Servant of the Fates

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[servantofthefates]

The Traditional Meanings of the Suit of Swords

This is how I interpret this suit in personal readings, with the meanings adapted to match the context of the question. Here is why I don’t do the same in general readings.

Ace of Swords

Upright: You will win through great force (great love or great hate).

Reversed: Great force will be used successfully against you.

Two of Swords

Upright: You will lead a harmonious but unglorious life.

Reversed: You will lead a life of dishonesty, lacking dignity.

Three of Swords

Upright: You will fail in three different aspects of your life.

Reversed: The failure will occur only internally, in your own mind.

Four of Swords

Upright: You will lead a peaceful life and enjoy a painless death.

Reversed: You will be blinded, literally or metaphorically.

Five of Swords

Upright: Expect dishonor upon you and/or your family.

Reversed: Expect your victory to bring dishonor upon an enemy.

Six of Swords

Upright: International travel or relocation will bring you luck.

Reversed: A curse, literal or metaphorical, is blocking your success.

Seven of Swords

Upright: Your overconfidence will cause your failure.

Reversed: Someone will bring you information against your enemy.

Eight of Swords

Upright: Expect bad news about violence or illness.

Reversed: A hidden enemy will cause you unexpected losses.

Nine of Swords

Upright: A loved one will die. If pregnant, you will miscarry.

Reversed: Expect imprisonment, literal or metaphorical.

Ten of Swords

Upright: Something will make you feel you'd rather die. Actual death if paired with Death.

Reversed: You will profit from someone’s death or failure.

Page of Swords

Upright: Someone is spying on you, in real life or on social media.

Reversed: You will be caught spying on someone, and it will bring shame.

Knight of Swords

Upright: A war could result in your ruin. War being either personal or official.

Reversed: Your impulsiveness will ruin a part of your life.

Queen of Swords

Upright: Expect to be widowed. A confirmation of your infertility.

Reversed: A malicious, powerful woman is working against you.

King of Swords

Upright: A man will have full power over you and your happiness.

Reversed: A cruel man will have full power over you and your happiness.

If you find it a bit harsh, remember that A.E. Waite himself, the mind behind the Rider-Waite tarot deck, said that Swords do not represent benevolent forces in human lives.

[servantofthefates]

Your life is not your enemy.

When you get cravings, that’s not life sabotaging you. That’s life reminding you of what makes you happy.

When your alarm goes off, that’s not life torturing you. That’s life giving you a blessed new day to enjoy.

When you get a scar or a bruise, that’s not life punishing you. That’s life letting you know you’ve lived.

And when you feel pain enough to cry, that’s not life injuring you. That’s life saying, “Look at you. You’re alive.”

[servantofthefates]

My grandmother told her children that free food is cursed.

For most people, bringing wine or desserts to a dinner party is just etiquette. But for her children, it’s so they never eat for free.

Her reasons are mostly moral. Every Catholic knows it’s better to give than to receive. And zodiacal. In traditional astrology, there are placements that invite bad luck when put on the receiving end of generosity.

But if we strip away the superstition, I can tell you that the way you receive free food dictates whether you will be rich or poor.

If a friend offers to pay for your meal, do you think, “Ooh, lovely, thanks!” or “Good. I paid last time.”

If the bakery is giving away free cheesecakes from 9-10 am, do you think, “How sweet of them!” or “I’ll be there by 5. Who needs sleep, right?”

If Nutella is Buy 1 Get 1 Free at your supermarket, do you think, “I hope there’s some left for me!” or do you fight other shoppers for the last two tubs?

People who think getting free food is a nice bonus in life are in a state of abundance. Receiving it does not damage their luck.

But people who think getting free food is a competition are in a state of lack. Receiving it is tantamount to being cursed indeed.

Food, like money, is energy. Trust it to flow your way. If you do, it will stay.

[servantofthefates]

Happy Blue Moon, everyone! 🥳

Here is your weekly reading, delivered by Achilles, Apollo or Helen. Have a wonderful time. 💕

[servantofthefates]

I always see the energy behind the energy.

And sometimes it softens me. Other times it disgusts me. Here are some of the patterns:

1) Someone who laughs too much in social situations

Some people might think she's being rude, always laughing at someone, ridiculing somebody. But actually, she's only laughing because she's bracing herself for people reacting to what she said as far-fetched or stupid. So she laughs at herself before other people can laugh at her. It's not rudeness. It's a defense mechanism.

2) Someone who disagrees with everything

It can go both ways. Every now and then, he is genuinely looking for the right word or concept or feeling and can't find it, so he goes, "No, it's not that." There's nothing wrong with that. But most of the time, he is deeply envious of or intimidated by the person talking, and he just wants to do whatever he can to dull that person's shine in the moment.

3) Someone who always uses expletives

Swear words are powerful. The right way to use them is to express the tone you want, or articulate the depth of your emotions. But people who use them extensively when it's not part of their nature or nurture are very insecure people. They're trying on an identity that they know isn't theirs, and profanity is just a part of the costume.

4) Someone who doesn't edit themselves

Others might think it's quirky or honest to just say what's on your mind on the spot. But this is a sign of low emotional intelligence. Even children think before they speak. Even dogs process before they act. Also, your (our) stream of consciousness can often be insufferable. Why subject others to it? It's quite inconsiderate.

5) Someone who subtly loves to brag

They make sure not to be loud about it. Instead of "I'm going to Italy next week!" they say "It's time for a break. I think I'm doing Italy. It's been a while since I visited." These people are not malicious, but they are bragging about something they could never afford before. The subtlety is because they don't want people to know that it used to be impossible for them.

6) Someone who announces their happiness

It sounds like these people are bragging, but they're not. "OMG, I just ordered the new iPhone!" "Fuck, my crush just texted me!" "I just got promoted, let's celebrate!" You can feel their joy and excitement. They just want to express themselves to you because they believe you will be happy for them. They never have any bad intentions.

7) Someone who always has something bad to say

If their friend bought a house and everyone loves it, they go, "That area gets hurricanes though." More often than not, they have a fake positive preamble too. "I'm so happy she's engaged! Good for her. She deserves it, and she's gonna look so good in a wedding dress! But don't you think he's too old for her?" These people live in a state of lack. If anyone else is winning, it means they are losing, so they will never let you win.

I am very affectionate towards 1 and 6. I often automatically block 2, 3, 4 and 7, online or in real life. Number 5 is usually someone who isn't comfortable with me yet. They eventually switch to being number 6 once they trust you.

So why am I sharing this? To warn you.

We all have to be aware of who enters our physical and digital environments, and whether we should let them stay. Mirror the good. Be kind to those who need help. And be ruthless to the rest.

This is Traditional Witchcraft 101. What use are amulets and talismans when you don't even know how to water and prune your plants?

[servantofthefates]

Traditional astrology doesn’t give a fuck about your politics, your values or your aspirations.

It gives you a map of your destiny. If you fight it, you could still win but you will suffer a lot. If you flow with it, you will win quickly with the least amount of agony.

Your Glory

If your First House is occupied while your Seventh House is empty, it doesn’t matter if you’re the man or the woman in your life partnership. Or if you’re the older one or the younger one. You will be the more prominent partner. You will enjoy more fame, more popularity, a better reputation than your other half. But if your First House is empty while your Seventh House is occupied, you are meant to be the trophy wife. Or husband. Fight it or enjoy it.

Your Wealth

If your Second House is occupied while your Eighth House is empty, you are meant to make your own money. Check out the lyrics of Independent Women Part 1 to get a preview of your destiny. The people who love you will be proud of what you will achieve through your own hard work. But if your Second House is empty while your Eighth House is occupied, you can still make money, don’t worry. But the brightest and biggest gold you will ever have will come to you through a partner, a parent, a relative or a windfall. 

Your Brain

If your Third House is occupied while your Ninth House is empty, you will be book-smart. Someone who excels in school. Someone eloquent. Someone people think of when they hear “intelligent”. But you will be foolish in the bigger things in life. But if your Third House is empty while your Ninth House is occupied, you could still have book smarts, technically. But your true knowledge lies in the philosophical, spiritual and the occult. You’re someone people think of when they hear “deep” or “wise”.

Your Joy

If your Fourth House is occupied while your Tenth House is empty, you are meant to find true happiness in your private life. In your home, with your family, with yourself. Think Hobbits. The cherished memories you will have in old age are a movie, a book or a dessert you loved. But if your Fourth House is empty while your Tenth House is occupied, you are meant to find true happiness in your achievements. Your medals in school. Your awards at work. Titles and promotions. You will take pride in how you’ve conquered your world.

Your Identity

If your Fifth House is occupied but your Eleventh House is empty, you will define yourself through your likes, interests and hobbies. “I am a baker.” “I am a Potterhead.” “I am an artist.” This is how your soul identifies itself. But if your Fifth House is empty while your Eleventh House is occupied, you will define yourself through your politics, network and community. “I am a Christian.” “I am liberal.” “I am a feminist.” Your soul doesn’t think of itself as separate. It identifies as part of a tribe.

Your Existence

If your Sixth House is occupied but your Twelfth House is empty, you are a material person. You see yourself as a body that has a spirit inside. But it’s the body you prioritize. Health, fitness, financial stability. You will stay in a toxic job that pays well. But if your Sixth House is empty but your Twelfth House is occupied, you are an old soul. You see yourself as an immortal spirit that happens to have a mortal body. So you prioritize your wellbeing. Virtue, morality, tranquility. You would rather starve than work in a place that reeks of toxicity.

For a lot of charts, it’s not that clean. Axes don’t always behave as empty on one end and full on the other. In such cases, identify your stronger House. The one with more planets or the one with stronger aspects.

And if you find any of this insulting, sorry not sorry. I love how real traditional astrology is offensive.

[servantofthefates]

Did you know that power ballads are powerful spells?

But only if you mean every word as you sing them.

Singing your heart out intensifies your intention and projects your energy — commanding humans, entities and beings to listen to your very soul.

It’s telepathy. It’s prayer. It’s manifestation.

But... make sure you do it well.

If your voice doesn’t sound beautiful, your audience could shut you out, or even hurt you back for disturbing them.

[servantofthefates]

It's been ages since I posted a traditional spell.

This is not "manifestation" in the modern sense.

It's a conversation between your soul and wealth itself.

I used to be very protective of powerful spells like this. But in the past few years, I've learned that truly abundant people are never afraid of lack.

There will always be more than enough for you and me both.

So let's do this together. 💚

[servantofthefates]

The Real Reason I Still Don’t Do Private Readings

The gift of divination was given to me for free, so it feels immoral for me to charge for it.

But… I understand charging someone for my time vs. the service itself. So honestly, that’s not the main reason.

The truth is, the way I read face to face is completely different from the way I do YouTube readings.

On YouTube, I’m very encouraging and supportive. That’s not me faking kindness. That’s me understanding that:

1) People don’t follow instructions online. When I invoke higher powers before shooting a reading, I ask them to spark a memory in the viewer’s mind, to let them know a pile is divinely meant for them. Sadly, the majority of viewers choose a pile because “Ooh, it’s pink” or “This one’s cute!” And I refuse to give very direct and specific messages to an audience that I know is not the right one for a reading. It feels irresponsible, so I soften the messages a little.

2) Even if everyone followed my instructions, it’s still a general reading for a general audience. But I can see from so many comments that some viewers hang on to every word as if it's a private reading. Usually, these are the very vulnerable looking for instant comfort. And it feels cruel to me, again, to be incredibly direct and specific, knowing that some viewers are probably not in the right mindset for messages or advice, which could only end up harming them.

3) Understandably, YouTube has guidelines around sensitive topics. They prevent me from reading tarot traditionally the way I do face to face. I can’t just tell a general audience they could never escape poverty unless they leave their country whenever I pull the Six of Swords. Or that their life partner is secretly gay whenever I pull the High Priestess.

Which brings me to my main point:

I take pride in being an honest tarot reader. I will tell you to your face if, according to the cards, your life is about to get much worse, or if your husband is absolutely disgusted with you because you’ve let yourself go.

Clients, however, tend to pay for reassurance, not honesty.

All of this is to say: To the 5 or 7 people who have been asking me periodically since 2019 if I am open for private readings… I still am not. I’m not sure I will be. And more importantly, I’m not sure you want me to be.

I am, always have been, performing personal face to face readings, instead of private online readings. But only for people who know and accept what to expect.

But thank you very much for your interest. It's a privilege to be trusted.

Also, there is no better fortuneteller in this world than your own intuition. So check out my years' worth of tarot lessons on this blog. And trust no one more than yourself.

[servantofthefates]

Modern Witches: She communes with actual demons. She must be evil.

Meanwhile, the demons...

Cimeies: Expert in Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric

Vapula: Teaches Handcrafts and Philosophy

Amy: Authority in Astrology and Liberal Sciences

Foras: Accomplished in Herbology and Crystals

Ronove: Communications and Languages Specialist

Asmodeus: Master of Arithmetic and Geometry

[servantofthefates]

People who are great at manifesting have this in common:

They doubt their doubt.

Even when they are fearful, a part of them laughs at that fear and tells it to shut the fuck up.

'Cause that’s what faith really is.

It’s not an immovable rock. It’s just a bitch with an attitude.

[servantofthefates]

How to Spot Fake Tarot Readers

You've heard about fake Rolexes and fake friends. But how much do you know about fake tarot readers?

1. They downright threaten your life.

They start their videos by saying that something bad will happen to you if you don't finish watching the reel, the TikTok or the Short. It goes without saying that's not true. Fake tarot readers are fake witches too. They can't curse you. It's just better for the algorithm if you watch their whole video. And if they're monetized, it makes them earn more money too.

2. They also threaten you subtly.

They end their videos by saying that the Universe will treat you the way you treat their content. Which follows that if you like, share and save it, the Universe will also like you and save you and share blessings with you. So if you ignore the video, the Universe will also ignore you. No one who truly speaks for a higher power will threaten you for engagement, even discreetly.

3. They don't actually interpret the cards.

They already have a storyline or a script in their mind. And they're just pulling cards and showing them to you on screen, pretending that the message is coming from tarot. If you actually know even a little bit about tarot, you will notice that the cards they're showing are completely unrelated to what they're saying. They don't use tarot as an instrument. They use it as props.

4. They tell you exactly what you want to hear.

Exes really do come back. People really become millionaires. Dreams really do come true. But if their readings are always 100% positive to the point of exaggeration, and come with no careful disclaimers about energy alignment and the nature of general readings, then you are being fooled. I mean, if all you want is to feel good, then they're doing their job. But if you come to tarot for truth, you would be betraying yourself.

5. You're always the good guy in their story.

You know what? Most of the time, you are the good guy. People who seek tarot tend to be spiritual after all. But we all have a blind spot, and none of us is perfect. So sometimes, you are the villain. Why are you always the victim anyway if you're such a strong and wonderful person? It's a contradiction. Tarot readers who consistently talk crap about everyone in your life while praising you, want you to be addicted to them. They talk about your success, but they're using you for theirs.

It doesn't even matter if you're serious about tarot. Even if you just watch readings for fun, energy is still energy. And when you listen to fake tarot readers, you absorb their malice, manipulation or deceit in your life. So be careful what you consume. Don't be fooled and don't be used.

[servantofthefates]

Why does life hurt you anyway?

Around 500 BC, Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu said that when a soldier is in a truly desperate position, he will fight to the death.

And when someone is willing to fight to the death, there is nothing they cannot achieve.

So he warns his own side not to push the enemy too hard. Because a desperate enemy will always win against whoever they’re fighting.

And I think that’s why life pushes us to the point of desperation.

Because only then does our courage awaken. Only then is our victory there for the taking.

[servantofthefates]

"Does anything genuinely beautiful improve by being praised? Does it get damaged by contempt? Is an emerald suddenly flawed if no one admires it?"

— Marcus Aurelius

[servantofthefates]

Never watch tarot readings

when you’re in a vulnerable state. It’s very dangerous.

It doesn’t mean you can’t watch tarot after a breakup or after losing your job. That’s when people need tarot the most.

But when something terrible has happened to you, make sure you’ve had time to talk to yourself about it first.

Otherwise you will just hear what you want to hear, and that’s the dangerous part: it’s not tarot, it’s you.

If a reader says, “Someone will apologize,” you will hear, “They will beg for you back.”

So then you will wait for them on their knees, and if that doesn’t happen, you will be even more heartbroken.

So avoid watching tarot readings until you’ve processed your grief a bit. Otherwise, tarot will only make you feel like shit.

[servantofthefates]

"Any man who does not think that what he has is more than ample, is an unhappy man, even if he is the master of the whole world."

— Epicurus

[servantofthefates]

It’s not toxic to believe in blessings in disguise.

In my tarot readings I often say, “Your loss was fated. Better things are destined."

And it’s not an empty promise. I didn’t even invent the sentiment.

2,000 years ago, Seneca said, “Setbacks clear the way for greater prosperity.” 300 years before that, Epicurus said, “Great difficulty is the source of great calm.” And even older is the Chinese proverb, “Disaster is the foundation of blessing.”

Blessings in disguise have always been a human truth.

It’s up to you if you will play the victim, or if you will make it your truth too.