Articles By Mel and Chris

About Mel and Chris

We’re both full-time professional astrologers with more than 30 years experience (studying, teaching, writing and consulting) individually. We met several years ago while doing online consultations and have been collaborating on weekly and monthly horoscopes for the last five years.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 16, 2015 — Two of Fire

Two of Fire

Two of Fire 

Today’s card — the Two of Fire, the Vision Quest Tarot’s version of the Two of Wands, speaks of drawing on your inner reserves of self-confidence and initiative to make something happen.

This could be something that was once just a dream or half-formed vision about where you see yourself “down the road.” You may be thinking of going back to school, or looking for another job or approaching someone you’re interested in and asking them out to dinner. It doesn’t have to be something big. But it can lead to something huge.

The Two of Fire asks, “What are you waiting for?” and “why are you holding back?” It tells you there’s no time like the present to put yourself out there and take at least the first steps toward pursuing your goals.

You may not have fully fleshed out your ideas. And that’s perfectly ok. The Two of Fire speaks of putting something into action that will gather momentum over time.

It encourages you to expand your horizons and reach for broader vistas. It speaks of taking a look at your long-term goals and acting on them with courage and conviction.

If you’ve been hesitating due to fear or uncertainty, now is the time to put those worries aside. You’re already seeing how some moves are paying off, and are now in a position to take things to the next level. The Two of Fire says that all you aspire to is now within your grasp; you only need to gather up the courage and confidence to go after it.

 

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 15, 2015 — Eight of Swords

Eight of Swords

Eight of Swords

Today you may need to think about your own limitations, and how you’ve contributed to the obstacles that stand between you and your goals.

The Eight of Swords speaks of self-imposed obstacles and restrictions. You may feel powerless in your current circumstances and may be so caught up in blaming the people or events that have brought you to this that you’re unable to see a way out.

You may feel like you’re beating your head against a wall or like all of your efforts are being met with resistance. You may question whether the Universe is telling you to fight or to accept defeat — although neither of these is going to be the right course of action.

If you look at the demon in the card you can see that he has several ways out. The Swords that are lined up behind him are more decoration than anything else. The chain around his leg is attached to … nothing. And he has wings! If he wanted to he could just take flight. There are multiple options available to him to break free.

As always with the Eight of Swords there is a way out. It may require a bit of ingenuity — much like is seen in this card. But it mainly involves simply opening your eyes, changing your perspective and finding a workable solution.

The Eight of Swords calls for awareness, perspective and acceptance or responsibility. Only once you have achieved all three can you truly break free from the ties that bind you.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 14, 2015 — Four of Swords

Four of Swords

Four of Swords

Today you may feel like you need to take a breather or just focus on getting some much needed peace and quiet.

The Four of Swords — from the Golden Tarot of Klimt — encourages you to disengage from all the commotion that surrounds you find your strength through rest and recovery.

It could be as simple as getting away for a few days to relax and recharge your batteries. And it could be as profound as going on a life-altering pilgrimage or spiritual retreat.

It refers to removing yourself from all of the distractions in your life and reflect rather than “act.” It speaks of detaching from the whirlwind of activity around you and choosing to observe rather than participate.

You might also be thinking of getting away from it all. You could be feeling the strains of mundane responsibilities; or maybe you just long to escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

Take some time today for yourself and listen to the needs of your body. If you can’t get away there are other ways to regain your sanity. Meditation, breathwork, self-imposed silence, etc. — any of these can help you to de-stress and restore your equilibrium.

While you may feel pulled in several different directions today, you’d be best served to stay calm and carry on, rather than let yourself fall out of balance. The Four of Swords reminds you of the need to take care of your inner needs as much as you need to take care of your outer ones.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 13, 2015 — Knight of Pentacles

Knight of Pentacles

Knight of Pentacles

Today’s Moon/ Pluto conjunction in Capricorn may see you thinking about pursuing your goals with more dedication and dogged determination than ever.

The Knight of Pentacles — this version from the Dreaming Way Tarot — speaks of working hard and making money, as you proceed toward ultimate success.

You may not be where you want to be just yet, but you’ve got your eye on the future and are taking steps to make that happen. You may be thinking about going back to school or taking a second job — doing whatever it takes to set your plans in motion.

The Knight of Pentacles doesn’t just sit back and wait for success to fall into his lap. He knows that it takes hard work and discipline to reach his goals. He’s willing to do what it takes — not matter how long it takes — to get to where he needs to be.

If this is you, know that everything you put into your profession right now will ultimately pay off. You may not see immediate results but it’s all cumulative and will round out your experience to the extent that you will one day know it was worth it.

If this is someone in your life, know that he or she is not afraid of hard work. This person is dedicated, efficient and reliable — and has his (or her) eye on the prize. The challenge is knowing that you’re not where you want to be just yet and that there’s still much work be done. But the knowledge that you’ve succeed in attaining your goals will make it all worth it in the end.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 12, 2015 — Strength

Strength

Strength

You may be called upon today to find your inner reserves of strength and overcome your deepest fears. The Strength card is all about mind over matter and gaining control over the things in your life that are at risk for spiraling out of control.

It refers not to physical strength but to courage, will-power and self-control. It can also mean digging deep and finding an appropriate outlet for something that you may have responded to in a less than favorable manner in the past.

The Strength card — this version from the beautiful Crystal Tarot by Philip Permutt — indicates a need to master your fears and conquer your demons. It indicates a need to gain control of the “beast” within.

The Strength card speaks of the importance of staying grounded and being steadfast in the face of danger, and whatever curveballs the Universe throws your way.

You may need to put on a brave face and tackle the things that frighten you or take you outside of your comfort zone. You may also need to be kind to yourself and tend to your own needs with the same loving care that you’re used to doling out to others.

Take some time today to get in touch with your own capacity to stand up to the challenges that present themselves and face them rather than cowering in fear. You may be surprised at your ability to remain composed when need be. You may be surprised to learn that you’re stronger than you know.

The Strength card encourages you to not only meet your fears and insecurities head on, but to transform them by neutralizing the power they hold over you. Once you do that you’ll find that they weren’t so frightening after all.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 11, 2015 — White Tiger Ten

White Tiger Ten

White Tiger Ten

Today’s Mars / Uranus opposition may have you feeling like you’re swimming against the tide, or like you’re surrounded by turbulent waters that are rising all around you.

But the Venus / Neptune trine offers a peaceful respite, as seen in the imagery of this card. The waters may be swirling all around the Tiger — and raging in the background — but he doesn’t fight against the current; he surrenders to its movement finds a place of calm in its center.

This is the Feng Shui Tarot’s version of the Ten of Swords. It’s called the White Tiger Ten in this deck, a reference to the completion of the Tiger’s tumultuous journey.

Surrender is a big factor in this card. Surrendering to the knowledge that what you may have wanted so desperately was not what you needed at all. As the Ten of Swords is often tied to fighting a losing battle — and ultimately giving up the fight — there’s a sense of liberation that comes from cooperating with the Universe rather than pitting yourself against it.

This is the essence of the Venus / Neptune trine. Going with the flow, finding creative solutions to your problems and aligning yourself with unseen forces.

You may have to concede to a few losing battles, but you’ll also want to look at how it’s brought you to where you are today. Are you not now a stronger and better person as a result? Take some time to put the past behind you and focus on what lies ahead. You may see all that’s led you to this moment as a blessing in disguise, as long as you’re willing to embrace the changes to come.

 

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 10, 2015 — Sage of Pentacles

Sage of Pentacles

Sage of Pentacles

As Mercury enters Capricorn today, you may be thinking more about business and financial opportunities.

Meet the Sage of Pentacles, the World Spirit Tarot’s version of the King of Pentacles. He sits on his throne surrounded by symbols of opulence and luxury, including lush foliage, colorful flowers fruit-filled trees and a satiated pig.

The Sage of Pentacles is all about living the good life. Generating income and availing himself to opportunity everywhere he turns. He’s reached pinnacle of success through hard work and determination. He represents power, authority, ambition and worldly acclaim.

This could be you or someone in your life, such as a parent, teacher, mentor or boss. It could also represent a set of values you need to adopt in order to attain your goals.

Where do you see yourself five years from now? What about ten or twenty? What steps are you taking now to manifest that vision? Even though the Sage of Pentacles is a “King,” he didn’t arrive at his station by sitting around doing nothing.

He had to work his way to the top and once there must maintain his position, even if he’s comfortable enough to relax and enjoy all he’s accomplished. The Sage of Pentacles has his feet planted firmly on the ground. He’s a businessman, a entrepreneur, a financial advisor — in general a self-made man.

And while you do want to be practical about putting together your long term goals, you want to be careful not to get stuck in a rut. Just like the King in this card, it would do you a world of good to stop and smell those flowers from time to time. All work and no play isn’t good for anyone, least of all you.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 8, 2015 — Judgment

judgment

 Judgment

Today, as Mercury squares the North and South Nodes, you may taking stock of your life and seeing how the actions you’ve taken and decisions you’ve made have brought opportunities for you to change the course of your life.

The Judgment card — this version from the Japaridze Tarot — represents a day of reckoning.  It calls for self-evaluation and awareness, a need to develop enough spiritual altitude to look objectively at your mistakes and shortcomings as well as your triumphs and victories.

It serves as a powerful reminder that in order to put the past behind us we must not only let go of prior judgments but heal the wounds that have been holding us back. It’s a card of both atonement and forgiveness. Of unconditional love, understanding and acceptance — for both ourselves and for those who’ve hurt us or let us down.

It speaks of undergoing a spiritual awakening, brought about by the understanding that everything thus far in your life has “led to this.”

This card refers to eternity, infinity and timelessness. It refers to the endless human journey that we sometimes refer to as “karma.” We reap and sew with each thought, action, and decision.

This card represents a summation of all that has come before, and an awareness that each step taken — from here on out — leaves an indelible imprint on our future. On a personal level, this card speaks of compassion, forgiveness, understanding, and acceptance.

Take this time to tie up loose ends. This can be a literal letting go of the past, but it will more likely relate to putting yourself in other people’s shoes and seeing how the mistakes they’ve made or the grief they’ve caused have been just as much a part of being human and flawed as any direct attempt to cause you pain.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 7, 2015 — Ten of Cups

Ten of Cups

Ten of Cups

Today is a day for counting your blessings. It’s a day for expressing gratitude for the life you’ve created and for the loved ones and family members who’ve been such an important part of it.

It’s a day for finding your center and allowing the Universal blessings of love, gratitude, harmony and grace to flow through you.

The Ten of Cups — this version from the Anna K. Tarot — is a card of serenity, contentment and fulfillment. This ties in beautifully with today’s / Moon Venus conjunction and subsequent trine to Neptune.

Sometimes this is a marriage card, a joining together with someone else who shares your happiness. Sometimes it’s an accomplishment card — coming to a point where you’re able to count your blessings and express contentment with your present circumstances.

This extends well beyond financial or material security. It’s more about family, lasting friendships and a comfort — in your home and your community — surrounded by people you love.

You want to align yourself with a vibration of gratitude as the Ten of Cups speaks of not only getting what you’ve “asked” for (via the principles of law of attraction) but also being thankful for all that you’ve received.

This is not the time to think about what is lacking in your life but rather what makes it complete. And while you don’t want to be resting on your laurels, it’s important to acknowledge those who are most important to you and who keep your cup continuously full.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 6, 2015 — The Chariot

The Chariot

The Chariot

Today’s Mars / Pluto square may see you at war with yourself and struggling to gain control over powerful urges and emotions.

This aspect can be both volatile and combative. It pits the planet of anger and impatience (Mars) against the planet associated with intensity and power struggles (Pluto).

This is the New Century Tarot’s version of the Chariot card, which is associated with internal conflicts and upheavals that threaten to manifest outwardly.

It speaks of the need to “pull it together” and exert control over your emotions, especially those that can erupt without warning and disturb the equilibrium in your life.

This is a kinder, gentler version of the Chariot, with the stallions standing in one place — rather than rearing up violently or pulling in different directions. They do look off to either side of the card, a reference to this archetype’s difficulty staying in sync. The Mars/ Pluto energy is seen in the vibrant colors of the card as well as the Charioteer braced for action and ready to crack his whip.

You may be called upon to both maintain control and harness the opposing forces in your own life today. Whether this is related to relationship, career, or the dual desires within your own psyche, the challenge will be to find a way to pull your energy inward and funnel it outward into one solid direction.

You can accomplish a lot today through sheer force and determination — as long as you’re aware of the need to focus your energy in one primary direction. You’ll have find a way to balance the diverging energies in your life. But if you can “pull it together” you’ll make great strides toward accomplishing your goals.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 5, 2015 — The High Priestess

The High Priestess

The High Priestess

As Venus moves into Scorpio today, you may feel the urge to turn inward and explore the deeper, darker, more mysterious regions of your psyche.

The High Priestess — this version from the beautiful Cosmic Tarot — represents a call to listen to your intuition and heed your inner voice. It challenges you to look beneath the surface and find hidden nuggets of information that can help you round out the vast reservoirs of knowledge you already possess.

She is the feminine counterpoint to her predecessor, the Magician. Where the Magician is all about accessing mastering your skills and abilities, the High Priestess masters the rich inner world. It seeks to understand what feelings, intuitions and perceptions. What we don’t necessarily show to the outer world. What makes us “tick.”

She’s associated with wisdom and insight, psychic awareness, and a sense of “knowing” even when there is not a factual basis for it.

The High Priestess is at home in the world of arcane knowledge and esoterica. She’s both young and old, masculine and feminine, innocent and wise. She is the keeper of secrets, knowledge and mystery.

You may be getting more in touch with your own intuition or experiencing profound instances or deja vu or synchronicity. It’s important to embrace these visions and try to understand them, rather than shying away from them. They can bring insights into not only your own personal choices, but the direction you need to be heading in the coming days.

 

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 4, 2015 — Ten of Wands

Ten of Wands

Ten of Wands

You may have to muster up the strength, determination and fortitude today to do what must be done, even if the task before you seems daunting and overwhelming.

The Ten of Wands — this version from the stunning Mary-el Tarot — is all about rising to the occasion and taking care of business, no matter how difficult or arduous that may be. It’s about stepping up to the plate and shouldering responsibilities — or like the figure in this card, moving through hell or high water to get the job done.

What would happen if the man and his horse were to slow down or stop in their tracks? They’d be consumed by the flames that are already engulfing them. They’d perish on the spot.

The idea here seems to be that once the task is started there’s no turning back. The rider pledges his commitment (notice his hand held over his heart) and the horse gathers speed.

He may have taken on more than one man can reasonably expect to accomplish, but he’s not going to throw in the towel. And this is the essence of the Ten of Wands. Upholding your responsibilities may be more than you bargained for, but that doesn’t excuse you from doing them.

You may be overwhelmed with all that’s laid out before you today. And you may be wondering whether you even have it in you to keep on going. But as you can see from this card there’s no turning back. There are obligations and responsibilities to uphold as well as people who depend on you who’d likely be hurt by your neglect. The question you might want to ask yourself today is this: “Is life (or love) supposed to be this hard?” The value of whatever it is that’s taxed you to your limits probably needs to be reassessed.