Tarot Reflections
April 2017

April 2017
By Lalia Wilson

Spring is upon us. The Sun is in Aries as April begins and moves to Taurus on the 19^th of April. Astrologically, Taurus is the middle of the Spring season. New plants are emerging. Spring flowers are blooming. New foals, calves, fawns, and other new animals are arriving daily. It is a time for new beginnings all over the Northern Hemisphere. 

Your Tarot Scope this month may show you a way forward. I used a different deck of cards for each of the four suits/elements. All cards were randomized. There were two repeated cards: The World and the Two of Pentacles. The World is a card of completion and realization—you have achieved a goal, completed a major task, or figured out a major issue. The Two of Pentacles is a struggle (frequently involving hard choices) at the beginning of a financial, budgetary or commercial project. Together, and generalizing, these suggest that we are collectively moving on from one project with some success, to another in which success is still a goal and some effort will be required to get there.

I'm doing something new this month and adding the numerology of the cards. Our most frequent energy is 4: The Emperor, Death, and the Fours of Cups and Swords. In numerology four is a number of structure and hard work. All four (!) of these four cards have a noticeable downside: The Emperor gives up soft-living; Death means important things end; the Four of Cups means letting go of an emotional tie, and the Four of Swords means a forced time-out. It is also interesting that we have two numbers, and the Pages, with zero representation. There are no numbers Seven and Eight. There are no Pages, which could be represented by the number Eleven, or the Twos. The missing Sevens are associated with an inclination to the spiritual, intelligent, analytical, and being studious. The missing Eights symbolize authoritative, business-minded leaders. The missing Pages are the strong curiosity and eagerness to learn energy of each suit. 

Cards used for these readings were as follows. Fire signs: The Wheel of the Year Tarot by Maria Caratti, art done by Antonella Platano, and published by Lo Scarabeo.  Air signs: The Cyrstal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Earth signs: The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Water signs: The Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert and published by Schiffer (the second edition, I used the first edition which has minor differences).

Aries:

The Wheel of Fortune and the Four of Cups:

The Wheel of Fortune is associated with a change of luck. It’s like a roulette wheel: could go in your favor, or not. In your horoscope, it corresponds to changes in your partner or partner's luck. Another meaning would be a change for you in "relationship" luck. The wheel turns and where it stops nobody knows… The Four of Cups links you to a lot of hidden emotions, wistfulness, wishing things were different. This could correspond to some health issues that have kept you out of action, but also could be working with unfortunate people, lastly, and ill-advised, a "romance" with a prisoner. Yes, some are innocent. However, some are dangerous. Have a practical sister check him out before any private meetings. 

Images are from The Wheel of the Year Tarot by Maria Caratti, art done by Antonella Platano, and published by Lo Scarabeo.

Taurus: 

The Moon and the Ace of Wands:

This month is one of friends and friendship. Perhaps you have a sick friend who needs care, whether physical care or just a psychological boost. You may also have a friend who inspires you generally and particularly this month. It might be useful to spend some time reflecting on how your friends do inspire you. In addition, the Ace of Wands points to positive and unconscious forces that are motivating your actions, giving you a big push to accomplish something. Yes, this is positive, but it’s also outside of your understanding and perception right now. Something good will be happening at home or with the family, enjoy!

Images are from The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. 

Gemini: 

The World and the Queen of Swords:

Dear Gemini, you are in a major career enhancement that still has five years to run. Whatever you have your eyes on, make sure to handle all the details over the next five years, so that when the time comes you can step into the limelight. In the meantime, your significant other has been a concern, it could be job, education, or health issues, but it is clearing away. Your relationship life is lightening up. Children and creative endeavors are favored now, as is pregnancy if you wish it.

Images are from The Cyrstal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Cancer:

The Hermit and the Knight of Cups/Explorer of Water:

What do you get when you combine Cancer and The Hermit? The Hermit Crab! Hmm. So combine that with the Knight of Cups and we have you in a houseboat? You will be happiest close to home this month, dear Cancer. Things may look quiet on the surface, but inside a lot is happening. It will be a rewarding month for dreams, inspirations, meditations; and for creating artwork. Take advantage of the month’s energy for internal progress. Perhaps you can solve some old conundrums that have haunted you for years.

Images are from The Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert and published by Schiffer.

Leo: 

Death and the Ace of Cups:

Endings and beginnings are indicated for you this month, Dear Leo. This could be an important person passing out of your life. However, it could also be going into debt to finance a major home renovation. (I can’t say how financially savvy that will be, but don’t you love the HGTV before and after pictures?) Personally, you have things moving in your favor. If you believe in guides and guardian angels, or not, you have the protection you need. (It still means to be sensible.) As you endeavor to be your best self, the Universe moves to support you. 

Images are from The Wheel of the Year Tarot by Maria Caratti, art done by Antonella Platano, and published by Lo Scarabeo.

Virgo: 

The Hanged Man and the Six of Cups:

Look at this month as one in which the important figures in your life, especially your romantic partner, are active and you are just along for the ride. This may be an inspired artist, a peak experience, a religious fervor, or it could be a partner who is under the influence of legal or illegal substances. Virgo, you are the original "boy scout." You see partners as always too emotional, too spontaneous, and too into the gray areas of behavior. This may be a challenge this month. A second theme is one of nostalgia. An older relative may be important now. Did that person come from or do military service in another country? There is a lesson there that is important for you to learn about this month.

Images are from The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. 

Libra: 

The Unknown Card and the King of Wands:

This deck has an “Unknown” card which indicates that some questions are unanswerable at this time. For you, dear Libra, it has to do with the underlying thrust of the month. You may not know yourself, and you for sure (even if you do) are not going to share it. Friends are a source of goodness in your life this month, your neighborhood is busy, and there is a lot happening in your community. Your partner is "on fire" this month—full of passion, enthusiasm, and plans for the future. Are you able to support those ideas?

Images are from The Cyrstal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

 Scorpio: 

The Emperor and the Four of Swords:

This month looks like mixed signals—stop and go. The Emperor is telling you to work, work, work! And you are fortunate to have plenty to do. Meanwhile, the Four of Swords is saying don't work too hard. Take it easy. Conserve your health and strength. Things are moving forward but most of the action is out of sight. Don’t get frustrated. Progress is happening and you will see results in the fall.

Images are from The Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert and published by Schiffer.

Sagittarius: 

The Hierophant and the Two of Pentacles:

This month looks like it’s busy with lots of projects to handle. Better busy than not, right? You may find yourself waxing philosophical and giving your friends lectures, something you do easily with the least of provocations. Some big project that you’ve worked hard on for a couple of months will end this month. Then opportunities for play increase next month. There are good money indications for your spouse or romantic partner. Don’t have a romantic partner? Sagittarius is the least likely to commit to a relationship, but this month may bring that commitment. Don’t let money be the only reason to do so.

Images are from The Wheel of the Year Tarot by Maria Caratti, art done by Antonella Platano, and published by Lo Scarabeo.

Capricorn: 

The Empress and the Two of Pentacles: 

The Empress is always a good fertility indicator. She is also pointing to a sibling or cousin who has some health issues. Personally, you have been through years of a long-term life change. If you are looking for a partner, the time is ripe. If you're already committed, this month is one in which you can re-commit, or re-engage, or re-ignite your relationship. A creative project is wrapping up. By the end of the month, a home or family project will take center stage.

Images are from The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. 

Aquarius: 

The Fool and the King of Cups:

It looks like a fun spring vacation for you, Aquarius. Perhaps a get-together with siblings or cousins. You are having fun, enjoying each other’s company and having a good time. You and your partner are on the same page as well. And if that is not enough, money is looking good, too. The King of Cups can indicate you growing in emotional maturity, but can also indicate a romantic interest. Single Aquarians, in particular, are liable to find a soulmate in the health professions—someone whose only fault is to be too dedicated to work. 

Images are from The Cyrstal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Pisces: 

The World and the Five of Swords:

Pisces have a reputation for being easy going, lacking focus, and uncompetitive. This month's message is completely different and may present psychological adjustment issues. The World is indicating a career or public relations high. Something you have accomplished is getting the attention it is due. This comes from a project that you’ve been doing over the last two years which will end at the end of this year. Enjoy the applause now. Then we have the Five of Swords. Pisces people are the last to be argumentative, but something is coming to you. Someone is picking a fight with you. You are still less likely to defend yourself, and more likely to move on. Whichever you choose, something better is coming along. You do not have to put up with unpleasant people.

Images are from The Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert and published by Schiffer.

You can use these Tarot Scopes to read your Sun sign, Moon sign or Rising Sign (also called your Ascendant). You can determine these by using free or low-cost apps, or internet sites, and inputting your time, date and place of birth. The Rising sign indicates your entire life; the Sun sign is about your ego and creative forces, and the Moon sign is about your emotions and flexibility.

  The tarot cards used as illustrations for this column are ones that I or the editor, Terri Clement, admire and want to share with you. Note that decks have subtle differences of meaning as they are reinterpreted by a new creator/artist, and, of course, the tarot reader. Enjoy that flexibility of meaning and the artwork of these various decks. Reading articles with illustrations like these will help you determine the tarot decks that most fit you.