TAROT

Queen of Swords (Reversed) § Temperance § Ten of Pentacles

The Queen of Swords is known for both her compassion and discernment. She uses the latter to establish strong boundaries and the former to do so in a manner that allows those she refuses to save face—a skill we might need to acquire. The Queen of Swords is a writer of fine prose and inquisitive philosophies who appears inverted in this reading to indicate that it is time to refine our vision, or define ourselves. The focus right now is on the personal and the intimate. If you feel like you do, in fact, have friendships with people who support you, consider ways to respect those unions. Shared growth and experience is one part of deepening human bonds, and the Queen of Swords will help us with the other crucial aspect: allowing for change. Tarot’s narrative is centered around change because change is, spiritually and scientifically speaking, the only constant. Boundaries are no exception. In our close relationships, we shift boundaries as the relationship grows. The Queen of Swords is here to guide us through the process of rearranging our limits and expectations.

Temperance is strongly attracted to those who lean into transformation. In order to expand our talents or the depth of our emotional life, we must have a kind, soft grit to step into what makes us feel vulnerable and walk our way through to the other side of that feeling. If we identify too strongly with a sense of resentment or misplaced rebellion we will crack easily when we are confronted with challenges, even those that present a positive opportunity. Temperance has a specific message for us and it is this: To survive the uncomfortable gap between where you felt safe and where you will feel accomplished, you only need to know yourself up to that point, not beyond. No one is asking you to already be who you will become. Temperance also imparts to us her best tip on how to prepare for the inevitable moments of vulnerability that every life will present. Her best advice is to pay close attention to how you can show individuals respect. It is in these considerations that you will come to know your own heart. Willingness is the basis of respect and there is nothing more exciting, useful, or sexy than respect. It is the small considerations that show our greatest respect to others. Respect is magic.

The Suit of Pentacles acts as a guide to addressing the material needs of our bodies, minds, and spirits. The Ten of Pentacles is the card of wealth, especially generationally within a family, community, or an organization. This kind of transfer is underway for some of us, but all of us will benefit from the positive omen this card unlocks for us. The Ten of Pentacles is known for playing it safe, for relying primarily on investing in sure things to create a solid foundation. What do you want to commit (or recommit) to, and are you capable of it? If not, can you become so or are you trying to live up to something that is not right for you? This is not about the value of gold, it is about knowing our worth, our limits, and how long both our stamina and attention span can stay focused at any one time. This is not a call to get better at masking or otherwise pretending, but to do exactly the opposite and locate your own locus of stability so you can make solid choices. May we know thy self without pain.