grimoirey

[grimoirey]

Digital offering for Hermes, Great God of Thieves, Travelers, and Merchants.

[grimoirey]

something i find amazing is the way devoting yourself to the gods and goddesses can be so integral with everyday life- i can just be studying or reading and be worshipping Athena, i can be doing makeup and skincare and be worshipping Aphrodite, I can be drawing and making art and be worshipping Apollon, i can be learning greek and studying and be worshipping Hermes- i can simply just take a walk in the woods and be worshipping Artemis in the process, it's just so beautiful to me that it's that simple...

you don't have to do so much to worship the gods, you don't have to have big fancy altars, they're happy with you just for simply praying and doing small things in devotion...there's just something so wonderful about that

[grimoirey]

[grimoirey]

🌛 The Fool's Journey 🌜

The Fool's Journey is the story of the journey we all take through life. This is depicted in the Major Arcana of the Tarot. We see the Fool encounter each card as he navigates his way through life, living and learning important lessons as he continues on.

https://78nightsoftarot.com/blog/the-fools-journey-aeclectic-tarot/

The following is brought to you by Solandia from The Aeclectic Tarot.

0. The Fool

With all his worldly possessions in one small pack, the Fool travels he knows not where. So filled with visions, questions, wonder and excitement is he, that he doesn’t see the cliff he is likely to fall over. At his heel a small dog harries him (or tries to warn him of a possible mis-step). Will the Fool learn to pay attention to where he’s going before it’s too late?

1. The Magician

Traveling on his way, the Fool first encounters a Magician. Skillful, self-confident, a powerful magus with the infinite as a halo floating above his head, the Magician mesmerizes the Fool. When asked, the Fool gives over his bundled pack and stick to the Magician. Raising his wand to heaven, pointing his finger to Earth, the Magician calls on all powers. Magically, the cloth of the pack unfolds upon the table, revealing its contents.

To the Fool’s eyes, it is as if the Magician has created the future with a word. All the possibilities are laid out, all the directions he can take: The cool, airy Sword of intellect and communication, the fiery Wand of passions and ambition, the overflowing Chalice of love and emotions, the solid Pentacle of work, possessions and body.

With these tools, the Fool can create anything, make anything of his life. But here’s the question, did the Magician create the tools, or were they already in the pack? Only the Magician knows – and on this mystery, our eloquent mage refuses to say a word.

2. The High Priestess

Continuing his journey, the Fool comes upon a beautiful and mysterious veiled lady enthroned between two pillars and illuminated by the moon. She is the opposite of the Magician, quiet where he was loquacious, still where he was in motion, sitting while he stood, shrouded in the night where he was out in the bright of day. Sensing that she is a great seer, the Fool lays out his sword, chalice, staff and pentacle before her. “The Magician showed me these, but now I’m in a quandary. There are so many things I could do with them. I can’t decide.”

The High Priestess doesn’t speak. Instead she hands him a pair of ancient scrolls. Seating himself at her feet, the Fool puts his decision-making on hold and reads by the light of her crescent moon.

“I did not know any of this,” says the Fool. The scrolls, like a secret manual, have given him insight into his new tools. “This information helps me to narrow things down, but I’m still afraid of making a wrong decision.”

The words come to him then, not from without but from within: “What do your instincts tell you?” The Fool reflects on that, and that’s when he knows what he should do. Decision made, he rises to leave even though he suspects that the High Priestess has more secrets she could reveal to him–like what lies behind the pomegranate curtain. Right now, however, he is focused and ready to be on his way.

Thanking the High Priestess, he heads off. But as he leaves he hears that inner voice, rising like the waters which spring and flow from beneath her throne: “We’ll meet again…when you’re ready to travel the most secret path of all.”

3. The Empress

Having decided what he will create with his tools, the Fool strides forward, impatient to make his future a full-grown reality. This is when he comes upon the Empress. Her hair gold as wheat, wearing a crown of stars, and a white gown dotted with pomegranates. She rests back on her throne surrounded by an abundance of grain and a lush garden. It is possible that she is pregnant.

Kneeling, the Fool relates to her his story. And she, in turn, smiles a motherly smile and gently gives him this advice: “Like newly planted grain or a newborn babe, a new life, a new relationship, a new creation is fragile. It requires patience and nurturing. It needs love and attention. Only this will bring it to fruition.” Understanding at last that his creations will take time to develop, the Fool thanks the Empress and continues on his way.

4. The Emperor

The Fool was given options by the Magician, and decided on one with help from the High Priestess. He learned how to develop it thanks to the Empress. Now it has reached as stage where he must find a way to manage it. How to do this? He approaches a great Emperor seated on a stone throne. The Fool is amazed by the way the Emperor is instantly, eagerly obeyed in every particular, at how well his Empire is run and organized. Respectfully, he asks the Emperor how it is he does this. And the Emperor answers: “Strong will and a solid foundation of laws and order. It’s all very well,” he explains to the Fool, “to be imaginative, creative, instinctual, patient; but to control one must be alert, brave and aggressive.”

Ready now to lead and direct rather than be led, the Fool heads out with new purpose.

5. The Hierophant

Having created a solid foundation on which to build his future, the Fool is struck with a sudden fear. What if everything he’s worked for is taken away? Is stolen, or lost, or destroyed or vanishes? Or what if what he’s created isn’t good enough? In a panic, he heads into a temple where he finds the Hierophant, a wise and holy man. Acolytes kneel before the man ready to hear and pass on his teachings. The Fool tells the Hierophant his fears, and asks how he can be free of them.

“There are two ways,” says the Hierophant sagely, “Either give up that which you fear to lose so it no longer holds any power over you, or consider what you will still have if your fear comes to pass. After all,” the Hierophant continues, “if you did lose all you’d built, you would still keep the experience and knowledge that you’ve gained up to this point, wouldn’t you?”

“That is true,” the Fool says. “But what about the community, society and friends I’ve discovered thanks to what I’ve created? More than knowledge or experience, I value them. If I lost all, I’d lose them too, wouldn’t I?”

“Not necessarily,” the Hierophant answers with a warm glow in his compassionate eyes. “If your community has traditions that you all share, ethics and beliefs, then you will never lose that fellowship even if circumstances force you to part. You can even pass such onto your children giving them the same fellowship with each other and with past generations.”

Hearing this, the Fool feels his heart ease, as if knots of fear have been loosened. A sense of peace blankets him, and he takes a moment to thank the good Hierophant most profoundly. Stepping out of the sanctuary he makes his way to a meeting with his friends. Tonight they will talk about how they can create lessons and traditions to preserve not only their experience and knowledge, but their community.

6. The Lovers

The Fool comes to a cross-road, filled with energy, confidence and purpose, knowing exactly where he wants to go and what he wants to do. But he comes to a dead stop. A flowering tree marks the path he wants to take, the one he’s been planning on taking. But standing before a fruit tree marking the other path is a woman. The Fool has met and had relationships with women before, some far more beautiful and alluring. But she is different. Seeing her, he feels as though he’s just been shot in the heart with cupid’s arrow.

That’s how shocking, how painful is his “recognition” of her. As he speaks with her, the feeling intensifies; like finding a missing part of himself. It is clear that she feels the same about him. They finish each other’s sentences, think the same thoughts. It is as if an Angel above had introduced their souls to each other.

Though it was his plan to follow the path of the flowering tree, and though it will cause some trouble for him to bring this woman with him, the Fool knows he dare not leave her behind. Like the fruit tree, she will fulfill him. No matter how divergent from his original intent, she is his future. He chooses her, and together they head down a whole new road.

7. The Chariot

The Fool is close to completing what he set out to create long ago, back when the Magician revealed those tools to him. But enemies are now standing in his way, devious human enemies, bad circumstances, even confusion in his own mind. There’s no more forward momentum; he feels he is fighting just to stay where he is. Walking along the shore, watching the waves come in, he puzzles over how to defeat these enemies and get things moving forward once again. It is here that he comes across a charioteer, standing in his gold and silver chariot, his black and white steeds at rest. “You seem a victorious warrior,” the Fool remarks. “I feel beset by my enemies, unable to move forward. What should I do?

“First, you must armor yourself,” the Charioteer strikes the chariot and then his breastplate with a gauntleted fist, making both ring out. “Next, you must focus on your goal, where do you mean to go, what do you mean to do.” The warrior nods to his beasts. “Your steeds keep the wheels turning, but it is your control and direction of them that gets them to their destination. Dark and light, they must be made to draw in harmony, under your guidance.” The Fool nods. That makes sense. “What if an someone or something gets in your way?”

The Charioteer coolly meets the Fool’s gaze. “You run them down. Your aim is victory, and to be victorious you must have unwavering confidence in your cause. Never question, never doubt what you’re trying to achieve. Never lose your focus or your motivation.”

The Fool is impressed and inspired. He thinks he now knows how to get past all the distractions and setbacks that have been keeping him trapped in place, like a riptide in the ocean. He thanks the warrior, but before he leaves, the warrior stays the Fool.

“One thing more you should keep in mind,” he says, “Victory is not the end, it is the beginning. Remember that before you decide to enter into any contest.”

8. Strength

The Fool, victorious over his enemies, is feeling arrogant, powerful, even vengeful. There are hot passions in him, ones he finds himself unable and unwilling to control. It is in this state that he comes across a maiden struggling with a lion. Running to help, he arrives in time to see her gently but firmly shut the lion’s mouth! In fact, the beast, which seemed so wild and fierce, is now completely at her command.

Amazed, the Fool asks her, “How did you do that?” One hand on the lion’s mane, she answers, “I asked the lion to do it, and it did it.”

“But-but-” the Fool stutters, confounded. “Why did it want to obey?” At that moment, the Maiden meets the Fool’s eyes; he sees in her warmth, gentleness, a heart so great that its generosity seems as infinite as its willingness to understand. And that is when the Fool understands exactly why the lion did her bidding.

It wanted to connect to that higher energy.

Yet there is still one thing that confuses the Fool. “But,” he says, much softer now, “Why would you, fair maiden, want to keep company with a beast?”

“Because he, too, is filled with a wonderful energy,” the Maiden says. “It is wild and fierce, but it can be banked, like a fire in a hearth. I knew if he would take direction from me, we could both be warmed.”

“So, too,” she adds, “are our passions. Let them run wild and they will do damage. But we can, with gentle fortitude, check and direct those passions. In doing so, we can get so much more out of them. And yet, still sate them.”

His rage quieted, the enlightened Fool walks away knowing that it wasn’t only the lion that was tamed this day by a Maiden’s pure and innocent strength.

9. The Hermit

After a long and busy lifetime, building, creating, loving, hating, fighting, compromising, failing, succeeding, the Fool feels a profound need to retreat. In a small, rustic home deep in the woods, he hides, reading, cleaning, organizing, resting or just thinking. But every night at dusk he heads out, traveling across the bare, autumnal landscape. He carries only a staff and a lantern.

It is during these restless walks from dusk till dawn, peering at and examining whatever takes his fancy, that he sees things he’s missed during his lifetime. His lantern illuminates animals and insects that only come out at night, flowers and plants that only bloom by moon or star light.

As these secret corners of the world are illuminated and explored by him, he feels that he is also illuminating hidden areas of his mind. In a way, he has become the Fool again. As in the beginning, he goes wherever inspiration leads him. Back then, however, his staff rested on his shoulder, carrying unseen his pack. The Fool was like the pack: wrapped up, unknown. The Hermit’s staff leans out before him now, not behind. And it carries a lantern, not a pack. The Hermit is like the lantern, illuminated from within by all he is, capable of penetrating the darkness.

10. The Wheel of Fortune

From out of hiding comes the Fool, into the sunlight, as if being pulled up from some low, dark point on a wheel. It is time for a change. Staff in hand, he heads back out into the world, expecting nothing. But, strangely, things seem to happen to him as the hours go by, good things. Wandering by a water wheel a woman offers him a drink in a golden chalice, and then urges him to keep the cup; as he wanders by a windmill, he stops to watch a young man swinging a sword; when he expresses his admiration of the weapon, the young man presses it into his hand, insisting that he take it.

And finally, when he comes upon a rich merchant sitting in a wagon, right over one of the wheels, the man hands him a bag of money. “I decided to give this to the tenth person who walked past me today,” explains the Merchant, “You’re the tenth.” The Fool hardly thought he could still be surprised, but he is. It is as if everything good that he ever did in his life is being paid back to him, three-fold. All luck this day is his.

11. Justice

The Fool is looking for a new path, a new aspiration and inspiration for his life. Sitting uncertain at a crossroads he notices a blind wise woman listening to two brothers argue over an inheritance. They have come to her for judgment. One brother has the whole inheritance, the other has nothing.

“I ask that all of it be given to me,” the poor brother demands, “Not only because I have a better right to it, but because I will not be wasteful with it, as he is!” But the rich brother protests, “It is rightfully mine and that’s all that should matter, not what I do with it!”

The woman listens, then awards half of the rich brother’s inheritance to the poor brother. The Fool thinks this only fair, but neither brother is happy. The rich one hates losing half his wealth, and the poor one feels he ought to have gotten all.

“You were fair,” the Fool remarks to the woman after the brothers have left. “Yes, I was,” she answers plainly. “With only half the inheritance, the rich one will stop being so wasteful. And the poor one will have as much as he needs. Even though they cannot see it, this decision was good for both.”

The Fool thinks on this and realizes that he has spent his life achieving worldly ambitions and physical goods while leaving his spiritual self to starve. He ought to have given half his time and energy to his spiritual self, but he didn’t. It’s no wonder that he feels unbalanced. Thanking the woman, he heads out to restore equilibrium to his inner scales.

12. The Hanged Man

The Fool settles beneath a tree, intent on finding his spiritual self. There he stays for nine days, without eating, barely moving. People pass by him, animals, clouds, the wind, the rain, the stars, sun and moon. On the ninth day, with no conscious thought of why, he climbs the tree and dangles from a branch upside down like a child. For a moment, he surrenders all that he is, wants, knows or cares about. Coins fall from his pockets and as he gazes down on them – seeing them not as money but only as round bits of metal.

It seems to him that his perspective of the world has completely changed, as if his inverted position has allowed him to dangle between the mundane world and the spiritual world, able to see both. It is a dazzling moment, dreamlike yet crystal clear.

Timeless as this moment of clarity seems, he realizes that it will not last. Very soon, he must right himself, but when he does, things will be different. He will have to act on what he’s learned. For now, however, he just hangs, weightless as if underwater, observing, absorbing, seeing.

13. Death

Having left the tree from where he hung, the Fool moves carefully through a fallow field, head still clearing from visions. The air is cold and wintry, the trees bare. He knows he has started on his spiritual journey in earnest, but feels strangely empty and profoundly sad, as if he has lost something.

Before him he sees, rising with the sun, a skeleton in black armor mounted on a white horse. He recognizes it as Death. As it stops before him, he humbly asks, “Have I died?” And the Skeleton answers, “Yes, in a way. You sacrificed your old world, your old self. Both are gone, dead.”

The Fool cannot keep from weeping. “Forgive me,” he says, embarrassed by his tears.

“There is nothing to forgive,” Death replies. “Mourning is natural and you must deal with your loss before you can accept anything new. Keep in mind, however, that old leaves must wither and fly away from a tree’s branches, leaving them bare, before new green leaves can appear.”

As Death rides away, the Fool sees the truth in those words. He, too, feels like a skeleton, all that he was stripped away. This, he understands, is how all great transformations start, by removing everything down to bare bone or soil so that something new has room to grow.

Recovering from feelings of loss at last, the Fool begins to wonder if he will finally find the new spirituality he’s after. It occurs to him that so far, he’s been dealing with opposites: the two opposing sides of the scales (Justice), the material and spiritual (which he hung between as the Hanged man), death and birth (the one leading into the other in the Death card). Does one always have to be surrendered to get the other? he wonders.

14. Temperance

It is at this point that he comes upon a winged figure standing with one foot in a brook, the other on a rock. The radiant creature pours something from one flask into another. Drawing closer, the Fool sees that what is being poured from one flask is fire, while water flows from the other. The two are being blended together into a completely different substance!

“How can you mix fire and water?” the Fool finally whispers. Never pausing the Angel answers, “You must have the right vessels and use the right proportions.”

The Fool watches with wonder. “Can this be done with all opposites?” he asks. “Indeed,” the Angel replies, “Any oppositions, fire and water, man and woman, thesis and anti-thesis, can be made into a unified third. It is only a lack of will and a disbelief in the possibility that keeps opposites, opposite.” And that is when the Fool begins to understand that he is the one who is keeping his universe in twain, holding life/death, material world and spiritual world separate. In him the two could merge. All it takes, the Fool realizes, is the right proportions, the right vessel and enough faith that the two can be unified.

15. The Devil

The Fool comes to the foot of an enormous black mountain where reigns a creature half goat, half god. At his hooves naked people, linked to the god’s throne by chains, engage in every indulgence imaginable: sex, drugs, food, drink. The closer the Fool gets, the more he feels his own earthly desires rising in him. Carnal desires, hunger for food and power, greed and selfishness. “I have given up all such desires!” he roars at the Goat god, resisting the beast’s power with all his might. He is sure that this is a test of his new spirituality, one where he must prove that the temptations of the material world cannot sway him.

The creature responds to his defiance with a curious look. “All I am doing is bringing out what is already in you,” it responds mildly. “Such feelings are nothing to fear, nothing to be ashamed of, or even to avoid. They are even useful to helping you in your quest for spirituality, though many try to pretend otherwise.”

The Fool gestures angrily at the chained men and women, “You say that even though these are clearly enslaved to the material world?”

The Goat-god mimics the Fool’s gesture. “Take another look.” The Fool does so, and realizes that the chained collars the men and women wear are wide enough for them to easily slip off over their heads. “They can be free if they wish to be,” the Goat-god says, “They remain here because they want to be controlled by their base, bestial desires. There are, however, others.”

At this the Goat-god gestures upward, toward the peak of the mountain. “Others who have used these same impulses to climb to the highest heights. If they had denied their desires they’d never have gotten there.”

On hearing this, the Fool sees that he has mistaken the Goat-god. This is not a creature of evil as he thought, but of great power, the lowest and the highest, both of beast and god. Like all power, it is frightening, and dangerous…but it is also a key to freedom and transcendence.

16. The Tower

As the Fool leaves the throne of the Goat God, he comes upon a Tower, fantastic, magnificent, and familiar. In fact, The Fool, himself, helped build this Tower back when the most important thing to him was making his mark on the world and proving himself better than other men. Inside the Tower, at the top, arrogant men still live, convinced of their rightness.

Seeing the Tower again, the Fool feels as if lightning has just flashed across his mind; he thought he’d left that old self behind when he started on this spiritual journey. But he realizes now that he hasn’t. He’s been seeing himself, like the Tower, like the men inside, as alone and singular and superior, when in fact, he is no such thing.

So captured is he by the shock of this insight, that he opens his mouth and releases a SHOUT! And to his astonishment and terror, a bolt of actual lightning slashes down from the heavens striking the Tower and sending its residents leaping out into the waters below.

In a moment, it is over. The Tower is rubble, only rocks remaining. Stunned and shaken to the core, the Fool experiences profound fear and disbelief. But also, a strange clarity of vision, as if his inner eye has finally opened. He tore down his resistance to change and sacrifice (Hanged man), then came to terms with Death (Death); he learned about moderation and synthesis (Temperance) and about power (The Devil). But here and now, he has done what was hardest: he destroyed the lies of his life. What’s left are the foundations of truth. On this he can rebuild himself.

17. The Star

On the bleak landscape where the Tower stood, the Fool sits, empty, despairing. He hoped to find direction on this spiritual journey, a path to his spiritual self, but having just learned that most of his life was a lie, he now feels lost. Sitting on the cold stones, he gazes up at the night sky wishing for some kind of guide. And that is when he notices, nearby, a beautiful girl with two water urns. As he watches, she kneels by a pool of water illuminated with reflected starlight. She empties the urns, one into the pool, one onto the thirsty ground.

“What are you doing,” he asks her. She looks up at him, her eyes twinkling like stars. “I am refilling this pool, so that those who are thirsty may drink, and I am also watering the earth so that more fruit trees will grow to feed those who are hungry.” She nods back to a single fruit tree that stands nearby, a nightingale singing amid its branches.

“Come,” she invites. “Sate your hunger and quench your thirst.”

The Fool plucks some fruit from the tree, then kneels by her and drinks from the pool. The water tastes wonderful, like liquid starlight, and the fruit is equally delicious. Both help to heal his wounded heart.

Having quenched his thirst and sated his hunger, the Fool lays back to gaze up at the stars. “They’re so beautiful,” he said, “but so distant.”

“Like possible futures,” agrees the girl. “Cool and distant. Yet if you keep one in sight, it can guide you to your destination no matter how far away it is.” Even as she says this, she began to fade away, like dew, vanishing. All that remains is a gleam that was at the center of her forehead. This rises up and up, until it settles in the night sky as a shining star. “Follow your star,” the woman’s voice seems to sing from that light, “and have hope.”

The Fool takes in a breath and rises. It is a dark night, a desolate land. But for the first time, he has a guiding light to show him the way. Distant as it is, it restores his faith.

18. The Moon

Following the star the Fool travels through the night. The full Moon rises, illuminating for him a watery path. And he begins to feel disoriented, as if walking in his sleep. He passes under the moon, between two pillars ancient and strange. Suddenly, he looks around to find himself in another land entirely. When he was in the presence of the High Priestess, he saw hints of this dark land through the sheer veil draped behind her throne. And later, when he hung from the tree, he felt himself between the physical world and this one. Now, he has at last passed behind the veil.

Here are the mysteries he sought, the darkest mysteries, ones that have to do with the most primal and ancient powers. It is a land poets, artists, musicians and madmen know well, a terrifying, alluring place, with very different rules. Wolves run wild across this land, hunting along side maidens with bow and arrows. Creatures from childhood nightmares and fantasies peer from shadows, eyes glowing.

The path the Fool was walking is now a river, and he stands hip-deep in the powerful pull of its salty waters. There is, on the nearby shore, a small boat, but it has no rudder, no oar. The Fool realizes he has only two choices. He can lose himself in this desolate, primal land of madness and illusion, howl with the wolves, be hunted down, or he can get into the boat and trust himself to the river. The moon will be in control either way, but in the boat his surrender to the powers of the unconscious will at least take him somewhere.

Inspiration, visions and genius are the rewards of such surrender to the Moon’s Magic, as artists, poets and seers know. The Fool gets into the boat, and shoves off. As the waters sweep him away, moonbeams light his “path” and he feels the Mistress of this dark land gazing down at him with the High Priestess’s approving eyes.

19. The Sun

The Fool wakes at dawn from his long, dark night of the soul to find that the river has deposited him in a serene pool. There is a walled garden around this pond dominated by roses, lilies and splendid, nodding sunflowers. Stepping ashore, he watches the sun rise overhead. The day is clear. A child’s laughter attracts his attention and he sees a little boy ride a small white pony into the garden.

“Come!” says the little boy, leaping off the horse and running up to him. “Come see!” And the child proceeds to take the Fool’s hand and enthusiastically point out all manner of things, the busy insects in the grass, the seeds and petals on the sunflowers, the way the light sparkles on the pond. He asks questions of the Fool, simple but profound ones, like “Why is the sky blue?” He sings songs, and plays games with the Fool.

At one point the Fool stops, blinking up at the Sun so large and golden overhead, and he finds himself smiling, wider and brighter than he has in a very long time. He has been tested and tried, confused and scared, dismayed and amazed. But this is the first time that he has been simply and purely happy. His mind feels illuminated, his soul light and bright as a sunbeam, and it’s all thanks to this child with his simple questions, games and songs. This boy has helped the Fool see the world and himself anew.

“Who are you?” the Fool asks the child at last. The child smiles at this and seems to shine. And then he grows brighter and brighter until he turns into pure sunlight.

“I’m You,” the boy’s voice says throughout the garden, “The new you.” And as the words fill the Fool with warmth and energy, he comes to realize that this garden, the sun above, the child, all exist within him. He has just met his own inner light.

20. Judgement

As the Fool leaves the garden of the Sun, he feels that he is near the end of his journey, ready to take a final step. But something is keeping him from doing this, holding him back. He gazes up, hoping to find guidance from the Sun; instead he sees above him a fiery angel, beautiful and terrible.

“You are right,” the Angelic figure confirms, “you have only one last step on your journey, one final step to completion. But you cannot take that step until you lay your past to rest.”

The Fool is perturbed. “Lay it to rest? I thought I’d left it behind, all of it!”

“There is no way to leave the past behind,” The Angel observes. “Each step wears down the shoe just a bit, and so shapes the next step you take, and the next and the next. Your past is always under your feet. You cannot hide from it, run from it, or rid yourself of it. But you can call it up, and come to terms with it. Are you willing to do that?”

The Angel hands the Fool a small trumpet. The Fool is hesitant, but he knows that the Angel is right. There are certain memories he has a hard time looking back on as they make him feel guilty, ashamed, angry. He knows that he’s never come to terms with what happened and he must if he wants to make that final transition.

He blows the trumpet and it cracks open the Earth. From under the Fool’s feet, the spirits of his past selves rise up, including those less than admirable past selves that he’s tried to forget.

For the first time, he faces them. They are, he sees, nothing to fear. They were him once-upon-a-time, but not now. Even as he realizes this, he finds himself forgiving those past selves for the wrongs they did that left him feeling bad. He senses, in turn, that they forgive him for ignoring the lessons they had to teach him. As he reaches an understanding with them, they start to rise up and float away, vanishing into the sky. Though they remain as experiences and memories, they no longer have any power over him. He is free of ill-feelings, reborn, and living in the present.

21. The World

The Fool turns to take that final step along his final path, and finds, to his bemusement, that he is right back where he started, at the edge of that very same cliff he almost stepped over when he was young and too foolish to look where he was going. But now he sees his position very differently. He thought he could separate body and mind, learn all about one, then leave it to learn about the other. But in the end, it is all about the self: mind and body, past and future, the individual, and the world. All one, including the Fool and the Mystic who are both doorways to the secrets of the universe.

With a knowing smile, the Fool takes that final step right off the cliff…and soars. Higher and higher, until the whole of the world is his to see. And there he dances, surrounded by a yoni of stars, at one with the universe. Ending, in a sense, where he began, beginning again at the end. The world turns, and the Fool’s journey is complete.

[grimoirey]

I don't know who (if anyone) needs to hear this, but witchcraft isn't sacred to every practitioner. It's not always filling some spiritual void they had, or becoming a huge part of their life and identity. It's not a religious experience for a lot of witches. Not everyone takes it super seriously at all times.

It can be a hobby. It can be a casual thing. It can be something fun they do every now and then.

Just because it's a certain thing for you, don't expect everyone else to feel exactly the same way.

[grimoirey]

[grimoirey]

Dancing Fairies by  Arthur Rackham

[grimoirey]

places associated with the planets

adapted from the three books of occult philosophy and including my own correspondences for both the inner and outer planets.

moon - barren places, cliffs, and immense rocks, mountains, woods, forests, springs, waters, rivers, the sea, the shore, and ships; dry places.

sun - bright places, serene air, palaces, pulpits, theaters, thrones, and all royal and magnificent places.

mercury - offices, schools, shops, markets, thrift stores, trading places.

venus - beautiful fountains, green meadows, flowery gardens, ornate beds, and brothels; baths, seas, seashores, waterfalls, temperate places.

mars - fires, furnaces, bakeries, provision markets, crosses, battlegrounds, torture chambers, warm places.

jupiter - places of privilege, royal assembly places, tribunals, chairs, gymnasia, schools, fragrant places, places of prosperity.

saturn - churches, graveyards, tombs, crop fields, deserted homes and other buildings, solitary caves, hollows, wells, ponds, swamps, dark and stagnant places.

uranus - airports, public transit, colleges, space center, museums, cold places.

neptune - beach, ocean, reflective pool, boats, house of mirrors, art museum, windy places.

pluto - churches, graveyards, tombs, crossroads, liminal spaces, hospitals, cypress forests, icy places, quiet and still places.

© 2024 ad-caelestia

[grimoirey]

🪐Court Card Astrology🪐

In astrology-inspired Tarot, each court card has specific associations with astrological signs and degrees within the zodiac. This adds nuance to the personality, motivations, and experiences represented by each card. The court cards—Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings—correspond to elemental qualities (Fire, Water, Air, Earth) and specific signs, creating unique astrological "personalities" for each card.

Here's how it breaks down:

PAGES

The Messengers and Seekers

The Pages are often connected with the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces), representing exploration, learning, and adaptability.

Page of Wands: 20° Sagittarius - 20° Capricorn (transitioning from Sagittarius’s adventurous spirit to Capricorn’s ambition, from fire to earth)

Page of Cups: 20° Virgo - 20° Libra (from Virgo’s thoughtful analysis to Libra’s relational harmony, from earth to air)

Page of Swords: 20° Gemini - 20° Cancer (Gemini’s curiosity flowing into Cancer’s intuition, from air to water)

Page of Pentacles: 20° Pisces - 20° Aries (Pisces’s dreams shifting toward Aries’s action, from water to fire)

Pages signify new ideas and early stages of development, reflecting mutable signs’ open-mindedness and changeability.

KNIGHTS

The Adventurers and Warriors

The Knights are linked with fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), embodying determination, stability, and intense focus.

Knight of Wands: 20° Scorpio - 20° Sagittarius (from Scorpio’s intensity to Sagittarius’s expansion, from water to fire)

Knight of Cups: 20° Leo - 20° Virgo (Leo’s passion softened by Virgo’s service and humility, from fire to earth)

Knight of Swords: 20° Capricorn - 20° Aquarius (Capricorn’s ambition blending into Aquarius’s vision, from earth to air)

Knight of Pentacles: 20° Taurus - 20° Gemini (Taurus’s steadiness giving way to Gemini’s curiosity, from earth to air)

Knights bring a strong will and a questing nature; their association with fixed signs reflects their commitment and drive in pursuing their goals.

QUEENS

The Nurturers and Masters of Their Element

The Queens align with the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), showing leadership, nurturing, and initiation within their element.

Queen of Wands: 20° Pisces - 20° Aries (from Pisces’s sensitivity to Aries’s courage, from water to fire)

Queen of Cups: 20° Gemini - 20° Cancer (Gemini’s sociability flowing into Cancer’s deep empathy, from air to water)

Queen of Swords: 20° Virgo - 20° Libra (Virgo’s analysis blending into Libra’s diplomacy, from earth to air)

Queen of Pentacles: 20° Sagittarius - 20° Capricorn (Sagittarius’s wisdom blending into Capricorn’s practicality, from fire to earth)

Queens signify a mature, nurturing energy with strong initiation traits, embodying cardinal signs’ strength to guide, care for, and lead.

KINGS

The Rulers and Visionaries

The Kings often correspond with the elements of the signs they represent, showing mastery, wisdom, and authority.

King of Wands: 20° Cancer - 20° Leo (Cancer’s intuition fused with Leo’s charisma and leadership, from water to fire)

King of Cups: 20° Libra - 20° Scorpio (Libra’s diplomacy blended with Scorpio’s depth and intensity, from air to water)

King of Swords: 20° Capricorn - 20° Aquarius (Capricorn’s ambition evolved into Aquarius’s visionary ideas, from earth to air)

King of Pentacles: 20° Aries - 20° Taurus (Aries’s initiative grounded in Taurus’s practicality, from fire to earth)

Kings represent wisdom, authority, and mastery over their element. They embody both the drive to lead and the experience of managing complex energies.

Summary of the Court Cards’ Astrological Role

The court cards each hold a unique blend of elements and astrological degrees, which adds depth to their meaning. The Page seeks, the Knight quests, the Queen nurtures, and the King rules. Their linked degrees and signs add specific traits, making each court card not only a personality but a journey through the zodiac's energies. This way, the court cards reflect human development through stages, each marked by astrological qualities—exploring, stabilizing, nurturing, and mastering the self and the world around them.

[grimoirey]

✨ The Four Quadrants ✨

In astrology, the zodiac wheel is divided into four quadrants, each one a powerful segment of life’s journey. The quadrants represent different stages of self-development and interaction with the world, moving from personal identity to engagement with society. Each quadrant consists of three signs, and each grouping reveals a unique phase in our soul’s evolution, from forming an individual self to connecting with others and finding a place in the collective. Let’s explore what each quadrant embodies:

First Quadrant

The Journey of Self

Aries, Taurus, Gemini

Self-discovery, survival, and the development of personal identity.

Springtime.

In this first quadrant, the focus is on the individual self. Aries brings the initial spark of existence, the urge to be; Taurus anchors this self into physical form, creating security; and Gemini explores the mind and curiosity of the self. Here, the soul is learning who it is and grounding itself in the world.

Second Quadrant

The Connection to Others

Cancer, Leo, Virgo

Emotional bonds, self-expression, and service.

Summertime.

The second quadrant expands beyond the self into the realm of relationships with others. Cancer seeks emotional closeness and belonging, Leo expresses itself with confidence, and Virgo refines its role in service. In this phase, the self is learning to connect deeply, give, and receive, finding a sense of purpose in relationships and contribution.

Third Quadrant

The Encounter with the Collective

Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius

Partnerships, transformation, and wisdom.

Autumn.

This quadrant represents the individual in relation to the wider world, deepening bonds and reaching toward universal understanding. Libra teaches balance and partnership, Scorpio dives into transformation and shared resources, and Sagittarius seeks the truth and meaning of life. Here, the self learns to merge, collaborate, and transcend personal limits, moving towards something greater than itself.

Fourth Quadrant

The Universal Self

Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

Society, vision, and transcendence.

Winter.

In the final quadrant, the focus is on the collective and universal experience. Capricorn anchors societal structures and legacy; Aquarius envisions change, innovation, and future ideals; and Pisces transcends the material world, merging with the spiritual. This quadrant calls the self to expand beyond personal desires, embracing universal connection, spiritual wisdom, and ultimate unity.

Each quadrant is like a stage in the soul’s journey: from personal identity and connection to family, to the encounter with the greater world, and finally, merging with the cosmos. In an example, the Page of Cups aligning with the third quadrant (Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius) symbolizes a message of connecting with others, seeking deeper emotions, and exploring new perspectives. The third quadrant encourages us to build bridges, embrace transformation, and look for meaning beyond ourselves.

[grimoirey]

✨ Astro Modalities ✨

In astrology, modalities are one of the ways that the 12 zodiac signs are divided to give us insight into each sign’s unique “style” or approach to life. Modalities describe how each sign moves through life, approaches goals, and reacts to challenges. There are three modalities—Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable—and each one represents a different quality or energy.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Cardinal Signs

Beginning of the Season

Aries - Spring (fire)

Cancer - Summer (water)

Libra - Autumn (air)

Capricorn - Winter (earth)

Initiation, leadership, action

Cardinal signs are natural initiators. They’re the ones who are eager to take action, lead, and get things going. Each Cardinal sign kicks off a new season (for example, Aries begins spring, Cancer begins summer). These signs have a fresh, forward-moving energy and are often the “doers” of the zodiac. They love starting projects or being the first to dive into something new.

Fixed Signs

Middle of the Season

Taurus - Spring (earth)

Leo - Summer (fire)

Scorpio - Autumn (water)

Aquarius - Winter (air)

Stability, perseverance, loyalty

Fixed signs are steady, determined, and committed. They’re the signs that can dig in, see things through, and finish what the Cardinal signs start. Each Fixed sign is in the middle of a season, which gives them a stable and dependable energy. These signs are known for their focus and persistence. They may not always adapt quickly, but they bring strength and stability to any situation.

Mutable Signs

End of the Season

Gemini - Spring (air)

Virgo - Summer (earth)

Sagittarius - Autumn (fire)

Pisces - Winter (water)

Flexibility, adaptability, communication

Mutable signs are the “chameleons” of the zodiac. They’re adaptable, versatile, and comfortable with change. Each Mutable sign ends a season, so they carry the energy of transformation, wrapping things up and transitioning into something new. They’re great at multitasking and adjusting to new situations, making them natural mediators or communicators.

How They Work Together

Each modality represents a different stage in a process: Cardinal signs initiate, Fixed signs build, and Mutable signs transition. When you combine all three modalities, you get a cycle of creation, development, and change.

Modalities add a layer of insight into each sign beyond just its element (Fire, Earth, Air, Water). They help explain how a sign’s energy expresses itself. For example, Aries (a Cardinal Fire sign) is bold and quick to act, while Taurus (a Fixed Earth sign) is grounded and steady.

[grimoirey]

🌟 Decans vs Modalities 🌟

Decans and modalities are different concepts in astrology, though both add layers of meaning to the signs.

Decans

Decans divide each zodiac sign into three 10-degree segments, adding nuance to a sign's expression based on a secondary planetary ruler. This helps explain differences within a single sign by bringing in additional planetary influences for each 10-degree portion.

Each sign’s three decans are influenced by the three signs that share its element (fire, earth, air, or water), creating subtle variations within the sign. The first decan is purely influenced by the sign’s main ruler, giving a concentrated version of the sign’s qualities. The second decan is influenced by the next sign in the same element, blending the original sign’s traits with those of its "neighbor," creating a broader or more dynamic expression. The third decan is influenced by the final sign in that element, bringing in its unique qualities to form the most complex or evolved version of the original sign. For example, Aries' three decans reflect Mars (Aries), the Sun (Leo), and Jupiter (Sagittarius), each adding layers of courage, expressiveness, and adventure, respectively, to the Aries archetype.

First Decan (0–10°)

The ruling planet of the sign governs this decan, giving it a “pure” expression of the sign’s core qualities (this sign is ruled by the same sign, e.g., Mars in Aries / Aries in Aries / fire in fire).

Second Decan (10–20°)

This decan is ruled by the next sign in the same element (for instance, if the main sign is a fire sign, its second decan is ruled by the planetary ruler of the next fire sign).

Third Decan (20–30°)

This decan is ruled by the planet that governs the next sign in the same element (e.g., the third fire sign if it’s a fire sign, the third water sign if it’s a water sign).

Modalities

Modalities, also known as qualities or modes, describe how each sign approaches action, energy, and change. The three modalities—Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable—organize the 12 zodiac signs into groups of four, with each modality containing one sign from each element (fire, earth, air, and water).

Here’s what each modality represents:

Cardinal Signs

(Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)

Cardinal signs initiate and are natural leaders. They’re good at starting things and bring new energy.

Example: Aries (Cardinal fire) is enthusiastic and pioneering.

Fixed Signs

(Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)

Fixed signs stabilize and consolidate. They’re persistent, reliable, and tend to be more resistant to change.

Example: Taurus (Fixed earth) is steady and focused on security.

Mutable Signs

(Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)

Mutable signs are adaptable, flexible, and responsive to change. They’re versatile and often serve as bridges between other energies.

Example: Gemini (Mutable air) is curious and mentally agile.

How Decans and Modalities Differ

While decans add nuanced layers within a sign by giving each 10-degree portion a unique planetary influence, modalities define the broader approach or “style” of energy across different signs. Modalities describe how signs express their energy overall (initiating, stabilizing, or adapting), whereas decans describe subtle variations within each sign’s energy based on additional planetary rulers.

[grimoirey]

[grimoirey]

[grimoirey]

🌛 Decans in Astrology 🌜

In astrology, decans divide each zodiac sign’s 30 degrees into three segments of 10 degrees each, called the first, second, and third decans. Each decan is associated with a different planetary influence, adding unique characteristics to the overall traits of the sign. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:

First Decan (0–10°)

Ruler:

The ruling planet of the sign governs this decan, giving it a “pure” expression of the sign’s core qualities.

Meaning:

People or situations in the first decan often exhibit the most straightforward, direct traits of the sign. For example, a first-decan Aries (0–10° Aries, ruled by Mars) may display a strong sense of initiative, courage, and competitiveness, with an intense drive that’s characteristic of Aries itself.

Interpretation:

This decan embodies the unfiltered or “classic” qualities of the sign and can be the most recognizable in terms of personality and behavior.

Second Decan (10–20°)

Ruler:

This decan is ruled by the next sign in the same element (for instance, if the main sign is a fire sign, its second decan is ruled by the planetary ruler of the next fire sign).

Meaning:

The second decan mixes the primary sign’s qualities with an additional flavor from its sub-ruler. For example, the second decan of Aries (10–20° Aries) is influenced by the Sun, ruler of Leo (the next fire sign), making this decan a blend of Aries’ initiative with Leo’s expressive, creative energy.

Interpretation:

Individuals or energies influenced by this decan may express the sign’s qualities in a broader, often more dynamic way, bringing in elements of the sub-ruler’s character to enhance or diversify the sign.

Third Decan (20–30°)

Ruler:

This decan is ruled by the planet that governs the next sign in the same element (e.g., the third fire sign if it’s a fire sign, the third water sign if it’s a water sign).

Meaning:

The third decan combines the core qualities of the primary sign with subtleties from the sub-ruler’s sign, creating a more complex, evolved expression. For example, the third decan of Aries (20–30° Aries) is ruled by Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius (the third fire sign), adding philosophical, expansive qualities to Aries’ straightforward nature.

Interpretation:

This decan often expresses the most “mature” or “nuanced” version of the sign, sometimes showing depth, wisdom, or broader life perspectives not seen as prominently in the other decans.

Practical Example of Decans in Action

Take Leo, a fire sign ruled by the Sun:

First Decan

(0–10° Leo, ruled by the Sun):

Classic Leo qualities—confidence, leadership, warmth.

Second Decan

(10–20° Leo, ruled by Jupiter, from Sagittarius):

Adds generosity, a love for adventure, and an expansive approach to Leo’s traits.

Third Decan

(20–30° Leo, ruled by Mars, from Aries):

Brings an assertive, driven, and competitive edge to Leo, sometimes with a more fiery and determined approach.

Why Decans Matter in Interpretation

Decans offer astrologers a way to add depth to a sign’s characteristics. They can help explain subtle variations among people with the same sun sign, add layers to planetary placements within a chart, and provide richer details in areas like personality analysis, transits, and Tarot interpretations.

[grimoirey]

💫 Astrology in the Tarot 💫

The astrological correspondences of the pip cards in the Golden Dawn system are based on decans of the zodiac. Each zodiac sign has 30 degrees and is divided into three decans of 10 degrees each. Each pip card from the Twos to the Tens corresponds to one of these decans, aligning the card with both a zodiac sign and its planetary ruler. This structure brings a unique blend of qualities to each card, enriching its meaning.

Astrological Correspondences for the Pips (Twos to Tens)

Let’s break down the correspondences by suit, covering the astrological sign and planetary ruler associated with each card:

WANDS

(Fire - Passion, Willpower, Inspiration)

Two of Wands

Mars in Aries (0–10° Aries)

Mars, ruling Aries, emphasizes courage, ambition, and initiating action. The Two of Wands often reflects choice, direction, and planning for the future.

Three of Wands

Sun in Aries (10–20° Aries)

The Sun in Aries signifies confidence, foresight, and boldness. This card shows themes of expansion, exploration, and awaiting the rewards of initial efforts.

Four of Wands

Venus in Aries (20–30° Aries)

Venus brings harmony to Aries’s assertive energy, representing celebration, community, and a sense of achievement or homecoming.

Five of Wands

Saturn in Leo (0–10° Leo)

Saturn in Leo brings conflict and the challenge of balancing individuality within group dynamics. The Five of Wands often represents competition, tension, and the need for cooperation.

Six of Wands

Jupiter in Leo (10–20° Leo)

Jupiter’s expansive energy in Leo signifies victory, recognition, and public success, themes present in the Six of Wands.

Seven of Wands

Mars in Leo (20–30° Leo)

Mars here implies assertiveness and the courage to defend one’s stance, leading to themes of perseverance and standing firm against opposition.

Eight of Wands

Mercury in Sagittarius (0–10° Sagittarius)

Mercury in Sagittarius brings swift communication, movement, and progress. This card often signifies rapid action, messages, or travel.

Nine of Wands

Moon in Sagittarius (10–20° Sagittarius)

The Moon in Sagittarius reflects resilience and emotional endurance, leading to themes of caution and defense while nearing the end of a struggle.

Ten of Wands

Saturn in Sagittarius (20–30° Sagittarius)

Saturn’s restrictive energy in Sagittarius leads to themes of responsibility, burden, and hard work, often depicted in the Ten of Wands as carrying a heavy load.

CUPS

(Water - Emotions, Relationships, Intuition)

Two of Cups

Venus in Cancer (0–10° Cancer)

Venus in Cancer brings love, connection, and harmony. The Two of Cups represents partnership, mutual attraction, and emotional unity.

Three of Cups

Mercury in Cancer (10–20° Cancer)

Mercury in Cancer promotes emotional expression and communication, leading to themes of celebration, friendship, and shared joy.

Four of Cups

Moon in Cancer (20–30° Cancer)

The Moon in Cancer intensifies emotions, leading to introspection or dissatisfaction. This card often reflects apathy or a need for emotional reassessment.

Five of Cups

Mars in Scorpio (0–10° Scorpio)

Mars in Scorpio brings intense emotions and transformation, reflecting grief, loss, or emotional conflict in the Five of Cups.

Six of Cups

Sun in Scorpio (10–20° Scorpio)

The Sun in Scorpio sheds light on past emotions, nostalgia, and emotional connections, often seen as revisiting happy memories or innocence.

Seven of Cups

Venus in Scorpio (20–30° Scorpio)

Venus in Scorpio brings intensity and allure, leading to themes of temptation, choices, and illusion in the Seven of Cups.

Eight of Cups

Saturn in Pisces (0–10° Pisces)

Saturn in Pisces encourages spiritual maturity and leaving behind what no longer serves, leading to themes of departure and emotional detachment.

Nine of Cups

Jupiter in Pisces (10–20° Pisces)

Jupiter in Pisces is expansive and compassionate, bringing themes of emotional fulfillment, wish fulfillment, and satisfaction.

Ten of Cups

Mars in Pisces (20–30° Pisces)

Mars in Pisces brings action to a compassionate space, resulting in themes of emotional completion, harmony, and familial joy.

SWORDS

(Air - Intellect, Communication, Conflict)

Two of Swords

Moon in Libra (0–10° Libra)

The Moon in Libra seeks balance and peace, leading to themes of indecision, balance, and contemplation.

Three of Swords

Saturn in Libra (10–20° Libra)

Saturn in Libra emphasizes lessons in relationships and fairness, often resulting in the heartache or sorrow seen in the Three of Swords.

Four of Swords

Jupiter in Libra (20–30° Libra)

Jupiter in Libra encourages rest and recovery, leading to themes of peace, meditation, and recuperation.

Five of Swords

Venus in Aquarius (0–10° Aquarius)

Venus in Aquarius can represent unconventional or detached values, often showing conflict or ethical dilemmas, as in the Five of Swords.

Six of Swords

Mercury in Aquarius (10–20° Aquarius)

Mercury in Aquarius represents intellectual clarity and forward-thinking, leading to themes of transition, travel, and moving away from difficulty.

Seven of Swords

Moon in Aquarius (20–30° Aquarius)

The Moon in Aquarius suggests secrecy or emotional detachment, reflected in the themes of strategy or deception in the Seven of Swords.

Eight of Swords

Jupiter in Gemini (0–10° Gemini)

Jupiter in Gemini can feel overwhelmed by details, leading to themes of restriction, mental entrapment, or feeling stuck.

Nine of Swords

Mars in Gemini (10–20° Gemini)

Mars in Gemini brings mental tension and conflict, often seen as worry, anxiety, or nightmares in the Nine of Swords.

Ten of Swords

Sun in Gemini (20–30° Gemini)

The Sun in Gemini can represent the culmination of mental struggle, resulting in themes of finality, painful endings, or acceptance.

PENTACLES

(Earth - Material, Stability, Practicality)

Two of Pentacles

Jupiter in Capricorn (0–10° Capricorn)

Jupiter in Capricorn emphasizes balance and adaptability in practical matters, leading to themes of juggling responsibilities or finding balance.

Three of Pentacles

Mars in Capricorn (10–20° Capricorn)

Mars in Capricorn reflects disciplined effort and mastery, leading to themes of teamwork, skill, and collaboration.

Four of Pentacles

Sun in Capricorn (20–30° Capricorn)

The Sun in Capricorn brings stability and material security, leading to themes of possessiveness or holding onto resources.

Five of Pentacles

Mercury in Taurus (0–10° Taurus)

Mercury in Taurus can suggest feeling materially stuck or isolated, reflected in themes of financial hardship or feeling left out.

Six of Pentacles

Moon in Taurus (10–20° Taurus)

The Moon in Taurus emphasizes nurturing and generosity, leading to themes of giving, receiving, and balance in resources.

Seven of Pentacles

Saturn in Taurus (20–30° Taurus)

Saturn in Taurus brings patience and delayed rewards, leading to themes of assessment, patience, and waiting.

Eight of Pentacles

Sun in Virgo (0–10° Virgo)

The Sun in Virgo focuses on precision and diligence, leading to themes of skill development, hard work, and dedication.

Nine of Pentacles

Venus in Virgo (10–20° Virgo)

Venus in Virgo emphasizes refinement and appreciation of one’s surroundings, leading to themes of self-sufficiency, comfort, and pleasure in solitude.

Ten of Pentacles

Mercury in Virgo (20–30° Virgo)

Mercury in Virgo represents practicality and detail in material life, leading to themes of legacy, family wealth, and stability.

How These Influences Shape the Meanings

The astrological correspondences add layers to each card by infusing the cards with the traits of their associated planet and zodiac sign. This combination reflects both external situations (through the zodiac signs) and inner drives (through the ruling planets). Together, they bring richness to each card’s interpretation in a way that accounts for the complexity of life’s many influences—passions, emotions, intellect, and material matters—while enhancing the elemental qualities of each suit.

[grimoirey]

Your Polytheist reminder that if you have altars in your home, then ...

Your housework is tending your temple.

Vacuuming, cleaning up the clutter, dusting... all of it.

Housework suddenly becomes not only easier but spiritually fulfilling when I play music and envision that I am not cleaning my bedroom or apartment but in fact cleaning my modern day temple.

You can dedicate cleaning each room or each corner to a specific deity if you like in addition to your altars.

Cleaning itself is not only great active meditation (it's when I get my best deity insights, such as this very post) but is such an underrated act of worship and devotion.

Witchy tip: sweeping dust etc out the door is a super effective cleansing activity that doesn't require expensive herbs or other ingredients.

Go forth and clean thy temples, babes. 😘🕯🧹