Articles

May 01 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — May 1, 2015 — Page of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Page of Swords

As Mercury enters Gemini today you may wake up with a spring in your step, ready to tackle whatever misadventures come your way.

The Page of Swords — this version from the Tarot of the Magical Forest — is known for having places to go and people to see. He’s restless, distractible and easily bored, so if this is someone in your life make sure you’ve got ways to keep him entertained.

There’s a sort of effortless buoyancy seen in this version of the card, with the Page of Swords playing dressup in his red cape and superhero boots. He wields a sword in one hand and pounds his chest with the other.

He may try to look tough but he’s no more menacing than the pussy cat he is underneath all that posturing and bravado. Although he is known to use his sharp tongue as a weapon, in the end he’s really harmless.

The Page of Swords may have his head in the clouds but that doesn’t mean it’s not full of ideas. He’s thinking and planning and strategizing at any given moment. He may have BIG ideas — bigger than he’s prepared to handle, much like that giant sword in his hands. But it’s those ideas that propel him forward, toward ultimately accomplishing his goals.

The Page of Swords is often charming and clever. He (or she) is also somewhat immature, temperamental and emotionally unsophisticated. You may grow tired of his antics if this is someone in your life, and you may have to resist the urge to yank him by the ear and send him to his room.

But there are positive attributes associated with this card as well. There’s curiosity, innovation and idealism that’s hard to find anywhere else. These are the gifts that come with the Page of Swords — which can inspire you to reach for the stars as well.

Apr 30 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 30, 2015 — Temperance

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Temperance

Today’s card — Temperance from the Tarot of Pagan Cats –– indicates a need to go with the flow and to find ways to bring the conflicting desires of your being back toward the center.

Today’s Sun / Neptune and Mars / Chiron sextiles should make that a little easier. The Sun / Neptune aspect is all about aligning yourself with higher spiritual realms, and the Mars / Chiron aspect is about learning to surrender.

The Temperance card speaks of searching within yourself for that wellspring of inner grace and finding a way to bring the good and bad, light and dark, happy and sad back in to balance.

This card is called “Art” in some decks. It speaks of the unique creative forces that each of us possess. It speaks of seeking out symmetry and harmony. And it speaks of integrating the opposing areas of your life into one big calm, peaceful and harmonious medium.

In what areas of your life are you too inflexible, too rigid and too unwilling to hear another’s point of view? Your challenge will be to overcome those impediments and to integrate the opposing forces in your life.

In this version of the card we see a beautiful white cat in a field of daffodils lounging near the edge of a stream. She pours the contents of a fishbowl — including its lone inhabitant, a goldfish — into the water. A brilliant rainbow sits high in the sky and is reflected in the rippling stream.

Her demeanor is calm and peaceful — almost trance-like — as if she’s mesmerized by the process. This is the essence of this card: there’s a calm and graceful symmetry in taking one’s time, going with the flow, and becoming one with all that surrounds you.

There may be truths that must be faced in order to achieve the equilibrium depicted in this card. There may be messages to deliver or mysteries to unravel or even dreams to be discarded, if you’re to reach the end of the rainbow and your heart’s desire.

Apr 22 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 22, 2015 — Queen of Chalices

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Queen of Chalices

Today would be a good day to step away from all of the noise and distractions going on around you in the outside world and retreat into your inner sanctuary.

With Venus sextiling Jupiter and Mercury trining Pluto today, you should be able to tap into your own sacred space and regroup — even if just for a short while.

The Queen of Chalices — the Yoga Tarot’s version of the Queen of Cups — is so good at caring for and nurturing others that she may forget to take the time to pamper herself. But this Queen is here to show you how it’s done.

She’s seen levitating over a pool of lotus blossoms in a classic meditation pose. She’s positioned herself in the most peaceful and relaxing environment possible, with soothing colors and a relaxing array of ambient lighting.

She gazes down into the tranquil waters while butterflies flit gently around her head. Her hands rest gently on her lap in the classic mudra for peace.

The Venus / Jupiter sextile brings the “greater benefics” together in harmony. It serves as a conduit between peace and joy, love and gratitude, grace and beauty.

The Mercury / Pluto trine allows you to tap into the restorative powers of your own psyche. It provides intimate access into the primal energy that flows through you, activating and energizing your chakras. It allows you to awaken the kundalini powers within that rise and nourish your spirit.

Take some time today to create your own sacred space and nurture your own spirit. Like the Queen of Chalices in this card, find a way to create a calm, soothing environment for yourself and “rise above” the noise that can interfere with your ability to alleviate stress. You may have neglected yourself while caring for others. But today is a day of treating yourself, pampering yourself and restoring your own inner peace.

Apr 19 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 19, 2015 — The Star

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Star

As Mercury sextiles Neptune today, it’s a good time to acknowledge your dreams and aspirations.

You could be feeling a renewed sense of hope about a goal that is now starting to feel more reachable. Or you may be feeling inspired to explore your intuition and psychic impressions.

The Star is all about Universal harmony and synchronicity. It’s about being one with the Universe and feeling connected to every single other living thing. This is illustrated perfectly in this version of the card — from Nicoletta Ceccoli’s gorgeous Ceccoli Tarot — with the woman lounging on a cloud in the night sky and all of the planets surrounding her.

In this version a tiny angel and devil are hovering at her shoulders, loosely connected to her and one another with a fine silken cord. She holds the power to command them with a flick of her magic wand, thus altering time and destiny.

This is something to keep in mind today as Venus also squares Neptune. This transit can be somewhat delusional as it’s tied to self-deception. Although the Star card refers to “Hope,” the potential for it to turn out to be false hope or wishful thinking is also present.

The Star card is associated with Aquarius as the Water Bearer archetype. It is a card of compassion, inspiration, intuition and faith.

It also represents a sense of rebirth and renewal. As it follows the Tower card — which is associated with disaster and destruction — it can serve as a welcome refuge or a beacon of hope.

It’s the sense we have that everything will be alright — even if we have to push past our own doubts and fears. It’s also about transmuting those fears and finding a productive outlet for them. Art, music, poetry, dance, creative self-expression are all very meaningful manifestations of the Star card’s energy.

Apr 16 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 16, 2015 — Queen of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Queen of Pentacles

Today you may 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.

This could be a person in your life or it could refer to qualities that you need to incorporate into your own personality.

The Queen of Pentacles 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.

Today you want to be thinking about your long-term goals and what you might need to do 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.

Apr 03 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 3, 2015 — Two of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Two of Pentacles

Today you may find yourself juggling all of the different areas in your life and trying to find ways to maintain some sort of equilibrium in the process.

You will need to be flexible and adaptable, as well as being able to shift from one task to another without losing focus.

The “Pentacles” the figure juggles in this version of the card are not Pentacles at all — although in her world they may very well serve as currency. She’s juggling buttons, balls and clothes pins. She stares off into space — never losing focus (although the same can’t be said for her head).

Maybe she feels confident because she’s off in her “zone.” Or maybe she’s so invested in trying to balance out her priorities that she doesn’t even notice it. One thing’s for sure: if she loses her concentration and ends up dropping one of those balls, everything she’s striving for will fall out of balance.

In the context of this card Pentacles refers to more than just money. While it can mean juggling funds — robbing Peter to pay Paul and seeing money go out as soon as if comes in. And these are certainly possibilities you want to be aware of. But it can also refer to tasks, commitments and external obligations.

It could be work and responsibilities vs. pleasure and play. It could be relationships vs. autonomy. Or it could even be up time (productivity) vs. down time (rest). Whatever it is, you don’t want to be so focused on weighing your options that you lose sight of what’s going on around you.

Think about what you need to balance in your own life today as opposed to what deserves your undivided attention. It may require levels of skill and dexterity that you didn’t even know you had. If you can pull it off though and find ways to satisfy one area without neglecting the other, it should be tremendously rewarding for you in the end.

Mar 29 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 29, 2015 — Four of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Four of Swords

WIth Mercury and Jupiter in hard aspect today, you may be looking for ways to quiet the thoughts and ideas that are racing through your mind.

The Four of Swords refers to the period of silence, stillness and recuperation that is so necessary when chaos and turbulence surround you.

While you may feel pulled in several different directions, you’d be best served to stay calm and carry on, rather than let yourself fall out of balance.

The Four of Swords encourages you to ponder, reflect and meditate 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 chores and responsibilities; or maybe you just long to escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

The main theme in this version of the card — from the gorgeous Tarot of the Magical Forest — is on rest and recuperation. The little cat lays perfectly still on a marble slab in what looks like a church or mausoleum.

The room is dark and dreary, save for the muted colors of the sun seeping through the stained glass window. Three Swords are lined above him, with the fourth one mounted below.

The Four of Swords encourages you to disengage from all the noise and distractions around you and to find your strength through 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.

If you can get away then by all means do it! But if you can’t there are other ways to restore your sanity. Meditation, breathwork, self-imposed silence, etc. — any one of these can help you to de-stress and restore your equilibrium.

Mar 25 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 26, 2015 — Ten of Cups

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Ten of Cups

Today you may be feeling like all is right in your world again. The Ten of Cups is a gratitude card: it refers to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with where you are and what you have.

Sometimes this is a marriage card, a joining together with someone else who shares your happiness. And 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.

If you’re not feeling these things — look around you: the glass is at least half full! 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.

In this version of the card, the — from the Tarot of Pagan Cats –– a family of cats bask in the sunlight that pours in on them from the landscape behind. A rainbow banner hangs from a table behind them, upon which 10 full cups are placed.

The feline parents are busy grooming one another while their offspring play at their feet. You can “feel the love” that is present in this image and know that all is as it should be for them.

The Ten of Cups is all about embracing all you’ve established through your connections and interactions with others. It’s about happiness and security in the areas that matter most — with family, friends and loved ones.

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.

Mar 15 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope –Mar 15, 2015 — Knight of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Knight of Swords

You may be find yourself dealing with a relentless individual today; someone who’s forceful, angry, aggressive or even ruthless.

This Knight of Swords means business. He’s not taking any prisoners or suffering any fools. He may be someone you live with, work with, or know casually. Either way this is not someone you’re going to be able to reason with.

The upside of this version of the card — from the Samurai Tarot — is that you won’t have any trouble knowing exactly where you stand with him. But the downside is that he’s spoiling for a fight and not about to let anyone get a word in edgewise.

The Knight of Swords can be a messenger, or a bearer of “news.” In this case it’s probably not going to be good news — notice how dark and ominous the clouds are and how forcefully the warrior slices through the air with his swords.

The reds and golds on the warrior’s tunic represent passion and drive. The Swords refer to communications and ideas. And the lightning bolts emanating from the storm clouds represent energy and electricity. Together they make for a fiery and dynamic energy that can be combative.

You may be the recipient of some not-so-good news today, or you may be on the receiving end of someone else’s tirade. You could also find yourself in the position of having to act as messenger yourself, in which case let’s hope you’re a bit less threatening and a lot more genial.

In whatever form the Knight of Swords appears to you today, know that you have a choice in now you react. Keep in mind that the message may not be nearly as bad as the messenger. You can try to disarm him with kindness and cooperation, or you can try to deflect some of that energy by meeting him head on.

Mar 14 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 14, 2015 — The Hermit

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Hermit

Saturn turns retrograde today at 4° Sagittarius. The Sabian symbol for this degree is “An old owl sits alone on the branch of a large tree.”

This symbol ties in very well with the Saturn retrograde as well as the Hermit card, both of which speak of gaining insight and wisdom through solitude and introspection.

This version of the Hermit card — from Nicoletta Ceccoli’s gorgeous Ceccoli Tarot — focuses more on introspection than it does on solitude, which is an important feature in many decks.

The woman in this card is dressed in a red-and-white striped tunic, which transforms into a sort of snail-like shell formation behind her. She paces around the edge of another circle — this one a pattern painted onto the floor. Along the outer perimeter of the same circle stands a mirror image of this same woman, in miniature version.

Together they wind their way around the circle, each with the light of a candle to guide their way. The candles provide illumination of a different sort — though they may not even need them: they seem to know the steps by heart. The circular theme is repeated here in the shape of the room itself.

The Hermit card refers to turning inward and seeking guidance from your self. Much like the woman and her mini-me here in this card.

And Saturn turning retrograde reinforces this theme. It forces you to “look back” and to re-evaluate some of your earlier choices, which have in turn led you to where you are today — on your own circular path.

Rather than going in circles you may want to look at this as retracing your steps, which is something the retrograde Saturn wisely imposes upon us. It’s not about repeating past mistakes: it’s about revisiting old hindrances and finding ways to resolve them.

Mar 08 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 8, 2015 — The World

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The World

You may be on the verge of closing the door on an important chapter in your life today and preparing to open another.

The World card — called the Universe in some decks — completes the Fool’s journey and as such, speaks of fulfillment, integration and completion.

For example, you could be finishing a course or internship, tying up lose ends on a project that you’re ready to launch, putting a failed relationship behind you and getting back into the dating scene, finishing (and feeling good about) a self-improvement regimen, etc.

The possibilities are endless, but in all of the above scenarios the World card does not signify an ending as much as it does a new beginning. You’ve put something behind you in order to begin anew, a little higher up on the rungs this time.

In this version — from the Tarot of the Magical Forest — the central figure is a cat suspended in mid-air, framed by a laurel wreath and holding two wands.

In each corner of the card stands the symbol for each of the four fixed zodiac signs. The Eagle for Scorpio, the Water bearer for Aquarius, the Lion for Leo and the Bull for Taurus.

Note that all four symbols are winged as if they are there to bring out the best in the attributes of these signs and not the negatives. These four figures also correspond to the winged figures surrounding God’s throne in the Book of Revelations.

Apart from those references though, the message behind the world card is best received with insight and awareness. Ask yourself: “What is is I’ve learned through all that I’ve experienced in this chapter of my life?” and “What must I now give up in order to start anew?” If you can answer those two questions with honesty and humility, you’ll be able to carry those lessons into the next chapter.

The World card is a card of both fulfillment and completion. With that in mind, it’s time to put the finishing touches on projects that are almost finished, and also time to rest anything that just didn’t pan out for you. You’re preparing to start a whole new journey, and in doing so will want to with as clean a slate as possible.

Mar 05 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 5, 2015 — Five of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 2 Comments

Five of Pentacles

Coming on the heels of yesterday’s upbeat and sociable Venus trine Jupiter, we have Venus squaring Pluto today — a completely different (and unfortunately far less joyful) energy.

Venus / Pluto aspects tend to intensify emotional responses, especially regarding personal relationships. This aspect represents a sort of collision (square) between the “love’ planet — Venus — and the planet associated with pain, loss, fear, shame and rejection — Pluto.

This energy is illustrated here — in the beautiful Ceccoli Tarot version — in the form of a tender young woman sitting alone in the dark, looking sad and forlorn. A flock of songbirds has taken up residence in hair, with one of them plucking at her heart. A single tear falls from her downcast eyes.

The Five of Pentacles refers to feeling lost and alone, isolated or excluded, shut out, rejected or unworthy. It doesn’t have to manifest in a big way. It can be as “simple” as being dismissed or overlooked — an insignificant occurrence that in light of the Venus / Pluto square takes on a life of its own.

It’s a harsh word, a careless remark, a lack of consideration or a call that doesn’t come. Something that makes you feel small, dejected or demoralized.

Keep in mind that Pentacles relates to more than just money. It has to do with values in general and self-worth. Allowing the inconsiderate acts of others to make you feel small says a lot about how much value you place on yourself.

This is what you want to think about today as you look at how these incidents affect you and what you can do to offset their impact on your own sense of self-worth. There can be feelings of shame and embarrassment — or fear of being rejected — associated with reaching out for help.

Take some time today to nourish that tender heart of yours and remind yourself that you’re worthy of being loved and accepted. The challenge with the Five of Pentacles — as with the Venus / Pluto square — is not to give in to those fears, but to overcome them.