IDS Day 66: IV The Emperor, V The Hierophant, VI The Lovers

Full moon is in Virgo tomorrow. Truthfully, I don't know what that "means" astrologically, but I'm feeling particularly in tune with the weird energy that comes with a full moon. More so than usual, and I can only assume it's because the moon is in my sign. I think I want to set up at a table outside in the moonlight, order a few cocktails and read the cards for a while. Not sure quite what that will bring, but it sounds sort of fun for a Wednesday night.

On another note, I have been having trouble sleeping lately. Lots of waking up to dreams all night long, but never being well rested. It occurred to me that it started about the time I put my new pendulum under my pillow. Even though it's an amethyst (apparently known for encouraging sleep and dreaming), wouldn't you know, it seems to be the cause of the disruption. After I took it out from under the pillow my sleep went back to normal, and I later found some other folks who have had similar problems with amethyst that are very dark (mine is quite a deep purple shade). The energies are too intense or somesuch. On the plus side it answers questions astonishingly well.

I ended up 6 days behind on my IDS. Not quite caught up, but after a pleasant day doing manual labor in the company of nature I think I purged the temporary aversion to my deck from my system. Onward then.

IV: The Emperor
The Emperor is a strange card, but I don't know why. One thing, when I first looked at it I did a double take because I could swear there were once mice on the stairs of this card...turns out I had it confused with the Hierophant. He holds an ankh in his right hand and an orb in the left. Mice adorn his throne (but only as decoration, not real mice). Mustache. Strange detail on a pig. His boots are metal--a former warrior? The emperor pig's red robe matches his red carpet, as though the path to/from him is direct and undiluted.

This ruler is honest and, if not wise, at the very least knowledgeable. He is confident and strong, but not brutish (ideally). With his position comes very real power, and like his high priestess, the emperor has some intuitive, mystical leanings himself. However, he utilizes these secondary to his grounded, realistic, and corporeal faculties.

V: The Hierophant
The male counterpart to the high priestess. According to the interwebs it is the job of the hierophant to interpret the "sacred mysteries" and lead followers into the place of holy presence. If the HP delivers the sacred messages, then the H make those messages accessible. As such, he stands between pillars as the HP, but unlike her, these pillars are unadorned and followers await his words. This wise owl stands beneath a roof with a blooming flower; it brings to mind the crown chakra and being open to the universe. The H is aloof and somewhat cold. Though a red carpet-way stretches to meet him, he has the way blocked, unlike the king. The crossed keys are a symbol of the pope.

VI: The Lovers
The lovers is a card of dichotomy and of unity. It draws attention to the differences between similar individuals. It also unites these two beings...bunnies...under a banner of compassion and warmth. Where other depictions of the lovers are about choice, which I do see some of here, this particular card seems to be about temptation. White rabbit beckons, and it looks so bountiful in her side, but a snake hides in the tree. But, in terms of choice, "should I stay or should I go" seems an appropriate descriptor. :p