Articles By Mel and Chris

About Mel and Chris

We’re both full-time professional astrologers with more than 30 years experience (studying, teaching, writing and consulting) individually. We met several years ago while doing online consultations and have been collaborating on weekly and monthly horoscopes for the last five years.

Mar 16 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 16, 2015 — Four of Cups

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Four of Cups

Mercury squares Saturn today, bringing with it the potential for feelings of apathy and melancholy to rise to the surface.

The Four of Cups — this version from the Archeon Tarot — usually refers to being at a cross-roads in relationship. It speaks of dissatisfaction and discontent in affairs of the heart — whether you’re the one experiencing these things or are on the receiving end of someone else’s discontent.

The woman in this card is looking down forlornly, oblivious to the wine that’s spilled from the goblets before her. The spilled wine is actually reminiscent of blood droplets in some areas of the card. And this is the essence of this card: hurt, sadness, loss, and regret.

There are also elements of ambivalence or indifference associated with this card. This is what happens when the state of limerence is lifted and the lovers are left feeling bored. You may be involved in a perfectly functional relationship that lacks the thrill and excitement of something new. In this respect there’s a sense of being “comfortably numb,” and You’re more likely to see the goblets as half empty than half full.

If you’re not currently in a relationship, your single status may be at the root of your dissatisfaction. But you’ll also have to ask yourself what you bring to the table too: you’re not likely to attract a partner if you’re projecting a laissez faire attitude. You can’t go looking for someone to alleviate your boredom. You’ll have to take care of that yourself.

One of the greater benefits of the Four of Cups is that it reveals to you exactly what’s “wrong with this picture” and allows you the opportunity to make it right. And the Saturn / Mercury aspect can do the same. While you may start out thinking “what’s the point?” you’ll have a clearer idea of what’s worth salvaging and what could use a little more work.

Mar 15 2015

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

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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

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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 13 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 13, 2015 — High Priestess

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High Priestess

It’s is a good day to explore your intuition as well as the deeper, more mysterious regions of your psyche, courtesy of Mercury entering Pisces and today’s card — the High Priestess.

The High Priestess speaks of inner wisdom, psychic guidance and a sense of “knowing” even when there is not a factual basis for it (much like Mercury in Pisces). It’s a strong feminine energy — regardless of your gender. It speaks of intuition, perception and wisdom, and all the secrets of the universe unveiled.

In this version of the card we meet Frigga, the Norse goddess of beauty, love and marriage. She was also goddess of the Sky and clouds, as well as a renowned prophet and Seer.

Frigga was able to foresee the future but unable to change it. This may be in keeping with the “unlucky” aspect associated with Friday the 13th: when you think about it, it’s only the unlucky part of fate that any of us want to change.

Here we see her emerging from a dark pool (memories, the unconscious, feelings and emotions). Behind her is a majestic throne with her blood red cloak draped over it, and behind that an enormous Crescent Moon. The juxtaposition between her red cloak (passion) and her white gown (purity) reinforces her enigmatic nature, as does her perfectly still and centered stance. She crosses her arms before her, keeping her secrets close to her heart.

Like the High Priestess in the card, you may be getting in touch with your own intuition today, or thinking about delving into the mystery schools — learning tarot, astrology, numerology, etc. Or you may find yourself experiencing profound instances or deja vu or synchronicity. You may also be experiencing bursts of creativity and inspiration. Another possibility, one that comes unexpectedly, is a sudden onset of clairvoyance or psychic impressions.

It’s important to embrace these visions and try to understand them, rather than shying away from them. They can bring incredible insights into not only your own personal choices, but also into the direction you need to be heading in order to achieve your goals over the next several weeks.

Mar 12 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 12, 2015 — Seven of Wands

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Seven of Wands

You may feel the need to brace yourself against an attack today, or hold your ground against what feels like perilous opposition.

The Seven of Wands — this version from Kessia-Beverley Smith’s Forest Folklore Tarot — refers to 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 also feel “under siege:” as in being attacked or ganged up on.

In this version of the card a little fairy stands her ground from a branch that is situated between two trees. It’s clear that she’s outnumbered as she struggles to keep her adversaries at bay. She fends them off with her magic wand, keeping one hand on the tree for support.

The Seven of Wands — like all Sevens — refers to a dilemma that is not going to be easily reconciled. The question is: do you take the easy way out (in this case giving in to the masses and compromising your own integrity)? Or do you hold your ground — like the fairy in this card — and risk further alienating your detractors?

There are issues with boundaries present in this card as well, and it can manifest as feeling imposed upon or backed into a corner. But the same dilemma applies. You have to choose whether to give in or maintain your stance and deal with whatever repercussions result.

Whatever happens today — no matter how this plays out for you — you’re going to be called upon to take the high road. You’re going to be challenged to stand your ground and to not allow yourself to back down. You’ll also have to reconcile a “me against the world” attitude before it turns into a chip on your shoulder.

Mar 11 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 11, 2015 — The Tower

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The Tower

Today’s Mars / Uranus conjunction also squares Pluto. This is an intense and potentially cataclysmic transit that ties in perfectly with the Tower card.

The Tower — much like this aspect — refers to abrupt and unsettling changes that can take you outside of your comfort zone, through the sense that everything happening around you is completely outside of your control.

In most versions of the card the “tower” is a literal fortress that’s been struck by lightning and is crashing to the cliffs below. People are falling out of the structure while flames and smoke shoot from the shattered windows.

In this version it’s storming and the tower is in danger or falling into the sea. It’s also already partially destroyed, never to be fully restored. A tree has uprooted itself and is hanging on for dear life while the world crashes down all around it.

Yet if you consider the source of the destruction — the one earth shattering lightning bolt — you can see how it lights the whole sky, making everything momentarily clear.

It is this flash of insight that all of us need to be paying attention to, especially as these planets tighten their astrological grip (and form an exact square) today. Rather than running and hiding — or hanging on for dear life — cooperating with the process may go a long ways towards mitigating the destruction;

You may feel like your carefully-constructed world is falling apart or that all you’ve held near and dear (and previously thought was indestructible) is no longer capable of sustaining you. And you’d be right. But look closely at the card and you can the makings of another tower deep within its recesses. It tells you that all is not lost here afterall, and that there is still hope for renewal.

Mar 09 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 9, 2015 — Two of Wands

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Two of Wands

Be on the lookout today for opportunities that are available to you which might not be so readily apparent from your current vantage point.

The Two of Wands speaks of having put an initial plan into action (with the Ace of Wands) and seeing it starting to gather momentum. It means that something has started to happen — something big enough to assure you that you’re on the right track, but not well-thought out enough yet to ensure that it’s a go.

Mars is in Aries now and moving into trine with Jupiter, giving you both the optimism and the energy to see your goals to fruition. But you may need to get some altitude — like the cat perched on the highest limb of this tree — in order to get the clearest overview.

We can see that the cat is both patient and alert — two of the most important (and necessary) features of the Two of Wands, which are both captured here in the simple imagery of this card. It’s the ability to balance these two qualities that makes getting to the finish line possible.

Notice that the lower branch is forked, indicating earlier missteps or changes in plans. The cat has wisely leaped up to a higher perch where he can get a better view of the road ahead of him.

The Two of Wands encourages you to expand your horizons and reach for broader vistas. It speaks of taking a look at your long-term goals and acting on them with courage and conviction. You’re already seeing how some moves are paying off, and are now in a position to take things to the next level.

If you’ve been hesitating due to fear or uncertainty, now is the time to put those worries aside. The Mars / Jupiter trine says that all you aspire to is now within your grasp; you only need to muster up the confidence to go after it.

Mar 08 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 8, 2015 — The World

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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 07 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 7, 2015 — Page of Swords

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Page of Swords

Pay attention to messages you receive today as they may be veiled or cloaked in double meanings.

The Page of Swords is a messenger card and is known for ferreting out the truth. But this “two-faced” version implies that things are not always as they seem and may come about through deception or duplicity.

You may uncover a deception or meet with someone whose motives prove to be disingenuous. Or you may have the be the bearer of uncomfortable news yourself, in which case you find yourself needing to deliver it carefully and diplomatically.

The Page of Swords — this version from Yoshitaka Amano’s Amano Tarot — is all about communications, ideas, information and news. He (or she) is generally very curious, a good judge of character, quick to size up others and able to see through ulterior motives and agendas.

In this respect it’s very difficult to hide anything from the Page of Swords. Yet this Page appears to be good at hiding his own true motives: presenting one face to the outer world while hiding his true identity in the background.

Communications are going to be important today, and as Mars conjuncts the South Node, you want to be particularly careful at how you communicate your ideas to others. The Mars/ South Node aspect is not known for tact or diplomacy.

The potential for being at odds with others or getting into a disagreement with someone is high.

But be careful too that you don’t make assumptions about someone’s motives that turn out to be colored by your own paranoia. The downside of this card is the potential for distorting information or reading into it something that is simply not there.

The challenge for you today is to figure out a way to look at the whole picture without accepting things at face value. While here’s likely to be more than meets the eye with respect to any communications, your goal should be to work on getting at the truth and disregarding anything that detracts you from that goal.

Mar 06 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 6, 2015 — Six of Cups

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Six of Cups

Dreams of yesterday and the past may be with you just now as you find yourself lost in nostalgia and of times gone by.

An old friend or lover may come back into your life and reconnect with you. Alternately you may feel the urge to reach out and touch someone from your past.

The Six of Cups speaks of memories from the past being triggered today. Possibly by an event — a song that reminds you of days gone by, a scene from your childhood, or a scent that comes wafting back and conjures up feelings of nostalgia.

Children may figure prominently for you and the thoughts of your own childhood be triggered by their presence.

Fun times and playfulness abound for you.

You will feel light hearted as if you don’t need to worry about anything and in doing so you can throw from you worries that have been burdening you lately.

The ferns on either side of this card bring up an image of using your imagination to get what you want.

The cups stacked in the middle bring back memories of childhood play and innocence. And the antiquated photograph is a reminder of days gone by. If you are used to meditating and visualizing what you wish for then this is a good time to do so.

Do not let the past hold you back because in the past there are many lessons which can propel you towards a future that you can only dream of.

Mar 05 2015

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

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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.

Mar 04 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 4, 2015 — Three of Cups

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Three of Cups

You may feel like letting your hair down and spending your day socializing and interacting with others.

The Three of Cups — this version for Nathalie Hertz’s beautiful Faerie Tarot — is a playful and festive card that emphasizes partying and celebrating over work and responsibilities. it also emphasizes friends and casual relationships over serious romantic entanglements.

It refers to being surrounded by like-minded people and putting your differences aside. It’s about coming together and joining forces with those who have your best interests at heart.

As Venus trines Jupiter today, the focus is on merriment and gaiety rather than monotony and drudgery. It’s on interacting and networking with others, allowing you to push aside some of your more serious concerns — at least for the time being.

It represents people gathering together to connect, interact and celebrate. It’s a happy, joyful energy that can manifest as a party or celebration, or it could be as simple as a girls night out. There’s a strong sisterhood vibe to this card — as well as most other versions of the Three of Cups — too.

Pay attention to new people coming into your life too, as Venus is also opposing Uranus today. You could find yourself developing friendships with people that seem random at first but can turn into important connections over time.

No matter where the people in your life have come from today — no matter what your connection or history or relationship with them is — the Three of Cups is a card of companionship and camaraderie. It serves as a reminder that there’s always something to be grateful for, and always someone to share your gratitude with.