I Ching - Waking Spirals

Tarot Post – Nine Of Cups

Nine Of Cups (Happiness / Fortunate)

Nine of Cups (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Wishes have come true
Moments of pure enjoyment
Gratitude abounds.

Freeze the moment
ecstasy flowing
like the wine in my glass
almost as sweet
as your lips
in the grass
on my hips
on my ass
all over as my lips on you
the taste the scent
the joy
pure pleasure doesn’t get any better
we have it all
in this time
music so sweet
in motion the beat
the ocean our hearts
our bodies this wine
freeze this moments
of desires fulfilled
may this dream never pass.

— G A Rosenberg

The suite of 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. 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.

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.

I Ching Correspondence – 48) Jing – Replenishing

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The Trigram for Water is over that of Wood. Water comes up from the well in an all but inexhaustible manner replenishing those who thirst. It is a time of celebration and enjoyment where all who are in need may be satiated. Water rises up to sustain the life of that above whether it be plants or people. Wells tend to be centres of population where people come to celebrate bounty.

Geomantic Correspondent – Laetitia

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The figure resembles an arch or a rainbow. It means upward movement and joy and almost always means a positive outcome in whatever question is being asked. It resembles an archway or fountain in appearance.

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 cares 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 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.

Tarot Post – Nine of Wands

Nine of Wands (Strength / Intensity)

Nine of Wands (Strength) by G A Rosenberg

Hyper vigilance
Once you are sure then proceed
Imagination soars!

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Beware of Judgement
Once you are sure then proceed
Imagination soars!

At Dawn they come
I hear the drums beating
as they plan their approach
I alone remain
to meet them
I cannot give way
Will this battle be the one I cannot win?
NO!
I will not surrender
My gods watch over me and so much has been lost
The drums echo louder as I kneel in prayer
Leaning on my staff for support
My company of nine
eight well used and on e freshly carved
tell of other times
that I came through
Drumming louder, drumming stronger
and voices heard
“The dr will see you now
you may go in”
–G A Rosenberg

The suite of Wands deal with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. The Nines represent a coming to completion of the energy involved if not the completion itself. This energy has been through almost its whole cycle of manifestation. It has seen conflicts and resolution and tho weary it is ready for anything that comes its way. Tho after encountering conflict and emerging victorious do we forever after have the expectation of conflict somewhere in our minds. Are we perhaps too ready to see everything as a conflict? Perhaps or perhaps we have come to a healthy point where we see everything that comes our way positive or negative as being a challenge. The difference between a conflict and a challenge is that while conflict always needs to be met with either greater conflict or surrender, a challenge takes much more flexibility and fluidity.

Astrological Correspondence – Moon in Sagittarius – This energy is both competitive and adaptable. It is not a laboured one that thoroughly plans its every move but one that changes to fit every contest. It grows impatient when held to any plan. The Moon in Sagittarius is optimistic and its optimism carries it through no matter what it may encounter. It is a very in the moment energy and will always forge its own unique path even if its not willing to stick around and take responsibility for debris in its wake afterwards.

I Ching Correspondence – 7) Shi – The Army / Multitude

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The Trigram for Earth is over that of Water. This hexagram ties back to the days when China had no standing army but the peasant class would when needed during war time serve. This made it unnecessary to have a large number of men at hand always in readiness for conflict. Water stored in earth arises only when necessary. It is always good to avoid the use of force if there are alternatives. When the use of force does become necessary proper application of it is essential. It is also useful to adapt how we use our force according to both inner will and outer circumstances.

When the Nine of Wands shows up in a reading, there may be an indication that it is time to marshall our strength and be in readiness for conflict. It may also mean that we are ready to take on any challenge that may come our way and be able to meet it fully. The Nine of Wands may also mean that we are involved in a contest for the ‘thrill of the game’ rather than to gain anything specific. This card often speaks of a great struggle, depending on where it comes in the reading, it is either ongoing, in the past or about to start. In any case, it is a challenge that will be well met.

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The Nine of Wands reversed in a reading may show that we are being over-cautious and hyper-vigilant. We may have been preparing ourselves for a great battle for so long that we have grown rigid and unyielding and jump at shadows. It can mean that we need to become vulnerable for awhile so that we can once again be ready to engage with proper and flexible readiness.

Tarot Post – Eight of Pentacles

Eight of Pentacles (Prudence / Knowledge)

Eight Of Pentacles (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Each step has been learned
In crafty self-expression
Discipline pays off.

Honing my craft
Designing new ways to design
creating new ways to create
it’s all self-expression.
Can I make what I contain
both beautiful and useful?
Can I present
what I know
in a way that awakens
knowledge and appreciation
in others as well?
Each day brings something new
either realization or lesson
but how do I know it
until I can show
through my creation
my understanding
of what I’ve learned?

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. Eights deal with recognition of boundaries and a focus of the energies to move on and continue. How do we manifest the talents and abilities that we carry within us? There are so many ways such writing, art of all various kinds, crafts, and engineering just to name a few. No matter which one we choose, there is a period of time during which we must train ourselves in the form of that expression. By becoming ever more proficient and disciplined in the forms, we give ourselves the freedom to then experiment and take them to new places, expanding the medium to better express our perceptions.

Astrological Correspondence – Sun in Virgo – The Sun in Virgo energy is one of analysis, self-examination and fine-tuning in every aspect of its being. One of the key words involved with this energy is responsibility and its focus will ever be on improving and making a good thing better. At times this may mean getting caught up in the details to the exclusion of the big picture. The Sun in Virgo energy also tends to be very self-contained, so busy exploring and expressing the interior of its existence that it has little need of exterior influence being complete in and of themselves. People with this energy tend to have a strong connection to the physical world and have amazing bodily awareness.

I Ching Correspondence – 62) Hsaio Kuo – Preponderance of the Small –

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The trigram of Thunder is over that of the Mountain. When thunder is in the mountains, it tends to echo and so feel a lot closer. It takes discipline to focus on making your way through the storm and get where you’re going rather than be daunted by the noise. This sense of focus on the immediate may seem over detailed or petty to others and yet it gets the job at hand done. This hexagram speaks a lot about self-moderation and discipline and how easily both of these things may be overturned by letting externals pull our focus.

When the Eight of Pentacles comes up in a reading, it can indicate that it is a time of great creativity and self-expression as long as we are receptive both to what our inner self wishes to communicate and to the means by which we are communicating it. It may also refer to a time when a tighter focus is needed. If we pay attention to the details, eventually we will be able to reconnect to the bigger picture. This may be true in our relationships as well as business and other practical relationships. The Eight of Pentacles may also be saying that it is time to buckle down and pursue one’s goals as it is possible through focus to attain them.

When the Eight of Pentacles turns up reversed, it may mean that we are paying to much attention to details and missing the big picture. Circumstances may have changed and what has been working for us until now may no longer be helpful. We need to step back and take a wider perspective on things before continuing. It is tempting when our efforts are not paying off to grow frustrated but the Eight of Pentacles reversed may be suggesting that patience is needed. Another meaning of this energy reversed may mean that rather than doing something step by step the way we always have, it may be time to think outside the box.

Tarot Post – Eight of Swords

Eight of Swords (Interference)

Eight of Swords (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Trapped by unknown fear
Freedom awaits opened eyes
Terror melts away

Tied at my own direction
Doing things for my own protection
not what I want
but I aim to please
they like me when I’m on my knees
or that’s what I feel
tho its not real.

If I live only
by another’s choice
If I refuse to use my voice
within my trap I start to smile
roped and chained I can revile
those to whom I give the key
hell its easier than being free

So the victim by distraction
of my chosen interaction
could free myself by sight or sword
but really where in that’s reward?
fulfilment I might have to claim
if all others lose the blame

— G A Rosenberg

The suit of Swords represents thought, ideas, plans and conflicts. Eights deal with recognition of boundaries and a focus of the energies to move on and continue. What happens when thoughts and conflicts get in the way of moving on? We finally have decided to leave our past behind and move on to something new. We gird ourselves to take the first steps. The phone rings. A friend of ours needs our help with a trivial matter. We talk them through it and get ready to get to work. The dogs start barking or the kids need to be picked up at school. We’ll take care of that and get right to what we need to get done. Hmmm, maybe just check our Facebook first. What? How could he say that? After a heated engagement, we once again return and it’s time to make supper. And so it goes. Wow the whole day has gone by and so little has gotten done? If only there weren’t all these distractions. If only our friends and family could look out for themselves then we could be done with this project already. That is the Eight of Swords energy. We can break our way out of these cycles anytime we want by claiming a space to do the things we need to do and yet we avoid taking the responsibility to do so. This energy also pertains to anytime we use others or our past as an excuse to avoid doing what needs to be done.

Astrological Correspondence – Jupiter in Gemini – Jupiter in Gemini energy wants to expand all at once in as many different directions as possible. It is highly energized and fantastic at communication and at starting things but quite often there will be a problem with either focus on one idea or follow through even if the focus can be found. Quite often it gives us a wide reach but not a far one. In this case as in many others, the inherent problems of the aspect also come with a gift. While focus may be a problem, the Jupiter in Gemini energy does show discernment into what is a minor issue and what is not, allowing us to perceive real issues as opposed to petty concerns.

I Ching Correspondence – 21) – Shi He – Biting Through (Eradicating)

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The trigram for Fire is over that of Thunder. Lightning when it follows Thunder removes what is in its path. Likewise when we feel obstacles in our way, we may just have to bite down resolutely and get through them. Most of the obstacles we find in our path are minor and easily pushed aside. This becomes more difficult when the obstacles are the every day kind that are presented by family and friends either wanting our time or attention. However in order to get something done, we have to bite down (bite the bullet) and be resolute. Sometimes with our loved ones this means being compassionate but firm. We don’t wish to dissolve the relationships just free up our time so that we can get the task done

The Eight of Swords in a reading often points out that we are letting ourselves get distracted from what we need to do by minutiae both internal and external. People quite often with the best of intentions might be getting in our way either with advice (either giving or receiving) or with favours that need doing. The distractions may be internal as well as external and this card can often be a call to focus on the important things, freeing ourselves from the things that seek to bind or distract us. When we do find other things or people pulling focus, it is often human nature to blame them rather than taking responsibility for our own choices. This card may also mean that we have doubts that we can get the job done even to the point of pretending we don’t care.

When the Eight of Swords turns up reversed in a reading, it may mean that we are too focused on the task at hand and need to take a break to return with fresh eyes. It can also mean an even stronger sense of avoiding responsibility and refusing to do what is expected of us even by ourselves. It may mean that we have stopped blaming others for our inability to get things done and have taken the bull by the horns.

Tarot Post – Eight Of Cups

Eight of Cups (Indolence / Failure)

Eight Of Cups (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Joy has brought you here
The gates of wisdom beckon
Begin your climb now

Long have I stayed here
drinking deeply of the pleasures offered
Now my soul longs for more
Cups lie empty strewn around me.
Surely there must be more!
I look out and feel a yearning
a calling- some message
telling me…what?
that I can be more than this mundane creature
with neither needs nor ambition
that there is purpose and meaning
once I give it such.
I know I will be changed
by what lies ahead
Do I have a choice?
Stay here and become not
bur remain that which I’ve been
or follow the pull
on mind heart and being
no choice at all
I reach out and
I’m gone
– GAR

The suite of 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. Eights deal with recognition of boundaries and a focus of the energies to move on and continue. Sometimes we stay a little to 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.

Astrological Correspondence – 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 called upon can help the Saturn in Pisces energy continue onwwards. Channeled correctly this energy can bring one far in terms of art and music and other forms of self-expression.

I Ching Correspondence – 46) Shêng – Pushing Upwards –

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The Trigram for Earth is over that of Wood. To break through the packed earth, the growing wood must use some effort to push upwards. There is progress in this hexagram but only if one perseveres. With the proper push, much direct progress can be made. Indeed the only thing that stands in the way of growth and prosperity is the inertia of whatever lies on top. So how to get past that? Only with courage and resolution is this possible. One large push past the obstruction and there after without limits

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 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, it may mean that even tho we may feel its 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

Tarot – Eight of Wands

Eight of Wands (Swiftness)

Eight of Wands (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Fast movement forward
Purpose has sped you on your way
Destination calls.

Like an arrow in flight
I travel home
to a place that’s waited so long
There will I find solace
There will I partake
in love’s embrace
I have what’s needed
as I travel
electrically
Days become hours
Minutes become seconds
as miles are covered
as bases are too
gods speed my travel
and clear my way
The lightning guides me
I go today

The suite of Wands deal with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Eights deal with recognition of boundaries and a focus of the energies to move on and continue. The eight of wands brings us movement often after we have been stuck in place with much to be handled. Often when this happens, either through some intuitive jump of our own and sometimes through a sense of grace things change and the creativity starts flowing again and movement seems possible in almost any direction. One time a friend and I had been hitchhiking through the Carolinas for three days in the rain. It seemed we could not catch a ride that would take us more than 20 miles. We were hungry, cold, wet and tired and I was desperate enough to try anything. I pulled out my deck of cards and started focusing on the Eight of Wands, concentrating on it intently. My buddy looked at me like I was crazy. We stuck out our thumbs again and within a minute a truck pulled over that drove us most of the way to our destination in Florida. It was swift travel indeed.

Astrological Correspondence – Mercury in Sagittarius – This aspect is one of a mind truly alive, creative and active. It allows thoughts to flow almost everywhere on every topic from minor to complex and from deep to shallow. It is an energy that paints in broad strokes, leaving the details for others to fill in as it jumps onto another train of thought. This is a visionary and not a subtle sign that hates subterfuge and will in its pursuit of illumination think nothing of exposing the secrets of a friend. Quick to engage this energy can also be quick to withdraw as it moves on to something new.

I Ching Correspondence – 35) Chin – Progress

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The Trigram of Fire is over that of Earth. Unfettered fire can move rapidly over the earth with ever widening expansion and clarity.As the sun rises, the shadows dispel and everything is seen in a clearer light.This is a hexagram of swift movement and new leaps of understanding and progress with nothing impeding. The movement is often towards greater virtue, understanding and light.

In a reading, the Eight of Wands can mean pulling free from whatever has been stopping us and being able to move again so move fast! It can mean that we have discovered a new direction or purpose and have better understanding of our own inner drives. This card may also mean the beginning of a new relationship with all of the energy and enthusiasm that comes with it. It can refer to plans to travel and new exploration both physically and mentally. It is a time of great enthusiasm as one’s sense of adventure and delight is rekindled.

When the Eight of Wands turns up reversed in a reading, one’s energy and enthusiasm may have become too diffused and scattered. It may feel as if any attempt to free oneself from conflicts and the problems we have landed ourselves in is unsuccessful. When referring to a relationship the Eight of Wands reversed may indicate jealousy and negativity. The card reversed may also talk about hesitating to take action to remove oneself from a situation that we know we should leave.

Tarot – Seven of Pentacles

Seven of Pentacles (Failure / Stagnation)

Seven of Pentacles by G A Rosenberg

Fruit lies on the vine
Love and effort placed it there
Soon we’ll have a feast.

Fruit lies on the vine
Neglected it rots away
sowing future seeds

With so many seeds planted
and a bountiful harvest
food for thought and body
abundantly present
I rested on my laurels
No not rested
I stopped
and let the world
turn without me
not realizing
the inherent contradiction
of how we and our worldview reflect
and so the fruit rotted on the vine
and a season lost or suspended
yet from today’s failure
tomorrow’s successes bear fruit .

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. Sevens represent our desires and wants and the paths and challenges we take to achieve them. When we reach a certain level of success in our pursuits, we often stop and take time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Sometimes when this happens a certain amount of inertia can creep in and we may find it difficult to return to our tasks with the same amount of effort we put into them. How easy it is to keep looking at our beautiful garden and ignore the creeping weeds or the fact that it is time to harvest a new season’s growth rather than leave it for the birds or to rot stagnant. When this happens, it helps to see it as a wake-up call rather than a reason to despair. For properly tended, the field left fallow will in the next season prove even more productive.

Astrological Correspondence – Saturn in Taurus – The Saturn in Taurus energy is one that builds slowly and pays attention to detail to ensure that the exact results desired happen in the order and time frame desired. Saturn in Taurus can become stuck though and continue following the same routine long after it has worn out its usefulness. Eventually tho, given the practical nature of Taurus, a course correction will take place and a new more productive routine ensue.
There is also an element in the energy to ‘making up’ perceived inequalities from the past, ever trying to play ‘catch-up’. This will eventually result in pursuits of a higher nature.

I Ching Correspondence – 12) P’i – StandStill / Stagnation

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The Trigram of Heaven is over that of Earth. The idea of that is that Heaven rises and Earth falls and there is less and less relationship and interplay between the two, resulting in stagnation. During these times when there seems to be little productivity, it may benefit to sit things out for awhile until further growth and progress becomes possible. It is very easy to force oneself to work at a pursuit that he does not feel invested in but the effort will reflect his interest. It is better to wait until the interest is renewed which given that harvesting crops or ideas tend to be cyclical will come around again.

In a reading the Seven of Pentacles can refer to a project that has stalled or stopped being productive. It may feel like a plane that is circling the airport yet unable to land. What is obstructing the project or the landing strip? Is it just a matter of time? The Seven of Pentacles may also be directing us to look at how we have been attending to the project at hand. Have we been actively invested or are we just going through the motions? What is the purpose? Have we set our sights high enough? There is an implication in the Seven of Pentacles when it occurs in a reading, that once this period has run its course, it will be faced with new internal growth and maturity.

When the Seven of Pentacles turns up reversed then what was previously stagnant may now be resulting in new growth. We may feel a sense of renewal as things start moving again. It may also mean that we have abandoned the project that had grown stagnant on us in order to focus on more lively pursuits.

Tarot Post – Seven of Swords

Seven of Swords (Futility)

Seven of Swords by G A Rosenberg

Beware the quick fix
Grab what you can and running
not a solution

How do I make it
in this messed up world?
Everything I try
bounces back in my face
I feel brought down
with little way out
and chances for happiness so few

I do what I can to make it
Take what I need to keep going
If I can’t survive as an honest man
in a world of greed and privilege
I’ll be a thief of their propriety

Playing their game
even in revolt
means I exist
within their frame
I’ll do just fine
and keep the flow
i give up parts of myself to survive
— G A Rosenberg

The suit of swords represents thought, ideas, plans and conflicts. Sevens represent our desires and wants and the paths and challenges we take to achieve them. What do we do when what we want to do conflicts with the framework in which we live. For many of us living in societies that for various reasons offer less and less freedom this question is becoming more and more important. It is possible to live conflicted in society and work the system, taking what we can for ourselves but quite often even tho this may mean our needs are met, our lives become more and more unfulfilled. It seems the very act of futility to be shaped by a society that we feel we should be shaping. We run the hamster wheel and yet at the same time we hope to find a better way of doing things. The gift of this energy may very well be the tenacity to keep on looking for that way and the knowledge that it must exist.

Astrological Correspondence – Moon in Aquarius – This energy tends towards intuition and group dynamics. It seems to hold a greater understanding of what is going on yet can be very remote and unfathomable even to itself. The Moon in Aquarius focuses on the greater good. The energy is open to all and disapproves of little yet finds it very hard to connect in a very ‘in the world but not of it’ way. More than anything else this energy needs the freedom to think what it wants and to live as it wants

I Ching Correspondence – 36) Ming I – Darkening of the Light

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The Trigram for Earth is over the Trigram for Fire — A wise and good man is afflicted by a person of dark nature who has power and authority over him. In this case the advice to the wise man is that he maintains his inner identity and fire despite having to outwardly go along with what the authority wishes and to hold tight to who he is. When one is free or in a just society, it becomes easy to shine out our presence. In a corrupt society, we must sometimes in order to maintain who we are, adopt a veneer of corruption ourselves.

When the Seven of Swords occurs in a reading, it may mean that we are having trouble expressing ourself in the environment we find ourselves in due to people whom we believe to be in authority over us. We may feel like we are compromising ourselves rather than surrendering who we are.It may also be that we are learning how to maintain our inner beings while living our day to day lives. It usually denotes a feeling of isolation and a need for self-reliance. This card may also mean thievery or underhandedness in our environment. It may also mean that someone close to us is hiding their true nature.

When the Seven of Swords shows up reversed in a reading it may mean that rather than only relying on ourselves, that we may need to consult others for advice on how to extricate ourselves from a tricky situation. It may also mean that we are finding it difficult to do what we need to do to get out of the troubles in which we find ourselves. It may also mean that we are feeling internal pressure to bring out into the open what we may have felt the need to previously keep hidden.

Tarot Post – Seven of Cups

Seven of Cups (Debauch / Illusory Success)

Seven of Cups (revised) by G A Rosenberg

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

Tarot Post – Six of Pentacles

Six of Pentacles (Success)

Six of Pentacles (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

An Act of balance

Receive then pay it forward

Move forward, give back.

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

Nine Of Cups (Happiness / Fortunate)

Nine of Cups (Revised) by G A Rosenberg

Wishes have come true Moments of pure enjoyment Gratitude abounds.

I Ching Correspondence – 48) Jing – Replenishing

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