TarotScope of the Day
DOG Reversed
Herbal Ally : VERVAIN
Crystal Ally : SNOWFLAKE OBSIDIAN
If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. ~ James Herriot , All Creatures Great and Small
Today, we are being asked to examine loyalties — especially to ourself. This is a time to reflect on where we might be giving too much of ourself to people, situations, or beliefs that no longer serve our highest good.
Are we overextending our loyalty to those who don’t reciprocate it ? Are we being loyal out of habit, guilt, or fear of change ? Don’t betray ourselves in the name of duty. Sometimes, the kindest, most loyal act we can perform is to walk away from what drains us.
Be mindful of false friends or people who may be taking advantage of our good nature. Check boundaries. Are they clear, firm, and self-honouring ?
THE TALE OF ASHRA AND THE LOYAL HOUND
Long ago, in a quiet valley ringed by forest and sky, there lived a young healer named Ashra. She was known throughout the land for her kindness, for no traveler left her door hungry or hurt. Beside her always was a great hound named Tovin, his coat the colour of storm clouds, his eyes as old as the earth.
Tovin was fiercely loyal. Wherever Ashra went, he followed. When she gave too much of herself to the village — to the sick, to the lost, to those who drained her spirit with their endless needs — Tovin would grow restless, pacing the shadows, watching.
One evening, as twilight painted the valley in shades of violet and silver, Tovin refused to follow Ashra as she set out to answer yet another call for help. She turned, surprised, and called for him, but he remained where he was, his gaze solemn and unyielding.
“Tovin,” she whispered, “why do you leave me now, when I am needed?”
The hound spoke — as creatures do in the moments between light and dark.
“Ashra, you give and give until nothing remains. Your loyalty to others is noble, but it has become a chain around your heart. You have forgotten to be loyal to yourself.”
Ashra faltered, her basket of herbs heavy in her arms. She realised then that she had been tending to everyone else’s wounds while letting her own fester. She had kept company with those who called her only in need, who gave nothing in return but expectation. Her own spirit was weary, her dreams neglected.
Tovin stepped closer, resting his great head against her side.
“Not all who ask deserve your light. Loyalty is a gift, not a burden. Choose where you place it.”
That night, Ashra left the call unanswered. She built a small fire by the river, laid down her tools, and listened to the night birds sing. She felt the ache in her bones and the quiet joy of reclaiming a piece of herself.
From then on, Ashra’s loyalty was no longer given out of guilt or habit, but as a conscious, sacred offering. And Tovin, ever her protector, no longer needed to remind her — for she had learned the truth: a loyal heart must first be loyal to its own soul.
Subscribe to the Card of the Day newsletter featuring astrological information and timing for the day, expanded information on the herbal ally, longterm astrological information and, of course, the Card of the Day. All delivered right to your email box each day ! Click here to subscribe