Tarot Reflections
May 2020

May 2020
By Lalia Wilson

Here we are in May of 2020, with many still at home sheltering in place to avoid contracting covid-19. It looks like this pandemic will make permanent changes in public life in order to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases. In the meantime it is spring in the Northern Hemisphere, a glorious spring. Many are gardening at home, either in their yards, or in pots on their balconies or windowsills. Growing plants and warming temperatures do raise everyone’s spirits.

We are back to tarot cards this month with four decks from a single creator of tarot and oracle cards. When drawing from tarot I do a collective reading from any cards that are duplicated (something that is possible since four different decks are used). This month has lots of duplicated cards: 3 Empresses, and 2 each of The Wheel of Fortune, The Tower, The Star, and the Queen of Cups. Well the Empress is right at home, she is associated with the planet Venus, the ruler of the sign Taurus which is in effect this month. Additionally the Empress is the card of fertility and growing things, which makes her a perfect fit for the spring. The Wheel of Fortune reminds up of the cycles of life; that both death and birth come in cycles over which we have little control. The Tower is the disaster card, indicating that everything has unexpectedly gone bad, certainly an apt card for this pandemic. The Star is a card of hope, an indication that the Universe has a plan which will bring a better future if we keep our faith. Finally the Queen of Cups is a nurturer and a psychic, she sees more than she says, but she is supporting you all the way.

This month we have four different Ciro Marchetti tarot decks being used for the month’s scopes. The Fire signs are depicted by the Tarot Grand Luxe (2019) published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (This deck is reviewed elsewhere in this issue of Tarot Reflections.) The Earth signs are shown by the Encore Tarot (2019) created by Ciro Marchetti and available at www.ciromarchetti.com.  The Air signs are represented by the Legacy of the Divine Tarot (2009) created by Ciro Marchetti and published by Llewellyn. Water Signs are shown by the Marchetti Tarot (2018), created by Ciro Marchetti and available at www.ciromarchetti.com. 

I choose various decks to illustrate each month’s drawings so as to show the versatility and variety of tarot, lenormand, or oracle cards, and to emphasize a particular season or sign. Also because some are my favorites. 

Aries: 

The Star and the Four of Cups: 

Dear Aries, it looks like you are really missing your friends this month. As a pioneer and a go-getter you are usually self-starting and the leader of your group of friends. This month you are not able to be with them and you miss them—they miss you too! 

 

Taurus: 

The Wheel of Fortune and the Four of Wands:

Dear Taurus, the spin of Fortuna’s Wheel has brought you some good times and new experiences. You are deepening your relationships and enjoying life more. How can that be, when it seems the world is suffering? It is because you are able to slow down and enjoy the simple things of life. Keep enjoying.

Gemini: 

The Wheel of Fortune and the Five of Swords:

Dear Gemini, Fortuna has brought an uncomfortable change in your life. Your usual busy self is used to being out and about. Now you are limited to the internet, which is no substitute in your mind. Not only that, you are likely to find yourself involved in internet “differences of opinion.” Sure, you can see the world differently, but don’t live to maintain some massive internet war. Step back and find a more positive way to live.  

Cancer: 

The Tower and the Five of Cups:

Dear Cancer, you also seem to be finding the sheltering at home difficult. Even though Cancers are notoriously home lovers, the very thought of “having” to stay at home is upsetting to you. Plus, you had some kind of contretemps with a friend, lover, or co-worker just before the order to stay at home and you have been nursing that grievance ever since. Let me remind you that your home is your castle. Get started on the fix-ups that you have long planned for. Stop ruminating on the bad stuff.

Leo: 

The Empress and the Ten of Cups:

Dear Leo, without your admirers, life is not as fun as usual. However, your friends are still available to you and will be for months. Whether you are checking each other out on Instagram, or able to see each other in person, their support remains. Emotional rewards are plentiful this month. Relax and enjoy the pleasures of life.

Virgo: 

The Hermit and the King of Wands: 

Dear Virgo, you love to be left alone, and this month you will have your wish in that regard. A strong influence in your life is supportive and also prompts new directions for your future. Indulge in the reading and crafts that make your heart sing. Allow your thoughts to go where they will. You are in tune with the Universe this month.  

Libra: 

The Empress and the Two of Wands: 

Dear Libra, the Empress is symbolic of Venus, your ruling planet. For most of the next four months you are on a kind of vacation, or pilgrimage, even if just in your mind. You are wanting to travel, but may have to travel in your imagination instead. Certainly you can plan future travels. Also, if you have a particular destination you may want to view videos, films, or read books about that place. These could be non-fiction or fiction. Or both! 

Scorpio: 

The Magician and the Queen of Cups:

Dear Scorpio, your thoughts are focused on emotional intensity, love, and sex. At this time, all these are available to you as much as you desire… even if just in your imagination. In addition to real life, consider music, poetry, film and literature. You really can have it all. 

Sagittarius:

The Devil and the Two of Cups:

Dear Sagittarius, you have some focus on your personal finances this month. But love and lust are in the air, enjoy! Be sure to separate love and sex from your money issues. A new love interest is not going to be your financial savior. You get to handle the money yourself. Or stated more bluntly, you are “obligated” to handle your own money issues.

Capricorn: 

The Tower and the Queen of Cups: 

Dear Capricorn, it looks like a month of upsets in your life. A short trip may be necessary to handle a situation with a sister or female cousin. Or, alternatively, a female may be the reason you do not make a planned trip. Be flexible. 

Aquarius: 

The Star and the Ace of Swords:

Dear Aquarius, you have your card, The Star, plus the Ace of Swords, another card especially tuned to Aquarius. You are in your element. Things are moving in your favor. Your favorite ways to have fun are almost all available, so do have fun. Your only drawback is a tendency to be too aloof, too removed from ordinary mortals. You need not fear that this month as you will be in your own mental castle without any incompatible people telling you to live a different way. 

Pisces: 

The Empress and the Ten of Coins:

Dear Pisces, all that is good, all that is luxurious, all that is fertile and growing is working on your behalf this month. Any endeavor that involves love, money, growth or fertility is favored and with a modicum of effort on your part will lead to success. Go for it.

 

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.