This Pick a Reading activity is for anyone who needs to carve out a moment today for themselves to re-calibrate. Feel free to use this activity to help you re-group and re-focus on the things that matter most to you on your journey. Take away what makes sense to you and consider the rest.

Optional: Before starting this activity, sit down in a chair with your back straight with your feet planted on the floor. Close your eyes and take a breath in for 6 counts, hold for 3 counts, then exhale for 8 counts. Repeat this cycle three times or as needed.

When you are ready, choose one of the piles pictured below that interests you the most. Scroll down to the description for the pile that you chose. You are welcome to use both readings for yourself.

Pile 1 (One)

A conflict has left you feeling isolated and disoriented. As you pick up the pieces of what remains, you ask yourself the following questions: Was I in the right to speak up? Was I defending myself, or was I, in fact, the aggressor? Remember that this debate happened in a forum with third parties watching closely. The truth of the matter will be mangled in various ways depending on who recounts the event. What is done is done; in the moment, you made the decision that your Truth needed to be defended. Only time will tell if this decision was made in good faith.

The argument rehashed was a topic that had been brought up before. Both parties tried to move away from speaking about it so directly ever again, but clearly ideas were not expressed then that needed to be articulated now. If this tropic had ever truly reached a conclusion, why do you find yourself treading on past conversations? Why do you have such a hard time forgetting all that had been previously said. Clearly, there’s a reason that this topic cannot be laid to rest.

Moving forward, you are inclined to take the high road. The pain of having the same argument over and over again, with no resolution in sight, has led you to accept that closure will come through your willingness to accept what you cannot control. It is what it is. Though some might see your actions as kowtowing to the other party, you know in your heart that you are choosing your own peace. This is the attitude that you will continue to maintain for many years to come.

The Good: Before you are able to accept what your cannot control, your initial response is to shut down completely. The difference between where you are now and where you are headed is that now, you shrink to the extent of doing yourself a disservice. You see yourself as a prisoner of circumstance, instead of a passenger of life choosing to embrace all that simply is (in a very esoteric sense, which the nature of the Hanged Man points to). To have this mindset now serves you because it is what you need to get through this particular time. Perhaps you having the same argument with a family member that you have year after year around this time. Perhaps you have no choice but to lay low until the holiday ends and you can retreat to your sanctuary, your own home. Once you can calibrate and regroup in your own space, your silence will evolve from a frightened defensiveness into a calm, unwavering resilience. You will grow from a withering house plant into a towering, blossoming tree.

The Stressful: Growing into your power will take a concerted effort on your part. You must choose to stand your ground and persevere. This position is not your natural character. It will take some time getting use to the new you. You might come off as aggressive to others in the process. It will feel awkward to set these harsh boundaries, but remember why you are ultimately trying to become this person. Remember what it is that you are protecting (your peace).

Advice Moving Forward and Manifestation Mantra: True peace and balance is not possible at this time, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel stuck. By choosing to take the high road, you will not only be setting up boundaries, but you will also need to try being more understanding as to why others might not want you to set up these boundaries. I encourage you to learn more about and work with the Cancer/Capricorn polarity, especially if it plays a large role in your own natal chart.

Celebrate the dance of life on your own terms without feeling as though you need diminish your self-expression for the sake of others.

I create a powerful space where I can freely express myself. I create joy and ecstasy for myself in spite of what others think or feel. I am also keenly aware that Divinity lives within all of us; namaste.

Pile 2 (Two)

You wake up to find that a passion grips your heart. A new idea sensationalizes your mind. It is brilliant and colorful and brings a smile to your face. Your energy is revitalized and you are excited to get started on a new project.

This new inspiration revolves around the simple act of asking for help (although for some, this act is not simple at all). There is something freeing about realizing you do not have to go at it alone. By “it,” I mostly mean the grind of your daily routines and employment. You were overworking yourself and were never able to focus on what brings you joy. It seemed impossible to create any sense of work-life balance.

The Six of Cups describes a mentor/mentee relationship. Someone with more experience extends a loving hand to another in need. Power dynamics are certainly at play, but they are not necessarily viciously political. Like the young boy in the blue sweaty, you gleeful accept the embrace and guidance from another. You are so happy that they are here to help.

(It is also possible that instead of asking for help from another person, you are tapping into your inner child to find a new reservoir of creativity. You are helping you help yourself. The answer to your daily toils was within you – all along!)

The Good: Your new energy is inspired by your mentor; they are the type of adventurer that isn’t afraid to say what is on their mind or lay claim to their desires. They are a terrible force indeed, and you want to be just like them when you grow up. Just keep in mind that despite this person’s enthusiasm and the positive impact that they have on your life, they are not perfect. They are a bit too foolhardy at times. They may ask you come along with them for a wild ride, and then forget to pick you up when they said they would. All of that being said, their sometimes carelessness doesn’t make them any less of a dear friend.

The Stressful: Now that your energy is refreshed you are excited to put it to use. Unfortunately it has been some time since you have felt so inspired – you aren’t quite sure where to direct this energy. Take time to ground yourself to get your head straight. You don’t want to waste this energy while you have it. Ask your dear friend for advice on the next steps.

Advice Moving Forward and Manifestation Mantra: Good on you for keeping the faith when times have gotten tough. You’ve done a good job of setting intentions for yourself and being responsible for your actions. Although you may be initially overwhelmed with this heightened energy, overall you know that now is the time create the life for yourself that you have wanted. I can also see this mentor very easily being a new lover who excites you beyond measure. (Some readers do see the Six of Cups as the soulmate card).

A new adventure awaits you with your companion by your side. Do not forget all of the work that you have put in to get to this point. Your commitment to your studies is one of the reasons that this union is happening at all; likely, your partner has appreciated your work ethic, hence why they want to spend time with you and help you out. They think you are worth their time.

I am excited for the next adventure. I am grateful for my friends and I enjoy their company immensely. Together we are able to work on changing our lives for the better in a productive way.

You are welcome to tip me if you benefited from this reading Click here to go to my ko-fi page.

Thank you! ~ Erin