There’s some important work to do
Who can believe it’s September already? Not me! 🙋♀️ Not gonna lie, I’m happy about it – it’s the best month of the year. It’s also my birthday month. These things may or may not be related.
The skies are pretty intense for September. I know that’s been the case for a little while, but I’m afraid the energy isn’t going to settle down particularly any time soon. Not to worry! Most of us have lived through many intense planetary configurations for years without knowing anything about it, so it’s not something to get het up about (unlike what the hysterical memes on the socials would have you believe). We’re actually in an advantageous position, having some of this knowledge ahead of time, as when we hit a bump in the road we already know something of what it’s about and that the same energy is affecting everybody, somehow.
But moving on! I’m here with my tarot deck, having asked what energies we are working with this month, and while they agree that it’s going to be fairly heavy-duty, they are reassuring us that we have the tools to deal with them. They are all three from the major arcana, signifying deep matters relating to big life stuff that’s beyond our control, but that could be a comfort. We are never in full control of the events that happen to us, but we are always in control of how we choose to react.
With that said, let’s jump in.
First up is The Emperor. This strong and beautiful man represents the best of authority, structure, stability, and control. His archetype is that of the father figure, embodying discipline, order, and leadership. This card suggests a strong foundation and the need for logic and order in your approach.
Rather than this signifying a specific man, The Emperor is asking us to recognise the masculine energy in ourselves. We may need to take charge, assert authority, or create a structure for yourself, or others. Building and maintaining boundaries might be necessary right now (particularly in light of the creative and empathetic energy described by The Empress, next). We must be sure that the cup we are filling is strong and secure.
The Emperor could suggest that circumstances will require you to make important decisions, enforce those boundaries, or lead with confidence. He also suggests the importance of organisation and setting clear goals to achieve success. There might be an increase in responsibilities, but this is nothing you can’t handle. You just need to access your inner strength to rise to the new challenge.
Right beside The Emperor we have his equal, the lovely Empress. She represents fertility, abundance, creativity and nurturing, and as such she embodies the archetype of the mother. (Fun fact: this card showed up when I was expecting my first baby, and I’ve had an extra-special love for her ever since.) She’s often associated with growth, both physically and metaphorically, and while it could mean you’re going to put on a few extra pounds (which perhaps she’s lovingly telling you you need?) she is generally more suggestive of a period of flourishing and bounty, where creative and emotional energies are strong.
I can’t help thinking that for me, she’s perfect for this time of year, when the children are going back to school and feeling all the emotions connected to disruption, upheaval, and new beginnings. Being a creative mother often means that my mothering and creativity both feed off and inhibit each other, often simultaneously! At this time of year, I am regaining precious time to write and create within school hours, but I am also required to be deeply present with them when they are at home. It can get quite intense!
For September, The Empress is suggesting to us a time of nurturing new ideas of projects, and fostering growth in our relationships. It’s also a great time for self-care and wellbeing – she’s asking us to turn some of that maternal energy inwards to ourselves. We might be about to begin a period of deep creation or manifestation, where the efforts that you have already made begin to bear fruit, and it’s at times like these that we must remember to take care of ourselves and not burn out. If you’ve been working towards a goal, this could be a time when you start to see positive results – exciting! She’s calling you to tap into your intuition, embrace your creative side, and enjoy life’s pleasures – care for your physical body as well as your mental and emotional health. Embrace your nurturing, compassionate, and supportive side – for yourself as well as for others – but remember those boundaries the Emperor is asking us for. Don’t give too much of yourself away.
It’s beautiful that these two cards came together, especially since September brings us the beginning of Libra season. This is a clear message that we need to balance both our feminine and masculine energies, and use them to the fullest of their potential. Find the best of The Empress and The Emperor within you, embrace those qualities and don’t be afraid to let them be seen by those around you. These qualities are within you to be used, not hidden, and their appearance now suggests that you’re going to need them this month.
How perfect that the approach of Libra season also brings Justice – although to be fair, Virgo also demands fair behaviour, and we have a little over three weeks of Virgo to enjoy. Justice represents fairness, balance, and the law. It signifies the consequences of actions, impartial judgement, and ethical considerations. This card is a reminder that actions have consequences, and it underscores the importance of integrity. So we could be approaching a time when fairness, balance, and objectivity will be crucial you may find yourself in a situation where decisions need to be made impartially, or where honesty and truth come to the forefront. Maybe you will need to confront a situation with integrity and fairness. Justice also implies that the results of past actions will come into play, signalling a period of reckoning or the need to weigh decisions carefully. Perhaps all the effort you’ve been putting in over the last little while are coming together to reward you – remember, consequences can be positive, too!
Justice underlines the need to balance the qualities of The Emperor and The Empress in order to be fair – not necessarily impartial, but able to use both your empathy and your boundaries to consider and manage anything that arises. Balance compassion and discipline, creativity and structure. Like I said before, major arcana energy is related to the big stuff of life, but we are equipped to handle it. We can rise to any occasion.
Let me know how this feels for you, and I wish you the all the best for the coming month.