תושבת מדבר: The Magician's Tools - Guidance from Ermiti and Nienna

I did a reading today, to elucidate the message that The Magician card gave me yesterday.

My first question was how to sense and connect with the power available to me. I am learning from HearthWitch on YouTube how to sense energy in things in places—but how do I sense the greater force that fills the universe and that presumably my own heart as well?

The first card, which fell from the deck, was the Four of Swords. This card shows us a sarcophagus carved to represent a person at rest. Tree branches shelter the figure, but the starry sky is visible above and sheathed swords hang from the tree’s branches. This card suggests setting aside one's ordinary tools and turning from external work to explore one’s inner being. It reminds me of the Alexander Technique, in which become more aware of your body and regain your most natural movements, rather than focus on resuming a task that currently causes you pain. I believe the advice of this card right now is to become aware of my innate inclinations, explore the anatomy of my soul, and deepen the connection between my soul and the universe.

Secondly, I asked to be shown my own goals and received the Knight of Wands, a fiery and energetic figure in the Robin Wood tarot. Knights lived for an ideal and the helmet of this knight is shaped like a lion’s head, suggesting the lion of Judah. It may indicate my aspiration to learn and teach Torah, sometimes referred to as “black fire upon white fire.”

My next question was where to focus my efforts. I pulled Strength, number eight of the Major Arcana, and found another lion! In the Robin Wood Tarot's version of this card, a mature woman gently strokes the lion and opens his mouth. Her skirt is filled with flowers that she has collected and she has made a wreath of flowers for her hair. Her hands caress the lion, opening his mouth to speak to her. Torah is sometimes (rather disturbingly) compared to a woman whom we undress and explore, but here it is the lion who is caressed and his mouth opened so we can hear the voice of Torah (קול הטארוט). This card may suggest harnessing inner strength and gentleness to explore and those mysteries.

My next question was how to nurture my ability to promote my skills for financial stability. I received The Emperor, number four of the Major Arcana card, which depicts a mature man firmly seated on his throne. His attire reflects success and mastery. His skills have been recognized and his achievements affirmed. Becoming aware of one’s own power can ultimately lead to recognition and success.

The final card, the Four of Wands, fell from the deck in response to my question about finding gainful employment that will allow me creative expression. This card signifies celebration, communication, and union. The wands supporting a wedding canopy mirror the s'chach (סכך) of branches in the first card and symbolize a transition from self-exploration to public expression, celebrating the journey of the soul.

The repeated appearance of the number four this reading is significant: the Four of Swords, the 4+4 of Strength, The Emperor, and the Four of Wands. These cards signify stability, foundation, and the ability to build and manifest in the physical realm.

For me personally, the Four of Swords and the Four of Wands are signs that Ermiti and Nienna have messages for me. These two beings are reminders of divine power in human form and the feminine expression of that power.

Ermiti, the “serpentine guardian of the waters of the west,” embodies not only strength and protection but also introspection and the exploration of inner realms. In this reading, the Four of Swords resonates with Ermiti's encouragement to set aside external distractions and turn inward. Ermiti's serpentine form suggests a winding and labyrinthine journey into the depths of self, mirroring the path of self-discovery indicated by this card. Just as Ermiti dwells in the the waters of the west, the Four of Swords invites me to explore the depths of my soul's reservoir, tapping into the wellspring of inner wisdom and strength.

Nienna, the goddess of compassion, whose “song of lamentation is woven into the fabric of the world,” lends her compassionate and nurturing energy to the Four of Wands. While this card signifies public celebration, Nienna adds notes of compassion and empathy. Her song reminds me of the importance of connecting with others on a deep emotional level. As I transition from self-exploration to public expression, Nienna's influence encourages me to infuse my creative endeavors with compassion and understanding. My journey isn't only about personal success, but also about uplifting and comforting others through my work.

Ermiti and Nienna serve as guiding spirits in this reading, emphasizing the significance of inner exploration and compassion. Ermiti encourages me to delve into the depths of self-awareness and harness inner strength, while Nienna reminds me to infuse my creative journey with empathy and a deep connection to humanity. Their presence underscores the spiritual and compassionate aspects of my quest for personal and creative fulfillment.