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.

Nov 10 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 10, 2015 — Seven of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 2 Comments

Seven of Swords

You want to give some serious thought to everything you say or try to communicate to others today.

You may even want to keep your thoughts to yourself. Fortunately with Mercury and Pluto in sextile today, you’ll have good handle on what should be withheld and what should be disclosed.

The Seven of Swords — like all Sevens — requires you to evaluate all the different sides of a complicated situation, and arrive at a solution that causes the least amount of distress.

It can refer to a moral dilemma or one with no easy answer, such as a decision that favors the head over the heart. But it also involves strategy, planning and cunning.

What do you think the man in this card — from the Druidcraft Tarot — is writing? He’s clearly deep in thought and something is weighing heavily on his mind. Perhaps he’s drafting a treaty or agreement that he doesn’t expect to be well received.

His swords are stacked against one another, an indication that he may be at cross-purposes with those he’s communicating with.

Take some time today to think before you speak, as may not have all of the information before you that can help you make a proper assessment. As the Seven of Swords is also a card of suspicion and distrust, you want to make sure you’re not reading into things that just aren’t there. The Mercury / Pluto sextile encourages you to choose your words wisely and to take all things into consideration before you take a stand.

Nov 09 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 9, 2015 — Queen of Pentacles

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Queen of Pentacles

Today is a day to indulge yourself and allow yourself to enjoy all of the fruits of your labors.

The Queen of Pentacles is all about establishing security — financial and otherwise. But she also knows how to appreciate the finer things in life and to relish what she’s worked for and savor every moment.

She’s not afraid to work for what she wants. But she wants to be able to appreciate it too. She wants to surround herself with opulence and splendor, knowing that she’s earned and deserves it.

This Queen of Pentacles — from the beautiful Samurai Tarot — is clothed in the finest silks and lavish attire. She strikes an elegant and radiant pose. She is colorful, dramatic and mysterious. But she’s not someone to be trifled with: she’s also practical, efficient and wise.

As with all the Court Cards in the tarot, this may be you and it may represent someone in your life. It can also indicate a state of mind that is necessary for you to adopt.

Whatever (or whomever) she represents, know that it’s time to get serious about manifesting the life that you want, and enjoying yourself in the process.

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.

Nov 08 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 8, 2015 — Justice

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Justice

As Venus enters Libra today, we might all be thinking about how we can bring more fairness and impartiality into our lives.

This version of the Justice Card — from the Celestial Tarot — emphasizes the elements of beauty and grace (also Venus in Libra attributes) as well as the traditional meanings associated with this card: Cause and Effect, Action and Consequence, Right and Wrong.

The symbols for Venus and Libra are both prominent on this card.

The Justice card card speaks of balancing head against heart and desire against logic. While we all strive to keep these areas in sync, it’s a constant and precarious battle.

Sometimes the heart rules and sometimes it’s the head. But if you rise above the situation (like the girl in the card) you’ll be better equipped to achieve perspective. Sometimes we have to get some altitude in order to see things from outside of our earthly attachments.

The Justice card speaks of a universal justice: divorced from what you want or wish for, and held under the microscope of truth, wisdom and universal law. This means that no matter how desperately you want a specific outcome, the one handed down will be fair and just.

The Justice card encourages you to seek the answers to your most pressing concerns through objectivity and conscious awareness. If you rely too much on head, heart will suffers and vice versa. But if you can find a way to balance the two, the truth will reveal itself in the end.

Nov 07 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 7, 2015 — Three of Cups

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Three of Cups

It’s the weekend, are you ready to party?

Venus and the North Node are conjunct today (with the Moon joining in in the early morning hours). This is a good time for socializing and celebrating with those you hold near and dear.

The Three of Cups — this version from the Deviant Moon Tarot — 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.

Look at the figures in this card. They’re all so different, yet they’ve found a common ground and embrace one another with a the kind of joyful camaraderie that says they know how to have fun.

They rise up from the belly of a monster fish. Are they celebrating their impending release? Or are they resigned to a more sinister fate and engaging in one last last hurrah?

Either way this card is all about socializing and participating in group activities. Hanging out with like-minded people and expressing feelings of affection and good-will.

Today you want to leave your troubles at the door and go out and have yourself some fun, There’s no room for fretting about work or other mundane concerns.

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.

Nov 06 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 6, 2015 — Three of Wands

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Three of Wands

Today is a day for looking all around you and seeing how the world offers infinite possibilities.

It’s a day for painting your own canvass and creating your own destiny, courtesy of a lovely Mercury / Neptune trine and the Three of Wands from Dana Driscoll’s fabulous Tarot of Trees.

Moving ahead means you may be leaving something behind. Something like a dull dreary existence or a reality that no longer suits you.

It may mean taking a risk, striking out toward unchartered territories and expanding your horizons so far and wide that you not only don’t know where the road you’re on leads, but are ready to make your imprint on it wherever you go.

The Three of Wands is a card of expectation and anticipation. It’s says that you’ve already started to hit your stride. It says you’ve already done the groundwork and are now ready to strike out and make all that you’ve dreamed of a reality.

It’s about opening the door to possibility and setting your sites on distant horizons. What can I do with what I already have to make a difference in the world? What do I have to offer that will bring the greatest reward? These are the questions you want to be asking yourself right now.

The Three of Wands encourages you to push past your limitations and expand your worldview. It will mean stepping outside of your comfort zone and exploring uncharted territories. And while you may run into pitfalls or have to take detours along the way, know that these are often blessings in disguise that can open you up a whole new world of opportunities.

Nov 05 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 5, 2015 — Nine of Wands

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Nine of Wands

You may have to muster up the courage today to let someone know what you’re no longer willing to stand for.

You may have to put your foot down and stand up for your rights.

The Nine of Wands — this version from Nora Huszka’s beautiful Gypsy Palace Tarot — says it’s time to gather your wits and rise up against whatever challenges you face, which means you’re also going to have to push your fears and anxieties aside.

Have you ever heard of the phrase “blowing your stack?” That’s what it looks like the woman in the card is doing. She’s gotten herself so angry and flustered that she’s blown the crown right off of the top of her head.

She’s telling someone “Get out and don’t come back!” Or maybe she’s saying “How many times do I have to tell you to get out there and mow the lawn?”

Whatever it is, it’s clear she means business. She’s standing up for her rights and is not about to take no for an answer. She’s so convincing that even the cats beside her are cowering in fear.

The Nine of Wands is all about stamina, perseverance and persistence. It invites you to mobilize your forces, stick with the program and get the job done — no matter what. It says that while you may be wary from the struggles that have brought you to this point, you’re not going to let them get the best of you or cause you to back down.

Nov 04 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 4, 2015 — Knight of Swords

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Knight of Swords

Today is a day for being strategic and thinking about the choices you have to make as you plan your next move.

You may be wavering over important decisions. You may be weighing your options or figuring out what your best course of action may be.

The Knight of Swords is traditionally associated quick thinking and quick action. But this is a kinder, gentler version of the card. This version, from this Crystal Tarot — appears to be lost in thought.

He’s in no hurry to get moving, even though his horse is raring to go. He may be daydreaming about the journey ahead, or he may be contemplating all of the different routes that can lead him to his destination.

As with all court cards this can refer to someone in your life, a frame of mind you need to adopt, or it can refer to you personally. If it’s someone in your life, you will know him by his gentle demeanor and sense of fair play. These are qualities that you’d do well to incorporate in your decision-making today.

The Knight of Swords is known for being frank, blunt and outspoken. And even in this gentler version you can count on him to be honest.

If it takes you a little while to get your bearings today and to make an informed decision, know that there’s a reason for holding back. You want to be decisive, fair and just. So make sure you have all the facts before you jump to any conclusions.

Nov 03 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 3, 2015 — Two of Cups

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Two of Cups

With Venus and Mars conjunct today and rising together in the early morning sky, love is in the air for all of us.

Whether you’re in an established relationship, starting something new, or just out there looking, now is the time to let someone you care about know it.

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 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 a marriage or union of opposites, as seen in this version of the card from the Arcus Arcanum Tarot.

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 loved one’s eyes.

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.

Nov 02 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 2, 2015 — Page of Batons

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Page of Batons

You shouldn’t have any trouble getting into your zone today and adopting a more contemplative or meditative state.

As Mercury moves into Scorpio, you may be turning away from all the noise and distractions in your life and seeking a place of quiet and solitude to explore the deeper regions of your psyche.

You may be thinking of ways to bring depth and clarity back into your life, or like the woman in this card, a way to breathe life into your own creative process.

This is the Ceccoli Tarot’s version of the Page of Batons (or Wands). She’s expressive and original, even in her introspective state. She’s taken a novel approach to self-expression, rising up through the mist that surrounds her to blossom where she stands.

While there’s generally a very exuberant quality to the Page of Batons, this version is more intent on maintaining her composure than on any outward displays of emotion. Still there’s a certain drama in the way she presents herself, with the flowers blooming and the bees buzzing all around.

If this is someone in your life, know that she’s here to teach you a thing or two about creative self-expression.

But she may also represent and event in your life or a set of qualities that you need to embrace — in this case the combination of introspection, self-reflection and understated grace. While the Mercury in Scorpio transit can have you pondering the deeper mysteries of life, the Page of Batons takes it a step further and brings them to life.

Nov 01 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Nov 1, 2015 — Strength

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Strength

Today you may need to be extra gentle with yourself and tend to your own needs with the same loving care that you’re used to doling out to others.

The Strength card is a card of self-mastery. It’s about digging in deep and finding your inner reserves of strength and power that are sometimes necessary for handling life’s challenges.

It’s a card of courage, bravery, discipline and self-control. It speaks of the importance of staying grounded and being steadfast in the face of danger, and whatever curveballs the Universe throws your way.

You may be putting on a brave face as you tackle things that frighten you today, or that take you outside of your comfort zone. Or you may — like the faerie in the card, from the beautiful Faerie Tarot — recognize the value of taming your inner beast and becoming one with it.

You may notice the storm clouds brewing in the distance, but she doesn’t even flinch. And this is the essence of this card. Self-mastery and self-control.

The Strength card encourages you to not only meet your fears and insecurities head on, but to transform them by neutralizing the power they hold over you. Once you do that you’ll find that they weren’t so frightening after all.

Oct 31 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Oct 31, 2015 — Six of Pentacles

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Six of Pentacles

Trick or Treat! Today’s card — the Six of Pentacles from the whimsical Housewives Tarot — is all about getting in the spirit of giving, and what better way to do that than to hand out candy to the hoards of costumed characters who show up at your door?

This card is all about the exchange of energy — which often comes in the form of gifts or tangible goods. But whether it refers to giving or receiving is a matter of perspective.

Look at the little devil in this card. Is he handing out cookies and candy to the little tricksters who show up at his door? Or is he standing outside and reaching into someone else’s house for goodies of his own?

And think about the whole concept of Trick-or-Treating, and how it’s just as much fun to answer your door with a big bowl of candy as it is to be standing out there on the stoop with your flashlight and pillowcase.

This is attitude you want to hold onto today: that there is always enough for everyone and that prosperity and abundance can be continuously replenished.

An important feature of the Six of Pentacles is also gratitude. Noticing the small miracles and blessings that surround you as well as the bigger ones. And honoring those who’ve helped you along the way.

Today is a day for both giving and receiving. It doesn’t have to be money or material things; it can be as simple as a smile, a hug, a pat on the back or a moment of your time. Be conscious of all that you receive as well, and don’t forget to say thanks!

Oct 30 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Oct 30, 2015 — Temperance

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Temperance

Today’s card — Temperance from the Medieval Enchantment Tarot –– 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 trine Neptune should make that a little easier. The Sun / Neptune aspect is all about aligning yourself with higher spiritual realms.

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.

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

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

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