In the cards this week: Assertiveness

And also some patience

One of the fun-yet-challenging aspects of Tarot is that sometimes, the cards that show up appear to contradict each other. Then we have to untangle the threads and figure out how they relate to each other, because ultimately, they don’t contradict — at least, not usually.

I have, on rare occasions, had pairs of contradictory cards that suggest two options to choose between. But those pairs always come from the same portion of the deck: two Major Arcana cards or two Minors.

However, in this case, we have one Major and one Minor.

The way I usually interpret Tarot cards, and the way this deck in particular works, is that Major Arcana cards relate to what you might call the larger arc of life: a person’s whole life, not just now but past and (especially) future as well. In other words, Majors offer suggestions about long-term actions, things we should take on board not just for the situations that this week presents us, but for the foreseeable future as well.

Things we should incorporate into our lives and maintain over the long run.

The Minors tend to relate more to current, specific situations: definable issues or problems that need working out in a relatively short span of time. Issues that aren’t likely to have a substantial long-term impact on life.

So that’s how I’m looking at this week’s pair of cards. The Two of Labryses points to a current situation that requires some patience and perhaps distance, stepping back and just letting it be for a while. The promise of the card is that if we don’t try to push the matter, it will resolve by itself in a short while. For me, that helps make it easier to just “hang fire” with things as they are, even if the situation is uncomfortable.

But for the longer term, The Chariot suggests that it’s time to start making your needs and desires known. Speak up for yourself and stand up for yourself. And make that practice a part of your life from now on.

Easier said than done, believe me, I know. But it’s a goal to work toward.

The Chariot is one of the cards that I consider “control-and-success” cards, especially in this deck. They offer suggestions for how to get to where you want to be in life. The Chariot means succeeding by controlling others (or at the very least, communicating honestly with them and directing them toward what you need); Strength means succeeding by controlling yourself; and Sacrifice means succeeding by giving up control.

So this week, I wish you patience and peace, and the ability to identify what you need in life and communicate that to others.

This week’s cards:

The Chariot: It's time to assert yourself and make your needs and desires known. Like the chariot driver who has to guide the animals so they travel to the correct destination, you must direct the people around you - honestly and without manipulation - so you get what you need out of life.

Two of Labryses: You may be in an uncomfortable situation, one in which you feel like you're fighting an opponent who is superficially polite but underneath, is scheming against you. Don't try to bring the fight out into the open, and don't walk away. Just hang on for a little while longer. The situation will resolve itself soon.

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About Laura Perry

I'm an author, artist, and creator who works magic with words, paint, ink, music, textiles, and herbs. I'm also the founder and Temple Mom of Ariadne's Tribe, a worldwide inclusive Minoan spiritual tradition. My spiritual practice includes spirit work and herbalism through the lens of lifelong animism. I write Pagan / polytheist / magical non-fiction and fiction across several different subjects and genres. My Minoan entry in the Moon Books Pantheons series is now available for pre-order and will be released on 26 August 2025. While that process percolates along, I’m working on an illustrated book of modern Minoan myths. I’m also an avid herb and vegetable gardener and living history demonstrator.