Virgo 1 | Aug 23-Sep 1

The sun + Virgo (the hermit), Mercury + Hod (number 8)

In the 8 of pentacles we have a figure climbing down a rock cliff. (Scroll to bottom for card)

We often see this as a focus and honing in on one’s skills but if we add it’s decanic layer we invite the sun, Virgo (Mercury), and hod (splendor) on the tree of life.

Here the sun exposes the treachery of the path above. The climb may not be worth it, or there may be a better way around. Hod reveals to us divine truth through intellect, language, analysis, humility, and mercury (Virgo) helps us to organize these thoughts and ideas. Virgo being an earth sign ruled by Mercury adds in a layer of interest because Hod provides form through language. Here is how it all comes together for me, a spark of divine truth becomes thought, thought becomes language, and language emerges into form. This truth as revealed by both Hod and the sun is organized though mercury and put into action by Virgo. We take the climb, navigate appropriately, tread carefully, avoid unnecessary risk and ultimately determine the path forward into form through the willingness to remain humble when in the presence of a divine wisdom. We do not know best but we are willing to learn what is best and redo our calculations.  It’s sort of like when you’re on a solo hike and you suddenly get a gut feeling you’ve made a wrong turn. You listen to that feeling take a pause, reroute and move forward. Ultimately you will make it to the end of the trail.