After we have received the cooling and resting energy of the Crocodile, we move to the Stingray.
– A quick reminder that this deck has no numerical basis for the cards in this deck. The cards were chosen based on growth or maturity in the levels of consciousness.
In the element of Water, we are connecting to themes of intuition, emotions, dreams, symbolism, and how we relate to all the many things in life.
The Stingray emerges after the gathering of energy we learn from the Crocodile, and here we are being asked to apply it to how we grow in our capacity.
Looking at the image, we see how the spine of the Stingray (the bony part of the animal) is colored with the typical colors associated with the Chakras. The lines are all connecting into the middle, highlighting the invitation that we are being called to rise in our energetic centers toward a higher space.
In the second spot, Two are about merging, receiving, artistry, integration, imagination, and cooperation. Click here to read about the numerology of Two.
Developing Your Sense of Self with the Stingray
Stingrays shouldn’t have any problem with confidence, or developing a sense of self because they are some of the most iconic-looking animals in the Animal Kingdom, not just in the water.
Stingrays are also different from their fellow fish because they have cartilage instead of bone as the genetic makeup of their skeleton. They also give birth to live young, have eyes on the top of their head, and have what are called “Wings,” instead of fins.
Working with this animal immediately conjures invitations to find yourself, leading with an authentic heart, and boldly rising in who you are.
The Stingray marks a pivotal spot in every person’s life where you must choose for yourself. The Stingray is a time of deep personal growth. We all experience this type of energy. The Stingray comes forward when we need to stand taller in ourselves, and not let public opinion dissuade us. We need to find our own emotional truth and the resolve to let that guide us, even when it points us in a direction that is unknown, dark, uncomfortable, or challenging.
This ability is an emotional one, and fitting for the iconic Stingray. You must let your intuition and emotional truth guide you, even when you are scared and you are feeling doubtful. The Stingray reminds you that this is where you build yourself up. This is where you develop a spine. Think of the insult “Spineless.” To me, this would be more of an insult than a bitch. Those who are spineless lack the ability to stand on their own two feet. They are unable to stand up to danger. They are constantly afraid, and will back down at any sign of trouble.
Running away is worse than getting beaten. Getting beaten by something in life will still give you a lesson. Running away only leaves you with that truth- retreat. Sometimes retreat is a good strategy, but not when the Stingray comes forward. When this card comes forward, you are literally being invited to get your spine, stand up tall, take up space, and flow through it.
Guidance from the guidebook
Some key references from the guidebook
Keywords / phrases: Developing Confidence, Sense of Self, or “Spine”
When in balance: eager, wants to grow
When out of balance: blames others, quits
To bring into balance: move through discomfort
Following the guidance from the guidebook, working with the Stingray is about finding an eagerness to meet the task. There is an emotional need to grow and rise with the Stingray. When this card shows up, you are asked to become who you desire to be. In all your greatness, you will meet adversity. You will need to find a sense of bravery and resolve within you when things get really tough.
But, I invite you to think about what would happen if you never tried. This is not to say that we are all meant to go through the same obstacles. You will never find me on Mount Everest. No, thank you. Those scenes where they are walking across the ice canyons…… I feel ill watching it.
The Stingray isn’t about making the biggest splash or overcoming the hardest feat. It is about recognizing what YOUR heart wants, and then finding a way to grow taller and move towards that vision. It is about recognizing where you need to grow past the comfortable because that place will eventually become a cage. When we desire a life that is constantly known, understood, and easy we are going to be ill-equipped in our emotional maturity when something happens (and it will happen) that really hits us.
By meeting the forces of this life, however hard, and finding a sense of grace in the movement through the experience, that is Stingray in action. It’s beautiful to behold. Stand tall. Develop your own sense of self. Let others say what they want. You do you!
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Ashlie McDiarmid
Hello there! I hope you liked this blog post. As a tarot and oracle reader, my goal with my blogs is to offer you content, resources, and access to the tools that have transformed my life.
I believe that your own intuition is the deepest form of knowing, but here in my little corner of the internet, I share insights based in intuition and instinct. I share my love for nature, witchcraft, and the wild spirit.
- If your spirit is at home in wild places
- If you feel the need to claim your autonomy as ritual
- If you want to more deeply trust your own intuition
- If you want resources or connections to tarot, oracle, witchcraft, and wild sovereignty, then welcome!
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