Monthly Tarot for September 2019

Now that the geomancy reading for the month is published, it’s time for the monthly Tarot reading, this time using the Wildwood Tarot, a non-traditional pagan style Tarot deck that is just beautiful! The deck’s authors changed the suit names from Wands, Swords, Cups, and Pentacles to Bows, Arrows, Vessels and Stones depicting the forest and tribal influence of the deck.

I’m using a four-card spread with one card depicting each week’s influences with an overall significator appearing above describing the focus of the reading. Elemental Fire is present in both the significator and the card for week four while Arrows and Elemental Air describe week one. Two cards from the Major Arcana, in which the deck’s authors have changed all of the names, also appear with their own elements implied, likely Air, Fire, and Water. We’ll begin with the significator.

The Significator

A celebration is in order during September! Labor Day is tomorrow and kids begin school shortly and are looking forward to seeing friends missed over the summer break. Mabon, or the Autumn Equinox, occurs toward the end of the month as well when balance, harmony, and protection of home and hearth are celebrated.

We see five women dancing around a large fire with four bows held high surrounded by baskets of food, chalices, and jugs. The 4 of Bows (Wands in traditional decks) describes a celebration between friends, of harvest and abundance as summer ends. It’s a time to take stock of what we have and celebrate harmony with others.

Week One

The first week of September is governed by Elemental Air and our intellect. A majestic hawk is depicted as the Knight of Arrows, dynamic, powerful, and alert. Like other Knights, he protects and defends his territory, filled with integrity and a pure heart. When this card appears we’re to embrace challenges not only with courage and resolve but with measured wisdom. In the end, the Knight of Arrows asks us to do what’s right instead of what serves our own interests.

Week Two

Undeveloped potential is the key concept for the second week of the month illustrated by The Wanderer, also known as The Fool in other decks. The individual takes the leap of faith into the unknown, a rainbow guiding his/her path. This card speaks of wisdom and faith, seemingly opposite, yet one (faith) sustains the other (wisdom). The Wanderer represents the child within full of potential and promise and a time to explore new adventures.

Week Three

Balance is such a beautiful card, isn’t it? Card 14 of the Major Arcana, Balance (Temperance in other decks) describes the alchemical balance between Fire and Water, or will and emotions. A card of healing, we see two serpents coiled together in caduceus form while a face peers out from below representing dark and light. Adaptation, self-control, moderation are all components of Balance. This week, we’re asked to remain in balance, within and without.

Week Four

The King of Bows (Wands in other decks) creates the space to stand in our own power this week. The male adder reaches for dominance amidst the rest of the serpents, representing the warrior within who is passionate and free. We may find ourselves in a leadership role this week, or at least in a position to speak truth to power. Integrity is a factor as is the ability to see beyond the initial situation. And it may be one reason for the celebration found in the significator particularly if self-assertion is difficult.

Last Thoughts…

Over the next month, we’ll meet challenges and experiences with not only resolve and integrity, but also with a pure heart and intention.

Nine is the numerology for September suggesting completion; however, five, or change, is the overall numerology for the reading suggesting that self-assertion is the change we’ll experience. Uniting both the 9 and the 5 results in 14 reducing finally to 5, again reinforcing the notion of change.

The balanced approach suggested in week three may provide the foundation necessary to stand in our own power in week four. In turn, as we possess the inner strength to speak up when necessary, we do so without conflict or aggression, a cause for celebration to be sure!

Until next time…

Blessings to all!

Originally published at https://www.imsteppingaside.com on September 1, 2019.