Reversed Hierophant

In the Hierophant we see the representation of institutions and systems that we often take for granted as being the Truth (with a capital T). Think religion, government institutions, and folks in power who seem absolute and rigid in their beliefs. This card is this card is ruled by Taurus, indicating structures that may be outdated due to their inherent inflexibility and resistance to new ideas. Imagine the more entrenched version of Taurus energy. In our current culture we’re seeing the crumbing of systems that have been unable to evolve to meet the new version of humanity that’s emerging.

From a personal approach, the Reversed Hierophant offers us the invitation to challenge the old, sometimes deeply held beliefs to make way for more expansive future possibilities.

If we accept that we can only achieve what we believe is possible - how can we begin to question the “truths” that might be keeping us stuck?

Here are few thought starters:

• What did we learn about who we are and what we deserve to experience life?

• Does this perception match the deeper knowing of our goodness?

• Can we acknowledge that, objectively speaking, not everything we were taught needs to be true going forward?

• Are we willing to take the chance to free ourselves from other people’s script for our life?

• Can we acknowledge that much of what we accepted as “the way the world works” - also included other people’s perceptions and projections?

Reversed 7 of Wands

The Reversed 7 of Wands indicates that we’re coming out of a time of feeling defensive about real or imagined threats (note: to the nervous system it all feels real). The reversal lets us know we’ve been through the toughest part and now we’re in the process of releasing the fear and confusion. We’re creating boundaries, strengthening our voice and feeling increasingly safe to use it.

Sometimes in the 7 of Wands we’re given the opportunity or situation to where we feel forced or pushed to face our own storylines and possible rationalizations. Defensiveness can come up when don’t feel totally aligned or our boundaries may feel a little too porous. We might find ourselves reaching for anger, indignance or resentment to mask our inner conflict. In these times, we can pause and catch a breath. Let the body and mind calm so that we can figure out what’s really happening. Maybe we can use this as an opportunity to first become gentle with ourselves so that our younger inner-parts can have a chance to pause, breathe and feel safe.

Once we find some emotional steadiness, we’re able to find solutions rather than feel stuck in problems with no answers. Do we need to institute clearer and more fortified boundaries that honor our preferences and needs? Or maybe we feel the familiarity of an old wound that is revisiting to be attended to -approached from a place of compassion rather than rejection.

Over time we can practice giving the nervous system time to relax so that we don’t have to make decisions from fearful or triggered nervous system states. We can choose to love and accept our human-ness - and keep moving forward with more self awareness.

King of Pentacles

The King sits on their throne looking content, peaceful and serene. Enveloped in natural abundance, they are living in accordance with Nature and embracing the potentials of lavish enough-ness. In the King of Pentacles we are invited to connect with the energy of a rich inner-world of personal abundance that also brings us into connection with others.

In this card we’re asked to consider what success means to us. Not the version that’s marketed to us online or through pop-culture. What would success feel look or feel like in your life? Is it peace and quiet? Is it moving to a bigger city to find your people…or moving somewhere more rural for more contemplative times? When we practice sitting with these questions, we’re training our mind to dream - and it’s an especially important skill as we (and the world) are evolving at a faster pace. Whether it’s conscious or not, the human experience is one of continual growth and expansion. True success is knowing that we’re guiding our life and our growth towards happiness and fulfillment. We will always have another dream to dream that serves as our call forward. We can choose to deliberately participate with this evolution.

The King is dedicated to self understanding, acceptance and maturation. They’ve benefited from the self knowledge gained in the Reversed Hierophant and the Reversed 7 of Wands. We’re able to see the limitations of old belief systems that are ready to be released and to begin seeing our wonderful self and our potential clearly. The King of Pentacles archetype holds a steady vibration of self acceptance. Allowing in the fullness of our goodness happens over time, and may require time to grieve for the tender parts of ourselves that have felt diminished or imposed-upon. So it’s important to practice being super gentle with ourselves. The King of Pentacles calls us to remember that we are nature - so just like the trees, vines, flowers and fruits that cover the King - in every moment of every day, we are always enough.