January 2012 Forecast

By Adrienne Abeyta

This month's TarotScopes feature six different decks.  Each deck is used twice.  See the individual scopes for identification and publisher. - Ed.

Aries

Aries

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Magician (3 of Swords)

The mind is the master illusionist; it interprets a whole story out of pieces of information and then fools you into believing the story is the truth. The problem arises when your truth collides with a different truth, and worse still, when that other truth belongs to someone you love or trust. The challenge lies in how to reconcile these differences. Refrain from making assumptions or sweeping statements because it will limit your ability to learn new information. Your thoughts are based on what you believe. When you expand your mind and challenge your own beliefs, you open your life up to possibilities.

Images from The Cat's Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin, DVM published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Taurus

Taurus

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Hierophant (Queen of Pentacles) 

The search for meaning can take the form of several different paths. As you walk one you begin to fill yourself with external gratifications and self knowledge. These experiences form your values, and in some ways change the course of your life. However, if you cling to them, they can also become the basis for unrealistically high standards. Be careful not to set your sights only on comfort and material successes. If your identity is contingent upon what you possess and your sanity upon stability, you’ll only be half a person.

Images from The Hawaiian Tarot by Katalin E. Csikos.

Gemini

Gemini

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Emperor (Page of Wands)

Competing forces of freedom and responsibility seem to be the common theme this month. Your growing restlessness will only increase your frustration and fill your mind with unrealistic obligations. Before throwing caution to the wind or restricting childlike impulses, find ways to give each the expression they deserve. Be the parent to your inner child, but have fun too. In the area of work, allow your imagination to lead, then bring this new vision to your current projects. Someone important may reward you for this creativity and an exciting message arriving at the end of the month will lead to an adventure.

Images from The Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti published by Llewellyn Worldwide.

Cancer

Cancer

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Temperance (3 of Cups)

Patience is more than a virtue, it is a necessity for managing the currents of life. Even in your most emotional moments, you can draw upon this energy to find peace. Patience is not aimless waiting, but rather mindful awareness of the right timing. Your emotions will get the best of you this month if you react without that awareness. Stay in the moment and observe the changing tides before launching out. An exciting circumstance may tempt you to go looking for the pot of gold. No harm here if you can enjoy the moment and move on.

Images from the Joie de Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Leo

Leo

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Justice (Page of Pentacles)

A thorough examination of your goals will lead to greater clarity. While faced with questions about resources, finances and skills, you must rely upon your own dispassionate views. It's a challenge not to give in to societal pressures of success, especially in a system that places value on what you do over who you are. You may consider how higher education, specialized training or other ambitious aims could provide the experience you need to make changes in your life. Although, be sure to honor your hobbies and talents as well. Make life a full expression of you.

Images from The Gaian Tarot (limited edition) by Joanna Powell Colbert.

Virgo

Virgo

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High Priestess (6 of Swords)

Something hidden will be revealed. Whether this relates to you or another person, the appearance will trigger much needed answers. Fear of the unknown causes anxiety, yet when you try to avoid uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, you move further away from a solution. The chaos in the background will likely simmer down after you clear your mind of mental chatter; it would behoove you to mindfully face the situation. If possible, take a short trip to clear your mind. New information about your job will prompt you to make a difficult decision – should you stay or should you go?

Images from The Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan, John Matthews and Will Worthington published by Sterling Ethos.

Libra

Libra

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Tower (5 of Wands)

Minor annoyances prove to be more than just a thorn in your side; they will, in fact, begin to threaten the security you have established. Your strengths are your innate resourcefulness and clever way of ascribing meaning to the mundane. The problems that arise this month are really answers in disguise. Conflicts with people are opportunities to develop stronger boundaries, failures offer freedom from restrictive commitments, and stressors point to distractions to be avoided. Don’t be surprised when things to get a lot hotter than you expected. Keep your internal temperature cool and things will blow over.

Images from The Cat's Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin, DVM published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Scorpio

Scorpio

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World (6 of Wands)

Recognition can come in different forms and for many reasons. You deserve to be recognized for your efforts and so you will be. This month your receive something equivalent to a standing ovation. If professionally focused, your acclaim could be a promotion, raise or bonus. If relationship focused, you will receive adoration and praise. If personally focused, you have accomplished a private goal that brings with it a sense of deep satisfaction and a new perspective on your place in the world. Your world-view is an extension of your self-view; if you want to change the world, begin with yourself.

Images from The Hawaiian Tarot by Katalin E. Csikos.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

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Judgment (7 of Cups)

When faced with the onus of responsibility, it would be wise to focus on what’s real or known. Thankfully, the burden of your recent struggles has lightened, and yet, you remain stuck in perpetual worry. Stop focusing on your regrets; there’s no reason to blame yourself for what’s happening. Although it’s helpful to acknowledge your flaws, it’s wiser to learn from them. Be prepared as the last weekend of the month will trigger some shady and undesirable behaviors in you and in others. To survive with your integrity intact, remain conscious and bring light to those dark places!

Images from The Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti published by Llewellyn Worldwide.


Capricorn

Capricorn

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Fool (Page of Cups)

After painful emotional experiences, the common reaction is to try to avoid them in the future. And, although learning from your mistakes often means that you don’t repeat them, losing trust in yourself and being skeptical of others only alienates you from healing past pains. Pain is often a companion to the pleasure of love, so being over-protective of your feelings can deprive you of love’s full experience. Take a risk, be vulnerable, open your heart and speak from that place of sensitivity. If you’re in a long-term relationship, you will also benefit from forgiving and moving on.

Images from the Joie de Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Aquarius

Aquarius

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Strength (Ace of Cups) 

Emotions run deep enough to swim in this month as you’re faced with impending consequences. A relationship will likely be the catalyst for this minor setback, and memories of a situation from the past serve as an unpleasant reminder. Instead of retreating into isolation, face this issue with confidence. By the end of the month, the water will calm and the boat will stop rocking. Be vigilant against resuming unhealthy habits – don’t let one setback spin you out of control. Your strength isn’t measured by how much you can control as much as how little you are controlled by external influences.

Images from The Gaian Tarot (limited edition) by Joanna Powell Colbert.

Pisces

Pisces

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Hanged Man (King of Cups)

No need to sit in sorrow, for what is blue now may be purple tomorrow – feelings simply color our state of being. Moods, like the tides, are a natural, flowing phenomenon. Where do they originate, what causes the change in motion, and how do they appear so different on the surface than from beneath? Be aware of how your feelings shift from circumstance to circumstance. Then resist identifying with these feelings and instead, just notice. You are not your moods! Be wary of people around you whose energy is draining, and in return, be careful not to project your woes on others.

Images from The Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan, John Matthews and Will Worthington published by Sterling Ethos.


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