The cards for this week’s Tarot spread are: The World, the Moon, and the Sun. Read from right (the Sun) to the left (the World), this spread suggests an eclipse.
The Sun
The Sun is the primary source of energy of our solar system and has been symbolically linked to Life since ancient times. The Sun is illumination, a means to achieve clarity, and a metaphor for burning passions.
The Moon
The ever-changing face of the moon is a metaphor for impermanence and the illusions found in appearance. The light of the moon brings not clarity but confusion, accentuating shadows of doubts while giving less aid to our vision. In this spread, the Moon diminishes the energy and purpose the Sun brings.
The World
In the Tarot of the Imagination, the World is seen surrounded by the Moon, putting the World under the Moon’s influence. The light of the Sun cannot fully reach the World because of the Moon blocking its way.
Synthesis
The illusion of appearances may cause us to doubt our understanding of the world around us. We may feel a loss of purpose and our passions might diminish. During an eclipse, we may wonder what is the point of what we do, if there is no permanence in the world.
But an eclipse is also temporary. The Sun — our purpose, our passion, and our clarity — cannot be hidden forever. It remains there, currently just beyond our vision; but it is never gone.
During times of existential eclipse, it is importance to remember the goals we set up for ourselves and the values we live on by. It is our integrity which can remind us of who we are in those times when we are faced with uncertainties.
Images are from the Tarot of the Imagination (art by Ferenc Pinter, published by Lo Scarabeo).