Good morning!
Sometimes even the most loving relationship can benefit from a short separation - especially if there has been a period of negative energy building up due to the many external stresses that life likes to throw at us. A solo vacation is a great way to let the energy discharge - after all, in regards to those we love - absence does make the heart grow fonder.
The crow diligently works on crafting a new pentacle. It is determined to make each one it creates as perfect as possible and regardless of the amount of time it takes - the bird is dedicated to making sure the task is successful.
The Eight of Pentacles brings up to the surface your innate nature, one that is centered around determination, drive, and perfectionism - this serves as the foundation energy for today's reading. Much like other areas of your life - you are committed to success and feel solely responsible for ensuring that your relationships are solid and happy. This may mean when it comes to making concessions or doing any extra work to keep the peace - you're the one stepping up first.
Friction comes from unmet expectations. Your partner may not have reacted or reciprocated in a way that reflected their appreciation for your efforts and chances are they are just happily traveling through life ignorant and unaware that you are over there stewing over the fact they have yet again forgotten to even acknowledge that despite having a job of your own - you still found time to clean the kitchen, pay the bills, and make dinner.
Overwhelmed and in need of a break, the crow flew away from the city. The day-to-day responsibilities that come from being a member of a large murder stressed it out and with each breath, the air became more clear and cleaner - the bird began to question whether or not city-life was really the best place - perhaps a life in the woods would be better? The bird found a branch to rest on and settled in for the night. As the night went on the air became more still and the only sound for miles around was that of the snow gently hitting the ground - it was then that the crow felt it and knew - as lovely as the woods are - what makes its heart sing, what gets it up and in the air in the morning is the noise and energy of the city.
At the center of today's reading is the Hermit and the message to take time out for yourself so that you can become clear about where it is you feel most connected. Whether it is a weekend getaway to the beach or a week-long vacation out of the country - sometimes it just takes being separated to remember all the things you love about home. As much as I am enjoying my vacation in Cincinnati (visiting my long-time friend and overall awesome person Linda) I feel connected to Seattle and I think when I arrive home will appreciate my life there a bit more.
With the Eight of Pentacles setting up the Hermit this may indicate that in order for you to truly experience perfection in your situation - you may need to travel inward. Perhaps perfection looks different from a distance. Perhaps you will find that despite all your partner's flaws they are pretty damn perfect. Or, on the other hand - your time away may reveal that you may not know exactly what perfection looks like - but you do know that your current relationship isn't connecting and needs repairing if not separation.
The Two Crows are joined by a shared heart as their bond is karmic and runs deep. Their relationship is created on a solid foundation of mutual love and respect - this isn't some summer fling - no they are connected for life if not in romance than in partnership.
The Two of Cups brings a supportive energy to your situation that will help you find harmony and balance in your situation. If after your trip you desire to work together to rebuild weak areas in your relationship the Two of Cups indicates that the end result will be that of a stronger more dedicated partnership. If you decide that you need to go alone - the Two of Cups foretells of a soul-mate connection will have the opportunity to manifest now that you are able to define what it is that you are looking for in a partner.
The Two of Cups intensifies your relationship for those who are committed and for those who are single (or soon to be single) this energy creates an atmosphere where connection and attraction happen effortlessly.
"A soulmate is an ongoing connection with another individual that the soul picks up again in various times and places over lifetimes. We are attracted to another person at a soul level not because that person is our unique complement, but because by being with that individual, we are somehow provided with an impetus to become whole ourselves.” ~Edgar Cayce
Peace!
MJ