Decan Spotlight: Scorpio I: The Five Of Cups — A Warrior’s Reqiem
Greetings Mystic,
We are entering the first decan of Scorpio (0-10°), ruled by Mars and represented in the Rider-Waite Smith Tarot by the 5 of Cups. This period spans from October 22nd through November 1st/2nd, making way for the apex of our magick and otherworldly communication as the veil between the physical and spiritual realms thins.
Astrological Meaning of Scorpio I:
Scorpio’s first decan brings us face to face with the "Grim Reaper" and the invitation into the underworld, where things are transformed. Mars is the planet of war, initiation, courage, anger,
and energy. It is the very life force that drives the energy to where it is willed to go. With Mars as this decan’s ruler, we reminisce on our life’s wars, battles, victories, losses, and most importantly, our sacrifices.
Shadow side: Overly aggressive, egoistic, self-pity, forceful, harmful, conflict-oriented, resentful.
Tarot Correspondence:
The 5 of Cups is initially a card that speaks of regret and "crying over spilt milk." Understanding that Mars is the ruler of this card's decan, we dig deep into the first face of Scorpio and start to see that, in actuality, here is a man paying tribute to the fallen, while saving the remaining two cups for a toast of celebration for what is still living. This is a card that speaks to the morbid melancholy that comes with losing something precious, and how the same double-edged sword that cuts and kills, also cuts and makes way for a truly aligned journey to unfold in an impactful way. The crisis had to happen for the hero, the healer, the mystic, the teacher, the student, the leader... to emerge.
The Conjunction:
When Scorpio I meets the 5 of Cups, we are reminded to honor what has passed and honor what was gained in place. The magic key here is utilizing your knowledge that the sacrifice was not made in vain: the grief, shame, or regret is the call to action for you to step into your new journey.
Elements: Mars and Scorpio Water
Traditionally, Scorpio is ruled by Mars, but since the discovery of Pluto in the 1930s, modern astrologers have revered this celestial body as the profound ruler of Scorpio, highlighting its Alchemical potency. If the ruling element of Mars is fire (and Iron), and Pluto's is water, we get the clash and creation of steam. Scorpio is a fixed sign; therefore, once we give Scorpio's steam a target and direction, it can carry the weight of any load and go to distance. A perfect example would be to think of steam-powered trains and railroads. Between now and the second decan of Scorpio in November is an optimal time for weaving between the physical and the spiritual lenses to assess the direction you want to go in and the cargo you wish to either leave behind, carry with you into the new year, and meet at the finishing stop. The goal is to go in targeted increments to avoid burnout, confusion, or diffusion. Steam is powerful when harnessed intentionally, but without a destination, direction, or intention, it disperses and scatters, hence losing its power. Reflecting and honoring ancestors, deceased relatives, former teachers, and fallen companions during this time helps refine your clarity of who you are today versus who you've been and who you wish to be. Scorpio is not surface-level by any means and guides you into the depths of your underworld to transform you and bring your soul to your incarnation's highest embodiment.
Want to explore how Scorpio I 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).