five things friday: swords, serpents, the dark forest of choices

Published: Fri, 11/17/23

November 17, 2023

Hello there,

I pay attention to signs, the traffic kind and the esoteric kind. When they repeat I take note.

Noticing how the world is speaking to us in non-linear ways brings intimacy and sense of belonging in and to the world. This interrelationship of symbols and meaning is the root of my oracle and tarot practice. Not in a superstitious way, but as a way to opens the door to inner conversation and discovery.

This week, let's start with a blessing and then unpack it a bit. Why? When I drew the blessing card for this week it was the same as last week, even as after much shuffling. I am taking this as a nudge to dig a little deeper into the image and what it might hold for us.

Here are some thoughts about the magic held in the image of the Two of Swords from the John Bauer Tarot. What are your thoughts? Let's root out some meaning! Not because our meanings are "right" but because they guide contemplation and provoke insight.

Let's begin with a blessing for the week:

May you be well armed for the challenges that cross your path.

2.
Where do you find yourself?

There is a lot going on in this image, where do you find yourself in it? Are you drawn to the young man? The sword? The serpent? The forest? The color story? Something else? Why?

I'll share my thoughts but they are just that, mine. What are yours? First notice the way this collection of symbols is speaking to you and the doorways being opened in your inner world.

Life calls us to make choices.

The young man, sword raised, is ready to strike the serpent. The sword is related to the element of air so our sword is our clarity, our mind, how we wield our knowledge, how we implement our ideas, how we choose our direction.

How are you thinking about a current issue? How are you using your knowledge to make choices about it? Is your air element clear and sharp?

There are always different perspectives in the choices we face.

The serpent is formidable and ready to strike. We don't strike without some kind of threat or provocation so I wonder what has this serpent threatened. What is being protected? Who is provoking who? Is the man protecting himself from the serpent or the other way around? Where have its boundaries been crossed? What is important? Is this the moment before the battle or the one before the retreat? Boundaries, protection, and moving forward can look many ways including stepping back and retreating.

Consider how your choices will impact not just the situation but others along the way.

Within the dark forests of our lives we encounter obstacles and threats to our intentions.

We also encounter the strength of our convictions. While we can not control all the circumstances of our life, this Two of Swords lets us know that even in the deepest dark of the forest, when face to face with what stops us, we still have choice and how we choose matters.

Take the time to come to the choice that is right for you. It may feel like a stand off while choice negotiates options but allow the time to come to clarity and follow the conviction it brings.

Until next time,
Sandi

(If you liked this little oracle break down, I do something similar over on Patreon in the Oracle tier. I'd love for you to join me there.)

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