Feb 13 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 13, 2014 — Ace of Cups

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 4 Comments

Ace of Cups:

Today’s card — from the Alchemical Tarot — is another Ace. This time though it’s the Ace of Cups (Vessels in this deck), which refers to feelings, emotions, intuition and most importantly “love” in its purest form.

This isn’t necessarily a romantic version of love; it has more to do with falling in love with oneself: an alchemical process if ever there was one. When you think about it, it’s this process that reveals to you — at least for a brief moment — all that you are capable of giving and receiving.

Aces in general represent raw, unformed energy. The spark of intuition (wands), the seed of an enterprise (pentacles), the origin of an idea (swords). And the most powerful potion of all — love (cups).

The imagery in this version of the card is rich with esoteric symbolism. We see a fish carting a precious (and fragile) vessel across a body of water. The vessel contains a heart which is floating in a pool of red (the blood of Christ) and from which sprouts a grape vine (the fruit of life).

The fish is said to be a messenger of the unconscious, but also represents wisdom, knowledge and transformation. The vessel — a symbol of mystery, sustenance and fertility, is also an alembic, within which the alchemical process of distilling, refining and transmuting occurs.

Feb 12 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 12, 2014 — Ace of Wands

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Ace of Wands

Today is the perfect day to think about re-inventing yourself — courtesy of the spark of passion, inspiration and creative potential that is associated with the Ace of Wands.

The Ace of Wands — like all Aces — represents the pure unadulterated essence of its native element: in this case Fire. It’s a very dynamic and transformative energy that can be shaped and fashioned at will. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination — or your wildest dreams.

This version of the card is loaded in referential symbolism, with representations of fertility, creativity, inspiration, passion, expansion and growth.

The wand itself is part of a tree, with roots stretching deep into the earth and branches reaching high into the sky. A rainbow spans the sky behind it, illuminating the tiny buds that are just starting to bloom.

Feb 11 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 11, 2014 — Five of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Five of Swords

Today you may need to look at all the different aspects of an argument or disagreement and decide your next move. Do you surrender? Finish off your opponent? Turn and walk away? Or do you go back in and clean up the spoils in the hopes that there’s something left to be salvaged?

The Five of Swords is traditionally associated with conflict and turmoil, not seeing eye to eye, and fighting for the sake of fighting. There are elements of ego, pride and “reputation” in the mix — not wanting to give in or to admit to being wrong — these are what keep the conflict alive.

In this version of the card we see a pair of eagles involved in a skirmish, and while one appears to be “winning” at the moment it’s apparent that that could easily change. Five Swords are lined up behind them, three of them broken and two still intact.

If you think about the disagreements in your own life, you’ll see that Ego is almost always to blame. The “death before dishonor” aspect of this archetype is so beautifully rendered here, right down to the Sun and Moon in the background and the Ouroboros (or World Serpent) behind the battling birds.

Feb 10 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 10, 2014 — Two of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Two of Swords

You’re striving for equilibrium today, as a means toward balancing all of the dichotomies in your life.

Whether you feel yourself being pulled in two different directions — between head and heart, for example — or just need a break from the chaos surrounding you, this card encourages you to take a step back, be still in the moment and reflect on what you want, removed from any external distractions.

You may wish to “rise above” all of the turmoil that is festering beneath you, but as with the imagery depicted in this card, you won’t be able to completely escape it.

The juxtaposition of opposing forces (moth vs. snake, day vs. night, life vs. death, hibernation vs. metamorphosis) reminds us that there is a brief moment in between. And it’s in that moment — the stillness and the presence of mind that occurs only there — where clarity, perspective and understanding are born.

Trust your instincts and work on following your intuition. This card requires you to access both hemispheres of your brain, whether that relates to creative, practical or even spiritual considerations.

Feb 09 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 9, 2014 — Knight of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 2 Comments

Knight of Swords

Today you want to be “on your toes” and prepared for whatever opportunities — or peril — that comes your way.

The Knight of Swords is sharp, focused and purposeful, aware of his (or her) environment and quick to act if need be.

In traditional Rider Waite type decks the Knight of Swords is literally a knight in shining armor, charging ahead into battle or to rescue his fair maiden.

But here we have a young hipster-soldier girl standing watch under a bird-filled sky. She herself resembles a bright and colorful bird, from her hair to her coloring to her clothing to her complete immersion in the scene before her.

But these birds aren’t flying south for the winter: they’re circling above her in what could be a menacing formation. She keeps her sword ready but holds it behind her until she knows for sure.

The Knight of Swords often delivers news. Sometimes it’s good news and sometimes it’s not. But like the young warrior in our card, your main objective should be to stay alert and be prepared to act quickly and decisively either way.

The Knight of Swords is quite good at getting to the point, but comes up short when it comes to tact and diplomacy. Therefore if it turns out that it’s you delivering the news today, be mindful of your tone, manner and especially your choice of words.

Feb 08 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 8, 2014 — The Magician

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Magician

Today may see you tapping into your own creative energy and harnessing “powers” that you didn’t even know you had. The Magician card refers to making something happen through your own skill, cunning and initiative.

Think about areas in your own life where you’ve felt you didn’t have what it takes to accomplish your goals.

It could be a career move or a relationship decision or even a personal change such as dieting, quitting smoking, tackling self-defeating thought processes, etc.

The Magician cards tells you that you not only do have the powers to make these things happen, but you’ve had them all along.

This has to be one of then most beautiful and colorful renditions of this card I’ve seen. The Magician is high up in the mountains amidst the clouds and open air.

The four cardinal points of the compass — the Black Tortoise, Red Phoenix, White Tiger and Green Dragon — are all here.

They correlate archetypally to the four elements (fire/wands, water/cups, air/swords and earth/pentacles respectively.

The Magician himself is poised gracefully in their midst. This is a common theme among the different versions: having all of the necessary resources within reach.

Feb 07 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 7, 2014 — Four of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Four of Swords

Today you may be ready to get 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.

The figure in this card rests peacefully under a starry sky, He’s tucked in to his own personal sanctuary — a sumptuous tent, luscious blankets and pillow, his sword and helmet resting outside. The four swords also seem to cast a protective shield above him.

If you’re able to get away this weekend 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 to restore your equilibrium.

Feb 06 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 6, 2014 — the High Priestess

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

High Priestess

Today you may be given cause to delve into the deepest regions of your psyche, where instinct, perception and intuition all reside. The High Priestess — seen in this version as the goddess Persephone — is a dynamic, mystical force that relies on harnessing inner knowledge and wisdom.

Persephone started her descent into the Underworld as a frightened and lonely girl, dragged into the darkness against her will. But here we see her transformed from the fearful child and into her rightful position as Queen.

She stands between two pillars (one black and one white) as guardian of both worlds — with a pomegranate in one hand and bouquet of narcissus flowers in the other.

Each of the these symbols reflect important stages in her journey, as well as the dual forces of nature that are implicit in this card.

The High Priestess refers to getting in touch with your intuition. Listening to your inner voice. Heeding your psychic impressions. And tapping into the vast reservoir of wisdom that you may not have taken the time to nurture in recent months.

While you may be apprehensive about exploring those realms, the answers to your most pressing concerns are right there at your psychic fingertips, if you only you allow yourself to trust in them.

Feb 05 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 5, 2014 — Queen of Cups

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Queen of Cups

Today you may need to go inwards to look at a situation in a different way.

The Queen of Cups is intuitive, caring and kind and she may also be giving too much of her energy away in helping others.

There is only so much you can do for someone else and then they are on their own in working through their problems. If you keep giving and giving you will have no energy left to give to yourself.

Perhaps it is time to practice a little bit of self caring to your own self. There are 8 tentacles in this card similar to that of an octopus. Did you know that if an octopus severs a tentacle it will grow back?

This is an interesting analogy to think of with your emotions because even when you lose someone from your life someone else will come into your life to take that person’s place.

Be careful that you do not keep repeating the same emotional mistakes because although you have numerous chances to start over again your best course of action is to take care of yourself first and not lose part of yourself in the first place.

Feb 04 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 4, 2014 — Ten of Cups

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Ten of Cups

Today you may be feeling like all is right in your world again. The Ten of Cups is a gratitude card: it refers to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with where you are and what you have.

Sometimes this is a marriage card, a joining together with someone else who shares your happiness. And sometimes it’s an accomplishment card — coming to a point where you’re able to count your blessings and express contentment with your present circumstances.

If you’re not feeling these things — look around you: the glass is at least half full! You want to align yourself with a vibration of gratitude as the Ten of Cups speaks of not only getting what you’ve “asked” for (via the principles of law of attraction) but also being thankful for all that you’ve received.

In this version of the card, the Ten of Cups (portrayed in this deck as Moons) seems to refer more to serenity and self-containment than anything else. Notice the shuttered windows on the tower and the two slivered moons locked in an embrace above it. The 8 phases of the Moon are arched above the tower, which we can only surmise is filled with love, health, and happiness — the things that are really most important to any one of us.

Feb 03 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 3, 2014 — Seven of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Seven of Swords

You may need hold back on expressing some of your ideas today, or to at the very least develop a filter.

The Seven of Swords — like all Sevens — speaks of consequences that come from compromising your own principles. In this case it has to do with words, opinions and ideas (Swords) which may be in serious need of a 5-second delay.

It’s one thing to express yourself openly but another thing entirely to insult, offend or attack others.

There’s a danger of being too cocky or of being so sure of yourself that you don’t think about how your words can affect those you care about. Others may take what you say out of context too,

This version has a harlequin figure with her legs in the air and a sword balanced precariously on her feet above her. Another sword dangles from its hilt mere inches from her open mouth.

Is she too confident in her abilities? Too pompous to even consider the repercussions? Or too reckless to care? She may be all three. But if any of them cause her to slip up, the damage will be irreversible.

Feb 02 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 2, 2014 — Two of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Two of Pentacles

Today you may be reflecting on the changes that you need to make to bring your world back into balance.

The two of pentacles is all about finding a comfortable compromise between opposing forces. That could mean between work and play, head and heart, fantasy and reality or material vs. spiritual values.

In this version of the card, we see the Sun shining brightly in the sky and a flower-like disk reflected below. The two birds hovering in the upper corners of the card appear to be lifting the Sun, while two plants sprouting from the earth appear to be anchored to the flower.

The smiling face on the Sun is replaced by an inverted Venus symbol stamped on the flower’s face.

All this brings to mind the hermetic principles of “as above so below” that reflect the essence of the two of pentacles (or any of the “two” cards for that matter).

What’s apparent on the surface (the Sun in this case) is not literally reflected beneath the surface (the flower), but is instead a complementary force.

The Two of Pentacles is most often associated with money, but that’s only one small part. While Venus (the symbol we see inverted on the face of the flower) is associated with money, it also represents love, romance, aesthetics and personal values.