From October 3rd to October 13th the sun moves through the second decan of Libra—degrees ten through twenty—a decan associated with the tarot through the 3 of swords… a card that is typically avoided when possible—no one would ever choose the 3 of swords if there was a choice… right?!
Maybe. Maybe not…
The 3 of swords is a card that is associated with loneliness, distance, abandonment, and infidelity—rejection, divorce, and otherwise ugly conclusions… there is pain, sorrow, and grieving from loss. Tarot writer Theresa Reed adds, '“emotions are raw.”
Or—it may be that you yourself are considering disappointing an/Other, causing another what will likely result as ‘raw pain’.
Saturn is the ruler of this decan, so—the Lord of Sorrow has things to express.
Tarot writer T Susan Chang, however, has a brighter perspective—that, through this card, “sometimes it’s painful to face the inevitable; to know the thing you can’t un-know…” but further, and more interestingly, via Chang’s theories regarding the tarot—through this time through the second decan of Libra, you may prefer to go it alone through this time, for whatever reason…
Apparently the 3 of swords is also a card the represents ‘relaxation, wealth, good living, security, peacefulness and easy living…’ because Saturn is exalted in Libra—so “as long as you approach what you commit to with a dose of saturnine and sober judgment, the blessings of this card can last forever…”
Ultimately, for better or worse, through this time—you are drawing realizations…
These realizations are ‘taking shape…’ and this can include both nuptials and contracts, agreements and settlements. This decan can emphasize finality… or mere expirations. Whatever it is that manifests for you through these ten days—you will need to face, confront, and/or deal with.
Typically, whatever it is—the second decan of Libra begins with, as astrologer Austin Coppock suggests, “a promise… where it goes, however, depends on the nature of what is promised, as well as the actions of those involved… images of both heartache and the good life abound for this decan—[though] the power of the contract creates more misery… it is only earnest commitment which allows relationships to endure both lean harvests and fat returns—the power of obligation fixes volatile passions, and when properly engaged, lays a firm foundation for the good life.”
Further, Coppock adds that through this decan, that “perhaps the most fundamental and potent promises are those made to oneself… for there is little that one capable of making and keeping such an agreement cannot achieve.”
Still, because the sun is so badly debilitated within Libra—relational conquests are best for this time, through these decans, in terms of motivations, goals, and/or ideals.
Through these ten days that the sun highlights the second decan of Libra—the sun will oppose Chiron, oppose the moon for the full moon, and connect with Saturn by trine… let’s delineate.
On October 7th—the sun will oppose Chiron through a degree that emphasizes cycles and repetition, circling around and around and coming full circle, as well as finishing what you start… because it is an opposition with Chiron—the wounded healer—the sun’s light may highlight something that hurts, causes pain, or otherwise provokes that which would rather remain hidden, forgotten, or buried.
What cycles are you stumbling through that inflict pain, doubt, shame, or discomfort?
Why do you continue navigating these cycles?
How might you work to unlearn these pain-inflicting cycles of self-sabotage?
Then, on October 9th—the full moon in Aries occurs through a degree that describes ‘divorcement and seclusion’, as well as being in conjunction to Chiron—ouch. Further, this full moon event holds a loose t-square to a slowly moving Mars in Gemini… and so the energies are very much inspiring you to awareness and action—to do something for yourself that needs done, and to do it regardless…
Still, the deeper meaning within this degree—the reason why seclusion or divorcement (which is merely a dated way of suggesting space or inner withdrawal) is necessary is because you are (hopefully) preparing for a more serious level of consciousness toward your own independence and personal ideals. This is big—you need time to soak it all in and get in touch with yourself on a soul level…
It’s time to make a decision… however, the Libran sun, again, is badly debilitated here—and so any decisions regarding selfhood (which is what they likely will be linked to) would be better decided upon at a later time… however, it will also be likely that the decision or choice cannot wait—and so this is likely where the discomforts will fall…
And Chiron’s closeness cannot be ignored—there may be a sting to be felt (by someone) in some way, if even through the slightest disappointment.
Do you have any unresolved issues?—particularly with an/Other…
Could you be unintentionally repressing your emotionality in any way, particularly toward a certain someone—for better or worse?
Are you struggling with, or compromising yourself, through social expectations?
Then, on October 11th—the sun connects to Saturn by trine… and this may support whatever decision or choice you needed to make from the full moon, however egoically, emotionally, or celestially—as this degree speaks to your ‘freedom to choose the manner in which [you] will satisfy [your] desires or obtain what [you] want, even though that choice may violate social principles or cross the boundaries of the law and violate the rights of others…’
It is important, that above all else, no matter what—that you are able to be honest, and able to communicate your honesty with others, as well as ‘doing the right thing’, no matter what the ‘right’ thing may be.
Are you doing the right thing?
Are you confusing the ‘right’ thing with the thing that’s best for you?
Are you being completely and entirely honest?—with yourself?—with others?
And then, on October 13th—the sun will move into the third decan of Libra…
Stay tuned.
Chang, T. ‘36 Secrets.’ Anima Mundi Press; 2021.
Coppock, A. ‘36 Faces.’ Three Hands Press; 2014.
Dore, J. ‘Tarot for Change.’ Viking; 2021.
Reed, T. ‘Tarot: No Questions Asked.’ Weiser Books; 2020.
Rudhyar, D. ‘An Astrological Mandala.’ Vintage Books; 1973.