Hi Lovies,
In tarot, the Devil represents our attachments that we have consciously and unconsciously agreed to. These can be values, beliefs, behaviors, or roles placed upon us by our family or community, but they can also be those that we have created over time. The key here, is that while we may have been conditioned by our family and environment, we have chosen to accept and integrate this as a part of our identity. This is represented by the ropes or chains around the necks of the individuals in the Devil card.
Yet, these bonds are not set in stone. They are loosely tied indicating that this is a circumstance that we could change, if we choose to. This situation though, often may serve us in some capacity. These bonds can be anything, shifting and changing over time. For example:
- The relationship that you are unhappy with but provides financial support, sexual gratification, social status, or emotional support.
- A job that does not value your time or wisdom, but it pays the bills and is easy enough to do.
- This could be living in a location that has never felt right, but it’s where your family has always lived.
- A refusal to commit to a relationship, job, or home because you must maintain your freedom.
These circumstances over time may begin to feel like chains that are so firmly secured to us that it would be impossible to remove them. It would take a act of fate or great effort to break them. Or perhaps a strike of lightening.
The Tower follows the Devil in tarot. It signifies a revelation, our world crumbling down around us as we fall from our established reality. We fall sometimes head first, our understanding of everything around us being rearranged. Forced or unconsciously creating a release from the bonds that held us captive. A Tower moment may be just what we need to break out of our current state. To allow space for transformations to occur.
In this moment, Venus retrograde serves this function of reflecting on our attachments, breaking bonds and encouraging personal transformation.
Venus goes retrograde entering the underworld and after a 40 day period returns to us as the morning star from July 28 – September 3, 2023. In the Sumerian myth of Inanna’s Descent into the Underworld, Inanna hears a call to enter the underworld. Perhaps it is her sister Ereshkegal calling Inanna to atone for causing the death of Ereshkegal’s first husband the Bull of Heaven Gulganna. Or maybe it is Inanna’s own voice crying out from the depths of her soul to be reborn. Regardless, Inanna heads the call and prepares for her descent with the aid of her priestess Ninshubur. Like most underworld myths, once one enters the underworld they cannot return. Knowing this, Inanna hears the call and she answers.
After relinquishing the symbols and instruments of her power and identity at the 7 gates leading to the underworld, Inanna is judged, dies, and her lifeless corpse is hung upon a meat hook. She is chained, bound to the underworld. Her identity as Queen of Heaven and Earth has been stripped from her.
During this time, you may be experiencing your own underworld journey. Venus has removed her kind hand from your connections. Revealing the stark reality of your life. We are left to examine who we are when the glamour of Venus has been suspended.
- What are your values?
- How do you create beauty in the world?
- Where are you out of balance in relationship to
- Yourself
- Your partner(s)
- Your family
- Your friends
- Your career
- Your home, both the literal structure and the planet on which we reside
You may feel that you are trapped in your current circumstance. That the chains that have been placed upon you or that you have created are too strong for you to break free from. That you are powerless hanging from the meat hook. Do not see this as a time to give up, but a time to gain clarity. To examine these chains for what they are. You may not be in a space where you can change your attachments with ease. It may take a Tower moment, a lightening bolt of inspiration, wisdom from received during your spiritual practice, or a well executed escape plan for you to be released.
Take this start of retrograde season to begin the practice of reflection. The Devil card moves us to the Tower and from there to the Star. As we are released from our attachments we are asked to make a wish. To dream. Venus will show you where beauty and peace can be nurtured and developed in your life. How to soothe the rifts in your relationships whether that be through reconciliation or release. Where your creativity and dreams can blossom. Perhaps most importantly, who can support you on this journey will be made clear.
Inanna story does not end on the meat hook and neither does yours. Whether you are showing up as Inanna, Ereshkigal, or an integration of both, a new chapter is being written. This time, let yourself be the author.
Join me for a full moon in Aquarius virtual meditation and intention setting event July 31st at 8PM CST.
Work with me directly to write your next chapter in your story. Click here to reserve time with me.
I’ll have an 8/8 Lion’s Gate: Dream Retreat Monday, July 7th so we can make the most of the 8/8 energy. Registration to attend this virtual event will be posted next week.
With love,
Kamilah Rose