Alexander Rests in Babylon
When illness strikes, strength fades, and all plans must be set aside.
Hold on to what remains, and let go of emptiness; better to preserve than to pursue.
Do not act in haste, for delay and loss may follow.
Conserve your energy and accept your limits; the time for effort has not yet returned.
All pursuits face obstacles, and success is far from reach.
This is a season to endure and reflect, waiting for the light to return.
In the darkest valley, do not lose heart; when the time is right, the path will open again.
Alexander’s Last Days in Babylon
In 323 BCE Alexander the Great returned to Babylon after creating an empire that stretched from Greece to India. While planning further campaigns, he fell violently ill and died at only thirty-two. His commanders gathered around him, but neither conquest nor wealth could restore his strength or secure an orderly succession. The empire soon fractured among rival generals. Alexander’s final days are a severe reminder that ambition must yield when the body and circumstances fail, and that preservation is wiser than one more campaign when vitality is exhausted.
Meaning of This Lot
This lot expresses its lesson through Alexander Rests in Babylon. When illness strikes, strength fades, and all plans must be set aside. Hold on to what remains, and let go of emptiness; better to preserve than to pursue.
Its practical counsel is therefore specific: career: Obstacles block the way; no progress can be made.; wealth: Losses outweigh gains; do not invest or risk.; love: Affection fades; relationships face cold winds.; health: Health is critical; recovery is distant.; relationships: Support is scarce; trust is hard to find.; travel: Travel brings trouble; stay where you are. The overall judgment is great misfortune, so act in proportion to that sign—welcome openings where they are offered, but respect every warning contained in the verses.