9 of Wands from the Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin.
A card of overwork and exhaustion, the 9 of Wands depicts a soldier who despite a long hard battle is still standing strong.
Since the Oct. 31 full moon marks the end of a long karmic cycle (between 10 and 15 years), it’s not surprising the 9 of Wands would show up today.
Nines represent endings, and there is always one last push to finalize things before a new cycle begins. Now is a time to complete old projects and prepare for a new phase in your life.
Since the 9 of Wands can also suggest a need to stand up for yourself, there may be one final challenge to face on your way to success. Don’t give up! You have the strength and fortitude to tackle this one last problem.
Ace of Wands from the Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin.
A great card to see after a period of stagnation or loss, the Ace of Wands is translated literally as “a new life.”
Wands the suit of energy, enthusiasm and renewal couples with an Ace, new beginnings, to usher in a phase of increased energy and vitality.
New business ventures are especially likely with the Ace of Wands, but it can indicate any new creative venture including adventure and sexual pursuits. (Wands are energetic and passionate).
In any case, buckle your seatbelts because any good news you get at this time will set things into motion quickly. Though you’re just at the beginning, the Ace of Wands promises a successful conclusion to anything set in motion at this time.
10 of Cups from the Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin
An extremely positive card in love, emotions, values, shared happiness and harmonious relationships, the 10 of Cups is especially indicative of happy family relationships.
Generally read as generations of family, and not just the nuclear family (mom, dad and children), the 10 of Cups shows up in readings when you are planning celebrations that include the whole family and when you are working on something that might be passed down from generation to generation.
When you come from a dysfunctional family, sometimes the family you make is more important than the one you were born into, so the 10 of Cups can represent family in all of its forms. In any case, celebrate the joy that family (or communal fellowship) can bring.
Six of Wands in the Radiant Rider Waite tarot deck.
A card of victory, the 6 of Wands shows up when you are receiving recognition for something you have accomplished.
Congratulations! All the towns people are coming up to greet you, as you ride through the streets victorious.
Since a couple of planets (Mercury and Mars) are retrograde, let’s talk about what you might be winning today.
Mercury, the planet of communication, deals with logic and reasoning as well as how we express ourselves. When Mercury turns retrograde, as it did on Oct. 13, communications become difficult, travel plans are subject to change and disagreements are more common.
The planet of drive and action, Mars is also known as the warrior planet. It lends us the courage to strike as well as fight back, if needed.
When Mars turns retrograde, as it did on Sept. 9, we feel stuck. Plans and schemes don’t get off the ground, and sometimes, you lose ground that was previously gained. Petty fights, lowered sex drive and lack of ambition can result.
Unresolved conflict can also surface, bringing flashes of anger. It’s a good time to re-examine these areas of your life, forgive what needs to be forgiven and frame those wounds in a new way.
When Mars turns direct on Nov. 12, we will start moving forward again, and we will be able to the see path forward with fresh eyes.
With these two retrograde planets affecting the current energies, you could be winning some justice today in an old conflict that has resurfaced; you might be winning a new perspective on old wounds, or you might be winning a respite. Since it’s not a good time to push forward and tensions can be running high right now, focus on taking care of yourself. Listen to some soothing music, go for a long walk in the woods or get a relaxing massage.
It is also a good time to plan and organize behind the scenes, so you will be ready to bolt when things start moving forward again.
A card of celebration and having fun, the 3 of Cups shows up in a tarot spread when you have a reason to party.
Did you get a promotion at work? Is someone getting married? Did you finally lose that 20 pounds you’ve been cursing for years?
Whatever the occasion, the 3 of Cups says grab your friends and head out to your favorite watering hole. Or, in the days of Covid, host a gathering at your house.
In any case, it’s a time to eat, drink and be merry.
Since it is October and the 3 of Cups in this particular deck is full of happy harvest imagery, it could be a time to celebrate a healthy, fertile crop in many parts of the country and world. In any case, we have something to be grateful for, and it’s time to commemorate that with joyous festivities.
The Chariot from the Radiant Rider Waite tarot deck.
When the Chariot shows up in a reading, you will need to use willpower and determination to balance opposing forces.
At this time, you know what you want and you are able to “keep it between the lines” as you drive through conflicting thoughts, ideas and desires.
You cannot speed up the outcome, however, so the best option is to go with flow of the forces you have set into motion. You know where you’re going, and you are on your way.
The stars lighting up the canopy above the gladiator’s head, indicate your guardian angels are watching over you and helping you stay the course.
The card of old-school transportation, the Chariot can also indicate travel over land, and if other cards support it, getting a new car.
A card of summing up and rebirth, the Judgment card shows up in your reading when a cycle is ending.
It’s time to prepare for a new stage of growth as the Archangel Gabriel sounds the trumpet ushering in a time of renewal and resurrection.
You may be faced with a decision that will change the course of your life course. It can mean a career change or promotion or being accepted into a university, but life as you know it is coming to an end. However, it is a welcome change.
Regardless of individual circumstances, the judgment card is asking you to wake up to life. It’s time to forgive those who need to be forgiven and clear away the old, for a new day is dawning and it takes you out into the world revitalized, refreshed and ready for a new challenge.
2 of Swords from the Radiant Rider Waite tarot deck.
Though twos represent many things, including partnerships, friendships and relationships, they also show up in readings as decisions.
When the 2 of Swords shows up in your spread, you’re faced with a dilemma. This card, however, suggests you don’t want to face it.
With two swords (thoughts, ideas, conflict) in her hand, a woman sits at the edge of the ocean. Does she stay safely on the banks or does she swim off into the depths.
The card of impasse, the 2 of Swords shows up when we need to make a decision. Just like the woman who sits on the bank with a blindfold over her eyes, you may not want to face this decision or neither option looks appealing to you. You can’t hold out forever, however. It’s time to take the blindfolds off and face whatever is causing the tension. The problems will not go away on their own.
Sandy Toe Tarot 