Ten of Wands

Has it seemed like it’s been all work and no play for you in recent days? The Ten of Wands — this version from the gorgeous Whispering Tarot — can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, or are so consumed with work that you have no time left for anything else.

You might experience this first hand on the job or in a stressful relationship or even in your own head. If you’ve been giving — of your time, energy, money, affection — until you find you have nothing left to give, that is the essence of the Ten of Wands.

You may be questioning whether something is worth putting more effort and energy into — such as a job, a relationship, or a business venture that’s not paying off — or whether it’s time to throw in the towel.

You may also feel like you’re carrying “extra baggage,” whether this refers to your own struggles or those of someone else. You may have taken on someone else’s problems, rather than letting them iron them out themselves. As a result it may feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders with no time or energy left to attend to your own needs.

Mars and  Chiron are in a hard aspect (inconjunct) today. This is a tricky configuration because it creates tension between the planet related to action and self-direction (Mars) and the planet related to self sacrifice. It can translate as illogical doubts and fears, which you don’t want to let hold you back.

The weight of responsibilities you’ve taken on may seem like a heavy load — too heavy in fact for just one person to carry. The Ten of Wands says it’s time to lighten your load. Get rid of what is no longer worth holding onto, and work on salvaging what’s left.

Continue Reading…

Nine of Wands

If you’ve been thinking about where you’re heading — in your relationships, with your career, or in your life in general — now is the time to reflect on how far you’ve come and to make preparations for whatever obstacles may still lie ahead.

You may be hesitant about what the future holds, especially if things aren’t laid out before you in ways that are crystal clear. Like the figures in this card — from Elizabeth Hazel’s gorgeous Whispering Tarot — you may need to exercise caution when scoping out your horizons.

The Nine Wands in this card are actually trees that offer refuge and protection for these weary travelers. They offer a safe haven — a place to rest — for them to get their bearings and gather their strength.

Mercury and Neptune are in hard (sesquisquare) aspect today. This is a tricky configuration because it creates tension between the planet related to thoughts and ideas (Mercury) and the planet related to dreams and aspirations (Neptune). It can manifest as illogical doubts and fears, which you don’t want to let hold you back.

The Nine of Wands asserts that while things may not be easy — and while there are bound to be more challenges ahead — it’s hardly the time to throw in the towel. You need only think about how far you’ve come (and how much you’ve already accomplished) to find the motivation to push ahead.

Continue Reading…