Death and Decay: Exploring the 10 of Swords and 5 of Pentacles
With an addition from my insights from Mary Roach's Stiff
Last week, I shared a note about my interest in Mary Roach's book Stiff : The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers and felt compelled to elaborate more.
So, I figured, why not add it to my tarot for bloggers section this week?
That said, I am about a topic that might initially seem a little heavy – death and decay.
And don't worry, there are no graphic images of it which I do not want to see. But plenty apparently do, which is why I have heard there are dedicated Facebook groups for that.
My morbid curiosity only goes so far that I will not look them up. I just know they exist based on what I have read and what others say.
While it might not be a nice and uplifting subject, it's an important part of the life cycle that deserves a closer look.
Interestingly, we can explore these themes through the lens of tarot cards, specifically the 10 of Swords and the 5 of Pentacles, and through the fascinating insights found in Mary Roach’s book. Let’s explore this.
The 10 of Swords: The End of a Cycle
If you’ve ever pulled the 10 of Swords in a tarot reading, which you probably have if you are tarot reader. you probably felt a pang of dread. I can’t help it as I do.
This card stands as one of the most dramatic in the deck.
Generally depicted as a figure lying face down with ten swords piercing their back, it screams finality.
In tarot, the 10 of Swords often symbolizes the end of a difficult situation or a complete breakdown, but in a broader sense, it's all about death and the subsequent decay.
This card can represent reaching the darkest point before things begin to turn around. It’s kind of like hitting rock bottom – it’s painful and overwhelming, but it also signifies that the worst is over.
From here on out, things can only get better. In the context of death and decay, the 10 of Swords brings a message of surrendering to what is inevitable.
It encourages you to let go and accept the natural conclusion of a phase so that you can pave the way for new beginnings.
The 5 of Pentacles: Hardship and Loss
Next up is the 5 of Pentacles, another card that portrays life's rough patches.
Typically, this card shows two impoverished figures struggling through a snowstorm outside a church.
It represents material hardship, loss, and feeling left out in the cold.
When thinking about death and decay, the 5 of Pentacles highlights the suffering and the very raw human experience of loss.
It reminds you of the vulnerability and isolation that can accompany the end of life or the decay of circumstances once held dear.
It underscores the anxiety of not knowing what comes next and the pain of seeing something or someone you care about fade away.
But here's the thing: both these cards, for all their stark depictions of suffering, also hold a glimmer of hope.
The 5 of Pentacles, for instance, shows the figures passing by a church, indicating that help and solace are nearby even if they are currently unnoticed.
In essence, while death and decay are posited as dark and challenging, they ultimately offer a chance to rebuild and find a new path forward.
Insights from Stiff by Mary Roach
Shifting gears a bit – have you ever read Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach?
If not, it’s a must-read for anyone curious about the science and history of what happens to our bodies after we die.
Mary Roach approaches the subject with humor, curiosity, and respect, looking at how human cadavers have contributed to science, medicine, and even art.
One of the key takeaways from Stiff is that death and decay are not just end points but can also be points of transformation.
For instance, cadavers have helped make incredible advances in safety protocols, forensic science, and even surgical techniques.
Roach’s exploration reveals that even in decay, there is a form of contribution and continuity.
The book also normalizes the decay process, making it a little less terrifying and a bit more understandable.
Roach dives into the science of decomposition with a sense of awe and respect, showing a certain beauty in how nature recycles and repurposes.
This aligns with the notions seen in the 10 of Swords and 5 of Pentacles – death and decay are harsh realities but gateways to new forms and lives.
Bringing it All Together
So, how do these tarot cards and the insights from Stiff intersect?
Both the 10 of Swords and the 5 of Pentacles set the stage for understanding death and decay as endings and crucial parts of a larger cycle.
They remind us that there is a promise of transformation and renewal through pain, hardship, and the seeming end of everything.
Mary Roach's Stiff adds another layer by showing how death and decay can serve grander purposes, providing valuable learning opportunities even after life has ended.
It’s a reminder that even in our most fragile state, we are part of something larger and extraordinary.
In contemplating death and decay, whether through the symbolic messages of tarot or the fascinating realities explored in scientific inquiry, we find a richer appreciation for the full spectrum of life.
It’s about understanding that every ending brings a new beginning, and every decay phase carries the potential for growth and new life.
So next time you encounter the 10 of Swords or the 5 of Pentacles in your tarot spread, or find yourself pondering the mysteries of decay, remember that these are just parts of the grand tapestry of existence, always leading us towards new chapters and fresh starts.
If you want to join the Creative Tarot Circle on Facebook, I would love to have you! I am putting out more engaging content on there.
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