#overidentifying with the hermit

[joycrispy]

Okay this actually works so well and let me give some reasons why:

--Reason the first: THE STAR and STRENGTH, in most modern tarot decks (which is to say, decks modelled after the Rider-Waite-Smith, which is almost all of them) (the cards pictured here are RWS), are what's called Companion Cards. Their meanings are echoes and inversions of each other, and if they show up together, it is taken to be significant. They intensify each other.

--THE STAR is a very positive card, however, it specifically signifies a state of grace achieved only after extreme hardship. It is, in many ways, a card about survival, and endurance, and remembering/relearning/rewriting (all valid options) who you are in spite of everything that's happened to you. So. A very good Crowley card, even WITHOUT his backstory as a starmaker!

--STRENGTH is about the kind of strength that manifests as gentleness. This can be taken two ways: if you can well and truly overpower someone, then it becomes possible to subdue them without hurting them, OR, it could be about the sheer resolve it takes to remain gentle in the face of hostility...an unshakeable belief in the rightness of a soft touch. Perfect for Aziraphale, a divine warrior who gave away his sword for the sake of kindness.

--The two cards, being Companions, have mirrored arcs but by different means: Strength by steadfastness and constancy, and The Star through transformation and change. Again...very good fits.

There's more to do with the actual imagery in this art but I shan't go on and on. I LIKE THIS VERY MUCH OP.

The Star & Strength tarot cards 💛

[saturnrevolution]

Pluto in your chart - isolation and transformation

by saturnrevolution

Pluto in the 1st house

You might have longer periods of time where you isolate yourself from who you actually want to be. You might find yourself getting lost in what others expect of you, your fears and insecurities out of comparison or feeling like you are in a competition with others. This makes you forget what it is that you actually want and overidentify with what others want, even if clearly that's not your path. You will attract people that will mirror these traits to you, they will ignite your fears and make you uncomfortable in order for you to actually get to know yourself better and only search for the power you have within, not the external one.

Pluto in the 2nd house

You might have longer periods of time where you isolate yourself from your own worth. You might have felt like you need to make yourself small in order to please everyone and your self esteem might have been affected in childhood. You might have felt like things were taken away from you, so this makes you want to react emotionally whenever you feel threatened or owned. This process of isolation teaches you, in time how much you actually need to be there for yourself and transforms you into understanding that you worth does not depend on any external possession or owning.

Pluto in the 3rd house

You might have longer periods of time where you isolate yourself from communicating. Maybe this means isolating yourself from communication with people in your immediate environment or maybe it just means that you do not share your feelings and rather keep it in your head. You might have moments when you are very private with the things you say. This will happen until you realize how powerful your words can be and how you should not shy away from their intensity. You will experience moments when your words are challenged by others in order to speak up and let out the things that you have been holding onto for too long.

Pluto in the 4th house

You might have longer periods of time where you isolate yourself from your family or home. Maybe you feel like you need to detach from these or you do not let others know personal things about your family. Sometimes, you do not allow yourself to build stronger connections with people that can potentially become your family. This is happening because you have some past fears and traumas from childhood. Maybe you felt hurt and left out, which makes you not want to experience that again. You are going to meet people that help you open up until you go through these transformative moments which do show you the importance of a home and how much you actually need connection.

Pluto in the 5th house

You might have longer periods of time where you isolate yourself from indulging in the things that give you pleasure. This can be your hobbies, going out or sparking a new romance. Maybe you had to go through some tough times related these topics and you do feel like you are not good enough or like you are too intense and you are scared to let things get out of your control. There is beauty in you and you will go through transformative experiences that help you appreciate the play in these areas of your life in order to understand how special and talented you actually are and how much love you deserve to offer to yourself first in order to receive from an external source.

Pluto in the 6th house

You might have longer periods of time where you isolate yourself from your coworkers or you are private with your work, you might also simply not care too much for your routine or your health for extended periods of time. On the long run, this might bring up some past issues connected to the way you approach your everyday life and the love you have for your body. When that happens, you will realize how important it is to nurture yourself and work on balancing things out physically and mentally. This will bring a powerful transformation which will improve the way you approach your body and your work environment and you will work on being more vulnerable to get the best experiences here.

Pluto in the 7th house

You might have longer periods of being single or being in a long term relationship and isolating yourself from other relationships in your life. You might feel like you do not need these type of relationships in order to be whole, sometimes just platonic relationships or just being with only your partner or simply by yourself is enough for you. These longer periods are highly transformational and teaching you how to find love within yourself, but also when the isolation is gone, they teach you the satisfaction you can get from interaction. You might also ignore other's projections of you only to realize that they have been mirroring your behavior all along which instigates change within you.

Pluto in the 8th house

You might have had longer periods of time where you ignored or just took a break from building deep emotional connections or you just didn't focus a lot on your mental health. Also, you might have felt like you are independent and you do not need to share your resources with anyone or you don't need anyone's help. These periods are the ones that transform your vision and that actually help you be more in tune with your emotions. This teaches you that vulnerability and looking deeper is important for self discovery and for your soul. Once you see how it feels to be lonely, you understand that you do not need to depend on others to be happy, but you do need their help every once in a while.

Pluto in the 9th house

You might have had longer periods of time where you felt like you were living a lot in your immediate environment, maybe not travelling or postponing new experiences for the sake of comfort. At the same time, maybe you needed to pursue education, school or university by yourself and in your own way or maybe you didn't opt for any of these. In reality, you need periods of isolation in this area of your life as they teach you to be in solitude with your own thoughts, so that when you are ready to form and share your beliefs with others, you will do so more intuitively and from a place of self awareness. These isolation periods are major periods of spiritual transformation for you.

Pluto in the 10th house

You might have experienced longer moments of isolation in your career - maybe you postponed making your career an opportunity or maybe the circumstances were blocking that. Also, you might have taken breaks in between jobs or feel as if you are not quite on the right track for more than just a few weeks. These periods of loneliness in this particular area are teaching you how to not depend on external sources, but also bringing in beautiful transformative experiences that you couldn't have had if you didn't take time to reflect. They teach you about what it is that you're ready to accept career wise and what you will not sacrifice for. Isolation might feel intense at the time, but it saves time for the right opportunities to come your way.

Pluto in the 11th house

You might experience longer periods of isolation from your friends or groups of people. You might have had longer moments when you were a hermit and needed to spend time with yourself and recharge. This happens because you had some past experiences that hurt you and you feel as if you are better off by yourself. In reality, the area of friendships and groups of people is one that you learn a lot from and one that's very transformative for you. The time you take away from everyone offers you a fresh outlook on life and gives you the energy you need to stand out in groups of people and actually realize that the friendships you have are something you need and crave and how deeply cared you are for in these relationships.

Pluto in the 12th house

You might experience longer periods of isolation from going for what it is you wish for. You might convince yourself that it's impossible to reach the things you put your mind to, due to the fact that you had to go through rough times which to you always seem to prevent you from moving forward. In reality, all those difficult experiences you had are transforming you into the best version of yourself and slowly getting you closer to your dreams, even if it does not feel like so. Your past and circumstances are not defining you, but they are leading you to greater things and for you, empathy and compassion for yourself is one way to reach them.

[joycrispy]

Yeah, that tracks.

All right, let me pop this open real quick and we can see what's under the hood.

Oh boy this is a fun one. So we've got the Ace of Cups in reverse, which is a pretty picture of a cup turned upside down and consequently spilling out everything. Then we've got the Four of Coins (hey, I just got that one myself) and also in reverse. Like I mentioned in my other post, this is an image of a man giving charity, holding a set of scales, evening everything out. I think this means that if you choose yes on this, it's going to wear at you as a person. You'll be less fair, less kind. The third card is the Fool, happily skipping away for greener pastures.

hoe don't do it

I decided to draw a clarifying card just to see why this would be so bad and got the King of Cups in reverse. Now, the interesting thing about the Ace of Cups is that it's kind of an endless font of water - good water, healing water, and when paired with the Four of Coins I think it must mean a deep sense of decency and calm - and the King of Cups is just swimming in it. His whole background is water, he's even got a ship and a fishy. He's also holding a cup (otherwise we wouldn't know what suit he is, but here it feels significant). He's in reverse, so he didn't earn that water or that cup, he's a taker. I feel as if you go for whatever it is you're undecided about doing - I think you know what option this could represent - all of your good energy is going to flow towards this man.

hoe don't do it

[joycrispy]

The cutest little ooky-spooky thing just happened, for those who enjoy such things:

I was doing a little morning reading with my favorite deck, for the first time since November because I've been traveling, and was shuffling and talking aloud about how I missed it because it always read with such compassion and wisdom...and then the Page of Cups jumped out and landed face up on the table.

I instantly went AWWWWW, because here is what the lwb for that deck says about the Page of Cups, verbatim:

"The sensitive, intuitive Page of Cups is there for you when you need her most. If you need a shoulder to cry on, she will be there to listen and to offer advice."

That's just such a lovely thing to happen, I think.

[joycrispy]

Feel like indulging some of my ooky spooky hobbies later tonight, so:

If anyone wants a free tarot card draw (one card, general reading or a question, just to keep things light on myself), lemme know!!

[joycrispy]

@maydaymadier​

FIRST OF ALL

*waves at fellow firbolg enthusiast*

OKAY OUR ENERGIES ARE ALIGNED LET’S GO

For this one I’m going to give my interpretations as I go, without explaining the card itself overmuch. This is because the reading here is so contextual that it would be lengthy for me to explain and, likely, annoying for you to read. xD This is an all-forest-no-trees sort of spread.

SO...

Queen of Swords, Reversed: There was, in your recent past (although of course ‘recent’ is a relative term --doesn’t matter, weeks or years ago, the point is it’s still effecting you now), a moment where, in the full knowledge that you were doing so, you let your heart rule your head in a pretty big way.*

You’re now facing tangible, material consequences for that.

Which is not to say you necessarily regret it --you may or may not-- but you have a keen awareness that a different choice would have certainly saved you some trouble. The Queen of Swords is a bad bitch --she feels like she knows better than this. 

Not the point. The point is what’s happening now.

5 of Coins, Reversed: This card describes lack. This represents what was lost when you followed your heart. It’s a pretty bitter thing, to lose through honesty and authenticity, but the good news is this is not a catastrophic card. 

It’s a transition card. 

Bitterness and/or stress might be keeping your head down, so you can’t see all the opportunities for recovery around you (or even, perhaps, how to use what you GAINED through your choice!), but it won’t last.

And I think the reversal here suggests --you are being much harder on yourself about this than anyone else would be. It’s okay. You don’t need to ‘learn a lesson’ here --you only need to pick yourself back up. When you’re ready.

9 of Coins: This read is the closest thing to a gentle reassurance this deck has ever given, by the way. I’ve never seen it whisper, before.

Anyway, as almost a complete reversal, 9 of Coins is Abundance. Not Completion --not All Your Dreams Come True --but the metaphorical, self-inflicted draught will end, and you’ll have full access to the things you value again. It’s gonna be fine.

*3 cards is not enough for me to really pinpoint what that choice might have been, but I want to take a moment to point out that this is not necessarily about relationships, despite being a matter of the heart. Many things concern the heart.

I, for example, have an English degree --and that was MOST CERTAINLY an example of my heart ruling my head (and I do, in fact, face material consequences for it! No regrets, though).

[joycrispy]

I'm bored, who wants a free tarot reading for fun? (Simple 3 card draw, general or you can ask a question).

[joycrispy]

@bewilderthewayyoushould​ 

I have a feeling this is only going to tell you things you already know xD. But let’s have at it anyway.

Looking at this as a whole...this probably isn’t the answer you were hoping for. xD It’s not a bad answer by any stretch of the imagination! Certain parts are stunning good, taken for what they are. 

But. You know.

Let me explain.

2 of Wands, Reversed --All twos in the Minor Arcana are about choices, but IMPORTANT; not the decision itself (that comes later) so much as the weighing of your options. The long consideration before the plunge.

Given this card’s position next to a Major (not just any Major, arguably THE Major, as well), and given that it is reversed, this suggests to me that a significant period of self-reflection has led you to this moment. Capital-P Planning, and a healthy dose of introspection to go with it.

So, that’s your ‘how it started’ card. What about ‘how it’s going’? What is the culmination of these efforts?

The World --Look!!! 

You’ve done so well!! <3

The World is the highest of the Majors. It shows up when a cycle has been completed --in some way or another, you’ve come full circle, and in that area you are the very best you can (currently) possibly be. Until the wheel turns and the cycle begins anew.

Because the Majors embody a spiraling model of development, you see --the wheel turns, and you move around the same circle again and again, but each time it expands outward --encompassing all that came before, but also gradually taking in that which it previously couldn’t hope to reach. After The World you become The Fool again...but you are never the same Fool twice. If you get my meaning.

But until then...The World is a call to reflect on what you’ve achieved, and really stop and appreciate how far you’ve come. For now, don’t try to turn the wheel.

Because we still have your final card.

5 of Wands --Well, no getting around it...5 of Wands is conflict. Not necessarily earth-shattering conflict (or it would be a Major, or even a Sword suit, bitches that Swords are), but conflict in your life nonetheless (aside: some LWBs actually specify ‘conflict among neighbors.’ So. That’s...a thing).

...Your question was only two words. ‘What’s next?’ And I believe this answer amounts to a raised hand and a single word: 

‘Patience.’

You are very eager to turn the wheel and get started on the next big version of yourself, now that this one is perfected (within current-possible-bounds of perfection) --but this is no place for a Fool. 

His constant state of flux (and cheerful willingness to make mistakes --a necessary trait, when one is trying to grow, but) would be a terrible vulnerability under these conditions.

For now, you must remain The World. Fixed, steady, and whole. With intuition and clarity that you can trust. That’s how you’re going to keep your head above water, once the waves get choppy.

And anyway. Your World was hard-won. You ought to enjoy it while it lasts.

[joycrispy]

do you do anonymous tarot readings? i've never had one before, and i'm quite curious.

I can certainly try!

Eta: I am slow at typing my readings up, just a heads up.

[joycrispy]

@closeted-critrole​

Well! This is a wonderfully clean, straightforward spread.

Jumping right into it:

9 of Wands: This card is about being (usually metaphorically) battle-worn and weary. This guy has already been through a lot --not necessarily Hell, but a LOT. But, he is remarkably resilient. He looks good tired.

As a 9, his task is nearly finished. Maybe that knowledge alone is what keeps him going.

But this card represents the past, for you. Let’s see where you are now...

4 of Swords: A very natural progression here --4 of Swords is the card of convalescence. Not mere rest. It’s more bone-deep, white-knuckle necessary than that (Swords glint ominously here; if you don’t take this time you will regret it).

Whatever the 9 of Wands went through, even if it wasn’t a bad thing (many things are exhausting without being bad), it requires recovery. Even if it means coming to a complete stop, which may be difficult for you. But to struggle forward would be counterproductive.

It’s okay. You’re at something of a natural checkpoint, here. You don’t have to worry about losing progress.

Queen of Cups: In the context of this spread, think of Queen of Cups as your carrot on a stick.

This Queen is the picture of refined introspection. She is stable, wise, intuitive. Respected. Most importantly, here; she is at her ease. 

And that’s the future! Pretty good for you!

Looking at the spread overall...

...I am tickled that this is almost exactly the arc of a warrior from antiquity (long battle--> convalescence--> crown, and all associated dignities). There’s a general air of nobility here, a soul-seriousness. Not stuffyness, just a person who knows what they’re about (in this area of their life, at the very least), and pursues their ends with a quiet, enduring strength. 

But like I said, very straightforward. Rest. Avoid burnout. You’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labors soon! People are going to respect what you’ve accomplished, and now that you know what you’re capable of, too...a pretty sweet level-up is headed your way. 

[joycrispy]

Offer still stands!

It's actually helpful to me as well, since it helps me fill out the tarot study journal I've been working on on-and-off.

Feel like indulging some of my ooky spooky hobbies later tonight, so:

If anyone wants a free tarot card draw (one card, general reading or a question, just to keep things light on myself), lemme know!!