The character in the 9 of Pentacles is very much in her element. Comfortable, contented, grounded, connected. She’s simultaneously arrived at her destination and continues to enjoy the journey. A proper grown-up channelling the strength and beauty of the Empress as she stands sovereign and solo in her beautiful garden.
Self-sufficient, she is perhaps guided by an inner light – The Hermit – and no longer has to follow all the rules laid down by society. She has the confidence and the resources and has earned the right to follow her own path.
Or isolated, self-conscious, alone
Yet, Venus is in her fall in Virgo. There may be some discomfort here even if it is not immediately visible.
Safe in her garden the 9 of Pentacles has her defences up, not unlike the battle-worn 9 of Wands, who stands on guard at her boundaries, protecting herself and all she has fought for against intruders real or imagined. Except that, our lady of Virgo II is presenting a perfect front – no wounds or bandages to see here. She has gone beyond brandishing a stick to protect herself and has built a garden wall.
And who can blame her? It’s not always easy being strong, independent and self-sufficient as a woman in a world that was built for men by men. But holding up that front of perfected isolation must be hard work at times and lonely.
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 Virgo III
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
Virgo ~ attributes
Logical/analytical
Practical
Hardworking
Helpfulness, service
Honest
Modest
Responsible
Trustworthy
Faithful
Dedicated
Good communicator
Artistic
Overthinking
Perfectionism, improvement
Critical
Stubborn
Tendency to worry/stress
People pleasing
Ruled by Mercury
Mutable Earth sign
The rise of the single Cat woman
Single, childless women who live alone (or aspire to) and present as happy, independent, and successful are somewhat threatening to some. Perhaps because it makes them question their own choices. And, if she has a cat… well that’s all the more reason to ridicule, harass or even persecute her.
Hmm, ain’t that an age-old story?
Happily, the rise of the single/childless Cat Woman is a thing right now. The comfortable truth is that calling someone and Crazy Cat Woman just isn’t the insult that it used to be.
I’d love to put a cat in this Tarot card somehow… perhaps I will.
Prompts for 9 of Pentacles ~ Venus in Virgo
When you look around you, at where you are and what surrounds you…
Ask yourself:
What have you achieved that you can be proud of?
How do you honour and acknowledge how far you have come?
Are you taking good care of yourself, mind and body?
What acts of self-care and love could you show yourself today?
How can I better parent myself in my current situation for the best outcome?
How do you foster supportive relationships in your life?
Observations and synchronicities ~ on Virgo II
I’m making space here to return to over the coming days of Virgo II to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
So, at the time of writing, the New Moon is in Virgo. The message that I am getting loud and clear is to get my house in order: finances, health, work. I definitely need to recommit to the healthy routines I was attempting to establish before the ‘disruption’ and general ‘luxury’ of summer.
And what better poster girl could there be for focussing on self-care and getting one’s life on track than 9 of Pentacles in the 2nd Decan of Virgo?
It also happens to be my big sister’s birthday on 3 September. Happy birthday, Dom Dom. My favourite of all Virgos and a long-time supporter and defender of mine.
Update: Saturday 7 September
I stumbled across this today.
Now, Helen Mirren. She’s a pretty perfect Poster Goddess for the 9 of Pentacles right there and her advice is to “Make your own rules”.
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
Focussing your Sun energy on the details that matter
The 8 of Pentacles speaks of diligence, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of mastery through focused effort and attention to detail.
In the Rider Waite Smith, we see a person diligently working on crafting pentacles, symbolising the meticulous effort required to hone a skill, perfect a craft, or achieve mastery in a specific area of life. The card is about showing up and putting in the necessary work, often through repetition and refinement, to achieve excellence.
The Sun in Astrology, and indeed Tarot is associated with the ego, identity, and the core essence of who you are and how you express yourself and shine in this life.
In contrast, The Hermit, ruled by Virgo and Mercury, relates to introspection, inner wisdom, and solitude. The Sage archetype relies on an inner light, his lantern, for guidance rather than external influence and validation. If the Sun is the outward expression of the self, the Hermit symbolises the inward journey, where one retreats to seeks truth, understanding, and enlightenment.
In the context of the first Decan of Virgo, I see The Hermit as taking all the glorious love and light of the Sun (ruler of the previous Decans of Leo) and focussing it, through a lens/his lantern, on the one small area that that needs dedicated attention (to refine and perfect) right now. That one small thing is the stepping stone to the next.
This positioning of the Sun and the Hermit in this card suggests the need for balance between external achievement and recognition and internal growth and development. The Sun energy here encourages you to pour your heart and soul into the task at hand, your current creation, and to strive for mastery and perfection as a way to shine in the world.
Such diligence is in itself soulful work.
As with previous Decans, I have found it useful to look at some keywords to see what ideas it may spark about the current Decan of Virgo I
Sol ~ attributes
Fire
Yang
Energy
Growth
Confidence
Success
Enthusiasm
Positivity
Openness
Trust
Warmth
Life
Light
Radiance
Centre
Ruler of Leo
Ego
Strength
Creative/destructive
Force of nature
Virgo ~ attributes
Logical/analytical
Practical
Hardworking
Helpfulness, service
Honest
Modest
Responsible
Trustworthy
Faithful
Dedicated
Good communicator
Artistic
Overthinking
Perfectionism, improvement
Critical
Stubborn
Tendency to worry/stress
People pleasing
Ruled by Mercury
Mutable Earth sign
I love a Virgo & I love this card
I’ve got to say I love a Virgo. In my experience they show up and they do what they say they are going to do… but, my goodness, there will only be one way to do it and that’s ‘the right way’.
As for the 8 of Pentacles, when I was a teenager practicing endless Tarot spreads at my best friend’s kitchen table we tended to skip over many of the earthy Pentacles. We preferred the drama and romance of the Major Arcana, the Swords and the cups.
Now, it’s a completely different story. I love this card when it shows up in a reading or a daily pull, reminding me to focus on the details and to let the big picture take care of itself. To surrender to the process and let the rest unfold.
Prompts for 8 of Pentacles ~ The Sun in Virgo
When it is time for you to show up and do the work…
Ask yourself:
Where do you need to focus your energy right now?
Have you found joy in your work?
Do you see the divine in the detail?
Observations and synchronicities ~ on Virgo I
I’m making a space here to return to over the coming days of Virgo I to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
The end of summer and the holidays is approaching. It feels like it’s time to get serious and knuckle down to all the projects that need my attention. I’ve got quite a lot on and I could do a lot worse than channel this Sun in Virgo energy of the 8 of Pentacles and to embody the Virgo drive to improve, and to perfect and make manifest my potential in the work that I do.
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 I see the Rider Waite Smith 7 of Wands the phrase ‘a strange hill to die on’ often pops up in my head. This is a military reference (which fits with the influence of Mars – sometimes known as the Warrior planet) that describes the practice of capturing or holding high ground, regardless of the opposition, the cost or the benefit in doing so.
It takes great Strength, confidence and self-belief to stand up for what you believe is right, regardless of the cost or benefit. These are the traits that Leos (fixed fire sign) seem to have in abundance. But when I look at the Tower I can’t help but think that the figures falling from the burning building have picked a disastrous hill to die on and they are paying the price.
With these thoughts in mind, the advice of the 7 of Wands could be to be brave and defend your position, or protect yourself and your own, when you are sure that you are standing on the ‘right hill’. Pick your battles wisely.
And, just as importantly, have the Strength to give up that position, even if has been long held and defended, if you come to realise that you have been mistaken. It takes courage to admit when you’ve been wrong – not something that sits very comfortably with your average Leo, if indeed there was such a thing as an average Leo 🤣
As with previous Decans, I have found it useful to look at some keywords to see what ideas it may spark about the current Decan of Leo 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
Leo ~ attributes
Emotional
Generous
Loyal
Loving
Passionate
Fierce
Protective
Performer
Creative
Magnetic
Likes to lead
Individualistic
Egotistical
Uncompromising
Unforgiving
Ruled by the Sun
Fire sign
Of fear and bravery
The Tower has long been a card to evoke fear and dread. Fear that the world you understand, the life you know, may be under threat, and dread of what might replace it. A brave new world.
The very definition of bravery is having the mental or moral strength to face danger, fear or difficulty. Hence, the Golden Dawn title for the 7 of Wands – Lord of Valour.
Prompts for 7 of Wands ~ Mars in Leo
When it is time for you to take a stand…
Ask yourself:
Are you willing to stand up for what you believe in?
Where are your obstacles coming from – within or without?
Will you keep going in the face of opposition?
How far are will you go to defend your position?
Have you picked the ‘right’ hill to die on?
Observations and synchronicities ~ on Leo III
I’m making a space here to return to over the coming days of Leo II to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
There seems to me to be such a clear sequence or story in the progression of the Leo Decans as we see depicted in the Tarot. The story is one of victory and triumph after competition followed by the persistence and strength required to hold the hard won ground. It’s action-packed!
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 9 of Swords, representing the Decan of Mars in Gemini, seems very much to do what it says on the tin.
The worst has happened, disaster has struck, and your world is crumbling. Or so it would seem in the dead of night when you are awake and alone, entertaining your anxieties. The stuff of nightmares, night sweats, destructive thinking and negative self-talk. Insomnia.
As with previous Decans, I have found it useful to look at some keywords to see what ideas it may spark about the current Decan of Gemini II.
Mars ~ attributes
Fire
Yang
Energy
Passion
Drive
Ignition
Ambition
Action
Movement
Dynamism
Bravery
Anger
Aggression, war
Destruction/Tower energy
Construction
Reconstruction
Ruler of Aries
Gemini ~ attributes
The Twins
The Lovers
Mutable
Airy
Sociable
Communicative
Expressive
Open-minded
Curious
Adaptable
Enquiring mind
Analytical
Mercurial
Changeable
Smart
Overthinking
Restless
Ruled by Mercury
Destructive thinking & negative self-talk
This 7th Decan of the year brings us back to Mars and the Tower. But this time with a more destructive energy than we saw with Aries I and the creative 2 of Wands. Mars brings fuel for the restless Gemini mind.
Here is someone at war with themselves, and perhaps with others, and it is robbing them of their peace of mind and their sleep. Isolating them in the darkness. Creating a disconnect with the world beyond the four walls, with loved ones, with reason and even from reality in those small, strange hours.
Prompts for 9 of Swords ~ Mars in Gemini
During the dark night of the soul, when anxiety and insomnia threaten your mental state…
Ask yourself:
What fearful beliefs are you holding on to?
How can you face and release these fears?
What is keeping you up at night?
Whose is that negative voice inside your head?
Who do you need to forgive to move on?
Whose forgiveness do you seek?
Observations and synchronicities ~ on Gemini II
I’m making a space here to return to over the coming days of Gemini II, to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
I thought this one was going to be easy, after all the 9 of Swords, as tough as it is, is one of the most relatable cards in the deck. And yet, I found this post difficult to get out on time. I agonised over the words – am I just regurgitating the thoughts and words of others, am I adding anything to the discussion, who wants to hear from me anyway? Insecurity and inadequacy oozing from every pore.
Still, I write because it feels good and scratches the creative itch. The act of writing, marshalling my thoughts ‘on paper’ isn’t that the very essence of Mars in Gemini in itself?
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
Ruling planet/luminary: Mars ~ The Red Planet & Roman God of War
Zodiac Sign : Aries ~ Cardinal Fire
Tarot card: 2 of Wands
Golden Dawn Title: Lord of Dominion
Associated Major Arcana:
The Tower XVI (Mars) & The Emperor IV (Aries)
Happy New Zodiac Year!
After the creative spark… must come positive, inspired action
The 2 of Wands can represent the vision, optimism and motivation that comes with the beginning of something – a work or creative project, a relationship, a journey, a new routine or regime, or maybe something that needs to be re-ignited or started again from scratch with renewed energy.
It is the card for exploring the potential in a situation when your passion has been stirred (Ace of Wands). And it reminds us that passion, ambition and drive must be not only well-intended but also positively directed to bring about the best possible outcomes for all.
I’m not 100% sure how this Decan Walk is going to play out over the year, but I’m going to start today (highly motivated and energised at the beginning of this trip) by taking a look at Mars and Aries to see what they tell us about 2 of Wands.
Mars ~ attributes
Fire
Yang
Energy
Passion
Drive
Ignition
Ambition
Action
Movement
Dynamism
Bravery
Anger
Aggression
Destruction/Tower energy
Construction
Reconstruction
Aries ~ attributes
The first
Initiator
Fiery/flammable
Leader/Emperor energy
Creative
Spontaneous
Heroic
Passionate
Inspiring
Vibrant
Forceful
Domineering
Quick-tempered
Reactive
Hasty
That’s a lot of testosterone, right there
The stolid stance of the figure in the 2 of Wands, as he looks out over his domain to horizons beyond, belies the very dynamic, action-oriented nature of Mars in Aries. His stillness is deceptive.
On the face of it, in Smith’s image of the 2 of Wands we see someone, Wand firmly in hand, calmly contemplating their next move from the safety of their Tower. But that story doesn’t seem to fit with the list of attributes for Mars and Aries above, or with the title ‘Lord of Dominion’. Nor does it fit with the very masculine influences of The Tower and The Emperor and the levels of testosterone that they bring.
Isn’t that one of the challenges that The Emperor brings? How do you lead without using force or control tactics? How do you bring stability and security when The Tower is on fire?
The Key is in the Ignition
With Mars in Aries it feels like the key is in the the ignition. The symbol for Mars even looks like a key ♂
We are about to go somewhere but what is the trip going to be like?
Mars is the ruler of Aries so it might follow that this combination in this card is a licence for Aries to be as fully Aries as Aries can be.
Full on and unfiltered. Buckle-up, it’s going to be a ride.
And with that thought I realise that I have the song ‘Born to be Wild’ in my head… I’m not sure how long it’s been there. A little while. It’s not one of my favourites (I’m not much of a rock chick) but, could the lyrics be anymore Mars in Aries? And, they were written by Mars Bonfire (ha! I didn’t know that) and first performed by the band Steppenwolf (I probably knew that).
So, here are the lyrics and, I couldn’t resist, the famous sequence from ‘Easy Rider.’ Great film. And just listening to it, has given me a bit of a boost.
Born to be Wild
Get your motor runnin’ Head out on the highway Lookin’ for adventure And whatever comes our way
Yeah, darlin’, go make it happen Take the world in a love embrace Fire all of your guns at once and Explode into space
I like smoke and lightnin’ Heavy metal thunder Racin’ with the wind And the feelin’ that I’m under
Like a true nature’s child We were born, born to be wild We can climb so high I never wanna die
Born to be wild Born to be wild
Prompts for 2 of Wands ~ Mars in Aries
If you have a new horizon, new opportunity, new idea or new relationship/phase in a relationship in front of you, to pursue or not pursue…
Ask yourself:
Is this something you feel passionate about? Does it light your fire? Are you inspired?
Do you have the energy/resources for it? Can you sustain the energy/resources for it? (what Pentacles are supporting here?)
Are you required to/can you take the lead or the initiative here?
Are you ready to take action? To lead? To inspire?
Are you rushing in? All guns blazing? (watch out for the Knights of Wands here)
Are you trying to control or force a situation?
Is this a constructive idea or a destructive idea?
Will this be creatively fulfilling? (look for supporting Cups)
Looking ahead, do you have the commitment, resources and the vision to see it through?
Do you need help to bring it to life? (a 3 of Pentacles would bode well for collaboration)
Can you inspire others to get on board with your vision?
How can you get organised?
What are your first steps?
What action can you take today to get this show on the road?
How can you ground your plan in reality? Make sure that ideas become realised?
Observations and synchronicities ~ the 2 of Wands and self belief
I’m making a space here to return to over the coming days of Aries I, to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
As I start to read around the subject of Decans, Decan Walking and how it all relates to Tarot I find I am becoming more intrigued by where this study might take me over the coming months.
One of the suggestions that I found was to check out what is going on in my birth chart in a given Decan. I have Chiron, the wounded healer, in Aries I in the 3rd house. This is the house of communication and early education. This placement is suggestive of someone who struggles with asserting themselves, trusting and voicing their opinion and expressing their needs and desires. And a fear of judgement for speaking their truth.
Hmm. Well, it’s not wrong.
Clearly, this is all very personal and I should explore it further somewhere more private. But for the purposes of this particular post, I’m wondering out loud if it might helpful to channel the 2 of Wands and the energy and bravery of Mars in Aries in moments when I am doubting myself or my judgement, or worrying about what people might think and say if I come out and say what I think.
What’s the worst that could happen? Might I get struck down by lightening? I doubt that The Emperor second-guesses or agonises so much over speaking his mind.
Is the 2 of Wands an antidote to imposter syndrome? A key to self-belief and authenticity.
Notes on the Decan Walk 2024/25
Needless to say, the idea of undertaking a Decan Walk at the beginning of a new Zodiac cycle is not a new one, but it’s new to me. I started thinking about doing this a while back (I thought for a fleeting, brilliant moment I’d had an original idea hahahaha) and have been patiently waiting to begin, while doing no actual preparation (which is my way)…
… then all of a sudden the Spring Equinox is upon us here in the N. Hemisphere, and I needed to get my shit together.
So, for the next 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
