The High Priestess (The Moon) & The Star (Aquarius)
Avoidance
I’ve been avoiding writing this leg of the Decan Walk. Unsurprisingly, as this is one of the most confusing and challenging cards in the deck. Also unsurprisingly, while I’ve been avoiding writing about it, the 7 of Swords has been popping up all over the place. In readings for myself and for others.
Apparently, there is no avoiding it. No getting away with it. No ‘7 of Swordsing it’ in fact.
Am I the arsehole?
The High Priestess and the Star, ruled by the Moon and Aquarius, might suggest a deep connection to your inner wisdom combined with a hopeful dose of idealistic humanitarianism. But, this doesn’t sound like the 7 of Swords we all know and fear.
The 7 of Swords speaks of deception, manipulation, double-dealing… all that sharp practice and machiavellian chicanery – the dark side of the Moon. This card might well be describing an individual’s narcissistic traits such as abusive, manipulative behaviour and ‘gaslighting’. And it often raises the question: who is being deceived and who is the deceiver in the current situation?
So, am I the arsehole?
One thing I think we all know about a narcissist is that they are not looking for feedback. They don’t tend to question themselves deeply (or tolerate being questioned by others). Self-reflection is not really their thing. So if you are asking yourself that question, perhaps you are not the arsehole. Just a thought.
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 Aquarius III.
Monthly cycles of initiation, growth, culmination, release and rest
Ruler of Cancer
Aquarius ~ attributes
Independent
Intelligent
Intellectual curiosity
Creative
Humanitarian
Innovative
Rebellious
Technical
Analytical
Truthful
Idealistic
Unpredictable
Eccentric
Needs space
Mutable Air sign
Ruled by the Uranus
If not the arsehole, then what? The antihero?
Sometimes we just have to do what’s best for us, and not what’s best for others. And sometimes, that’s ok.
There are occasions when we have to do stuff to protect ourselves and others, that might not sit comfortably with us under normal circumstances. Needs, must… and all that. And back to Machiavelli.
There are even circumstances where doing something slightly underhand is for the greater good. Here is a brilliant substack article from Katie Grimm for Astrologers’ Co-op relating the 7 of Swords to the legend of Robin Hood. She says:
“An archetype I can’t help but associate with the Seven of Swords is Robin Hood. I mean, come on, men in tights? This seven of swords dude is definitely giving 14th century Robin Hood. A classic antihero, Robin Hood is accompanied by a host of outlaws who take from the rich to give to the poor. Something about that screams Aquarius.”
And just like that, another level of this deeply mysterious card is unlocked for me. Even if the whole ‘steal from the rich to give to the poor’ story is not quite the whole truth in Robin Hood’s case, the idea of redistribution of wealth in a society where much of the wealth is accumulated off the backs of the many to be controlled and benefited from by the few is both rebellious and virtuous.
And if that’s what the individual in the 7 of Swords is up to, then more power to them.
Prompts for 7 of Swords ~ The Moon in Aquarius
When you find yourself questioning your own motives or those of another…
Ask yourself:
Who is acting with integrity? Who do you trust?
How in tune are you with your own motives?
What part are you playing in this situation?
What’s going on on your watch?
Is it ok to look out for number one?
If you are unhappy in a relationship or situation, can you you explore what you are bringing to the table rather than what you are getting out of it?
Observations and synchronicities ~ Aquarius III
I’m making space here to return to over the coming days of Aquarius I to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
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
Here, with Mercury, the planet of travel, communication and adaptability, in the humanitarian and rebellious sign of Aquarius, we meet our boatman. An ingenious friend who we can turn to in a time of need to make things happen – to get us from A to B. To safety.
I wonder if the boatman we meet in the 6 of Swords could be The Magician in disguise, with The Star fixed in the sky as his guiding light, transporting our brave travellers to a more hopeful place. Traditionally, the 6 of Swords is about a journey, moving from turbulence to calm, or, in certain more dyer circumstances, an escape. Perhaps, with The Magician steering the craft, the card’s meaning shifts to a transition that is more guided and intentional.
The 6 of Swords is not just about escaping our problems but consciously navigating to something better, more fulfilling and aligned with our dreams and higher good.
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 Aquarius II.
Mercury ~ attributes
Element of Air
Messenger
Communication
Travel
Curiosity
Change
Adaptability
Speed
Intellect
Articulation
Rationality
Analytical
Over-analytical
Critical
Anxious
Manipulation
Deception
Ruler of Gemini & Virgo
Aquarius ~ attributes
Independent
Intelligent
Intellectual curiosity
Creative
Humanitarian
Innovative
Rebellious
Technical
Analytical
Truthful
Idealistic
Unpredictable
Eccentric
Needs space
Fixed Air sign
Ruled by the Uranus
Boatman or passenger?
When this card comes up in a reading you might ask: ‘Am I the boatman, or the passenger?’. It is a question of agency. Ruled by Mercury, The Magician is the master of his own journey – he’s the boatman and the passenger. Representing conscious creation, he chooses the destination and has what it takes to get there.
The Star provides the faith, hope and purpose for the journey. She offers the vision and the meaning.
Prompts for 6 of Swords ~ Mercury in Aquarius
When you find yourself facing a challenge and you need to see your way to the other side of it…
Ask yourself:
Are you taking charge of your own journey?
What is guiding you?
How is that aligned with your hopes, dreams, and the highest good?
Is help at hand? Will you reach out and take it?
If you are running away, what are you running from?
What are you running to?
Are you there to offer help to others when it is needed?
Are you an active protagonist in your own story or simply a passenger?
Observations and synchronicities ~ Aquarius II
I’m making space here to return to over the coming days of Aquarius II to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
It took me a while to get to the heart of what I wanted to say here for the 6 of Swords. I always find this a calming, balming card when it appears in a reading thinking: ‘oh, thank goodness, it’s all going to be ok’. No action required, just have faith. Sit back and enjoy the ride. It offers some respite positioned, as it is, between the super challenging 5 and 7 of Swords.
However, the influence and combination of The Magician and The Star suggest the need for action that’s far more conscious and intentional.
This isn’t just about a ‘journey’, it’s about personal agency and mastery. Am I a just passenger in this life or am I going to take the rudder and start to steer? It’s up to me. No one is going to do the work for me. No one is coming to save me.
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
The Empress seems like the gatekeeper in this scenario. She is placed between us and the water behind – perhaps the very pool where The Star, pours her water. This fits with the idea of The Empress as mother and protector. And if The Star may represent the nurturing of our dreams, then these two together carry a strong message of creativity and hope.
Hopes and dreams, our creations, our art, new life even, require protection, space and time to grow. I like to think that The Empress, in her abundant generosity, offers safe, fertile ground for The Star’s seeds of inspiration – though some of them may be quite brave and ‘out there’ – to take root and flourish.
So far, so lovely but what has all this got to do with the rather more brutal and confronting 5 of Swords and Venus in Aquarius? Traditional readings for this card speak of victims, villains, loss, failure and blame. Of brutal acts and harsh, cutting words, and hints of cruelty. And of the violation of boundaries and the following consequences for all parties.
Life is full of challenges and does not always work out how we want it to. Hopes and dreams can falter and fail and our ideas and new creations may be cut down. Perhaps the 5 of Swords asks us to look back on our losses and defeats with some Aquarian detachment and intellectual curiosity. What have we learned? How has it shaped us? And how can we respond with love rather than pain? How do we move forward with the intention not to cause more damage when we feel that we have sustained damage? How do we break the cycle?
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 Aquarius I.
Venus ~ attributes
Earth
Yin energy
Tenderness
Abundance
Growth
Love
Friendship
Attraction
Sensuousness
Sensuality
Warmth
Creativity
Art
Beauty
Harmony
Earthly pleasures
Joy
Luxury
Ruler of Taurus & Libra
Aquarius ~ attributes
Independent
Intelligent
Intellectual curiosity
Creative
Humanitarian
Innovative
Rebellious
Technical
Analytical
Truthful
Idealistic
Unpredictable
Eccentric
Needs space
Mutable Air sign
Ruled by the Uranus
Victim & villain… flip the narrative
I’ve written about it before, wanting to flip the villain-victim dynamic in the 5 of Swords. This mainly comes from a desire to see the underdog in any situation rise up and turn the tables on their oppressors. It has become my “don’t f*** with me card” when reading for myself and others.
But, when coming from the Venus in Aquarius angle, I am realising that there is more to it than that. It’s not just about defending yourself against attack and oppression but also finding a way to detach and simply move on, without perpetuating the cycle of conflict.
Dispatching your enemies with love!
Prompts for 5 of Swords ~ Venus in Aquarius
When you find yourself on one side or another of a conflict…
Ask yourself:
Can you identify the areas of conflict and confrontation in your life?
What is your part in them?
What are you fighting for?
Are you standing up for yourself and what you believe in or are you fighting to win for winning’s sake?
Is there a cycle of conflict that needs to be broken?
Observations and synchronicities ~ Aquarius I
I’m making space here to return to over the coming days of Aquarius I to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
Capricorn season was hard on me. I went underground somewhat which perhaps matches the heavy earthy energy of the season when we experience the darkest nights of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Despite the fact we have some of the most challenging cards in the deck ahead of us to explore, I am feeling more space and light in the first Decan on Aquarius. I feel more creative movement and ideas are flowing more freely. Let’s see where it takes us.
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
When The Star met The Fool under the waning Aquarius Moon
The Fool card has come up for me a few times recently.
I love The Fool. Not one of my usual Tarot stalkers, so I’m sitting up and I’m paying attention, especially as this was happening around the days of the waning moon in Aquarius ~ a time for reflection, but perhaps also an opportunity for some free, out-of-the-box, ‘foolish‘ thinking.
I’m feeling the frisson of some astro-tarot synchronicity.
What’s the connection?
The Fool’s planetary ruler is, of course, Uranus… and Uranus is the ruling planet of Aquarius… and Aquarius rules The Star.
It struck me anew what a beautiful cosmic connection exists between these two cards. And so I felt inspired to pull those cards from a couple of decks and to write about this stellar combination.
Click on the images to zoom
The Star loves a dreamer
The Star loves The Fool just as she loves anyone who dares to dream, to put it out there and to set foot on the path to achieving it.
She literally shines in the night sky to light the way and guide travellers as they navigate uncharted waters.
The Star loves the adventurers, the rule-breakers, the creators and innovators (the genius folk that some might call crazy). Anyone who wants to interrupt, disrupt and shake things up for a better world and for a better way to be in this world.
Does that sound like any Aquarians you know?
Of course, I had to go off and find a list of famous Aquarians…
Thomas Edison (inventor)
Mozart (prodigy, genius composer)
Franklin D. Roosevelt (US President, architect of the New Deal, improving the lives of many suffering in the Great Depression, and… initiated the development of the world’s first atomic bomb. Hmmmm… uranium?)
Lewis Carroll (author of Alice in Wonderland, very curious)
Charles Darwin (science type, lots of theories)
Cristiano Ronaldo (sporty type, lots of goals)
Tallulah Bankhead (outrageous, husky-voiced actress with a devastating wit)
Yoko Ono (definitely an interrupter)
James Dean (actor, rebel… without a cause)
Paul Newman (actor, icon, devastating blue eyes)
Buzz Aldrin (ASTRONAUT, literally went to the moon, not Uranus, but still… the frikkin’ MOON)
Christian Dior (French couturier, icon)
Bob Marley (musical pioneer)
Rosa Parks (American civil rights activist)
Anton Chekhov (Russian playwright, some say one of the greatest writers of all time)
Elijah Woods Frodo (Ring-bearer and Hobbit of the Shire)
Oprah (Oprah)
Gena Davis (quirky actress… always Thelma to me)
Jennifer Anniston (a Friend)
Also, Olivia Colman (right out there, great funny actress)
Annie Lennox (singer, songwriter and icon)
Virginia Woolf (feminist icon, 20C English writer, pioneer of stream of consciousness as a narrative device)
Susan B. Anthony (18C American Women’s rights activist)
and erm, Maria von Trapp! (trail blazing nanny/yodeller)
~ all according to the internet, which is also governed by Uranus
… and that’s how I disappeared down an internet rabbit hole… with Alice.
What a great list of rebels, innovators, disrupters, creative geniuses, and it goes on… I had to go searching a bit harder for the women, but go figure.
Anyway, The Star has an affinity with them all.
Aquarians also have a natural inclination for introspection, which vibes well with the waning moon.
The Fool is a dreamer
The one who gazes up at The Star and stars in the night sky and imagines all that is possible – unencumbered by limiting beliefs or a need to conform, his imagination is boundless. The Fool is the original ‘positive thinker’.
The Fool’s guide is Uranus, planet of electricity. It provides the spark of inspiration and, by taking the leap of faith, our Fool allows inspiration to take flight.
A live wire. A genius. Or idiot savant?
Sometimes a Fool just knows when to jump and he owes this intuition in part to Uranus – one of the guardians of the vast amounts of collective knowledge, accumulated over eons, and ruler of such transformational information technology as the internet.
I adore this Fool from The Slow Tarot by Lacey Bryant. His expression, his up-turned face, his arms wide with chest and heart open, his joy at being momentarily at that point between falling and flying. How F***ing brave?!
He’s so Peter Pan…. and when I see this Fool I think of the line which sums up the essence of the character, or rather the sentiment of the card, so perfectly for me:
“What if I fall?” “Oh but my darling what if you fly?“
~ JM Barrie, Peter Pan
I also wanted to share these images from The Spacious Tarot & Expansion Deck, by Carrie Mallon and Annie Rugyt. Just when I thought I couldn’t love a deck more, I pulled these cards out to take a look at how they connected… nearly no words but, as ever, I’ll give it a go.
I have so much love for this deck ♡ in particular here, where The Star and the constellation of Aquarius merge on the dark horizon and Uranus looks on from space as lightning snaps and crackles in the night sky.
⚡️⚡️⚡️Vibes⚡️⚡️⚡️
What’s the takeaway?
The Fool is not afraid of failure. And he’s not afraid of the new and unknown.
And while he may often find himself starting from scratch, that does not necessarily mean going back to ‘square one’ again.
He tries a thing and it doesn’t work? So he tries another thing, and another, bringing what he has learned with him. Ever open to all the possibilities…
… and The Star shines on, radiating hope and inspiration and acceptance for all those who dare to dream and reach for the stars.
This Star-Fool combination has encouraged me to take some quiet time to look at the way ‘I’m doing things’ right now. Some of it’s working; much of it is not. I’ve known for a while that I need to start doing some things a little differently…
… and while I’m not going to turn things entirely on their head ~ I’m not a complete Fool! ~ I could at least turn them on their side, like Uranus.
Uranus spins at a jaunty angle
All this has got me thinking more deeply about Major Arcana relationships based on planetary and zodiac rulerships…
It was also greatly powered by an online astrology course that I took recently with the brilliant and inspirational Sinead Fine of Tarot for Women. I’ve also had my birth chart read by Sinead which was kind of transformational and I can’t recommend that experience or her courses highly enough.
