Articles

Dec 27 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 27, 2015 — Hummingbird

Author: Melodie • Discussion: No Comments

Hummingbird

Today you may be feeling more sociable than you have in recent days. While it may not be exactly a popularity contest, you’re bound to be seen as someone that people want to know and get close to.

At the same time you could have so many opportunities that it’s hard to spend too much time focusing on any one relationship or connection. Like the Hummingbird in this card you might find yourself flitting from one social engagement to another.

The Hummingbird — or Six of Branches — is the Animal Wisdom Tarot’s version of the Six of Wands. It’s known as the Victory card in many decks and can very well manifest for you as some sort of professional recognition.

You may be feeling like you’re on the road to success. And whether it happens now or it happens for you months down the road, remember that it’s always a process and not an event.

As colorful and vibrant as the Hummingbird and flowers are in the foreground of this card, you almost don’t notice the fireworks in the background. It tells you that there’s cause for celebration and you might as well enjoy it.

Don’t shy away from celebrating your achievements with others. Even if it feels premature at this stage know that you’re well on your way and that the fun doesn’t have to stop once you reach your goals. Embrace the accolades that are coming your way as confirmation that you’ve earned and deserve them. And don’t forget to thank those who’ve helped you along the way.

Dec 12 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Dec 12, 2015 — Strength

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

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.

Oct 28 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Oct 28, 2015 — Heron

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Heron

Today you may be feeling torn between two competing interests or desires and at a loss as to which one one you want to follow.

You may be thinking about where you fit in in the world and the contributions you’ve made. Or like the Heron in this card, you may be reflecting on what you want for yourself.

As difficult as it is to balance these dual desires, you may find yourself at an impasse. It’s hard to feed one set of urges without feeling like you’re neglecting the other.

You may need to take the time to reflect, much like the Heron in this card. This is the Animal Wisdom Tarot’s version of the Two of Swords — called the Two of Feathers in this deck.

Here we see him gazing down at his reflection in a tranquil pool. A crescent moon shines in the night sky, illuminating the pair of feathers that are crisscrossed on the water’s surface.

As the Two of Swords often refers to inaction and immobility, you might take a page from the Heron’s book and use that inertia to reflect on your options before you make a move.

While you may normally be prone to “act first and think later,” today it’s probably going to be best for you to hold back and weigh your options instead. In doing so you may just be able to find a way to satisfy both sets of urges.

Sep 19 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Sept 19, 2015 — Donkey

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Donkey

Today’s card — the Donkey or Five of Fossils — is the Five of Pentacles in traditional tarot. It can indicate a need to rethink what you value, especially when it comes to your own sense of worth or self-esteem.

It can mark a period of financial adversity, such as seeing your earnings held up or seeing your resources dwindling as a result of unexpected expenses.

As Pentacles are linked to “values,” we most often think of money. But they also relate to self-worth: it’s hard to feel good about yourself when you’re struggling — financially or otherwise.

In this version of the card from the beautiful Animal Wisdom Tarot — the Donkey is seen carrying quite a heavy load. He trudges through the snow — alone — with all of his worldly possessions on his back. But look at the stars in the night sky and especially the one bright star that shines directly above him.

Notice how it shines through the fossils on his back and creates a prism of colors that glow all around him. He may be so caught up in the burden that he carries that he doesn’t even see it — which is one of the most important lessons associated with the Five of Pentacles.

You too may feel vulnerable and exposed under your current circumstances. You may be afraid to ask for help, especially if you’re sensitive to being watched or judged. But the message here is to work on overcoming those fears and on recapturing that inner beauty that glows all around you, even if you’re the last one to see it.

Sep 03 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Sept 3, 2015 — The Chariot

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Chariot

Today you may have to work on keeping your emotions in check before they run away with you.

The Chariot card refers to internal upheavals that threaten to manifest externally, such as an angry outburst or emotional display. It challenges you to “pull it together” and exert control over your own internal conflicts.

The Chariot card — this version from the beautiful Crystal Tarot by Philip Permutt — is all about harnessing the divergent forces of your own psyche into something powerful and tangible, such as a long-term goal.

The Chariot card is also associated with the sign Cancer, which the Moon rules. In that respect it’s a reminder of how divergent forces in all of our lives — light vs. dark, positive vs. negative, instinct vs. action, etc. — compete with one another for control.

You’ll likewise be called upon to both maintain control and harness the opposing forces in your own life. 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.

You’ll have to work hard if you want to rein in all of that energy, and this is the essence of the Chariot card. It’s the understanding that all parts of any “machine” have to operate in harmony in order to be effective. If you’re willing to embrace that philosophy — and if you can stand up and take hold of the reins in your own life — you can accomplish anything.

Jul 24 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jul 24, 2015 — Manatee

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Manatee

Has it been all work and no play for you in recent days? Or have there been too many responsibilities weighing on your shoulders and not enough letting your hair down and just having fun?

The Six of Shells — Animal Wisdom Tarot’s version of the Six of Cups — says it’s time to do just that. The Manatees in this card aren’t thinking about all the work piling up at the office or all the emails they have respond to at home.

No they’re fully engaged in a game of catch, while the rest of the world floats by around them. This is the essence of the Six of Shells. Having fun, being playful and immersing yourself in the present rather than fretting about the past.

There’s a childlike innocence and wonder associated with this card. In fact children may figure prominently for you today and the thoughts of your own childhood may be triggered by their presence. If so consider it a call to observe their ability to live in the moment and follow in kind.

The Manatee as an animal totem speaks of companionship, trust and gentle play. It encourages you to take turns, share, and accept those around you for who and what they are.

The Six of Shells is all about finding pleasure in the simpler things in life. It says it’s time to kick your shoes off and have fun rather than getting bogged down with responsibilities. All those will be exactly where you left them when you come back to them later on, so for now put them all aside and try to recapture the spirit of those carefree days gone by.

Jul 13 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jul 13, 2015 — the Crow

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Crow

You may have to face your fears head on today, even if you feel like climbing back into bed and pulling the covers over your head.

Today’s card — the Crow, Animal Wisdom Tarot’s version of the Nine of Swords — is sometimes referred to as the “Nightmare” card. It’s associated with a sense foreboding, brought about by fears that aren’t necessarily supported by reality.

So often our fears are self-imposed. We may have gotten ourselves into a sticky situation and are now dreading the consequences. Or we might be kicking ourselves for having engaged in risky behavior and find ourselves wondering if it was worth it in the end.

The woman in this version of the card has awoken to find that she’s not safe at home in bed, but tucked instead into the wing of an ominous black Crow. As a spirit animal totem, Crows are seen as the harbingers of fate — both good and bad.

They are associated with mystery and magic, alchemy, destiny and the unknown. They’re tricksters, shapeshifters and magicians, filled with mischief and misadventure. They represent the shadow side of humanity as well as the ability to transform and rise above.

While you may be feeling unsure of yourself today or anxious about being able to maintain your footing, you want to remember that most of your fears have been self-created. You can pull the covers back over your head and refuse to get out of bed, or you can tuck yourself further into the Crow’s protective wing and soar along with him to great heights.

Mar 24 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 24, 2015 — Swan

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Swan

Mercury conjuncts Chiron today and Venus sextiles Neptune. These are both transformative and visionary transits, though in different ways.

The Mercury / Chiron conjunction refers to choosing our words wisely and compassionately, putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes, and being able communicate in a soothing and comforting manner. The Venus / Neptune aspect speaks of the ability to express unconditional love, to find beauty in everything, and to conduct ourselves with harmony and grace.

What better card to illustrate the qualities than the Swan (Temperance card) from the beautiful Animal Wisdom Tarot? As an animal totem, the Swan embodies all of these characteristics, and then some. Like beauty. Elegance. Purity. Transcendence. And hope.

This card is called the Angel of Alchemy in this deck. And it certainly looks like an angel. It’s beautiful wings are spread wide and welcoming and it’s snow white feathers glisten above the surface of the lake. It glides just inches above the water (feelings, emotions, the unconscious, etc.) — not so far removed that is detaches completely, but not so close that it allows itself to become immersed.

We could all take a page from the Swan’s book today in our dealings with others as well as the ways we treat ourselves. Getting just enough altitude to see things from a clearer perspective without neglecting what lies beneath.

The Temperance card refers to bringing the opposing facets of your personality (or your relationships, or your desires) into alignment by finding the perfect middle ground. It represents peace and harmony, synthesis and equilibrium, moderation and restraint.

As you can see from the glorious Swan in this card, nothing needs be sacrificed in attaining that balance. Just remember to rise above whatever situations in your life that are pulling you down, without rising so high that you neglect them or fail to take advantage of opportunities to learn from or grow from them.

Feb 25 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 25, 2015 — Firefly

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Four of Branches

Today is a good day to look around you and count your blessings for the world you’ve created and the loved ones who surround you.

You could be the recipient of good news, or an unexpected surprise; or you may be thinking of celebrating an achievement that involves friends, family and those who’ve supported you along the way.

The Firefly (or Four of Wands) — called the Four of Branches in the Animal Wisdom Tarot’s version of card — heralds the completion of the first stages of an ongoing project and acts as confirmation that things are moving forward.

It says that you are making progress, building on something that’s well on its way to being established, and have every reason to feel good about the foundations you’ve already laid down.

The Firefly can represent a joyous celebration: a marriage, a promotion, the birth of a child. It tells you that “this is only the beginning” of something you’ve already established and that it’s bound to just keep getting better.

There’s an archway in this card made up a beautiful canopy of flowers. Fireflies hover above and light the way. A four-leaf clover (symbolizing fortune and luck) rests beneath it and a sprinkling of stars shine in the night sky.

The Four of Wands is represented by Venus in Aries, which is where Venus is right now. It speaks of rejoicing in the moment and keeping things fresh and alive, all the while moving toward the future. You could be planning a party or casual get-together; or you could be making plans to attend one on someone else’s turf.

Either way, this is a time for rejoicing and celebrating. It’s not a time to isolate or withdraw from social opportunities. Look around you and take note of all you’ve accomplished thus far. Chances are good there’s a lot to be grateful for and a cause for celebration right there in front of you.

Jan 29 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 29, 2015 — Penguin

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Penguin

Today would be a good day to put all of your heavier thoughts and concerns aside and approach life with a sense of child-like wonder and curiosity. The Seer of Shells — or Penguin in the Animal Wisdom Tarot — is this deck’s version of the Page of Cups.

Here we see him standing on a sparkling crystal ice cap, communing with a little fish that’s popped out of shell on an adjacent ice cap. The fish could be dinner for the Penguin but he doesn’t see him in that light. He gazes at him in awe, oblivious to his surroundings.

This is very much like the Page of Cups. Gentle and loving. Open and receptive. Gleeful. Sincere. And maybe a little naive.

The Fish appears to be speaking and the Penguin holds onto every word. Maybe he’s imparting words of wisdom, or maybe he’s talking his way out of becoming the daily catch. Off in the distance a bridge rises out of the water and leads to who knows where.

Be open today to receiving important messages, even if they come from the most unlikely of sources. Whether the Page of Cups is a person in your life (as in someone youthful or immature) or an attitude you need to embrace. If it’s the former you’ll want to listen with an open mind and heart. And if it’s the latter you’ll want to work on keeping those open.

Because the Pages embody such youthful and unrefined energy, we tend to forget that they too have much to teach us. But the presence of this card today is an important reminder of how much more we still need to learn.

Jan 10 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 10, 2015 — Vulture

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Vulture

Today you may need to think about what it is in your life that must come to a final and irrevocable end.

This card is associated with the traditional tarot’s Ten of Swords. It refers to an ending that must be faced so that you can not only put it to rest but can also experience — once and for all — the relief and acceptance that’s such a necessary part of attaining closure.

The Vulture — or Ten of Feathers in the Animal Wisdom Tarot — is a carrion scavenger, looking down from a wooden post onto the nondescript carcass of a decaying animal. Ten feathers are plunged into the animal’s flesh, and an X — as in “X marks the spot — is etched onto the Vulture’s perch.

The animal may have put up a fight or he may have died from old age or exhaustion — but none of that matters now: he’s dead. What happens to his carcass is irrelevant — or is it? There is the belief in some cultures that carrion scavengers transport the dead up to heaven. And notice the two other birds swooping in for the feast.

The sky is dark and ominous but the Sun is also rising in the distance. This is a common feature with the Ten of Swords. In the midst of all the death and destruction there are symbols of rebirth and renewal.

Ask yourself, “what have I been holding onto that I need to put to rest?” “What ending have I refused to acknowledge — either through fear or denial?” and “What do I finally have to let go of in order to make room for something new?”

The Ten of Feathers encourages you to give up the resistance and finally face defeat. But there’s a sense of liberation that comes from that acceptance, as well as wisdom and maturity. A new day dawns — just as it does in this card — once you allow yourself to give in and put the past to rest.

Dec 30 2014

Jan 2015 Tarot Scopes featuring the Animal Wisdom Tarot

Author: Melodie • Discussion: No Comments

ARIES: Two of Feathers

This month may see you feeling torn between two competing interests or desires and at a loss as to which one one you really want to follow.

You start the month with an opposition between Mars (your ruler) and Jupiter, which are moving through your 11th (social) and 5th (personal) houses.

The Mars transit has you thinking about where you fit in in the world and about the contributions you’ve made. The Jupiter transit is more personal: it’s more about creativity and self-expression.

As difficult as it is to balance these dual desires, you may find yourself at an impasse. It’s hard to feed one set of urges without feeling like you’re neglecting the other.

You may need to take the time to reflect, much like the Heron in this card.

Here we see him gazing down at his reflection in a tranquil pool. A crescent moon shines in the night sky, illuminating the pair of feathers that are crisscrossed on the water’s surface.

The Heron is this deck’s version of the Two of Swords. As this card often refers to inaction and immobility, you might take a page from the Heron’s book and use that inertia to reflect on your options before you make a move.

Aries is usually more about “act first and think later.” But this month you might want to hold back and weigh your options instead. In doing so you may just be able to find a way to satisfy both sets of urges.