Mar 27 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 27, 2014 — Five of Wands

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Five of Wands

You may find yourself at odds with others today, either arguing your point with a loved one or embroiled in a heated debate with a group of people who all have differing opinions.

In general, Fives represent conflict and discord; and this one adds layers of passion and intensity (Wands) that is wont to escalate into all out war-fare.

Petty squabbles can erupt into major arguments because no one’s actually listening to what anyone else has to say. And this version of the card makes it clear: most of these aren’t “won” by the one who makes the most convincing point, but rather the one who wields the biggest club.

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.

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.

Mar 26 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 26, 2014 — the Hierophant

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Hierophant

Today you may be thinking about overhauling your belief systems as well as your spiritual convictions.

This can be as simple as picking up a book that challenges you to question you pre-existing notions, and it can be as profound as a spiritual awakening that strengthens your beliefs and your relationship with a higher power.

The Hierophant is seen as the “Pope” in some decks. It refers to traditional values and belief systems, religiosity and faith in a supreme being. These are all commendable in moderation. But there are also negative aspects, such as narrow-mindedness, religious dogma and outright fanaticism.

The Hierophant him- (or her-) self often refers to a spiritual leader or someone who makes (and enforces) rules about social behavior.

In this version it’s definitely a “her” — a much kinder and gentler version than we’re used to seeing. She stands before what looks like an ancient temple, holding the world high above her in her hands.

Her connection all things living is evident. The animals, flowers and fruits that surround her are all “worshiping” her and clamoring for her attention.

Mar 25 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 25, 2014 — the Moon

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Moon

You may be dealing with feelings of uncertainty today and wondering whether what you believe to be real is real or whether it’s all in your imagination.

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 for feeling so 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.

Don’t think for a moment though that you’re off-base. Usually there’s a ton of truth to these feelings, even if you can’t explain them. It’s a visceral understanding rather than a logical one, which can make trying to express it very frustrating.

In this version of the Card we see the Man (or Woman) in the Moon, framed by a backdrop of clouds, stars and seasons. All four main phases of the Moon are here, with the largest one — the full Moon — shining high in the night sky. It’s face looks worn and weary, with one eye open and one eye closed. This is such a great representation of the fear and paranoia that can accompany this card.

Mar 24 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 24, 2014 — Eight of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Eight of Pentacles

Today is a good day to throw yourself into your own personal labor of love.

This isn’t about punching a clock somewhere and wishing the day was over so you could get back to whatever it is you really enjoy. It’s about finding that thing you truly want to do and figuring out a way to turn it into a livelihood.

The Eight of Pentacles is first and foremost a craftsmanship card. It refers to honing and refining your craft in a way that only you can. What better representation of this is there than a spider spinning a web?

There is perfection in the imperfection, as seen in the elegant gossamer strands that interconnect with one another to create a masterpiece.

The “pentacles” in this rendition are eight shimmering stars woven into this spider’s web. The morning light reflects off of them — a testament to this spider’s early start. She wouldn’t rise so early to do something she didn’t want to do, and ideally neither would you.

The Eight of Pentacles 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.

Mar 23 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 23, 2014 — Five of Cups

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 3 Comments

Five of Cups

Today you may have to face some painful realities about the state of your relationship.

You could be struck by a sense of discontent and disillusionment over what once seemed like a “magical” union but is now developing cracks. Misunderstandings or miscommunications can abound, sending you hurdling back to earth and back to the reality of your situation.

Look at the imagery in this card. We see a mythical Unicorn seated atop an old-fashioned wishing well. At first glance it looks like something you’d expect to come across in a fairy-tale. But if you look closer, you can see that the Unicorn is not seated at all. He’s trapped in the well and has been hobbled, immobilized by his unfortunate circumstances.

The water flowing from the sides of the well has slowed down to a trickle. He looks away from the set of withering vines on the left and toward those that are lush and plentiful on the right. The skeleton key symbol over his heart is reminiscent of the astrological glyph used for Greek Mythology’s wounded healer, Chiron.

How might this imagery apply to you? And what can you learn from the circumstances that make this card now relevant in your life?

Mar 22 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 22, 2014 — King of Wands

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King of Wands

Today you may need to step forward and take charge of a situation that needs a strong, confident and authoritative hand.

As with all of the court cards, this King can represent a person in your life, in this case someone who possesses strong leadership qualities and who has a larger-than-life presence that’s impossible to ignore.

He can also represent a state of mind — as in displaying an infectious confidence and enthusiasm that draws people to you and elevates you in their eyes. And he can represent an event — such as a promotion or recognition from your peers.

The King in this version of the card is hearty and robust. And larger than life — literally. This illustration comes from Athanasius Kircher’s depiction of a race of Giants in his Mundus Subterraneus. He stands naked — save for a some strategically placed leaves — in a circle of living flames. His “wand” is a tree that has been pared down to reveal two small flames. His aura emanates from his head in a rainbow halo that contains Kircher’s 72 names of God.

Mar 21 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 21, 2014 — Goddess of Pentacles

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Goddess of Pentacles

Today is a good day to review your earnings and expenses and start thinking about taking charge of your financial security. The Queens are represented as Goddesses in this deck and Pentacles refer to Earth signs, all of which are powerfully referenced in this card.

There’s a mystical and magical element to the Goddesses in the Secret Language of the Birds tarot. Goddesses — which are actually a step up from the Queens in traditional tarot — are portrayed as shape-shifter entities, a hybrid between bird and human. Notice the Owl latching onto the Goddess’s shoulder in this card, and even drawing blood.

Owls are known for wisdom, caution and observation — qualities which are tantamount to the Queen of Pentacles archetype. She is practical, earthy and careful — not just with her possessions but also her need for security and self-preservation.

The Sun face on the coin in the bottom corner of the card (and the smaller version dangling from her ear) reminds us of the importance of financial security.

The flower behind her ear (and on her dress) remind us that beauty and sensuality are key components to her happiness and well-being.

Mar 20 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 20, 2014 — Eight of Wands

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Eight of Wands

It may feel like things are moving very quickly for you now and that you have to strike while the iron is hot if you want to take advantage of the opportunities that are presenting themselves.

The Eight of Wands refers to progress, mobility and rapid change, usually for the better. You could be bursting at the seams with new and fresh ideas, juggling interests or overseeing different projects that all seem to be nearing completion at the same time.

This card refers to being decisive, making the most of your time and cutting through whatever distractions stand in your way. There may be a lot going on around you — like the woman in the center of this card — but the Eight of Wands encourages you to remain focused and engaged in the task at hand.

Look at all of the swirling colors in this card. There’s a lot happening there — and certainly some distractions. But there’s also movement, creativity and energy which are hallmarks of the Eight of Wands archetype.

This is also a networking card. It relates to exchanging ideas and interacting with like-minded people. Blogging, disseminating information, and expanding social horizons are all indicated. You could receive news from afar; be preparing to embark on a spiritual journey, or planning a literal journey that takes you out of your daily routine and into uncharted territories.

Mar 19 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 19, 2014 — Five of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 2 Comments

Five of Pentacles

Today’s card — the Five of Pentacles — indicates a need to rethink what you value, especially when it comes to your own sense of worth or self-esteem.

In this version of the card we see an old man standing in the snow outside a closed wooden door. His clothes are shabby and worn, inadequate against the cold. His wife shivers on their mule behind him.

There are five gold coins scattered on the ground beside them. They don’t even seem to notice the coins. The woman seems dejected and uncertain, and her husband seems hesitant to knock. Perhaps they’ve been turned away before and have come to expect the same this time.

This card is tied to Saturn in Taurus or the second house. Astrologically this relates to hardship and turmoil, business failings, loss of revenue, and financial decline. But it also says a lot about personal values and self-esteem. We don’t always realize how connected these are to one another.

In this respect the Five of Pentacles can also refer to feelings or loneliness or rejection. But like the couple in this card, you don’t want to make that assumption before you discover it to be true. They could just as easily find comfort, community and warmth on the other side of that door.

Mar 18 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 18, 2014 — Justice

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 2 Comments

Justice

Today you may have to made a decision that calls for you to detach from any personal investment and approach things objectively and impartially.

In this version of the card, a woman stands in a clearing with a pair of tiny orbs hovering inches above her grasp. She stares at them, transfixed, as though she’s channeling all of her energy into keeping them afloat.

You can almost feel the electricity in the air — notice her hair standing slightly on end and the orbs glowing above her hands. If you look closely you’ll see that she also appears to be levitating — her feet barely touch the ground.

A scale hangs from a tree on her left and a sword is driven into the ground on her right. These are common themes with the Justice card. They represent fairness, wisdom, reason and intellect.

The Justice card refers to Universal justice — right vs. wrong rather than what you might desperately hope for or want to happen.

In this respect if you’re dealing with a legal situation, workplace drama, marital discord, or some other problem that calls for third-party mediation, know that this is the kind of Justice that will prevail in the end.

Mar 17 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 17, 2014 — Nine of Lights

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Nine of Lights

This can be a rewarding and fulfilling day for you. The Nine of Lights provides you with opportunities to count your blessings, thank your lucky stars and be witness to miracles taking place all around you.

This card (referred to as the Nine of Cups in most decks) refers to abundance, prosperity, happiness and fulfillment. it’s a card of gratitude and wonder; it speaks of being present in the moment and willing to receive all that the Universe has to offer.

In this version of the card we see Dante (from the Divine Comedy’s Paradiso volume) ascending into the Eighth Heaven — the Sphere of Fixed Stars. We see him rising above the earth, through the clouds and sky, past the planets and constellations, and on into Heaven. His lifts up his arms — in wonder and gratitude — basking in the glory that surrounds him.

Here’s a simplified summary of this section, from the Schmoop.com website:

“Beatrice and Dante ascend to the Eighth Heaven, sphere of the Fixed Stars. Dante gazes down on Earth and realizes how small and petty it is. They witness the coronation and re-ascension of Mary and Christ into the Empyrean. St. Peter examines Dante on faith. Dante conveys his hope of returning to Florence one day to be crowned as a poet. St. James examines Dante on hope. Dante goes blind. St. John examines Dante on charity. Adam answers Dante’s four questions. St. Peter denounces corrupt popes.”

Mar 16 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 16, 2014 — Fortitude

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Fortitude

Today’s card — Fortitude — refers to the inner reserves of strength, courage and discipline that are called for in moments of fear or uncertainty.

You may be feeling hesitant about something that threatens to disrupt your daily routine. Or you may be trying to put on a brave face and tackle something that scares you or takes you outside of your comfort zone.

Interviewing for a job. Making a presentation. Confronting an adversary. Expressing emotions. In other words, anything that’s been known to trigger fear or anxiety for you in the past.

This card is called “Strength” in most decks. It refers to the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of strength, such as willpower and self-restraint.

It’s about taking charge of your life and taking back your power — over your fears and compulsions and ultimately your destiny.

Look at the images in this card. Notice how gently the woman strokes the lion’s back and how he reciprocates by lapping at her hand.

This is the essence of the Strength card. It’s about taming the beast within while at the same time lauding its virtues.