The Four of Swords is the Tarot Card of the Week for October 8 to 14, 2005. This card was drawn while mediating on events that are affecting the planet at the beginning of this time period. This card speaks of rest, withdrawal, and healing.

Week of October 8 - 14, 2005

EVENTS SHAPING THIS WEEK'S ENERGY

• South Asia 7.6 Earthquake - Pakistan, Afghanistan, India
  
• Hurricane Katrina clean-up - New Orleans
  
• Hurricane Stan - Mexico
  
• Tropical Storm Tammy - Florida, Georgia, Carolinas
  
• Arctic Icecap melts to record low
  
• Nobel Peace Prize - UN nuclear chief, Mohamed ElBaradei
  
• Columbus Day - October 10th, USA
  
• Thanksgiving Day - October 10th, Canada
  
• National Day - October 12th, Spain
  
• Yom Kippur - October 13th
  

The Four of Swords, like all of the fours, represents order and stability. It shows an immediate respite from problems and concerns, at least temporarily. It heralds a time for rest and recovery, of retreating to a place of seclusion, to free ourselves from the stress and tensions of the world. This card also signifies recovery from illness, finding a sense of peace, and learning to relax the body, mind, and spirit.

On the mental front, the Four of Swords teaches us to contemplate our lives and progress in order to widen our worldview and perspective. We need to listen to that still small voice within that gently guides us along our soul path. We sometimes need to stand back from a situation and objectively examine the forces, motivations, and events that have shaped our lives thus far. We need to engage in a thorough self review and take stock of our current position in life.

This card also guides us to achieve holistic equilibrium and stability, to prepare ourselves for the future, and to come to terms with ourselves and the events that swirl around us. We need to connect with the forces of nature to ground ourselves in reality, keeping an eye to the heavens all the while.