Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 21, 2015 — The Empress

The Empress

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.

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

Red Phoenix Ace

 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.

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

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.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 18, 2015 — The Star

the Star

The Star

Today’s New Moon is another Super Moon, occurring at 29° Aquarius 59′. This is the Sun and Moon coming together in the last degree and last minute of Aquarius, and by the time it’s all over, they’ve both moved into Pisces.

You can see the symbols for both in this card. There’s the water bearer (Aquarius) statue at the base of the fountain, and the two fish (Pisces) swimming through a sea of stars within.

The Star card is related to hope, promise, inspiration and enlightenment, all of which are referenced through the Aquarius / Pisces transition.

For Aquarius it’s evolution and humanitarian endeavors. For Pisces it’s a spiritual undertaking — it’s compassion, understanding and forgiveness.

The Stars in this card are both high in the sky and reflected down below in the fountain’s pool. It’s a reminder that hope and inspiration are all around us — not just “up there” and not just outside of ourselves.

The cat in this card doesn’t look ready to pounce. He looks more inquisitive. Perhaps he knows his presence could startle the fish at any moment, so he hangs back and watches them from a comfortable distance. And they in turn gaze at the statue with a similar curiosity.

This Cat and Fish interplay is repeated in the statute — like a holographic version of what’s happening in real time. This is similar to the repetition of the stars — shining high in the night sky and low in the fountain’s reflection.

It’s a reminder of the “as above so below” axiom that is central to the Star card’s theme. The connections that we all have to one another, and how all of our actions impact on humanity at large: this is the message behind the Star card and one we would all do well to heed.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 17, 2015 — the Sun

the Sun

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.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 16, 2015 — Knight of Wands

Knight of Wands

Knight of Wands

Is there something you have been waiting for perhaps news or the outcome of a problem?

It may be that you are coming to the end of your patience and need answers now rather than waiting it out and letting things take their course.

In this Knight of Wands there is a fire over the heart… depicting impatience and passion. He’a also wielding a Sword in his hand — indicating action through words and thoughts.

You may be raring to go and get things accomplished, especially if you took a break with yesterdays Four of Swords.You may also find yourself wanting to speak your mind, and not wanting to filter your words or hold back.

By all means you want to go after what you want. The Knight of Wands in this card is not lacking in confidence or determination, and if this is you you’ll stop at nothing to meet your objective. Try to exercise some discipline though: If you rush into something with blind determination you you may miss important facts.

The Knight of Wands may also represent a person in your life. Someone who’s pushing you for action and/or answers. If so then take the steps you need to not be swayed by their impatience. They may not be telling you everything, so listen and take the time to read between the lines.

If you’re feeling impatient or aggressive today, try working off some of that energy constructively. You won’t make much headway if you let your ego get in the way of your goals. You can channel all that gusto into into a favorable outcome. But only if in the process of going after what you want, you’re willing to see it through to the end.

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

four of swords

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.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 14, 2015 — The Lovers

The Lovers

The Lovers

In honor of Valentine’s Day, today’s card is the Lovers card — from the gorgeous Aya Takano Tarot.

It doesn’t matter if you’re single, dating, married, separated, divorced or widowed, chances are good you’re going to be thinking about relationships today.

The Lover’s card is about “love.” But it’s not always an easy or definitive love. Sometimes there are feelings of ambivalence or uncertainty, and sometimes there are choices to be made that can complicate things even more.

You may be wondering where you stand in a relationship or whether someone you care about feels the same. You may be ready to fall head over heels in love and wondering when someone new is coming in.

The Lovers in this card have eyes only for each other. They gaze at one another, flushed with excitement and anticipation, while Cupid stands poised and ready to launch his arrow. Chances are good they won’t even know what hit them.

There are other couples in the background in various states of love and lust. Check out the little cats and cartoony earth worm figures. But most prominent of all is the giant red heart — a huge reminder of what today is all about: love, romance, passion and desire.

If you’re in love today and happy with your choices, remember to celebrate that love with the object of your affection. And if you’re not — if you’re out there like so many of the rest of us still looking: don’t give up.

The Lovers card — and this one in particular — can serve as a reminder that there’s someone out there for all of us, and that what is most important is having a great big old open heart that you’re ready, willing and able to share with another.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 13, 2015 — Death

Death

Death

Don’t be afraid of the Death card — it doesn’t refer a literal death. It’s more about recognizing the need to put something you’ve been holding onto to rest.

It represents a loss or an ending: sometimes it’s a relationship and sometimes it’s a job or an emblem of security that you’re no longer going to be able to rely on.

Whatever it is, know that you’re probably not going to escape the process unscathed. Change is hard for all of us, and change that comes through circumstances beyond our control is harder still.

That’s the thing with the Death card. It’s not something you’re ready, willing and able to let go of. It’s usually just the opposite. It’s the thing you’re holding onto so desperately that has to go. And as such there may be some grieving that goes with this process.

This version of the card — an homage to the superstitions we’re all so conscious of on Friday the 13th — comes from the beautiful Tarot of Pagan Cats deck.

Here we see a black cat in a cemetery keeping vigil over his master’s grave. The Death card is also the 13th card in the major arcana, another nod to today’s date.

But with all these ominous symbols — the black cat, the headstone, the silver roses and the scythe — notice the prominent Celtic cross that takes up the largest area of the card.

There are references to Druid magic and mystery, the ancient symbols of wholeness, completion and unity. There’s the idea that letting go of something — via “death” in whatever form it takes — makes room for something else to fill its place and become whole again.

Ask yourself what you can do to replenish the things the Universe is forcing you to give up today. Cutting ties and letting go of unhealthy connections is only the first part of the process. Opening yourself back up to receive what the Universe has in store for you is the next.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 12, 2015 — Ten of Coins

Ten of Pentacles

Ten of Coins

Today you may be thinking about planning for your future, especially with respect to your security and financial stability.

The Ten of Coins — this version from the  The Artist’s Inner Vision Tarotis 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.

In this version of the card a pair of hands reach out toward the planet earth — representing openness and readiness to partake in all of the riches the Universe has to offer.

The hands are a reminder of the give and take that is such a necessary part of achieving success, as we all know that no one gets their alone. Notice how the earth’s energy field / aura glows where the hands touch it.

The words “abundance” and “prosperity” are written on the card, with the word “be” stamped on the palm of one hand and a coin in the other. These are reminders that fulfillment comes from not just monetary gain but also community and global support.

The Ten of Coins is about establishing a lasting legacy for yourself and your loved ones. It’s about planning ahead for the future. No matter how successful you are already there’s more to be done, especially as it pertains to creating something that will live on long after you’re gone.

You could be thinking of starting a family or putting money aside for children you already have. You may 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 — Feb 11, 2015 — Kingfisher

kingfisher

Kingfisher

Mercury goes direct today in the earliest degrees of Aquarius. This is the sign associated with lighting-fast insights and discernment. It’s capable of rising above and looking at things from an impartial and objective perspective, much like the King of Swords.

This is the Wildwood Tarot’s version of that card — called the King of Arrows in this deck. Here we see him soaring high above a crystal clear body of water, its surface so pristine it looks like a mirror.

This is in keeping with the King of Arrows’ / Kingfisher’s penchant for clarity and altitude, as well as the searing precision that’s needed to go after his prey.

He flies high enough to get a clear overview of all the fish beneath the surface, and when he finds what he’s looking for he nose dives after it, plucking it from the depths with barely a ripple left in his wake.

The King of Swords is traditionally a rather stoic individual. He’s intelligent, articulate, moral, fair and just. He doesn’t mince words and he doesn’t suffer any fools. He has honor, integrity and principles, all of which he’s unlikely to yield.

If this is someone in your life (boss, mentor, parent, etc.) you’d do well to heed his advice. He may just offer you a perspective that you hadn’t considered.

But it can also indicate qualities you need to embrace. What is it about the Kingfisher that you could incorporate into your decision making options today? What about clarity, precision and altitude? What about flying high, getting an overview and looking at things from a different perspective?

With Mercury turning direct today it’s time to start being decisive and thinking ahead. It’s time to clear away the debris and work on attaining better focus. And it’s time to take a leaf from the Kingfisher’s book and rising above it all.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 10, 2015 — Seven of Pentacles

Seven of Pentacles

Seven of Pentacles

Don’t let things get on top of you today. With Venus inconjunct Jupiter today you may feel the need to fine-tune some of the relationships in your life, or figure out a better way to communicate your needs.

This may be something large or small… from a family disagreement over the past few days to you just feeling out of sorts and also feeling out in the cold.

This type of feeling can have you wanting some alone time and this is perhaps the best thing you can do for yourself today.

It will do you no harm and it may also help you look at what you would like to do next.

There is a sense of sunnier climes overlapping this image so what you feel now can be changed in a heartbeat if you were to extradite yourself from what is troubling you.

Although the Seven of Pentacles is usually about hard work… the type of work that you are possibly a bit bored with and seems to go on forever.

This card however, gives a different view of the Seven of Pentacles. The view it gives is that even though you may be bored or feel as if you are alone and no one is supporting you there is still a place “within” you that you can escape to and dream. A place where you are not so burdened down and you have new and exciting opportunities before you.

The very fact that you can see new and exciting opportunities no matter what is weighing down you today is the message behind this image. No matter how bad things seem they will improve and it doesn’t hurt to take yourself out of life for a while to dream on what you wish for.