Happy 60th Birthday, Keanu Reeves!
Witchy Awakenings Within The Matrix
Alright, first of all, how the hell is Keanu Reeves 60 years old?? That man sure knows a thing or two about aging gracefully. I sometimes wonder if there genuinely is a parallel between having prominent Virgo placements and a tendency to remain youthful looking.
But, this isn’t really an astrology post. Instead, today in honor of his birthday, we’re tapping into some creative and esoteric inspiration from one of Keanu Reeves’ most iconic characters, Neo, in The Matrix. So buckle up buttercups, as we take a fun and wild witchy ride with Neo and his journey through The Matrix.
For those who have seen the movie, have you ever considered how The Matrix can be viewed within the lens of a witchy metaphor (wrapped up in leather and sunglasses, of course)? Think about it - the essence of Neo's whole journey is about waking up to the fact that reality is malleable and he has the power to bend it to his will. Sound familiar? That's Witchcraft 101, baby!
In a similar fashion, Neo learns to manipulate the Matrix, while witches are often known to tap into unseen energies to shape their goals or reality. It's all about intention, belief, and embracing your inner badass. Neo didn't become The One by doubting himself or playing it safe. He had to take that red pill, face his fears, and believe he could fly.
Likewise, witchcraft isn't for the faint of heart or for those who are more comfortable to remain stagnant or stuck in illusion. It's for the rebels who are ready to see beyond the veil and take an active role in creating their destiny. Witchcraft seeks to influence reality through magical workings and spells. Put simply, magic is affecting change in accordance with will.
Consider The Oracle in The Matrix as a representation of a wise witch archetype, dishing out cryptic advice and baking cookies. She knows the score but also knows Neo has to figure it out for himself. Of course, Neo is also guided by Morpheus, (the mentor we all need in our lives) and others. Some witchy practitioners are able to learn from elders or work with spirit guides. In modern day witchcraft practices, experienced witches can often mentor newbies, but ultimately each witch has to find their own path and power.
At the end of the day, both The Matrix and the practice of witchcraft are telling us the same thing - reality is what you make it, so make it fucking amazing. Whether you're bending spoons with your mind or casting spells under the full moon, the underlying theme is we need to break free from limitations and embrace our ability to shape the world around us.
So next time you're watching The Matrix, imagine Neo in a pointy hat stirring a cauldron. Or don't, because that mental image is ridiculous. But do remember that we all have a little magic in us, waiting to be unleashed. Now pardon me while I go practice my slow-motion backbends.
Questions for Reflection
What illusions or limitations in my life am I ready to break free from?
How can I awaken to my true purpose and power?
What does it mean for me to take the "red pill" and see things as they truly are?
Choice of Awakening Ritual
Create a simple "Choice of Awakening" ritual. Sit with two candles—one red and one blue—to represent the famous choice Neo faces. Hold a small piece of clear quartz in your hands to symbolize clarity and insight. Light the red candle, setting an intention to awaken to your highest truth, even if it challenges your current reality. As the candle burns, say, "I choose truth, I choose awakening." Let the quartz absorb this energy and carry it with you as a reminder of your commitment to your spiritual path.
Tarot Spell: "The King of Swords and Mastering Illusions"
The King of Swords embodies intellectual mastery, clarity, and the power of the mind—all qualities that Neo exemplifies as he navigates and ultimately masters the Matrix.
Featured below are several King of Swords cards from some of my favorite Virgo Season/September tarot decks, clockwise from top left: The Druidcraft Tarot, The Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Anna K. Tarot (which currently seems to be out-of-print), The Llewellyn Tarot, and The Herbal Tarot.
From Biddy Tarot:
The King of Swords indicates that you have a clarity of mind and can perceive the truth, so it is up to you to take the lead with providing an objective point of view and making decisions based on impartial judgement. You are well-positioned to judge your situation appropriately and identify any limiting behaviours getting in the way. You are also masterful at keeping your emotions in check while you draw upon your intellectual power and mental clarity to ascertain the truth. You cut straight to the point and get to the heart of the matter for maximum efficiency and impact. While you may worry that you are not being particularly caring or sympathetic with others, this detachment is what you need most right now.
You can create a tarot spell and meditation centered around the King of Swords as a powerful way to tap into Neo's mastery over the Matrix and his ability to see through illusions.
Materials Needed:
King of Swords tarot card
A blue candle (symbolizing clarity and truth)
A small mirror
A piece of clear quartz (for mental clarity)
A journal and pen
Spell Steps:
Prepare Your Space: Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Set up your altar or workspace with the King of Swords card, the blue candle, the mirror, and the clear quartz.
Center Yourself: Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Light the blue candle and place the mirror in front of you.
Focus on the King of Swords: Hold the King of Swords card and reflect on its qualities—intellectual mastery, clarity, and truth. You may wish to visualize Neo standing confidently, seeing through the Matrix's illusions with ease.
Incantation:
"With the King of Swords, I see through the veil,
Clarity and truth, in my mind prevail.
Like Neo in the Matrix, I master my fate,
Cutting through illusions, my path I create."Gaze into the Mirror: Look into the mirror and see yourself embodying the qualities of the King of Swords. Imagine your mind clearing, your thoughts sharpening, and your ability to see through illusions strengthening.
Hold the Quartz: Pick up the clear quartz and hold it in your hand. Feel its energy enhancing your mental clarity and focus.
Close the Spell: Extinguish the candle, thanking the King of Swords for its guidance. Place the quartz next to the mirror as a reminder of your newfound clarity.
Journal: Spend a few moments writing in your journal about any insights or thoughts that came up during the spell. Reflect on how you can apply the King of Swords' energy in your life.
Finally, please feel free to try this tarot spread I made to help you determine how embracing your power can create and affect your reality .
Ok for real I swear, finally, check out this interesting video in which the creator tells about how he sees the archetypes of characters and scenes from The Matrix in the Major Arcana. I might not agree with every single depiction, but he does a nice job blending pop culture themes and the tarot.
Stay witchy and be The One in your own life.