Tarot Reflections
May 2018

May 2018
By Lalia Wilson

May 2018 is a big month here on planet earth. In addition to a tradition-bending Royal wedding in the United Kingdom on May 19th, we have the biggest astrological event of the year, Uranus entering Taurus, and a SuperMoon/New Moon both on May 15^th. 

In order to read the cards for each sign, I used a different deck of cards for each of the four elements. All cards were randomized before drawing the cards. Four cards were repeated: The Hanged Man, Temperance, the Eight of Swords and the Nine of Swords. We might consider these cards to pertain to all of us; at the least, we should take notice of them. The Hanged Man is taking time to look at things from a different perspective, changing his point of view, reflecting. Temperance urges us to take the middle path of moderation in all things. The Eight and Nine of Swords are more problematic. They tell us that our worries and fears are mostly in our heads. We are creating our difficulties and we can change our thinking and get out of the negative feedback loops we may be inhabiting.

By suit, half of our minors are Swords. We may be over-thinking our worlds in May. There are three court cards, all Knights, representing young men, or those acting like young men. We have the Knights of Pentacles, Cups, and Wands. It looks to be a dynamic month.   

The cards used for the fire signs were the Tarot of the Ages, with artwork by Mario Garizio and the booklet of instructions by Patrizia D'Agostino, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. For the Earth signs, I used The Mythic Tarot by Juliet Sharman-Burke and Liz Greene, illustrated by Tricia Newell and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Representing the Air signs is the Ghost Tarot by Davide Corsi and published by Lo Scarabeo. For the Water signs, I used The Fairy Tale Tarot by Lisa Hunt, published by Llewellyn.  

Enjoy the delights of May!

Aries: 

The Fool and the Five of Swords: 

Dear Aries, it looks like life will continue to be an adventure. The Fool is prompting you to take some chances, especially regarding your income. In mid- to late-May new financial opportunities arise, and you have the means to move forward in acquiring any antiques or collectibles that you want. As long as you are focused on yourself, all is well. A younger sibling or cousin, or several younger siblings or cousins are quarreling among themselves and want to lure you into a big food fight. Don't add gasoline to the fire! 

Images are from the Tarot of the Ages, with artwork by Mario Garizio and the booklet of instructions by Patrizia D'Agostino, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Taurus: 

The Devil and the Eight of Swords:

Well, Taurus, you may not yet realize it, but your life is about to go into overdrive. Your money situation is looking up. Matters regarding foreign affairs, religion, and or higher education are on your mind. Yes, the time is right for you taking action on one of those matters. As you start becoming a new you, fashion and accessories are catching your eye. Yes, you have the funds, so go ahead and indulge yourself a bit. You are being materialistic as this month unfolds. Release your fears, as they are holding you back from fully participating in life. 

Images are from The Mythic Tarot by Juliet Sharman-Burke and Liz Greene, illustrated by Tricia Newell and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Gemini: 

The Sun and the Knight of Cups:

Dear Gemini, usually you are the one with the gift of gab, or propaganda, or even the con-artist. This month you are best off working to reveal the untruths of others. A person who may be your boss or your minister is less than they appear, or perhaps unconnected with reality. Be cautious. If necessary, you may be the one needed to catch this person in some kind of fraud or illegal activity. Be true to yourself. Seek the highest outcome for all concerned and you will know what to do. 

Images are from the Ghost Tarot by Davide Corsi and published by Lo Scarabeo.  

Cancer: 

Entrapment (The Hanged Man) and the Six of Swords:

Cancer, it looks like a great month for a cruise or a trip to the beach. Rivers, lakes, and the ocean are always uplifting for you—this month more than usual. Make it a point to spend some time around bodies of water. In addition, there are strong indications of you taking a retreat this month. It may be that things are too hot for you at work or in a relationship, but it is definitely time for a break. Take a timeout.

Images are from The Fairy Tale Tarot by Lisa Hunt, published by Llewellyn.  

Leo: 

Temperance and the Two of Coins (Pentacles): 

Dear Leo, you have some health issues, or perhaps what might become health issues. Now is the time to be moderate in your habits and follow medical advice. There are big changes coming in your public life. Your boss may suddenly change. Your firm may be bought out or incorporated into a larger organization. Keep a lower-than-usual profile at work and do not take it personally (whatever happens at work). 

Images are from the Tarot of the Ages, with artwork by Mario Garizio and the booklet of instructions by Patrizia D'Agostino, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Virgo: 

The Magician and the Eight of Cups:

Dear Virgo, your partner is starry-eyed and feeling the need to have a vacation at the beach. You are far more sober, but willing to try some type of vacation. You are more motivated to go hiking in the mountains, visit old cities, and look into your heritage. The money is available. How can you make sure that both of you are happy with this vacation? A week in one spot, a week at the other? A place that combines all that each of you wants?

Images are from The Mythic Tarot by Juliet Sharman-Burke and Liz Greene, illustrated by Tricia Newell and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Libra: 

Temperance and the Nine of Swords:

Dear Libra, your partner is the active force in your life right now. It seems as though you are just along for the ride. Money looks good. Your health is a bit fragile. Take the middle road, so that your health is taken care of. Foreign travel lures you, but in between health issues and lots of (unnecessary) worries, you are reluctant to commit. Maybe your partner will take charge here. 

Images are from the Ghost Tarot by Davide Corsi and published by Lo Scarabeo.  

Scorpio: 

The Chariot and the Eight of Swords:

Dear Scorpio, you are full of energy and enthusiasm. You would like to do some traveling, but you don’t see a way to do it. Your inability to take a trip is mostly in your head, but some of it has to do with not wanting to leave a new love interest behind. Possibly you have a partner and a new love interest, which complicates things a bit. The energy around partnerships is (understandably) a bit chaotic. You can resolve this situation honorably if you reflect on it a bit. 

Images are from The Fairy Tale Tarot by Lisa Hunt, published by Llewellyn.  

Sagittarius: 

The Hanged Man and the Four of Cups:

Okay Sagittarius, the focus is on your home and family this month. At a high level of spiritual vibration, your family meditates together and follows the same religious path; your home is peaceful and decorated with pastel colors and flowing fabrics. At a lower level of spiritual vibration, your family is regularly using various legal and illegal mind-altering substances. Your home is cluttered with incompatible design elements, some associated with drug culture. You are the person who can steer this ship towards positive outcomes.

Images are from the Tarot of the Ages, with artwork by Mario Garizio and the booklet of instructions by Patrizia D'Agostino, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Capricorn: 

The Wheel of Fortune and the Knight of Pentacles: 

Dear Capricorn, you are the center of action this month. Powerful and emotionally mature friends are helpful for all your concerns. Mid- to late-month you will experience a powerful forward thrust in all matters related to any creative projects—some of this relates to a seven-year shift which highlights your creativity, mated to new technology. Full speed ahead!

Images are from The Mythic Tarot by Juliet Sharman-Burke and Liz Greene, illustrated by Tricia Newell and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Aquarius: 

Justice and the Knight of Wands:

Dear Aquarius, neighborhood concerns are capturing your attention now. Your siblings and cousins are busy making headlines, at least within your family. At the same time, there is a lot happening in secret, some unknown to you. The highest use of this energy is to take up a meditation practice, or dream studies. Remember that dreams are healing in their intent; they become nightmares when we ignore the subtle hints they have been giving us all along.  

Images are from the Ghost Tarot by Davide Corsi and published by Lo Scarabeo.  

Pisces: 

The Moon and the Nine of Swords:

Okay, dear Pisces, your life is flowing along just right, thank you very much. As appropriate (not while driving) allow yourself to drift off into altered consciousness. There you will find inspiration for numerous creative projects and solutions to real-world problems. Are you considering some minor home improvements this month? Your taste is on the mark; go ahead and do what you intended to do.

Images are from The Fairy Tale Tarot by Lisa Hunt, 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.