This month’s tarot card draw is from The Sacred Circle Tarot by Anna Franklin, with illustrations by Paul Mason. Usually I am instantly amazed by the relevance of the card I draw. This time I was surprised not to get a powerful Major Arcana card, given the crisis we are all experiencing. The six of cups is a minor arcana card, speaking to the everyday situation of our journey. Cups is the suit of feeling and emotion. The six of cups is not about change. On top of that the picture on the card is blurry. I wondered if I should choose a new card.

Then I looked further: The picture is of one of the most sacred of Celtic sites: Glendalough. I was supposed to be staying at the hotel just outside the scene in this picture on April 30. It would have begun the pilgrimage portion of my trip to Ireland. But, of course, there is no trip this year because of Covid-19. 

The card is entitled Nostalgia. Certainly, the card’s message fits me and my situation  perfectly. I spend time now and no doubt will spend more time in May feeling nostalgic for the places in Ireland that I had planned to visit. Too, I am working on going through pictures and writing: nostalgia and memories, for sure. So I saw the card as a message to stay grateful and appreciative rather than wallow in the plans that could not be this spring. The blurred picture seemed a further reminder to focus on what is important and keep the nostalgia in perspective.

But what about the card’s meaning to readers? Was it just for me? Then I realized that at this stage of our lives being put on hold by this virus, nostalgia for the lives we were leading pre-Covid is quite universal. I really believe this crisis is an opportunity to reset our habits and the way we structure and order our world. I don’t really want the old ways back. I want to see a new way forward . Yet, I also find myself wanting “things” to get back to normal. Perhaps, the card was asking us all to reflect on what from the past needs to be brought forward and what needs to be let go. 

As I read the guidebook pages, I saw more and more relevance. The author points out that cypress trees are a symbol of mourning.  We all are in mourning. I need not tell you of the death toll, the loss of income, the staggering experience this is around the world. As we mourn, unable in many cases to attend church or even gather in rituals of support, we are reminded to walk in nature: to find that still place, that thin place where we can feel the comfort and power of Mother Earth supporting us. Glendalough has a very special energy of caring and gentle love.  Imagine yourself walking its paths, stopping at the remains of St. Kevin’s chapel, walking the faery paths. The Round Tower projects a gentle but strong permanence while the bubbling creek reminds us of the flow of nature.

The author also suggests that this six of cups is calling us to remember and benefit from connecting to our ancient roots. Whether yours be Celtic or not, may you find solace in feeling the love and support of those who came before you and may you find comfort in memories that bring forth wisdom and love.