Jan 20 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 20, 2015 — The Chariot

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Chariot

Today’s New Moon is at 0° Aquarius, meaning the Sun and Moon move into the sign at relatively the same time. This is good time to work on harnessing your own power in order to resolve whatever inner conflicts you’ve been dealing with in recent weeks.

As the Sun rules your WILL and the Moon rules your INSTINCTS, bringing them together in the sign associated with progress and evolution can open a positive dialogue between the two.

And while the Sun is prominent in this card, don’t think the lunar influence is absent. Notice the crescent Moon on the charioteer’s arm and the hawk (associated as an animal totem with vision and intuition) on his shoulder.

The Chariot card is also associated astrologically with the sign Cancer, which the Moon rules. In that respect it’s a reminder of how divergent forces in all of our lives — light vs. dark, positive vs. negative, instinct vs. action, etc. — compete with one another for control.

This version — from the gorgeous New Palladini Tarot emphasizes the aspects of will, power and self-control. The figure in the card stares straight ahead, wearing a Sphinx hood and golden chainmail, weilding a mighty sword. The Chariot’s wheels replicate the Sun shining high in the sky, just as the hawk’s gaze replicates the Charioteer’s.

Today’s New Moon in Aquarius invites you to draw upon your inner resources (New Moon) and channel them into external expressions of insight and awareness (Aquarius). It invites you to look at where you fit in in the world and what contributions you can make for the greater good.

The Chariot card says that you can achieve your goals by pulling you own opposing forces together with purpose and focus. You have to take hold of the reins and gather all of your resources together, but your willingness to do so all but guarantees your success in the end.

Jan 19 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 19, 2015 — Chaos

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Chaos

You may struggle with keeping your footing today, thanks to a pair of aspects — a Mars / Neptune conjunction and a Venus / Jupiter opposition — that can throw you off center.

The Chaos card — from the Vision Quest Tarot — illustrates this combination beautifully. Starting with the word “Chaos,” which is a Mars / Neptune keyword.

This is the Vision Quest’s version of the Tower card. It’s traditionally associated with sudden and unexpected change. And that is certainly not lacking here, with a bolt of lightning igniting a wildfire that’s caused a horse to rear back in terror.

He may have been trotting along with his head in the clouds (another Mars / Neptune reference) when lightning struck. But now he seems to have been pushed to the edge of a cliff with nowhere to go but down.

The Tower card can shake your world and turn it upside down. It breaks apart everything that’s already unstable or uncertain, even if you’re not aware of it. It’s that lack of awareness that is first reconciled, as in the brief moment in time when a bolt of lightning lights the whole sky.

There are also loss and endings associated with this card (note the remnants of a burial ground burning in the trees). The smoke only partially obliterates the damage that’s been done: you can see that much has been lost here.

So the question is what do you do? Do you hold on for dear life and hope that the fire burns out on its own? (and if that’s what you’re already doing, how’s it working for you?) Or do you do what is strongly recommended here and grab onto that Venus / Jupiter aspect, trusting that the Universe has better things in store for you?

Things like freedom, adventure, expansion and luck (Jupiter). And things like love, money and self esteem (Venus). While the opposition between these two planets requires you to stabilize your efforts, it’s still the more favorable response. As frightful as it may seem to you now, going ahead and jumping off that cliff could be the best thing that’s happened to you in a long while.

Jan 18 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 18, 2015 — Ace of Pentacles

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Ace of Pentacles

There’s no time like the present for putting your plans into action and working toward manifesting your goals

The Ace of Pentacles represents the start of something new, in this case new financial opportunities. It encourages you to plant seeds that you can tend to, nurture and grow.

You may be in line for a raise or promotion, or you could learn of job opportunity that involves a bigger salary. You could also be the benefactor of someone else’s generosity. Either way, you should have more opportunities and more financial resources at your disposal than you’ve had in recent days.

You may not see a windfall, but it’s still a positive affirmation that you’re putting your energy into the right areas. With that in mind, it also serves to remind you of the importance of staying grounded and focused while you put your plans in motion.

This is such a beautiful version of the card. In this deck the Ace of Pentacles is not only framed by a pair of majestic, fertile trees, it’s a part of them. It’s a living breathing pentacle — a symbol of luck, fortune and magic.

Notice the two goddess figures carved into the branches of the trees. Or perhaps they too are alive. They’re as much a part of the Pentacle’s narrative as you are a part of your own.

The golds and corals in the sky paint a glowing backdrop that’s made even more dazzling by the crystals at the base of the card. These are repeated symbols of abundance, fertility and growth.

The Ace of Pentacles is a card of inspiration and celebration. It tells you that the seeds you’re planting today can prosper and flourish. As it’s also associated with a positive change in fortune, it’s telling you to keep up the good work, to go after your dreams, and to be open to all that the Universe has to offer.

Jan 17 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 17, 2015 — Nine of Coins

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Nine of Coins

Today’s card — Nine of Coins — represents that intricate and fulfilling balance between expressing gratitude and achieving prosperity.

In this version — from the Chinese Tarot — we meet Liu-Hai, the coin-juggling god of abundance and prosperity. Liu-Hai and his loyal servant (a three-legged toad, seen here sitting on his shoulder) are said to bring wealth and prosperity to those who are most deserving.

Liu-Hai is also the protector of needle-makers, not only because they’re needed to thread the red (lucky) ribbons that sting the Chinese coins together, but perhaps also because they represent concepts like dedication and service.

As a symbol of purity and enlightenment, it’s important to note the lotus blossom that Liu-Hai springs from. It’s a reminder to all of us that true wealth comes from rising above the muck, conducting ourselves with grace and integrity, and aspiring to practice right livelihood.

The Nine of Coins represents getting to a point in your life where you’re more than satisfied with what you’ve attained. This relates to money and material possessions, but also to your own sense of self-worth.

It’s about being grateful for all you’ve acquired and recognizing that you deserve it. It’s about counting your blessings and aligning yourself with those concepts, knowing that the Universe offers up unlimited abundance to those who do.

With this in mind you want to take a moment today to remind yourself of all that you have. Count your own blessings and be appreciative of all who have helped you along the way. And because the Nine of Coins also represents an understanding of how wealth and abundance needs to flow (it’s called “currency” for a reason) be open to giving some of it away.

Remember that whatever you put out there — whether it’s time, energy, money or yourself — as well as whatever you’re open to receiving, will all balance out and be replenished over time.

Jan 16 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 16, 2015 — Three of Swords

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Three of Swords

Today’s card — from the Mary-el Tarot — is a very different Three of Swords than we’re used to seeing.

The most common version depicts a blood red heart lanced by three swords, symbolizing loss, pain, heartache and rejection. Being stabbed in the heart or broken hearted. A deep searing wound accompanied by unfathomable pain.

And while the Three of Swords is hardly a happy card, this version emphasizes the powerful process of healing and transformation. The broken heart is replaced by a gentle white dove, discovering his own strength and ability to overcome adversity.

The Three of Swords often represents a necessary break that’s been a long time coming. It can refer to the end of a relationship or the loss of a dream that you’ve held onto for far too long. You can see that struggle here with swords that the dove grapples with in this card.

While the sky grows dark behind him, if you look closely you can make out a face in the clouds. It’s as if there’s a protective force behind him as he morphs into a mighty bird.

The storm clouds remind you that it’s not going to be easy. Loss and endings never are. But there’s a potential for triumph inherent in this card that tells you you can rise above.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of your own heartache today, know that you have it within your own power to prevail. This card serves as a powerful reminder that even the gentlest creature can overcome adversity — and so can you.

Jan 15 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 15, 2015 — The Hanged Man

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The Hanged Man

Today with Mars squaring Saturn, you may feel like the Universe is forcing you to put certain aspects on your life on hold.

Plans you’ve made may he held up or delayed, or you may feel the need to take a step back and regroup.

The Hanged man refers to things slowing down or even coming to a dead halt. It could be due to circumstances beyond your control, or it could be a decision you make when you realize the path you’re on is leading you in a direction you don’t want to go.

You could be frustrated over something that’s taken too long to manifest, or have the sense that nothing is happening despite your best efforts. Road blocks are put in your path — often for your own good.

With this aspect in play today you may feel like you’re being blocked at every turn.The Mars / Saturn aspect can brings obstacles and obstructions and it can also force you to back down when what you really want to do is push forward.

Your bet under these circumstances is to make like the figure in this card. Surrender to a higher power, or at the very least give up your resistance — for now.

You may have been running at a break-neck pace, never stopping to look at what you’ve accomplished. Or you may have found yourself losing steam over a project that just hasn’t panned out. Either way, it may be time to put things on hold — at least long enough to evaluate your commitment.

The Hanged Man often refers to delays and sacrifices. When it does, you can bet they’re necessary. Trust that there’s a reason — even if it’s not readily apparent — and that it will reveal itself to you in time.

Jan 14 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 14, 2015 — The Lovers

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 2 Comments

The Lovers

Mercury comes close to conjuncting Venus today, bringing positive messages your way. This is going to be about as close as it gets for awhile as Mercury starts to slow down now in anticipation of the upcoming retrograde.

Mercury is the planet of communication, which is also the title of today’s card. This version of the card — from the sumptuous Joie de Vivre Tarot — emphasizes travel, partnership and togetherness, which is particularly fitting with Venus a part of the mix.

The couple in card aren’t really paying attention to the road ahead of them. They’re fully engrossed in one another, as are the creatures upon which they ride.Their hands (and tails) are intertwined, making it hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. The little birdie flying overhead carries a message of love.

The lovers card is tied to Gemini, emphasizing the need for communications. That means listening as well as speaking, as can be seen with the figures in this card.

Openness and honesty are important features in any relationship and will go a long ways toward keeping the love alive.

The Mercury / Venus conjunction emphasizes the harmonious exchange of ideas. It’s about being on the same page — and moving in the same direction. Seeing eye to eye on important issues. And hearing the other person out.

This aspect is also good for short distance travel. Local errands, spontaneous gatherings and impromptu get-togethers. As the aspect never quite completes (this time around) the idea of playing it by ear and letting the day take you where it may is all the more appealing.

Whatever your plans today, leave room for spontaneity. This isn’t the time to get caught up in serious or monotonous plans. It’s more about sharing ideas with those you love, and expressing your feelings openly.

Jan 13 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 13, 2015 — Nine of Cups

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Nine of Cups

Venus and Uranus are sextile today, making way for unexpected opportunities to increase your luck.

Venus rules both love and money, so what better way to attract both into your life than to embrace the ideals inherent in the Nine of Cups?

The Nine of Cups is called the “Wish card.” It speaks of manifesting your heart’s desires through aligning yourself with the principles of appreciation and gratitude.

This version of the card is rich in symbolism. A giant gold koi fish leaps into the air against a blood red Moon. The silhouette of a great white heron on the other side of the card frames the fish in a yin yang formation.

These symbols represent the dynamic principles of give and take that are so much a part of the Nine of Cups message. We know that Venus — when it comes to both love and money — must move and flow in order to grow.

As an animal totem, the koi fish represents wealth and material abundance. The heron represents confidence and fearlessness. They move together in harmony in this card, illustrating the need to balance these energies in your life.

Even the colors of this card speak of fortune and opportunity. Red symbolizes action, movement and energy; gold represents prosperity and fortune, and the indigo hues in the background are tied to the crown chakra and third eye.

Along with being the “Wish” card, the Nine of Cups is also a card of Miracles. As there’s so much more focus on what one has than what one lacks, it’s easier to notice small miracles and in even the smallest things. With that in mind, Count your blessings and expect good things today!

Jan 12 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 12, 2015 — Ace of Cups

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Ace of Cups

Mars moves into Pisces today, bring us all a little closer to our emotions and perhaps a little more compassionate, receptive and intuitive — all Piscean keywords.

The Ace of Cups — from the Shadowscapes Tarot depicts this energy beautifully. You can see ripples emanating from the base of the chalice that rests at the bottom of the card.

Waves of movement and energy flow from the mouth of the chalice as well, as small schools of fish and fairies swim along in the currents.

The Ace of Cups is a card of emotional abundance and fulfillment. It’s “love” in its purest form: the compassionate, unconditional, all-encompassing form of love that is the essence of the Pisces archetype.

Mars moving into Pisces speaks of making bold strides toward immersing yourself into these realms. There’s a pull toward increased creativity, inspiration and intuition as well.

If there’s a downside to this energy, it’s the tendency to lack motivation and purpose. Too much “going with the flow” can see you being carried aimlessly along with life’s currents.

You want to keep this is mind today when it comes to making decisions and asserting your needs to others. This is a time of giving and receiving: and you can derive as much pleasure through giving as you can through expressing gratitude for all that you receive.

The Ace of Cups represents a bottomless and reflective pool of love, compassion and emotional expression. You want to open your heart and let that love flow both from you and to you — while at the same time keeping your boundaries clearly defined.

Jan 11 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 11, 2015 — Green Dragon Queen

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Green Dragon Queen

Today you’re going to want to go over your finances and figure out ways to maximize your earning potential.

The Queen of Pentacles is traditionally portrayed as a wise, practical woman with keen business sense and a no-nonsense approach to life. And this version of the card — the Green Dragon Queen from the gorgeous Feng Shui Tarot — is no different.

Here we see the Queen in deep concentration as she studies under the stern gaze of baleful green dragon standing at her side. She may be checking her facts and figures, or she could be preparing to make changes with the pen she holds in her hand.

The Green Dragon Queen encourages you to think about how you’re handling your business and financial affairs and to figure out ways you can make improvements.

You may need to cut corners in order to save for a rainy day (note the storm clouds forming above), or you could be doing something more proactive like looking into long-term investments (note the tall steep mountains that loom overhead).

The Green Dragon Queen is practical and diligent. She stays focused on the task at hand, unmoved by the beauty that surrounds her. She sometimes needs to be reminded to step back and appreciate all she’s achieved rather than focusing so much on achieving it.

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 the practical matters in your life. While this is most likely tied to your financial situation, it can also apply to other mundane areas.

Take some time today to think about “business.” How you deal with security and what steps you’ve made toward planning for your future. The Green Dragon Queen says it’s time think about preservation — for yourself and for those who matter most.

Jan 10 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 10, 2015 — Vulture

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Vulture

Today you may need to think about what it is in your life that must come to a final and irrevocable end.

This card is associated with the traditional tarot’s Ten of Swords. It refers to an ending that must be faced so that you can not only put it to rest but can also experience — once and for all — the relief and acceptance that’s such a necessary part of attaining closure.

The Vulture — or Ten of Feathers in the Animal Wisdom Tarot — is a carrion scavenger, looking down from a wooden post onto the nondescript carcass of a decaying animal. Ten feathers are plunged into the animal’s flesh, and an X — as in “X marks the spot — is etched onto the Vulture’s perch.

The animal may have put up a fight or he may have died from old age or exhaustion — but none of that matters now: he’s dead. What happens to his carcass is irrelevant — or is it? There is the belief in some cultures that carrion scavengers transport the dead up to heaven. And notice the two other birds swooping in for the feast.

The sky is dark and ominous but the Sun is also rising in the distance. This is a common feature with the Ten of Swords. In the midst of all the death and destruction there are symbols of rebirth and renewal.

Ask yourself, “what have I been holding onto that I need to put to rest?” “What ending have I refused to acknowledge — either through fear or denial?” and “What do I finally have to let go of in order to make room for something new?”

The Ten of Feathers encourages you to give up the resistance and finally face defeat. But there’s a sense of liberation that comes from that acceptance, as well as wisdom and maturity. A new day dawns — just as it does in this card — once you allow yourself to give in and put the past to rest.

Jan 09 2015

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 9, 2015 — Five of Wands

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Five of Wands

Today you want to guard against letting petty arguments and squabbles erupt into a flurry of negativity.

The Five of Wands, seen here in the Dalí Tarot Universal version of the card — is sometimes referred to as the “bully” card.

It’s tied to a battle of wills (or words) in which winning is the ultimate goal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on the giving or receiving end when it comes to this card. The “winner” doesn’t really win anything other than the satisfaction of being right or of taking home some meaningless prize.

There’s a noisy, restless blur of activity seen in this version of the card. Even though there are five beautiful butterflies here, it’s hard in some cases to tell where one ends and another begins.

Each butterfly is distinctive — just as each point of view is unique to the person expressing it. But it’s precisely that uniqueness that can erupt into conflict, as differences of opinion can fuel animosity.

The Five Wands in this card are green and fertile. They do all exhibit symbols of growth. But they’re stacked haphazardly and are all crossing one another — and most importantly they act as barriers between the butterflies and the castle on the other side.

Ask yourself today whether expressing certain attitudes or opinions are creating friction between you and important people in your life. And then ask yourself whether being right — or winning — is worth jeopardizing your relationships with others.

If you’re engaged in a power struggle, you can bet there will be no winners or loser, only the tattered remains of what once was a unified front. The Five of Wands encourages you to move past the chaos and calamity, and work on restoring the peace.