The cards pictured are from the Crowley Thoth Tarot Deck.
The Emperor and Death
This week starts with a New Moon in Libra and by the end of the week, we are firmly in the new month of October. This is a time to set goals and plant intentions of what we wish to call into our world.
We are also called to focus on what is essential and vital, and let everything else fade into the background. Our cards speak to this energy and are here to share their guidance.
Our first card this week is the Emperor, which came up for us earlier this month as well. The card shines a light on the themes of leadership and strength. This is personified through the vibrant red and orange colors and confident and fiery energy.
The Emperor is a unique kind of leader. He does not lead through fear, manipulation, or control. Instead, he leads by example, knowing his actions match his values. He is confident in his abilities and does not flex his ego. Others see his quiet leadership and are drawn to his energy.
He brings out the best in those around him by encouraging them to be leaders as well. He always builds others up and never takes anyone down. Through relationship building, he gains respect and loyalty. People follow him because it serves them well and adds positively to their lives.
Under the influence of the Emperor card, we ask ourselves: What qualities do I respect in others? Do I have those qualities in myself? How can I show up like the leaders I admire?
The Emperor steps forward this week to spark these questions in us. He comes to help us find our power and ignite the leader within.
You might be feeling a leadership drought or a lack of integrity in those currently in charge. This may cause feelings of unease and fear. Who can we look up to? Who is looking out for our interests?
The Emperor is here to say we should look to ourselves to lead. We are the ones that will usher in a new way of being: a way of equality, kindness, acceptance, and creativity. But don’t be afraid of this power. We must embrace our leadership and step forward.
If you have felt called to be a leader or wanted to take on more responsibility and power in your life, consider this your sign. Let the energy of the Emperor inspire you, let it move you out of your comfort zone, and let it embolden you to take the lead.
Our next card this week is Death. In order for us to step into our leadership, there are things that we need to let go of. But with the Death card, sometimes our initial response may be fear. We could feel afraid to face whatever message the card is offering.
But we should not be afraid. Death is not a card of endings but a card of beginnings, and it’s the perfect guide for our Libra New Moon and transition to the month of October.
Death is about letting go of the baggage we carry that makes our journey more difficult. With this card, we are shedding the past and starting with a lighter load.
Death brings about a powerful transformation. For some, this transformation can feel somewhat disruptive or it could feel like a welcomed breath of fresh air.
Many of us are afraid of change and anything new. We are fearful because we crave permanence and consistency. We want to hold on to whatever we have, even if it’s time to let it go.
But in tarot, Death is full of beauty and is a deeply powerful card. When it shows up, it means we are ready to let go of things that are causing us pain. We are prepared to have a deep metamorphosis.
With Death, we ask ourselves: What in our life needs to be transformed? What do we need to release in order to bloom? What needs to die so we can live more fully?
By connecting to our inner voice we will hear the message of what needs to be released. Whether it is a toxic person, a stagnant job, or a habit we’ve outgrown, we are ready to let go.
With death, there is always some pain. We need to acknowledge that there will be grief in letting go, even if we are releasing something that no longer serves us.
When you connect with what needs to be transformed, honor this by doing a releasing ceremony or ritual. Write what you want to let go of on a piece of paper, then give the paper its own transformation.
This could include ripping it up and letting it burn, burying it in the earth, or simply saying the words on the page out loud. Whatever you choose, this ceremony will help honor the process of death.
Mantra for the week: I let go of what no longer serves me and step up as the leader I am meant to be.
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