So this month I signed up for the Tarot Blog Hop, a collaborative Facebook group made up of several tarot bloggers who have come together to write their thoughts on a given topic. In proper round-robin style, check out fellow TarotHopBlogger Andrew’s blog for his take on our inaugural blog -in time for Imbolc– the topic is: “How can I be a better Candle?”

 

Come follow my logic train, down the rabbit hole

When I consider the candle in my mind -that vehicle for flame and light and heat- I see no difference between the flame of the candle and the warmth of the sun. It’s just a matter of scale. Both can warm you and illuminate your way. As a Tarot reader, I see the candle as representing how I affect those I work with and share with; the heat is my empathy and the light the wisdom I channel. Being the candle, therefore, reminds me of my role and purpose as a Tarot reader.

Consider the Sun card: the fundamental example of an invigorating energy source. The candle and the Sun are only different in their scale. When I am the Candle and the Sun: I provide illumination and radiant motivation to those I read for.

Consider the Moon card: the Moon is reflective of the Sun’s light. It brings light to the areas that don’t face the Sun. As a Candle and the Moon, I must consider how I indirectly affect those I don’t read for.

Consider the Star card: each Star in the heavens is its’ own distant Sun. We navigate by the constellation of stars in the heavens; the patterns of location and association from our perspective on earth. As the Candle and the Star, I must consider my role along with all the others who share the empyrean space with me. I am not the only source of light for those who see; I am part of a whole sky and a piece of the larger picture.

 

Being a better candle: Nurturing the flame

Of course, the original question is: “How can I be a better Candle?” How do I keep this flame within going? How do I avoid a literal burnout? Well for me, being a 50/50 introvert/extrovert, I invoke the Hermit when I need to respect my need for seclusion and self-time: Time to recharge, refocus, re-align and re-integrate into the person I am and whom I wish to be. When the Hermit comes up in readings, I am often drawn to the lantern the Hermit is seen carrying. His self-imposed solitude is the opportunity for him to rekindle the light of wisdom that he brings back to civilization when it is time. And so, like the Hermit, sometimes I have to withdraw to revitalize my inner light.

Fire also needs fuel and for that I need to keep exploring the Tarot and my own metaphysical world. My own horizons end when I stop walking the path, so I need to keep adding to my knowledge and experiences. I can only grow brighter and reach farther the more I know.

 

Shine on you crazy diamond!

For me, the Tarot is about helping others with their questions as well as finding my own answers. To that end the inner candle of wisdom is essential. The flame of inspiration, intuition and wisdom must be nurtured, fed and allowed to grow in order to make the most of this gift for myself and others. Hopefully you too can find your own inner candle, and learn to tend it well.

 

And really, that all I can say about that! But don’t just take my impressions on it! Check out Arwen’s blog and follow the chain for this month!

~Andrew