So here we are, almost at the end of 2021.
Let’s let that sink in for a moment. And breathe.
This year has felt very long. So many wonderful things, and so many worries. Many triumphs and losses. Everyone and everything feels very precious. Life has been unsettled and uncertain and also has reminded us of what really matters, in the grand scheme of things.
I’m ready for 2022, how about you?
2022 is a Lovers year, according to the Tarot.
2+0+2+2=6, and 6=The Lovers
But before we dive in and revel in all that LOVE, let’s take a look back at the Universal Year card for 2021, The Hierophant.
2+0+2+1=5, and 5=The Hierophant
By the way, the Universal Year Card gives us insight into the atmosphere and energy of the year in general. By exploring the Year card, we can get an idea into the upcoming challenges, opportunities, and external circumstances that impact us collectively as a planet.
This card was originally called “the Pope”. The Hierophant, which was a change to a more esoteric title yet conveying a similar meaning, is the title of the high priest of the Eleusinian Mysteries in Ancient Greece, and the word means, “Displayer of the Holy Things” or “He who shows the sacred things”.
So the Hierophant is a wise teacher, but one of conventional information, of tradition. He tells you who you are, how you fit into the world, and what is expected of you. He can be a supportive force, or a restrictive one. He helps you communicate with the Divine, but he is also a gatekeeper or a go-between with God. The traditional version of the card screams patriarchy and hierarchy, but at its best it is wisdom and valuable teachings.
In 2021, our Hierophant year as a planet, we tried to hang onto the tenuous stability that was achieved in 2020 (which was an Emperor year). That stability was threatened, which caused stress and worry and backlash, and a desire to maintain what was built. We also had strict rules that had to be followed, and if you didn’t, there were consequences on several levels. We had to listen to experts, but we also had to come to terms with what was true for us and our own philosophy in the world.
- Themes of our 2021 Hierophant Year:
- Relying on experts and acquiring solid knowledge
- Having faith and connecting with spirit/God/the divine
- Shaming out of fear, reverting to fundamental beliefs
- Creating new traditions and honoring those that have been previously ignored
- Acting with compassion and offering grace
- Seeking stability in uncertain times
So, on to 2022.
2022 is a Lovers year, according to the Tarot.
2+0+2+2=6, and 6=The Lovers
What does The Lovers represent?
- Love
- Choice
- Unity within ourselves – reason, passion, and the divine
- Healing power of love
- Intellectual & moral independence
In the card, we see Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. But, they are not being expelled, or shamed, or punished, they are being blessed and held in the love of the divine. The Angel Rafael, whose name means, “The healing power of God” presides over the scene, letting us know that LOVE heals all wounds.
The Lovers means LOVE. Of course, this can be love between two people, the kind of love that makes us feel whole.
But even more importantly, The Lovers represents finding unity within ourselves, understanding that the masculine, the feminine, and the Divine, reside in all of us. Also, the path to the divine goes through both the rational mind, and the feeling heart, both are needed to be unified and fully realized.
The older meaning of this card was CHOICE, making choices that are aligned with the heart, rather than what is proper, or expected, or easier. This card is an invitation to be who you really are, and make choices that are in sync with your highest self.
When I look ahead to our Lovers Year, here is what I hope for:
- A year of making choices that are aligned with love, compassion and with the intention of fostering unity
- Acting with authenticity and independence
- Valuing the relationships and love in our lives
- Healing from the challenges of the past few years
- Open and honest communication
- Love and acceptance rather than fear and accusation
- Greater harmony as a planet
I know that’s a tall order, and optimistic, but I know its what we all need, and I believe it is the direction we are heading it. It won’t be easy, to act from Love rather than Fear, but that is what is going to elevate us all as a planet.