September 2023 Tarot Stories
Tarot Stories are horoscopes divined by the Tarot. They can be read as guidance or inspiration. Read for your Sun & Rising signs. Take what resonates, leave what doesn't. Live your life! Check out the specially curated playlist for this month’s Tarot Stories at the end of the page!
Virgo: 3 of Cups x 7 of Swords
Happy Birthday Szn, Virgo! It's your time to shine brightly as the Sun. All eyes are on you! Days and nights of celebration are guaranteed. There's sweetness and comradery and joy around you. The closest of you inner circle will toast you and break bread with you. There are genuine connections here. Milestone occasions, like unions, birth of children, showers of all sorts may visit you and your nearest and dearest this month. Cheers!
Now, prepare for no small measure of side-eye. Someone in your midst may create feelings of distrust in and around you, either by their words or actions; or distrust may arise in a relationship due to less than ideal interpersonal dynamics. Someone may knowingly or unwittingly commit a betrayal. Folks close to you may keep information or disturbing goings-on from you with the intention to shield you from it but you will be done no favors by not being fully 'in the know'. Ask your true friends to spill the tea and listen to what is both said and unsaid. A challenge this month may be being in relationship with people who don't approve of your opinions, desires or interests. In the event such a scenario arises, reflect on if you feel you or your feelings are being disrespected; is someone trying to 'manage' or manipulate you? How can you protect yourself? The medicine here will be continuing to prioritize your own interests and wellbeing above all others. Reinvest your time and energy in yourself and your own plans. Do not waste away vital energy on the words or actions of others. This month contains both possibilities of being celebrated and uplifted by those who really love you, and to be dragged down by "too watchie-watchie wah, too much su-su-su-su-su." Move accordingly. Play "Tenement Yard" by Jacob Miller.
Libra: 5 of Pentacles x Page of Pentacles
Don't worry about what you think you don't have this month, Libra. September will bring a stable flow of generative energy, ideas and resources so you will be able to fill any gaps in your material life. The best way to make the most of this time is to turn on your student brain. Approach material affairs-- your home, finances, time, energy and other resources-- knowing that you have many things to learn. Slide into your entrepreneur shoes and give your passion project more light of day. Get lemonade stand with it, or finally register your LLC! Worry or feelings of scarcity will recede with an increase of research, planning and action.
Take out your notebooks/planner, pens, musical instruments, your art supplies or ingredients; take out whatever the tools of your craft are! September will highlight your natural talents and you will be FORCED to put them to use for your own survival and advancement. Your natural talents, learnt skills, courses of study, and matters involving exploration (some physical journeys) are indicated. Teacher trainings, certificates, advanced degrees; this is a great time to apply for a grant or scholarship, and fundraise. Close mouths don't get fed! When folks ask you what you are working on, and what you may need continue this work, tell them. Be your own biggest salesman this month Libra. The investment in simultaneously learning and doing (or learning WHILE doing (through hands on training, practice and personal experience) will pay dividends. Play "Millions" by BIA.
Scorpio: 3 of Wands x The Tower
Many moons ago stood a grand Tower on sturdy ground. No one knew it's exact origin but new that it had been there for a long time; built higher and higher and more elaborate as time passed. One day a force of nature so great rattled the foundations of the Tower, and people watched helplessly as the Tower collapsed. When the dust finally settled folks revisited the site. Standing erect out of the almost total wreckage were three iron pillars, each engraved with unique symbols and sigils, reflecting the lights of the sun through the remaining haze of dust. The folks new that all was not lost. The could clear away the debris and build anew around these three enduring pillars if they wanted to; or they could enjoy these pillars as they are, uncovered, unhidden.
Dear Scorpio, through circumstances or forces of nature beyond your control, you will endure (and survive) a Tower moment-- an almost complete collapse of structures long depended upon, used, lived in or visited. These structures are too ornate now- too complicated really- and they no longer house or contain that which you need, desire or can make use of. While destruction is certain, the collapse will reveal to you three simpler yet sturdier structures, i.e. values, principles or strengths that can withstand the test of time. Regardless of what you continue to build or rebuild within and around your life, you need to identify and establish three core principles or values for living your life that will endure. What are your top three values? What are your three must haves for a situation or plan to be "a GO"? What will be revealed to you when the more superfluous scaffolding, architecture or ornaments fall down? What are you really about? What are your relationships, goals, work, household, actions and thoughts built upon and around? Can they sustain you? Can you sustain them? Get clear, REALLY clear, on what foundations you want the next major structure or phase of you life built upon. Play "Mystery of Iniquity - Live" by Ms. Lauryn Hill.
Sagittarius: The Fool x Keeper of Cups
Go where you've never been before- emotionally! September will invite you to take some emotional risks or to have an adventure where your loving relationships, intuition, and creativity are central. Don't shy away from being transparent with your emotions. Transparent doesn't mean without control. Transparency allows for things- I this case, your emotions- to be easily perceived or distinctly seen. Occasion will arise where it's best to wear your heart on you sleeve. This may feel new or uncomfortable for you but it's a leap of faith you may be asked to take that may result in increased emotional intelligence, hearing your inner-knowing voice more clearly, and lots of love and support. You may be pushed over the emotional edge by a new relationship, falling into romantic love or becoming a parent or caregiver. Duties of care are indicated here.
Embodying the architect of the Keeper of Cups means being and behaving in a responsible way for your own and others' (under your care) wellbeing. This month may require you to have courage to care, courage to love again, courage to be in love and be in relationship in ways and at a level you have never practiced before. The only way to show yourself you are capable of this depth of care, compassion and transparency is to do it, practice it repeatedly! The journey of The Fool through the realm of the Keeper of Cups is to learn and harness the power of both your intellectual and emotional talents for the care of yourself and others. There are no murky waters here; you can see to the bottom depths clearly, and what lies beneath will be easily perceptible to your (third) eye. Play "Crystal" by Stevie Nicks
Capricorn: 2 of Wands x The Devil
So you're at a crossroads. You can go either direction, or make one of two decisions. It may seem impossible to know right now which is the "right" path or choice, but the two of wands always invites you to chose what you are most excited about or catalyzed by. If you are measuring odds, listing pros & cons, and trying to distill and perceive what will be the easier or more painless road to follow, let me stop you now. You may not be able to avoid an unpleasant, challenging, restrictive experience or outcome whatever path you choose. In Guyana we say: "you run from di jumbie and meet up with the coffin," i.e. just when you thought you solved or avoided a problem one way, you encounter it in another way or place.
This is the Devil, (so to speak). The Devil is temporarily feeling stuck or trapped, owned or controlled with no way out of the predicament. You might even feel obligated to stay in that unjust, limiting position/job/relationship/circumstance etc. but you do not have to. Any chains or limiting beliefs you feel bound by are breakable. You are not trapped, and you don't owe anyone anything. These are tests of your will. You may be at the beginning of a big endeavour, now finding your footing, and challenges indicated by the archetype of The Devil may arise to challenge your determination and also teach you some hard lessons. This could look or feel like dishonesty, oppression, addiction, obsession, dependency, excess, powerlessness, limitations. The medicine here is to regain control, reclaim your personal power over the dominating conditions. Another potent medicine for this energy is play! The Devil in Tarot gets a bad wrap but it's not ever above deep play and pleasure! How can you navigate feelings of lack of power or control with playfulness and by creating pleasure, this month? Play "Get Free" by Mereba.
Aquarius: 7 of Wands x 4 of Wands
Dear Aquarius, this month you can do and have all the things you are pursuing with a somewhat scrappy disposition. Don't back or stand down from a challenge, especially over ground/ credit/esteem/ territory/ rights/ land/ a potion you've fought for and won. There may be a completion of competition this month that ushers you into the next phase of a specific role or plan you are emersed in. Acknowledge the progress you've made in a given matter, and allow that progress to be celebrated. Give yourself and others credit for works completed, especially group or family endeavors. There may be toasts offered, conflicts settled… and something is buried. Whatever you're burying, honour it well. Bury the hatchet and honour it well before you must move on to the next stage of plan.
Fours in Tarot bring temporary comfort and stability. This is a good time for refueling your mind, body and spirit. Create and absorb joy; stop and smell the roses; zoom out and look at the bigger picture, especially if you've been looking at something up close or have been feeling that you're in "survival mode". Re-commitments may be made: promises to self or others, vows, commitments to peace and "clean slates". Holding grudges will not serve you at this time. You have or will likely emerge victorious from a very specific dispute; don't gloat, just bury the hatchet and walk away with your dignity--and the fruits of your labour-- intact. Play "Champion” by Buju Banton
Pisces: Justice x Page of Swords
Decisions, judgments, messages --especially those which are written-- will be of most significance this September, Pisces. You may receive a verdict in a matter of justice, though the case may not have been seen in a literal court. There is an urgent need for both balance and expression. There is something unfolding that will require both caution and urgency on your part. Words sent or exchanged in the past come back to either haunt or delight you… the nature of the result has already been decided, from the very first moment after the thing was said or done. Karma. Precision. Freedom of speech.
"The pen is mightier than the sword." These are keywords or themes that may be invoked, or may apply to the matter at hand. To bring about a need or desire, start by writing it down, and prepare it for distribution. At this time, it feels imperative that you communicate your point of view, state your truth, layout your data/ information, especially through the written word. Open emails, snail-mail, texts etc. Read carefully, and discern how what information is shared impacts you and your cause. Use your powers of observation, humour and wit to navigate any situation. Have a keen eye for injustice or imbalance in your words or actions, and that of others. The more details about the people or events happening around you, you can take in, the better you will be able to discern your role. You may be called to be an advocate for a community your are a part of, to highlight an injustice and work towards reconciliation or restoration. Play “Words of Wisdom” by 2Pac
Aries: 4 of Pentacles x Wheel of Fortune
Conserve your resources at the beginning of the month, Aries. Your resources include but are not limited to energy, time, money, skills or talents, contacts/network, other renewable and nonrenewable resources of your mind, body and bank account. Spend and schedule wisely. You may not be able to give everything of yourself or what you have without feeling pinched somehow. Events beyond your control will bring about changes to an important matter wherein you've been considering the strength or longevity of your resources, and/or your own personal power or physical strength. You will likely have, (and you certainly are already) enough, but take precautions to not over spend or over extend yourself.
The Wheel of Fortune steers events in an opposite or different direction than they've been heading, away from the norm or status quo, it changes luck. Consider your position or stance now in an important matter. Are you enjoying or benefiting from the way things currently are? Would a change of direction disrupt or enhance you? How are circumstances around you changing, and how is this effecting your relationship to your resources? On one hand, the advice is: conserve your resources because possible future occurrences may leave you feeling strapped and you'll be grateful for the cushion. On the other hand, if you have been experiencing resource insecurity, a pivotal change is about to change your circumstances for the better. Either way, and beyond your material resources, I invite you to cultivate your personal power (of emotions, mind & spirit) and physical strength this month, Aries. You will need these invaluable resources this month when the tides inevitably turn. Play "Change Arrives" by Beautiful Chorus .
Taurus: 2 of Pentacles x 5 of Cups
It may be important to adopt the old adage, "less is more" for dealing with life this month, Taurus. The loss of something, an item, a relationship, or any other type of connection will likely serve you better in the long wrong. You may have too much on your plate, especially with regard to balancing work and personal life. If you don't put something down voluntarily, it will inevitably break or fall away from you. What is left it the treasure, or what you should really be focusing your multi-tasking powers on.
Don't grieve a disappointment or loss too long before you miss the opportunities that still exist for you. Work with two things, at most, this September. They don't have to be the same or match, they may not literally "go together", but keep both in constant and generous rotation. Can you identity these two things/jobs/relationships? Loss will tug on your heart strings, temporary disappointment in love or emotional matters may play a roll, but don't drop the ball. Consider what is still whole, what you still feel intently about and make those matters or relationships work. Juggling may still be involved, but juggling LESS is the goal. Play "Less is More" by Lamar Williams Jr.
Gemini: 9 of Cups x Keeper of Swords
Dear Gemini, your abundance this month will be found in deep study, and advocacy for yourself and others in your community. Set intentions about what you want to learn and accomplish in matters of intellect and justice and go about pursuing them. Your actions and words may be imbued with a hint of fate; look for synchronicities in what you learn and how you feel.
Wholeness in life right now means embodying your theory, making the words or causes you say you support, the central practices in your life. Personal and community rights, themes of justice, joy, abundance and wish fulfillment are essential right now. This may not be an entirely easeful month, learning with an intention bring about change seldom is easy, but if you embrace this calling you will feel fed, satisfied and joyous. Take notes as you read and learn. Write a manifesto or letters to yourself about your experience of your pursuits. The New Moon in Virgo (Sep. 14) may initiate this very timeframe of abundant learning and justice building. What area of study and advocacy fulfills you emotionally, and even spiritually, when you engage with it? Answer that, then begin to fill your mental and emotional cups. Play "Rich Spirit" by Kendrick Lamar
Cancer: Ace of Pentacles x Judgement
You have the power to manifest your desired outcomes by engaging your special talents and skills. This month will provide a new opportunity to display what you do best and share your gifts with others, especially folks who can connect you to more resources for your work. Freelancers, small business owners, home cooks, writers, anyone making an initiatory move towards their material goals; this is the supportive energy is for you.
You are being called to create and distribute your craft. Doing so will bring you to a significant decision making process. You are the authority here, and you get to say yes or no or negotiate terms. Others will certainly have their opinions, but any decision that removes your identity or the essence of your work from the equation is not the best choice. How can you retain your voice and get paid? What role does judgement of yourself and others play in your decision making process or even in the creation of your work? You may have to take a step back to assess your own goals, values and actions before passing judgement. Play "Float" Janelle Monáe
Leo: The World x 4 of Swords
September will bring about the satisfactory conclusion of a project or journey and it is time for you to rest, dear Leo! Don't fuss over the perfect ending, or torment yourself with mental gymnastics, like: 'was it good enough?' 'this and that body didn't like it.' It's done! You did the entirety of your part. You took care of business! The World often implies a moment of completion, a culmination, an ending. Not everyone's satisfaction, not even your own, is required for completion to occur in your life. Practice acceptance instead. Allow yourself to say, this is done and walk away from any lingering conflict, with yourself or someone else about what you did and how you did it. There's nothing else to prove at this time. This is giving: "I said what I said" energy! Don't, by any means, diminish what you have accomplished, for it was no small feat.
Now is the time to retreat, to take a physical and mental break from what you've been working on and what others' may have to say about it. Avoid conflict at this time; it may not disappear while you're gone but you will have the chance to restore your faculties and return renewed to reply to any questions or feedback. What labours of love or duty have you recently completed? Where have you been yearning to rest your head? Nature, high peaks, and deep forest may offer the tranquil environments your mind and body need right now to just shut off. I invite you to indulge in an intimate celebration, with those who uplifted you during the execution of your vision; or cheers yourself in solitude. Without any need for a physical retreat, take time for yourself to visit inward, especially on the upcoming Virgo New Moon (Sep 14). This will be a great lunation to turn your sight within. How do you say goodbye to work or a phase of life you've completed? Consider intuiting a ritual of farewell and rest to mark the occasion. Since the upcoming New Moon is in the sign of mutable Earth, I invite you to dig in soft soil and bury something (organic, nontoxic and biodegradable!) to say goodbye to what is now complete. Play "Sittin' On Top on the World" by Burna Boy
Deck: Our Tarot by Sarah Shipman
