By Adrienne Abeyta
Aries
Click image for larger view.
Hierophant (7 of Cups)
What are your goals and what do you long for? For most, this month has the ubiquitous reputation of setting arbitrary goals only to forget or ignore them a few weeks later. Cynical as it sounds, there is a profound ritual hidden beneath the superficial habit, and if you truly practice it, your life could change. Consider this period a time for deep reflection and reprogramming. Forget your trivial wants and focus on your heart’s desire. What kind of a person do you want to be? What do you want people to remember about you? If you have a hard time articulating this, ask for help from someone you respect. Seek guidance that provokes change not validates what you already believe. You must test your so-called knowledge and remember that you see things through your own philosophy. Let confusion transform into curiosity as you move humbly through your own misunderstandings. Your intentions for the year would be best spent on self-discovery. Take a class, see a counselor, ask your family what they really think about you, maybe even ask a rival.
Images from the Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Taurus
Click image for larger view.
Temperance (4 of Cups)
It’s human to find fault – to have expectations that are too high. But for this you pay the price. What a waste to sacrifice your serenity and joy for the sake of judgment and indifference. Although people claim to want peace and happiness, their attitudes are so stained with dissatisfaction that they wouldn’t know peace if it struck them in the head. Some even misinterpret peace as boredom. There is no standard for happiness, no right way for attaining in; in fact, if you believe that you must go in search of joy, you’ve missed the point. Peace, joy, and harmony are the bi-products of well-being. When you are in a state of balance (equanimity) then everything is experienced as such. Yes, even sadness, loss, betrayal and the whole spectrum of dark emotions. While you can’t always control the environment, you can certainly influence the spectator – that’s you. Well-being is a great focus for you this year. Take time to imagine what that will look like and consider what you will be feeling that will let you know you’re there. Be sure to anchor this feeling into your body so you won’t miss it when it arises.
Images from the Dark Goddess Tarot by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince published by ArnellArt.
Gemini
Click image for larger view.
Tower (2 of Pentacles)
The fear of self-exposure can be paralyzing, worrisome, and too often leads to the fabrication of facades. If there is anything more humiliating then unmasking your own weaknesses, you’ll run to avoid it, even if it means running away from yourself. Don’t worry though, we all do this to some extent. The problem occurs when you try and build a structure on a shaky foundation. You know how it is when you enter into a relationship, a job, a risky endeavor and all the while knowing somewhere deep inside that this isn’t good for you. Yet, in your fear, you refuse to face this uncomfortable truth. Why? The Universe has a funny sense of humor and will often turn your world upside down just to get your attention. You might want to proactively begin appraising the cracks in your foundation. Although you can’t avoid crisis, you can avert self-destruction by being really honest about what you’re most uncomfortable with. This year divine information comes in the form of ego breakdown. Better to garner a sense of humor then harbor feelings of shame.
Images from the Templar Tarot with original art by Allen Chester and booklet by Daria Kelleher. Published by Inspire by Design.
Cancer
Click image for larger view.
Hanged Man (5 of Wands)
Pain or frustration, repeatedly experienced, indicates a need for self-assessment and an inventory of your behaviors. You are rarely the victim of something you did not contribute to. Consider how your problems are the result of your choices, your attitude and your behaviors. When you look at it this way, you realize that you actually have more mobility than you gave yourself credit for. But, to change means that you must have the courage and faith to believe it’s possible. For if you choose to wallow in your pain, you’ll become comfortable with it, it will become familiar, and you will misunderstand it as security. Security with pain, you wonder. It’s a paradox: there’s comfort in knowing what to expect. This year brings you closer to the instrument of change, that being your perception and trust in a higher power. Surrender your so-called problems and try on a new attitude. Begin to see those problems as invitations to change your thoughts and behaviors. Develop humility and let go of your defenses. Life is what you make of it. Be the hero in your own story.
Images from the Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Leo
Click image for larger view.
Magician (7 of Wands)
Goals give direction in life, they tell you who you are, what you value and where you want to go. The magic in each step toward your goal offers you profound daily fulfillment – if you recognize it. Too often though, it is the completion of the goal that persuades you on. This in turn causes you to abandon the precious day-to-day process that makes the completion possible. Don’t forget that striving for something is futile without honoring the steps that lead you there. It is the journey that develops your character, not the result. Be mindful this year of what you give your power to. Single-minded focus sharpens your intuition and relieves you from unnecessary strife. Believe in yourself and find the joy in each step of your journey. If and when this joy is lacking, reframe your intentions and inspire your actions. Slow down, too, don’t be in such a hurry. You know where the finish line ends. We’ll all be there eventually.
Images from the Dark Goddess Tarot by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince published by ArnellArt.
Virgo
Click image for larger view.
Fool (Knight of Wands)
When was the last time you took a leap of faith? How did it feel? Perhaps the results we’re not what you expected and maybe you even experienced some pain. But how did it change you? It is said: ‘that ignorance is bliss’ and ‘that only fools rush in where angle’s fear to tread.’ Consider what this means to you. Experience has an uncanny way of programming your perceptions of the world. Don’t be fooled by what you consider to be the right way. Listen to your fantasies, your inner promptings, your crazy little ideas. This is not to say, act impulsively, but rather pay attention to the messages of your soul. When you feel like quitting your job to become an artist, pursuing an illicit affair, telling your friends what you really think about them, giving all your belongings away and becoming a gypsy (oh wait, that one’s mine), ask yourself, what in me is seeking expression? This year will offer you the opportunity to live out your dreams, just be sure that you temper this with self-respect and integrity.
Images from the Templar Tarot with original art by Allen Chester and booklet by Daria Kelleher. Published by Inspire by Design.
Libra
Click image for larger view.
High Priestess (2 of Cups)
What lies beneath the surface can be a dangerous intrigue. For its mystery tempts you to abandon what is known for the possibility of delight, bliss and maybe even rapture. Sound like any recent relationships? How about mind-altering experiences? There is something tantalizing about losing yourself especially when another person is involved. It breeds excitement: a mixture of fear and enjoyment. The problem arises however, when you attempt to remain under this spell. Love, experienced as reverie, will eventually dissolve back into an ordinary reality, and if you cling to the fantasy, you may never encounter the real person. Similarly, mind-altering experiences, spiritual as they may be, also need to be grounded in your day-to-day life. This year you might focus on bringing to life your fantasies or at least defining what they mean to you. Create a practice that bridges the ideal with the real. In doing so, be prepared to let go of old capricious concepts so as to garner deep and lasting relationships. There is nothing more powerful and mysterious then the connection to your Self.
Images from the Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Scorpio
Click image for larger view.
Justice (Queen of Cups)
Being strong, competent and in control are the most famous defenses of all, and usually constructed as a result of being hurt. You are a deeply vulnerable person and when you let yourself experience this it can either be terrifying or enlivening, for in this act you leave yourself completely open to another. Because you are a social animal, you seek comfort through bonding; but, because you are an intellectual human, you create hindrances to this bonding then tell yourself a million reasons why you’re safer without it. Silly minds resort to silly measures. Be honest about what you need both in your relationships with others and with yourself. Stop all the criticism. Didn’t you ever hear how easy it is to catch flies with honey? No need for all that shit. This year focus on nurturing yourself from a place of compassion rather than contempt. You may also want to re-evaluate your relationships, learn to trust a little more generously and practice asking for what you want. Take off your armor and live passionately. It’s better to love and be loved than hide even if that love is for someone or something you’ve never met. Take up activism.
Images from the Dark Goddess Tarot by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince published by ArnellArt.
Sagittarius
Click image for larger view.
Lovers (Ace of Pentacles)
Do you love someone because they are beautiful or are they beautiful because you love them? Have you ever noticed how your feelings about something dictate your evaluation of it? You may not even be aware that you can actually make yourself feel something simply by forming a judgment about it. Even more striking is that you probably foster values belonging to someone else like your parents, peers and culture. This dissonance is the blah feeling that underscores the quintessential depression, now a common disposition in our society. Can this disparity be remedied by simply loving what you do and doing what you love? Probably not that easy but imagine the investment. This year your focus on choices is directed on how much of yourself you invest into what you like versus what you don’t. After all, you are where you are because of a series of decisions you made. Could be a good time to commit yourself to what you want to believe rather than what you should believe. There are no accidents, just unconscious choices.
Images from the Templar Tarot with original art by Allen Chester and booklet by Daria Kelleher. Published by Inspire by Design.
Capricorn
Click image for larger view.
Star (Knight of Swords)
Faith is earned through a series of trials and tribulations because it’s not until you’re challenged that you really know what your faith is founded in. It’s easy to say you believe in this religion or that spirituality, to trust science for concrete answers and philosophers for theoretical explanations but what good is that when you come face-to-face with the enigmatic questions. Why is this happening? Faith is unperturbed by not knowing, unconcerned with answers. The more you trust in the great unknown, the more at ease you feel with your problems. Hope is the favored offspring of faith and your hope is always proportionate to your faith. Consider what you put your faith into on a daily basis. Do you ever worry that the sun will not rise or forget to set? There is an indisputable order to life that is witnessed daily and yet, you still worry that your needs may not be met. Your willingness to live life to the fullest comes from your faith. This year your self-confidence will be tested. What are you willing to risk in order to prove to yourself you believe?
Images from the Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Aquarius
Click image for larger view.
Hermit (Ace of Cups)
The past is appropriately termed because it has passed, and yet so many of you unnecessarily cling to it. Some of you, out of regret, others, nostalgia, some even allegedly attempting to heal the present. If you want to heal or change your life, the work must be done in the present, for the past is the cause of the present. Furthermore, work done in the present is an investment in the future. If you open your heart to the moment, you will be shown who you need to become – you will be free from the past. Let go of the person you we’re supposed to be so as to give birth to person you are. This year it will serve you well to work on your patience and self-acceptance, to free yourself from regrets and resentments, and to forgive yourself and others for acting unkindly. There is no standard of perfection that would cause you to suffer in its pursuit. Try radical acceptance in its place. This practice is not as lenient as it sounds, it is one of fierce compassion, one in which you must be completely present and composed.
Images from the Dark Goddess Tarot by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince published by ArnellArt.
Pisces
Click image for larger view.
Sun (King of Cups)
Success is at hand; as you read these words you experiencing the feeling of success. Every person and every situation adds to this, for success is nothing more than the recognition of your inherit greatness. When you see this and honor it in yourself, so do others. Fear of failure is the same as fear of success, so when you feel afraid, name it, and ask for validation. In your relationships, be the first one to talk about the difficult issues, lead by example and share your experiences openly without fear of judgment. Trust your ability to handle all situations and be confident in your talents. This year the focus will be on personal growth as a measure of success. This doesn’t preclude problems but it asks that you reframe them into opportunities for awareness. Be sure that you distance yourself from old fears. This is a new year and you are becoming a new person. You would also benefit from cultivating more creativity in your life. Have fun!
Images from the Templar Tarot with original art by Allen Chester and booklet by Daria Kelleher. Published by Inspire by Design.