The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these – to be fierce and to show mercy toward others; both are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity.
Clarissa Pinkola-Estes, from Letter To A Young Activist During Troubled Times
After taking my (absolutely marvelous!) vacation break, I’d hoped to have some fresh new cards saying hello. Instead, I have to admit, it sometimes seems like we keep getting the same cards over and over. Having visited four times in just two years, including last November, this week’s challenger is back once more with its important gifts of resilience and defending what matters most to us. Welcome back this Solstice week to the Seven of Wands.
The Wands suit is ruled by the element of Fire and so is concerned with our will, creativity, ego, and passion. Here we see a figure who is staunchly defending himself. And the Sevens of the Tarot are ruled by Saturn, so they often present lessons and challenges, particularly when it comes to structure and boundaries.
Although this fighter appears to be outnumbered, he stands on the edge of a precipice above the staves below. This would seem to show he has a moral advantage, pointing to his integrity and valor. Despite the dramatic expression on his face, his adversaries seem unable to reach him.
Balance In Difficulty
Much speculation has been given to the fact that he is wearing two different kinds of boots. He may not be perfectly attired for the task at hand, but how much do you think he cares at this moment?
Was he simply in a hurry to get dressed? Or is this a depiction of the slipper worn on the right foot in the Masonic initiatory rite for a First Degree “Entered Apprentice?”
Perhaps it is a way of depicting what we describe as “wearing different hats,” meaning that one has a variety of different roles and responsibilities to perform. So perhaps the boot is needed for battle in the mundane world, but this is the Blue Slipper of the secret brotherhood of the Freemasons (to which Arthur Waite and other founders of the Order of the Golden Dawn belonged).
In addition, he is straddling what appears to be a small stream, not the easiest way to defend himself. If he is divided against himself, standing on the edge, or trying to protect two different causes, it is not going to be an easy time.
He also appears to be staring beyond the staves below him. What does he see? Perhaps he is discovering that when threatened with overwhelm, it is helpful to gaze beyond the immediate situation and see the bigger picture.
The difficulties that come into our lives always have the potential to help us clarify what is and is not a real priority. Ready or not, we must react in the face of urgency or danger.
Standing strong, sticking out, being willing to say no to what we know is unacceptable? Yes, these are all the gifts of the Seven of Wands.
Venus, Pluto, and Chiron–Oh My!
This week, the astrological energies mostly flow smoothly. But as our friend, astrologer savant Elisabeth Grace recently told me, “When there is little resistance among the planets – i.e., an easy flow of energy – it helps whoever is driving the bus. For better or worse.”
Gauging from what we have seen from the people who are currently behind the wheels of power and finance, we’d better be on our toes and ready to defend what we value at a moment’s notice.
Like, say, staying on top of what big corporations and officialdom are doing behind closed doors to even further gut our voting rights, build massive data centers in our backyards, and buy up giant warehouses to imprison countless men, women, and children in their illegal ICE sweeps.
However, not all is silky smooth in the astrological skies. Elisabeth tells us that on Wednesday:
Venus opposes Pluto on the 17th. Watch for power plays, purges, and emotional extremes. Because Venus is in Leo, the social expression is can be quite regal — and dictatorial — and the opposition to Pluto suggests resistance is futile.
Be prepared for offensive maneuvers and strategic gambits. But reminiscent of the anonymous wand-holders in our card, can you say for certain who you are up against? This would be a good time to look into such matters.
And the day before this Sunday’s celebrations of Solstice, Chiron will be leaving warrior Aries and move into the sign of Taurus. Elisabeth explains that when a planet (or, in this case, an influential asteroid) is in the last degree of a sign, that sign’s influence reaches a crisis point.
Back in January, she wrote of Chiron’s travels in Aries:
Chiron represents an exposed wound coming up to be healed…The mantra for Aries is “I AM,” so Chiron here suggests a wound involving the self and/or identity. Chiron spends more time in Aries than in any other sign — eight years! We as humans have a lot to learn about healing wounded selves, apparently. Aries refers to warriors, ruled by macho Mars. In February 2019, I opined that Chiron in Aries suggested that…
“It’s time to focus on healing toxic aggression, masculinity and leaders — all associated with Aries.” The day after that was posted, Barack Obama made news when he advised men “to avoid toxic masculine behavior.” His horoscope was triggered by Chiron entering Aries, as it made contact with his Venus (values and social expression; how and what we love) at 0 Cancer, a cardinal sign.
“Well? How are we doing with the healing of wounded warriors especially the macho ones, hmm??”
Let’s hope that this week’s message offers support and recognition to those in our lives who are willing to push back against the current “hyper-masculinity” that is really just misogyny in new clothes.
Stepping Up In Testing Times
Most of the folks that read my Card of the Week recognize that we are facing a perfect storm of anti-democracy forces. It is no exaggeration to say that, on the eve of America’s 250th birthday, my country finds itself at an existential crossroads.
And even if life was steadily status quo elsewhere, what happens in this country causes undeniable ripple effects upon the rest of the globe.
But as my other favorite astrologer, Diotima Mantineia wrote of yesterday’s New Moon, “Life no longer resembles what was normal just a few years ago.”
Peaceful normality is nowhere to be found. The rising tide of global authoritarianism combined with the tightening network of oligarchy means we dare not just sit back and hope for business as usual. Or rescue.
Fascists and criminals are draining our lives and treasure for their insatiable enrichment, and it seems that far too many of our representatives have failed to understand the crisis of this moment. Thus, it appears that defending our democracy falls to us.
This week’s card asks us to carefully consider under what circumstances we will come forward and lay it all on the line. What do we value, even if it bucks against comfort, safety, or popular opinion? How do we deal with the hostilities now intent on ruining us all (unless you are a white, cis-male billionaire, or that odious trillionaire)?
We are urged to know our limits and defend our boundaries. But in the realm of ardent, action-oriented Wands, pay attention to whether you may be in danger of overwhelm. Know when to step back, if you must.
The Heart of Courage
Always be aware of where the ethical edges are, and please do not abandon fairness or compassion. What do you deeply care about, and what can you let go?
While you may prefer to pick your battles, times may come when you must respond to provocation and defend who or what is more important to you than your own neck. You may not have a plan in place, simply the clarity that you must act.
This fierce friend comes to remind you of your strength. If your cause is noble, assert your courage. Be ready, and then defend what you know is right.
Let your heart throw sparks, catching Wands’ fire at the edges, if that is what is needed. It is time for us to stand on the high ground and, with the blessing of the Solstice on Sunday, shine the lanterns of our souls. Success is not guaranteed, but it will never be ours unless we rise fully to the challenge.