Speak of the Devil
Contributed by Brittani Grace
Hello everybody! Welcome to my column. Each month I will draw a Major Arcana Tarot Card which represents one of many possible paths to follow. Major Arcana cards represent the archetypical themes of life, presenting the overall possible experiences.
Deck: Mermaid Tarot By Leeza Robertson Illustrations by Julie Card: 15 The Devil
Ah The Devil.
The Devil is the card that is most associated with why card reading gets a bad reputation. When we look at the cards individually, we understand that each has its own important role to play, while the cards as a whole, are the story of life. The Devil reflects our shadows. It is associated with addictions, lust, our ego minds, hardships, and our own lack of accountability. If you’ve ever heard the term “Shadow Work” this is the concept of healing by facing our own shadows, holding ourselves accountable with Grace and Love as we understand that there are parts of ourselves that have hurt people and have been hurt by others. By bringing these out into the light we are able to overcome the obstacles that are keeping us from fully embracing inner peace.
As we are in Mercury Retrograde, it seems most appropriate that The Devil card be this month’s column. Astrologically speaking, each planet has its own characteristics. Mercury is the planet of communication and technology. Mercury is well known as a cliche of “bad times” since statistically there are more fights, break-ups, “exes” coming around, and melt downs than any other time of year. There is an influx of technological issues and hardships. However, when we look at what a planet in retrograde symbolizes, we can see that it’s really just a mirror. The parts of ourselves we hide in the shadows are brought out and we are forced to face them; to hold ourselves accountable. In last month’s column we talked about how we are put into situations in order to grow. For example, to be more patient, we are suddenly surrounded by circumstances to bring out our impatience. Mercury Retrograde is the epitome of this.
Personal anecdote time. This is about being able to acknowledge when a shadow part of myself, anger mixed with sarcasm, appeared, and then holding myself accountable in the moment. I was having a discussion with my mother, and as she was talking, I caught myself growing impatient, and suddenly feeling the need to be done with the conversation. She continued to talk as I grew irritated when she shared something exciting for herself. My initial and automatic reaction was to say something sarcastic with a hint of meanness. She didn’t respond to what I said and continued on with her story. However, as I had said the comment, I watched the light dimmer from her eyes and her face sink as the hurt from my meanness struck her. I was suddenly transported out of the impatience and felt the sadness of the situation. I realized what I had done. So, I interrupted her. I said, “Mom, I am sorry to interrupt you, but I need to say something. When you said this, and I automatically reacted with that, I am sorry. I don’t appreciate that I said that. It was hurtful and mean. I would like to respond in a different manner.” I then went on to respond with a more positive and encouraging comment about the situation. I acknowledged my own shortcomings of projecting my impatience onto her, and I held myself accountable in the moment. Why did I do this? For myself. Yes, there was a part of it that was about her since she was the receiver. Ultimately, holding myself accountable was about my own healing, my own growth, and my own peace. Facing our shadows can be one of the most difficult things we do here in life. Acknowledging that there are parts of ourselves we don’t like, or are afraid to admit to ourselves, can be exhausting and scary, but in the end; I am worthy of the peace and love that comes with it. AND SO ARE YOU! You don’t need to heal or forgive or grow for anyone else. You do it for you! The relief, confidence, and strength that follows your healing is 100 percent worth it.
As we emerge from the shadows of Winter; as we step into the dawn of the New Year, watching the Earth awaken, we are encouraged to breathe. Take a moment before reacting to someone and allow yourself to respond. Remind yourself that everyone has a lot going on and we may just need a little more patience with others, and most importantly with ourselves. When the computer crashes, or the message won’t send, when the printer is acting up, or when the app is glitching out, take a breath; be patient with the moment, and laugh it off. It is only temporary. You got this.