Tarot Reflections
July 2018

July 2018

By Lalia Wilson

July is the easier and more sentimental part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The desperately hot part of summer comes when the Sun enters Leo for the last week of July and most of August.

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, yet four cards were repeated, two were repeated twice, giving us two Twos of Cups, two Pages of Pentacles, three Hierophants and three Hermits. If we consider these four cards as a collective reading, then we are reminded to step back from conflict and seek wisdom (Hermit), to follow community norms (Hierophant), to allow love in our lives and to support young lovers (Two of Cups), and to enjoy the world of nature as if we were children (Page of Pentacles).

By suit, we have four Pentacles, three Cups, three Swords and two Wands.

 There are four court cards, a two Pages and the Queen of Pentacles along with a Knight of Swords. There are no court cards among the Cups or Wands. Together, these court cards suggest that practicality and attention to health and finances are favored in July. Expect sharp words and verbal aggression. The forces supporting peace, understanding, and inspiration are on vacation.   

The cards used for the fire signs were the Wheel of the Year Tarot, by Maria Caratti, with artwork by Antonella Platano, published by Lo Scarabeo. For the Earth signs, I used the Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.  Representing the Air signs is The Housewives Tarot by Paul Kepper and Jude Buffum, published by Quirk in Philadelphia and available through multiple vendors. For the Water signs, I used The Cook’s Tarot by Judith Mackay Stirt and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.  

Aries: 

The Hermit and the Princess (Page) of Pentacles: 

Dear Aries, this month finds you stepping back from your usually dynamic life. This may be because of health issues, or because you are caring for a loved one.  Spending some time with your health-minded girlfriends will be soothing to you during this hot season (in the northern hemisphere). Your work life is going well. You have new ways to make money, a good reputation and strong managing ability, plus people working with or for you are on your side. Female employees and co-workers are especially helpful to you this month.

Images are from the Wheel of the Year Tarot, by Maria Caratti, with artwork by Antonella Platano, Published by Los Scarabeo.

Taurus: 

The Emperor and the Two of Wands:

Well, Taurus, this month a lot of your activities are out of your control, as others and their needs seem to be determining your to-do list. Among these are visiting children, family, neighbors, all making your home busy, yet fun. You still have some oversight responsibilities for the affairs of a family member or an organization. Your significant other is a steady source of support, emotional, financial, as well as a good sex partner. Look to your partner for a source of calm and the assistance to center yourself.


Images are from the Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Gemini: 

The Wheel of Fortune and the Five of Swords:

Dear Gemini, your weapon of choice is sharp words, both spoken and written. The Five of Swords is asking you to consider what you say or publish before it leaves you. There is little support for your sharp language at this time. Perhaps writing everything down, and keeping it to yourself, for the time being, is the best strategy. With your quick repartee, you are easily prodded to say things you wish you had refrained from. For this month, a long trip to the spa, or a weekly trip to the spa is helpful. Find yourself in luxurious surroundings and near water to bide your time, and avoid burning bridges that you may want at a later time.

Images are from The Housewives Tarot by Paul Kepper and Jude Buffum, published by Quirk in Philadelphia.

Cancer: 

The Hierophant and the Three of Wands:

Dear Cancer, your unusual friends are most of your focus this month. One may be a marriage or divorce counselor, or a family law attorney. Another may be on television, or a scientist or astrologer. Both are of help to you this month. Money is working well with small income blessings. You have plenty for a modest lifestyle. This is a month to build any business slowly and to avoid cutting any corners. Any actions you take that cheat customers will harm you in the long run. Be more than fair in all your business dealings so that your financial hopes of a big business will become a reality, day-by-day.

Images are from The Cook’s Tarot by Judith Mackay Stirt and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.  

Leo: 

The Fool and the Queen of Pentacles: 

Dear Leo, is your career taking over your life? There are dynamic forces putting you in the public eye. If you work in television or video, your career is especially favored at this time. Females are good for your money and income this month. They also will prompt you to buy luxurious items this month—for the investment value. Any lingering health issue that you have needs attention. If you haven’t consulted your medical practitioner, do so. If you have, follow medical advice. Take time to meet your health needs. 

Images are from the Wheel of the Year Tarot, by Maria Caratti, with artwork by Antonella Platano, Published by Los Scarabeo.

Virgo: 

The Hermit and the Two of Cups:

This month, everyone is rooting for you, dear Virgo. You are usually humble and retiring, and all that support and enthusiasm seems like it’s too much. A sibling is doing very well in life and prospering. If you are single, this is an excellent month to meet your special someone.  If you are in a committed relationship, your partner is unusually tuned into you and your needs. Parties, not usually your thing, are featured this month. At least one of your friends is a star in your circle, someone who is a party all by him- or herself.

Images are from the Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Libra: 

The Hierophant and the Knight of Swords:

Dear Libra, being fair is one of your core values. Now it is time to practice fairness as you cope with a death, an estate, or an inheritance. Your usual social face is hard to maintain when you are struggling inside. Some creative activity is put on hold. You are not happy about this, but it will be better when it resumes in September. Your unusually sharp tongue will surprise those around you. Take steps to relieve stress without destroying friendships. Perhaps some therapeutic shopping is in order?

Images are from The Housewives Tarot by Paul Kepper and Jude Buffum, published by Quirk in Philadelphia.

Scorpio: 

The Hermit and the Page of Pentacles:

Dear Scorpio, though you are a powerful person who stands up for yourself, you prefer to work from the sidelines. Generally, things are working well for you, and you don't want to change anything. Yet all your social relationships, with neighbors, family members, partners, and friends seem to be pulling you into the spotlight. Enough! Make a deal with your female friends that lets you keep more privacy and more alone time. Your friends are very obliging this month, they will deal.

Images are from The Cook’s Tarot by Judith Mackay Stirt and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.   

Sagittarius: 

The Hierophant and the Two of Cups:

Those two cards say weddings are on your mind Sagittarius. You may be having your own wedding, planning a wedding, hosting a wedding, or attending a wedding. Behind the scenes, all is well, with rich rewards coming by the end of the year. However, any health concerns, especially anything new in the last couple of months, may be a source of concern. Do consult your healthcare practitioner and follow medical advice.

Images are from the Wheel of the Year Tarot, by Maria Caratti, with artwork by Antonella Platano, Published by Los Scarabeo.

Capricorn: 

The Magician and the Nine of Swords: 

Dear Capricorn, despite your proclivity to be focused on money, there is no big problem; it’s all in your head. As a by-the-book investor and worker, money will come to you down the road. Keep taking your financial and work life one step at a time. You are prudent. You keep track of things. There is no need for worry, at least in July. One way to divert your attention is reading or writing erotic literature. How’s that for a new direction?

Images are from the Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Aquarius: 

Temperance and the Ten of Pentacles:

Dear Aquarius, read the Capricorn message. Your friends, source of so much in your life, are on vacation or otherwise occupied for much of the month. Home and family are on your mind, yet something is different. Are you rewiring your home? Putting in new electronic equipment? Renting your house out for a film production? Home improvements are favored. Use moderation both for the design concept and the expenditures. Take time to check in with family this month. Your family history is important for future generations. 

Images are from The Housewives Tarot by Paul Kepper and Jude Buffum, published by Quirk in Philadelphia.

Pisces: 

The Devil and the Ten of Cups:

Pisces, July is one month where your friends can lead you astray. Even though you tend to be humble and accommodating, you have powerful friends. They may encourage you to step outside your comfort zone this month. Please wait and see if this is still a good idea next month before acting on it. Your inner life and creative life and thoughts about life are all right on target. This month is blissful when you listen to your own counsel and avoid being pushed into something that is not right for you.

Images are from The Cook’s Tarot by Judith Mackay Stirt and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. 

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.