Feb 01 2014

February 2014 Tarot Scopes featuring the Paulina Tarot

Author: Melodie • Discussion: No Comments

ARIES: Five of Pentacles

You may start the month going through a bit of a rough patch. The Five of Pentacles is all about questioning your own values — whether that means mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially.

As Pentacles relate to physical, material and tangible concerns, you may be struggling with money and material possessions. But this is also ties into your own sense of self-worth.

You may be asking yourself “What do I have to offer and what is it worth to others?” There’s a sense of loneliness and feelings of inadequacy associated with this card.

But if you look at the images in this version, you see not one person but two. And they seem to be holding each other up — supporting one another.

This is the message behind the Five of Pentacles: it may be cold outside and you may have suffered a recent set-back or a blow to your self-esteem. But all you have to do is look around you — and be willing to reach out for help.

We can’t any of us make it through this world alone. This card is all about reminding ourselves that there is help if we are willing to ask for it, and in doing so will usually come out stronger in the end.

Feb 01 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Feb 1, 2014 — Nine of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Nine of Swords

Today’s card — the Nine of Swords — is referred to as the “nightmare” card, due to its association with overblown panic and fear. Often these are self-imposed: as in having gotten into a predicament of our own doing and now being forced to deal with the consequences. There’s sometimes a sense of impending doom associated with this card, also self-created.

The Nine of Swords in this version comes from the beautiful painting Head of Woman by Italian Renaissance painter Leonardo da Vinci. Of course da Vinci was many things. He was a true Aries and renaissance man. The quote at the bottom: “The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us,” comes from the French philosopher Voltaire.

This quote reminds us of the power of thought — of doubt, uncertainty and apprehension — to render us powerless against our own fears. The more we focus on our problems the larger they become, until they finally take over and become larger than we are.

This is the essence of the Nine of Swords. Not only do our fears have the capacity to paralyze us, but finding the courage to face them has the capacity to extinguish them. If we want to move forward, we’ll have to be brave enough to “take back our power” and face our fears head on. Along those lines, this card has always reminded me of this poignant segment from the Arthur Miller play After the Fall:

Jan 31 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 31, 2014 — Knight of Wands

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Knight of Wands

Today’s card — the Knight of Wands — speaks of mustering up the courage and confidence to pursue something you’re passionate about. It may be a life-long dream that you’ve never had the time or resources to seriously consider. Or it could be something you’ve taken a recent interest in that has you feeling inspired.

The Knight of Wands encourages you to set aside your fears and go after your goals with determination and drive. A renewed sense of enthusiasm for something you only dreamed about in the past can now propel you forward.

There’s a fiery dynamic energy about this card. The Knight is already seated on his mount, preparing to take the world by storm. The Sun is blazing in the background against a vivid rainbow sky. Even the stallion is ready to get moving; you can see it in the way he looks back over his shoulder awaiting his command. There’s nothing stale or stagnant about this card. It’s all about energy, action and pursuit.

It’s important to make preparations before you start, as there’s a bit of an act first-think later reputation associated with this card. You also want to pace yourself so that you don’t run out of steam. The Knight of Wands tends to run on adrenalin and has been known to lose interest in projects once they become routine.

Jan 30 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 30, 2014 — The Tower

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Tower

Things could be changing for you more rapidly than you’re prepared for. It may seem like your carefully constructed world is falling apart or that all that you’ve held near and dear (and previously believed was indestructible) is no longer capable of sustaining you.

This can understandably be frightening. In most traditional tarot decks the tower is a literal “tower” that has been struck by lightning and is crashing to the cliffs below. People are falling out of the structure (presumably to their deaths) while flames and smoke shoot from the shattered windows.

Yet if you consider the source of the destruction — the one earth shattering lightning bolt — you can see how it lights the whole sky, making everything momentarily clear.

The symbolism in this rendition is similar: in this version it’s a cluster of insects being struck by lightning rather than an imposing tower, but they tumble to the earth in much the same manner, losing a wing or a leg on the way down.

This is the basis of the Tower card. Plans may fall through, relationships may crumble, and cracks may start appearing all around you.

Jan 29 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 29, 2014 — Queen of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: 2 Comments

Queen of Swords

You may have to make a decision today that is based on logic and principle rather than intuition.

The Queen of Swords is all about cutting through the confusion and uncertainty that separates wants from needs. It may be a matter of putting something you’ve wanted to rest — in the spirit of accepting that it’s just not good for you.

Or it could be as simple as speaking the truth, knowing that you’d only be hurting yourself otherwise.

In this deck we see a dark and somewhat sinister looking Queen. She stands before a marble throne, her loyal hand-maidens at her sides.

Her surroundings are minimal — aside from the throne we see only a gold crown that is painted on the wall. She doesn’t need to wear a crown: everyone know’s she’s Queen.

This Queen is pale, stoic and quite beautiful — perhaps dangerously beautiful. Look at the size of her sword! As swords stand for ideas, intellect and mental acuity, we can surmise that she’s highly intelligent.

She doesn’t mince words. When she speaks she chooses her words wisely and they may be biting. But she’s also fair, impartial and objective.

Jan 28 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 28, 2014

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Hanged Man

Today you may have to reconcile yourself to the fact that good things come to those who wait. You may be frustrated over something that’s taken longer than expected to materialize — such as a job, promotion, relationship, financial security, etc.

The Hanged Man refers to delays and obstacles, but often these are necessary — even if you don’t yet understand why.

In this version of the card we see an old tree with a human face and twisted branches that appear to be taking on a human form. Moss grows on the tree’s roots and acorns grow from its limbs. Vines are also wending their way up the trunk from one of the tree’s “hands,” while a bird’s nest rests in the other.

This tree has become “home” to a number of woodland creatures. In addition to the family of birds, there’s a squirrel scampering down one side and a spider and web on the other.

The Hanged Man refers to sacrifices as well as delays. Most often this is necessary and is for the greater good. We can see that this is the case with our tree.

Jan 27 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 27, 2014 — Justice

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Justice

Today you may be called upon to make a decision that is fair and just — without regard your own personal investment or leanings. The Justice card refers to a conscious awareness of cause and effect, action and consequence, right and wrong.

It may be a situation that you’re personally involved in, such as a relationship that tugs at your heartstrings but is not in alignment with your principles. Or you may be asked to mediate a disagreement among friends or family members. This isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about being able to tap into the “truth” objectively and impartially.

In this version of the card we see a young butterfly girl hovering in the clouds behind a scale. She strives to maintain her balance using the blade of her giant sword. A flaming heart is weighed on one side of the scale against a single white feather in the other.

A yin / yang symbol is etched into the top of the scales and the Hebrew letter “tet” is at the base. Among other things, tet refers to an innate wisdom and understanding of the truth.

This symbolism speaks of balancing head against heart and desire against logic. While we all strive to keep these areas in sync in our own lives, it’s a constant and precarious battle.

Jan 26 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 26, 2014 — Six of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Six of Pentacles

What if money really did grow on trees? Would you help yourself to more of it? And would you share it with others a little more freely?

The Six of Pentacles is a card of abundance and good-will. It’s about aligning yourself with the concept of money as energy that both flows to you and from you with ease. You neither hold onto it too tightly (as with the fours) or worry that you don’t deserve it (as with the fives).

In this deck the six Pentacles are portrayed as ripe luscious fruit, just waiting to be plucked from the branch on which they grow. They stand out brilliantly against the dark backdrop in stark simplicity.

Is it really all that easy? Unfortunately not. But the Six of Pentacles also speaks of helping others when you can afford it (without any expectations for being repaid) and accepting help when you need it (without any sense of entitlement or greed).

It represents prosperity, generosity and benevolence. So while you may be called upon to lend a helping hand, you may also be the benefactor of someone else’s generosity.

Either way this card speaks of both “spreading the wealth” and “paying it forward,” each of which require a measure of gratitude.

Jan 25 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 25, 2014 — Two of Cups

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Two of Cups

Sparks may fly for you today in the romance department. Whether you’re in an established relationship or just venturing out into the dating scene, there’s an animal magnetism present that gets you in sync with others who are on the same wavelength. This is the essence of the Two of Cups.

The Two of Cups refers to an attraction or a bond — a “love connection” — with someone you’ve developed an interest in. There’s also an implicit “opposites attract” energy present here, as seen in the magnificent creatures depicted on this card.

The red horse is clearly “masculine:” He’s confident, driven, passionate and aggressive. The white horse is more “feminine:” she’s timid, gentle, passive and subdued. These terms don’t refer to gender stereotypes; they describe a union of opposites regardless of sex or sexual orientation.

The concepts of opposites attracting, sexual / primal urges, and anima / animus projections are all beautifully referenced here. The masculine and feminine archetypes as depicted in this card are just as powerful as they are simplistic.

While the urge to merge is going to be particularly strong, you can take comfort in the knowledge that maintaining your identity is a welcome part of this process.

Jan 24 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 24, 2014 — Seven of Pentacles

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Seven of Pentacles

Today you may be feeling a little restless about a project that’s in the works but not quite finished. The Seven of Pentacles (Coins, in this deck) refers to the beginning of an idea or a partially finished project that still needs time to mature.

In this version of the card we see two little fairy deer, standing on either side of a tree. A seed has been planted (and nourished with love — as seen in the heart that encapsulates it just below the surface of the earth).

They gaze up at their work and coins turning into blooms, a look of sheer wonder on each of their adorable little faces.

But the fruit is not quite ready to be picked. It’s not quite “ripe” yet. There may still be work to be done or they may still need to figure out what they’re going to do with the fruits of their labor once it is harvested.

Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and give yourself a pat on the back while you’re at it. You can get a sense of not only how much has been done but what’s still left to do to reach your goal.

While you still need to think about your next step, you can take pride today in how much you’ve accomplished so far.

Jan 23 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 23, 2014 — Eight of Swords

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

Eight of Swords

Today you may be dealing with a sense of impotence or immobility. The Eight of Swords speaks of feeling trapped, powerless, blinded by fear, unable to move or to even see that there’s a way out.

Most decks show a figure (woman usually) who is blindfolded and trapped within the confines of 8 swords. The woman in this rendition is a bit different though: here she seems almost reconciled to her immobility.

She’s slumped forward on her seat, perhaps in resignation or grieving. She oblivious to the butterfly perched on her lap or the castle in the air behind her. Instead she bows her head and looks down.

The Eight of Swords in this context is all about a sense of powerlessness brought on by external conflicts and obstacles. But it’s impossible to see it that way when you’re busy beating yourself up over it.

Consider how much of your current predicament has been outside of your control and how much has been self imposed.

It takes a lot more courage to break free from the latter than it does the former. The way out though is right there before you; you just need to open your eyes.

Today’s card — Eight of Swords – is part of the Dali Universal tarot by Salvador Dali and and Juan Llarch, and published by US Games. This deck is out of print and has become very hard to find but is occasionally available through Amazon.com.

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Jan 22 2014

Free Daily Tarotscope — Jan 22, 2014 — the Devil

Author: Mel and Chris • Discussion: No Comments

The Devil

You may have to dig deep today if you want to work on any issues that you feel have been holding you back. The Devil card can represent limitations that are far more self-imposed than you give them credit for.

Too often we feel restrained by outside influences. We either push against them or we become resigned and give in, never stopping to consider that the things obstructing our desires may not be external afterall.

In many decks the Devil is represented by a Satyr-type creature tormenting the human figures he has chained at his feet. They don’t even notice that the chains around their necks are so loose that they could easily just slip out of them. Instead they struggle against the restrictions to the point of exhaustion, until they finally give in and resign themselves to their fate — much to the amusement of the self-satisfied Devil.

In this version of the card the Devil is part Boogie Man and part Court Jester. He laughs at the struggling figures he has clasped in his hands, but the real danger — the giant bloody jaws — are behind him (and them).

How difficult would it be for them to just slip out of his grasp and run the other way? Or better yet, stand up to him and refuse to be frightened into submission? It’s fear that binds them to the Devil, which is really just fear itself.