Temperance § Two of Swords § Four of Wands
Temperance is a descendent of fire—she likes action and innovation. Though she leads with her reputation as a master of restraint, Temperance is, in fact, an embodiment of seduction. We must know when to hold back if we are to create the tension required to make something special happen. Tension is certainly present in conflict, but we find it in everything. Tension is a basic principle in the physics of all things. If you work with it, you will know success. Pace matters, integrity matters, risk management matters. When a trapeze artist takes flight, there is netting below; someone must be trusted to properly string it up. Temperance likes action, not recklessness. Temperance has made frequent appearances in our cards for months, and she has another message to offer: There is no simple organization for the complex nature of life. Paradox, contradiction, and exception follow all like shadows projecting themselves first ahead and then behind you. Your discernment is vital. Protect it with a balance between the needs of the physical and the emotional. This tension is the only form of order in the endless chaos of existence. Negotiate, but know your worth and your desires, and consider both when sizing up allies or opponents alike. If you are holding onto an image of how your life must be, reconsider, because an ideal outcome exists and it is richer than the one you have in mind.
In the Two of Swords we are immersed in private evaluation. We have heard all the points and listened to all the podcasts—it is now time to consult ourselves on the matters at hand. Internal struggles—of epic proportions even—can be expected but you will forge useful tools through the challenge of facing the root causes. The Two of Swords means we must make a choice about who we want to be, because our next move depends on the answer. If you choose the version of yourself that makes you proud, you will next need to confront the reflection in your own mirror. Maybe you’ve been working to justify an idea or a manner of being, when you are just wrong. Maybe you assume that relationships come with entitlements. The Two of Swords is an invitation to evaluate ourselves objectively. It can be such a small act that reveals our disrespect and our resentment toward a person, or maybe just life itself. Whatever it is, work it out, stretch yourself, grow into yourself, again.
The Four of Wands means satisfaction, and it is laid out before us like a feast. This card is known as Happy Home and we can all reap the benefits of the kind of rest it offers, in perfect timing with the changing of the seasons. We need some hours to dwell in what inspires us, free from the modern impulse to justify everything we do as important to our ability to compete in the economy. If we succeed in the challenge presented in the Two of Swords, we will want the luxury of long thoughts so we can visualize what has become possible. The Four of Wands is the best of all homes—everyone respects each other and everyone belongs. Let your mind wander before you use it to render a clear plan of action. It is valuable to remember that telling yourself a story of success will not lead you to success on its own, but a story of failure will lead you straight there, no questions asked. May your sense of humor extend to yourself.
reading by Michelle Embree | michelleembree.com
illustration by Gurleen Rai | zimteemo.com
