Sage Leaves, October 29, 2024

Welcome to Sage Leaves, a compendium of wisdom for those seeking to heal ancestral wounds using Tarot as an assistant. In this issue, we will explore the archetype of Death and relate it to the Heroine’s Journey, as well as explore how it is read when it appears in a reading conducted for transgenerational healing. Discussing the Death card is particularly timely at this season of the year, given that Samhain is the transformational time of the year and Death often represents transformation when it appears in a Tarot reading.

Table of Contents

• Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: Death

• Death & The Heroine’s Journey

• Death in a Reading for Transgenerational Healing

• Energetic Influences This Week 10/29

Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: Death

In Jungian psychology, the Death card in the Tarot represents a deeply transformative archetype associated with profound psychological change, renewal, and the process of individuation. Jung understood the psyche as a dynamic system, constantly evolving through life’s experiences, and he believed that personal growth requires periodic encounters with endings, losses, and transformative moments—symbolically represented by death.

For Jung, the process of individuation is central to psychological wholeness. Individuation refers to the integration of the conscious and unconscious aspects of the self, leading to greater self-awareness and fulfillment. The Death card, then, signifies the necessary endings we must face to shed outdated aspects of the self, making room for growth and transformation. This card marks a point in the individuation journey where an old identity, belief system, or way of being must die to allow for a more authentic self to emerge. The "death" represented is symbolic—signaling the end of a phase of life, relationships, mindsets, or habits, rather than a literal demise.

Jung’s concept of the shadow is also closely related to the Death card. The shadow represents the parts of ourselves that we deny, repress, or remain unconscious of, often because they are uncomfortable or socially unacceptable. The Death card challenges us to confront these hidden aspects, as they hold the key to transformation. By embracing the shadow and facing the unconscious contents it holds, we can experience psychological rebirth. In this sense, Death symbolizes the ego’s surrender to the unconscious, allowing old constructs of the self to dissolve and making way for a fuller, integrated identity.

Furthermore, the Death card reflects the archetype of the "dying and rising god", a theme that recurs in mythologies around the world. Jung believed that myths speak to universal patterns in the collective unconscious, and the Death card taps into this archetypal narrative of death as a gateway to rebirth. In many cultures, the death of a god is followed by resurrection or renewal, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life. The Death card draws upon this powerful mythological theme, reminding us that endings are not to be feared but understood as part of a larger cycle of destruction and creation.

In Jungian terms, death is not a finality but a necessary stage in the process of transformation. The Death card invites the individual to let go of attachments, outgrown personas, and illusions, allowing for the dissolution of the old self and the emergence of a new, more authentic existence. It is a vital step in the individuation process, representing the psychological death and rebirth required for self-actualization. By embracing the archetype of Death, we honor the natural cycles of life and psyche, recognizing that transformation often begins in the letting go.

Death & The Heroine’s Journey

In the Heroine’s Journey, the Death card plays a pivotal role in facilitating the deep transformation necessary for the protagonist's personal evolution. While the Hero’s Journey traditionally focuses on external quests and challenges, the Heroine’s Journey is more inward-facing, concerned with emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth. The Death card, with its emphasis on endings, letting go, and rebirth, aligns perfectly with the Heroine’s process of shedding old identities and societal expectations to step into her true, empowered self.

The Heroine’s Journey often begins with separation from the feminine, a distancing from the protagonist’s authentic self or natural instincts. In a patriarchal world, this journey may start with the heroine adopting masculine qualities or behaviors to succeed in a male-dominated environment. This phase represents an over-identification with the ego, external expectations, or societal norms. The Death card signifies a critical turning point in this narrative—a necessary and often painful shedding of this false identity.

When the Death card appears in the Heroine’s Journey, it marks the moment when the heroine is forced to confront the realization that her old ways of being no longer serve her. In traditional narratives, this could manifest as a loss of status, the breakdown of relationships, or an internal crisis. These "deaths" symbolize the falling away of the superficial roles or masks the heroine has adopted. This is not a literal death but a symbolic one, signaling the collapse of the structures she has relied on and a call to embrace a deeper truth.

The Death card as transformation mirrors the phase of the journey where the heroine must undergo a profound personal metamorphosis. This could be seen as the heroine's "dark night of the soul," a Jungian concept describing the psychological despair that accompanies the collapse of ego structures. It is often an isolating time, where the heroine feels as though everything she has built or relied upon is crumbling. However, this death is crucial because it clears the way for rebirth. The Death card represents not just loss, but also liberation—a release from limiting beliefs, societal constraints, or outdated self-concepts.

In the Heroine’s Journey, the Death card also speaks to the reclamation of the feminine. After the heroine sheds her old identity, she is able to reconnect with her inner world—her emotions, intuition, and sense of wholeness. This phase of the journey involves integrating the rejected or forgotten aspects of herself, particularly those connected to the feminine. It is through the symbolic death of her external roles or attachments that she can rediscover her authentic self and reclaim her inherent power.

Furthermore, the Death card plays a role in the rebirth phase of the Heroine’s Journey, where she emerges with a newfound understanding of herself and the world around her. Unlike the Hero’s Journey, where the protagonist might return to their world having gained external knowledge or victory, the Heroine’s rebirth is more about internal alignment. She has reconnected with her intuition, her emotions, and her true essence. This rebirth leads to a sense of empowerment that is not based on external validation but rather on a deep, inner knowing.

In conclusion, the Death card in the Heroine’s Journey represents the necessary ending of an old identity or way of being to facilitate deep transformation and growth. It is a moment of profound internal crisis and loss, but also one of liberation and eventual renewal. Through this symbolic death, the heroine is able to transcend societal expectations, reclaim her authentic self, and emerge reborn, empowered, and in touch with her true nature.

Death in a Reading for Transgenerational Healing

The Death card in a Tarot reading focused on transgenerational healing holds immense significance. While it might appear intimidating at first glance, the Death card represents the release of old patterns, the ending of harmful cycles, and the transformation that leads to renewal. In the context of transgenerational healing, it signifies the powerful breaking of inherited trauma, dysfunctional patterns, or limiting beliefs that have been passed down through family lines. The Death card acts as a beacon for profound inner and ancestral work, helping individuals to understand, confront, and ultimately transform the legacies of the past.

In transgenerational healing, we often encounter ancestral trauma—emotional wounds, behaviors, or belief systems inherited from previous generations. These legacies can manifest as repeated patterns in family dynamics, such as cycles of abuse, addiction, poverty, or limiting beliefs surrounding self-worth. The Death card in this context suggests that the querent is at a pivotal moment in their healing journey, where they are being called to end these cycles and bring forth transformation not only for themselves but for their entire lineage.

One of the most profound influences of the Death card in this type of reading is its invitation to engage in deep shadow work. The card encourages the querent to confront painful truths about their family history and personal experiences. Just as the Death card represents the symbolic death of the ego or old self, it also represents the metaphorical death of inherited patterns that no longer serve the individual or the family. The card asks the querent to let go of attachments to the past, whether these are deeply held beliefs, emotional wounds, or ingrained behaviors, so that a new, healthier way of being can emerge.

In terms of ancestral healing, the Death card's influence also touches on the importance of honoring and working through the grief, loss, and pain of past generations. Often, traumas are unconsciously passed down because they were not fully processed or healed by those who came before us. The Death card signals that the time has come for these wounds to be acknowledged, mourned, and released. This act of emotional release is crucial, as it allows the querent to process not only their own pain but also the unresolved pain of their ancestors. It is an opportunity for forgiveness and release, making space for healing across generations.

On a spiritual level, the Death card points toward the rebirth that follows the release of these old patterns. It is a powerful symbol of transformation, suggesting that by letting go of what has been inherited—be it trauma, limiting beliefs, or painful patterns—the querent can create new beginnings for themselves and future generations. This card’s appearance in a transgenerational healing spread implies that the querent is a key player in breaking the chain of unhealthy familial cycles. They are the agent of change, tasked with confronting the past in order to heal it, and in doing so, they open the door to a healthier, more empowered future for their descendants.

The Death card's transformative energy also offers a reminder that this process is not about erasing the past but about evolving beyond its limitations. It urges the querent to accept the necessity of endings so that growth and healing can occur. By embracing the change and release signified by the Death card, the querent can liberate themselves from the weight of generational pain and, ultimately, transform the legacy they pass on.

In summary, the Death card in transgenerational healing represents the essential process of confronting and releasing inherited trauma, breaking unhealthy cycles, and transforming the patterns that no longer serve. It signifies a time of deep emotional work, ancestral recognition, and ultimately, the rebirth and healing of the individual and their lineage.

Energetic Influences This Week 10/29

This is a reading for the energetic influences at play for the week of October 29-November 4, 2024. For this week’s reading, I drew the 6 of Cups, the Queen of Pentacles, the 10 of Cups, the 4 of Wands, the 3 of Pentacles, the Knight of Pentacles, and the 9 of Pentacles. Alongside these cards, we journey through the wisdom and grounding influences of the cards alongside a powerful astrological landscape.

With Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn all retrograde, we’re invited to step back, revisit, and refine, understanding that deep, subtle shifts are taking place below the surface. Each card and planetary aspect this week speaks to themes of reunion, empowerment, stability, and self-fulfillment—a narrative of strengthening our foundations and clarifying our values. Now we will explore each of the cards laid for each day of the week for a guide to energetic influences for the week of October 29-November 4, 2024.

We start the week on Tuesday with the 6 of Cups. As the Libra Moon trines Pluto and Mars trines Uranus, we feel pulled to reflect on where we came from. The 6 of Cups offers a warm sense of nostalgia, encouraging us to reconnect with our past, perhaps to unearth forgotten joys or address old wounds. These memories aren't simply to indulge in sentimentality but to reclaim pieces of ourselves we've left behind, so we’re ready to rebuild with strength.

On Wednesday, we step into the Queen of Pentacles' nurturing energy, as the Moon trines expansive Jupiter and Mars continues its trine with Uranus. The Queen of Pentacles represents abundance, self-care, and earthy wisdom. We are called to ground ourselves, prioritize our well-being, and ensure our foundations are strong. Today’s energy is about aligning with our inner resources and focusing on self-sufficiency. This Queen reminds us to trust the support systems we’ve cultivated, setting the tone for stability.

The 10 of Cups is Thursday’s card, and it reflects a deep sense of fulfillment and harmony, though we face a bit of friction with the Moon square Mars and Pluto before entering Scorpio. Tensions might stir in our relationships or within ourselves, urging us to seek a balance between emotional intensity and grounded connection. The 10 of Cups promises fulfillment through inner alignment—if we can handle the tension of this week, then joy and peace await us. As Mars trines Uranus, fresh insights flow, inviting us to create more space for joy within our closest connections.

On Friday, as Mercury trines Venus and Neptune, we’re pulled to celebrate progress with the 4 of Wands, a card of accomplishment and communal support. Today is about recognizing the milestones, large or small, that have shaped us. This sense of celebration, whether we’re with others or on our own, strengthens our resolve and reminds us how far we’ve come. We’re invited to look ahead with optimism while appreciating the present’s stability.

With Mars opposing Pluto, we sense a push-pull dynamic between power and cooperation. Saturday’s card, the 3 of Pentacles calls on us to find harmony within collaboration, encouraging us to balance our individual drive with a willingness to work with others. This card reminds us that we achieve more when we can leverage collective strengths. Even if challenges arise, we’re learning to lean into teamwork and channel our ambition with purpose.

Sunday’s card, the Knight of Pentacles, guides us toward patience and diligent progress. His methodical approach contrasts sharply with the intensity of the week, providing a welcome pause for us to breathe and consider the journey ahead. We are reminded that lasting success is built on steady, committed effort, even if it feels slow. Today’s energy encourages us to focus on the long game, ensuring each step aligns with our greater vision.

And finally, we are rewarded with Monday’s card, the 9 of Pentacles. As the Sun trines Saturn, the 9 of Pentacles symbolizes self-reliance, abundance, and well-earned confidence. After a week of introspection and growth, this card crowns our journey with a reminder that we have what we need to flourish on our own. We feel grounded in our accomplishments and values, knowing our resilience has carried us forward. This is a moment of personal fulfillment, where the balance between independence and self-appreciation leads us to a place of peace.

Through these seven days, we journey from reflection and release to grounded success, learning to harmonize our inner world with the outer structures we’re building. With retrogrades slowing things down, we’re invited to make lasting changes by leaning into patience, self-trust, and collaboration. We end the week knowing that our inner resilience and outer achievements are aligned, setting the stage for a richer, more empowered future.