I did a spread this evening because I wanted to start the week with a look at what protects me. I often feel exposed and vulnerable around others and this spread seemed to speak to me and offer me some insight.
1. Am I open to the influence of others?: III Cups
2. What energy surrounds me?: IV Pentacles
3. Is there energy I must be aware of?: X Swords
4. Who aids me?: IX Swords
5. What protection can I count on?: VI Pentacles
6. How can I ground myself?: V Cups
7. What should I do to protect myself?: IV Cups
The first thing I notice in this spread is the numerical sequence of the III, IV, and V of Cups. They’re not in order in the spread, but they are all there, and there is a notable absence of Wands cards. I’m going to do a write up as if I were doing one for a total tarot newbie. I want to get in the habit of saying everything as clearly as possible.
Swords are the suit of Air and thoughts; Cups are the suit of Water and emotions; Pentacles are the suit of Earth and finances.
I drew the 3 of Cups for the first position (Am I open to the influence of others?). My interpretation of this card in this position is that I am affected and influenced by others’ emotions. It may or may not be a good thing because it’s nice to be happy when other people are, but I do notice that if someone is in a bad mood, I am susceptible to that feeling, too.
In the second position (What energy surrounds me?) I have the 4 of Pentacles. It’s hard to admit, but I can be very stingy. I like my things and I’m not always the best at sharing them.
In the third position (Is there energy I must be aware of?) there is the 10 of Swords. I have battled anxiety and depression for most of my life, and I know this card is one of finality. I need to be careful of spiraling down into upsetting thoughts.
I picked the 9 of Swords as the answer for position 4 (Who aids me?). It’s a stark contrast to the previous position and its meaning. I’m worried that the “who” aiding me is myself and my anxious thoughts. I know anxiety in small amounts is what keeps us sharp, but it’s confusing.
For the fifth card (What protection can I count on?) I drew the 6 of Pentacles. I believe this means I can count on the generosity and kindness of others. I’m hoping I won’t need to rely on it solely, but knowing I have the support of others is a relief.
The penultimate card I drew (How can I ground myself?) was the 5 of Cups. I am an emotional person, I know this about myself. I think that grounding myself will take some letting go of emotion. I know there are still two cups in the foreground and I should not dwell on the spilled cups, but rather focus on some emotions and not let everything cloud my judgement and get me too mired in my own feelings.
I was given the 4 of Cups in the final position (What should I do to protect myself?). Protecting myself, I believe, will require taking my eyes off what I currently have and focusing on what else the Universe has to offer me.
In summary, I think I can rely on others even when feeling alone: I have protection within and without. I can trust others will protect me and that, while sometimes it feels like my brain is working against me, it is trying to protect me; I just can’t let it overwhelm me.
If you have any points I may have missed (it was a long day today), please, let me know.
Peace and balance,
Erin
EsotericErin 