Decan Spotlight: Libra II: The Three Of Swords — The Dark Sunny Sky

Greetings Mystic,

We are entering the second decan of Libra (10-20°), ruled by Saturn and represented in the Rider-Waite Smith Tarot by the 3 of Swords. This period spans from October 3rd through October 12th, highlighting commitments to self and others, as well as the bittersweet binding of knowing what cannot be unknown.

Astrological Meaning of Libra Il:

Libra’s second decan finds itself in a melancholy dance between beauty, grace, and the brutal truth that intercepts the thin

veil of joy and heartache. If Libra II could be any superhero, it would be Batman from the DC Comics, as we are reminded that this “superhero” is, in fact, human and limited by his fragile mortality, as well as his daily commitment to his physical stamina and human affairs. With Saturn as this decan’s ruler, we hear the soft cello playing on a rainy day, as the grandfather clock ticks, reminding us it’s time to honor our commitments (by word or legal bond) and make responsible and sober decisions. The gain? Personal freedom and a promised outcome that will not only greatly benefit those involved, but also (and primarily) you.

Shadow side: Procrastination, hard escapism, financial and emotional negligence, perpetual regret.

Tarot Correspondence:

The image of the 3 of Swords alone never fails to bring a pair of sighs to even the most beginner of tarot connoisseurs. The card features a striking image of a heart pierced by three swords as rain falls upon it (adding to the drama). The stark contrast between the crimson heart and the greyish-blue background wakes us up from the trance that the Two of Swords put us in during the previous decan. It is now time to cut to the heart of the matter and make decisions despite challenging circumstances. There is often a sense of a third-party interference with the three of swords. And, though it could represent interference from a third person (you, me, and them), sometimes the third party is the sole, bleak truth in the midst of what we love and hope. There can

only be pain where there is love, and sometimes the undeniable truth of a situation is the very sword that pierces the heart that we cherish.

The Conjunction:
When Libra II meets the 3 of Swords, there is a refinement to the otherwise aloof and naive Libra. Once the initial pierce of heartache is mourned, it moves into a position of eloquent leadership, adept with precision and discernment where there were once rose-colored lenses. The key here is not to become so rigid and cynical about life’s harsh realities, but to act accordingly and appreciate with greater piety what we love with wholesome respect while the bonds of commitment are alive and relevant (Libra II carries regret in its shadow).

Elements: Saturn and Libra Air

Saturn is considered the grandfather in astrology and governs long-term contracts, discipline, time, karma, structure, and limitations. When flirtatious and beautiful Venus comes together with “big daddy” Saturn, there is a push and pull between freedom and restriction. A paradoxical tango between explosively sensual expression and a complete restriction of passion. Honoring these elements by taking care of what needs tending to first, and then surrendering to Aphrodite’s red robes, brings balance to the scales. Saturn loves rules, so creating boundaries for yourself will help you make the most of your “play hard” after working hard. This would be an ideal time to create or revamp your daily and long-term schedules, especially if you feel like you’ve either not had enough fun lately or you’ve been having a little too much fun, thereby procrastinating tasks off your to-do list. Creating long-term goals for career and business affairs proves beneficial during this time of sober clarity and can promote an even more successful turnover down the line.

Want to explore how Libra II energy

is showing up in your Astrology Chart or life through the lens of Tarot? Catch a flying star and book your one-on-one session with me as I guide you through it via Zoom! (recordings available for keepsakes).