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

Queen of Chalices

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.

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 20, 2015 — Ace of Stones

Ace of Stones

Ace of Stones

Coming on the heels of yesterday’s Star card — and its relationship to how and where you fit into the cosmos — today’s Solar ingress into Taurus brings you back down to earth, shifting your focus to the tangible, manifest world.

The Ace of Stones — the Wildwood Tarot’s stunning version of the Ace of Pentacles — is all about establishing your foundations and finding your place in the material world. It’s about getting grounded, interacting with nature and reconnecting with the Earth.

You may be focusing on mundane concerns today, such as developing a craft, earning a living, and preserving what you’ve acquired over time. The Ace of Pentacles is traditionally associated with money (and new money coming in). But this about way more than that.

This Ace of Stones is a living breathing rock. It emerges from a barren landscape and points toward the sky (consciousness). The patch of grass at its base speaks of growth and new beginnings, while it’s lichen-covered surface reminds you that it’s stood the test of time.

The intricate symbols etched into the Stone are cup-and-ring marks dating back to prehistoric times. They affirm the presence of mystery and ancient wisdom that is a part of our heritage.

Today you may be thinking about your roots, your history and the foundations of your existence. You may be looking about how far you’ve come as you plan your next moves. The Ace of Stones — like the Ace of Pentacles — refers to new opportunities that are rooted in your past.

It tells you it’s time to put your goals into action and turn your thoughts into concrete plans. The Ace of Stones says the time is right to take what you’ve learned and developed over time and make it manifest.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 19, 2015 — The Star

The Star

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.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 18, 2015 — Five of Wands

Five of Wands

Five of Wands

Today’s Mars / Jupiter square can awaken your competitive drives as well as your fighting spirit — for better or worse.

This is a larger than life aspect that tends to magnify all the Martian impulses: anger, aggression, impatience and combativeness. It may see you acting without thinking or ignoring repercussions.

On the up side, this transit can increase your natural confidence and self-esteem. It can see you feeling invincible, to the extent that you’re willing to put yourself out there — letting nothing stand in your way.  But on the downside it’s careless and potentially reckless — especially if you allow your ego to take charge.

The Five of Wands — this version for the beautiful Gypsy Palace Tarot — refers to conflict, strife and competition: forcing your will on others, trying to be heard above the “roar” of opposing viewpoints and struggling against cross-purposes.

You may have to look at where you may have been pushing your views forcefully onto others. You might not even realize that you’re doing it, yet your actions can translate as pressure, at at least on some subconscious level.

Petty squabbles can erupt into major arguments because no one’s actually listening to what anyone else has to say.

The important thing to remember is that most disagreements are based on misunderstandings in the first place. The inability to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes –- coupled with the need to be heard — is behind almost every argument out there. And this combination can be a recipe for disaster.

The New Moon in Aries also takes place today: This can exacerbate those impatient, combative and aggressive tendencies. Because of this, there may be certain topics that ought to be automatically off limits today. Like politics and religion. Not because they’re unimportant, but because everyone involved is going to be already so invested in their own point of view that absolutely no progress can be made.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 17, 2015 — Eight of Cups

Eight of Cups

Eight of Cups

Pluto turns retrograde today and may have you thinking more about what really matters to you in the greater scheme of things — and what you may need to leave behind.

Like the figure in this card seen walking away from Eight upright — and presumably full — golden chalices, you may be thinking about how this translates to your day-to-day life. What is “perfectly adequate” but no longer fulfilling? What served you in the past that no longer sustains you? And what once glittered like gold that now seems tarnished and dull?

The Eight of Cups may seem like a difficult card, and the decisions that accompany it may not be a walk in the park, but in the end it can be tremendously empowering.

It refers to walking away or leaving something (or someone) behind that you’ve given your all to, and resigning yourself to the understanding that it (or whom) was just not meant to be.

This should be a period of cleaning out closets, weeding unhealthy relationships from your life and letting go of outdated beliefs and fears. It’s cathartic in the sense that it forces you to look at what’s no longer working for you and to do something about it.

There is a natural sense of purpose associated with this card, even if it brings with it some sadness or loneliness. It may be that the Universe has something different (better) in store for you, and it may be that your current life circumstances are leading you down a different path.

It’s the difference between “fate” and “destiny” — or more specifically the difference between letting life happen to you and making it happen yourself. You’ll have to remember that the emptiness and loneliness you feel is temporary, and is a necessary part of getting to the other side.

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

Queen of Pentacles

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.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 15, 2015 — Three of Swords

Three of Swords

Three of Swords

Today — with the planet of love (Venus) in opposition to the planet of obstacles, restrictions and life lessons (Saturn) — you may be confronted with some painful realities about the state of your relationships.

You may be disappointed by a loved one’s actions or feeling dejected about their lack of attention. Or you may be healing from a recent breakup.

If you’re single, you may be looking back at some of your past connections and seeing where things haven’t ended the way you wanted. Either way it’s going to be about conceding some loss and heartache that has to be dealt with before you can move forward.

The Three of Swords is often associated with emotional disharmony, heartache and separation. And you could be dealing with the fallout from all of these things. But keep in mind that disharmony is usually rooted in misunderstanding, or at the very least a misassumption about your role in someone else’s life.

Look at how the “teardrops” that fall from the storm clouds turn into bright twinkling stars before they hit the ground.

And notice the angels swooping in to comfort the grieving woman — if only she’d open her eyes. Could it be that there’s not only a silver lining to those storm clouds but also a saving grace?

Yes the Three of Swords is painful. The Swords that are shattering the heart are cold and relentless. The tears the woman cries are real. But it can be said that the swords breaking through the heart represent a necessary separation. A need to “cut through” that which is no longer serving you, in the spirit of making room for what does.

The Three of Swords doesn’t have to mean an ending. But it does refer to a lancing and releasing of whatever needs to released. If there is something (or someone) you’ve been struggling to let go of, now is the time to make the effort to do so. It’s the severing of all that’s been holding you back that will permit you to finally start moving forward again.

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 13, 2015 — the Chariot

the Chariot

The Chariot

Today you may have to strive you get your emotions in check before they run away with you.

The Chariot card refers to internal upheavals that threaten to manifest externally, such as an angry outburst or emotional display. It challenges you to “pull it together” and exert control over your own internal conflicts.

This version of the card — from Holly DeFount’s gorgeous  Incidental Tarot — shows a charioteer staring straight ahead while she maintains control over a pair of rearing stallions. One is black (with white wings) and the other is white (with black wings). The charioteer wears a red cape, held together by a prominent six-pointed star.

The Black, White and Red in this card represent opposing forces (black and white) pulled together by passion, determination and drive (red). The star represents inspiration, mysticism and magic. It takes a lot more than sheer force of will to contain all that disharmonious energy, and to channel it into something real.

This represents the necessity of harnessing vastly opposing energies. The stallions are moving in two different directions — each pulling away from the other rather than working together as a team.

If you look closely you can see that they’re not really going anywhere anyway; the only movement in this card is seen in the stallions rearing back. This implies that there is some danger of spinning your wheels without really making any progress.

You’ll have to work hard if you want to rein in all of that energy, and this is the essence of the Chariot card. It’s the understanding that all parts of any “machine” have to operate in harmony in order to be effective. If you’re willing to embrace that philosophy — and if you can stand up and take hold of the reins in your own life — you can accomplish anything.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Apr 12, 2015 — Knight of Cups

Knight of Cups

Knight of Cups

Mars sextiles Neptune today and brings with it the potential for getting more in touch with your intuition and your feminine side.

Whether you’re male or female, you are likely to be exploring the softer, gentler side of yourself through dreams, visions and romantic sensibilities.

The Knight of Cups is the more sensitive, loving and romantic Knight in the tarot. He (or she) is more interested in harmony and communion than chasing after goals or fighting any battles. This person wants to connect intimately with others and may present as somewhat seductive and alluring.

This version — from the gorgeous Love and Mystery Tarot is more feminine than most. The Knight in this card is dressed in colorful and jewel encrusted ceremonial garb. He peers through an ornate golden chalice that he holds in front of his face. The chalice itself seems to be alive with flowering branches and leaves that encircle and embrace him.

The Knight of Cups is all about love and romance. Falling in love and being in love with love. Putting your heart on the line and being willing to risk it all.

This may be a person in your life, and if so he or she is here to show you how to express your feelings more openly. How to connect with your feminine side — which means getting in touch with your emotions and your intuition. This person may also be delivering a message — which can come in the form of a proposition or proposal.

The Mars / Neptune sextile gives you an opportunity to also reflect on your life and and your dreams. Are you happy in your relationship or your relationship status? If not it may be time to reassess what you want and change your approach. The Knight of Cups is sincere and idealistic, two important qualities that seem to serve him well.

This is also a good time to listen to your intuition and follow your dreams. While you do want to be mindful of boundaries and the potential for self-deception (both Mars / Neptune pitfalls) allowing your heart to guide you can only be a good thing in the end.

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.