Monthly Tarot for November 2019
Now that my candy fugue state has subsided, it’s time again for the monthly Tarot reading, this time for November 2019. I’m going to take a different focus this time based upon something I did recently on my Somewhat Daily Tarot and Rune videos on YouTube. One day, there was a Yod in the sky that seemed to align with the three-card reading I did and it sort of stuck. Now, I can’t seem to help myself. I have to look at one card as the focal point with the other two as part of its structure or energetic impetus.
I’m using a significator for the reading and it will appear in each week but I’m not choosing its placement within the structure of the reading. Besides, it seems more likely that it will be part of the structure, but I’ll see how each week plays out. I’m using my Morgan-Greer deck and I’ll begin with the significator.
Significator — 9 of Wands
A man in battle attire looks toward the past. He holds a staff over his left shoulder with his left hand while eight more staffs stand at the ready behind him. Reds and yellows depict the energy and vitality of Elemental Fire along with man’s will. He’s focused and protective, alert and determined. He approaches challenges with strength as he stands in his own power.
Week One
The first week of November is filled with Fire energy with three cards from the suit of Wands comprising the reading. There is an overall six numerology suggesting harmony and a Higher Self focus and in addition to the 9 of Wands, both the 5 and 10 of Wands complete the three-card reading.
The 5 of Wands depicts playful struggle or competition between friends or rivals. Five suggests change and it may indicate a change in how we interact with others this week.
Next, we see a man carrying ten wands that appear to impact his view. The 10 of Wands depicts many commitments before us with its one energy suggesting new beginnings, perhaps stimulated by the competition from the 5 of Wands and supported by our significator, the 9 of Wands. That places the 10 as our focal point for the week.
Overall, there’s a feeling of momentum this week as new ideas take hold that may preserve or secure our legacy or foundation with an eye toward future goals.
Week Two
Whereas Wands and Elemental Fire comprised the energetic influence last week, other than the 9 of Wands continuing as the significator, week two adds the suit of Swords depicting intellect, communication, and reason. The overall numerology is seven or divinity, magick, and balance.
Beginning with the 7 of Swords, we see a man appearing to run away with five swords over his shoulder while two remain standing upright. A brown, sandy dune rises up in the distance. Traditional interpretations suggest deception as well as strategy, the two sides of the scale if you will, that need resolution or balance. Either we’re engaging in some deception to oppress or we’re doing so to level the playing field. The 7 of Swords reflects strategy and purposeful action and with it, we’re asked to think outside the box, the likely focal point for the week.
The King of Swords brings authority and analytical thinking to the week as the wise counselor looks to the past surrounded by greenery and abundance. He holds not only his sword in his right hand but a fist full of grain as well reinforcing his focus on home and hearth. He’s educated and clever, wholly unafraid of new ideas that promote change for the better.
During this second week of November, we may experience the need to right the ship perhaps with a new strategy to ensure a more balanced outcome. If this is building on last week’s momentum regarding a new direction, this may indicate a new strategy is necessary should challenges arise. Deception may be occurring as well, so remain alert to any odd behavior from others.
Week Three
We have some help from Higher Self this week with the appearance of a card from the Major Arcana reinforced by Elemental Fire and the suit of Wands. But we’ll see if that card ends up as our focal point, or it’s one of the others. The overall numerology for the week is five or change and the 9 of Wands continues as our significator.
Beginning with Temperance, the 14th card from the Major Arcana, we see an angel with one foot on the ground and the other in a pool of water as he blends water with fire, emotions with will, aligning both in alchemical balance. Irises stand tall while a path winds down from the mountains to the water’s edge, a lone tree guiding its course. Temperance reflects moderation and self-control, healing and purification.
Next, a young man stands before three pyramids as he holds his staff out in front as if examining his future. The Page of Rods (Wands) depicts a student or a seeker of new opportunities. His spirit is free as he wanders the earth in search of his future. He moves in the now of it all, in the present moment, dynamic and transformative.
Again, it feels like November is a time for new beginnings, the same momentum described in the Monthly Geomancy reading. And whereas it might be tempting to view Temperance as our focal point this week, it’s likely the Page that occupies that position with Temperance and the 9 of Wands shoring up his efforts.
Week Four
I’m loathed to say that we begin the week in Judgment, but the 20th card from the Major Arcana does appear this week, so I suppose it’s necessary. But I prefer the title, Rebirth or Aeon, to describe what’s actually happening in this card. However, all preferences aside, we also have mixed energies this week with both Fire from the 9 of Wands (our significator) and Water from the 3 of Cups present as well as an overall numerology of five or change.
Awakening is the true theme of Judgment, the 20th card from the Major Arcana. Like Temperance from last week, Major Arcana cards represent soul archetypes and when they appear in a reading, they suggest Higher Self is informing our perceptions and choices. Here we’re experiencing a transformation of some kind that allows us to see the greater picture. There’s a feeling of renewal and conscious awakening this week with all energies in balance.
The 3 of Cups ends the reading with three female friends in celebration. Flowered garlands adorn their hair while abundant greenery surrounds them. Three golden chalices rest on the table expressing triple aspects while fruits and berries are scattered about the table for their enjoyment. The 3 of Cups describes abundance and success as well as a sense of mind/body/spirit balance.
The last week of November describes awareness gained and alignment both within and without. The presence of the significator, the 9 of Wands reinforces the preservation of legacy and supports new directions taken throughout the month. Although much of it may feel like busywork, this week suggests that it’s all worth it, particularly if we can come back into alignment with others. It’s Thanksgiving this week here in the US, so if possible, spend time catching up with family and friends. Make it a time for renewal and awakening for all.
Overall Thoughts
The 9 of Wands sets the tone for the month with its focus on the preservation of who we are and what we have built thus far. So whatever the new beginnings, we need to remain focused on preserving all that is positive in our lives as we take a new direction.
With Thanksgiving at the end of the month, it almost feels like whatever we’re beginning this month is in service to family and can be shared during the holiday. As the eleventh month of the year, November is also an 11 energy, the Master number for illumination; therefore, Spirit may be informing the process. In that case, it might be best to step back and allow that creative process to flow.
Until next time…
Blessings to all!
Originally published at https://www.imsteppingaside.com on November 2, 2019.
