The Horseshoe

We can't see the Devil's face, because he could be anything, or anyone. We can't see his hostages either, for the same reason. The Devil is the gatekeeper of true spiritual awareness and enlightenment.

We must see ourselves clearly and release our obsessions and addictions before we can proceed toward healing and actualization.

The Devil may appear to point out our own unhealthy behaviors, or the unhealthy behaviors of others. The ill-dignified Devil may suggest that our healing has already begun.

With the Ten of Coins we have reached stability with our money, resources, physical body and the material world around us. The work has been worth it and now we can start our next venture, but now we have changed for the better. We will be different in this new cycle.

Sitting too long on the ‘wealth’ or obsessing over what we have achieved may bring about stale unproductive energy which could make it difficult to begin again.

Knights go on quests and cups take us into the watery world of emotion and intuition. Appropriately the astrological correspondence is dreamy, intuitive Pisces. The Knight of Cups is the quintessential ‘knight in shining armor’; he can woo us and excite us with his flowery promises of romantic passion. This card can signify a period of transition or the advent of something emotionally significant in the life of the querent. The Knight of Cups is a good indicator that new possibilities with regard to personal relationships, love, or marriage are on the horizon.

When ill-dignified, the Knight of Cups can indicate someone who is living in a dream world and who is unable to make good on his romantic proposal. He is heedless of the emotions of others and, once having made his romantic conquest, moves on.

A choice, in the form of two boxes, is floating before us, and there is just ONE key. Does it fit both boxes or just one? We must trust our intuition on the decision. We also should prepare ourselves for a wonderful transformation. Be brave and unlock a box. By our direct nature in making a decision we will receive that thing we have longed for, hoped for and wished for.

Making a selfish decision to keep both boxes even though they are locked may just hold us in limbo for an unidentified length of time preventing our hard work from paying off.

It’s okay to admit it, it is a rough and difficult time right now. Our money, family, resources and perhaps even our physical body are all stretched to the limits. Reaching out for help at this pivotal point is not a sign of weakness but of strength and wisdom. Stability is just around the corner.

It will be better for us to avoid stepping in the role of victim as it can be a tough rut to break out of. Refusing to accept any changes can prolong us form getting back on our feet, balanced and centered.

Rome gave birth to the tarot, the Roman Empire, and the Holy See. Here the Bishop of Rome bestows a blessing. Traditional dogma gives authority to create structures that can provide standards, comfort and aid. This card can ask us to build our own structures, or to seek the authority of those who can help us. Here we learn the power of sacred knowledge and ritual.

When tradition and dogma are used to oppress and limit rather than comfort and empower, the shadow side of this card becomes clear.

Victory is ours, so we must believe it. We’ve earned it. We fought hard and much has suffered as we have achieved our balance. Allow the accolades and praise to wash over us and receive it all with humility.

Falling in to the trap of our ego can lead to surprises that won’t let us off very easily and possible even drag us back several steps.