Eight of Cups
While you may be feeling somewhat self-protective today, it’s going to be important to let go of your fears and allow yourself to trust that the Universe has your best interests at heart.
This version of the Eight of Cups — from Marie White’s Mary-el Tarot — has a very different take on what is traditionally seen as walking away or leaving behind something (or someone) that no longer serves you.
There’s also sense of moving toward something with the Eight of Cups. Moving toward a place of personal gratification, even if that journey begins with a heavy heart.
But in this version the emphasis is more on opening your heart and allowing yourself to become aligned with the potential of something more relevant and more fulfilling being in store for you in the end.
Here a small child is almost completely enveloped in a cocoon that has been fashioned by the pelt of a lion, which he draws close to him for comfort and protection.
He’s empowered by his garment, the same way that Hercules was once empowered by his.
Marie says this is due to his natural ability to view the world without bitterness. He possesses both the strength of a lion and the innocence of a child, because he’s kept his heart open and his fears at bay. Notice the 6-pointed star of Ishtar on his wrist. This symbol is identified with Venus (the goddess and the planet) which is associated with purity, beauty and love.
No matter how painful the idea of walking away from something might be, consider that same scenario from the perspective of walking toward something instead. Take some time today to wrap yourself in all that Venus energy, and allow yourself to become a more active participant in where your journey leads.