It's that time of the year again. Death, rebirth, new year. Letting go, welcoming in. In Finland we call it Kekri, and the symbolism related is very similar, if not identical, with Samhain. The idea that the deceased family members, friends and loved ones can return to visit us, the living, is at the core of both celebrations. For many people who work with Tarot or other, related "spiritual disciplines" (for lack of a better word) that might not seem strange at all - in fact, it might be something that happens on a daily basis. Personally speaking, the veil between the living and the dead has always been very thin, if not downright non-existent, for me. I believe our loved ones continue to care for us and look after us, even if and when they are no longer "here" but "there".
We are also currently in the sign of Scorpio, to which the double symbolism of scorpion / eagle is attached (Eagle being the higher aspect of Scorpio, as can be seen e.g. in the Crowley-Harris / Thoth Death card). Scorpio transforming into the Eagle; snake shedding its skin; saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new. For many people it's a challenging time, this Season of Change. For the past few weeks I've felt a general uneasiness when being outdoors, people getting agitated and restless, quite a few accidents, too. Now is the time to look in, to withdraw from the external and focus on the internal; gathering energy, not spending it outwards. Conserve and preserve. Recharge your batteries. Get enough sleep. Eat well. Basic stuff, folks.
Here's something I wrote for my Tarot Labyrinth exercise (to be published at some point in the future...) for the Wheel of Fortune:
"I reclaim the power of changing my destiny. I spin the thread of my thoughts; I measure the length of my beliefs; I cut the consequences of my actions. I turn myself facing the direction, which realigns my soul with my purpose. In the centre of the Wheel, where that which was, that which is, and that which is to be converge, I reclaim my freedom."
Happy New Year, everyone. Make it a good one.