Tag: Deep dive

Knight of Pentacles

A story by Calista Moon on .

Hello again, my darlings. Last week we talked about the enthusiasm and energy of the Page of Pentacles. Today we’re going to talk about what keeps us going when motivation wanes. The Knight cards represent steady progress in my mind. They have trained and worked hard to move from a Page to a Knight of the court, and they know the importance of discipline.

Upright, the Knight of Pentacles represents routine, effort, and responsibility. This particular knight may not be the most inspiring or creative in the deck, but he will do the consistent work to get the results he wants, even when that work is highly repetitive. You are committed to your goals when he appears, and he encourages you to keep doing what you’re doing. If you keep making gradual progress and go with the flow, over time you will reach your goals. Right now may not be particularly exciting, but know that you are on the right path. If you’re feeling tired or like you want to quit, stick with it, and you will see success.

The Reversed Knight of Pentacles suggests that you are feeling stuck in the daily grind and life has become boring and dull. Or perhaps you have been neglecting the routine and mundane tasks that breed this bored dissatisfaction. While you need to make sure you have a schedule in place, and that you stick to it to complete your necessary chores, there is nothing wrong with being spontaneous. Bend your rigid edges until they are a little more flexible so that you can balance work with play.

Either way, this Knight is all about the long haul. Routine and consistency are key in reaching your goals when he appears. That doesn’t mean you should neglect your need for fun or excitement, but temper it as well, my darlings. Balance is the key to success.

Page of Pentacles

A story by Calista Moon on .

Hello hello, my darlings. Today we start making our way through the court cards. First up, the Page of Pentacles! To me Pages represent enthusiasm, fresh eyes, and a certain sense of naivety. Not necessarily to a detriment, but more in a childlike wonder kind of way.

Upright, the Page of Pentacles is bursting at the seams with determination. You are ready to level up your skills and learn something new so you can manifest your dreams. This card invites you to take a class or start an apprenticeship in something new to discover a new aspect of yourself. Welcome in new career opportunities, projects, or hobbies. Make sure you set a clear plan in place to achieve your goals. This is the initial stage of creating success and abundance long term.

The reversal of this page speaks to procrastination or a lack of readiness. You’re being presented with a new opportunity, but feel ill equipped to move forward, worrying that you don’t have the skills or resources for success. It may also suggest that you have tried to get a specific idea off the ground multiple times, but somehow wind up farther away from where you want to be. If this is the case, take some time to step away from this project for a short time. You need to re-energize and refocus before you try again so you can learn from the previous failures.

Motivation and enthusiasm are great ways to kick start an idea, but staying flexible and adaptable when something doesn’t work out is key. Personally, I struggle a lot when things don’t go to plan, but staying focused on why we wanted to start a project in the first place can help align us with our passion when we get knocked down.Stay determined, my darlings!

Ten of Pentacles

A story by Calista Moon on .

Hello again my darlings! We’re making good progress through the first of the Minor Arcana now, so let’s wrap up the numerical cards with the Ten of Pentacles today. In general, Tens stand for completion of a shorter term event or project. Something spanning a few days or weeks, at most a couple of months.

Upright, this Ten represents long term success and financial security. You’ve reached a point of accomplishment in your journey and you want for nothing. You have everything you need, especially when it comes to the material world. There is a permanence in your security now that you have created a lasting foundation on which to build your future successes. You are strongly connected to your family, whether chosen or blood, and find deep joy in seeing your loved ones enjoy your wealth and abundance.

Reversed, the Ten of Pentacles points to the dark side of wealth, or perhaps even financial failure. Have you fallen into the trap of wealth? Wealth sounds great in theory, but there is always more to be had, and your self-worth can easily become tied to your wealth. Do you need the latest fashions? The coolest devices? Or is that just what is expected of you, and not what you want from life? This reversal asks you to unravel your need for wealth from your want for a specific social status. If this doesn’t resonate, perhaps you are going through a financial setback or instability in your family life. Re-evaluate your position and choose a course of action that will help you regain a sense of security and self-worth.

Whether you’re basking in the satisfaction of your hard work or reassessing your relationship with wealth to start anew, know that nothing lasts forever. We are constantly changing, shifting, adapting. Money comes and goes, my darlings. Time is irreplaceable.

Fives are Discordant

A story by Calista Moon on .

Well, I fell off the train again, my darlings. But! The important part is that we get up and keep going again, right? So here we are with the Five of Pentacles a few weeks later. But the intent is what matters, in my opinion. So, onward!

Numerically, the number five generally means discord or conflict, and this five is no different. Upright, the Five of Pentacles highlights a lack mindset. You’ve fallen on hard times where your career or finances are concerned. Remembering that this time of hardship is temporary is key, or you may find yourself sabotaging your ability to create abundance. Take time to focus on what you have, even if it feels small. Gratitude can help you move through this already short period even faster. If you focus your energy on what you don’t have, you will continue to see only what you lack.

The reversal is a bit more forgiving, and shows that you are coming to the end of your trails, especially if you have recently taken a large financial hit or have experienced job loss. Perhaps someone has offered to help you out while you’re getting your feet back under you, or you’ve found a new source of income, or even a new job. Regardless, it shows the light at the end of the tunnel is within reach. Keep going, and be grateful for those around you.

Remember, Pentacles represent our domestic, physical, and financial life, and it is not a sign of weakness to need help in any of these areas. We all need support at one time or another. The most important part is to get back up and keep. On. Going. We are in a constant state of growth and change, as is the world around us. While change is very seldom comfortable, it is beautiful and necessary. Keep going, my darlings. You’re doing great!

Four of Pentacles

A story by Calista Moon on .

Hello hello, my darlings! I hope the shift in weather finds you well and ready to tuck in and rest this winter. As promised, this week we move on to the Four of Pentacles. Fours in numerology generally represent stability and structure, and this four follows through on that line of thinking in regard to our financial and physical well being.

Upright, the Four of Pentacles points you toward your relationship with money. While it can mean that you’ve created wealth and abundance by staying focused on your long term goals, it is sometimes accompanied by a scarcity mindset. You’re on the road to success, but this is a gentle reminder to make sure you are maintaining balance while you work towards the finish line. You’re allowed to enjoy your wealth and still remain conservative. If you have trouble spending on yourself, take a look at how much importance you are placing in material possessions and financial wealth. It’s important to respect money and wealth, but don’t become so attached that you lose sight of your life as it is. Otherwise your friends and family could wind up feeling slighted by your financial goals. Splurging on yourself and today’s joy can feel like a threat to your safety, but this can also denote a need to control your life in more ways than one. Assess your current relationship with your finances and make sure you’re honoring the importance of monetary wealth without giving up emotional and psychological wealth.

On the flip side, the reversed Four of Pentacles appears when your relationship with money is far out of balance. This can look like overspending in an attempt to seek out love and happiness, or perhaps that your love for money has evolved into greed. Your desire for security and certainty is only increasing the chaotic state of the world around you. It’s time to re-evaluate your priorities when it comes to wealth. Your attempts to protect yourself are doing more harm than good. Money is slipping through your fingers and leaving you grasping thin air. Ground yourself and remember what you have control over; yourself and your actions.

Scarcity mindsets and splurging tend to beget one another, and in the world we live, it can be difficult to find balance when so many of us are just struggling to make ends meet. Keep breathing, my darlings! You are capable of balancing basic survival and indulgence. I believe in you!

It Takes All Kinds

A story by Calista Moon on .

Fifteen days later, my darlings, and I return with apologies and the Three of Pentacles! Let me atone for this by charging ahead instead of blathering on.

Upright, the Three of Pentacles comes to us as a sign to value diversity in projects. It’s time to collaborate and learn from others who have different experiences from ourselves. It reminds us too, that every project succeeds when we prepare properly. We are competent at what we do, and it is encouraging us to continue on this path. Organization of resources and time management are the foundation we’re looking for whether with a home renovation or an important task in our careers. Having a comprehensive plan and a realistic schedule will pay off. Do your research and build a structured plan to move forward.

The reversal, then, speaks to the butting of heads between team members. Someone is not being heard or valued properly and is causing an upheaval that might mean timelines need to be adjusted. If one member’s timeline doesn’t mesh with the rest of the group, make sure you’re hearing their concerns. You may even need to pause progress temporarily to assess the next steps with every teammate’s concerns and needs in mind. Make sure that the expectations are clear cut, especially around respect. This reversal could also mean that you are the one feeling undervalued and overlooked, or perhaps you’re trying to get the job done by yourself. You’re putting in the hard work, but your experience is consistently unappreciated or others are holding up your progress. It may be time to look into making a change in your professional life. However, if you insist on going this project alone, remember that if you find yourself drowning, you can still ask for help!

Being flexible is the key when it comes to this card, whether you’re starting a project or rerouting it. Don’t underestimate how much a good plan and an open mind can nurture success, my darlings! I’ll see you next week (I promise).

A Careful Balancing Act

A story by Calista Moon on .

Hello hello, my darlings! It’s Tarot Tuesday again, and this week we’re moving right along with the energy of the Two of Pentacles. As we continue with the Minor Arcana, these posts will be significantly shorter than the Major Arcana, as they point to shorter timelines or specific events. As a long winded lady, I’m sure there’s much rejoicing on that point, so let’s march onward!

The Two of Pentacles speaks to organization, prioritization, and time management. When it arrives upright, it refers to the many plates that you have spinning in the air right now. You’re busy rushing from one priority to the next with little time available to rest. While it means that you’re doing well at maintaining the workload and can take on whatever life throws at you, it also reminds you that the line between balance and pile of broken plates is very thin. Remember, you don’t have to be driving yourself into the dirt to accomplish tasks. These could be domestic or professional, as the Pentacles speak to the material and tangible realms at home and in business. Your health, your career, and your home life responsibilities are coinciding, and while you’re doing well, be careful you don’t tread into the territory of burn out. Pay extra close attention to important deadlines or obligations where you may find it difficult to be flexible or patient. Adapt as you need to juggle around activities and accommodate the requests being made of you.

When the Two of Pentacles is reversed, it warns that you’re dipping your toes into the burn out side of your tight rope walk. You’re overcommitting your time and energy and winding up in a disorganized state. This is causing you to miss deadlines, drop the ball on bills, or pay too much attention to one aspect of your life at the expense of another. You’re losing your balance. Take some time to reassess your priorities and address each one at a time. Multitasking is not doing you any favors right now. Choose one thing to focus on at a time, and you’ll regain your footing and your energy.

I feel like a lot of us face these struggles regularly, especially being part of a society where we are encouraged to burn ourselves out, but taking steps to prioritize properly helps us maintain a healthy pace. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care of yourselves, and reassess when needed. I know you’ll find success, my darlings! You’re beyond capable. I’ll see you next week!

Let’s Get Physical with Pentacles

A story by Calista Moon on .

Hello hello, my lovelies! It’s been a long four months since I finished the Major Arcana, and I’ve missed you so! This break was quite a bit longer than I anticipated, but I’m glad to be back to continue Tarot Tuesday! This means that we can start into the four suits of the Minor Arcana; Pentacles, Wands, Swords, and Cups.

Now, where the Major Arcana is set up as a long journey, the Minor Arcana are situated much like a deck of playing cards, and in fact each suit can be associated to a suit in a regular deck of cards. Pentacles, being representative of finances and the material world in tarot, is unsurprisingly associated with Diamonds. Wands shows up in reference to our creativity and passions, that which drives us, and is associated with Clubs. Swords speaks to our intellect and thought processes, and is associated with Spades. Cups represents emotions and deep wells of feeling, and is associated with Hearts. Each suit of the Minor Arcana has ten numerical cards, and four Court Cards. Generally, the numerical cards refer to an event or an circumstance while the Court Cards refer more to other people or aspects of ourselves that are influencing a situation.

There can be mirrored aspects between the Major and Minor Arcana, for example, the Aces in the Minor Arcana represent beginnings, while the Ten cards represent conclusions. This is similar to how the Fool, the first card in the Major Arcana, represents the beginning of a significant journey, and the World, the last card of the Major Arcana, represents culmination, conclusion, and accomplishment. Although the Minor Arcana are much smaller timelines than what the Major Arcana represent. In the same way, the Court Cards can represent a journey from apprenticeship and enthusiasm to mastery and confidence. We’ll get more in depth with this as we move card by card through each suit.

The first set in the Minor Arcana that we’ll be covering will be Pentacles, also known by the names stars and coins. On the whole, Pentacles represent the material world and are associated with the element of Earth. When they show up in a reading, they refer to your physical health, your domestic life, your finances, or your career, thus the usage of the word “coins”. They represent that which is tangible, tactile, fertile, and supportive. There are good and bad sides to all concepts, though. The good of Pentacles is represented through prosperity, manifestation, and physical security. The bad aspects include greed, over indulgence, and possessiveness.

As we did with the Major Arcana, we’ll start at the beginning. So the particular card we’re deep diving into today is the Ace of Pentacles. As I said before, Aces usually represent a beginning, and this Ace is no different. Being the suit of the tactile and tangible, the upright appearance of the Ace of Pentacles signifies a new financial or career based opportunity is being offered to you. It encourages you to take it, but keep in mind that your dedication and effort are going to be what allows this opportunity to blossom into something abundant and prosperous. It is up to you to manifest what you want through this opportunity, so be clear on your plan of attack. You are capable and deserving of the abundance you are seeking.

It stands to reason, then, that when the Ace of Pentacles arrives reversed in a reading, it represents a lost opportunity, or perhaps a tantalizing opportunity that is fated to fall through. This could be due to a lack of planning on your part, or may even mean that another party will dissolve or retract the opportunity unexpectedly. The core of this reversal is to be careful with your financial commitments and expenditures. Take your time when considering any offers that come your way, making sure to do your due diligence before moving ahead. Don’t take a leap of faith at this time.

Remember, the cards are here to help us get in tune with our subconscious and teach us to trust our intuition. If you feel that an opportunity is too sketchy, but the Ace of Pentacles shows itself upright, trust your gut. The key here is to know the difference between fear and a true, intuitive warning. Fear and anxiety exist as warning systems, but sometimes they go haywire when everything is okay. Do your research, calm your mind, get clear on your goals, and decide what serves you best when opportunities arrive for you. You know yourself and your needs better than anyone, my darlings. Trust yourselves, and I’ll see you next week!

The World is Your Oyster

A story by Calista Moon on .

Hello, hello, my darlings! What a journey we’ve been on together, making our way through the Major Arcana of the tarot. I’ll be taking a break from Tarot Tuesday while I sort out how to best attack the Minor Arcana; Pentacles, Wands, Swords, and Cups. Hopefully it won’t be too long of a break, and I intend to keep writing about our new moon and full moon movements in the interim. Now if you remember way back in January when I posted the first of these, we looked at The Fool, the beginning of a journey. Today we look at the twenty-first and final card of the Major Arcana; The World, completion and accomplishment.

Upright, The World is a sign that you are reveling in a sense of closure and fulfillment. Everything has come together despite the obstacles, and you are in the right place, doing the right thing, achieving what you set out to. You’ve worked HARD to get to this point. You’ve had trials and triumphs, and this card is asking you to bask in the joy and glow of having brought your goals to life! Celebrate your success and don’t rush into the next big project just yet. Enjoy it. Look at how far you’ve come, how much you’ve grown, and everything you’ve learned! If this doesn’t resonate, or you feel there are still loose ends to tie up, do so. Then you will be able to relax and beam over what you’ve created. If it still doesn’t ring true, try widening your scope. The World can very literally refer to travel or global understanding. Maybe now is the time to find a new appreciation for cultures from around the world.

When the World arrives reversed, it can represent your wanting to complete a big goal, but you’re taking short cuts to get there. If you don’t take all the necessary steps, the outcome will not go as planned. Or perhaps you’re right at the finish line of your journey, but for whatever reason you have lost focus and are dawdling instead of doing the work needed to bring this idea to the end of the road. Take some time to reconnect with why you started this project in the first place. Remember how much you wanted this thing to come into being, then get yourself to the finish line. Of course these delays could be external as well. You could be missing an integral part of the project or perhaps you’re looking for closure on a personal issue. Take the time to recognize if there are other parts holding you back that need to be let go of or creatively redesigned. Don’t be afraid to set a new goal if need be. As long as you stay committed to making the progress, you will get there.

If the Fool was about beginnings, The World is about endings. It’s not uncommon to see the two together in a reading, as every end is also a new beginning. Just remember to take some time to appreciate where you are, where you were, and how far you’ve come. Thank you for sticking with me through this first journey! I’ll see you all at some undefined point in the future, my darlings!

Impartial Judgement

A story by Calista Moon on .

Hello, hello, my darlings! I can’t believe we’ve been doing this for twenty weeks! Somehow this week we’ll be looking at our second to last card of the Major Arcana. Judgement sounds like an intimidating card, something we all strive to avoid. Judging and being judged is never fun, but this card speaks to an internal judgement, the judgement of ourselves.

Upright, Judgment can signify that you need to make a life-changing decision toward your Highest Good. The opportunity to level up on a cosmic level is at your doorstep. Now is the time to let go of your old self and embrace a higher level of conscious intuition and intellect. When you step into this new version of yourself, you’ll be able to put the past behind you and see the fully formed picture of your life story. Appreciate the struggles you’ve gone through and share them with others who may be facing similar trials. If you feel you are still facing one final obstacle before you can truly be free, try to find a group environment where you feel safe and can hear the stories of others. Their experiences may be what lead you to overcome your troubles and follow your inner calling.

Reversed, Judgement speaks to our inner critic and self-doubt. We hear the call, but we are ignoring it or are blinded by the struggles we have faced. You might be afraid of what you need to let go of to commit to the path before you, or your self-doubt may be saying you aren’t ready to take this step. Trust the universe, it’s sending you the signs that you ARE ready. Push past the fear and silence your inner critic. Try to view your anxieties as a separate entity. Hearing them out and thanking them for your input can do wonders for your mental health (even if you aren’t getting this card! Anxiety just wants to protect us, after all). Spending time in meditation this way can help you to recognize the different threads of your life that have been woven together so that you can reach this point. If you’re afraid that others will judge you for bringing some of these threads to light, remember that exposing them can help you identify how to change or avoid similar situations in the future. This will help you stay aligned with your Highest Good.

Fear rules over a large percentage of our lives. Every decision we make instinctually is based around the idea of survival. Judgement isn’t asking us to forgo common sense, but to trust that the Universe has our back when it places hindrances in front of us. We’re capable. We’ve overcome plenty of hurdles in our lives. We can make it through the next ones too. And that trust in ourselves, in the Universe, in the connectedness of all things, is what helps us move forward confidently and with intent. Fear can ride in the car, my darlings, but it cannot drive. Only you are allowed in the driver’s seat.