TAROT

Nine of Swords § Page of Cups § Knight of Wands

The figure in the Nine of Swords is a strong and complex character who successfully navigates the grinding thoughts that fill our hours of despair. The Nine of Swords knows each of us on our most vulnerable nights—she is our companion when our thoughts will not let us rest. This figure is here to serve and support. She knows that all things are temporary, including psychic pain. In The Nine of Swords we encounter the feeling of despair and it acts as a filter for every thought and emotion that goes through our hearts and minds, leaving us at an impasse with ourselves. The suit of swords represents both our thoughts and our words, so how we speak out loud and the phrases we use in our heads are a serious matter when we are working with this suit. Our thoughts create the context from which our feelings and urges metabolize into action. We can make anything worse with our thoughts. We can’t always make things better that way, but we can always make things worse with the power of our minds. Notice how your words and thoughts compound the feelings you experience around disappointment, neglect, or failure. The Nine of Swords knows you are ready to accept a better frame of mind. She says: Just because you are entitled to your feelings does not mean they are doing you any good.

Just as we are working through the thick of change, the Page of Cups brings her vigor right to our kitchen table. If you need to lament or cry more than you think you should, go ahead because the Page of Cups won’t hold it against you. She understands that the human nervous system needs to express and release strong feelings, sometimes with harsh words, in a private setting. She also knows the best medicine for despair is curiosity which is a speciality of hers. Experiencing or witnessing cruelty can easily take the curious nature out of us as we try to process what we have seen. When we go into survival and protection modes, it impedes our capacity for nuance. A big part of taking care of ourselves and our communities is finding and maintaining connections. Curiosity is how we connect with everything from nature, to our lovers, to our political future. Start where you are. If all you can do is learn some facts about a tree outside your window, then look that up. If you are feeling strong, get curious about what the people around you need in order to feel seen, heard, and appreciated. What do you need to feel those things?

The Knight of Wands is a fast and inspired ride into something you really want to do. This is an excellent turn from where we have each been over the course of many months. Follow what interests you and allow yourself to see your course. There is a challenging and satisfying pursuit ahead for you. Prepare, but do it—advance your desires. If you are waiting for a green light to move forward, you will likely get it. If you have been preparing to take action, the time to do so is fast approaching. The wands are torches—they mean fire—and they associate themselves with our passions. Pay close attention to what fills your spirit with energizing purpose. Your high energy is valuable: Use it for what is meaningful to you. Choose how and when and for whom you extend the gifts you give. May we protect each other’s focus.