By Adrienne Abeyta
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Aries
Moon (8 of Wands)
The storms of life, although scary benefit you in that they cleanse and wash the air you breathe. A storm’s fast approaching this month; this will bring to the surface issues you have either overlooked or avoided. No point to worry or prepare for this one because swiftly you will be forced to confront your liabilities, in particular your impatience and restlessness. Circumstances that have been nebulous suddenly reveal cracks and tarnishes. Take action in terms of cleaning them up or simply let them go. Finally, travel plans may go awry so, watch your temper and practice tolerance.
Images from the Alchemy 1977 England Tarot published by Fournier.
Taurus
Hermit (9 of Swords)
Life is a series of experiences in which we are constantly moving from one thing to the next. Suffering results when you fail to process what you’ve learned from those experiences. The mind needs to reflect on information to consolidate what’s valuable. Deep reflection is what facilitates this process. Wisdom is best attained when you can sift through all of your experiences, objectively, and find a common theme. This month the focus is on misery. Notice how you’re contributing to your problems and how they may actually be serving you. You’ll find that one problem is actually the buffer for another.
Images from the Dream Raven Tarot by Beth Seilonen, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Gemini
Magician (3 of Swords)
Pain isn’t a choice but suffering is; the mental anguish you experience is proportionate to the resistance of accepting what’s occurred. Those who believe that the world’s happening to them, lose their capacity to initiate change, and as a result feel powerless. However, when you respond to challenges through the spiritual force of your resources, not only do you have more of an effect on the circumstance, you also gain more confidence in yourself. Equanimity is the spiritual resource you need to practice this month. Do not be victimized by mental negativity. Detach and you will see how to solve the dilemma.
Images from The Chinese Tarot Deck by Jui Guoliang, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Cancer
Devil (10 of Wands)
Permanence will not guarantee security. In fact, striving for permanence leads to attachment which inevitably precludes your ability to feel joy. Nothing in life can escape change and yet most people are willing to sacrifice real success through a pseudo effort called productivity. You need to reevaluate what you invest your energy into because your motivations are slipping into darkness. Don’t be fooled by your own good intentions. Just because your actions are “good” by society’s standards, doesn’t mean you’re not hiding behind them. Notice how what once was a joyful act has become a burden of self-imposed obligation.
Images from The Healing Tarot by Juno Lucina illustrated by Monica Knighton and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Leo
Strength (5 of Pentacles)
Worry, on the surface, seems like a nuisance. Ironically, worry is also a distraction that keeps the mind preoccupied with what is lacking. You’ve been extending far too much time either worrying or pretending not to worry. Either way your gratitude for life has diminished into a fraction of what is necessary to feel passionate. Stop complaining of what is missing and start living from a place of whole-hearted acceptance. Everyone has problems, yet those problems don’t need to define you or rob you of vitality. Be compassionate with yourself and find joy in the beauty that surrounds you.
Images from the Tarot Lovers' Tarot by Karyn Easton, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Virgo
Lovers (5 of Wands)
We choose the lives we lead. We choose happiness or sadness, success or failure, love or hate. Whether you’re conscious of this or not, you’re still making choices in every moment, and these choices determine the rhythm of your life. Life does unto you only what you allow it. More importantly, you cannot be forced into feeling anything without consenting to it. The current strife you are experiencing is prompting you to take responsibility for misguided actions. Take every opportunity to admit your mistakes. The benefit is heightened awareness of your personal power. This, in turn, will shape your attitude and eventually your destiny.
Images from The Son Tarot by Christopher Butler, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Libra
Hierophant (King of Swords)
Have you ever wondered how you came to believe what you do? Your outlook on the world is comprised by a collection of agreements. Most of which you’ve learned from others, like teachers, family, clergy or the media. Perhaps even some through your own analysis. Knowledge is meant to be relevant and fluid. When you’re stuck in your beliefs, you tend to think others are wrong and you’re right. This mentality doesn’t lead to wisdom because it provokes separation. To develop wisdom it’s beneficial to occasionally challenge your own beliefs and find value in opinions different than your own.
Images from the Alchemy 1977 England Tarot published by Fournier.
Scorpio
World (10 of Cups)
Happiness is a form of freedom earned through the practice of seeing the best in everything and everyone. This isn’t a superficial attempt at optimism but a deep reverence in the process of life. Naturally there are struggles, yet when you focus your attention on seeing the bigger picture, every challenge contains within it freedom. Peace of mind leads to happiness of heart. You deserve this. Your life is progressing perfectly on course and this month you’ll be blessed with an inner sense of ease, even if the outer world is turbulent. This isn’t a secret, so share it with others.
Images from the Dream Raven Tarot by Beth Seilonen, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Sagittarius
Tower (Ace of Pentacles)
Life’s lessons often come unexpectedly. If you remain forever within the domain of comfort, how will you grow? Life equals adaptability, and adaptability requires change. The time of learning is seldom free from questioning and pain. Even more challenging is the cost of security. Consider how holding on to what you have is preventing you from growing. You will likely lose something of value this month but rather than become frustrated, prepare for what’s ahead. This shake-up is the catalyst to change, and if you can ride the waves, you’ll be guided to lessons that will serve you in the future.
Images from The Chinese Tarot Deck by Jui Guoliang, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Capricorn
Sun (2 of Pentacles)
The child within you might be fragile, but that child is also curious and unsullied by life’s vicissitudes. When you tend to that child’s fear without judgment, you create a resilience and confidence to face the world. Opportunities become present in the most confusing and stressful circumstances. Your ability to skillfully juggle life’s circumstances is born out of your acceptance of change. Your capacity to navigate successfully is directly related to your confidence, and that confidence must be nurtured like a child. Don’t be fooled though, failure is also an important ingredient of success. Without it you would remain naive.
Images from The Healing Tarot by Juno Lucina illustrated by Monica Knighton and published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Aquarius
Empress (7 of Swords)
Growth is contingent upon your ability to endure the dualities of life. What brings security will eventually turn to complacency, freedom will become responsibility, passion will dissipate into indifference, and happiness will be replaced by gloom. If you allow yourself to be ping-ponged between these extremes, you will remain at the mercy of your ever-changing moods. Be like a gardener and tend to the messages yielded by these moods. When you feel gloomy, don’t avoid it, engage it and find out what it means. When your patience is tested, you must nurture your inner strength by confronting internal and external conflicts with openness.
Images from the Tarot Lovers' Tarot by Karyn Easton, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Pisces
Chariot (3 of Wands)
Energy seeks expression, and you as the conductor, are liable for how this energy is related. The translation of this energy depends on how you use it. Be mindful of what drives you: success, dominance, love, power, connection? If you are the servant to your mind, you are merely a passenger. Instead you must be in charge of your emotions, vigilant of your reactions and the master of your destiny. You’ll be victorious this month as your confidence is contagious to others. You may also find yourself in an unexpected leadership position. Go with it. You’ll be surprised by what it generates.
Images from The Son Tarot by Christopher Butler, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.