Weekly Forecast: August 15-21

I’m curious about your first impression of this reading. These cards are direct, even a little confrontational, and from my “tarot trained” eyes, they provide a strong contrast to the impressionistic, fluid readings we’ve been experiencing lately. This summer has seen a lot of change (not to mention questions of identity, and restlessness, but this week big questions come to a head: we’re finally in a position to get conclusive answers and make pivotal decisions. First, however, we need to seek out support and input.

Where do we go when we need knowledge and guidance? Who do we go to for insight into tricky questions or during moments when our path is unclear? It’s not surprising that a card that has gone by the title “The Pope” comes with some baggage, and true to its themes, The Hierophant can reflect situations when institutionalized or traditional sources of knowledge and guidance are restrictive and even destructive. Not this week, however, because we’re entering into the space of this powerful card with the discernment and clarity of The Queen of Swords.

Swords have been front and center in our readings lately. We were visited by the intense, grief-stricken Three of Swords last week, which led us to a new and inspired search for answers. So we have a linear progression here - the themes of last week, particularly the insights we gained by facing them, has led us to a position of increased awareness and power. Take some time to consider how much more secure and informed you feel coming into this week. What do you know now that was out of reach just a few days ago? We’ve made the journey from Page to Queen - a tarot promotion! Allow this change to sink in and trust that the new information has transformed you.

True to the themes of healing brought up last week, we’ve been making big and surprising strides in the area of our lives most impacted by the stormy emotions of the Three of Swords. The feeling I’m getting is one of discovering and asking the right questions. Something about reconsidering and revisiting our grief - both old and new - last week has led us to powerfully transformative questions. And when we discover these and ask them a la the Page of Swords, it can be surprising how far they take us. If inhabiting the Queen of Swords feels too advanced or you’re gripped by a desire for caution and slowness that’s holding you back, remember that this card is all about wielding one’s mind responsibly and with confidence. Now that we know what we know, it’s time to act on that knowledge and let it shape our lives.

Not only this, but the Queen of Swords, like all queens in tarot, is adaptive, flexible, and innovative. Our seeking isn’t about blunt and prescriptive answers, it’s about using the truth of our perceptions, beliefs, and desires to shape a life that’s meaningful for ourselves and others. That will look different for all of us, but it brings about more justice and equity in the world at large.

Which brings us to The Hierophant. This week is a time to look outwards and seek support, guidance, community, and connection. It’s likely that the parts of your life this card touches will have to do with your experience of the Three of Swords in last week’s reading. Where has your grief or woundedness held you back? What part of your life does it impact the most? It’s clear that there’s a great deal of supportive energy around finding guidance and support with these issues, and they may not be obvious. Keep an open mind towards gatherings, group opportunities, and forms of education. Going into these spaces with the self-respect and intellectual powers of the Queen of Swords puts us at a unique advantage to sift out any boring, limited, or extraneous content. If groups or more formalized learning situations aren’t your thing, in other words, you can still gain something potent from them this week while feeling extra-empowered to take what you need and truly leave the rest behind.

There’s an interesting convergence happening around The Hierophant as well. We see the Queen of Swords partner, The King of Swords, on the other side of this card, almost as if they’re both meeting within its hallowed halls, taking on the roles of the two supplicants in the foreground. Perhaps a chance encounter with a powerful ally is in the works this week? Be on the lookout for someone similarly astute and questioning who is maybe a bit more blunt, assertive, and openly ambitious. Partnerships forged in riveting conversation, similar aspirations, and complimentary characteristics are very much supported by this week’s reading. Whether it’s business, pleasure, or a combination of the two, it’s likely that you’ll meet, reconnect with, or have an exchange with someone asking similar questions to you and who can give you a pivotal piece of information about your journey.

This week, embrace:

  • Making big decisions

  • Settling into a newfound sense of independence, self-direction, and knowledge

  • Processing how your healing is telling you where to go next

  • Healthy discernment

  • Trusting your perceptions and ideas

  • Learning opportunities: groups, classes, gatherings

  • New connections or re-connections with like-minded people

  • Partnerships, launching business ventures, communicating something new

  • Taking on a position of authority

This week, avoid:

  • Equivocating

  • Downplaying your knowledge and experience

  • Eating your words

  • Hermiting/excessive solitude

  • Looking for perfection in group or learning situations

Get creative:

  • The Queen of Swords: This card seems to be bridging the gap between our final card last week, The Page of Swords. Both have cloudy backgrounds, suggesting there’s still some clarity we need to find around our grief and pain shown in the Three of Swords. The storm clouds haven’t quite departed - what can we learn from them? Spend some time in the beginning of the week contemplating how you’ve navigated this recent rough patch. How did you handle this difficult situation and what are you proud of? Since swords deal with communication, I highly suggest writing a sincere and precise letter of appreciation to yourself. Get specific, lay it all out, and let yourself be fed both by your growth and your love for yourself.

  • The Hierophant: Sometimes I feel like hefty cards like this need simple, digestible action. In that spirit, find some way to learn something in a group. That’s it! Possible ideas: take a class, attend a seminar, listen to a podcast with three or more people, host a salon with your friends, read tarot in a group… anything that brings people together to gain and exchange knowledge. It does not have to be big or flashy, because I think that will be coming of its own accord IRL; this gesture is to simply augment/call in/bolster the energy of the card.

  • King of Swords: Do you remember those dating boardgames from the 80s and 90s? The ones with the baseball card-esque decks of boyfriends, complete with stats and personal anecdotes? Since this card is appearing as a potential ally entering into your life, let’s get embarrassingly granular. Spend a moment writing down the ideal traits and characteristics of a person who would be a powerful partner in whichever area of your life this reading is touching on. What is your ideal King of Swords? Some questions to get you started: What do they believe in? How do they communicate? What is their guiding value in life?

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Weekly Forecast: August 22-28

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Questioning the Tarot: The Magician