Last night, we honored the longest day (here in the Northern Hemisphere) by sprucing up our altar for the season and toasting it with blackberry wine. (OK, we also watched A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but I do love it!) It was a beautiful day here that we started with a walk. I explored the yard a bit too, checking on plants and munching some purslane. I hope you all found a way to enjoy the Solstice as well.
Now to today’s card.
Many times, it is easy to focus overly much on the feminine power and divine – a natural reaction for many of us who were only exposed to masculine power and divine growing up. Let us not forget the importance of balance and of the masculine energies in our world.
Blessings!
Himself – Natural Law, Life Force, Magic, Shamanic Power
Known as Himself, this Sidhe is guardian of both the hunter and the hunted – and finds no conflict in that because he understands the many necessary balances of nature. The living bond between all life, Himself is the breath that moves, the atom that dances, his magic is in pure being – living, loving. He has the magic of procreation, of dancing the spark of life into being. His presence brings magic and life into a world where it is shaped and given form by Earthmother. He dances as the Bright Mother gives us birth, powering us into the world. He is the Great Father.
Meaning: When Himself appears in a card spread, he not only indicates that a great amount of energy is present in the reading, but he also strongly energizes the faery cards around him. Everything he touches becomes more of whatever it is – more alive, more vigorous, more powerful, more awesome, or more awful. This card in a reading can indicate great vitality, victory, or triumph, confidence, and power. There is a leadership, an ability to command, steadfastness, and integrity – wild power help and channeled for the good of all by will.
Himself speaks of protection, either of the querent or of someone the querent owes protection to, like a child or an elder. Acceptance of paternal responsibility is important, as are deep and committed relationships. He is the preserver of the natural world and its balances.
Shamanic power may be indicated here, as well as a potential for powerful spiritual healing. This card may also speak of erotic energy, passion, and potent creativity.
Alternatively, when the energy of Himself is being blocked, we feel limp, enervated, drained. There may also be depression, either physical or emotional. Energy may be locked into obsessions or may swing from blocked to out of control.
Twisted, the life force, strength and/or authority may be being misused as arrogant aggressiveness or violence toward others. When this card is reversed in a reading, careful and prayerful consideration needs to given to how the energy can be rechanneled into its naturally creative and protective mode.
At worst, this potent energy becomes a force for war, oppression, and domination. The very worst is when brutality or twisted sexuality is turned on the very persons this energy within us should be protecting. As in all the Sidhe powers, what has great potential for good can also have great potential for destruction. Volcanic release may occur.
The Faeries Oracle by Brian Froud and ?? Macbeth
Parting the Mists 