The Weekly Draw for August 4th thru 10th
Guidance for the new lunar cycle and mercury retrograde
Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of the Weekly Draw. Today’s new moon in Leo ushers in a lunar cycle characterized by passion, creativity and a strong desire for personal expression.
As the sun and moon come together in the fiery sign of Leo, we're being invited to step into our inner spotlight and embrace our unique talents and qualities. Expect a surge of confidence and a yearning for heartfelt connections. This is a time to cultivate self-love, pursue creative endeavors and allow your inner child to play.
However, this vibrant energy is tempered by mercury retrograding through Virgo, starting tomorrow. Mercury has stationed retrograde today, so you already be feeling this energy. Known for its potential for miscommunications, delays and unexpected twists, mercury retrograde can introduce challenges that require patience and adaptability. While it might seem contradictory to the bold Leo energy, this retrograde period offers a chance to refine ideas, revisit projects and focus on internal growth rather than external achievements.
I find it annoying when everyone gets in an uproar about mercury retrograde and immediately begin blaming it for everything. Retrogrades are not a bad thing. They are a time for review. They show you what needs tending to. Welcome them.
Now… on to the reading. I’ll be reading for the collective first, then offering guidance to writers of fantasy and sci-fi using the same cards.
I don’t have a name for this spread, but if I have to come up with something, it would be [Blank] Ahead Spread. Why? Because this spread can be used daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly or even every lunar cycle. It simply depends on how I feel and how often I’m pulling cards in any particular season of my life.
Reading for the collective
Main developmental theme: The high priestess
This lunar cycle promises a deep dive into the subconscious, intuition and wisdom. There's a strong undercurrent of mystery and hidden knowledge that the collective is being called to explore. It's a time for introspection, trust in inner guidance and recognizing the power of feminine energy.
Best mental attitude to cultivate: Knight of cups
To navigate this inward journey successfully, you’re being encouraged to adopt a mindset of emotional openness, creativity and imagination. It's a time to follow your heart and trust in your intuition. There's a strong emphasis on taking a heart-centered approach as you move through this cycle.
Actionable guidance: 8 of swords and 2 of swords
Interesting cards for guidance. They suggest that you’re currently feeling trapped, limited or blinded by your own perceptions. The 8 of swords indicates a sense of imprisonment, possibly due to fear or self-doubt. The 2 of swords suggests a difficult choice or a need to make a decision, but there's a sense of paralysis. The 7 of cups, which appeared during the shuffling, hints at a plethora of options, making the decision-making process even more challenging. The guidance, then? Go back to the knight of cups and take a heart-centered approach. Allow your heart to lead.
For my fantasy and sci-fi writing peeps
For those of you writing in these realms, this lunar cycle is a potent time for worldbuilding and character development. The high priestess encourages tapping into the depths of your imagination, exploring hidden lore, and creating complex, multifaceted characters. The knight of cups inspires you to approach your writing with passion, emotion and a touch of magic.
The 8 of swords and 2 of swords suggest potential challenges in the writing process. Perhaps you're feeling stuck in a plot rut or struggling with a difficult scene. The 7 of cups emphasizes the abundance of creative possibilities, but also the overwhelming nature of choice. Trust your intuition and make bold, creative decisions.
How mercury retrograde plays into all of this
Mercury retrograde, beginning tomorrow, will likely amplify the themes of the cards. Expect unexpected twists and turns, a need for careful communication and potential delays or setbacks. However, this period is also ideal for revision, editing and deep reflection on your work. The high priestess encourages you to explore the underlying themes and symbolism of your writing, while the knight of cups inspires creative problem-solving.
Journal prompts for this lunar cycle
Explore your inner world: What secrets or hidden knowledge are you longing to uncover? What intuitive insights have you been ignoring?
Lean into your imagination: What would happen if you let your imagination run wild without judgment? What magical or fantastical elements could you introduce into your life?
Overcome limitations: What is holding you back from reaching your full potential? How can you break free from self-imposed limitations and embrace new possibilities?
The new moon is a time for planting seeds of intention. Use this lunar cycle to cultivate your creativity, trust your intuition and overcome obstacles.
Until next time,
The Book Druid