The arrival of the new moon stamps the moonth with an initiating energy that shifts and develops through a cycle of growth, fullness, and descent. Each moonth I look to the Tarot’s astrological correspondences for the new moon to find 3 Tarot cards (a Major showing us the path, a numbered Minor showing us our passage and practice, and a court/people card showing us the posture to take on the path) to guide musings on soul tending, selection of prompts for personal/spiritual practice, and creation of a moonthly reading. The reading can be done any time, but ideally between the new and full moons. Revisit the cards you pull periodically up until the next lunation to gain new insight as the light changes.
Each year the first moonth of spring—its initiating moment is the new moon’s arrival; this year on Friday, the 17th, exact at 7:51 am ET (time zone converter) — invites us to contemplate power as we walk the path of the Emperor, the 4th card of the Major Arcana. Also known as The Chief, Builder, or Sovereignty, this wisdom figure, when working from their greatest potential, recognizes the source of their power and yields it in service to the Whole.
This year’s path of power is shaped by its passage through the landscape and symbols of the 4 of Wands. In the iconic Rider Waite Smith image, two festive figures ahead of a crowd—perhaps it’s a parade—approach the four wands arranged to hint at a structure, but there are no walls. The “ceiling” is indicated by a garland of leaves and flowers but creates little separation between the earth and sky. This structure is temporary, making its existence fleeting, but also easy to move and re-create.
The 4 of Wands’ open walls, temporary nature, and maneuverability reflect an understanding of power different from what I have experienced in mainstream culture. The messages I’ve received—how ‘bout you? —are that power is limited, so, to be grabbed, held on to, and defended as received. If you let go, you’ll lose it.
But my understanding of power as exemplified in the 4 of Wands is informed by my reading of Grieving While Black by Breeshia Wade. In chapter 6, she explores power, writing:
Though we have perverted the use of power into something that we own and wield over and against other beings, power cannot be possessed any more than life can. We are conduits of power, not owners of it. Power is a force that flows through us in any given moment. It wields us, and through it, we respond to what is in front of us.
When we follow Wade’s conception of power, we understand it as existing because we are constantly releasing. We don’t hold on, but instead open to receive and then let go. We pass power on. Once we’ve let go, we are open to the next wave coming to fill us. In this vision of power, a scarcity mindset and need to control are replaced with a dynamic flow.
Flowing power contains everything, so, to swim in it we must receive and pass power to our fellow human beings and also to nature and even the celestial bodies. Yes, I think, opening to new moon energies, developing them through the full, and releasing into the dark can be a beneficial practice for cultivating 4 of Wands power. Just think of what it would be like if every 28 days, politicians or white folks, for example, consciously passed their power on to others, into the Whole. Ah, I can dream; we are in the realm of the moon after all.
This moonth we are invited to give extra attention to how power flows between us and the earthly, natural forces by our posture card associated with the new moon moment: the King of Pentacles or, as this wisdom figure is known in the Herbcrafter Tarot, the Curandera of Earth.
Deck creators Latisha Gutherie and Joanna Powell Colbert describe the work of this wise one and suggest how we can walk in her footsteps: The Curandera of Earth knows that when we share the sweetness of life with another, all may thrive. She brings attention to the rich bounty that nature provides. She instructs us: Braid together love, health, and wealth—then give it away.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS / READING FOR THE MOONTH
These questions are offered for reflection and to spark practice throughout the moonth. Pulling Tarot and oracle cards in connection to these questions is appropriate, but not absolutely necessary. You might carry a question with you on a walk, for example, and observe what is happening in the natural world as a way to find insight into the answer to the question.
POWER: What power desires to flow through me?
RECEIVING: How can I open to receive this power?
RELEASING: How can I let it go?
I do offer this as an e-reading in my collaborative intuitive format for $32. Sign up with Pay Pal or email me about sending a check. When I receive notification, I’ll be in touch to let you know about when to expect to receive your reading by email. I generally have openings to do these readings on Mondays and Saturdays.