Pensieve Ponderings
Tarot, quotes and literary explorations for the week of Sept 15
Weekly tarot reading | Mind, body, spirit
Mind: The lovers
Seeing the lovers suggests a crossroads in your writing journey. You're faced with a choice between two paths (or more), each with its own potential rewards and challenges.
Guidance: Take some time to reflect on your goals and values as a writer. What kind of story do you want to tell? What themes are most important to you? By clarifying your intentions, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your writing.
Body: Three of cups
The three of cups is about celebration, joy and community. It's a reminder to appreciate the connections you've made with other writers and to celebrate your accomplishments.
Guidance: Connect with other writers in your genre or community. Join writing groups, attend workshops or participate in online forums. Building relationships with other writers can provide support, inspiration and valuable feedback.
It would be remiss of me not to mention connecting with the writer within (you). Not all writers have a supportive community around them. And many of these “writing groups” are doing more harm than good. Never neglect connecting with your inner writer. Community means more than outside people. Your spiritual team and/or your ancestors are also part of your community.
I love the depiction of the three of cups in Tarot of the Abyss because you, as the reader and/or querent (if you’re reading for yourself), are part of the scene. When I see this card in particular, I think of the older woman as my future self, the younger woman as my past self and the hand as me right now.
How did I feel about my writing in the past? Time is relative. You an go as far back as a few years ago or the very recent past, as in yesterday. Water (the suit of cups) represents our emotions, which can change day to day, hour by hour. How is writing enriching my life right now? What impact do I want to have as a writer in the future? Start having conversations with all three versions of you. You’ll be surprised by what you learn.
Spirit: Ace of swords
The ace of swords is the “cut through the bullshit” card. It symbolizes new beginnings, mental clarity and the power of the mind. It's a powerful reminder of your ability to shape your reality through your thoughts and actions.
Guidance: Use your mind to create a clear and concise outline for your story. Break down your plot into smaller, manageable segments, and visualize the overall structure of your narrative.
Quotes and ponderings
The writer's job is to make the ordinary extraordinary. - Stephen King
Ponder: How can you elevate everyday moments and experiences in your writing? What details can you include to make your stories more vivid and memorable?
Every story is a journey, and every journey is a story. - The Book Druid (yours truly)
Ponder: What is the journey your characters are taking? What lessons will they learn along the way? What lessons will they teach us as the readers? How will their journey contribute to the overall theme of your story?
Literature recommendation: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
This fantasy epic is a perfect representation of the lovers card, as it explores themes of choice, destiny and the power of love. Kvothe is faced with a series of crucial decisions that will shape his future as the story unfolds.
An example: Kvothe must choose between pursuing his love for music or continuing his training as a magician. This choice represents the internal conflict and external pressures that many characters face in fantasy and sci-fi stories.
It also represents the inner conflict and external pressure fantasy and sci-fi writers face as they birth their stories. The internal conflict of wanting to speak their truth through their fiction. And the external pressure to write a “cookie cutter” type story because that’s what the “experts” say will sell.
Sidebar 1: Do you remember the scene in chapter 46 when Kvothe jumped off the roof to get Elodin to teach him? Firstly, when Elodin said that was the stupidest thing he’d ever seen, I howled with laughter and just howled again recalling it. Secondly, this scene perfectly illustrates the impulsive and passionate nature of the lovers card. Kvothe's impulsive act to prove he was worthy to be Elodin’s student demonstrates the intensity and risk-taking associated with the card. It was a bold and daring move, driven by a deep desire and a willingness to take chances. Making a choice involves taking a risk, whether big or small. Elodin's response was harsh (albeit hilarious to me… he didn’t even ask if Kvothe was okay lmao), and it underscored the importance of balance and careful consideration when making major decisions. Even in moments of passion, it's essential to weigh the risks and rewards before taking action.
Sidebar 2: Like you, I’m also impatiently waiting for the final book in this series.
Journaling prompt for the week (based on the lovers card):
Reflect on a time in your life when you were faced with a difficult decision. What were the options? How did you ultimately choose? What did you learn from the experience? How can you apply these lessons to your writing?
Until next week, may your thoughts be as clear as a pensieve, and your ponderings lead to profound insights.
With love and gratitude,
Lakeisha | The Book Druid
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