Hi All,
This week I’m doing something a little different. Of course, there will be general reading for all of you folks, with questions for you to ponder over the coming week. But I also felt called to pull three cards on Exercise/Activity. You may be thinking that’s a bit rogue. And you may be right, the ethereal world of tarot and the practical world of exercise don’t seem to go hand in hand. But this autumn it’s all about melding opposing ideas. For me at least.
On the personal side of things, I have been spending my time jarring Dilly Beans, returning to work and touring farms. In the real world, I am an apprentice farmer and though this may not seem like something that lends itself to tarot, booooooooy are those things interconnected; following the cycles of life, digging deep into the compost of ourselves and unearthing tasty abundant morsels. I’m all about it. October is the most prescient time for this meshing of worlds, for this thinking of the beyond. Bring into that the various ways we have to honour our recently departed, this month is a powerful one.
I was listening to this Fair Folk podcast just yesterday about the various overlapping pagan traditions around October. It infused me with such excitement and wonder, as did the tours of farms that got my mind spinning about the one I will hopefully have one day. To me, this energy feels infectious. Exhilarating and like the final push before the slowing of winter.
General Tarot Reading for the week starting 17th October 2022- The Knight of Cups
This card is a beautiful one for this week. In all honesty, I write the preamble above before I even turn over the card, and then BOOM, here comes the tarot to back up my feelings. The Knight of Cups is a beautiful card which I don’t seem to pull from my deck very often, it showing up now is a wonderful sight.
With the Cups symbolising feeling, emotions and the element of water and the court cards being a step up from the number cards this card is associated with imagination, romance and creativity. I often see the knights as someone leading a charge, even if they are not in charge. With the other Knights, there seems a sense of urgency of frantic activity, but this night stands out, for they are slow and purposefully. Holding their feelings aloft and flowing like the river in the background they seem able to move at their own pace.
This card makes me think of manifesting, Pinterest boards and five-year plans. In centring how you want to feel in the future it may be easier to imagine how to get there. The Knight of Cups teaches us to move from our gut and at our own pace, confident in our hope and actively creating a space for ourselves. What are your visions for the coming months? Let me know with a comment.
This week consider: Where am I headed? What is my five-year plan? What is my one-year plan? What will it feel like when I get there? How did the contemplation of last week (Two of Wands) prepare me to move forward this week? Where am I putting my energy? How can I fall into flow with my visions for myself? What will steady me in the pursuit of my future?
The Tarot and Exercise
Staying active during the winter months can help us to maintain our mental health but with today’s toxic AF culture it may be hard to motivate yourself or dedicate time to your body. Here is the advice of the tarot, pick one or read them all and take what works for you…
Three of Pentacles Reversed
The practicality of the pentacles and the theme of unity that comes through with Three cards is thrown off in the reversed position. This card suggests there is disharmony within a team or unit. You may be finding that the culture around exercise within your friendships or relationships is not one which allows you to build something beautiful. At its worst, it can be seen to be tearing things down. What this card calls you to remember is that your body is something to not only be tolerated but tended to, nourished and adored. If you are not with the right people to help you feel that seek out support from somewhere new. You are capable of harmony with your body and your relationships, seek it out.
Page of Wands
This card leads on beautifully from the last one. Where the Three of Pentacles speaks of disharmony the Page of Wands is the new beginning. Pages are seen as the forerunners of the court cards, and the Page of Wands (associated with the element fire) is such a brilliant one for this. The details on their clothes are those of salamanders, which have similar transformative properties as phoenixes, from the ashes they are born anew. Though the page stands in a desert they are considering their actions and have the courage to forge ahead. When tied up in exercise this is telling you to try something completely different, to go in with an open mind, a whole heart and a fire lit beneath you. The heat and passion of this card also offer a guide for the winter months, as days are longer and darker the new flame that will be lit for you will keep you warm.
Nine of Pentacles
If you read through the other cards then this one is the culmination of your exercise journey this winter. If you skipped straight to this, congratulations. This card, which my logo is actually based on, is about the abundance and financial stability that comes from practical change and perseverance. When I mean practical change I DO NOT mean getting “skinny” or losing X amount of weight. I mean the feeling of finding a practice that connects you more fully with your body through the joy of movement. Something that reminds you of the tangible power you hold and the capacity for joy. This card is about enjoying the fruits of your labours but without overdoing it, obsessing, or hoarding them. When it comes to exercise this can mean doing away with goals and just like the Knight of Cups, focusing instead on the feeling you are aiming for.
I would love to hear if this resonated with you or not; if you could it helpful or a load of drivel. I am hoping to write more newsletters about everyday topics (partying, self-care etc) and some further-reaching ones too (mental health, gender, ancestor work). As always I would love to hear what you have to say about them and to work with you on anything that comes up. If you want to dive a little deeper I am also available for personal readings.
My hope with this newsletter is that you will be able to see the myriad ways the Tarot can be applied to your daily life, woven into your work and can guide you on your path. Aside from the upcoming Harvest Festival in Richmond VA where I will be doing in-person readings, I also offer written and zoom readings. These range from full-year readings (perfect for birthdays or fresh starts) or just a quick check-up reading to assess your current situation (financially, emotionally, romantically, career-ly). If any of this sparks an interest in you Book a Reading today…
I’m also looking to give away a free written reading when I reach my first 100 followers on Instagram, so if you’re not following me, head over (and share the page with your friends if you feel so inclined).
Catch you in the ether,
M
Xandua Tarot is supported by readers. If you haven’t already signed up for weekly updates (and a FREE Tarot Basics Workbook), please consider subscribing…
Want a written reading, or a zoom session to answer a burning question or two?
If you like my offerings or want to dive in on the discourse…
Logo: Valentine Design Co
Photos: Oliver Sjöström
Connect: xanduatarot.carrd.co