In the cards this week: support
And a little pleasure
This has been a tumultuous month, and thankfully, this week’s cards offer us a bit of positivity. We live in those fabled interesting times, and maintaining some semblance of normalcy can be difficult.
Many of us need aid and support right now, emotional or material or both. The Five of Horns tells us that help is available, but we may have to ask for it. That can be really hard. Especially here in the US, we have a hyper-individualistic “cowboy mentality” that insists that each of us take care of our problems ourselves, with no outside help.
But that’s not how society is supposed to work, despite repeated calls for people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Did you know that saying originally meant the exact opposite and only in the 20th century came to mean doing for yourself with no help?
I’m reminded of this scene from the movie Ice Age, when Diego, the saber-toothed tiger, risks his life to protect others. His explanation? “That’s what you do in a herd.”
Humans are social animals, but modern society sometimes makes us uncomfortable with that fact. So this week, let’s make an effort in both directions: ask for the help we need, but also offer any help we can give to others.
Speaking of help that’s offered, our second card for the week, the Nine of Rhytons, suggests that the universe may offer opportunities for a few pleasures this week. Even if they’re not long-lasting, they can help temporarily dispel some of the despair and distress that many of us are experiencing right now.
It can be hard to keep your heart open to beauty and your mind open to possibility when the Big World beats down on you. But I’m going to do my best to do just that this week, paying attention to my surroundings, staying connecting with my friends, and giving the world every opportunity to deliver a little bit of goodness among the chaos.
What will you do this week to find a bit of peace and pleasure?
This week's cards:
Five of Horns: Sometimes life throws unpleasant change at us and we scramble to deal with it. This card is a reminder that even when things look bleak, there is help and support available - but you may have to ask for it. And when it's offered, you have to accept it. Then you'll manage all right.
Nine of Rhytons: Life has its ebbs and flows, and within those, we find good things on occasion. Even short-term pleasures and opportunities are worth exploring. Take what is offered, even if it's only temporary, and enjoy it.
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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.
Currently very apt for me personally... thank you!
This is an interesting combination. Perhaps we can find solace in our emotional riches and relationships within the economic hardship. It reminds us that we're in this together.