Dear Known and Unknown Friends,
I will admit that as I’ve been pulling tarot cards for us, the same reading appears for some weeks. It’s as if we haven’t quite heard what they have to offer us so they repeat themselves. What they have to say is always encouraging, but firm, nonetheless. The tone has been one of forewarning–it cautions us to check the windows and make haste to the cellar. Or maybe the answer is to hurry to higher ground. Whatever the case, the time for avoidance is over. The moment for real honesty about where we are and what our circumstances are have arrived. The storm clouds are no longer gathering on the horizon. Lightning is cracking overhead.
This is true on the macro and the micro–we see that the things we have been anxious about come to fruition. Secrets kept are no longer simmering beneath the surface. While there can be a disruptive tenor at present, let’s not forget: Truth is Beauty. It can be messy and painful, yes. But the only way out is through. So hold fast. Here we go.
The Ten of Wands, Temperance, The Seven of Swords.
Rather than looking at this trio of cards as a chronology, their story is a complete scene. Here is what it tells us: The Ten of Wands shows a figure carrying a heavy load of staves on his own. He is hunched over and weary, having no one to help him with his burden. Beside this is the Temperance card. An angel is depicted. The angel travels a long road to the Holy Mountain, which gleams in the distance. They pause along the route to rest at a cool pond. There, they dip their feet and pour water from one cup to another.
To the right of Temperance is the Seven of Swords. This card shows a thief, scurrying away from an army camp with stolen swords (he holds five, his arms too full to carry more). The first figure shows someone with too much labor and no support or prosperity to show for it. He has taken the honorable but hard and lonely way. It is a cross to bear and joyless. The last card shows someone who has taken the way of deceit or treachery, gaining easily without toiling.
The central card, Temperance, is often referred to as a representation of the “Middle Path” by occultists. The Middle Path is neither overindulgence or abstinence, but what’s in between the two binaries. The first card, the Ten of Wands, shows an outlier–a man who takes on the work that no one else will do. He is honorable, but suffers, feeling alienated and confused that all others should turn their back on what must be done. The Seven of Swords is his opposite.
We may do what honor and integrity compels us to, feeling as if the rest of our world has gone mad; resenting being abandoned while no one else cares. Or, we can assimilate into a culture of dysfunction that perpetuates the suffering of others. The general consensus tells us this is acceptable. The Temperance card works in their own way, though–they remain in virtue, neither assimilating to corruption or being overwhelmed with resentment for taking on a responsibility others neglect. Instead, they move in faith.
They understand that progress must come, but do not concern themselves with the actions of the two figures on either side of them. They choose neither cowardice or martyrdom, yet hold compassion for both. The message here is to be steadfast in our missions, but don’t cease to enjoy life. The Middle Path may take longer, but it keeps us connected to our peers, to our fellow humans, even when their general behavior is not something we personally wish to take part in. Trust that you may reach your destination by following the directions of a moral compass, not the herd.
Thank you for reading A Tiny Compass. If you would like to share this writing, please credit me. You can always find me at www.gemineyetarot.com for private divination appointments or embarassing myself on social media @gemineyetarot (IG and Tik Tok). Xo. -Alejandra Amalia Villegas
10 of wands vs 7 of swords such a good side by side 😮💨
Wise words!