Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 31, 2014 — Six of Arrows

Six of Arrows

Six of Arrows

As March comes to a close it’s a good time to be thinking about where you want to be heading in the coming weeks — mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

The Six of Swords (called Arrows in the Wildwood Tarot), is a card of transition. Moving from one chapter in your life to another, which does require leaving something behind.

You may be moving, changing jobs, ending a relationship, or releasing some baggage that’s been holding you back. Although this card refers to change more than it does to endings, there are elements of “clearing the slate” that are a necessary part of this process.

In this version of the card, we see a lone sailor navigating his tiny craft through uncharted territories. His sailboat is fashioned in the shape of a swan, and sails effortlessly toward its new destination. He’s leaving behind the life he’s known and moving toward a new existence.

In traditional Rider Waite versions of this card, a figure is being ferried across an expanse of water, hunched over and hidden from view. But in this rendition the sailor stands at the helm himself. He’s steering his own vessel, and thus taking charge of his own destiny.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 30, 2014 — Page of Pentacles

Page of Pentacles

Page of Pentacles

It’s time to get enthusiastic about what you want to do with your life.

The Page of Pentacles can indicate the beginning of new ideas or skills you would like to learn specifically aiming at how you can increase your wealth or climb the ladder of success.

If you are at a crossroads with a decision in your life related to this you may wish to contemplate if you need further education or training to be able to attain the goal that you are reaching for.

Weigh up the skills and successes of your past as you can bring these forward with you into your new endeavour.

You need the compass indicated in the coin held in the Page’s right hand to show you the direction you need to go in order to attain the gold indicated at the Page’s right foot.

Do not hold yourself back with thoughts of why you cannot have what you desire… the past is behind you as can be seen from the skulls being firming held down with the Page’s left foot.

The vibrant red cloth indicates energy that can be used to reach your goal and the key around the neck shows that if you ask the right questions of yourself or of others they may open many doors to help you gain what it is you most desire.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 29, 2014 — Seven of Wands

Seven of Wands

Seven of Wands

You may feel the need to defend yourself today, or to hold your ground against what feels like perilous opposition.

The Seven of Wands speaks of a need to be more alert, guarded and cautious, rather than accepting things at face value.

You may face opposition from others — in the form of competition or outright resistance.

You may feel attacked or ganged up on. You may also have to reconcile a “me against the world” attitude before it turns into a chip on your shoulder.

As with all Sevens, there’s usually a moral dilemma or a situation in which you feel you’re being asked to compromise your ideals.

This may be a friend who asks you to keep an uncomfortable confidence, an accusation that’s put you on the defense, or a situation in which you feel unfairly targeted.

Either way you’re going to be called upon to take the high road, to stand your ground and to not allow yourself to back down.

The figure in this card is braced for adversity. She’s guarded and defensive, but she doesn’t retreat: she proceeds cautiously ahead.

And while the moon is partially obscured behind the thicket, it sheds just enough light on the path to help her find her way.

April 2014 Tarot Scopes featuring the Dream Raven Tarot

ARIES: Queen of Wands

You may look calm and peaceful on the outside as if you hold the secret to the pyramids within you and could endure anything.

But just look at those flames flickering at the end of each wing… almost as if you are ready to “take off” or launch into a blazing mood which comes from nowhere.

This is a time to sit back and weigh up your options without the distraction of others and what they think, say or do.

Keep your own counsel and act accordingly with what is right for you. You have your eye on the outcome and know how to achieve it.

Notice how the bird in this card keeps her eye on the dragonfly… she is not about to let anything get in her way or dissuade her from the course she has chosen.

You have the energy within you to make your dreams come true… wish wisely and don’t waste your time and energy on the mundane.

 

 

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 28, 2014 — King of Swords

King of Swords

King of Swords

You may have to put your foot down today and be stern with someone that you’ve let slide in the past. Alternately you may be on the receiving end of someone else’s objective and impartial sense of discipline.

The King of Swords is a no-nonsense individual who is expected to mete out justice with a fair and authoritative hand. He may be a parent, a supervisor, a judge, or even a friend that steps in to give you a reality check when you need one most.

As with all court cards this can also refer to you — or to a state of mind that you need to develop — in order to preserve a sense of order in your life. You may have felt taken advantage of by someone who has overstepped their bounds with you and this card encourages you to resolve that problem by taking a more authoritative stance.

This “King’s” stern and grumpy demeanor is somewhat caricaturized in this version of the card. But the King of Swords is also highly intelligent, strategic and analytical. He’s most importantly impartial. He doesn’t mince words, and he doesn’t listen to excuses. He makes his decisions based on logic and reason rather than compassion and empathy. 

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

Five of Wands

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.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 26, 2014 — the Hierophant

the Hierophant

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.

Free Daily Tarotscope — Mar 25, 2014 — the Moon

the Moon

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.

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

Eight of Pentacles

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.

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

Five of Cups - Mary-el

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?

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

King of Wands

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 SubterraneusHe 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

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

Goddess of Pentacles

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.