It feels apropos that this card turned up today, as many of us are facing the unknowns of the virus pandemic with fear and worry. It is easy to be preoccupied with the constant stream of reports from the news and social media. There is widespread anxiety concerning how badly our lives will be threatened and disrupted, and for how long.
The High Priestess bids us take a breath, look within, and connect with the part of us that is unchanging, all knowing and secure.
There is so much at the moment that seems beyond our influence, and it is a great temptation to focus our attention almost exclusively on the objects of our fears. We want to know what is happening and what we can do about it, almost minute-by-minute. Although there is certainly value in being well enough informed to take whatever measures we can to protect ourselves and the ones we love, much of the incessant barrage of stories serves no real purpose except to heighten anxiety.
It is especially important in times like these to set aside time for meditation, prayer, and physical movement. These activities help us to cope with stress in the short term, of course, but they also help us to boost our immune systems and make better decisions.
Instead of feeling trapped inside our homes, hemmed in and set upon from every quarter by fear and worry, we can close our eyes, focus on our breath, and let our minds expand into a place of security, safety and complete freedom, if even only for a few moments. We return refreshed, clear headed and confident to face the challenges of the day.