Struggling lately? Here's a message from the cards to offer some grounding.
From the Antique Anatomy Tarot
Hi friends,
I pulled some cards to help make sense of things this week and thought I’d share them with you. After all, I asked on behalf of all of us.
I’ve felt a lot of emotions the past few days.
I’m sure many of you can relate. These include frustration, disappointment, relief, sadness, hope, and fear.
Part of the human experience, after all, is like a rollercoaster. Fun for us.
The highs are nice, but the lows can hit hard.
Sometimes it isn’t very pleasant.
Sometimes it’s a chance to understand our own psyche better.
Sometimes it’s survival.
And still, sometimes, it boils down to not enough rest, water, good food, or exercise.
So, why not ask the cards?
As you know, a tool like the tarot can be a brilliant mirror for reflection. If you ask it a question, it will answer you.
One of the approaches I embrace is this:
You don’t have to be all centered, grounded, and feeling calm to approach the cards. You can arrive at your altar all in a huff, tears, and balled fists—the whole bit—and still the cards will answer you.
They are impartial.
You give them purpose and meaning.
And through that exchange, they offer a path to healing or clarity or relief.
What’s interesting is that they always have a way of speaking to me, even if I don’t want to hear it.
So, let’s see what they want everyone to know right now (that was the question I asked):
From the left: Ace of Swords reversed, Knight of Swords, and Eight of Swords
Let’s look at the overarching message first. It’s no surprise that we’ve got a LOT of swords.
Remember, swords are associated with our thoughts and minds and internal dialogue. In general, and especially for our purposes today, it’s the suit of all things “in your head.”
The cards invite all of us to approach our bevy of emotions with self-awareness and some thought. Like, notice where you’re feelings run hot, and rather than becoming entangled in the swamp of polarizing energy around us, try taking a step toward freeing yourself from stuck narratives and old stories.
They suggest seeking understanding over division, and communicating clearly with intention, not in sweeping generalizations. By speaking calmly and clearly in a thought-out and thoughtful way, you limit reactivity.
(It’s okay to roll your eyes at the cards. They won’t notice.)
Okay, fine and good. But since that’s easier said than done, let’s look at this more carefully.
Ace of Swords, rx
This card reflects the sense of confusion, frustration, or even disillusionment we’re all feeling around the very concepts of truth, acceptance, and clarity.
This card suggests that the ideals people claim to uphold—like love, tolerance, and inclusion—are getting clouded by ego-driven agendas and polarizing emotions.
An uncomfortable truth: the above applies to both sides, dear friends.
The reversed Ace shows how ideals can become distorted when communication lacks honesty, humility, or true understanding.
This ace invites you to step back and see if there are beliefs, words, or perspectives that have become so wrapped up in emotion or judgment that they are no longer productive. The reversed Ace reminds you to be mindful of how frustration, even well-intentioned, can fog up your ability to see clearly.
Knight of Swords
This is the energy of swift, direct action, often with a single-minded determination to pursue our version of “truth.”
The part of us that carries this Knight energy has a strong drive to speak out, fight for causes, and defend our beliefs. However, this card also represents the shadow side of intensity and a “rush to action,” potentially without fully understanding the complexities of a situation.
In other words, are you also doing your research?
The Knight’s energy can inspire you to stand firmly in your own truth (yay!), but it also serves as a warning about the potential for words and actions to become too forceful or combative.
This card asks: Are you charging forward with such intensity that you’re overlooking the value of listening, understanding, and integrating other perspectives?
Eight of Swords
Finally, this card suggests feeling trapped, restricted, or bound by mental and emotional beliefs. I think this is important to explore. Examine your beliefs. More importantly, examine how powerful you are no matter what others say to the contrary.
This card often represents self-imposed limitations, where our perspectives, fears, or assumptions create a cage around us.
In the context of my question, the Eight of Swords highlights how the intense energies around identity and ideology can lead to feelings of entrapment and polarization.
Right now, many people may feel boxed in by beliefs or labels, making it difficult to genuinely connect with others.
This card speaks to the frustration of feeling stuck in these narrow viewpoints and reminds us that true liberation comes from looking beyond imposed narratives and seeing situations with fresh eyes.
You don’t have to agree with them
Remember, this tool is powerful because you make it so.
You don’t have to agree with the cards, but it’s important to examine the tender places that this reading might touch.
On a personal note, I think a few things are crucial in life (esp. right now):
-Tell yourself the truth
-Be open to changing your mind, or at least, listening well and with compassion
-If all else fails, free write for 20 mins then burn it
xo,
Natalie
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