It's not about the hulk hand -- interpreting the Ace of Pentacles

PCS Commemorative 

Elemental dignities and affinities have become my favourite means of interpreting tarot. They add such depth, and are much more meaningful for me than wondering why a giant hand emerges from a cloud holding a big coin over a garden gate. Yes, you can do that, and at some point you should analyse images of course, but the elemental attributions cut closer to the spiritual level of tarot, for me. My spiritual concept of life is based on a balance of what is represented by the classical four elements, and tarot provides a fertile ground for exploration of how these elements interact.

Today we have Fire of Earth in Ace of Pentacles. (The other Fire of Earth cards are King of Pentacles, Four of Pentacles and Seven of Pentacles.) Whatever could it be referring to?

Fire of Earth is the will, passion and drive being directed toward achieving groundedness, security, and stability in matters of health, hearth and finance. The Fire of Earth personality is proactive to material gain and eager for growth, and so might be a very avid collector, a personal trainer, an exercise junky, a first responder, emergency services worker, mountain rescue, or a financial advisor. You might think that an insurance salesman, stock broker, or CEO might fit the bill for Fire of Earth, but not really. The Earth element does not allow for much risk taking. The Earth element is fired up by security, not playing the market. It's not interested in power so much as safety and security. When you get into risky behaviours, you're moving into the actual element of Fire, the Wands suit, whereas with Fire of Earth, we're talking about how 'Wandsy' a Pentacle will allow itself to get. (Unsurprisingly, not very -- Fire and Earth have a neutral relationship, in traditional elemental dignities. Some would say that Fire and Earth actually have a negative relationship, because earth won't burn and will actually smother out fire. I suppose it's up to the reader what your take is on that.)

In any case, today is an Ace of Pentacles day for me, Fire of Earth. I have lots of Earthy tasks I could and should focus on today. Tax returns, researching the home buying process, finding an IFA, earning the money I've been paid by doing a reading that's been ordered. I ought to work out, eat well, and go out and buy some needed supplies for my physical upkeep -- healthy food, some vitamins, and some cream for an itchy spot on my skin that's come up. Lots of activities that promote stability, groundedness, and security, with the added fiery sense of growth and improvement.

What earthy aspect of your life needs a bit of fire today?

Slow and steady and a wary eye

I have a warning today not to splash out, from 4 of Pentacles from the Original Rider Waite Tarot.

Four is the number of stability and Pentacles is the suit of element Earth. The 4 of Pentacles is Fire of Earth, (along with Ace of Pentacles, 7 of Pentacles, and King of Pentacles). It represents seeking shelter, structure and safety for our physical bodies and material wealth. It is a fierce defender of the status quo.

The card advises me to keep my head down today. Don't take risks in the Earth realm. I should be careful with my money, probably check my accounts just to make sure, eat sensibly, take it easy with my back (which I did twitch day before yesterday, doing something as simple as leaning over to pick up something I dropped on the floor).

It is a day for taking no risks with myself, my stuff, or the routines of my life. Slow and steady and a wary eye. (That doesn't sound very 'fiery', but for Pentacles, it is the essence of life, so yeah!)

I can do that.

I just can't wait to be king

Is it only Wednesday? Last night I went to sleep on the sofa and woke up a couple of hours later and still had my glasses on. After a bath I went to bed, presumably intending to read, because when I woke up this morning, my book was still lying on my leg. I guess I didn't stir all night!

Today's card from Druidcraft Tarot is King of Pentacles. My manager is back in today and I have meetings scheduled most of the day, so my time alone to sort things out is over. I think I've got my head around everything I've been given so far, so I believe I'm ready for the next things they show me. The companion book says the King of Pentacles can 'indicate the steady progress and success of a business, project or career' and that 'in other circumstances, it might symbolize a traditional, established organization or profession.'

My managers have been mentioned 'when you get your feet under the table,' and so drawing the King of Pentacles gives me hope that at least I am going to be able to recognize the table when I eventually find it! Now...where's that Walnut flower remedy...

Let the cards ask the question

West, US Games 2008

Halloween Day with the Halloween Tarot by Kipling West

Wow, another court card, and who better to greet us today than the King of Pumpkins himself. Today I want to try out a technique I read about at Aeclectic Tarot, in a thread called 'Using the Cards to Generate the Questions.' The technique was suggested by a member named Chiriku:

1. Draw a tarot card and contemplate it. What question does this card bring up in your mind regarding the situation you face, or even just the day itself?

2. Draw a second card which will answer the question suggested by the tarot.

The first card will trigger a question, issue or problem that is present somewhere in your mind. Images from the card will likely put a fresh spin on the question. Then the second card will give you a new way of looking at the question, a possible solution, a projected outcome--there are many possiblities.

King of Pentacles: Steady now

Pathfinders Tarot, 2011

Today's draw is King of Pentacles. Today will be a day in which I feel mature and capable, with everything under control. I get the feeling nothing unusual or alarming is going to happen today. Just another day at work to get through. That's good news!

I think it's interesting that this King of Pentacles has 8 pentacles in the trees in the background. For me, 8 of Pentacles usually represents working steadily at a rather mundane or rote task. Another hint that it's going to be a typical work day. We shall see!

ETA: Well, the day is reaching its conclusion. As predicted, it was a day like any other. I was the only supervisor present and was consulted on some basic issues. Did my work, came home.

If anything 'sybaritic' happened it must have been the iced fairy cake I had at work, or perhaps the spoonful of almond butter when I got home. Or it could be this unusual-for-a-weeknight cup of coffee hubby just brought me. On the other hand, I did receive 2 parcels today -- my copy of '78 Degrees of Wisdom' and a new workout DVD I ordered several weeks ago. Getting parcels all the time--if that's sybaritic, I need to move to Sybaris!