the arrow
a tarot spread reflection for the sagittarius new moon
this new moon spread is arriving a little late in true mercury rx fashion, but right on time for mercury day.
today is the day the jupiter-mercury opposition perfects. it just so happens that this opposition is one of mutual reception; mercury is in jupiter’s sign (sagittarius), and jupiter is in mercury’s sign (gemini) — and, they’re both retrograde. this aspect is one that suggests to us that it’s really not to late to adjust our plans and expectations. it’s not too late to pivot or change strategies. if you’ve been contemplating a different approach to things, especially topics relating to the houses of your chart that mercury in sag and jupiter in gemini are currently occupying, this is your moment to go back to the drawing board and draft some next steps.
another notable transit this day brings is sun square saturn. the sun’s light may feel somewhat shrouded by saturn’s looming shadow. maybe it feels silly to hold space for hope and optimism right now. sagittarius sun square saturn in pisces urges us to look back on the work that has been completed in our lives thus far — isn’t that proof that what has yet to happen could still come to pass? allow your own progress to be proof of redemption.
this spread, the arrow, is a post-sagittarius new moon reflection to help you think about grounding your dreams in reality, to help you take your planning seriously, to help you look at discipline as devotion to your aspirations.
i chose to orient this spread in the iconic shape of the sagittarian archer’s instrument: the bow and arrow. the different components of the bow have created the questions posed in this tarot reflection.
the riser is the joining point between the upper and lower limbs of the bow — in some designs, this is where the two separate limbs are joined together, however, in this image, the bow is crafted from a single piece and the riser is simply the center where the limbs meet. the riser is stable and rigid. functioning similarly to a scale’s apex, it is necessary for balance and accuracy.
the upper and lower limbs capture the archer’s potential energy through flexibility that transfers to the arrow once the archer releases the bowstring. these parts are strong, but move with ease.
the anchor point ensures that the arrow is released from the same position every time. finding and maintaining this place provides consistency and accuracy. the anchor point is part of a structure grounded in finesse and technique.
finally, the nocking point is where the archer clips the arrow to the bowstring. this is the foundation of taking aim, the final step before making a shot and letting an arrow fly. this point is what fixes the arrow throughout the shot, giving follow-through and a straightforward path.
let me know in the comments if you tried this spread or tag me in your stories/posts! i would love to see where you’re aiming 🏹
THE RISER — what core value or belief serves as the base of my aspiration?
THE UPPER LIMB — what have i integrated that will help me adapt in changing circumstances?
THE LOWER LIMB — what potential energy am I exploring through tangible practice?
THE ANCHOR POINT — what structures provide the consistency necessary to build towards my goal?
THE NOCKING POINT — what final preparations must i make before taking action?