Weekly Tarotcast™: 9-19-17 through 9-26-17

 Five of Swords

The weekly Tarotcast card is the Five of Swords.  Conflicts this week may result in a dubious or empty victory. This card can indicate how we self-sabotage and defeat ourselves in ways our adversaries could never do. Confrontations aren’t likely to be well-resolved, although this card can also indicate a narrow escape from danger or the lifting of restrictions.  For the sensitive, the pacifist, the mellow, and the easy-going, this card can indicate that you’ve shown up at a gang fight instead of a tea-party and you may feel ill-equipped to deal with the situation.

The Fives of the Minor Arcana challenge the order and structure of their respective suits and elements. Things get shaken out of complacency, stagnation or stasis. They bring a period of cleansing, regeneration, or reassessment in events and relationships. The fives keep energy flowing, or the solidification and stability created by the fours would degenerate into inertia.

On the kabalistic Tree of Life this card represents the Formula 5: sephiroth or sphere 5, Geburah (meaning Strength, sphere of Mars – motion, storm and stress, war) in the suit of Swords (Yetzirah, the formative world, the element of Air – our mental and intellectual processes) plus Venus in Aquarius (more on that in a moment), equaling Defeat.

Astrologically this card corresponds to Venus in Aquarius and rules from 0 to 10 degrees Aquarius, or January 20^th to January 29^th, so if your birthday falls on or between these dates, you’ll be feeling this week’s energy even more than the rest of us.  Venus’s peaceful, collaborative and diplomatic energy is a poor match to the aggressive and adversarial energies of Mars combined with the Swords’ tendency toward discord and disruption.

In real-time astrology, Venus enters Earth-sign Virgo on September 19^th, and we’ll experience a New Moon in Virgo on September 20^th. Virgo’s practical, no-nonsense energy may help ground and stabilize the less-positive effects of this week’s card. This transit can intensify our desires and motivate us to focus on the details of our own work, and make improvements to our health.   

The Sun enters Aquarius’ fellow Air-sign, Venus-ruled Libra on September 22^nd.  This transit doesn’t necessarily help matters – Libra’s gentle, conciliatory nature can get steamrolled by the harsher aspects at work this week. If we keep our focus on creative, positive thoughts and actions, avoid self-sabotage and self-undermining, we can benefit from this energy.

As Jupiter nears the end of its transit of Libra (October 10^th) it forms some harsh aspects during and just following this forecast period: quincunx Chiron (in Pisces) on September 23^rd, sesquiquadrate Neptune (in Pisces) on September 27^th, and opposite Uranus in Aries on September 28^th.

We may feel restless and unsettled. A project or cycle may have ended, and we’re temporarily without clear direction or knowledge of what comes next.  We may feel the need to make changes but not know what, how or when to act. Sudden rebelliousness and aggression can surface.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes engaging in deceitful practices, causing intentional harm, betrayal, or disgrace.

Let’s focus on drawing insight from our own and others’ motives and do our best to take right action whenever and wherever possible. This applies especially to the ways we handle and overcome our own self-defeating and self-sabotaging tendencies.

A little home alchemy:  Power colors this week include scarlet, emerald green, sky blue, spring green and bright rose pink as well as violet, white and mauve.

Zircon, amber, malachite, emerald, opal, jade and sapphire, worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will help us steer clear of no-win situations and look deep within ourselves for constructive solutions this week.

Venus copper and Aquarius uranium are this week’s metals. Only copper is good for wearing, but uranium can be a helpful reminder that power can be used for great good or great harm.

Scent your home, bath and body with pine, violet, rose, bergamot, hibiscus, magnolia, plumeria, and vervain to avoid senseless conflict, stressful confrontations and the tendency to make peace at any price this week.

Foods prepared with apples, strawberries and vanilla and tea brewed from hibiscus will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.

Weekly Tarotcast™: 9-12-17 through 9-19-17

 Art

The weekly Tarotcast card is Art, known as Temperance in many Tarot decks. This card indicates that we will need to mix varying elements in ourselves or in our environment and combine them properly. We may be seeking a better balance between our working life and our personal life, or we may be seeking to harmonize the conflicting priorities and demands we’re faced with every day.

On the kabalistic Tree of Life this card travels path 25, joining sephiroth or sphere 6, Tiphareth (meaning Beauty) to sephiroth or sphere 9, Yesod (meaning Foundation).  Its Hebrew letter is Samekh, which means a tent-peg or prop. Interesting that one of this card’s symbols is an object that supports or stabilizes something. Balance and harmony support and stabilize us, so this symbol make a lot of sense.

Two common interpretations of this card are the need to exercise patience and to remember the old saying, “everything in moderation”. Esoterically or spiritually, this card also represents the connection between the conscious and the unconscious mind.

The card is called “Art” in the Thoth Tarot because the ancient alchemists called their craft “art” meaning the art of perfection, or the philosopher’s art. The Sagittarian Archer’s arrow is aimed upward – toward the heavens and toward the highest of ideals, reminding us that even if we can’t achieve perfection, we can certainly shoot for it.

Astrologically, this card is the zodiacal trump of Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter. I like that we are cautioned to exercise patience and moderation by the planet of “bigger, better, more”. The union of opposites, the reconciliation of duality and the understanding of proportion and perspective on both a mundane and a spiritual level are all contained in this card.

In real-time astrology, the Sun is in Earth-sign Virgo (through September 21^st). During this forecast period, the Virgo focus on details and methodical planning can nicely complement the energy of this week’s card. Jupiter is transiting Air-sign Libra (through October 10^th) emphasizing partnerships, diplomacy, tact and our ability to empathize. The aspects highlighted by this transit are peace, harmony, balance, compromise and fair-mindedness – all blending beautifully with the energy of this week’s card.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes doing anything to excess, overindulgence, greed, conflict and a tendency to go to extremes.

Let’s focus on harmony of body, mind and soul – and finding the right mixture for ourselves individually. We can mix and match to our heart’s content – knowing we are creating our own personal formula for success.

A little home alchemy:  Power colors this week include blue, black and cool, dark grey spiked with bright yellow and gold.

Sapphire, amethyst and topaz worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will bring balance and an optimistic outlook to our endeavors.

Tin is this week’s metal – not great for wearing but important as an alloy – an ingredient mixed with other metals to make them stronger and more fit for numerous applications and uses.

Scent your home, bath and body with lavender, carnation, sage, cedar, cinnamon, honeysuckle, hyssop and mint to attain harmony and a sense of well-being as well as to enhance a mood of peaceful transformation.

Foods prepared with lavender, sage, clove, anise, cinnamon, mint, nutmeg or poppy seeds will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.

Weekly Tarotcast™: 9-05-17 through 9-12-17

 Three of Cups

The weekly Tarotcast card is the Three of Cups.  This card represents celebration and joy. Happy occasions shared with family and friends as well as opportunities to socialize and party for any reason – or no particular reason at all – will be highlighted this week.  Be ready for good news about upcoming life events such as engagements or weddings, birth announcements, pregnancies, even promotions and career advancements.  Whether the good news and good fortune are yours or someone else’s; enjoy the lighthearted, carefree freedom of spending time with people you like/love and celebrating successes, large and small.

On the kabalistic Tree of Life, this card represents the formula 3: sephiroth or sphere 3, Binah (meaning Understanding – supreme Feminine energy, or Yin) in the suit of Cups (Briah, the creative world; the element of Water and the emotions) plus Mercury in Cancer (more on that in a moment) equaling Abundance.

The Threes of the minor Arcana are the form, structure and first results or manifestations of their respective elements – in this case Water, or the emotions.  This card signifies the energy of Cups/Water/Emotions in action – bringing a fresh perspective, an emotionally-based point of view and a deep understanding of events and situations.

Astrologically, this card symbolizes Mercury in Cancer, and rules from 10 to 20 degrees Cancer, or July 2^nd through July 11^th; so if your birthday falls on or between these dates, you’ll be feeling this week’s energy even more than the rest of us. This is water energy creating and sustaining life – nurturing and fertilizing.  Intuitive messages, expressed feelings and emotional fulfillment are the highlights of this week.

In real-time astrology, Mercury stations direct in Fire-sign Leo (Cancer’s next door neighbor) on September 5^th ; then enters Mercury-ruled Earth-sign Virgo on September 9^th. This transit highlights logic, fine attention to detail, practicality and common sense. In conjunction with the energy of this forecast period, this can be a welcome balance to the emotionality of this week’s card. It’s also a good reminder not to sweat the small stuff or become overly-critical.

On September 6^th a Full Moon in Cancer’s fellow Water-sign Pisces; and in the 2^nd or Cancer decan of Pisces. The Moon is also the natural ruler of Cancer. This hyper-sensitive and intuitive energy can be wonderfully beneficial or very toxic. Water can nurture and soothe – but as we’ve seen with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent rains and flooding – water can certainly destroy as well.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes hedonism, escapism, lust and over-indulgence in sensual pleasures (sex, food, drink, drugs, etc.)

Let’s focus on being cheerful, celebrating with moderation, and enjoying the fulfillment of love and happiness.

A little home alchemy:  Power colors this week include yellow, amber, purple, maroon, indigo, violet, gray and black.

Diamond, emerald, jade, jasper, topaz and aquamarine worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will help us communicate and express ourselves lovingly and ensure our messages are well-received.

Mercury and zinc (not wearable) as well as silver (very wearable!) are this week’s metals.

Scent your home, bath and body with poppy, rose, valerian, lavender, lilac and vervain to enhance the celebratory atmosphere and keep communication smooth, successful, loving and positive.

Foods prepared with parsley, dill, rosemary, poppy seeds, lemongrass and watercress will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.

Weekly Tarotcast™: 8-29-17 through 9-05-17

 Lust

The weekly Tarotcast card is Lust, known in most decks as Strength. However, let it be clearly understood that the reference here goes way beyond sexual lust – it speaks to the lust for life, the vigor and enthusiasm that we experience when something captures our imaginations and sparks our desire to take action. This is also the card the Thoth Tarot deck swaps with Major Arcana card 8 – “ Adjustment (Justice), so it is number 11 of the Majors in the Thoth tarot. Good and confused yet? Don’t be!

With trust in ourselves and confidence in our abilities, we’re in a position of power this week.  We feel genuine passion for a cause near and dear to our hearts, to our work, to our creative endeavors.  Power flows through us and we can be persuasive and charismatic when we speak our truth with heart and soul conviction.

On the kabalistic Tree of Life this card travels Path 19, joining sephiroth or sphere 4, Chesed (meaning Mercy) with sephiroth or sphere 5, Geburah (meaning Severity). Crowley designed the Thoth tarot to correspond with his extensive study of Kabbalah, so he changed the order and correspondences of some of the Major Arcana cards, including this one.  Among his many (and in my opinion, more accurate) reasons for doing so was that this card’s Hebrew letter, Teth – means “serpent”.  He felt that the card’s energy closely corresponded to the Lion-Serpent, which is a symbol of the power of the Kundalini, the life-force energy cultivated through yogic practice.

Astrologically, this card is the zodiacal trump of Leo (reinforcing again the Lion-Serpent imagery), in which the Sun rules and Uranus is exalted.

In real-time astrology, on August 31^st Mercury retrogrades into Leo (through September 5^th when Mercury stations direct).  Our communication is passionate and powerful, but possibly lacking discretion. We may meet with resistance if we push our thoughts and ideas too aggressively.

Mars continues transiting Fire-sign Leo through September 5^th. This energy enhances our pride and courage but is not very detail-oriented. We are direct, confident and results-driven.

Uranus is currently in a long-term transit of Leo’s fellow Fire-sign Aries (through March 2019) so if we’ve suppressed our true nature, ignored it, or feel as though we’ve lost it, this energy jolts us back into ourselves. We may be reinventing ourselves in a way more closely aligned with who we really are, or really wish to be, at our very best. Radical changes, assertion of our independence and flashes of connection with our Higher Mind are all aspects of this energy.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes aggression, bullying and, strangely enough, repressing our instincts.  That may seem strange considering the card’s name and symbolism, but look at it this way: what if our instinct is to bully, browbeat or steamroll someone into submission to our great passion?

Let’s focus on channeling our urges into something positive rather than trying to repress them. Take a moment to look at the source of those passionate feelings and ask, “What serves my highest good and the highest good of all concerned?” We definitely don’t want to put out our internal fire, but we do definitely want a controlled heat – let’s barbecue, not burn down the house!

A little home alchemy:  Power colors for this week include shades of deep, rich, ruby red as well as reddish-amber, deep purple and greenish-yellow.

Ruby, garnet, amber and diamond worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will help us channel strength and love as well as passion this week.

Gold is this week’s metal, particularly yellow or rose gold – wear it with pride and positivity.

Scent your home, bath and body with neroli, patchouli, marigold, sunflower, cedar and frankincense to spark creative and physical passions.

Foods or beverages prepared with hops (more beer!), galangal (similar to ginger root), juniper (gin-and-tonic this week!), orange, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves or sunflower seeds will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.

Weekly Tarotcast™:  8-22-17 through 8-29-17

 Five of Cups

 The weekly Tarotcast card is the Five of Cups. This week’s energy is focused on disappointment, regret and loss. Notice I say focused on. This card’s inherent energy indicates that we may be dwelling on past experiences that created negative feelings rather than on events that are actually occurring here and now, in the present.

The Fives of the Minor Arcana challenge the order and structure of their respective elements. Their suit and element get shaken out of complacency, stagnation or stasis. They bring a period of cleansing, regeneration, or reassessment in events and relationships. The fives keep energy flowing, or the solidification and stability created by the fours would degenerate into inertia.

On the kabalistic Tree of Life, this card represents the formula 5: sephiroth or sphere 5, Geburah (meaning Strength – sphere of Mars; motion, aggression, storms and stress) in the suit of Cups (Briah, the creative world, the element of Water – our emotions) plus Mars in Scorpio (more on that in a moment) equaling Disappointment.

Astrologically this card corresponds to Mars in Scorpio and rules from 0 to 10 degrees Scorpio, or from October 23^rd to November 1^st so if your birthday falls on or between those dates, you’ll be feeling this week’s energy even more than the rest of us. This attribution wouldn’t appear to be problematic – Mars was the traditional ruler of Scorpio before Pluto was discovered, and is arguably its only ruling planet since Pluto was demoted from planet status. The issues arise from Mars being almost too comfortably at home here and the fiery blast of heat that Mars churns up in his excitement is in opposition to Scorpio’s watery, deep and secretive process of transformation.

In real-time astrology, the Sun enters Earth-sign Virgo on August 22^nd. Practical and detail-oriented, this transit can add some grounding and a shift in perspective to the energy of this week’s card.

Mars continues transiting Fire-sign Leo through September 5^th. This energy enhances our pride and courage but is not very detail-oriented. We are direct, confident and results-driven.

Prior to this forecast period on August 4^th, Jupiter and Pluto reached the third and final square aspect of a set of three.  This energy promotes strong ambition and belief in our abilities. However we may be spreading ourselves thin by taking on too many activities or interests. There’s no harm in looking at the big picture but ignoring crucial details can work against us. On August 27^th, a Jupiter-Saturn sextile will help bring us much needed grounding.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes resistance to change, inability to release negative feelings, clinging to negative events from the past, obsession with past mistakes (our own or those of others) and bitterness.

Let’s focus on letting bygones be bygones, picking up the pieces, and moving forward. One of the key messages in this card is that we have the ability by conscious choice to focus on what we DO have rather than what we’ve lost or haven’t yet received or accomplished.

A little home alchemy:  Power colors this week include scarlet red, black, azure blue and deep green-blue.

Ruby, bloodstone, garnet or jet (for Mars) and topaz (for Scorpio) worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will help balance and mellow the intense energy and allow us to gain new hope by relinquishing the past.

Iron (Mars) and plutonium (Pluto) are this week’s metals – neither is good for wearing, but for reminding us that strength coupled with adaptability can serve us well. If ill-used, destruction results.

Scent your home, bath and body with heather, wild rose, pine, carnation and poppy to help process and heal the past in order to move confidently into the future.

Foods prepared with sweet basil, allspice, cayenne, garlic, ginger and pepper will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.

Weekly Tarotcast™:  8-15-17 through 8-22-17

Nine of Wands

The weekly Tarotcast card is the Nine of Wands.  This week’s energy is focused on momentum and drawing on the reserves of energy and strength we’ve been storing up. Great strength is indicated here, but the strength lies in our ability to keep rolling with the changes, constantly balancing and adjusting to maintain our forward motion – sort of like riding a bicycle.

The Nines of the Minor Arcana bring things to a conclusion. They represent integration, fulfillment and attainment for their respective suits and elements, in this case Wands and Fire energy  – the ideal world. Our will has manifested and reached its peak of perfection.

On the kabalistic Tree of Life, this card represents the formula 9: sephiroth or sphere 9, Yesod (meaning Foundation  – sphere of the Moon and the crystallization of energy) in the suit of Wands (Atziluth, the archetypal world; the element of Fire – the life-force of the soul, and our will) plus the Moon in Sagittarius (more on that in a moment) equaling Strength.

Astrologically this card represents the Moon in Sagittarius, and rules from 10 to 20 degrees Sagittarius, or December 3^rd through December 12^th so if your birthday falls on or between these dates, you’ll be feeling this week’s energy even more than the rest of us.

The Moon in Sagittarius reminds us that when playing defense effectively, we must be mobile, and stability is actually gained and maintained through motion.

In real-time astrology, Mercury retrograded in Earth-sign Virgo on August 12^th (retro through September 5^th). Mercury will move backward into Sagittarius’ fellow Fire-sign Leo on August 31^st. The Sun is in Leo (through August 21^st). Also on August 21^st we have a New Moon Solar eclipse in Leo.

New Moons bring us a fresh start. Occurring late in Leo, this one may spark a strong sense of urgency and pressure to make decisions or bring matters to a close in order to move forward quickly. This New Moon may find us feeling quite impulsive, occurring in Leo and combined with the energy of this forecast period. The total solar eclipse in Leo is big and bold, courageous and proud  – some extra care may be needed to avoid excessive risks. We may also rediscover and celebrate the powers of romance and creative expression.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes contradiction, vacillation and indecision rather than adapting to changing circumstances, and the inflicting of psychological or emotional harm.

Let’s focus on the positive energy of forward motion, and progress made through intellectual and physical harmony.

A little home alchemy:  Power colors this week include indigo, pale blue, silver and violet for the Moon, along with yellow, green and dark blue for Sagittarius.

Amethyst, topaz, rock crystal, moonstone and opal worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will help keep us moving along in a stable, steady way.

Silver and tin are this week’s metals: bright, malleable and good alone (silver) or in combination with other metals (tin) to provide strength and stability.

Scent your home, bath and body with carnation, sage, coconut, jasmine and gardenia to adapt to your changing environment gracefully and consciously.

Foods prepared with sage or coconut, and tea brewed from jasmine will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.

Weekly Tarotcast®:  8-08-17 through 8-15-17

 Adjustment

The weekly Tarotcast card is Adjustment.  In the Tarot deck I use (Thoth), this card is number 8 of the Major Arcana. However, in many decks the card is called Justice and is number 11 of the Majors. Confused yet?  Don’t be.  By either its number or its name, the energy here is perfectly balanced, impartial, detached and objective.  It represents karmic justice in the highest sense and it shows us karma for what it truly is – a balancing and harmonizing force in the Universe.  The Egyptian Goddess Maat is pictured on this card. Maat judged the souls of the dead by weighing them against one single ostrich feather (ostrich plumes were her sacred symbol).

On the kabalistic Tree of Life, this card travels path 22, joining sephiroth or sphere 5, Geburah (meaning Severity) to sephiroth or sphere 6, Tiphareth (meaning Beauty).  This card’s Hebrew letter is Lamed – meaning an ox goad (or whip). That’s a pretty strong symbol for justice and the meting out of punishment, wouldn’t you say? This is one reason – but not the only one, that in designing the Thoth Tarot, Aleister Crowley swapped the number of this card, 8 – with the number 11 of the Strength card (which just to further confuse and confound you, Crowley calls “Lust”). I won’t go into more explanation or I’ll need to write a dissertation.

Astrologically, this card is the zodiacal trump of Libra, with Venus as its ruler and Saturn exalted.  Again, this is perfectly in keeping with the idea of Justice – the balancing scales of Libra and Saturn’s highest energy – the fulfillment of obligations and responsibilities, both practical and karmic.

In real-time astrology, Venus is in Water-sign Cancer (through August 26^th).

This energy is affectionate, gentle and sentimental, with a strong element of self-protection. Our craving for the familiar and secure in love relationships might make impartial, objective assessments and decisions about relationships nearly impossible.

We’re also likely still feeling the effects of the Full Moon Lunar eclipse in Libra’s fellow Air-sign, Aquarius on August 7^th, just prior to this forecast period. We’re especially aware of flaws – in personal relationships and group or community endeavors. We may find it difficult to integrate our need for the connectedness of our friendships with our desire for detachment and impartiality and many of our decisions may be emotionally based.

Mercury retrogrades in Earth-sign Virgo on August 12^th (through September 5^th).  This energy combined with Uranus retrograde and Saturn turning direct later this month may help us take a more balanced and measured approach to achieving our goals.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Unless we’ve walked a mile in the other person’s Jimmy Choos, better to hold off on a condemnation. Also, we shouldn’t expect from others what we don’t expect from ourselves;  “do as I say, not as I do” is a formula for failure under this week’s influences.

Let’s focus on balancing out various areas of our lives this week. Are we overworking, overeating, or otherwise “over” indulging? Time to work in some healthier harmony and choose the middle way rather than the extremes – we’ll be happier, better-rested and more refreshed if we do.

A little home alchemy:  Power colors this week include emerald green, pale green and deep blue and deep blue-green.

Sapphire, lapis, emerald, opal and jade along with garnet, onyx and obsidian worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will enhance our sense of fairness, balance, good judgment and the responsible fulfillment of our obligations.

Copper and lead are this week’s metals – copper is clearly the better choice for wearing.

Scent your home, bath and body with violet, rose, bergamot, apple, strawberry and vanilla and use products made from hempseed, olive and grapeseed oil for natural, luxurious indulgence. All of these will help us channel the beauty, pleasure and luxury of Venus balanced with the responsible, pragmatic sobriety of Saturn and Justice – or rather, Adjustment – will come naturally and positively this week!

Foods prepared with apples, strawberries, vanilla, figs, grapes, dates, lentils, thyme and olive or grapeseed oil will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.

Weekly Tarotcast™: 8-01-17 through 8-08-17

 Ten of Cups

The weekly Tarotcast card is the Ten of Cups.  This week we’ll be experiencing contentment and satisfaction with our families and other loved ones, and we can feel emotional stability in all of our personal relationships. This includes romantic relationships too! Take a moment to show gratitude and appreciation for friends, family and your significant other to experience the joy of this card’s influence and energy.

Take care though, not to become smugly satisfied or to take these feelings as entitlements – the tendency to become restless, dissatisfied, and contentious (just to shake things up) can be a major pitfall with this card, and is definitely to be avoided.

The Tens of the Minor Arcana are the completion, full manifestation and culmination of the energy of their respective suits and elements.

On the kabalistic Tree of Life this card represents the formula 10: sephiroth or sphere 10, Malkuth (meaning Kingdom – sphere of Earth, the material world) in the suit of Cups (Briah, the creative world; the element of Water and the emotions) plus Mars in Pisces (more on that in a moment) equaling Satiety.

Astrologically, this card corresponds to Mars in Pisces and rules from 20 to 30 degrees Pisces, or March 11th through March 20th, so if your birthday falls on or between these dates, you’ll be feeling this week’s energy even more than the rest of us. This really is not the most comfortable astrological pairing – Mars energy is restless, disruptive and aggressive, a marked contrast to Pisces’ spirituality and peacefulness.

In real-time astrology, the Sun and Mars are in Fire-sign Leo.  Mars in Leo is a dynamic and powerful combination and may further complicate the energy of this week’s card,  Mars in Leo wants attention and may stir things up just to create some drama during this forecast period. On August 3^rd Uranus retrogrades in Fire-sign Aries – more unpredictable, stormy energy to rock the boat. Jupiter squares Pluto in Libra on August 4^th. The Full Moon Lunar eclipse (partial) on August 7^th in Air-sign Aquarius will probably intensify the restless dissatisfaction associated with this card, but Aquarius’ humanitarian and peaceful aspects could help balance things out a bit. If we are clinging to old patterns from childhood and need to establish healthy emotional independence – using some of the more positive aspects of this week’s card – this eclipse energy can be a blessing.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes feelings of having too much of a good thing or even being fed-up (filled up or overstuffed) with something.  A good example would be the party guest who goes from having a few drinks and feeling good to getting sloppy-drunk, sick and barfing all over the host’s carpet. Be forewarned.

Let’s focus on being thankful in the present moment, and realizing that all good things both increase and decrease in cycles.

A little home alchemy:  Power colors this week include red and scarlet for Mars and flecked silvery-white for Pisces (like fish scales!)

Rubies, bloodstones and garnets (for Mars), along with sapphire, emerald, amethyst and aquamarine (for Pisces) worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will keep you aware of the need for gentleness and gratitude this week.

Tin and iron are this week’s metals – neither is good for wearing, but both can be a reminder to find the happy medium between flexibility/adaptability or rigidity/ aggression/violence.

Scent your home, bath and body with rose, thistle and pine to muster up Martial courage and purpose, while Pisces heliotrope, carnation and poppy smooth out the bumps.

Foods prepared with allspice, ginger, cayenne pepper and garlic will enhance Mars’ strengths, but if you’re feeling restless, careless or aggressive, these should be avoided. Try Pisces’ clove, sage, poppy, anise, cinnamon, mint or nutmeg instead. Separately or combined harmoniously, they will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.

Weekly Tarotcast™:  7-25-17 through 8-01-17

 Six of Swords

The weekly Tarotcast card is the Six of Swords.  This week finds us moving along on our journey, literally or figuratively, through a gateway to new solutions for our problems.  Physically, spiritually or emotionally, we are distancing ourselves from the past.  Since Swords represent the intellect and mental processes, we are clear-headed and our ability to focus and concentrate is excellent.  Intense curiosity and analytical thinking are also signified by this card.

The sixes of the Minor Arcana restore harmony, balance and the energy of success to their respective suits and elements.  After the disruption caused by the fives, the sixes bring affirmation, confirmation, validation and solidification. In the Six of Swords, the Air element acts as the force of creative intelligence.

On the kabalistic Tree of Life, this card represents the formula 6: sephiroth or sphere 6, Tiphareth (meaning Beauty, sphere of the Sun, where energy manifests in a completely balanced way), in the suit of Swords (Yetzirah, the formative world; the element of Air and our mental and intellectual processes) plus Mercury in Aquarius (more on that in a moment) equaling Science.

Astrologically, this card corresponds to Mercury in Aquarius and rules from 10 to 20 degrees Aquarius, or January 30th to February 8th, so if your birthday falls on or between those dates, you’ll be feeling this week’s energy even more than the rest of us. Intellectual balance is perfectly at home here. Through the application of right thinking and right action, we’ve earned –  or are earning – our success.

In real-time astrology, Mercury enters Earth-sign Virgo on July 25^th – one of the two signs sharing Mercury’s rulership (the other is Gemini).

When Mercury is in Virgo, we are highly focused and engage in detailed, precise thinking and communication in all forms.  We find it easier to organize our thoughts as well as our physical environments. We can be extremely analytical. During this forecast period, we will find it easier to make decisions about what is useful and practical in our lives, versus what is superfluous or no longer of service.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes skepticism, mistrust, prejudicial or overly-critical and judgmental thinking.

Let’s focus on our search for truth with objectivity, holistic thinking and intense analysis used constructively!

A little home alchemy:  Power colors this week include yellow, purple, grey, violet, indigo and salmon pink.

Jade, jasper, topaz, aquamarine as well as amber and malachite worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will definitely keep our heads clear and our thoughts balanced this week.

Uranium, mercury and zinc are this week’s metals – and other than zinc, none should be worn or even handled for obvious reasons.  A little zinc oxide on your nose will prevent sunburn there, though.

Scent your home, bath and body with cornflower, lilac, vervain (verbena), snowdrop and foxglove to enhance your intellectual and analytical powers this week.

Foods prepared with parsley, dill, rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint and mace will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.

Weekly Tarotcast™: 7-18-17 through 7-25-17

Seven of Cups

The weekly Tarotcast card is the Seven of Cups. This card represents imagination, fantasy and daydreaming, but mostly in their challenging or negative aspects. Sometimes floating around with the idea that every option is “open” means we choose not to act at all, and we stay in a state of indecision and confusion. It’s hard to see the forest for the trees with the Seven of Cups. We’re easily seduced (sexually or otherwise) and just as easily disappointed and disillusioned.

The Sevens of the Minor Arcana illuminate the motives for manifestation for their respective suits and elements. Balance gives way to questioning and exploration as well as the disruption which naturally arises from the search for the underlying causes of action. The sevens dissolve and deconstruct.

On the kabalistic Tree of Life, this card represents the formula 7: sephiroth or sphere 7, Netzach (meaning Victory, sphere of Venus) in the suit of Cups (Briah, the creative world; the element of Water and the emotions) plus Venus in Scorpio (more on that in a moment) equaling Debauch.

The erroneous idea that more of anything is always better, and the consequences of acting as if that were true couldn’t be better illustrated than by this week’s card. That first cocktail is fun, the second probably is too, by the third (or the fourth for some of us) we’re getting sloppy and by the fifth  – well, we may be dashing to the bathroom for some private time with the porcelain god – soooo not sexy.

Astrologically, this card corresponds to Venus in Scorpio and rules from 20 to 30 degrees Scorpio, or November 13^th through November 22^nd so if your birthday falls on or between those dates, you’ll be feeling this week’s energy even more than the rest of us. Venus in Scorpio is not at her best – the Goddess of Love and Beauty can be a bit self-indulgent and reckless in this sign.

In real-time astrology, Venus is in Air-sign Gemini (until July 31^st) where she is the social butterfly – intelligent, witty, playful and flirtatious – and this can lighten up the energy of this week’s card considerably. Many of the same pitfalls still apply though – caution is required.

Fire sign Leo takes center stage during this forecast period. Mars enters Leo on July 20^th, the Sun follows on July 22^nd and there is a New Moon in Leo on July 23^rd.  The Leo New Moon is a perfect time to explore and share our creativity and embrace the things that make us unique. Allowing ourselves the freedom to play is encouraged but comes with the same warnings as apply to this week’s energy in general.

Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes delusion, delirium, and sinking into a swamp of false or illusionary pleasure. Extra care should be taken this week with intoxicants (of all kinds) and we should remind ourselves that escaping our troubles by building castles in the air rarely gets us closer to our goals. There is certainly a place for constructive daydreaming, imagining and visualizing, but this week, there are many more chances for pitfalls and errors than there are genuine opportunities.

Let’s focus on exercising good judgment. We can temporarily narrow our focus to one plan or situation and then we can stay on top of separating reality from illusion. Careful consideration may show us that a particular choice isn’t viable, and we can then move on and realign with a more practical plan of action.

A little home alchemy:  Power colors this week include emerald, sky blue, bluish-green tones, and rose pink along with very dark brown.

Topaz, ruby and jet (for Scorpio), as well as emerald, opal, jade, lapis and sapphire for Venus worn as jewelry or carried as power stones will help us stay grounded and keep us from over-indulging in too much of a good thing –  or anything – this week.

Iron, plutonium and copper are this week’s metals. Only copper is really wearable – but it easily tarnishes. Despite its reported medicinal properties, that turning/tarnishing should serve as a good reminder of Venus’ tendency toward the weaknesses of the flesh and the senses.

Scent your home, bath and body with purple heather, violet, wild rose, apple, bergamot, hibiscus, magnolia, plumeria, strawberry, vanilla or vervain to clear the emotional, mental and spiritual dust-bunnies and cobwebs out of the corners.

Foods prepared with sweet basil, apple, strawberry and vanilla as well as tea brewed from hibiscus or rose hips – provided you don’t gorge on or swill any of them – will provide the same beneficial effects.

The Tarotcast comes to you FREE each week, with a new post every Tuesday!

An individualized Tarot reading with me focuses on what’s most important for you, so call today for a personalized, in-depth look into your life’s possibilities.