Happy Friday the 13th, soul family! While this day often carries a reputation for being unlucky, the truth is quite the opposite. Friday the 13th has deep historical and spiritual significance, particularly when viewed through the lens of ancient cultures and goddess worship. Today, I invite you to embrace this powerful day with open hearts and minds as we explore our unique Pick-a-Pile Tarot readings.
Before you dive into your personal reading, you may want to learn more about the history behind the Friday the 13th superstition. Curious minds can explore how this day came to be misunderstood and discover its connection to sacred feminine energy. For your convenience, you can jump directly to your reading using the links below:
- Jump to Friday the 13th Pick-a-Pile Reading 1
- Jump to Friday the 13th Pick-a-Pile Reading 2
- Jump to Friday the 13th Pick-a-Pile Reading 3
For all three readings, we are working the Waite Smith Tarot deck. As with any general reading, take what resonates with your soul and leave the rest. May these readings offer you insight, guidance, and a deeper connection to the sacred energies at play today.
Origins of the Friday the 13th Superstition
The superstition that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day has deep historical roots, interwoven with the vilification of goddess worship by patriarchal religions. To understand this, we need to delve into the ancient cultural and religious contexts that shaped these beliefs.
The Number 13
In many ancient cultures, the number 13 was sacred and associated with femininity and lunar cycles. A year with 13 moon cycles was seen as harmonious and connected to the goddess. The menstrual cycle, often linked to the moon’s phases, averages around 28 days, leading to approximately 13 cycles in a year. Hence, the number 13 became associated with feminine energy and divine cycles.
However, as patriarchal religions gained prominence, the reverence for the number 13 began to shift. These new religious frameworks often sought to suppress older, goddess-centered beliefs, branding them as heretical or immoral. This inversion of 13 from a number of feminine sanctity to one of bad luck reflects the broader societal shift from matriarchal or egalitarian spiritual practices to patriarchal structures.
The Day Friday
Friday has long been connected to goddesses in several ancient cultures. For instance, in Norse mythology, Friday is named after Frigg (also known as Freya), the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty. Similarly, the Roman goddess Venus, who embodies love and fertility, is linked to the day. Both goddesses represent aspects of life that were traditionally celebrated and honored within matriarchal societies.
As Christianity spread through Europe, the view of these goddesses and the days associated with them started to change. The new patriarchal frameworks often demonised the female deities and practices associated with them. Friday, once a day to honour the feminine divine, was rebranded as a day of misfortune.
Convergence into Superstition
The convergence of Friday and the number 13 into a superstition of bad luck likely occurred later. This was within the Christian context. One significant contributing event was the mass arrest of the Knights Templar. It happened on Friday, October 13, 1307, by King Philip IV of France. The Templars were accused of heresy and other charges. This led to their suppression. This historical event reinforced the connection between Friday the 13th and misfortune.
Patriarchal Influence
The broader narrative of vilifying goddess worship can be seen as patriarchal religions sought to establish their supremacy. By rebranding symbols and days linked to the old ways as negative or unlucky, patriarchal religious systems attempted to erase the influence and sanctity of goddess-centric practices and beliefs.
In summary, the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th is deeply rooted in historical shifts from matriarchal or goddess-based worship. This transformation involved recontextualising sacred symbols of femininity as ominous. Furthermore, it enforced and solidified patriarchal dominance over spiritual and cultural life.
We are using the three-card spread below for the Friday the 13th pick-a-pile readings.
Friday the 13th Goddess Tarot Spread
- Feminine Energy: Represents the sacred, feminine aspects and their influence on your current situation.
- Patriarchal Influence: Indicates areas where patriarchal structures or beliefs may be affecting you.
- Integration & Transformation: Shows how to balance the feminine energy and overcome patriarchal influence to achieve harmony and transformation.
Pile 1
1. Feminine Energy – 3 of Wands
The 3 of Wands signifies expansion, exploration, and forward planning. In the context of feminine energy, this card suggests that you are embracing a phase of growth and creativity. The sacred feminine aspects in your life are prompting you to look beyond your current boundaries and explore new opportunities. This energy encourages you to dream big and to align your actions with your higher vision. It’s a favorable time to harness your intuition and receptivity to manifest your aspirations.
2. Patriarchal Influence – 9 of Wands
The 9 of Wands represents resilience, defensiveness, and perseverance. This card in the position of patriarchal influence indicates that you may be enduring a struggle against established norms. Patriarchal structures might be challenging your progress or making you feel guarded. Despite having faced numerous challenges, this card suggests that you are close to achieving your goal. The key is to remain steadfast and resilient, while also being aware of the barriers that patriarchal influences might have constructed around you.
3. Integration & Transformation – 4 of Cups
The 4 of Cups symbolises contemplation, reevaluation, and potential dissatisfaction with the status quo. To achieve transformation and integration, this card advises you to take a step back and reexamine your current emotional state. You may feel a sense of discontent or boredom, which is prompting you to seek a deeper connection or purpose.
Therefore, balance the expanding energy of the 3 of Wands with the resilience of the 9 of Wands. Thus, introspect and identify what truly aligns with your inner self. This period of reflection can lead to a profound transformation. In turn, you will find a renewed sense of fulfillment. Finally, determine what genuinely resonates with your heart and soul and move forward undeterred by the dying powers.
By blending these energies, you can harmonise the expansive, creative potential of the feminine with the resilience needed to navigate patriarchal challenges. This may lead to a sense of emotional satisfaction and purpose.
Pile 2
1. Feminine Energy – Page of Swords
The Page of Swords embodies curiosity, intelligence, and keen observation skills. In the context of feminine energy, this card suggests that you are in a phase of mental agility and assertiveness. The sacred feminine aspects in your life are prompting you to embrace a sharp intellect and clarity of thought. This energy encourages you to seek truth and communicate your ideas effectively. It’s a favorable time to trust your perceptions and articulate your insights to navigate through complex situations.
2. Patriarchal Influence – King of Pentacles
The King of Pentacles represents stability, wealth, and a practical approach to life. This card in the position of patriarchal influence indicates that you may be suffering from expectations of material success and societal expectations. Patriarchal structures might be urging you to focus on financial security and tangible achievements. While the King of Pentacles symbolises success and abundance, it also suggests that the influence of these patriarchal values could be pressurising you into prioritising material gains over more meaningful aspects of life.
3. Integration & Transformation – 3 of Swords
The 3 of Swords signifies heartbreak, sorrow, and the need for emotional healing. To achieve transformation and integration, this card advises you to confront and process any pain or disappointment you may be feeling. You could be suffering from soul loss due to forcing yourself to conform to expectations.
Balancing the mental clarity of the Page of Swords with the material focus of the King of Pentacles requires you to acknowledge and heal emotional wounds. This period of introspection and healing can lead to a profound transformation.
By blending these energies, you can integrate the curious, intellectual potential of the feminine with the practical stability of patriarchal influences without feeling pressurised into leading a life that is not yours.
Pile 3
1. Feminine Energy – King of Cups
The King of Cups embodies emotional balance, compassion, and wisdom. In the context of feminine energy, this card suggests you are encouraged to harness a mature and nurturing emotional intelligence. The sacred feminine aspects in your life are guiding you to lead with your heart while maintaining a calm and composed demeanor. This energy promotes healing, empathy, and the ability to understand and manage your emotions deeply and effectively.
2. Patriarchal Influence – 7 of Wands
The 7 of Wands represents courage, persistence, and standing your ground. In the position of patriarchal influence, this card indicates that you may be facing opposition or competition, urging you to defend your beliefs and actions. Patriarchal structures might challenge your position or push you to assert yourself in areas where you feel pressured to prove your worth. This card signifies the need for determination and resilience to overcome these challenges and stand firm in your convictions.
3. Integration & Transformation – 8 of Wands
The 8 of Wands signifies swift action, progress, and movement. To achieve transformation and integration, this card advises you to embrace the momentum and seize the opportunities arising quickly. Harmonising the emotional depth of the King of Cups with the resilience of the 7 of Wands can lead to significant breakthroughs. This period of rapid advancement calls for clear direction and purposeful action. By combining emotional wisdom with steadfast determination, you can move forward dynamically and achieve harmony and growth in your endeavors.
By blending energies, you can harmonise compassion with courage, tackling patriarchal challenges for swift, purposeful progress.
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Comments
Man, is this spot on. #2. Coming from a materialistic family, I’ve always felt like the “loser” because they all have high paying jobs and plenty of cash but I’m quite the opposite. What I lack in financial stability I make up for in spiritual satisfaction.
Sometimes I beat up on myself for not having “enough” but when I attend obligatory family functions and listen to their lack of wisdom, I usually feel better about myself.
My boss recently ( on friday the 13th) told me the story regarding the knights templar. Very interesting . Of course, being he’s a misogynist he left out the suppression of femininity part. lol 🙂
Thanks for the feedback, Tara. Pile 2 really speaks to me too. I was talking about the Knight’s Templar with my husband that very same day!!