The latest Tarot Alkhemy Podcast episode features Kasheera Hickson, creator of the Mahogany Tarot Deck. She shares lots of wisdom on her creative process, as well as the importance of diversity in the Tarot space.
We started off Leo season with a helping hand from Saturn, as seen in the 5 of Wands. Reminders of structure and clear direction were needed here, considering fire has a tendency to consume whatever’s in its path. Now, we make a hard flank from structure towards expansion as we sit right in the heart of Leo season under this second decan.
For this lesson, we’ll be exploring Jupiter’s influence here through the 6 of Wands as well as the Sun Tarot card from the Major Arcana.
Terminology:
Decan: A 10-degree section of an astrological chart
Domicile: Place in the zodiac where the planet is ‘home’
Detriment: Opposing sign to the ruler (domicile); uncomfortable energy
Exaltation: where a planet functions at its strongest
Fall: opposing sign to the exaltation; weakest positioning
Femininity: passive, receptive, still energy
Masculinity: active, action-oriented energy
The 6 of Wands
The overall energy of this card is victory after strife. It’s the card we see once we’ve come out of periods of conflict, where we are being celebrated for the efforts it took to get ourselves out of it. Now because we’re in the Minor Arcana, it’s not necessarily total victory, rather, victory in the current moment for a particular situation. Still a beneficial card to receive nonetheless.
What I find most significant here is the maturity that’s taken place from the card prior.
The people we see in the 5 of Wands appear to be adolescents, maybe even teenagers. This speaks to the temperament of the energy experienced here. I’ve found this card to come up for those who have a bunch of different creative pursuits competing for their own space and time to shine. Every one of them feels their creative ideas are the way to go, and Saturn’s influence here shows what the internal dialogue we experience when we have many interests but no direction. As a result, nothing is accomplished. There is no forward movement here.
And then, Jupiter enters the chat.
Where Saturn asked for structure, Jupiter gives direction. And instead of the five adolescents bickering, we’ve matured to give light to one creative direction at a time. The supporters in the 6 of Wands cheer her on with this sense of knowing that their time in the spotlight will come in due time. And rather than being jealous or catty about it, they come together, remembering they’re all on the same team seeking to accomplish the same goals. Just like there’s more than one way to ‘skin a cat’, there’s more than one way to make our creative passions manifest.
The Sun
The Sun is one of the most positive Tarot cards in the deck. This card is a period of celebration, joy, and success that can also be recognized outwardly/publicly. Shortly preceding this card in the Major Arcana, the seeker experienced some tough moments under the Tower with phases of healing and deep reflection under the Star and Moon, respectively. So Key 19 can also represent a period of emancipation and liberation from those experiences.
The Sun is pure light, representative of the sun itself and the light that dwells within each of us.
The Cherub
Just as the Sun is the fixed center that all other planets revolve around, the Cherub embraces this energy with joy and open arms.
In Biblical text, the Cherubim were depicted as protectors or guardians, even in statue form (Gen 3:24, Exodus 26:31, 1 Kings 8:6-7, etc.). They were also seen as servants of God and as God’s vehicle, depicted in Ezekiel 10.
The cherub is one of the highest ranking angels who is joyous in nature, but also protective under the God’s guidance. Notice the cherub doesn’t have reigns like you see in the other cards, so it appears the relationship here is more integrative than controlling. So when we combine the purity of the white horse, the innocence of the child-like cherub, and the red banner of ambition and divine will, we see a collaboration that supports a sense of awakening and enlightenment that carries over into Key 20, Judgment.
Ra in Ancient Kemet
The Sun held high significance for the people of Ancient Kemet. Many deities from this pantheon can be seen with the sun disc fixed on the crown, paying homage to the life force and source of all creation through the Supreme Solar Deity, Ra.
Ra is known as the “self-created one”, who emerged from the primordial waters (Nun) to bring order to the world. The magic (Heka) he used to create himself what was utilized to create all the other Kemetic deities, and the transformative power they wield to bring forth a change in condition.
Other notable solar deities include Khepri (the rising Sun), Atum (the setting Sun), Heru (protector & avenger), Het-Heru, and Sekhmet (daughters of Ra).
The Sun’s Temperament
What you’ll notice in the Sun Tarot card is the expression of the sun in the background. It appears to be stern, yet calm. Giving the history of the sun deities of Ancient Kemet as well as the Cheribum, we see a benevolent force that commands reverence and respect. So even while the cherub appears to be full of joy and bliss, close behind is the observant sun who’s positioned like a protective father.
The brick wall serving as a boundary laced with sunflowers that point towards the Seeker instead of the sun behind it also speaks to the temperament of the Sun. So when this card comes up in a reading for you, know that you’re in a period of celebration under the watchful eye of the Spirits who look after you.
Final Thoughts
Jupiter’s expansive energy brings out a sense of direction for our creative endeavors. The Sun’s influence encourages us with a resounding “yes”, being fully seen and supported by the protective Spirits who watch over us. It is also worth noting here to ensure we are also paying proper respects to our Spirits. Let them know how grateful you are for their protection and overall presence in your life, and to continue to light the way forward. Hope this helps.
With love,
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