Distractions appear
Most of them so appealing
Some may not be real
Escaping through choices
that promise success
shadows, visions
lead to excess
Dreams are good and dreams reveal
tho used to avoid, our dreams conceal
we build our choices
so carefully
the god like mask, the hidden enemy
Would you like a ghost
or castle in the sky?
or a dragon or snake to try
Each one seems to offer what’s sought
I’ve found my purpose once again thought
then they fall away yet another false trail
yet one more of my layers stripped, unreal
Purified, simplified, I still seek the Grail..
— 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. 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 for 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 Correspondence – Venus in Scorpio – Venus in Scorpio is a 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 fulfill. It is delight and delirium.
I Ching Correspondence – 14) Ta Yu – Abundance
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The Trigram of Fire is over that of Heaven. It is a time of victory, success and abundance that is meant to be enjoyed but it is not the end of the story. It is very easy during such times to get caught up in overindulgence and forget that while one chapter of the story may be over, the novel itself is still very much in progress and there is much to be done before the end. The Fire that is in the sky is that which burns the brightest to the senses yet it is not the most intense of flames nor is it ultimate fulfilment.
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 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
Giving
I see a need
that I can answer
Question?
No! Value exchanged
transmission
balance maintained
Payment always forward
as we are never the same
we give and receive
which is harder?
grace or graciousness
It’s all flow
we assign the worth
and so transform lives
especially our own
Receiving
I see a need that I can answer
You appreciate the chance to give back
we both exchange value
and balance is maintained
— G A Rosenberg
The suit of Pentacles refers to the element of Earth and of practical matters such as money and partnerships both of a business nature and of the home. They can also represent nature, the Earth itself as well as our bodies. Sixes represent balance and harmony. What does it mean to balance out practical matters? A large part of it has to do with how we interact with others, how we give and how we receive. Do we give because we perceive needs that we can fulfill and it only makes sense that we do so. Perhaps we remember when others have helped us out and by paying it forward we realize we can keep the cycle going. Perhaps we realize that even tho there is a perceived inequality that it is illusory, we gain as much in the giving as in the receiving. The scales balance out. Do we also realize that we need to learn to give in a way that will prove enabling and empowering to another as opposed to overbearing and disempowering. Sometimes in turn we help out more by not visibly helping. Determining those times requires discernment.
Can we receive without resentment? Can we admit that we are vulnerable and have needs that can only be fulfilled by others? Can we realize that in one way or another the scales always seem to balance and to realize we are custodians of the help received and will one day pass it on in turn?
Astrological Correspondence – Moon in Taurus – The Moon in Taurus energy is one that is confident and centred. It does not like interruptions to its routines but in its zone it excels. People with the Moon in Taurus in their charts tend to be generous with both their possessions and their advice which is often practical and methodical. It is an energy that tends to be resistant to change and to new things.
I Ching Correspondence – 42) Yi – Increasing –
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The trigram for wind is over that of Thunder. The image is that of something below increasing at the expense of something above to the benefit of all. It is beneficial for this gain to be done with a greater purpose in mind. It is a good thing to help others make it through the day. It is an amazing thing to help others either build or rebuild their lives from the ground up. This does not mean doing the work for them as much as giving them the opportunity to do the work on their own..
When the Six of Pentacles comes up in a reading, it most often means that there is financial help being offered to those who need it and that it is an equitable exchange. It can mean that the person involved , who is usually someone who has found some success in their life is letting money flow through them, ie giving so that more can be received. The card can refer to success earned and success shared tho the success may be a transitory one.
When the Six of Pentacles is reversed in a reading, it may mean that the current period of success is coming to a close and it may help to look for a way to make it last, such as investment. It can also mean that one has gotten too caught up in material values and needs to attend more to higher pursuits as well
Seven of Cups (revised) by G A Rosenberg