Weekly Reading - 10/31-11/6/21
What to Expect: For the week ahead, the Ace of Swords reversed suggests we’re at the beginning of a new way of thinking that may need protection during a sensitive time of change. With the new moon coming on November 4, this is a good time for setting new intentions for what you want to accomplish in the next 28 days; the Ace of Swords suggests a need to stay vigilant and protect your beliefs as you plan your vision board and consider your moves over the next month.
This month’s full moon is in Scorpio (a sign that challenges us to look deep within ourselves and can merge our volatile passions with emotions) with Mars (a planet known to bring about our fiery, passionate selves) also making a move in Scorpio. Scorpio season can have lots of twists and turns, suggesting the Ace of Swords could come in handy as a protective should things start to challenge your intentions. There’s also an element of “shadow” to this thinking, perhaps that you’ve been guarding or avoiding. This week may mean it’s time to confront those shadows, even though you may still feel like you need that sword to protect you.
What to Embrace: The three of swords suggests a need to let go of a difficult patch that really wounded you to the core (hence the card’s imagery). Again, we’re in the suit of swords, suggesting this has to do with an intellectual wound, perhaps someone’s criticism or your own negative self-talk, or could be referring to a heart break. Given the time of year, it might also be valuable to think about the loss of a loved one that you might need to reconcile with, remembering that for the first few days of November, the veil between our world and the underworld is thinner than at any other point in the year. There’s no going back now, what’s done is done; now’s the time to look for a silver lining, vent your anger and frustration, and embrace growth.
This is a great card to align with the astrology of the early part of this week. The waning crescent moon is a time for reflection, learning, release and renewal in preparation for the start of the new moon that’s on its way. While it may be painful to think about such a difficult time or the loss of a loved one, it will be helpful in your recovery and renewal to find the lesson you need, so you can move forward.
What to Bring: As you move into the new moon phase of planning for the next month, the Ten of Wands suggests a need to avoid going it alone. The suit speaks to your passion projects, fire, energy and creativity at the heart of what makes you you, but the card warns that you need to take care of yourself in the coming weeks – no one will look out for your wellbeing as well as you can. While you might not want to share the load or create a sense of obligation for others in your life, you’ll need to open yourself up to help to ensure your self-care as you chase your passions and maintain your energy and enthusiasm. In connection with the earlier cards, sharing your projects, thoughts and plans might actually bring you some comfort and reassurance as others may have helpful advice, thoughts or guidance, and help counter-act that negative self-talk that could be undermining you.
What to Leave Behind: The Hierophant is all about traditional thinking, order, and the way things have always been done. In the reversed position, it can mean you need to push against other people’s approval in order to move forward. During the early part of the week, this card suggests thinking back on the last month and how plans may have been stymied by an authoritative figure or parent – either by their literal words or actions, or because they were in your head adding to that negative self-talk. As you work with the new moon energy to set a course for the next month, think about what you can do to leave this behind and embrace change, even if it may seem eccentric or too “New Age”. Could this figure or parent also be connected to the person who caused you pain in the three of swords? If so, perhaps this is a good time to let go and cut the aural chakra cord in order to move forward.
Things to Do: In the early part of the week, embrace the thin veil with those who’ve crossed over; make contact by meditating and envisioning the person(s) with you, walking with the person(s) in your mind, or performing a ritual to connect with them. While this might bring up emotions or past hurt, they can also bring you positive messages of guidance; or perhaps there’s something you need to say to spiritually let go of a need for their approval as you begin to embrace a less traditional path. You may also need to take some time alone to wrestle with your own thoughts. As the new moon approaches, take some time to reflect on what’s happened in the past month. Try journaling about what you’ve learned and what you’ve accomplished. Then, during the new moon, set out your vision for what you hope to accomplish in the next month, keeping in mind the lessons you may have learned about your hidden self, negative self-talk, or need for approval. [Note: if incorporating any moon magic into this new moon, keep in mind that December’s new moon will be eclipsed, which means it’s not great for moon magic, making this new moon the best last chance for moon magic in 2021.]
Meditation Ideas: Affirmations that are encouraging as you start a new project; let go of self-doubt. Focus on Mars energy – passion, excitement, and a winning mentality.
Crystals: To overcome self-doubt or self-criticism: alexandrite, larimar, obsidian; to let go of resentment from the past: peridot, smoky quartz; for emotional healing: green aventurine, jade, lapis lazuli
Herbs: celebrate the fall harvest with some apple cider or warm spiced drinks that can bring comfort as you deal with all these swords!
