Happy New Year! We leave behind 2013 and embark on new journeys in 2014. At the start of each new year I spend some reflective time to remind myself of the goals I have accomplished and how they can be best used as the foundations for the year's work ahead. I use multiple disciplines- Numerology, Astrology and Tarot- as part of this annual meditation and make note of the recurring themes of each as areas I should be especially mindful of.

This year resonates to the number 7 (add the 2+0+1+4=7) and the potential for new paths, gaining mastery over what was begun in 2013 and deeper connection to understanding our own spiritual nature. The number seven is the proving ground of what lessons we think we have successfully traversed. It holds the tension between the harmonious balance of the number 6, the double Trinity and the eternity and expansion and contraction of the number 8, the Lemniscate. That middle ground of 7 is the place for exploration of what feeds our knowledge base so that we may arrive more fully informed at the eternal Gateway of time and space (8).

Astrologically, we kick off the New Year with a New Moon in Capricorn, the Sea Goat, lending additional support and energy to the process of new beginnings.  Capricorn offers the strength and stability of the Earth element and as an astrological sign of the Cardinal Modality creates the seeds of inception that become the blooming fields in their peak and fullness. The lesson of the Sea-Goat is held within its ability to navigate the depths of emotion (the sea) and with sure footed grace scale the heights (reaching towards mind). The overall intent is one of having the ability to manifest our goals, dreams and desires into usable tools of growth from a structured and secure foundation of anchor.

In addition to looking at the astrology for the year, I select the Major Arcana Tarot Key that holds the energy of the new year’s numerology; in this case Key 7- The Chariot. Among its many meanings, the number seven holds the key to mastery. This is the mastery that has been acquired through trial and error, teachings and experiences. Synthesis and integration of these components brings a different level of understanding to what has been explored; and from that place of broadened perspective a more solid anchor and foundation can be established.  It is the lesson of the Chariot Tarot Key to step into a place of control. To step into the majesty of victory and, to take up the reins of disparate and opposing energies and to bring them to a pace of synthesized balance. 

Before we settle into what lay ahead, we must look back to see what we have cultivated that is viable and supportive to bring forward. We have left 2013- a Year of the Number 6 (2+0+1+3=6) – the Key of the Lovers Card. If we look at the cards of The Lovers (# 6) and The Chariot (# 7), we see not such dissimilar energies. In the Lovers Key we find the male and female principles of polarity; overseen by the Angel Raphael.

It is from his form that they are drawing guidance. The Chariot also relates the energies of polarities (in this case the human forms have been replaced by those of more mystical nature and Raphael has been replaced by humanity stepping into a place of control and guidance of their own making. The spread below is one I created to access the energy of the Chariot and the transformative quality of the number seven. It is an especially relevant spread for the upcoming year and goals of personal growth and strengthening of your spiritual practice.

The Pillars of Destiny Spread (rcf)

This spread is useful in acquiring information about your soul’s purpose. It calls upon those gifts that have served well in past experience and helps to reveal those needed now to propel you towards greater alignment with your spiritual nature. The central card of the spread represents the place that you have established as your core center of control. This is the synthesis of what you have taken up as your personal truths, how you have acted upon them and how that has brought you to your beliefs now.

An interesting thing occurs when you form an interface between the past experience (Triangle) and the Current and Future resolve.  Cards 3 and 5 reflect the polar opposites of resolve and action, as do cards 4 and 6 on the opposite side of the spread.  Card 2 your place of inner strengths formed through past experience sits behind the anchor and control that you are now (Card 1).  And, what lay ahead in card 7 is the natural extension that has been acted upon by what has evolved up to this point of time. 

This spread incorporates the triangle of action and the square of foundation.  Every action causes a reaction and if that action has come from a core of strength and solidarity that acts as the guiding control we can draw o our past strengths and resolve to move us forward towards our true soul’s purpose.  Seven cards are used as seven is the number of lessons learned, paths taken towards acquiring knowledge and the precipitation point from which action upon that knowledge is urged onward.

Card 1 - The Place of Control. This is the core of who you are and the place of strength and anchor.

Card 2 - What place of strength you have moved from.  Past sources of your inner strength.

Card 3 - What has served as your inner resolve. Your core beliefs and what you hold to be true for yourself. 

Card 4 - What action you have taken to strengthen those beliefs or inner truths.

Card 5 - The place of Force and Action. What actions must now be taken to bring you in alignment with your soul’s purpose.

Card 6 - What new resolve and belief you must take up to bring you in alignment with your soul’s purpose.

Card 7 - What lay ahead of you. What you are moving towards and what will be revealed. 

Read more about the New Moon energy at:

Temple of the Cosmic Spheres: New Moon-New year 2014!

Image Credit: The Chariot.S. Pui-Mun