Day 9/12

And now we are on the ninth day of the 12 Days of Dreaming.

On the 9th day of Yule the God Odin is remembered. He is the chief God in Norse mythology and the ruler of Asgard. Odin’s multifaceted nature embodies not only war, victory, and death, but also wisdom, poetry, magic, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. His quest for understanding, even at personal sacrifice such as giving up his eye to drink from the Well of Mimir, reminds us of the the transformative power of wisdom. Odin’s self-sacrifice on the World Tree, Yggdrasil, where he hung for nine days to bring the runes to humanity symbolizes the rewards of perseverance and the pursuit of deeper understanding. Often depicted as a wanderer, Odin’s journeys through realms reflect the virtues of curiosity and exploration, both external and internal.

On this day we also remember the virtue of honor. If Odin has anything to teach us about honor, it’s that it isn’t about perfection or glory. It’s about staying true to who you are, following through on your commitments, and living with integrity—especially when no one’s watching. Honor isn’t just a badge you wear; it’s a way of showing up in the world, aligned with your values and your responsibilities to yourself and others.

It is also a day to think ahead to September, the month of the shedding and the Autumn Equinox. This is a time to count your blessings and to harness your strength and confidences for the winter to come. For September I drew the Seven of Cups.

Seven of Cups: Debauch

In the Thoth Tarot deck, the Seven of Cups carries the archetypal theme of debauch, representing the dangers of emotional overindulgence. This card often points to those habits and behaviors we turn to when trying to escape discomfort—overworking, overeating, overplanning, or anything else that serves as a temporary distraction from deeper issues. These coping mechanisms may provide fleeting relief but ultimately become destructive, pulling us further away from addressing the root cause of our emotional pain.

This interpretation resonates deeply with me, especially considering last month’s card, the Eight of Swords. That card highlighted my tendency to get trapped in negative self-talk and overthinking. The Seven of Cups feels like a continuation of that story, shining a light on how I often respond to those spirals—not by facing them directly, but by overworking or overscheduling as a way to “punish” myself or “fix” what I perceive as wrong. It’s a cycle of over-effort born from a place of self-criticism, a pattern that ultimately leaves me drained and disconnected.

Yet, the Seven of Cups also carries another layer of meaning—one that feels just as relevant. When I first saw this card, I felt the energy of possibilities. The image of the girl gazing at the cups suggests opportunities, choices, and the allure of different paths. It’s a reminder that amidst the clutter of distraction and emotional overindulgence, there are real opportunities to choose differently. This card invites me to step back, assess what’s in front of me with clarity, and make decisions that honor my growth rather than escape my pain.

Affirmation:

“I release the need for distractions and overindulgence. I honor my emotions and embrace clarity, choosing paths that align with my true desires and growth. I trust myself to make decisions that serve my highest good, grounding myself in the present moment rather than escaping into overwhelm. I am worthy of peace and mindful choices.”

Always,
Your Trusted Friend ✨