A Publication of the American Tarot Association.
By Adrienne Abeyta
This month's TarotScopes features the stunning Shining Tribe Tarot by Rachel Pollack, published by Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. This is one of THE few modern decks that challenge the traditional paradigms of Tarot while still embracing and reinterpreting the esoteric symbolism. The Shining Tribe Tarot kit is available on Llewellyn's website. -- SLH
Lovers (10 of Swords)
An important decision must be made, and unfortunately, with this choice comes the harsh reality of an unwanted sacrifice. The end result is not as important as what motivated the choice in the first place. If you believe the negative messages running through your mind, you will find yourself at a stressful impasse. Reason as you may, there is actually no right or wrong choice. However, your choices say more about you than you realize. The end of the month finds you at a crossroads in conflict with your values; be sure to choose from a place of integrity.
Empress (7 of Cups)
Imagination can be the panacea for boredom, but unbridled fantasy can turn a normal situation into a disaster. You must discriminate between the two if you are to manifest your dreams. Don’t allow yourself to be swept away by illusions or empty promises. At the beginning of the month, an opportunity too good to be true will drop right into your lap. Hold off until the 28th before pursuing this, if at all. Make healthy choices about what you put into your body and don’t get caught up in escapist fantasies or illicit circumstances.
Hanged Man (Page of Swords)
Too much thinking has caused your current impasse; fortunately, this suspension offers you a new vantage point from which to view your life. Your focus on trivial concerns has stunted the development of fresh ideas; your recurrent stress is nothing more than ongoing commentary in your mind. Frustrating as it may be, a project in the making will encounter several delays. Around the 4th would be a great time to reevaluate your plans with another person. To pull yourself out of this mental deadlock, you will need an opinion other than your own. Be mindful of your words this month, as ears are everywhere.
High Priestess (9 of Pentacles)
Something is not as it appears – and although you think you see the whole situation, there is more under the surface. Be patient and keep your hunches to yourself; the truth will be revealed in time. Even if you catch someone red handed, wait – they will tangle themselves in a web of deceit. However, you too will be caught if you are unscrupulous in your affairs. The 7th is a perfect day for magic, ceremonial or practical. Focus your intuition on an unresolved situation and you’ll receive a message. This is not a good time for financial investments or big decisions.
Emperor (4 of Cups)
Feelings of ambivalence can thwart your ambition, and if you’re not careful, these feelings can also sabotage your plans. Do not rest on your successes too early or ignore a helping hand, for there is still a missing ingredient you are unaware of. A confrontation with authority leaves you a little disgruntled; however, rather than retaliating, take time to assess your feelings. You will find that after the 9th of the month, your emotions are easily provoked, but don’t blame others for your sensitivities. Someone close needs your help. Be sure not to get overly protective, as it’s important that they learn from their own mistakes.
Devil (7 of Swords)
Surprising as it may seem, you don’t always have the answers, nor can you solve every dilemma. You will be faced with a humbling experience that leaves you in somewhat of a tailspin. Unfortunately, this issue is the consequence of past hubris – you might as well admit you were wrong and accept defeat. Around the 10th, an unexpected obstacle could deliver the perfect vehicle for a lesson in humility. Don’t shirk your responsibilities just because they don’t promise a happy outcome. Sometimes the greatest gifts are shrouded in the most miserable of circumstances. Control your vices or they will control you.
Temperance (Ace of Pentacles)
You’re in an advantageous spot this month for beginning new financial enterprises. The key, however, is to balance risk with caution. You must develop a flow that is consistent enough to carry you through the next six months. Strategic risks will result in something quite substantial and fulfilling, both monetarily and personally. This is not the time to hoard resources out of fear; use what you have to conjure up new energy for creativity. A new project will help showcase hidden talents, so don’t shy away from taking on more responsibility at work.
Star (10 of Pentacles)
Hope is a gift often overlooked and undervalued. Even when life seems dull, there is a shimmering light of hope just beyond the shadows of doubt. However, it is your responsibility to detect it, and more importantly, it is your choice to believe in it. Failure is merely an inability to see and believe in another possibility. Family finances weigh heavily on your mind. You are not comfortable unless you can provide for and protect those you love. Although your faith will be tested regarding what you consider to be a stable situation, you know what to do.
Judgment (5 of Cups)
If you really want to move out of the dark, you are going to have to let go of the hurt you’re carrying around. Yes, your expectations have not been met, and yes, it hurts, but if you sit and dwell too long, you are as much to blame as the situation. Take responsibility for your feelings and reevaluate your intentions, for you may find that you’re either pushing too hard or holding on too tightly. Your refusal to move forward is only prolonging the distress – behind the dark clouds is the sun.
Strength (Page of Pentacles)
Your thoughts may be deep and far-ranging, but they are incomplete if not backed by experience. Although pondering is part of the creative process, don't avoid the risk of acting on something beyond your comfort zone. What begins as inspiration must be funded by passion and led by determination. You have considerable resources to make the most of what you want, but be sure to take small, thorough steps and complete what you start. Chances are, your small projects will gain enough momentum that you will find yourself busier than you expected.
Tower (9 of Swords)
You can be wasteful or productive – the choice is yours. Your high energy level, if properly channeled, can allow you to accomplish a great deal in a short time. Without strong focus, you could just be hyperactive. Prepare to meet your worries and fears; all the worrying you’re doing will bring you face-to-face with a mighty challenge. Terrible as it may seem, the lesson here is to pick up the pieces and build again. Be mindful – as temptation meets opportunity, you may be knee-deep in a situation before your conscience kicks in.
Chariot (Knight of Wands)
Get ready for a wild ride this month. The goal is action; however, a reckless pursuit will land you smack in the middle of major upheaval. If directed intentionally, you are likely to catapult yourself into the next major phase of a project or life situation. Avoid “the grass is always greener” syndrome and focus on how to bring more passion to what you’re already doing. If you’re traveling this month, take extra caution and be sure your vehicle is up-to-date with maintenance. If you’re about to enter into a new job or living situation, this is your month of success.
Tarot Reflections is published by the American Tarot Association - Copyright (C) 2009