Angel Ariel “The price of admission to a human life is before you leave and go back home again, you are to make a powerful positive, permanent impact on another human soul. That pays for the journey.”.
August 2024 Readings
August 25, 2024:
“Great Oaks from Little Acorns Grow”
Situation: King of Vessels/ Oblivion
Do This: The Wise One
Don’t Do This: The Hunter reversed
This week highlights the King of Vessels, a watery card speaking of the unpredictable course of life and the human condition. Here we find a quiet, humble & good man who has gathered many blessings throughout his life through his own efforts. However, paired with Oblivion, there’s a sense of melancholy, not only his but perhaps yours as well, and need to open your arms to receiving this man as he may be at risk of being forgotten or becoming forgetful. It’s a bittersweet reception. The dice show 2 ones, indicating a new arrangement between you & him, after an aspect of this man's life ends. Added together, we get a 2, emphasizing the choice that had to be made to form such an alliance to overcome obstacles. The tradeoff each had to make within this partnership is also acknowledged with the 2. Consideration was given to how this arrangement would affect everyone on a day-to-day basis, including how you could honor your own needs while managing your household. The Hunter card displays oak leaves with its acorns, so there’s a message of legacy & family here. What are acorns but baby oaks containing the potential for great growth and prosperity continued in his line? It's to be noted that this decision/choice was made with them in mind as well as the care of this man. The Wise One represents the knowledge learned from those who have gone before us. Like lavender, whose scent remains long after the plant's life has ended, there's an invitation to pass down traditions, knowledge, or stories to younger members of the family tree. Lavender symbolizes the balance between the physical and spiritual realms, so you are encouraged to make the most of this time together and not waste an opportunity to learn whatever you've been waiting to know from this man. Be it his insights, regrets, anecdotes, know-how, recipes, or details of the family tree—the time is now.
Guidance for August 18, 2024:
The Collective: "Crossroads of Reality: Charting a New Course"
Keep: The World
Ditch: Knight of Cups
Reason: The Emperor/The Pathless
Dice: 4 + 2=6
The World card signals the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new era, but the questions remain: "What comes next?" and "In which direction are we headed?" In a time when up is down and left is right, we find ourselves at a crossroads, feeling pathless and disoriented. As a nation, we're lost due to feckless indecision or misguided leadership. Progress has stalled because of leaders who either hesitated too long or rushed into decisions, driven by extreme idealism or authoritarianism. Neither approach has served us well. The World card urges unity and collective action. It calls us to join forces and actively shape our shared future. However, it also prompts us to reflect on how we've collectively contributed to the (4) stagnant inertia of (6) human weakness—rigid biases, prejudices, and base indulgences. We must form (2) agreements to overcome these obstacles created by our unwillingness to face the truth of our collective state, and free ourselves from it. It starts by ditching the rose-colored view of the Knight of Cups' influence: the excessive idealism and emotional decision-making that have led us astray. The Knights represent extremes. Here, we see him looking to temper his decision-making with more conservatism—in the sense of pragmatism—and supporting strong, decisive leadership that isn't afraid to make tough choices. As the “guy in charge”, The Emperor is not afraid to butt heads and won't ask for permission when wielding that Aries energy to reestablish order from chaos. There’s been so much chaos caused by those gorging in selfish gratification, creating suffering. Collectively, we need to embrace the energy of The Emperor who possesses the courage to make difficult, impactful choices that may not be popular but are necessary-that’s our responsibility. Here we see The Knight looking to him to realistically carve a direction moving forward, bringing stability and security, restoring law, and exerting control. This will involve reestablishing standards of behavior and positioning ourselves in a place of strength, both as a nation and individually. The time for fantasy and indecision has passed; now is the moment to embrace reality and take decisive action for the collective good.
Guidance for August 11, 2024: “Unveiling the Shadow Side”
Situation: The Witch/ 3 dice (Gatherings)
What to keep in mind: Baron of Berries/The Champion/
6 dice (Human Weakness)
“We must face the fact, however, that men and women with knowledge of these things, have, both in the past and in the present, used that knowledge unscrupulously, and that we may find ourselves involved in the results of their actions.”
Dion Fortune
In the realm of spiritual gatherings & mystical circles, a hidden truth lurks beneath the surface - one that many are reluctant to acknowledge. The Witch card, paired with the 3, reveals the complex dynamics at play in these esoteric communities. Self-serving ego exists & will ruin a circle like nothing else. I’ve yet to encounter a group that didn’t have it. While these groups often present themselves as bastions of “love & light” and enlightenment, it's crucial to remember that they are still composed of humans, each carrying their own flaws & shadows. Do not mistake them or those with real occult ability to all be selfless, of high integrity or of sincere intentions, despite the talk of ascension, 5D consciousness, inner child healing, and shadow work. The ego's influence remains a potent force, which applies to everyone, including yourself, so be careful of projection & self-deception. The Baron of Berries emerges as a cautionary figure, representing the lowest, darkest vibration of his suit. His presence, coupled with The Champion card & the 6 die, warns of ambition gone awry and ego-driven actions that can corrode the integrity of the group. This Baron doesn’t play with the best of intentions, shown here indulging on a cherry, symbolizing those who prioritize their own satisfaction above all else. The 6 further emphasizes human desires, pride & weaknesses, focused on temporary pleasures & self-serving gratification. The Champion card's imagery of an eye on a shattered sword advises maintaining awareness & discernment in these alliances. It's a reminder to keep your eyes open for individuals with questionable intentions, lest you find yourself “stabbed in the back”. Remember, the truth about their lack of character will eventually reveal itself. Traditionally used to conceal dishonesty or embarrassment, the fig leaves & their fruit here also suggest not giving your energy or "not giving a fig" to those who would exploit or manipulate the group dynamic. However, this doesn't necessarily mean cutting yourself off entirely from these circles. Instead, it's about maintaining self-awareness & recognizing potential lack of integrity - both in yourself & others. Keep this in mind as you navigate these spiritual communities, seeking wisdom & enlightenment. The path to true spiritual growth involves acknowledging the shadow aspects within ourselves & our communities. This way, you can engage more authentically & protect yourself from those who might exploit the sacred nature of these gatherings for their own gain.
Guidance for August 4, 2024:
“An Invitation to Exchange”
Situation: Princess of Berries
The Nature of the relationship: 5
The Nature of the Change: 6 of Pentacles
Advice: 4 of Swords
This week’s energies could introduce a change in your relationship status, bringing you to a better place if you can go with the flow and not resist. The current situation is represented by the Princess of Berries, indicating the very early stages of coupledom-a blossoming relationship with a genuine romantic interest. The nature of the relationship is meant to bring change (5) by breaking up a stagnation (4), not only in the romance department but in your thinking as well, launching a new beginning (1). The change is represented by the 6 of Pentacles, bringing harmony and value to places where there has been lack. Although at this stage it's not clear who can provide what to whom, the scales indicate a move towards balance—a fairly mutual exchange of valuable resources such as time, attention, and generosity, so both may benefit. Be aware of power dynamics, ensuring that one does not over-give so as to become beholden to the other. Aim to maintain an equitable exchange of resources. While this new love partner promises a courtship that is both sexual and passionate, be careful not to rush into bed. The advice of the 4 of Swords shows a woman sleeping alone. Slow down and consider what is being shared by talking first. It's through the exchange of ideas that we can assess if someone shares our values. In these first days of a relationship, listen more than you speak. Allow them to share their thoughts and values, then reflect on how these align with your own. This process helps determine the partnership's potential. Do not let the beginning of a relationship disturb your peace by obsessing and racing mentally as to where it might lead. Enjoy the budding process and let the future unfold naturally. Allow this new partnership to introduce you to stimulating ideas or points of view that may soften rigid mindsets, beliefs, or thought processes you may hold.