Thursday 30th March 2023: 9 of Rods

The Nine of Rods (Moon in Aries) is an arcana of perseverance, resilience, and inner strength.

When the Moon is in sidereal Cancer, as it is today, and Jupiter is in Pisces, the energy of the Nine of Rods can be intensified, bringing a strong sense of emotional security and spiritual growth.

The Moon in Cancer is often associated with withdrawing from the world and defending one’s inner space. Cancer is a water sign that is associated with emotional depth, sensitivity, and intuition. When the Moon is in Cancer, it can bring up intense emotions and a desire for privacy and solitude.

Morgan Greer 9 of Rods

In the context of the Nine of Rods, which is governed by the Moon, the emotional strength and resilience that it represents can manifest in different ways when the Moon is in Cancer. Instead of pushing through obstacles, you may be more focused on protecting your inner world and finding emotional stability. This may involve setting boundaries with others, taking time for self-care, and creating a safe and nurturing environment for yourself.

Jupiter in Pisces can still bring a sense of spiritual growth and connection to higher consciousness during this time, but it may manifest more internally rather than externally. You may find that your spiritual practices and inner reflection become more important during this time, as you seek deeper understanding and meaning in your life.

If you draw the Nine of Rods when the Moon is in Cancer and Jupiter is in Pisces, it suggests a time of emotional strength, resilience, and inner reflection. Trust in your intuition and take the necessary steps to protect your emotional well-being, while also seeking spiritual growth and understanding within yourself.

Jupiter in Pisces brings a sense of spiritual growth and a connection to higher consciousness. You may feel inspired to explore your spirituality and seek deeper meaning and purpose in your life. This spiritual connection can give you the strength to overcome any challenges arising from the first half of the week. Keep in mind that the Moon is still square to the Sun and Mercury suggesting a more challenging aspect to communication, negotiation, business, and commerce. It would be useful to review the arcanae of this week that are ruled by Mercury (6 of Swords, 10 of Pentacles) for further insight into the those challenges.

Nine Rods with Venus in Aries

Since the Nine of Rods is ruled by the Moon in Aries, we should also note Venus is currently transiting sidereal Aries, bringing a sense of passion and assertiveness to the situation. As such, being mindful of the Moon’s placement in Cancer, beware of pursuing impulsive desires too vigourously especially in relation to other people as this can lead to conflict, amplified as the Moon is in opposition to Pluto. Today it is more propitious to stay at home than to follow any sudden impulse to go out and socialize.

Moon In Opposition To Pluto

As the Moon transits sidereal Cancer, it finds itself in opposition to Pluto in expansive and fiery Sagittarius, which can bring up deep emotions and issues related to power and control. You may feel a strong urge to assert yourself or your beliefs, and this can lead to conflicts with others. While the Nine of Rods reminds you that you have the inner strength and resilience to overcome any challenges that come your way, since the governing planet of that arcana is in Cancer, it is better to see defence in terms of avoidance of conflict with others and of withdrawing into the fortress of the heart.

The Fortress Of The Heart

In a world that can be chaotic and unpredictable, the “fortress of the heart” provides a sense of stability and safety. It allows us to navigate challenges and difficult emotions with grace and equanimity, rather than being tossed around by the winds of external circumstances.

Cultivating the fortress of the heart involves developing self-awareness, self-compassion, and a deep sense of inner purpose and meaning. It also involves cultivating practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection, which can help us connect with our innermost selves and develop a greater sense of inner peace and resilience.

Ultimately, the fortress of the heart is a powerful inner resource that can help us navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease and grace, and live in alignment with our deepest values and aspirations.