Tarot Reflections
May 2019

May Scopes

By Lalia Wilson

Happy Beltane and May Day, as well as the rest of May! In the northern hemisphere this is a celebration of the beginning of summer, fertility and agricultural abundance. Curiously, the two cards drawn for Libra especially resonate with this festival: The Empress, that fertile female goddess, and the Ace of Wands, the beginning of a Fire suit and the most potent phallic symbol in the Tarot. An astrological note: both Mars and Venus change signs mid-month, making the first half of May quite different from the second half.

All cards were randomized before these drawings, with four decks being used. There was one repeated card, which may indicate a collective reading for all of us. The repeated card is the Ten of Swords, giving a message of hitting rock bottom. In some aspect of our shared reality, we are at the end of the road. Things have gotten so bad that they require an end.  

The Fire signs are shown by The Celtic Tarot (2008) by Giacinto Guadenzi and Saverio Tenuta, published by Lo Scarabeo. The Earth signs are illustrated by the Herbal Tarot (1988 and 2009), created by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. The Air signs are depicted by the Wheel of the Year Tarot (2011) created by Maria Caratti and Antonella Platano, and published by Lo Scarabeo. The Water Signs are shown by the Legacy of the Divine Tarot (2009), by Ciro Marchetti, published by Llewellyn. 

Aries: 

Judgment and the Queen of Pentacles: 

Dear Aries, it looks like you will finish one project and begin another mid-month. Are you getting a raise or bonus? The money looks good and you have earned it. As long as you behave correctly with regard to the law and social convention, you are fine—but there is an indication of difficulty if you have been transgressing. You may take some time off to work on a home improvement project the second half of the month.

 

Taurus: 

Suspended Person (Hanged Man) and the Knight of Pentacles:

Dear Taurus, you have some out of this reality friends, very different from you. As long as you remain in consensus reality, you will do fine. You have a number of personal projects rolling along, making May a very good month for you. Events far away, even in other lands, may come home to your life this month. Keep with your plan and look for the positives.

Gemini: 

The Chariot and the Four of Cups:

Gemini, things will be energetic, chaotic to others’ eyes, especially for the first half of the month. There is a lot of energy about vehicles. One possibility is that your job provides a nice new vehicle, or rents a vehicle for you. What a nice perk! Remember, if you are self-employed, there are some (U.S. Tax) advantages to renting versus owning a vehicle. Money will be moving through your life a lot in May and June, with both more coming in and more going out. Avoid being too nostalgic, and also avoid overinvesting in antiques or memorabilia. 

Cancer: 

Justice and the Ten of Swords:

Dear Cancer, your strong intuition is overloaded with negative vibrations and possibly bad dreams for the first half of May. Be sure your own behavior is exemplary. By mid-month, you will realize what you have been subconsciously aware of. Your heart is engaged with your home and family, especially one smart daughter or niece.  Justice and the Ten of Swords suggest that someone you know is facing a difficult situation with legal implications.

Leo: 

The Devil and the King of Swords:

Dear Leo, your social life is a bit wild for the first half of the month. There are some cautions about your health, which one hopes is not the reason you step away from hectic partying. Instead let it be your wise judgment that says it is time to stay home. You may find yourself in a war of words with a very capable opponent. He is likely smarter or more mentally organized than you are. If you let this be a war of words, you will lose. Find another way to handle this situation.

Virgo: 

The Sun and the Page of Wands:

Dear Virgo, things look positive. The first half of the month is wonderful for a vacation. All month is good for intense emotional connections and sexuality. This is the year for home renovations, home buying, or home redecorating, so take advantage of this favorable period. The second half of the month finds you focused more on your work life.

Libra:

The Empress and the Ace of Wands:

Dear Libra, well you got the lazy, sexually indulgent cards for this month. If you are trying to become pregnant, this is the time. Your sexual energies are high. If you are looking for that special someone, the first half of the month is time to connect socially, and the second half you will be enjoying their company in private. In addition to the feel good sensations of your body and emotions, you are mentally very creative and very connected this month. Read all your messages, as some very good ideas are coming your way. 

Scorpio: 

The Lovers and the Two of Coins/Pentacles:

Dear Scorpio, sex and relationships are positively highlighted for the first half of the month. You are also thinking about some new (to you) way of investing. You have access to some money, perhaps from others, that can be used to test drive a new financial strategy. Consider this only a test and be prepared to try several variations to see which works best.

Sagittarius: 

Temperance and the Five of Cups:

Sagittarius, this month is favorable for you. Temperance, is your major arcana card, indicating that you are feeling good and in charge of your life. Temperance is called “Art” in many decks; perhaps you have some artistic talents that need expression this month. The Five of Cups can be emotionally difficult, though. Plan to spend some time at home to heal. Any water or beach themes in your home or landscape will bring comfort to you at this time.

Capricorn: 

The Magician and the Ten of Swords: 

Dear Capricorn, an area of your life, probably a job or career area, is pretty much run out. If you haven’t already, start looking at options. Your relationships and work with children is a positive this month. Is there a way to combine a new job/career with your interest in children? Elementary education? Art classes for children? Books for children? Children’s minister? Children’s librarian? You have great potential to make positive changes in your life now.

Aquarius: 

Death and the Ace of Pentacles:

Dear Aquarius, your career or job is pretty much steady as she goes, and not too exciting. You have some ideas for new ventures that involve a smart home. Either creating a smart home (meaning many controls are linked by WiFi), or improving on one. This could be your own home or a business. May is definitely the month to beautify your home and surroundings. You will feel more healthy and grounded by taking time to improve your home.

Pisces: 

The High Priestess and the Five of Coins/Pentacles:

Dear Pisces, it looks like you have friends and family who are doing quite well financially and others who are struggling. As a highly empathetic person, you want everyone to succeed. As always look to your intuition. Some of what you receive is for your own knowledge, not for sharing. No one in difficulties wants to hear: “What do you think your lesson is?”  You can think it, but don’t say it. Instead find a way to lead them to discovering their own lesson so that they can end their personal suffering. Then write a book about it!

 

You can use these TarotScopes 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.