Ten of Pentacles

I often tell a story about a Lion and Virgin Priestess in my astrology readings when it applies to their chart. (Specifically when they have big happenings around the Leo Virgo Cusp, which is where we are in our current Cycle.)  See if you can piece out how this story is showing up for you in your life right now. 

A lion of liberation, king of the physical world and master of his own experiences, fully embodied and unafraid to follow his impulses, finds himself in the most sensual garden imaginable. As he runs through this fragrant, moist, playground, he discovers an irresistible little mouse. It is an interesting and vexing little creature. As the mouse squeaks and bolts, the lion bounds in chase after the little toy of a thing. The mouse weaves and darts through and under all manner of vegetation until it reaches a bramble bush of security. With blind desire, the lion follows right into the thorns and tackles deeper and deeper, oblivious of his inevitable demise. The mouse escapes as the lion simultaneously discovers he can no longer take pursuit. Faced with this painful suspension, the lion refuses to accept the loss of his prize, and begins to thrash against the thorns that push through his coat at every angle. The agony is so intense that self-preservation instincts come to surface. Pulling together all of his force, he flexes and roars his almighty power. Bewildered to discover that the more he presses his will, the more tangled he becomes, fear begins to boil as this king of sorrow now resorts to unconscious flogging, and he sinks into despair. Just as he has resigned himself to the fault he feels for his situation, his heart beats out a final prayer. Let loss reveal it. Just then, he senses a watcher at the garden gate.

The priestess, drawn to her garden by the reverberations of a powerful call, is calm and intense. Her observation both cool and charged. The destroyed king feels a deeper degradation of his dignity, dissolving under her gaze. Yet, as she approaches in her own present time, he still recoils as a reflex to her love, a love that unmistakably surrounds her intentions. How does such a mess deserve the company of this gentle soul? The lion snarls a warning, one she indulges as she takes a step back. She recognizes and respects this mighty beast and his power. Her single act of withdrawal cuts the final shred of his ego as he surrenders to her, bowing his head. In an act of pure trust, the priestess takes from her heart, the balm of truth. Armed with this powerful medicine, she gently removes each bramble, one strand after another. A watershed of relief pours from the lion’s heart.

Once completely freed from his prison, the lion, in his renewed embodiment, curls his now exposed flesh against the priestess’ nurturing bosom. Her fingers gently stroking, arouse so much gratitude. Circling and weaving pleasure and acceptance over the lion’s now gossamer skin, an energy is born that seeds itself in every cell. As the seeds of his becoming, pulse and grow plump, ripe and hot with growth and budding, he learns a new way of surrender, that takes him to gardens that only angels may access. Now a new roar of truth detonates from his heart and all at once, love is restored. Fear has been vanquished. And the lion and priestess rejoice in divine union, complete and whole and powerful beyond words.

Is your life reflecting any part of this to you? Maybe you find yourself as the humbled lion, Or perhaps you are constantly seeing yourself in the Priestess role, working to maintain your beautiful garden. Maybe you see how the mouse plays a role in your willful pursuits? 

This story is up for your own interpretation, but I always end the story by revealing that EVERY part of this story is in fact you, when you allow it to be. The TEN of PENTACLES is about coming home to the garden of our creating. Being the lion, and the Priestess. The Physical BEAST and the Divine LOVE. You are complete and WHOLE. And HUMAN. 

So much love to you, Divine Beasts. 

Christina Luna