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Free Daily Tarotscope — May 6, 2015 — The Chariot

the Chariot

The Chariot

Today — with the Sun trining Pluto — you may be called upon to muster all your inner resources in order to achieve whatever it is you’re setting out to accomplish.

The Chariot card — this version from Timothy Lantz’s gorgeous Archeon Tarot — depicts a warrior goddess harnessing two vastly opposing energies.

The blue and red stallions embody hot and cold (or fire and ice) energies and are rearing up in two different directions.

You may be met with obstacles, but you’re clearly up for the challenge: there is a sense of confidence and strength seen here in the way she takes charge of the two rearing beasts. And there’s a sense of fatedness as well: as in the symbol of the goddess Maat above the moon and the overlay of constellations in the background.

Maat is an Egyptian goddess, associated with balance, truth, morality and justice. She also regulates the stars and seasons and maintains order in the Universe.

The Moon in the background glows a brilliant gold. It almost looks like a Sun: more “opposing/diverging” symbolism. And yet we see the warrior goddess standing front and dead center, as she strives to restore order to the chaos around her.

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.

 

Free Daily Tarotscope — May 2, 2015 — Seven of Wands

Seven of Wands

Seven of Wands

You may find yourself in the position of having to stand up for you believe in today, even if it means standing up against others.

The Seven of Wands speaks of a need to be more alert, guarded and cautious, rather than accepting things at face value.

You may face opposition from others — in the form of competition or outright resistance.

You may feel attacked or ganged up on. You may also have to reconcile a “me against the world” attitude before it turns into a chip on your shoulder.

This is not the time to rest on your laurels. You need to be braced for attack as your views are more than likely going to rub others the wrong way.

This doesn’t mean you need to be aggressive or combative. It’s actually just the opposite. You need to adopt a defensive posture in order to deflect the daggers that will more than likely be flung your way.

The woman in this card — from the beautiful Sun and Moon Tarot — may be outnumbered. There are Six wands raised against her while she has only one. But she’s wisely positioned it in a protective stance so that no part of her being is vulnerable.

This is the message behind the Seven of Wands. You don’t cave in and you don’t cower in fear. Instead — like the woman in this card — you hold your ground and defend your turf, never wavering from your commitment to valor.

Think about the areas in your own life where you’re feeling more guarded and alert. You may feel challenged or unsupported, and it may be hard to see your way around the obstacles before you. But the Seven of Wands is a card of bravery; of standing tall, holding your ground and proceeding onward even in the face of adversity.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 29, 2015 — Nine of Wands

Nine of Wands

Nine of Wands

Today you may be feeling like you’re at the end of your rope, with so many concerns looming overhead and so little gumption left with which to tackle them.

The Nine of Wands refers to feeling beaten down by anxieties that have taken on a life of their own. You may have run into a detour just at the end of a goal, and have let it turn into an insurmountable roadblock.

The figure in this card — from the gorgeous Dreaming Way Tarot — is seated on a stump, surrounded by eight wands. The ninth wand is her walking stick that she uses to lean against. It’s almost as if it’s propping her up — so little energy does she have left to stand.

She looks tired and dejected, but if you look at the wands around her, you can see that they’re not big enough to really hold her back.

This is the message with the Nine of Wands. Your fears and your worries aren’t nearly as big as they seem. You may need that final push you get you over the hump, but there’s a clear path on the other side.

You may be working too hard, demanding too much of yourself and taking on responsibilities that others could easily assist you with.

You may see some sort of resolution in sight, but it’s still a ways off which means even more obstacles and more work than you’re sure you want to trouble with.

You may need to take a breather, like the figure in this card. But you’re almost at the finish line and are closer to your goals than you realize, so dust yourself off, get back to work, and push yourself past this final test.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 28, 2015 — The Priest

The Priest

The Priest

Today’s Mars / Chiron sextile could have you taking a deeper look at what you believe in, as well as how those beliefs translate to your interactions with others.

The Priest card — the Gill Tarot’s version of the Hierophant — speaks of pursuing knowledge, studying tradition, reflecting on Universal laws and principles and deciding where you stand.

There are definite religious undertones to this card, 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. It’s also about using what you’ve learned to guide others.

This Priest stands just inside an archway between an expanse of water (instinct and emotions) and solid ground (earthly concerns). He holds a shepherd’s staff  in one hand and beckons you forward with the other.

There are repeating themes here of the need to balance contradictory energies. Apart from the water / land contrast referenced above, there’s also the prominent Sun and Moon symbols on his vestment and the lily and rose patterns on his stole. Notice also the black and white checkerboard tiles underfoot. These represent the union of polarities (both figuratively and literally).

The Mars / Chiron aspect encourages you to challenge your own belief systems and get rid of that which no longer serves you. It may be as simple as picking up a book that makes you question your pre-existing notions, and it can be as profound as a spiritual awakening that strengthens your beliefs and your relationship with a higher power.

Whatever role the Priest plays in your life — whether it’s a person (as in a spiritual leader) or a mindset (traditional ideals) — you can know that there’s a reason for questioning your values. It’s all about letting go of what is no longer useful to you (spiritually or philosophically) in order to make room for what does.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 27, 2015 — Wealth

Wealth

Wealth

Today is a good day to be thinking about your future, especially with respect to your security and financial stability.

The Wealth card — the Vision Quest Tarot’s version of the Ten of Pentacles — is about building your empire, on whatever scale that might be.

It’s about achieving success through hard work and determination, as well as the satisfaction that comes with knowing that it’s all going to pay off in the end. Not just for you but for family and loved ones, as this card is also about creating a legacy that can be built on for generations to come.

The “pentacles” in this version are ten intricately woven baskets, displayed alongside a bountiful harvest of summer fruits and winter vegetables. These are seen as a reminder of the importance of both appreciating what you have now and planning toward the future.

The greens and golds so prominent in this card are also significant. These are the colors associated with wealth, prosperity and abundance. Notice how the baskets are fashioned in the shape of a human form, lifted up on plentiful hills of grain — the earth’s most sustainable resource.

The Ten of Pentacles is about establishing a lasting legacy for yourself and your loved ones. It’s about enjoying and appreciating what you have while planning ahead for the future.

No matter how successful you are there’s always more to be done, especially as it pertains to creating something that will live on long after you’re gone. You may be thinking of starting a family or putting money aside for children you already have.

You could also be in the process of giving birth to something else — a business, a creative endeavor or a body of work. Whatever it is, know that this is something you want to be proud of, so put the extra energy into making sure you do it right.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 24, 2015 — The Sun

The Sun

The Sun

Today you want to focus more on what is right in your world rather than what might be wrong. The Sun card is all about happiness, optimism and vitality: being present in the moment and celebrating just being alive.

Look around you and take notice of the blessings that surround you. Step away — at least mentally — and turn your attention away from work and mundane affairs long enough to soak in the energizing rays of the Sun.

The Sun is a happy–go-lucky card that speaks of “seizing the day.” It encourages us to cast our worries aside and tap into the childlike wonder that inspires us to laugh, play, sing and dance — like the joyful figures in this card.

There’s a sense of buoyancy and effortlessness associated with this card. The Sun makes a radiant appearance, high in the sky above, shining its light on the playful figures dancing in the sand.

Notice how uninhibited and free-spirited they are in this version — from the Feng Shui Tarot — as they frolic along the shore. They may be dancing to music that only they can hear. Or they may be making their own music, thus creating their own joy.

The Sun reflects your own inner light and inspires you to let it shine. It encourages you to say yes to life rather than letting your troubles hold you back. It tells you to turn your face to the Sun rather rather than looking back over your shoulder toward whatever caused you to dim your light in the first place.

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 today, 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.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 21, 2015 — Six of Wands

Six of Wands - Deviant Moon

Six of Wands

Today’s Mars / Pluto trine joins together the urge to make things happen and to bring about change in profound and life-altering ways.

This aspect can be incredibly powerful and transformative. It can bring in opportunities to completely reinvent yourself. And it can see you finally starting to receive the recognition you’ve worked so hard for.

It may come in the form of a raise or a promotion, or may be as simple as reassurances from loved ones that you’re valued and appreciated. You may feel like a million bucks, and rightfully so.

The Six of Wands — this version from the Deviant Moon Tarot — is called “Victory” in some decks; it speaks of validation of your efforts, and is well-deserved; this is the kind of acknowledgment you receive when it becomes clear that you’ve paid your dues.

In this version of the card, a figure emerges as a butterfly from the bud of a partially blooming flower. She wears a crown and holds a scepter in one of her many hands. We see the Sun rising high in the sky behind her as she’s hailed by her peers.

There’s a sense of triumph in this rendition, as in being chosen as a leader or someone to look up to. You may feel unexpectedly revered or idolized. But with that comes expectations that you’re going to have to live up to. More recognition but also more responsibility. More people counting on you to show them how its done.

This is not the time to “bask in your glory,” but rather a time to mirror back to those who are acknowledging you the same sense of gratitude and appreciation. It’s a time to remember the little people — those who have helped you a long the way.

If you’re in line for a promotion, an award or some other form of external validation, be ready to embrace it as confirmation that you’ve earned it and deserve it. But leave your ego at the door as there’s still more work to be done.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 14, 2015 — Eight of Coins

Eight of Coins

Eight of Coins

As Mercury enters Taurus today, you’ll be thinking about being more productive. About honing your craft and turning your skills into something you can be proud of.

The Eight of Coins is a card of craftsmanship — however that might apply to you. It can be as simple as being 100 % focused on your work and wanting to show the powers that be your level of dedication and service. And it can be as innovative as taking something you are uniquely capable of and turning it into a career.

In this version of the card — from Paulina Cassidy’s whimsical Joie de Vivre Tarot — we see a Fox in wizard’s attire conjuring up a magic potion. He’s focused and dedicated, standing over the bubbling concoction as the cauldron sizzles and boils.

Five disks hang from the limbs of the trees behind him and three more are pinned to his pointy hat. He’s so good at what he does he can afford to take his eyes off the mixture. But he doesn’t dare step away: the successful completion of this project depends on his being right there to make it happen.

The Eight of Coins is also known as the apprentice card. It refers to taking on an interest — a brand new one or a lifelong dream — and devoting yourself fully to it. It doesn’t have to be career related, but because it’s a labor of love wouldn’t it be great if it were? Doing what you love and seeing the money follow is something we all aspire to achieve.

The Eight of Coins can refer to an all-work / no-play mentality. But this is all relative, as the hours that you’re putting in will likely not feel like “work” at all. Not if you truly love what you do. This is about being fully engrossed in what you’re learning, creating or developing.

Take some time today — even if you’re still somewhere punching that clock — and think about what you really want to be doing. Chances are good that once you start seriously thinking about your options, taking steps toward making them happen will come to you naturally.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 11, 2015 — Two of Cups

Two of Cups

Two of Cups

Venus enters Gemini today and brings with it opportunities for you to connect with your “other half.”

Whether you’re in a relationship or just looking, the Two of Cups is all about falling in love — either opening yourself up to new experiences or reigniting a connection with someone you’re already involved with.

It’s this process of falling in love that reveals to us — in perfect clarity — ourselves at our very best. It’s where we put our best version of ourselves forward and the Universe responds by opening up unanticipated doors.

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.

There’s a synergy that pulls two people together and echoes their feelings back to one another. In this respect the Two of Cups is more about falling in love with yourself, as seen through your partner’s eyes.

In this version of the card — from the beautiful Sun and Moon Tarot — a young couple sit in a giant lotus blossom and share a loving embrace under the light of the full Moon. A portion of their images are reflected below them in the surface of a tranquil pool.

The Two of Cups often refers to a brand new relationship — one that hasn’t fully gotten off the ground. It’s more about falling in love than it is being in love. It’s more that heady state of limerence than the settled state of long-term relationships. Whether it can stand the test of time is still up in the air. But established relationships can also use a reminder of what it was like to fall in love.

If you meet someone new today consider it 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. You may also be working on revamping your current connection or reuniting with a loved one. Whichever it is, be grateful for the opportunity to see yourself through someone else’s eyes.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 9, 2015 — Seven of Swords

Seven of Swords

Seven of Swords

You want to work on trusting your instincts today and staying tuned in to your environment. The Seven of Swords — like all sevens — speaks of difficult choices and moral dilemmas. There are temptations disguised as opportunities, which could turn out to be more than you bargained for in the end.

In this version — from Timothy Lantz’ beautiful Archeon Tarot , we see a raven perched before the light of a full moon, a glowing sun time-piece dangling from his beak. A legend is told in Native American traditions of a snow white bird who steals the sun and moon and places them in the night sky. The sun is so hot that it chars his white feathers, rendering them permanently black.

There are four swords piercing the moon and three penetrating the earth below it. As the moon represents mystery, illusion and the depths of the human psyche, we can see this as a need to penetrate the veil that obscures our motivations.

We’re reminded that all that glitters is not gold, that there are consequences for our actions. The concept of time is also relevant here, as in keeping track of time, not wasting time, and making time for things that are most important.

There are elements of mischief, trickery and even thievery in this card. You may be tempted to engage in practices that are not aligned with your principles. Or you may be the recipient of someone else’s duplicity. But these same elements can be used to your benefit.

The Seven of Swords represents skill and ingenuity as well. You must have a sharp mind and a vigilant approach if you’re to navigate through some of the obstacles before you. Opportunities come your way, but there’s always a catch. Just like the raven whose cunning and prowess has rewarded him with the fiery sun, but whose feathers have become permanently charred in the process.

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

Ten of Cups

Ten of Cups

Today you may be thinking about your “happily ever after” in the form of a marriage or soul-mate type relationship.

The symbolism depicted in this card — from the Mythic Tarot’s deck — certainly depicts this type of union.

Here we see Psyche and Eros being joined in holy matrimony, ten golden goblets stacked carefully before them. Psyche has been elevated to Goddess status, her virginal white gown and wings now a shimmering gold. They’re joined together as One, equal in every way.

The Ten of Cups tells you that you’ve achieved something worth acknowledging and celebrating, as seen here in the imagery of this card. It’s about fulfillment and security; a solid foundation of abundance and prosperity, and the sense that you have built something you can take pride in.

But the Ten of Cups — as with all tens — also implies a crescendo or culmination, which forces you to look at the “now what?” aspects of your relationship.

Is it possible to be loved too much or to have so much affection for another that you feel like you’re bursting at the seams? This is the basis of the state of limerence, which is an almost obsessive sense of longing and infatuation — the kind that hurts as much when you’re together as it does when you’re apart.

Falling in love is a beautiful thing. And as long as you’ve got your feet on the ground, it can last a lifetime. But this card also speaks of the capacity to love someone so desperately that you lose track of where you end and they begin.

You want to temper your desires to merge with another with the enough independence and autonomy to sustain one another separately. This is how any of us can be elevated to our own divine statures, by making the sum of the parts greater than the whole.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 4, 2015 — Illusion

Illusion

Illusion

Today’s Full Moon lunar eclipse first hides and then exposes the deepest, darkest regions of the unconscious via the shadow of the Sun crossing over the Moon.

The Moon card speaks of the need to get in touch with our emotions. it refers to mystery and the unknown, all that is hidden and that lies beneath the surface. This is the realm of the unconscious: that which is churning beneath your awareness and which often translates externally as anxieties, insecurities and fears.

It can manifest as confusion, uncertainty or paranoia — especially when we try to analyze it logically, which is foreign to the realm of the Moon. Just as we can’t fully appreciate the beauty of the Moon in the light of day (consciousness), we struggle to grasp its archetypal meaning through the lens of logic or reason.

In this version of the card — called “Illusion” in the Tarot of the Old Path deck — we see the pale figures of a man and a woman knee-deep in a pool of turbulent waters. The Egyptian-Sky Goddess Nuit stares out blankly at them from a distant horizon, a blanket of stars draped across her kneeling form. The Goddess isn’t happy, you can see a single tear sliding from her eye in the reflection of the pool.

The figures in the card appear to be experiencing a completely different set of emotional reactions under the influence of the darkening Moon. The man buries his face in his hands while the woman raises her arms up in celebration — or is she pleading to the Goddess?

The Moon card can refer to anxiety and confusion, based on an instinct that you can’t make rational sense of. You feel that something is “off” but can’t articulate your reasons because it’s not based on evidence, only intuition. It refers to mysteries and perplexities that are hard to unravel. You may working with insufficient information or you may be making assumptions based on feelings rather than facts. Either way you could run into opposition from others who challenge you to justify your instincts.

You can quiet your fears by reminding yourself that the future has not yet been written and that there’s still time to achieve the outcome you desire. You can work on curtailing some of the Moon’s more harrowing elements (doubt, fear, suspicion and paranoia) and tap into its more uplifting aspects (intuition, perception, sensitivity and discernment) instead.