Author: Hālau ʻĀha Hūi Lanakila

While the upright Five of Swords represents battles and disagreements, the Five of Swords Reversed indicates the time after the fighting.  You may want to make peace, but hesitate to be the first to apologize.  While you see that you were mistaken in some ways, you don’t want to take all the blame.  This time after conflict is ideal for reflecting on what happened.  You may realize you were triggered by some underlying problem.  You may see that your anger was directed at the wrong person.  Everyone involved in the conflict could benefit from an honest conversation about what happened.  You may realize that the current problem is very difficult to solve alone and seek help.  For example, two people may see a marriage counselor after repeated failed attempts to “talk it out” alone.  If you’ve been trying unsuccessfully to solve some problem in your life, this card could be advising you to reassess your “battle plan”.  For example, if you’ve tried to quit smoking “cold turkey,” only to relapse over and over, maybe you need to try a more gradual approach.  For today, watch out for the a need to win or be right.  Though “winning” may be gratifying in the moment, your ego-based stubbornness will get in your own way eventually.  It’s OK to say, “actually, you’re right,” or “I need your help.”  It’s not a sign of incompetency or weakness; it’s a sign of growth.

When the King of Wands appears reversed, it indicates that you or someone around you is having trouble with authenticity.  It could be that you are having trouble knowing what you truly want or who you want to be.  You could be doing things that don’t feel aligned with your authentic self.  Someone else may seem like a phoney to you.  You may come across someone who is a real charmer, but does not follow up on his or her promises.  You may be using authenticity as an excuse to do what you want.  You, or someone around you, may have an attitude that says, “I am who I am, and if you don’t like it, I don’t give a damn!”  Though it is important to follow our inner light, doing so with lack of consideration may be ill-advised.  The King of Wands Reversed could also be warning against risky behavior, such as gambling with your financial security or physical safety.  Ask yourself if you could survive the worst-case outcome of the risk you’re taking.  If not, a change of plans may be in order.  For today, sit down and think about your goals.  You have a very clear understanding of yourself, what you’re capable of and what you want in your future.  Use that energy to get intentional.  Not only can you set great goals today, you also have the energy to start working towards them!

When the Six of Cups appears reversed, there may be memories that you are blocking.  You may be choosing to only remember the bad parts of your past, and overlooking the good memories.  Or, it may be that your memories are too painful and you are blocking them.  Though it might hurt, letting those memories flow through you may help you in your current situation.  You may be ignoring the kindness someone is trying to share with you or refusing to be kind to someone.  Ask yourself why you have such resistance to letting this person in.  This card can also indicate immaturity.  You may be acting childish in order to avoid an unpleasant situation.  Finally, this card could be a reminder for you to lighten up, stop taking life so seriously.  Let your playful side out!  So, for today only, let “kindness” be your guiding word.  When you let your happiness flow through gentle, friendly interactions with others, that happiness multiplies in the world and will keep coming back to you.  So, reach out to someone from your heart today.  Even the smallest gesture of kindness could make a big difference to them.

The Nine of Cups is a card indicating satisfaction, of wishes coming true and of feeling “on top of the world”.  In fact, you are likely feeling really good about now, or you are going to be feeling good very soon. This is a lovely card, known as Lord of Happiness. It talks about a sense of inner fulfillment and bliss, which radiates outward to touch everybody with whom you come into contact. At a spiritual level, we’re talking about inner harmony, contentment and tranquility – an appreciation of the High Powers, feeling at one with the Universe. This feeling leads to feeling that we are blessed by life. On an everyday level, the card will often come up to mark periods of high achievement, and the resulting sense of pleasure and satisfaction. It will also come up to acknowledge joy and happiness in an emotional relationship. When this card appears, it’s important to make the time to simply enjoy your own feelings, to revel in your sense of calmness and joy.