S e p t e m b e r Collective Tarot Reading

U n c e r t a i n t y. 

That seems to be the word of the times we are currently living through. 

We cannot deny that we all feel like we are in a constant state of flux. A state of enormous and expansive transformation. Where it feels hard to even know what to plan for a few months ahead. Where we do not know if we will be more divided, or finally come together again. 

It feels like we all have a collective question mark staring us in the face. It brings up deeply-rooted anxiety. Feeling unsettled is an understatement. 

And honestly, it can feel like the world is simply falling apart. 

But how much of this is true? 

What if, we are actually more connected now than we have ever been before? 

It is not often in history, where the entire globe is having a similar experience. Now I do not want to oversimplify or overgeneralize at all - it is very real that some members of our community, particularly communities of color and communities experiencing marginalization as a result of deeply rooted systemic injustice, are experiencing the impacts of the state of the world on a much deeper scale. 

However, we are all facing a challenge of which we can all relate to to some degree. 

What if we took advantage of this? 

What if we awakened to the power of community? What if instead of acting as the individual, we reach out as an extension of the collective? What if refusing to be individual, is actually the greatest and most powerful action you can take? 

It is during this time I have been reflecting a lot on a quote from the most deeply beloved movie of mine, P.S. I Love You. 

"So now, all alone or not, you gotta walk ahead. The thing to remember is, if we're all alone, then we're all together in that too." 

The question is. Are we truly alone? 

May we return to the collective. May we remember the power of community. May we realize, that perhaps, we are never actually alone. 

The  F i v e  of  C u p s  |  H o r s e t a i l

Beautiful September, we welcome you. 

Something about this month just feels like a deep breath. We are in a point of transition, moving away from the vibrant, buzzing, and outward energies of the summer months and slowly starting to shift energy inward. We focus less on the external and become more introspective, more reflective. September marks the season of mystery and wonder that is Autumn. We start to explore what could be possible, and we start to acknowledge what we should no longer carry. It is during this season we may become more in tune with our authentic self, and align with our deepest passions. May we hold this wonder as we commune with the plants, and explore how they embrace the sacred death - as they shed what no longer serves them, and make way for deep rest, preparing to begin anew yet again as the cycle continues on. 

What message does our collective ToVA community need to receive for the month of September? 

Affirmation: "From my losses I gain the experience to create a brighter tomorrow." 

Five of Cups: On a gloomy, cloudy day, a man sits despondently "crying over spilt milk" or the things he has lost from his life. The loss may be in the form of divorce, separation from a loved one, or general depression. Under circumstances of grieving it may not occur to him to focus on assets, indicated by the cups standing. The card serves as a reminder against over-indulgence in negative thoughts and feelings. We are midway on the ten-fold path of cups and changes are flowing our way. Sometimes this card indicates the need to reevaluate one's life and perhaps restructure priorities. If this is achieved, then there are possibilities to begin a new unfoldment into a more positive direction. 

Horsetail: Horsetail helps to clear out fiery emotions that are suppressed by feelings of loss or depression. It gives one the clarity of vision needed during the trying times indicated by the five of cups. Hidden survival instincts will be stimulated and grief will be alleviated. 


S h a y l e ' s  Thoughts: 

It almost takes my breath away how resonate this card feels. It feels reflective not only of the upcoming seasonal transition, but of the painful times in which we are experiencing. 

There is no doubt that the world events of August left many of us feeling deep, deep heartache. Global level heartache. And overwhelm. As much as we may try, we may never understand. And yet, it is important to give ourselves grace and acceptance to know that it is likely we never fully will. 

And while it is important to take the time to care for ourselves, take the time to grieve (neither of which have any sort of timeline - you know what is best for you), may we also not lose sight of the standing cups. 

May we recognize that we have grown into a society clinging to a way of life that is not meant for us. May we recognize that with great disruption comes great innovation and awakening. 

We already see it, the youth returning to the plants. We must remember that the instances of neighbors supporting neighbors will not make the headlines, but that does not mean that it is not occurring. We see that the next generation is informed, and speaking loudly for what is right. We must remember that there is a great shift happening, in which society is collectively shedding leaves of ideals that do not make sense and do not progress us forward in joy and collective abundance. 

Call upon the ancient wisdom of the horsetail plant, and know that significant disruption sometimes must occur for great things to prosper. We must experience winter before the growth of the spring. 

But may we remember that community is the way. 

You know what your soul needs. You have everything within you. Remember how strong you are. Sending you love this September, and happy Autumn. 

Blessed be, 

S h a y l e