of the collective web of thoughts out there or to break through. Each must stand or fall according to its own merit though some may be helped along by the encouragement of various beings.
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suit of swords represents thought, ideas, and plans. The Ace of Swords reveals a new way of thinking and a clear direction. It represents discernment, new insights, and new direction. In discernment, we transcend duality. No matter how clear the path our discernment shows us we still need to follow through. The aces are after all but seeds. How well we are prepared and whether we find our way to its end is up to us.
 
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
Swords represent the element of air. Air both represents thought and intellect as well as communication of all kinds. It tends to be a swift-moving, aloof element. The three air signs are Gemini, which tends to be pure intellect, Libra, which represents aesthetic intellect, and Aquarius which is involved with social construction and breaking away from what has come before.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
In a reading, the Ace of Swords can represent both a new way of looking at things or seeing something that we were missing before. It can show a new clarity of thought or perception. It can also represent a new conflict that has arisen and a new challenge to be faced. It can represent something new that we are attempting to learn.
 
There may also be some kind of message or communication that is coming to us from a new source or direction.
When reversed or badly aspected, the clarity of the sword has been obscured. It may feel like the path ahead cannot be seen clearly. The Ace reversed can also represent delusional thinking where our prejudices and preconceptions are interfering with clear thought. It can also refer to someone trying to change their outlook or learning something new but hitting roadblocks.
–GAR
 
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
Among the pillars, it was the Spider who held the most malice. It was he who started the cycle of war by breaking the peace the other Pillars held. Pledged to end cycles and start new one he became bound to the force we call Fate. The father of magick and language he holds the communication of reality together with his fabled web. Little is known of its power but it is reported by the other pillars that purpose only came after he made it.
 
Every cycle must start to ensure new ideas can come into being. Bound tightly to our greater purpose, we all are bound to Fate’s web. Though it is important we take our first step on that journey. How will you start yours?
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: PRINCESS OF CUPS

Notes on: The Princess of Cups

(Open to Wonder)

Artist’s Notes:
 
A Young water elemental looks on, interested in everything that goes on around her. Around her, there are the natural treasures of the deep, golden and blue flowers and green coral. Fish swim around and in every direction lie new things to invoke one’s sense of wonder.
 
In this card, the boundary between innocence and inner sense dissolves.
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Cups deals with our emotional nature including love, both that in a relationship between two (and rarely more) people and that of friends and companions.
Princesses represent the grounding or emergence of the energy involved. Water is the medium for crystallization. When enough of a substance is combined with water it crystallizes and a new substance is born. The questions that come from an innocent mind can often form new realizations in even the most jaded of hearts.
 
The Princess of Cups has many of the best qualities we associate with childhood. She is open-hearted and imaginative, sympathetic, and seeking to understand and learn. Often they exhibit psychic abilities and can be very dreamlike. The archetype that springs immediately to mind is The Little Prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s book of the same name. There is much inspiration and realizations sparked by the questions and play of our inner child if we were to listen.
 
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
(Earth of Water) -When water becomes laden with enough particles, crystalization occurs. In a similar way when our emotional natures become too intense, there is bound to be some acting out or concrete behavioural episode that will result. This can result in something beautiful or artistic or some horrifying act.
As the seed of water, we can find within the Princess of Cups, elements of the signs of Cancer, (Nurturing), Scorpio (Protection), and Pisces (Psychic, Dreamlike awareness).
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Princess of Cups is seen in a reading, it often tells us that we need to access the child within and take time out to dream and play. It may also be telling us that we need to rely on our intuition and what’s more to trust it. The card may also be suggesting that it is time to gain a greater spiritual understanding either within the system we followed when we were younger or in a new direction that will re-spark our inner life. The Princess of Cups may refer to a child coming into our lives who will reawaken our sense of wonder.
 
The Princess of Cups reversed or badly aspected in a reading may refer to a time when we have let ourselves play a little too much. Perhaps we have confused our inner and outer realities and have caused discomfort to ourselves and others. We may be acting impulsively and ignoring some of the consequences of our actions. The card may also refer to either ourselves or someone around us becoming disturbed by psychic flashes or visions that they are having. It indicates that it is a good time for a reality check.
–GAR
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
The bias of time is one of the 4 Absolute energy biases to form before creation was formed. While many would say it is cruel, this bias is the one that is constantly making everything move. Cracking the whip at every turn it moulds the flow of reality so that the lesser biases act accordingly. It expresses its absolute desire to always stay moving regardless of the hurt or joy we are feeling. This endless motion is the reason for its powerful healing properties.
 
We all have the ability to move on from an injury. To drop the torch we once held and move to another that is better for us. Step forward till it hurts no more and let the damage pass. In due time all vanishes after all this is the true essence of time.
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: QUEEN OF CUPS

Notes on: The Queen of Cups

(Piercing the Depths)

Artist’s Notes:
 
It is not an accident that almost everyone will find their attention captured by something within the waters of this card yet the whole image may be difficult to fathom. Such are the depths and currents of water. We gaze into it and what we see is a reflection of ourselves. Yet that is only the surface and the depths continue well beyond our perception. We stir these waters at our peril and only if we wish to confront that which may be hidden within emotion or within time for a reason. Yet it is so peaceful, simply gazing at the card and contemplating allowing what may come.
When expressed by a person, this can often be someone who understands others intuitively and provides what they need while keeping her own feelings submerged and all but unknowable.
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Cups deals with our emotional nature including love, both that as in a relationship between two (and rarely more) people and that of friends and companions.
 
The Queens are the receptive and nurturing form of energy.
As Water of Water in an elemental sense, the Queen of Cups takes everything in, giving the feeling that it is all received, understood, and appreciated in full. Somehow she conveys this without showing any outward sign of being affected by it. She has an amazing sense of aesthetics and will surround herself with beauty. This is as much a sense that she carries around with her more than acting from any need. She is a dreamer of beautiful dreams and she reflects back on everything we show her with a sense of love. Her depths are not easily fathomed and very few, if any, will get to see what’s beneath the surface. She is fair and generous towards all.
 
At her most negative tho, the love and honest reflection of what we show her is lost as even she has lost touch with her inner self. Instead, ever seeking that current, she will manipulate the emotions of those around her, provoking the emotional energy that she needs.
 
 
Astrological Correspondent:
 
21° Gemini – 20° Cancer
Elemental: Water of Water
 
The combination of the omnidirectional interest of Gemini and the sensitive intuitive home builder of Cancer shows someone who wishes everyone to be comfortable around them even at the expense of a mask of the deepest neutrality. They love to feel that they are helping and providing for others and make wonderful tho at times dictatorial hosts/hostesses. They may have an element of moodiness tho they will seldom show it except to those with whom they feel close.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Queen of Cups shows up in a reading, there may be a call to be open and receptive to who or whatever comes your way. Remember being open to someone does not mean being in agreement or even siding with them, as much as it is to hear them out. The card may also refer to someone in our environment who is there for us in a maternal way, generous, caring, and social though possibly quite remote. This person feels like someone who will listen and make it all better or at least who will or can understand. This card may also represent ourselves and maybe tell us to be as open to what goes on beneath our surface as we are to the voices and cares of those around us.
 
When the Queen of Cups turns up reversed, it may be referring to someone who has become out of touch with the needs of others (consider the story commonly told about Marie Antoinette who when told that the peasants had no bread was believed to reply “Let them eat cake.”) This person may have let ambition get ahead of compassion and maybe manipulative and dishonest while portraying a gentle-hearted generous facade.
–GAR
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
Gaia sought to deliver the best love she could give to her children. Just as the Fish of time had raised her, she was stern but caring even at the worst of times. Those who crossed her family drowned in her intense emotions while knowing they messed up. Time taught that in order to become stronger sometimes you must take your emotions and use them to ensure what you care for is safe. Each child will wander but your gaze will never waver after all it is for their safety and your sanity.
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: TEN OF CUPS

Notes on: The Ten of Cups

(A Happy Conclusion)

Artist’s Notes:
 
The ten of cups is one of those that has always both intrigued and worried at me the most. I think of it most often as the ‘happy ever after’ card yet the way that the card is normally portrayed, there is a young family with kids and rainbows. Everyone has truly met a happy conclusion. Yet the question invariably comes up for me. What happens next? If this card, shows the pinnacle of happiness on the physical plane then surely any change is unlikely to be for the better. That does not mean I see unhappiness as much as the human need to grow and change and that leads to new issues. The story never ends and every ending leads invariably to a new beginning. This I symbolized by the caduceus with its two snakes looking longingly at each other in a way that is almost reminiscent of the aces even as the ten cups and the array of colours symbolizes the ending.
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Cups deals with our emotional nature including love, both that as in a relationship between two (and rarely more) people and that of friends and companions. Tens show the ultimate completion of the energy involved leading ultimately to a new beginning. The Ten of Cups shows the complete fulfilment of our emotions. We have everything we may have wished for in our lives and everything that we believed would fulfil us in terms of family life and appreciation of the beauty around us. We feel as if we’ve been touched by grace. However, satisfaction in one area of our lives is not the same as self-actualization and there is that in us which strives for more than ‘Happily ever after’. Eventually, this satiation will yield to a hunger for something greater.
 
 
Astrological Correspondent:
 
Mars in Pisces – This energy is quiet almost passive seeming to have no wants and a willingness to go along with whatever it encounters. It’s not that it has no wants as its wants are fleeting things, momentary itches as opposed to burns and easily sublimated to the happiness of others around it. However if these desires are too often frustrated without any outlet, this energy may respond in a passive-aggressive manner. Quite often Mars in Pisces can be quite scattered if it does not have some form of higher purpose or deeper meaning inspiring it and giving it purpose. This energy quite often desires nothing more than a total merging with another.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
The Ten of Cups in a reading can show that this is a time of harmony and enjoyment, particularly in the areas of love, relationships, and family. This often comes as a culmination of a long series of events. This care may also hold the promise for this type of fulfilling relationship. The Ten of Cups may also indicate that there is a commitment and marriage in the offering. This card may indicate a need to take the surface enjoyment of love and family and use it as a springboard to a new level of awareness.
 
When the Ten of Cups turns up reversed in a reading, it can mean that something is blocking the happiness shown in the card. Perhaps we have developed a problem with how we related to our loved ones and family. Perhaps we feel like we have lost the ‘closeness’ we once had or that there is something lacking in our life that we need to pursue separately from the family unit. The card reversed may also mean that we are neglecting our family in pursuit of material or other goals. It is often a call to introspect and discover what our values are or have become.
–GAR
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
Life holds many meanings to many different people. There are those that seek to harm those who are rise while just as many reach their hand out to heal them. Regardless of how we get there we eventually reach the peak and will know the feeling of being at our best. Take your wing and fly after all a fall from this height would really hurt. Be warned though what comes after might humble you once more.
 
The peaks of the Havens are said to house a priceless relic. A scale of the Fish of time shines as a beacon to the lost. It marks a passage we must all endure one day. The power we once had held to bring us down. With wisdom, we seek to rise higher but know that will prove very difficult for our current selves. Cast your shell once more and make a new limit, Infinity awaits.
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: NINE OF CUPS

Notes on: The Nine of Cups

(The Stuff of Dreams)

Artist’s Notes:
 
There’s a cheerful fellow. He has managed to have most of his desires realized and has dared to allow himself to be happy. There’s not another shoe that’s going to drop, his parade will not be rained out. No matter what may come he has found his joy. Isn’t that one of life’s secrets? Those who have the most joys, wins.
 
The suite of Cups deals with our emotional nature including love, both that as in a relationship between two (and rarely more) people and that of friends and companions. The Nines represent a coming to completion of the energy involved if not the completion itself.
Combine these energies and we have a moment of peak fulfilment with joy and pleasure near orgasmic. All of our wants are fulfilled, we feel bliss, and life is good. No matter how good this feeling is it cannot last. Change is constant and eventually, this pleasure too will pass, whether it be into a period of sustained joy or into new challenges ahead. Perhaps knowing this makes this moment all the better and the wine all the sweeter.
 
When I was first studying the tarot, this card was described as the wish card. The thing about getting your wish is that a) you get what you once wished for and b) there is almost always a price of some kind. How long our happiness lasts depends upon our willingness to pay the price even if that is carrying the decision to remain happy.
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Cups deals with our emotional nature including love, both that as in a relationship between two (and rarely more) people and that of friends and companions. The Nines represent a coming to completion of the energy involved if not the completion itself.
 
 
Combine these energies and we have a moment of peak fulfilment with joy and pleasure that is near orgasmic. All of our wants are fulfilled, we feel bliss, and life is good. No matter how good this feeling is it cannot last. Change is constant and eventually, this pleasure too will pass, whether it be into a period of sustained joy or into new challenges ahead. Perhaps knowing this makes this moment all the better and the wine all the sweeter.
 
 
When I was first studying the tarot, this card was described as the wish card. The thing about getting your wish is that a) you get what you once wished for and b) there is almost always a price of some kind.
 
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
Jupiter in Pisces – Jupiter in Pisces energy tends towards compassion and empathy. It has the ability to know intuitively what will make those around feel better and creates the situation accordingly. This is a very fun-loving energy that enjoys life the way a dolphin enjoys the sea. Piscean energy tends to pick up and amplify anything within range so when it amplifies Jupiter’s expansiveness, it wants to show up and be there for everyone. There is a tendency for this energy to become complacent and feel that the good times will last forever.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
In a reading, the Nine of Cups has commonly been called the wish card. Depending on its position it indicates forward motion in the subject at hand. This card means good fortune, happiness, and enjoyment. Because this card often refers to a breakthrough it can also indicate that there is a lot of celebrating going on, possibly to excess. This card can also mean that for a time weighty matters have been put aside and the simple pleasures of a warm bed, a full belly, and a ‘bottle in hand’ can now be enjoyed. This card can also mean that one has abandoned care and work to sit, enjoy and dream of future glory. Quite often with this card, we look for this enjoyment not only for ourselves but for our friends and teammates as well.
 
 
 
The Nine of Cups reversed or badly aspected in a reading may mean that we are not getting what we wish, possibly because we have been focusing more on the desire rather than the work needed in order to bring it to fruition. The reversed Nine of Cups may also mean that we are getting what we wanted but not finding it quite as satisfying as we thought it would be. Something seems to be missing. Perhaps we have only been working on fulfilling our own dreams rather than making sure that those around us are also getting their needs fulfilled. This card reversed may also mean that we have the satisfaction not only of our surface needs met but our deeper spiritual needs as well.
-GAR
 
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
Worlds formed off the stray thoughts of creators. Each vision comes to life in hopes they see more change come their way. Presented a single grain each creator must turn that grain of sand into their legacy. This infamous cycle continues as the hourglasses of time flips. What was once revered would become forgotten. When the world is in your hands one moment and the next you are its pawn how will you react? Energy is constantly shifting as is its influence so cherish your climb while you can. After all, the fall will come when the bill comes due.
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: EIGHT OF CUPS

Notes on: The Eight of Cups

(Seeking a Better Way)

Artist’s Notes:
 
The suite of Cups deals with our emotional nature including love, both in a relationship between two (and rarely more) people and that of friends and companions. Eights deal with the recognition of boundaries and a focus of the energies to move on and continue. Sometimes we stay a little too long at the party. This can be a literal party or a relationship or a job where things have been great, they’ve been good and we settled and now things have gone stagnant. We have stopped growing which can quickly poison any situation. Water left standing too long becomes unfit to drink.
 
We know that there is something out there that can renew us, a new adventure in the offering with new challenges Something that can motivate us to be better than we’ve ever been. All we need to do is find it in ourselves to leave what we’re used to in order to pursue it.
When we do make our move, it is best to ignore the counsel of those who would hold us back. They may be stuck in the mire as well and even if their intentions are good, it is counter to our new awareness. A wise man once told me that when I was halfway through a lake of shit, the best advice was to keep on going.
 
Why does one of the cups glow? Let’s say that whenever we leave a place there is always something that we find difficult to leave behind. Call it a sacrifice of necessity but it is something that we can only bring with us in our memories.
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Cups deals with our emotional nature including love, both that as in a relationship between two (and rarely more) people and that of friends and companions. Eights deal with recognising boundaries and focusing on the energies to move on and continue. Sometimes we stay a little too long at the party. This can be a literal party or a relationship or a job where things have been great, they’ve been good and we settled and now things have gone stagnant. We have stopped growing which can quickly poison any situation. Water left standing too long becomes unfit to drink.
 
 
We know that there is something out there that can renew us, a new adventure in the offering with new challenges Something that can motivate us to be better than we’ve ever been. All we need to do is find it in ourselves to leave what we’re used to in order to pursue it.
 
 
When we do make our move, it is best to ignore the counsel of those who would hold us back. They may be stuck in the mire as well and even if their intentions are good, it is counter to our new awareness. A wise man once told me that when I was halfway through a lake of shit, the best advice was to keep on going.
 
 
Astrological Correspondent:
 
Saturn in Pisces – The Saturn in Pisces energy tends to be very sensitive to everything that doesn’t work about a situation. This can be amazing as it can inherently understand and communicate the failings (and feelings) of others. This can lead to being overwhelmed by all the incoming emotional data and lead to freezing up. However, there is also a core of courage and resolution that is called upon can help the Saturn in Pisces energy continue onwards. Channelled correctly this energy can bring one far in terms of art and music and other forms of self-expression.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Eight of Cups turns up in a reading, it often shows that there is some disillusion with one’s present circumstances. It is the feeling that there is something better out there somewhere if only we had the courage to get up and leave and pursue it. The card may also refer to a sense of failure when really it is just that our current situation has run its course. The energy of this card is not a tragic one as much as it is a call to action. This action is not necessarily jumping into a new situation, whether it be a living situation or relationship as much as leaving the current one to take stock of what we learned and from there start anew thus it is often a solitary enterprise. This card may also mean a time to accept the aid of others.
 
 
 
When the Eight of Cups comes up reversed or badly aspected, it may mean that even tho we may feel it’s time to leave our current situation, there is still more joy and knowledge that we can gain from it. It can also mean coming to terms with our current situation in a way that we haven’t before. This card may also mean that one is refusing to leave the party when it is time either out of laziness or fear of the unknown
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
There is a tale of a man forsaken by time. Born of the more divine priestess and the bloodiest warrior his blessing were endless. Time would see him at birth and warn them
 
“For life to grow destruction must wipe the slate clean. You gave birth to our next agent. You have one year before each place you reside crumbles.”
 
After this,  Time would depart without another word. As she had said around the halfway point they would begin to see this destruction.  After his birth,  travel became his lifestyle. What is home to one who can’t settle? What type of story would you make when you have no set foundation?
 
While there will be more to this legend, this is where your begins. When your heart is ready to move on what happens to the roots you set? Can you face uncertainty with a steady heart? After all, what is the point of life if we can’t move on to better places?
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: SEVEN OF CUPS

Notes on: The Seven of Cups (i)

(Illusory Alternatives)

Artist’s Notes:
 
Every moment is a new opportunity to choose yet sometimes the menu is a rather limited one. There are all kinds of pressure from all different directions to choose what they want you to choose and are they all ever good at the sales pitch. “Do you want riches? We can give them to you. How about the house in the suburb with the wife, the car and friends who you BBQ with? You can have that with or without the stock options. You can be successful or maybe all you want is fear.” So many choices and so many voices leading you to choose their way. There is only one voice that matters and that is your own true nature. It knows the way that is right for you. All you have to do is know which of the voices is yours. Once we start doing that and manage to tune out the hucksters and the salesman who insist we live life on their terms and not ours, we may find that we can move beyond the illusion of happiness and choose joy.

 

About the Archetype:
 
Cups deal with our emotional nature including love, both that as in a relationship between two (and rarely more) people and that of friends and companions.
 
Sevens represent our desires and wants and the paths and challenges we take to achieve them.
 
So often we feel a deep need to feel successful that we become willing to settle for the trappings of success. As long as we have a large income, a beautiful spouse, and a large home, does it matter that we still feel unfulfilled and unhappy? As long as we have the respect and love of our community does it matter that our marriage is falling apart and that our kids hate us? As long as we pursue spiritual and ontological understanding does it matter that we are homeless and cannot feed ourselves? In all three of the above cases, we pursue the illusion or appearance of success, depending on our description of it rather than working towards complete self-actualization and fulfilment.
 
In reality, all of these cups are ours to drink from and to bring together into the reality of success rather than the illusion
 
 
Astrological Correspondent:
 
Venus in Scorpio – Venus in Scorpio has magnetic and intense energy. It shows imagination and sensuality but reveals very little. It is a promise undelivered, an attractive tease that will show you every dark desire you have and indulge you in it fully and completely but ultimately will not in itself fulfilled. It is delight and delirium.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Seven of Cups shows up in a reading, it can mean that several choices have appeared but that most are illusory promising a lot but offering little. There is one choice that may look less promising but it is a lot more real and will ultimately be more fulfilling. The card may also point out that what the querent is currently doing in their lives may be fun but may not be as worthwhile as they are pretending it is and that they may be concentrating on pleasure and instant gratification rather than joy. The Seven of Cups may also be referring to a false sense of confidence, a belief that we have won where our success may truly be an illusion because of something that we have overlooked.
 
 
 
When the Seven of Cups turns up reversed or badly aspected in a reading, it may mean that the querent has come to a time in their life where they realize that they have been settling for the quick fix rather than concentrating on what is really important and fulfilling to them. It may also refer to hidden problems or dangers revealing themselves after a time of complacency. It may also refer to a time when all the choices and opportunities that we fooled ourselves into thinking that we had are quickly vanishing and what remains is that which is essential to our being
–GAR
 
Fate’s Whisper:
The ideas that tainted many immortals were primarily driven by their desire to ascend higher. Whether this is through war or defying death it didn’t change much. Many options presented to them seemed so viable. The path felt so real, even if it was a decade or more of pride nothing stopped them. Time would simply wait for them to crumble after all every skyscraper must eventually crumble.
–NF