Tarot Reading August 2020: Renewal

The online tarot reading for August 2020 shows that this month will be pivotal in determining the next several months ahead. We're at odds with where we want to go and how, and how quickly, we can get there. Maybe if it only came down to us, we could swing something but that's not how the world works, is it? We're subject to the guidelines our environment imposes as well as the consequences from our actions once they ripple beyond our own microcosm to affect others. This is a delicate dance we're up to and we all hold some responsibility in determining the outcome. The Tarot card that may jump off the page at you is the Death card on the far right, but don't worry too much. This card is mostly associated with transformation and rebirth, lending us the theme for the month.
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Tarot Reading for August

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The first Tarot card in the spread is the Page of Wands in the position of the current situation. We begin the month ready for action and feeling inspired as we look to the horizon. We're willing to step forward with courage and we're feeling hopeful about our ability to build a better future. After a period of stagnation, or perhaps false starts, there's a restless edge that has us stirring for movement. The suit of wands in Tarot is related to the element of fire, so we're talking about a burning, fast-moving energy that forces us forward. 
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The Tarot card that plays out in the realm of our challenges this week is the King of Swords. Here we see an imposing figure that can occupy a position of leadership. As the question this month is regarding the state of the world in August, this can even refer to the collective decision-making power of governments and policy-makers globally. The suit of swords in Tarot is related to communication, ideas, laws and governance. It can even be extended to mean the field of medicine and the sciences. This card shown as a challenge can indicate the two-fold nature of the difficulties this month for governing bodies to find a solution to the medical crisis and implement the prescribed measures successfully. The other side of this is the challenge we may experience while trying to direct that fiery go-getter energy from the wands at the same time we're being restrained by government restrictions. This would seem to put progress and safety at odds, however as we continue through the reading it becomes clearer how we should be considering the situation to make the most of the month. Maybe we could benefit from slighlty adjusting our perspective to the reality in which we find ourselves.
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The Wheel of Fortune in Tarot corresponds to the number 10, which when upright, indicates the closing of a cycle or phase so that we may begin a new stage. When this Tarot card is reversed, we see this potential ending become truncated which inhibits our ability to wrap this up effectively. In the environment, we're going to see that it's going to take hard work on our part as individuals to contribute to the collective progress in closing this chapter. It is not going to be easy because likely this implies some type of personal sacrifice to attain our goals on a bigger level. This can feel like the wheel has stopped and we're suspended in time, that's where the stagnation and setbacks can play out. This aspect is more pronounced this month because it is directly in contrast to the passionate push forward we've already seen in the wands. Given the influences in the environment, it might be good to take a deep breath and not get too worked up if things to go exactly as you planned.
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In Tarot readings when the Emperor shows up, we see a strong emphasis on authority, security and what would be the cornerstone of whatever it is you're trying to build in life. When the Emperor is reversed, the leadership, maturity and responsiblity native to this card take on the imbalanced, harsher sides of their nature. In the position of advice, the Tarot cards are asking us not to be immature but to accept the responsiblity we have to the world around us. This month it's necessary to set strict rules, that likely feel oppressive, and follow them if we don't want the situation to get worse. If we try to push forward at all costs, we will only compound our problems. In essence, we should bite the bullet and make those personal sacrifices now so that we can regain our stability in the long-term. Again if we don't, the current state of the world, primarily induced by the chaos of the pandemic, may further deteriorate or become even more complex when trying to untangle it all. Better safe than sorry.
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The Death card looms over the Tarot reading as the outcome for August, which isn't usually a bad thing. In  Tarot, this card brings about a transformation that leads to renewal or a type of rebirth. There is one caveat, in order to get to the renewal part, you have to discard and shed what no longer serves you first. This can be painful because it entails the death of certain ideas you've held or ways of living out your life. Once you've separated the wheat from the chaff, you can now make something greater and truer to your highest values. It may be hard to see from the beginning, but it's an exercise well worth undergoing to come out leaner and more energized on the other side. Think of the caterpillar that transforms into a butterfly. It's a whole process and it can't be rushed. Use the time to think about who it is you want to be after the transformation and welcome the opportunity when it presents itself.
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