BUTTONED-UP VS. BOTTLED-UP
9 OF PENTACLES / QUEEN OF CUPS – RWS TAROT DECK (ORIGINAL IMAGE)
This week’s message for the Shadow Supporter community comes in the form of the 9 of Pentacles and the Queen of Cups. Upon drawing the cards, I began to consider the similarities and differences between the two women.
Both women are on top of their game, each a leader in her own right. The lovely figure in the 9 of Pentacles stands tall and independent, surrounded by the fruits of her labor, whether given or earned. The Queen of Cups, though enveloped in emotion and feeling, sits composed on her throne. A delicate, almost fragile presence surrounds her as she forlornly gazes at the closed chalice in her hands, perhaps wishing the blessings contained within weren’t still bottled up.
I wondered further about the two women. Do they know each other? Are they friends? Maybe they are two sides of the same coin.
For this particular message, my intuition says the woman in the 9 of Pentacles has earned her spoils, but perhaps at an expense. There may have been a time when she painstakingly fought her way to the top, proving to herself and others that once she set her mind to task, nothing could keep her from succeeding. And succeed she did; but in doing so, she may have closed herself off from the wonderous depths of emotion that once filled her soul.
If up until now you’ve had financial or career success, material gains, or other comforts of the earthly realm – but have lately felt unfulfilled nonetheless – this message could be for you.
Now might be the time to surrender to the positive traits of the Queen of Cups. Remove the chalice lid and release that which has been buried too deep for too long. Letting emotions flow not only helps us grow, but it strengthens our relationships and connects us to others in a way that materialism cannot. Keeping them bottled up can result in loneliness, sadness, and regret. (A flip side of the 9 of Pentacles.)
There is nothing wrong with finding comfort in our work and the things we love that we’ve worked hard for. However, no matter how many material pleasures we enjoy in life, we cannot take them with us when we go. But the love we share is trans dimensional. It will always be around, creating a ripple effect for us and everyone it touches long after we’re gone.
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