And they all lived happily ever after, or a least happily for right now
So finally we come to the last Decan of Pisces and of the year. The 10 of Cups sees us completing the circle of the Zodiac – a card of contentment and fulfilment, it holds a sense of coming home, whatever home looks and feels like for each of us.
Maybe it’s coming home to your family, your lover, yourself, or a place like home, where you feel safe to be yourself.
This is the card of ‘happily ever after’ if such a thing exists. Perhaps, it would be more appropriate to say that the 10 of Cups is the card of ‘happily for right now’, and that’s something to acknowledge and be grateful for.
Nothing lasts forever, we are constantly cycling, as we are so often reminded by the Tarot. This is reflected in structure of the Tarot’s Minor Arcana – the cards that we have been exploring on this Decan Walk – which are numbered Ace to 10 in each suit. The 10s represent completion of some sort, but that state of completion it is temporary, just as in life, we are always moving on to the next thing. Always ending and beginning again.
As with previous Decans, I have found it useful to look at some keywords to see what ideas they may spark about the current Decan of Pisces III.
Mars ~ attributes
Fire
Yang
Energy
Passion
Drive
Ignition
Ambition
Action
Movement
Dynamism
Bravery
Anger
Aggression, war
Destruction/Tower energy
Construction
Reconstruction
Ruler of the warrior Aries
Pisces ~ attributes
Compassionate
Creative
Artistic
Imaginative
Intuitive
Psychic
Empathetic
Sympathetic
Emotionally intelligent
Subtle influencer
Tolerant
Self-sacrificing
Idealistic
Escapist
Sentimental
Sensitive/over-sensitive
Reflective to the point of indecision
Unrealistic
Prone to pessimism, disillusionment & depression
Mutable Water sign
Ruled by the Neptune
Perfected success
Mars in Pisces, is represented in the Major Arcana by The Tower and The Moon. These are not easy cards. They speak of destruction and uncertainty. What has that got to do with ‘happily for right now’? Perhaps this is a reminder that most things that are worth attaining, most outcomes that feel amazing when achieved, are not easily attained or achieved. Instead, they are hard-won, long-perfected and often preceded by sacrifice, struggle and uncertainty. And all the more satisfying and fulfilling for the effort required.
Is the secret just to take a considerable pause to truly feel and enjoy the ‘success’ before moving on or facing the next round of struggle and uncertainty?
Prompts for 10 of Cups ~ Mars in Pisces
When you have achieved something beautiful, when you have come home, when your dreams have come true or are seemingly so close you could almost touch them…
Ask yourself:
What have you achieved that you are grateful for in your life?
What did you go through to get here?
What are the feelings that come with that ‘success’? Can you pause with that for a while?
Can you take a moment to acknowledge what you already have and how far you have come… with gratitude?
What are you passionate about and what now are your hopes and dreams for yourself and your loved ones?
Observations and synchronicities ~ Pisces III
I’m making space here to return to over the coming days of Pisces III to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
Thank you, for reading.
I have completed my Decan Walk! While haven’t kept up with the social media side of things… oopsohdearmusttryharder, I have kept up with every Decan here on this little patch of the internet that is my own.
When I started this project in April last year, I looked ahead at the 10 of Cups, I wondered whether it would feel like a very ‘strong’ card to finish on. I think I understand the depth of it a little better now. This for me is an achievement, it was hard-won. I have struggled along the way, which is probably why I stopped posting on social media. I’ve had other ‘stuff’ going on, as we all do, but I have kept up. It feels good…
… and I am already wondering ‘what next’? Perhaps I need just a little pause now, before Aries I kicks starts another trip around the sun.
And, if you care to join me for this continuing solar return, you’ll find me on Facebook and Instagram hanging out on the corner of #decanwalk2024 and #decanastrology And I will be following @astroco_op and @tsusanchang
This is the ‘wish card’ and if I were to give the 9 of Cups, under the decan rulership of Jupiter in Pisces a literal astrological ‘translation’, it might be:
Dream big so that you may expand into the space your dreaming creates.
The influence of The Moon, in the 9 of Cups urges you to tap into your deepest hopes and desires, let your imagination flow freely and trust that as The Wheel of life spins, in a universe of endless possibilities and abundance, good fortune will flow back in your direction. Your most audacious and expansive dreams can and will come true…
But only if you dare to dream them.
And any Fool will tell you that you can’t take a leap of faith without the faith. At the very least, you have to believe in the possibility that your wish can come true.
As with previous Decans, I have found it useful to look at some keywords to see what ideas they may spark about the current Decan of Pisces II.
Jupiter ~ attributes
Expansion
Growth
Good fortune
Luck
Abundance
Optimism
Generosity
Excess
Overwhelm
Overshadowing
Addiction
Over-consumption
Over-optimism
Rules Sagittarius
Pisces ~ attributes
Compassionate
Creative
Artistic
Imaginative
Intuitive
Psychic
Empathetic
Sympathetic
Emotionally intelligent
Subtle influencer
Tolerant
Self-sacrificing
Idealistic
Escapist
Sentimental
Sensitive/over-sensitive
Reflective to the point of indecision
Unrealistic
Prone to pessimism, disillusionment & depression
Mutable Water sign
Ruled by the Neptune
The dark underbelly of the 9 of Cups
There is a dark side to the 9 of Cups. The well-fed figure manspreading in front of his trophy collection has always been a bit problematic for me.
With Jupiter in play, there is always a danger of excess, which could come in the form of over-consumption, addiction, obsessive behaviour, abuse of power, delusions of grandeur or even over-optimism or toxic positivity.
While The Moon speaks of connecting with our intuition, hopes and dreams, she also brings up our deepest fears about ourselves, others and the world around us. Fears that ultimately we must face, if we are not to allow them to overwhelm us and keep us separate from others and ultimately our true selves.
Is the 9 of Cups about facing our fears? Fear or failure, fear or success, Fear of being alone, fear of true connection and showing others who we really are and trusting that they will still love us.
Prompts for 9 of Cups ~ Jupiter in Pisces
When you have a wild dream, an audacious goal… your heart’s desire…
Ask yourself:
What do I truly desire? What are you manifesting and is it aligned with my highest good?
Are my relationships characterised by true connection, intimacy and emotional contentment or do they feel superficial or unhealthy even?
Do I approach life and relationships with an open heart? What am I holding back?
Who and what am I consciously or subconsciously reaching out for or connecting with?
Observations and synchronicities ~ Pisces II
I’m making space here to return to over the coming days of Pisces II to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
I’ve always had a complicated relationship with this card in the Rider Waite Smith deck. My wanting it to speak of unmitigated positivity but not being able to see that in the image. Learning about the Kabbalistic associations has helped me reconcile myself to the ‘dark underbelly’. As it relates to the Tree of Life, the 9 of Cups represents the 9th Sephira of Yesod – foundation, connection, intimacy, dreams, the unconscious mind – in the realm of B’riah – the world of creation, spirit and feeling.
With the Rider Waite image, arms crossed and legs open, the suggestion may be of physical connection without true intimacy. Or of seeking intimacy and connection in social situations, perhaps fuelled by drugs or alcohol, and finding only superficial relationships that ultimately are unfulfilling or even damaging.
And, if you care to join me for this continuing solar return, you’ll find me on Facebook and Instagram hanging out on the corner of #decanwalk2024 and #decanastrology And I will be following @astroco_op and @tsusanchang
Those were the ‘keywords’ that I learned for this card as a teenager sitting at my best friend’s kitchen table. They are written in her hand on an A4 ‘cheat sheet’ that I have kept for over 30 years. It always felt like such a liberating card to me. Like permission or invitation to take only what I truly need, that which belongs to me, and move on to something new.
I feel like The Fool is in here somewhere. Older. Wiser. More conscious. Deliberate. Ready to move on. Yet still ‘travelling light’.
We have entered the last three Decans of the Zodiac year. The end is in sight. This is the time of soul searching, reflection, and dreaming before we get the alarm call from Aries to wake up, move, and take action at the beginning of the new Zodiac year.
What have we learned?
In or through The World we seek some form of integration, though this may take endless cycles, beginnings and endings, in this lifetime and beyond. Ruled by Saturn, master of growth and self-possession, The World asks that through every cycle we experience we learn more about ourselves, how we fit into this world, and how we grow in this incarnation and the next.
We see in the 8 of Cups an individual who is moving on by the light of the moon. Setting foot on a new path leaving behind them something that has been carefully constructed, but somehow is not complete – the almost fulfilled. And the presence of The Moon here suggests that they may be moving into the unknown (in search of the missing piece?).
But that is the choice. A decision based on an ‘inner knowing’.
As with previous Decans, I have found it useful to look at some keywords to see what ideas they may spark about the current Decan of Pisces I.
Saturn ~ attributes
Taskmaster
Teacher
Authority
Disciplinarian
God of Time (Cronus)
Periodic dissolution & regeneration
Challenges/life lessons
Growth & self-mastery
Dedication
Destiny
Limitations/boundaries
Responsibility
Accountability
Structure & order
Patience, planning & pacing
Constriction
Ruler of ambitious Capricorn
Element of Earth
Pisces ~ attributes
Compassionate
Creative
Artistic
Imaginative
Intuitive
Psychic
Empathetic
Sympathetic
Emotionally intelligent
Subtle influencers
Tolerant
Self-sacrificing
Idealistic
Escapist
Sentimental
Sensitive/over-sensitive
Reflective to the point of indecision
Unrealistic
Prone to pessimism, disillusionment & depression
Mutable Water sign
Ruled by the Neptune
Honouring the Still Small Voice & the call to move on
The Still Small Voice does not shout. It does not demand. Yet it can be quietly insistent. A subtle influencer, that will gently tell us when we are not yet where we need to be. And so, we step forward, not because we always know what comes next, but because we know we cannot stay where we are.
Unlike an external event forcing change, like some sort of Tower moment, this decision is driven from within. This is the voice that compels the figure in the 8 of Cups to leave, that can no longer be ignored. Saturn in Pisces brings the discipline required to take those difficult first steps.
Prompts for 8 of Cups ~ Saturn in Pisces
When you have that feeling that something is missing…
Ask yourself:
Have I been feeling an unspoken pull toward something new? If so, what might it be?
If I step away from external noise, what truth would emerge about where I am in my life?
What does my heart already know that my mind is still questioning?
Am I staying in a situation out of habit, fear, or obligation rather than genuine fulfilment?
What happens when I ignore my inner knowing?
What can I release in order to move forward?
Observations and synchronicities ~ Pisces I
I’m making space here to return to over the coming days of Pisces I to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
It’s interesting that the 8 of Cups is also associated numerologically with the Strength VIII and The Star XVII numbers 8 and 17 in the Major Arcana sequence. This speaks of the inner strength, courage and discipline required to make difficult choices as well as the guiding light that may illuminate the way on a new path. The 8 also speaks of putting ego aside so that you might be more open to inner guidance.
When accompanied by other 8s from the deck the focus is on the mental and physical discipline, dedication and self-mastery required to stick to your path and achieve your goals.
And, if you care to join me for this continuing solar return, you’ll find me on Facebook and Instagram hanging out on the corner of #decanwalk2024 and #decanastrology And I will be following @astroco_op and @tsusanchang
I didn’t ask what hid in the gloaming light, What lurked at the very brink of night. As the Moon in her fullness cast the illusion, I gazed up, tamed in complicit delusion. Then the hour was late. It crept up with all stealth. Too late to tell now Between the dog and the wolf.
~~~
Wednesday 5 June 2024 Waning Crescent in Taurus The Moon XVII
The High Priestess (Moon) & The Hierophant (Taurus)
The subtle moonlight
At first this Decanic ‘episode’ had me scratching my head a bit. I can immediately see where the Hierophant fits into the 6 of Pentacles picture ~ the concept of compassion, charity and the “church” and the gesture of the right hand of the Priest pointing above to the “on high” being mirrored by the right hand of the Benefactor in the 6 pointing down to the lowly below ~ but where does the Moon and The High Priestess sit with it all? Apart, that is, from the fact that The High Priestess sits naturally opposite the Hierophant ~ both the gatekeepers, or key keepers, of knowledge.
I have sat with it for a few days and found the connection to be subtle. A bit like moonlight and the Moon herself. Nothing came to me as terribly obvious or direct at first. In the moonlight you must adjust your eyes to the light in order to see the details.
Measured generosity
In the 6 of Pentacles, we see a wealthy man openly doling out charity to the needy with his right hand. In his left hand, he holds up a set of scales, suggesting balance but also that is some kind of measured activity. I get the impression of noblesse oblige ~ the responsibility that comes with privilege ~ from the Rider Waite Smith card. And also that this man is being seen to be doing the right thing.
The two unfortunates on their knees before him hold out their hands to receive charity from the rich man. In the background, we see a castle, symbolic of accumulated wealth and the security that provides.
Perhaps the influence of the Moon suggests that there is more going on here than at first meets the eye: an undercurrent. Is this a straightforward act of generosity towards those less fortunate than himself? How is he measuring out his charity, directing his compassion? What is the power dynamic in this card and how does it make you feel?
As with previous Decans, I have found it useful to look at some keywords to see what ideas it may spark about the Moon and Taurus, and the second Decan of Taurus.
Monthly cycles of initiation, growth, culmination, release and rest
Taurus ~ attributes
The Bull
Fixed
Earthy
Grounded
Sensuous
Materialistic
Enduring
Patient
Persistent
Driven
Determined
Steady
Solid
Stubborn
Resistent to change
Indulgent
Excessive
Possessive
Giving & receiving ~ without judgement
So, let’s start with this. The Moon is exalted in Taurus – she is at home in this house, the house of money earned, one of the two houses of Venus (the other being Libra, the house of relationship). That the Moon is so comfortable in Taurus is suggestive of emotional security and, it could be argued, it is only from a place of emotional security that we are able to truly can give and receive – without judgement.
Which reminds me of a quote by Brené Brown:
“Until we can receive with an open heart, we’re never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgment to giving help.”
~ Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection
I usually associate this quote with the 5 of Pentacles, and the idea that when you overcome the judgment that you place on yourself, when asking for and receiving help, you are then more able to truly enter into the true spirit of the six pentacles ~ giving with and open heart.
Considering the energetic value of it all
The 6 of Pentacles speaks about the true energetic value of money (as a means of exchange), resources, and of the distribution of that wealth in society and across the globe. We know that money itself has little or no intrinsic value. Money is just money. It is only useful to humanity when it is in circulation and only worth what you can exchange it for, or the good that you can do with in the world.
But it is all to easy to lose a grip on this idea when we are busy with the business of accumulating wealth, like the good workers we are raised to be.
This is something that Taurus knows much about and in my experience you can always rely on a Taurus to know the value of things and understand the value of any exchange. Driven, patient and persistent a Taurus also understands reciprocity and that what you put in directly affects what you get out of a situation.
May 1 is Labour Day ~ a likely coincidence?
As 1 May was approaching, and I was researching for this post, the following quote/tweet by the late Barbara Ehrenreich came up on one of my feeds. And it occurred to my how very synchronistic it is that International Labour Day ~ a day to celebrate workers’ rights and an opportunity to air economic grievances or political demands ~ should fall at the beginning of Taurus II.
“Labor Day wish: Please, no more talk of companies “giving” people jobs. In reality, the gift relationship goes in the opposite direction. Workers give their blood, sweat and tears, sometimes their lives, and in return companies pay them the minimum they can get away with.”
~ Barbara Ehrenreich (@B_Ehrenreich) sept 2 2018
And this is indeed the way that the world runs on a macro scale: the markets, institutions, whole nations. But is this dynamic Is it true in our day to day lives? Do we give the minimum that we can get away with when it comes to our jobs our personal lives, our relationships? Or does our effort wax and wane?
The moon is constantly and reliably changing
She waxes and wanes, like so many things in life: health, wealth and energy. The moon brings cycles of change to fixed Taurus. And fixed earthy Taurus ties the subtle moon down to actual intentional (ideally) compassionate action.
Deep down, on a sub-conscious level maybe we all know that when you help others you help yourself. When you hurt others, you also hurt yourself and everyone else. And today you may be a beggar or benefactor, employee or employer, but tomorrow the tables may turn.
Prompts for 6 of Pentacles ~ The Moon in Taurus
When considering work, health, finances, relationships…
Ask yourself:
How do you express your gratitude for the ‘wealth’ and abundance in your life?
How do you share your energy, time and resources with others?
Are you generous with what you have?
Do you give freely with an open heart or are you more measured?
Does the exchange of energy in your work and relationships feel balanced and healthy?
Are you getting as much as you are giving, or vice versa?
What can you do to improve that balance?
Observations and synchronicities ~ on Taurus II
I’m making a space here to return to over the coming days of Taurus II, to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
This post feels like it’s all over the place… like I’m trying to make too many points. But the whole Labour Day/Taurus II thing, I found very, very interesting.
It left me thinking about exchange on a macro and micro micro level and also the value of human dignity.
And, if you care to join me for this continuing solar return, you’ll find me on Facebook and Instagram hanging out on the corner of #decanwalk2024 and #decanastrology And I will be following @astroco_op and @tsusanchang
