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Feb 21 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 21, 2015 — The Empress

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Empress

Today’s card — the Empress from the Morgan Greer Tarot — is all about getting in touch nature, with your femininity, your creativity and your fertility.

The Empress is the quintessential Earth Mother archetype. She’s loving and caring yet completely approachable. She’s someone you know you can turn to when you need reassurance or support.

In some ways she represents the perfect woman. She’s strong yet sensitive, loving yet protective, and nurturing yet sensible. If you look at the imagery in the card you can see that the Feminine symbols (lotus blossom, crescent moon, pomegranate and heart) are counterbalanced by the Masculine symbols(the shield, the eagle, the wheat and the cross).

The Empress is less concerned with ambition and success though and more interested in keeping the home fires burning. She surrounds herself with beauty, comfort and love.

Although this may be someone in your life — a mother, sister, a role model, a friend — the qualities she possesses are going to be important for you to embrace today.

Perhaps someone you care about needs comforting or advice. A loved one may reach and ask for help or just a shoulder to cry on. Someone you don’t even know could use a kind word, a smile or a gesture of compassion. These all fall under the realm of the Empress’s domain.

The qualities associated with the Empress card are not gender-specific. They apply to men as well as women. It may be about getting in touch with your inner woman (the anima archetype) or taking on a more nurturing role in your personal relationships. It may also be about exploring a different kind of fertility: giving birth to a creative project or a body of work.

Whatever role you’re taking on today — whether you’re caring for another or getting in touch with your femininity in other ways, know that it’s going to be less about the mark you make on the outer world and more about tending to the world you’re creating at home.

Feb 20 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 20, 2015 — Red Phoenix Ace

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Red Phoenix Ace

Venus and Mars both move into Aries today, setting the mood for romance and passion in a big way.

The Moon joins in too, and if you’re lucky enough to have a relatively cloudless sky you can see them all tonight on the Western horizon just after sunset.

In honor of this spectacular stellium, we have the Red Phoenix Ace — the Feng Shui Tarot’s version of the Ace of Cups.

The Ace of Cups is traditionally associated with the concept of Love. And there’s no absence of that here. The Red Phoenix rises in this card above a tranquil pool and spreads its wings across a heavenly landscape.

Add in the fiery, dynamic Aries archetype and a conjunction involving Venus, Mars and the Moon, and you’ve got a recipe for romance, affection, passion and sex appeal all rolled into one.

These planets all at zero degrees of Aries — known as the Aries point — inspire you to rev up your engines and put yourself out there in the romance department.

It’s the yin (Venus) and yang (Mars) energies coming together and joining with the sensitive, loving and nurturing light of the Moon. The i-ching hexagram in the bottom corner of the card —Hsiao Kuo — refers to a bird delivering a message.

You may hear from someone unexpectedly today, or you may feel the urge to reach out and touch a loved one yourself. Either way — with the Ace of Cups and Mars / Venus / Moon at the Aries Point — it’s not going to be about holding back; it’s going to be about taking a risk, laying your heart on the line and letting your feelings be known.

Feb 19 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 19, 2015 — Eight of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Eight of Pentacles

Mercury and Saturn are in sextile today. This aspect is favorable for hard work, discipline and organization. It’s perfectly referenced in the Eight of Pentacles — as seen here in the Mythic Tarot’s version.

The Eight of Pentacles is known as the “apprenticeship card.” It refers to developing craftsmanship and expertise; putting your all into a project and being satisfied with the results. You take pride in your work — whether it’s something you’re in the process of learning or something you’ve done a thousand times before.

In this version of the card we meet Daedalus, who is known for having built the Labyrinth for King Minos. Here you see him perfecting his skills as he labors over Eight golden coins.

You can see his focus and dedicating as he works on the intricate details of each coin. He’s patient and diligent. He knows it takes a keen eye and a steady hand to bring hone his craft to perfection.

This is the essence of the Eight of Pentacles — and of the Saturn / Mercury aspect.

it relates to fully investing yourself in a skill or trade. It’s usually a labor of love. It’s not about seeing work as drudgery, but instead being totally engaged in whatever it is you’re devoting your time to.

The Eight of Pentacles also sometimes has to do with shifting gears — as in finding your calling at a point where you might have already considered yourself well on the road to success in some other profession.

Your challenge today is to embrace that aspect and apply it to your work. Whether that means improving upon something you’re already good at, or learning to master new skills. Like Daedalus in this card, it may just be a stepping stone to something bigger and better down the road. But taking pride in your work and honing your skills now will see you one step closer to those goals.

Feb 17 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 17, 2015 — the Sun

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Sun

You may spring out of bed today with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and optimism. Perhaps you’ve gotten good news. Or maybe you’re making a conscious decision to approach life from a place of joy and gratitude.

Either way, you’re going to see that the Universe responds in kind. Like attracts like and as you shift your attention toward what’s right in the world, more things will fall into place around you.

The figures in this card embody this energy perfectly. They skip gleefully through a field of sunflowers, seemingly without a care in the world. The Sun shines down upon them from behind, the glyphs for the twelve zodiac signs etched in its rays.

These symbols remind us that we’re already whole and perfect just as we are. We’re all comprised of the entire spectrum of archetypes that both connect us to each other and make us uniquely ourselves.

The lotus blossom in the center of the Sun represents purity and enlightenment. The Hebrew symbol ר (Resh) at the base of the card refers to comprehension, illumination and awe.

There’s a child-like wonder seen in this card. The figures are not only barefoot but they’re equipped with wings. If you look closely you’ll see that their feet barely touch the ground. They could use those wings and take flight at any moment.

The Sun card is all about optimism, enthusiasm and personal radiance. It’s about being yourself and allowing yourself to “shine,” without any pretense or constraint.

No matter where you are in the world — even those of us dealing with the bitter cold — the Sun is shining brightly in the sky. We may not always see it but it’s always there — and serves as a reminder of the warmth and vitality that each of us possess.

Feb 15 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 15, 2015 — Four of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Four of Swords

What is it that’s been weighing so heavily on your mind that you find yourself stepping back today and taking a moment to clear your head?

The Four of Swords is all about “taking a breather” — either from all the noise and distractions around you or the intrusive thoughts that have prevented you from calming your mind.

Swords represent thoughts and ideas and Fours are all related to some kind of structure. Sometimes that structure is positive — as in forming a concrete plan — and sometimes it can be limiting, as in feeling boxed in or restrained.

In this case the woman looks pensive. She’s half-heartedly chosen one of the four swords but it’s clear this isn’t her final selection; she’s not sure what she wants so she holds back on deciding until she’s a little more certain.

This is the essence of the Four of Swords: it encourages you to ponder, reflect and meditate rather than “act.” It speaks of detaching from the whirlwind of activity around you and 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 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 out of town for the weekend 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. 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.

Feb 09 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 9, 2015 — Eight of Wands

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Eight of Wands

Things are moving quickly for you today, which means that you may have a full schedule ahead of you even before you walk out the door.

You’ll have to stay on you toes if you want to get anything accomplished — like the woman in this card — from the beautiful Paulina Tarot.

You also want to stay focused: otherwise you run the risk of being pulled in several different directions or going off on a wild goose chase that distracts you from your original goals.

Notice the Eight Wands are all moving in the same direction and the butterflies flapping their wings to guide them along. This is the essence of the Eight of Wands. Staying focused and present; aligning yourself with the activity going on around you so that you become a part of it rather than fighting against it.

There’s a a sense of progress and swiftness in this card, as if to say “things are happening, and they’re happening NOW.”

The Eight of Wands also a card of communications. Networking and sharing ideas. Hearing and being heard.

This is important because it may feel like certain relationships are up in the air for you today -– especially those where differences of opinion have caused them to stall them in their tracks.

This card speaks of not only communicating effectively, but also clearing the air and getting back in sync with those you may have had differences with. It can also refer to travel or messages that come (in the form of good news) from afar.

You may feel a bit overwhelmed; like you’ve got places to go and people to see, and not enough hours in the day. But as long as you stay focused today you can get a lot accomplished.

Feb 08 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 8, 2015 — Two of Cups

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Two of Cups

Love and romance are in the air today — hopefully for you — courtesy of the Thoth deck’s version of the Two of Cups.

The Two of Cups is known as the “Love” card as it refers to that love at first sight sense of finding your other half. It’s the mutual attraction card, the “soul mate” card, and so much more. It’s the process of falling in love or renewing a love connection that replenishes itself over time.

In this version of the card, the astrological glyphs for Venus and Cancer feature prominently. And while Venus is currently in Pisces, the Piscean aspect is referenced here too.

The entwined fishes (symbol for Pisces) double as a set of living fountains that refill and replenish the lotus blossoms in an ongoing state of renewal.

Notice how the water that cycles between the fountains and lotus blossoms is diverted into two overflowing Cups. It’s a reminder that there is always more than enough — of feelings, emotions, affection, adoration and love.

Venus is exalted in Pisces, meaning that its influence in this sign is purer and more refined. It’s in aspect with Pluto today as well — bringing in harmonious (sextile) elements of passion and desire.

But the Two of Cups is not always a “love” connection. it can refer to a sisterhood, a business partnership, a parent/child relationship or some other deep bond. It refers to the “sum of the parts being greater than the whole” axiom, which reminds us that two heads (and hearts) are better than one.

You may meet someone new today or hear from a loved one across the miles. If so, see it as an opportunity for growth. It could be the yin to your yang — or it could just be a friend who shows you the true meaning of the word. Whichever it is, be grateful for the opportunity to express yourself and to spread the love around.

Feb 07 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 7, 2015 — Eight of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Eight of Swords

You may be feeling stuck or trapped in a situation that is largely of your own doing. This can be a real eye-opener for you, as it’s much easier to blame someone or something else (outside circumstances) when we find ourselves stuck in what seems like an impossible predicament.

It may seem like there’s no way out — in fact in many decks this card is shown with the bound woman wearing a blind-fold, hence the inability to “see” other options.

But in this rendition — from Timothy Lantz’s gorgeous Archeon Tarot — it’s only her hair that obscures her vision, while the moon in the background provides just enough light to illuminate how many options there really are.

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.

But this card encourages you to open your eyes, change your perspective and find a solution so that you can break free.

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.

Seven of the Swords in this card appear to be slightly out reach. But the eighth — the most important one — is not only right there behind her, but looks to be already within her grasp, an indication of how simple the way out is if only she’s willing to take it.

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

Feb 06 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 6, 2015 — Two of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 1 Comment

Two of Pentacles

Today’s opposition pits the Sun (your ego, will, and life-force energy) against Jupiter (the planet tied to growth, expansion and personal evolution). You may be torn between these two opposing forces or you may be feeling the urge to heed the call of both.

The figure in this card — from the Morgan Greer Tarot — appears to be leaning in both directions. One on side — with his heart — he leans toward travel and adventure (Jupiter). The sea, the boat, the wind in his hair and a longing to immerse himself into the turbulent realm of emotions.

On the other side — with his head — a flock of seagulls rise and take flight. These are symbols of logic, intellect, higher mind and learning. Mind over matter. Head over heart.

While one of the giant pentacles he holds in his hands appears heavier, it’s really just an illusion — you can see that the coins are attached to one another in a lemniscate formation, illustrating the ebb and flow of one’s decisions, values and desires. As one comes up the other moves down, in an infinite and never-ending cycle.

Your job today should be to recognize these imbalances as much as it is to right them. In fact righting them will probably be secondary.

With all of the activity going on around you today (much like all of the motion in the background of this card) you want to stay on your toes. You want to remain adaptable, agile and observant. Giving into the call of one desire without neglecting the call of another should be foremost on your list.

The idea is to be alert enough to remain aware of your surroundings and flexible enough to immerse yourself in them fully. Although there are bound to be distractions and demands on your time, the Two of Pentacles says you have it in you to stay centered and attend to your obligations by pulling those opposing forces together and striking a balance between them.

Feb 04 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 4, 2015 — Queen of Wands

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Queen of Wands

Today’s card — the Queen of Wands — encourages you to conduct yourself with fairness, grace and integrity in all of your dealings with others.

The Moon is still full in the majestic sign of Leo, which is associated with royalty and is a prominent theme in the charts of Kings and Queens. It also starts the day conjunct Jupiter — the planet associated with religion and ceremonies.

The Queen of Wands — like all of the court cards in the tarot — can refer to a person, an event or a part of yourself. She embodies the feminine or yin aspects of Fire (wands) energy: creativity, passion, enthusiasm and drive. She is majestic and regal like the Queen of Wands in this card.

This version — from famed French painter Enguerrand Quarton’s stunning Coronation of the Virgin, focuses on the Virgin’s Mary’s elevation to Queen of Heaven. She possesses grace, warmth and dignity — all strong Leo characteristics.

In this detail of the painting you can see the wings of a dove above her and a group of red seraph angels behind her. But it’s the jeweled crown on her head and her noble expression that stand out above all else. Her command and authority are evident. She’s portrayed here as authoritative and dignified here, with her hands crossed elegantly over her heart.

Like the portrayal in this card, the Queen of Wands is strong and dynamic, but loving. She possesses leadership qualities and elicits respect from others. She’s also very worldly and knowledgeable. If this is a person in your life, know that she’s honest and impartial and will treat you with respect. She may be a supervisor, a parent, a friend or even some facet of yourself that has long been dormant.

If the card refers to you, see it as a reminder that you do possess these qualities and may need to reincorporate them into your personality. The presence of this card encourages you to recapture the essence of the Queen of Wands and put her to good use.

Feb 03 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 3, 2015 — Strength

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Strength

Perhaps there is something you wish to say but are not saying it. Intuitively you may know it is not the right time to speak these words so you hold them to yourself.

If this is the case then know that when you do speak your mind the words will come out in an empowering way which will give you further strength to do what you need to do next.

On the other hand if you have been biting your tongue for too long and not expressing what it is you want to say then you may miss your opportunity.

lf that is going around your mind may become entrapped in a never ending cycle of not being able to choose the correct moment to speak out.

In which case when you do speak you find you have an argument on your hands instead of your own empowerment that you are wishing to convey.

It is easy to see that this card is associated with the sign of Leo — which is where the Full Moon is today, like the full moon in this card.

Just just like a Leo who inspires greatness in those around them as well as themselves you need to realize that you hold the strength and purpose within you to get what you want and if that is not forthcoming then know when to walk away.

There is only so much a person can take of feeling as if they are always renouncing their own truth. If this has been you then know that you have the strength within you to rise above circumstances that may be holding you down and walk your own path.

Feb 02 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 2, 2015 — Black Tortoise Seven

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Black Tortoise Seven

Today you might find yourself up against what seems like an insurmountable obstacle that you’re going to have to use discipline, strategy and cunning to see yourself through.

This is the Feng Shui Tarot’s version of the Seven of Wands. It focuses more on the barriers that stand in your way than on the conflict and combativeness that’s usually associated with this card.

The Black Tortoise in this card gazes through the rungs of a locked gate at a mountain range in the distance. He may be longing to escape, or he may be pausing to consider more creative solutions to crossing over to the other side.

But it’s all a matter of perspective. Is he really locked out? Or is he safe in the confines of his own kingdom, protected from the turbulent storm clouds that are brewing in the distance.

The Seven of Wands — like all Sevens — is associated with strategies and decisions. And as the Sun sextiles Uranus today, you should be doing the same. Looking at your situation from all sides and figuring out the best course of action.

There is a “hold your ground” element to this card which is in keeping with the traditional Seven of Wands. But rather than fighting off someone trying to unseat you, you may be fighting off your own urges to see the grass as greener on the other side.

Think about what’s been obstructing you in your own quest to reach your goals. As there’s an expanse of water (emotions) between the gated ledge and the mountains across the way, there’s more than likely an emotional component at work here.

You may have to explore uncomfortable feelings or conquer hidden fears. Whatever it is, know that you do have the tools at your disposal. The Black Tortoise Seven requires you to consider solutions that might not be readily available as you plan your next move.

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