ARIES: Page of Swords
This month should be loaded with opportunities for you to go back and clear up some unfinished business. With your ruling planet (Mars) still retrograde, you may be dealing with a sense of urgency to tie up loose ends and put the past behind you.
An important part of this is going to be acknowledging and then learning from your mistakes.The Page of Swords — this version from the Tarot of Trees — is all about clearing the air and cutting to the chase. It’s about seeking out the truth and being honest with yourself, even when it hurts.
It’s also about communications, ideas, information and news. The Page of Swords is generally very curious, a good judge of character, quick to size up others and able to see through ulterior motives and agendas.
Like all the Pages, it’s a messenger card so you want to pay attention to any messages you receive. You want to remember that things are not always as they seem. And while it’s not the time to take things at face value, although you don’t want to be so focused on ferreting out hidden information that you become paranoid.
The Full Moon lunar eclipse this month is going to be exactly conjunct that retrograde Mars. This should make for some high energy days; just be sure you choose your battles wisely as it can also manifest as impulsive or irrational behavior. You may uncover a deception or meet with someone whose motives prove to be disingenuous. Or you may have to be the bearer of uncomfortable news yourself, in which case you find yourself needing to deliver it carefully and diplomatically.
TAURUS: Strength
This month you may need to be extra gentle with yourself and tend to your own needs with the same loving care you’re used to doling out to others.
The Strength card — this version from Nathalie Hertz’ Faerie Tarot — is a card of self-mastery. It’s about digging in deep and finding your inner reserves of strength and power that are sometimes necessary for handling life’s challenges.
It’s a card of courage, bravery, discipline and self-control. It speaks of the importance of staying grounded and being steadfast in the face of danger, and whatever curveballs the Universe throws your way.
With Uranus now moving through your sign, and your ruling planet moving through Leo, relationships may take a dramatic turn for you this month. It’s going to be important for you to stay in the moment and maintain your emotions.
You may be putting on a brave face as you tackle things that frighten you or that take you outside of your comfort zone. Or you may — like the faerie in this card — recognize the value of taming your inner beast and becoming one with it.
You may notice the storm clouds brewing in the distance, but she doesn’t even flinch. And this is the essence of this card. Self-mastery and self-control. 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
GEMINI: Three of Wands
This is a month for looking all around you and seeing how the world offers infinite possibilities. It’s a time for painting your own canvas and creating your own destiny, courtesy of the Three of Wands from the fabulous Mary-el Tarot.
Moving ahead can mean leaving something behind. Something like a dull dreary existence or a reality that no longer suits you.
It may mean taking a risk, striking out toward uncharted territories and expanding your horizons so far and wide that you not only don’t know where the road you’re on leads, but are ready to make your imprint on it wherever you go.
The Three of Wands is a card of expectation and anticipation. It’s says that you’ve already started to hit your stride. It says you’ve already done the groundwork and are now ready to strike out and make all that you’ve dreamed of a reality.
It’s about opening the door to possibility and setting your sites on distant horizons. What can I do with what I already have to make a difference in the world? What do I have to offer that will bring the greatest reward? These are the questions you want to be asking yourself right now.
You may already have a project in the works, in which case you’re probably beginning to see the fruits of your labors. This card encourages you to push past your limitations and expand your worldview. It will mean stepping outside of your comfort zone and exploring uncharted territories. And while you may run into pitfalls or have to take detours along the way, know that these are often blessings in disguise that can open you up a whole new world of opportunities.
CANCER: The Moon
This month, with the New Moon in your sign, is going to be a good time to get in touch with your feelings and emotions. It’s also going to be important for you to work on getting a better understanding of your doubts, insecurities and fears.
The Moon card is tied to the hidden and mysterious realm of the unconscious, from which all of our instincts and emotions arise. When we’re aligned with that part of ourselves and in sync with our emotions, everything seems to just fall into place — and when we’re not, all hell can break loose.
The key is to cultivate a willingness to embrace these elements, like the woman in this card — from the gorgeous Tarot de St. Croix — who plunges to the depths of a shimmering pool, reaching for the Moon. The Lunar cycle is represented here with the New Moon high in the Night Sky and the Full Moon deep in the realm of emotions (water).
The Lotus blossoms symbolize purity and enlightenment and the pillars upon which they rise represent the union of opposites which is also expressed through the waning and waxing Moons.
You may be grappling with irrational fears and anxieties, wondering how much of what you’re feeling is real. The Moon card can indicate a distorted perception of reality, based on your own apprehensions.
You can quiet your fears by reminding yourself that you won’t be left permanently in the dark. The Moon card reminds us that things are still “up in the air” and that the future has not yet been written. There’s still much to do and still time time to achieve the outcome you desire. You can work on curtailing some of the more harrowing elements of this card (doubt, fear, suspicion and paranoia) and tap into the more uplifting aspects (intuition, perception, sensitivity and discernment) instead.
LEO: Queen of Pentacles
This month you will be thinking about ways to establish security for yourself and your loved ones. This means financial security first and foremost, but ties into other areas of your life as well.
Building a solid foundation in your relationships for example. Making sure you’re where you need to be with your education and professional credentials. Fortifying your relationships with family and friends.
The Queen of Pentacles is all about security and longevity. She appreciates the finer things in life and is not afraid to work for them. But she also wants to see returns on her efforts — material and otherwise.
This Queen is not a pushover. She stands firm in her convictions and does what it takes to achieve her goals. As a strong, solid practical business woman, she’s probably weighed all her options before she’s made a move.
The Queen of Pentacles — this version from the Morgan Greer Tarot — is practical and efficient. She also tends to move a little more slowly, for two reasons. One, she knows from experience that practical choices are more likely to pay off than get rich schemes in the end. And Two, she wants to savor the life she’s built rather than scrambling to earn her next buck without taking the time to appreciate her gains.
She wants to be ready for the future. Notice the fall colors and foliage in this card. You could say she’s getting ready for a long cold winter and is not about to face it ill-prepared. This month you want to be thinking about your long-term goals and what you might need to do in order to bring them to fruition. It may require you to make some short-term sacrifices. But what you gain in return — through hard work, discipline and patience — will make it all worthwhile in the end.
VIRGO: Nine of Wands
You may have to muster up the courage this month to let someone know what you’re no longer willing to stand for. You may have to put your foot down and stand up for your rights.
The Nine of Wands — this version from Nora Huszka’s beautiful Gypsy Palace Tarot — says it’s time to gather your wits and rise up against whatever challenges you face, which means you’re also going to have to push your fears and anxieties aside.
Have you ever heard of the phrase “blowing your stack?” That’s what it looks like the woman in the card is doing. She’s gotten herself so angry and flustered that she’s blown the crown right off of the top of her head.
She’s telling someone “Get out and don’t come back!” Or maybe she’s saying “How many times do I have to tell you to get out there and mow the lawn?”
Whatever it is, it’s clear she means business. She’s standing up for her rights and is not about to take no for an answer. She’s so convincing that even the cats beside her are cowering in fear.
The Nine of Wands asserts that things may not be easy and that there are bound to be more challenges ahead. But it’s not the time to throw in the towel. You need only think about how far you’ve come (and how much you’ve already accomplished) to find the motivation to push ahead.
The Nine of Wands is all about stamina, perseverance and persistence. It invites you to mobilize your forces, stick with the program and get the job done — no matter what. It says that while you may be wary from the struggles that have brought you to this point, you’re not going to let them get the best of you or cause you to back down.
Libra: Seven of Cups
You may be considering several different options this month and feel uncertain about the value in any of them.
The Seven of Cups — this version from Robin Ator’s Prairie Tarot — speaks of ideas that are floating around — some of them unformed and some of them unrealistic — as you weigh the different opportunities that are before you.
This can refer to business ventures that you’re considering now, or it can relate to pie-in-the-sky dreams you’ve entertained off and on for years. Either way, the presumption is that nothing has been done about any of them and precious time may be wasted day-dreaming about things that you’ve put no effort into manifesting.
In this version of the card we see a man gazing hypnotically at 7 brightly colored goblets. None of them have anything in them — which should be his first clue that there’s a problem.There’s a blank canvas behind them and some type of elixir at his feet.
There are elements of fantasy inherent in the imagery of this card. And we all know how easy it is to get distracted by such pretty things. But chances are good that some of them are unattainable and none of them have been particularly well thought out.
This card is called “Debauchery” in some decks, referring to the superficial appeal of things that most of us only think will make us happy. We may have to remind ourselves that all that glitters is not gold. Ask yourself; “what would I do right now if I had the resources to do whatever I wanted?” Think about that and then pull all those scattered ideas together and turn them into into a reality.
Scorpio: Eight of Swords
This month you may need to think about your own limitations, and how you may have contributed to the obstacles that stand between you and your goals.
The Eight of Swords — this version from Robert M. Place’s Alchemical Tarot Renewed — 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 for decoration than anything else. If he wanted to slip between them it would be relatively simple. But it doesn’t appear that he’s even bothered to look.
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 if he really wanted 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.
Sagittarius: The Hierophant
This month, with your ruler (Jupiter) turning direct after four months in retrograde motion, you may be thinking about which of your attitudes, opinions and convictions are in need of a serious overhaul. Belief systems that have served you in the past may be seen as out-dated, or no longer aligned with where you see yourself heading.
The Hierophant card is called the “Pope” in some decks. But it’s not only about religion. It’s about carrying the wisdom of the ancients forward. as a means of gaining a greater understanding for yourself and using it to guide others.
There’s a certain dogma associated with the traditional aspects of the card. He can be seen as too conventional, too regimented and too self-righteous. But this portrayal alludes to the problems that can arise from the inability to wean yourself from that which is no longer sustaining you.
The Hierophant in this version — Kat Black’s beautiful Golden Tarot — is in observant and reflective. He’s not only in search of deeper knowledge, he’s prepared to impart it to others. He holds his staff (with the triple cross, representing the pope and papal authority) in his hand, while a set of keys — said to be the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven — are draped over his heart.
You could be immersing yourself in your studies, or embarking on a spiritual journey. You may also be called upon present your ideas to others — either formally or informally. If you find yourself having to defend your views, do it in a calm, practical manner. It’s time to let go of those things that no longer sustain you, and allow yourself to be open to a new set of ideals.
CAPRICORN: Polar Bear
This month is going to be all about getting in touch with your environment and getting clarity with respect to your emotions.
Where do you fit in and where do you feel most at home? These are questions you’ll be asking yourself this month, courtesy of the Polar Bear — or Seeker of Shells (Knight of Cups) — animal totem.
The Polar Bear is not only completely at home in this version of the card — from the Animal Wisdom Tarot — but he’s adapted beautifully to his environment. He’s strong and competent, yet light-footed enough to trek comfortably through terrain that could be hostile to others.
Notice the crystals that are forming on the snow, the ice and in the sky above. There are symbols of clarity throughout the imagery of this card, and even glistening on the Polar Bear’s fur.
The Aurora Borealis overhead and the glowing conch shell at the base are reminiscent of glistening jewels, as is the glittering crystal backdrop and the vibrant array of colors that wash over the scene. The Seeker of Shells is a virtual rainbow of emotional expression and experience.
Think about ways that you can translate what you’re feeling this month into experiences that can be shared with your loved ones. With several planets moving through the sector related to home and family, this is a good place to start. Your environment — that place you’re most comfortable and where you feel most complete — comes to life as you devote yourself to fostering your relationships therein.
AQUARIUS: Ace of Swords
As you look around yourself this month, you may find you are coming into a new way of thinking. One that has nothing to do with what anyone else thinks of you and has everything to do with what you think about yourself and in which way you wish your life to be heading.
The beauty of these new thoughts will be that you are nourishing yourself and not giving away any of your energy to others. This is a great time to plan something new in your life and do it your way!
Don’t take any notice to what others are telling you to do or which way to think because you have the opportunity to not only nourish yourself with your new thoughts but to also show by example what can be accomplished if you give yourself over to nourishing your own mind.
The tail of the tiger in this image — the Feng Shui Tarot’s version of the Ace of Swords — is placed over the background landscape showing the far reaching consequences of how far you can go if you take your power back and give it to yourself… as opposed to giving it away to others.
It’s like a river which runs into the water hole your are drinking from which perfectly describes that what you give out you get back and also what you get back you give out.
Think on those words because you want to be truly independently thinking for yourself so you make sure that what you are giving out comes from you and not from someone else’s way of thinking that has you acting like a puppet to their thought processes.
Pisces: Five of Daisies
This month you want to be careful not to spend too much time focusing on what’s missing in your life: as in what feels unattainable to you or seems just out of reach.
The Five of Daisies is the Rabbit Tarot’s version of the Five of Pentacles. And here we see a little rabbit poking his head out from behind a massive tree. He reaches one tentative paw into the water where five daisies float on the surface.
The Five of Pentacles is associated with a sense of helplessness against insurmountable odds. As Pentacles related to money (and values in general) and Fives related to crises, this card speaks of obstacles that spring from our own feelings of doubt and dread.
It wouldn’t be hard for the rabbit to reach out and latch onto one of those daisies. He’s already made a reluctant move. But his hesitation may end up costing him the lot.
There’s a lot of fear associated with this card. Fear of making a mistake or not being good enough. Fear of falling in. Fear of taking a leap of faith only to have the thing you want so desperately swept away before you get a chance to attain it.
Your challenge this month is to move past those fears and recapture your your own self worth. Move past the feelings of shame, embarrassment and uncertainty and allow yourself to reach out for help. Take some time to remind yourself that you’re worthy of being loved and accepted. The challenge with the Five of Pentacles is not to give in to those fears, but to overcome them.
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This month’s tarotscopes feature some of Ask the Astrologers all time favorite cards. We hope you like them too!
Don’t forget to check out this month’s Horoscopes too!
July 2018 Tarot Scopes
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