I Ching - Waking Spirals

Tarot Post – Six of Swords

Six of Swords (Science / Objective Thought)

Six of Swords (Revised by G A Rosenberg)

Sailing through dangers

We designed the fraught voyage

so we could triumph

The Ferryman

Mute, I watch your arrival
You climb onto my boat
unsure as you press this coin into my hand
You may smile or give a small laugh
but that stops when you notice
my eyes and my silence.

We start off
You seem surprised by the number of
rocks and debris in the water
You wonder about safety.
Oh Dear one
I know the way
as only one who has scraped
his bow on every single obstacle can
After awhile you start to know the signs
the childhood baggage, the failed marriages
Every time you denied the spark
in yourself (or in others)
they’re all here
and like I said
I know the way thoroughly

Though each route is different
I have known much the same
the odd twists and turns that obsession
and self-importance can place in one’s path
Intuition guides me through
the straits of old frustration
and intellect tells me
how deep they go.

You leave the boat
relieved of coin and burden
ready to survey your new landscape.
I push off.
You turn back to ask what they all do
but I am gone
Sailing. Home..
— G A Rosenberg

The suit of swords represents thought, ideas, plans and conflicts. Sixes represent balance and harmony. The energy of this card deals with healing from wounds, a guided journey away from where we were hurt to where we can heal and have perspective over what has caused the wounds in the first place. Once grief has been acknowledged than we can begin the journey away from what has hurt us (carrying the memories, the swords for the lessons we have learned, with us but in a way that is now harmless to us.)

Astrological Correspondence – Mercury in Aquarius – THe Mercury in Aquarius energy is one of both objective logic and intuitive understanding. This allows for an amazing ability to put problems in context and to be able to start to move past them. This form of thinking can often come into conflict with that of the status quo especially where being helpless in the face of problems has become more and more in vogue

I Ching Correspondence – 61) Chung Fu – “Inner Truth” –

_____
_

_
_____

The Trigram of the Wind is over that of the Lake.Visible effects of the invisible, The truth that lies within. Our “Truth” or our “Reality” as opposed to an objective truth. Not that the two don’t exist as a continuum, If truth exists (and I believe it does) then it is too great and expansive to be encompassed or fully comprehended by any one purpose or creed. Like the story of the six blind men who one day came across an elephant in the marketplace. One placed his hand on the leg and thought the elephant was like a tree, one touched the elephant’s ear and thought the elephant like a fan, one touched the elephant’s trunk and thought a snake, etc…Not one of them could believe that the entire elephant could be outside of their subjective experience..
The lines are closed at both ends yet open in the middle. This show an open heart , free of expectations..
Above gentleness and forbearance to those below,
Below joyous serving of those above…

When the Six of Swords turns up in a reading, it can mean that the time has come to take stock of a situation and look at it objectively and move onwards. It may also denote a time of healing and moving forwards. In its most literal sense it could mean a journey over water yet this depending on the other cards in the reading most likely will be in the context of leaving in order to heal. It may also mean that someone in the given situation is twisting their interpretation of problem to suit their own ends.

Reversed the Six of Swords can represent someone who either feels trapped in a situation or is trapped, unable to see where the escape route is. This could be because of rationalizations but it almost always signifies a need to take stoke of the situation and find some clarity. It can also represent something being offered that may seem like an escape route but will in truth only lead to greater problems.

Tarot Post – Six of Cups

Six of Cups (Pleasure / Happiness)

Six of Cups (Revised by G A Rosenberg

A beautiful moment

Memories that colour all

the future brightens

Natural Pleasures

Hold my hand and
Let me taste of your willingness
as we eagerly explore inner and outer beings
The music starts
We take the first steps moving in rhythm to a dance
older than our souls,
a dance not performed with limbs
or tongue or organs but with our very beings,
Masculine and Feminine energies
combining within ourselves and each other
a love letter written from eternity
to that which always was.
– G A Rosenberg

___________________________

The light reflects on the water
as our bodies reflect on each other
a coming together of elements
yearning for something new to come of it…
We may have met this way before
on this beach or another
in another time or existence
but every moment is NOW
and every beach this one
Fall into my body
as my spirit touches yours…..

_______________________________

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.Sixes represent balance and harmony. Mix balance and harmony with love and you end up with one of those magic moments. You know, the kind that you want to remember and take out and replay in your mind because you know it will help keep you going through the rough times. Love is and you are and the universe is right and good and nothing can take these moments away. Memories of them can heal you during the rough times. Knowing that they are possible can keep us going until the next one.

Astrological Correspondence – Sun in Scorpio – This energy involves powerful sensual feeling and transcendence, One of its symbols is the phoenix rising from its own ashes. The energy is passionate, sexual and consuming. Few things are as memorable as making passionate love with someone who has entered your heart. The Sun in Scorpio energy involves depth of experience and depth of learning and knowledge.

h4>I Ching Correspondence – 20) Kwan – Contemplating –

_________
_________
____ ____
____ ____
____ ____
____ ____

The Trigram of the Sun is over that of the Earth. It means both contemplative and being seen . The image is of a Vast Tower on a Mountain with a view of the countryside around It. From the Tower the ruler can be aware of both Heaven above and the people below and set an example for the people.
The time period that this hexagram is linked to is September-October where the dark is on the rise once more and the light subsides…
A couple of other images associated with this hexagram
The time in a ceremony in between when the ablution, ritual cleaning has been done, yet before the sacrifice has been made….(in a sexual context, the sexual act before climax (the rising and uniting of energies))
When the wind blows across the earth, the grass and trees etc, must give way before it…and it blows everywhere
When the owner or ruler pays a visit, everything is set in order to make the best impression possible.

When the Six of Cups turns up in a reading, it usually signifies an unusually happy time. The happiness of this period usually stems from a feeling of loving and being loved. This may have to do with past memories being rekindled tho it can also be a time for making new lasting memories depending on where the card falls in the reading and the other cards involved. This is a time that will be remembered for its feeling of peace and balance no matter how long it may last.

When the Six of Cups is reversed in a reading, it is possible that for various possible reasons, tho it is a happy period in our lives, we are unable to see it. It can refer to someone who is so focused on the future, that they forget to enjoy the present moment. The reversed Six of Cups may also refer to unpleasant associations from the past

Tarot Post – Six of Wands

Six of Wands (Victory)

Six of Wands (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Success by doing

what reveals your inner joy

brings recognition

_________________________

After all this time
inner and outer challenges
We have come to find success
Now the future stands before me
as we face our heroes’ welcome
The public one anyway; tonight
there will be a personal one
as I am welcomed…
Ah, there will be many more of both

My own doubts have been
conquered as well
A personal victory
that has carried forward
and one I can help others with.
as we forge ahead
with much left to be won.

The suite of Wands deal with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Sixes represent balance and harmony. When creative and spiritual force reaches a balance there is a victory over whatever forces within or without that was causing the imbalance in the first place. This victory increases self-confidence and allows one to optimistically expect to triumph over future imbalance and difficulties. Imagine how liberating it is when blockages to creativity or spirituality have been removed and new expansion made possible.

Astrological Correspondence – Jupiter in Leo – Jupiter in Leo is a very lucky and charismatic energy. It attains much in whatever it endeavours (especially if it can stay out of the way of its own ego) and inspires others to aspire to the same heights. Jupiter in Leo tends to be a bit dramatic and plays to its audience, after all it truly feels that it cannot be beaten but it is also magnanimous, believing in giving back to those ‘less fortunate. Jupiter in Leo tends to be strongly opinionated and will have problems with anyone who ‘dares’ to disagree. The energy is also one that attracts and is attractive to children as there is a strong protective streak associated with it.

I Ching Correspondence – 41) Sun – Decrease
_____
_ _
_ _
_ _
_
___

This hexagram is comprised of the trigram of the Mountain over that of the Lake and carries the idea of decrease by evaporation of the lake leading to increase of the mountain by precipitation. When looking to achieve balance, we decrease what we have too much of and increase what there is too little of. When we increase the qualities that we see in ourselves as positive, ie compassion, joy and knowledge and decrease our apathy and ignorance than we have attained a victory over our inner selves.

When the Six of Wands comes up in a reading there is optimism and victory in the offering. Whatever contest inner or outer that is in the offering will be triumphant. Steps may have to be taken so that this win is not at the expense of others. Often this card denotes that one is in the position to inspire other’s with optimism and can-do spirit. When this card comes up in the past position, it can refer to reflecting and relying on past victories and one’s ‘glory days’.

When the Six of Wands turns up reversed in a reading it may show that one is filled with doubts and does not see how to win out over them. It can also refer to overconfidence and the belief that one has won when in reality that may not be the case

Tarot Post – Five of Swords

Five of Swords (Defeat)

Five of Swords (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Freely I entered
The fight was too much for me
Defeated I leave.

Well, It’s over
The battle has played out
and now I’ve lost,
not just the battle
that would have been too easy
I’ve lost myself
In the need to win
I became…changed
drove allies away
destroyed confidences
so that no matter the outcome
I would still have lost…
I believed that if I thought like my foe
I could beat them
instead I became them
and so the defeat completed…..

— G A Rosenberg (2013)
____________________________________________

Now the battle has been won
He collects the swords of the vanquished, us.
He walks on determined,
all but oblivious to our shame
He may be weary, we are for sure
with wounds to lick
This day too shall pass
and we may yet win out
tho for now we taste Ashes
Another day will come

— G A Rosenberg (2010)

The suit of swords represents thought, ideas, plans and conflicts. Fives stand for conflict, change and a breaking through to higher thought. The five of swords thus represents defeat, whether in battle or in inner conflicts. It often represents the defeat that comes when we realize how much we have betrayed our own principles in the desire to win. Ultimately no matter how the conflict ends, we end up defeated having lost the intent that gave rise to the conflict in the first place.

Astrological Correspondence – Venus in Aquarius – Venus in Aquarius is innovative in how it chooses to love. Often a loner, it is an energy drawn towards the new and different and hates any aspect of getting caught in a rut. This can result in a sensitivity to the feelings and desires of others but a tendency to get bored and so they may sabotage their relationships in the search for the innovative.

I Ching Correspondence – 47) K’un Oppression –

_
_

_

The image is of a lake above water–the lake is dried up– the “superior” man is exhausted by all manner of people and things besetting him. If he remains flexible and stable and maintains his equanimity through adversity than he will come through it fine. Only if he can’t roll with the punches and falls apart will any rough period truly vanquish him. Someone who has developed that inner consistency will find success no matter whatever external situation he finds himself in.

When the Five of Swords turns up in a reading, it often refers to a loss, usually one that feels somewhat humiliating. It may also represent a loss that comes when someone has won through unethical or unfair means and has become humiliated because of it. If it refers to an event that has not happened yet, it could be a warning against going into an unwinnable battle or one where winning it will turn into a humiliating defeat

When the Five of Swords comes up reversed, it normally refers to losses in the past that the person has not recovered from and still have a lot of energy about that is causing us to be reluctant to reengage.

Tarot Post – Five of Cups

Five of Cups (Disappointment)

Five of Cups (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Mourn not for the lost

Rejoice at what still remains

and that yet to come

I knew and I didn’t what was to come
I threw myself into it
Everyone warned me
what he was like
what she was like
and what would happen
yet still I jumped in
The experience would be a good one
or so I reasoned
and then the dance began
I lost myself in mistaken belief
I told myself I was having ‘fun’
and then it happened
and then she left
and then he left
and then I was left…
all steps in the dance
Why do I feel so bereft?
I paid for the tickets
I attended the show
choreographed the moves
and lost the plot
So what have I learned?
What I already knew
and that I am someone
who learns this way
to understand…
— G A Rosenberg

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. Fives stand for conflict, change and a breaking through to higher thought. If the four of cups talked about how we look at something new on the horizon and our expectations, then the five of cups show how we handle things when things don’t live up to those expectations and we end up meeting with disappointment. One may ask in colloquial terms what appointment is it we have made that has been dissed.
Most of the time when we enter into a new situation be it a relationship or a new social group or job, we can quickly size up where the problem areas lay and indeed with a little bit of reflection can see exactly how it will play out and yet even when the outcome is likely to be negative, we follow down the path anyway, perhaps because we realize we need the experience and accompanying lesson to be driven home. The biggest lesson of the five of cups is not that we have suffered setbacks because that is inevitable in life. What is it that we have gained in the process and what are we left with becomes paramount. Because quite often, if we are not wasting time ‘crying over spilt milk’, it is that which is the gift.

Astrological Correspondence – Mars in Scorpio – The Mars in Scorpio energy loves to test itself. It throws it self into a situation head on often overlooking the emotional ramifications of it. Quite often people with this energy can see through facades and manipulate others in any situation. Quite often this can result in manipulating and fooling themselves as well.

I Ching Correspondence – 9) Hsiao Ch’u / The Taming Power of the Lesser

___
_
_ _
_
_
_____

The trigram of the Sun is over that of Heaven. The image is that of a small wind blowing the clouds together yet not powerful enough to cause rain. Sometimes a weaker element of ourselves such as fear or loss or disappointment can rise up and take precedent over our stronger aspects. This is usually temporary but it becomes difficult to realize this when in the midst of trauma.

When the five of cups turns up in a reading, it is usually referring to a recent loss or disappointment. Depending on other cards in the reading, the person may be ‘crying over spilt milk’, choosing to look at what has been lost rather than what they still have or what they may have gained from the situation.

When the five of cups is reversed, the person is looking at their loss with more equanimity. Perhaps they have friends who are talking them through it or perhaps they have discovered gratitude for that which they have left and that which they gained from the experience. It may also refer to remaining open and vulnerable to new experiences despite that which may have been lost in the past

Tarot Post – Five of Wands

Five of Wands (Conflict / Strife)

Five of Wands (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Conflict Has Risen
Voices Cry Out To Be Heard
Defend Your Passion

____________________________________

Let’s Play War
We’ll make forts
and attack each other
with sticks and shields
rolling around we’ll wrestle
until you’re pinned
then we’ll get up and do it again
Our energy cannot be contained
Want to have a go?
After all its only a game
Isn’t it
and in our youth we are invulnerable.

Wands deal with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Fives stand for conflict, change and a breaking through to higher thought. With the Five the spiritual force that was so uneasily contained in the Four breaks through.
Much in the way that adolescent energy in a teenager breaks through with lots of energy that needs to have an outlet. These outlets can get a bit aggressive such as fighting with sticks but they are games and a means of directing the energy externally, testing one’s power or force against that of another.

Astrological Correspondence– Saturn in Leo – Saturn in Leo energy has a strong need for recognition yet does not necessarily seek the spotlight. It is a very autocratic energy who’s main lesson is learning how to compete fairly with others instead of ‘winning at any cost’. It is an energy of absolutes and can be pretty inflexible, preferring to fight (and win) rather than yielding. The Saturn in Leo energy can also be the force needed to jar us out of our complacency when we have been too long in a situation that needs changing, especially when the situation involves how we view ourselves by bringing it to a breaking point.

I Ching Correspondence – 49) Ko – Revolution

__ _
__

_
________

This Hexagram is comprised of the trigram for Joy over the one of Fire. As anyone knows, when fire is underneath water, things will soon come to a boil. The two are opposites so there is bound to be some conflict and yet we harness the combination to work in tandem all the time especially in cooking, using the two opposing forces to good effect. Nature often seems to made up of forces in a very natural opposition to each other (ie the changes of the season with its interplay between light and darkness) Indeed without this natural opposition of forces life would become stagnant.

When Five of Wands shows up in a reading, there may be conflict or competition underway in the person’s life but it is more playful and creative conflict rather than a full-out war. It is good to keep it light and playful because in such situations, it is easy to misunderstand and start taking things way too seriously and make it about winning rather than about resolving the conflict at hand

When the Five of Wands is reversed in a reading, conflicts have gotten out of hand, what may have started out playful has become bitter and nasty and all rules have been thrown out of the window.

Tarot Post – Four of Pentacles

Four of Pentacles (Power)

Four of Pentacles (Reimagined) by G A Rosenberg

Holding too tightly
coins slip from an old man’s grasp
order tossed aside.

Power contained not held
not grasped
willing to let it pour forth
and rise up and out at any moment
All comes from this moment
once embedded in matter then
only liberation remains
power when wielded becomes force
Rise up oh serpent mother
through this material form
as green springs up through snow
reborn
Let the spirit flow forth
from fractured shell

–G A Rosenberg

The suit of Pentacles refers to the element of Earth and of practical matters such as work and partnerships of a business nature and of the home. They can also represent nature, the Earth itself. Fours express a stability and manifestation of the energy involved. The Four of Pentacles represents a grounding of energy and taking comfort in control of our environment whether it means holding on to a schedule or our possessions. We clothe ourselves in our idea of order. While this can give us some necessary structure if we adhere to rigidly to either what we have or where we have to be, anything that throws it can make us feel insecure and there is always something that can come along and throw off our sense of order, so some flexibility can be a good thing.

Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Capricorn-The Sun in Capricorn energy is known for its ambition and control. It tends to take charge and like a goat feels that only by controlling the situation fully that it can make it to the top of the mountain. It is an energy that achieves but one that can be all too ready to engage and defeat anything that stands between it and its ambitions even if in the long run, that challenge can be a positive thing.

I Ching Correspondence: 2) K’un – The Receptive

This hexagram comprised of upper and lower trigrams of Earth refers to nature as opposed to space. It works best when it nourishes all and recommends letting go of the reigns of control and yielding at times. Tho it is important to be self-sufficient no one is an island and others are needed in order for our ambitions to be realized and that sometimes it is beneficial to yield control to those who can best help us realize those ambitions. Sometimes letting things happen can be as necessary as making things happen.

When the Four of Pentacles occurs in a reading, it can tell us that we are holding on too tightly to external control structures and possessions rather than grounding ourselves securely within ourselves and our relationship to nature. In other cases, the card can also represent generosity and sharing what one has.

Reversed the card can refer to a breaking down of our lives structure and a need to connect more to our inner selves where the real power lies through meditation or contemplation of nature. It can also refer to a hesitation to help another.

Tarot Post – Four of Swords

Four of Swords (Truce)

Four of Swords (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Rest from raging storms

Your heart shelters those who need

Solace is given

The battle has been long

and nothing decided

my soul feels wearied

my burden heavy

I will leave the field of combat

for a time

withdraw from all

and find my true being

The battle will rejoin anew

and I shall be refreshed

for now only greater awareness may come

and with it growth

and renewed vigour

with which to address the fight…

The suit of swords represents thought, ideas, plans and conflicts. Fours express a stability and 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 represents this time of withdrawal and meditation.

Astrological Correspondence-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

I Ching Correspondence- 24) Fu – Return (The Turning Point)

_ _
_ _
_ _
_ _
_ _
_______

The trigram for earth is over the trigram for thunder. This hexagram represents the winter solstice when everything has reached its darkest point and the turn towards the light is ready to begin. Thunder represents the life force that has yet to emerge from the earth. Everything is at a point of rest and motion shall soon return again with renewed vigour.

When the Four of Swords occurs in a reading, a moment of rest has occurred 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, it means 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 resolution will be possible.

Tarot Post – Four of Cups

Four of Cups (Luxury)

Four of Cups (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

When life seems the same

New experience can bring growth

Explore potential

___________________________

There is something new to be had
I just know it
It comes into view and it will be better than
anything before
This new cup
This new game…
Have I said it before
of each of the others?
I mean it now…
I just know the next
dream come true
will make my dreams come true….

___________________

The Most amazing gift
a dream created
A seed that if cared for
will become real
if not, it can join this pile
of seeds over here

____________

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. Fours express a stability and manifestation of the energy involved. In this case our emotions are stabilized and at peace. Something new appears on the horizon. Do we accept it as one more thing or do we fully explore its potential? When we become too jaded to see each new thing that appears in our life, good and bad as a gift to be explored, appreciated and integrated rather than something else to use and discard then we set ourselves up for frustration later on.

Astrological Correspondence – Moon in Cancer – Cancer is the moon’s home and in this sign, each thing encountered makes its emotional impression and adds to the awareness. It is also an energy that is always looking for something more as the possible answer to its needs and can never be totally satisfied.

I Ching Correspondence – 3) Chun – “Difficulty at the Beginning”
_ _
_____
_ _
_ _
_ _
_____

This hexagram is comprised of the trigram for water over that of thunder. It has connotations of both a seed sprouting and pushing up above the earth and also that of a storm, rain and thunder combining to cause severe noise and tempestuousness. That same rain tho can make any seeds planted grow and will give much needed water to the biosphere. It needs to be appreciated for what it is. Everything especially in the first pangs of life struggles to find its way and how it will integrate new things into its environment

When the four of cups occurs in a reading, it can indicate something new that has entered the life of the querent, usually of an emotional nature. It can be something as simple as advice. Will we listen to it or at least seek to understand how it may apply to us or will we throw it away as just one more in a series of thing we have heard? Do we believe we have heard it all before or are we truly willing to listen?

When the four of cups shows reversed, it says that we have learned to use what is offered to us and to accept it in the spirit offered. It may also show that this has occurred out of necessity because everything that we have taken for granted has been seeping away.

Tarot Post – Four of Wands

Four of Wands (Completion / Structure)

Four of Wands (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Coming together
Enjoying harmony now
We create our space

We’ve found our way here
United in calm centre
eternal rapture

intense attraction
holds our joint attention here
happiness ensues