Tarot Reflections
January 2018

January 2019
By Lalia Wilson

Happy New Year! Now we have a fresh start to a new year. If we resolve to, we can each move more positively into our futures. It looks like a large number of you will start 2019 at a fast tempo, aspiring to and achieving many more tasks completed than usual. 

All cards were randomized before these drawings, with four decks being used. There were five repeated cards, which in some ways indicate a collective reading for all of us. There were two each of The Emperor, The Hermit, the Page of Pentacles, the Four of Pentacles and the Eight of Swords. One way to look at these is that we have overspent during the holidays and are now trying to save money. Or we could be unemployed, underemployed, or furloughed, not sure of what to do about it, and holding on to every penny. We could also be temporarily separated from our loved ones, possibly as military personnel on deployment. Think of that Eight of Swords as a reminder that you hold the key to your prison. Your higher self is there to help.

The Fire signs are illustrated by The Winter Waite Tarot (reviewed elsewhere in this issue of TR). It was created by James Battersby and Christine Aguiar (2018), and is available at https://www.tarotcollectibles.com/store . The Earth signs are illustrated by The New Era Elements Tarot, created by Eleonore F. Pieper, PhD, and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (2018). The Air signs are Today’s Journey Tarot created by Expanding Dimensions, illustrated by Christopher Wilkey, and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (2011). The Water Signs are the Wizard’s Tarot, by Corrine Kenner and John Blumen and published by Llewellyn (2011). 

Aries: 

The Hermit and the Eight of Swords: 

Aries, the Eight of Swords shows up for the second consecutive month. It always indicates that we are our own prison wardens. You have what it takes to free up your life. Meanwhile the Hermit is bringing some sense of being alone, especially at work or if you are ill. Allow the Hermit to gift you with spiritual wisdom. Take your time and absorb the higher teachings being given to you.


Images are from The Winter Waite Tarot by James Battersby and Christine Aguilar.

Taurus: 

The Fool and the Four of Earth/Pentacles:

Dear Taurus, 2019 will begin seven years of big changes in your life. You had a preview of this last year. Starting in the spring (northern hemisphere) the changes will keep coming. Among them may be cosmetic changes, changes in your personal style, and changes in your body and your energy. As the changes come be aware that no matter how much you hold on to the old, everything will look different in seven years.



Images are from The New Era Elements Tarot, created by Eleonore F. Pieper, PhD, and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (2018).

Gemini: 

Discernment/Temperance and the Nine of Earth/Pentacles:

Gemini, you have a mixture of being sociable and being alone. Your dreams are on target. Your partner and friends are bringing you lots of social events and connections. Yet a part of you wants to enjoy some activities you can do by yourself.

Images are from Today’s Journey Tarot created by Expanding Dimensions, illustrated by Christopher Wilkey, and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. 

Cancer:

The Hanged Man and the Four of Pentacles:

Your partner, dear Cancer, once again has a significant role in your daily life. It looks like you are having disputes over money and budgeting. Both of you are talented in money matters, though your partner might take more investment risks. Is there a compromise you both can live with? Foreign travel looks good for you this month; in fact any immersion in a foreign culture will be beneficial, even books and movies. Try it. 


Images are from the Wizard’s Tarot, by Corrine Kenner and John Blumen and published by Llewellyn.

Leo: 

The Chariot and the Seven of Swords:

Your vehicle may be a center of attention this month, for replacement or repairs. Although you are pulled towards friends and socializing, it looks like a month of work, work, work. You will be rewarded for the work you put in, so go ahead and get it done. Your children and creative endeavors are doing great.

Images are from The Winter Waite Tarot by James Battersby and Christine Aguilar.

Virgo: 

The Hermit and the Daughter/Page of Earth/Pentacles:

Dear Virgo, you have your own Hermit card this month, the card associated with the sign Virgo. It may indicate that you are at the center of things, which is not your usual. But it can also mean lots of time to think and work with your hands, time to get a lot of projects done. If you have children, especially daughters, they will be helpful. This could even suggest a parent-daughter collaboration with extraordinary results.



Images are from The New Era Elements Tarot, created by Eleonore F. Pieper, PhD, and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (2018).

Libra: 

Tradition/The Hierophant and the Youth/Page of Pentacles:

Dear Libra, matters of home and family are to the forefront this month. There is a lot of energy there, energy to expand, renovate, or destroy. These can mean major home renovations, but also mean major family changes. A significant woman in your life is separated from you.

Images are from Today’s Journey Tarot created by Expanding Dimensions, illustrated by Christopher Wilkey, and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. 

Scorpio: 

The Magician and the Knight of Swords:

Dear Scorpio, it looks like a super-busy month with lots of travel and lots of work. Writing and speaking are highlighted. Expect to have an abundance of work to do for the next two months. Meantime issues are unstable in your neighborhood and among your siblings and cousins. Is your absence a good thing, or are you leaving the chance for a blow up because you are not there to keep the peace?


Images are from the Wizard’s Tarot, by Corrine Kenner and John Blumen and published by Llewellyn.

Sagittarius: 

Judgment and the Four of Cups:

You, Sagittarius, have some unusually smart friends and they are strutting their stuff this month. You are not usually nostalgic over a past love, or mourning the loss of a love. As the month begins you may be in that space regarding relationships, but it won’t last for long. You are highly popular this month. If single you could find the one, or play the field, as all the relationship options are open for you now. Remember the Golden Rule, so that your sometimes cavalier attitude to relationships does not come back at you.

Images are from The Winter Waite Tarot by James Battersby and Christine Aguilar.

Capricorn: 

The Devil and the Eight of Air/Swords: 

Dear Capricorn, you have the Capricorn card this month, focusing attention on you. This particular Devil card does not show the way out, but we are reminded by the Eight of Swords that we hold the keys to our prisons. You can step back from being a harmful influence in the world. Expect your month to be super-busy, including repairs at home.

Images are from The New Era Elements Tarot, created by Eleonore F. Pieper, PhD, and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (2018).

Aquarius: 

Law/The Emperor and the Ten of Earth/Pentacles:

Dear Aquarius, you are on the move this month. Your family is a source of love and fun in your life. Your work or social advocacy has you super-busy, making strategy and going to the right places to effect change. This may be one of the most important months to bring forward your philosophy and social views. Remember that the law applies to everyone, including you.

Images are from Today’s Journey Tarot created by Expanding Dimensions, illustrated by Christopher Wilkey, and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. 

Pisces: 

The Emperor and the Queen of Pentacles:

Dear Pisces, you are focused on making money. A sister or female relative is exceedingly helpful this month. Any new tech upgrades need to happen soon as your focus on technology will move to vehicles and community concerns by mid-April. You are under powerful influences that can bring major spiritual visions, or just be confusing. Your approach and self-discipline makes the difference between one and the other.

Images are from the Wizard’s Tarot, by Corrine Kenner and John Blumen and published by Llewellyn.

 

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 reigning needs, 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. If you get bored seeing my favorites, I’m open to suggestions and gifts.