Sunday Sept 6 {no video} ☀️
Light and shadow reading: pick a pile
Welcome to September dear readers!
In addition to the world feeling a little wild these days, we’ll soon be entering into a new season here in the Northern Hemisphere: autumn.
What is something in your life nearing the end of its cycle?
In preparation for this, it’s a great time to reflect on what you may want to release. Perhaps it’s a conflict with another person, a habit that’s not serving you, or some other presence in your life that is holding you back.
Death and rebirth.
This time of year we move into the final phase of many living things: Plants wither, insects live out their final days, and the Earth prepares for winter.
Today’s Cards
This is a two-card spread
The cards are guiding energies to pay attention to, both light & shadow.
Light energy will help move you closer to your true alignment. Shadow energy is a guide, too, but an energy to be aware of as a possible blockage.
From left to right, piles 1-3.
Which pile draws you in the most?
Breath. Listen. Feel. Then choose.
The crystals & stones:
1-Septarian: overall health and well-being, grounding✨root chakra
2-Rose Quartz: heart opening, soothing, fosters empathy & forgiveness✨heart chakra
3- Black Moonstone: calm emotions, feminine energy, hormonal imbalances✨root & third eye chakras
Plants:
🌼Marigold
Sun & Leo
Marigold has been used throughout history as a plant of protection. It shows up frequently in rituals honoring the dead.
It was believed that one could clear diseases of the eyes and head my merely gazing upon the plant at specific astrologically-ripe times. (Beyerl)
Since we have left the Marigold’s Leo sign for Virgo and are moving into a season of death and dying, it seems like a perfect fit for this week’s reading.
Hold up!
Choose a pile from the photo above before scrolling down.
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Pile 1
Light: Three of Coins
Shadow: Seven of Swords
I love it when pairings are so complementary and balanced!
In this duo we see the light and shadow energy balancing each other out. This means that you’re likely to encounter both energies equally for as long as this influence is present for you.
Typically with minor arcana cards like this one, the energies are not with us long. A few days, perhaps a week.
Light:
The Three of Coins is a card of collaboration. If this energy shows up for you right now, it’s likely a time where your inspiration, skills, and resources have all come together in just the right way.
Perhaps a daunting task—like sorting out school lessons at home—is starting to feel more attainable. Lean on people that can help you at this time.
Your planning and ideas are starting to make more sense. This card supports focused effort, like the time it takes to develop a new skill.
It also recognizes what can be achieved when we cooperate with others instead of isolating ourselves.
You may be still trying to figure out how a certain task or project will come to be. Look for signs in the coming days that support what you already know (your skills & intuition). Those will point you the right way.
Shadow:
In direct contrast to the rewards of seeing a task or project through, the Seven of Swords reminds you to be aware of a few strong energies that can throw you off your path.
First, if you’re nearing the completion or implementation of something you’ve been working hard on, be aware of imposter syndrome rearing its head. You may wonder if you can really pull this off, if you’re doing things “right”, or if you’re the right person for the job.
Second, you may feel compelled to be deceptive towards people involved with this venture, or even like you’re kidding yourself. This can immediately cause you to feel weighed down.
When you encounter these shadow elements, try to re-focus back on the skills and planning that helped move you forward in the first place.
Take a breath, step back, and re-align with your original intention.
Pile 2
Light: Knight of Wands
Shadow: Ten of Wands
Another perfect pairing.
This means that you’re likely to encounter both energies equally for as long as this influence is present for you.
Typically with minor arcana cards like this one, the energies are not with us long. A few days, perhaps a week.
Light:
A young adult in your life may be embodying the Knight of Wands energy this week. It is an energy filled with charisma, loyalty, and enthusiasm. Maybe even a little drama and moodiness.
It is certainly meant to keep you on your toes! This person is here to teach you something.
If not a real human, you may notice that you are embodying these traits yourself. You’re likely to feel more charismatic and enthusiastic when this energy is present.
These energies are important to look out for and embrace as they will help you get through anything challenging you’re facing with a bit more ease.
But because it’s also a drama-heavy card, be aware that you may also shift between these moods quickly.
Shadow:
Enthusiasm, loyalty, and charisma can take its toll. If you begin to feel burnt out, step back.
You may also be feeling like you’re overworked, overburdened, and are taking on extra responsibility right now.
It’s okay that these things are present, but the card is reminding you to keep your workload in balance as much as possible. Turn to the light qualities when you feel dragged under.
Avoid getting sucked in by charismatic/dramatic people. Despite being present to help you grow, if left unchecked, these relationships can be very draining and burdensome right now.
Pile 3
Light: Five of Coins {reversed}
Shadow: Two of Swords
Welcome to the crossroads.
You have likely just completed a challenging phase, project, or another undertaking. The current energies won’t be here long but they are powerful.
Light:
The Five of Coins {reversed} indicates that you’re coming out of a dark experience. This experience doesn’t necessarily have a timeline, but it has been profound. It could be something you’ve been carrying for years or something that’s recently come up.
Whatever it is, it’s a deeply internal struggle for you, and something that you’ll be tasked to work through using your personal strength rather than the outside influence of others.
Look for times when you catch a flicker of peace. A hot shower. I good song on the radio in traffic. A cool breeze on a walk.
Your spirit is evolving now and you’re growing. This is great news as you’ll come out of this phase stronger and more courageous than you’ve ever been.
Listen to your needs and try to meet them at this time.
Shadow:
When not basking in the peace of mind that comes with a challenge overcome, you’re likely to feel a little confused:
Where do I go next? What do I do? Which way?
You’re dealing with a new set of decisions that can easily throw you off right now. You may find yourself indulging in habits of avoidance when this energy is strong. For example, drinking too much and not dealing with the thing that needs to be addressed.
You might also feel like you’re lacking information to make an educated decision. In this case, do what you can to remember your renewed courage and internal strength that the Five of Coins brings.
Listen to your intuition. If you feel disconnected from it, don’t overthink it. Be patient and turn your attention to something that makes you feel a bit better. Maybe grab a coffee or sit and read.
Sit in peace (perhaps meditate or spend more time than usual in nature) and the right decision will appear.
Be patient.
Final thoughts
All of this week’s spreads are really complimentary. There’s a fair balance of light and shadow to be worked with, should you choose to.
Keep thinking about what you may need to release and prepare for that as we get closer to the equinox and beginning of fall.
Release and reimagine,
Natalie
PS: If you think you know someone who’d be into this stuff, please share!
Links to all the things:
The Cards:
Rider Waite https://www.tarot.com/tarot/decks/rider
The Fountain Tarot: https://www.fountaintarot.com/
Stones:
Enchanted Rock Garden https://www.theenchantedrockgarden.com/
Astrology help:
"The Inner Sky" by Steven Forrest https://www.magersandquinn.com/
“A Compendium of Herbal Magick” by Paul Beyerl https://www.eyeofhorus.biz/
As always, perfectly timed, thank you!