New Traditions of Love

You’re reading the free version of the Incandescent Tarot newsletter. If you’d like to support this work and gain access to a treasure trove of tarot resources, do consider subscribing below.

I’m a sucker for moments when the reading from the previous week is seamlessly interwoven with the next, and here we are: The Hierophant makes a reappearance, this time at the beginning of our spread. What did we learn from last week that felt mysteriously resonant? It’s likely that there wasn’t a space for it in our lives at that moment, or that its meaning was vague or beyond our reach. This week, however, we’re finding this card’s message inspiring and actionable. Let’s follow its lead and see where it takes us.

One thing about The Hierophant is that it’s a card that comes with some baggage. Touching on themes of tradition, lineage, and even institutional knowledge, it can be a difficult one to engage with. Feelings of discomfort, usually merited, can arise when we look at ways other people have been engaging with the world over long spans of time. Yet it’s also foolish to discount these paths, methods, or belief systems wholesale. Traditions have lasted for a reason just as cliches hold resonant grains of truth. Where have you found something that’s undeniably true for you and how can you use it to fuel your quest for deeper meaning?

Our reading has a very clear path to it: The hidden wisdom of The Hierophant, once revealed to us, is inspiring a move towards intimacy. The Knight of Cups leaves the halls of The Hierophant refreshed and inspired, and their steps are moving towards an important partnership as seen in the Two of Cups.

Having The Knight of Cups take us out of The Hierophant is a beautiful encouragement. It shows us how we’re putting our own personal spin on some ancient knowledge. Are you embellishing long-held traditions in a way that feels authentic to you? Healing from injuries in your (or your family’s) past? Wherever heartfelt innovation is occuring is where you need to focus your energies this week.

For help, look to last week and see how an unexpected detour from your plans or usual way of walking through the world brought about a change in your outlook or a burst of inspiration. The Knight of Cups is a true romantic; it’s likely that this shift has you feeling emboldened, passionate, and eager to express your inner truth. This doesn’t have to be connected to the realm of romance, but be sure to look out for its signs in all areas of your life: a newfound sense of gratitude and appreciation, a poet’s way of looking at the world, the bravery needed to take risks and reach out to others.

The middle of the week is a wonderful time to launch yourself into new projects, connections, and adventures that ignite the side of you that shares The Knight of Cups’ desire for meaningfulness. Quest away, try new things, and push yourself to see the world as a place of wonder, possibility, and expansive potential. Fortunately, all this passion gets narrowed down into something tangible and accessible: The Two of Cups. And before we explore this card, it’s worth noting that there’s a larger theme here too - one of huge ideas (The Hierophant) getting channeled into the everyday world (Two of Cups). If you’ve felt overwhelmed by your big thoughts, take heart, because this phase of wondering and pondering is reaching an end.

Where do we find ourselves at the end of this journey? Why, it’s on the ground, facing another who shares our same desire for connection, meaning, and reciprocity. The Two of Cups is a deeply romantic card, but this doesn’t mean that it’s about another person. You may be finding this sense of seeing and being seen with yourself. In that case, it’ll be helpful to ponder the ways in which you’ve reached a true understanding of your tender side. The Two of Cups is all about our soft underbellies and the delights that happen when we let them be seen.

At the same time, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this card’s potential to represent a connection with another person - a kindred spirit who is ready and willing to show up at a tender beginning with you to create something new. Regardless of how this card appears in your life, treat it with patience and gentleness. It’s easy to squish something new with expectations, criticism, or any other source of pressure. Why not enjoy the tender blossoms emerging in your life as they are? Beginnings only last for so long; this week, it’s our job to witness and savor their unfurling.

Something about The Knight of Cups has me feeling especially optimistic. I like how we’re emerging from the intense space of The Hierophant with passion and zest. To capture and encourage this bravery, it will be important to embrace our role as our own champion. Not for the external prizes valued by other knights (think wands & pentacles, especially) but for the unquantifiable treasures of connection, love, beauty, and spirit. Don’t be afraid to follow your own peculiar bliss this week. Love what you love, openly and loudly. Put yourself out there for whatever sets your heart aflutter. This is the way we can get to the Two of Cups, and I think, after weeks of more practical readings, we’re in need of this tender magic.