ATA’s Tarot Refelections - August 2015

August 2015 Tarot Forecast
By Adrienne Abeyta

Aries

Wheel of Fortune (9 of Pentacles) Isn't it amazing when you realize that you've changed - that you've really changed. The ubiquitous debate between free will and fate has a closer relationship than expected. Free will suggests choices and authority over the path of your life, while fate is some supposed invisible destiny handed out by a higher power. It's really not that black and white. The choices you make now, create your future, and the choices you've made in the past, have created your present. Honor yourself by taking responsibility for your life. Look around and notice that the cast of characters and the plot you're acting in are here to either help you or hinder you. Don't be so quick to throw out the so-called bad though because without really learning your lesson, you'll only attract another similar situation.  This month one of your patterns is up for renewal - do you really need it? Might be time to get off the ferris wheel and back into the garden of experience

Images from the Golden Botticelli Tarot, by Atanas Alexandrov Atanassov published by Lo Scarabeo.

Taurus 

Death (6 of Wands) The secret to life (which isn't it really a secret yet sometimes sounds like a whisper) is acceptance! Why waste your energy holding on to what's old at the expense of ignoring and embracing what's new and possibly even more amazing. Your dignity is not measured by what you've been able to collect, but rather by how you've managed to hold your head up when everything falls apart. Even when you feel completely powerless, you have a choice to accept the things you can change - like your attitude, and gracefully let go of what you can't. This month the tendency will be to hold on to all the recent 'good' stuff: the recognition, the relationships, the comfort and familiarity. But if you do, your fall from grace will be much harder. There's a subtle difference between experiencing and clinging. Experiencing is a form of active participation that yields acceptance, whereas clinging is a form of hungry resistance that yields suffering. Find your sweet spot and embrace the journey. You are more adaptable than you realize. 

Images from the Vanessa Tarot, by  Lynyrd Narciso published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Gemini

Star (3 of Swords) Faith is constantly being renewed by overcoming doubts, fears and obstacles. Most of us start out with a naive belief that something out there will take care of our basic needs; perhaps, our parents, friends, job, Santa Clause or even God. Yet the power we assign these relationships shoulders the burden of responsibility if you believe they have more influence over you than you do. This is not to deny or minimize the importance of relationships, because of course  they contribute to your well being, however, if you don't believe in you, there is no foundation for those relationships, and ultimately,  you're setting yourself up for a major disappointment. While someone may let you down this month, use this experience to support yourself the way you deserve. Believe in your goodness and find the blessing in the lesson. Allow nothing to steal your faith and inner peace. Above all else, remember that what you believe, will guide your path. So choose your thoughts wisely and question whether what you believe serves you. 

Images from The Grail Tarot: A Templar Vision, by John Matthews and Giovanni Caselli, published by St. Martin’s Press.

Cancer 

Moon (8 of Wands) Confusion, ambivalence, denial, avoidance are obstacles that slow you down, provoke doubts, cause fears or simply make you feel anxious. Not to worry though because like every phase, this too will pass - but since you're here, might as well get comfortable with the discomfort. Use this period as a time to emotionally reflect, check in with yourself regularly, pay attention to your dreams and fantasies, and whatever you do, don't try to escape or you will run right into the insanity you're trying to avoid. A business deal, romantic relationship or trip you've planned is about to get messy. Don't over react as this is just the beginning. Think of this disruption as a means to reconstruct a situation that was disorganized from the outset. Intuition trumps logic in this case, so trust your gut because your mind is going to make all sorts of excuses and allegations. The tendency to avoid feeling will lead you to a quick downfall. All those fears and doubts are messages from your subconscious. Give them proper consideration or they'll find even more destructive ways to get your attention.

Images from the Golden Botticelli Tarot, by Atanas Alexandrov Atanassov published by Lo Scarabeo.

Leo 

Strength (Page of Pentacles) Courage is like a hungry lion, waiting to tear apart its next meal. Your confidence thrives off of courage. You need to have challenges to feel alive, to feel passionate and inspired. Too much complacency depletes your confidence and discourages your courage. You've got something in the works right now and although you can't completely sink your teeth into it, you must keep going. There will be a short lull in which your impatience could get the best of you. No need to force anything at the moment, just tolerate the inconveniences and control your impulses. Every step counts and you are making invisible investments into the future. This is not complacency, it's strategic waiting. Pay attention to the little things and take inventory of what you'll need moving forward.  For the artists: keep practicing your craft, precision leads to excellence. For lovers: it's the simple gestures that say the most. Feel proud of yourself - you deserve it.

Images from the Vanessa Tarot, by  Lynyrd Narciso published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Virgo 

Tower (3 of Wands) When the walls come tumbling down around you, what do you do? Your discriminating mind defaults to problem solving - you want to fix it - often before you even have a sense of the bigger picture. Sometimes a wait and see attitude is a better approach because there are always factors that are not apparent at first, and let's face it, your feelings are changeable. This month is one of those times when making snap judgments and looking for quick fixes will blow up in your face. Something you're invested in, be it emotional, professional, or spiritual will likely begin to quake and quiver. This upheaval is a catalyst to something you cannot make happen on your own. No matter how smart, talented or successful you are, the change ahead can only be ushered in through a collapse of sorts.  Rather than asking yourself, why is this happening to me; ask yourself why is this happening for me and what in me is ready to meet this change.

Images from The Grail Tarot: A Templar Vision, by John Matthews and Giovanni Caselli, published by St. Martin’s Press.

Libra 

Sun (6 of Cups) The good life is the life with inner serenity and self-acceptance. Happiness is the result of inner freedom. Freedom from the need to be happy. Why worry about what you don't have when who you are is plenty. If you feel sad, then feel sad but don't make up stories about that sadness, saying: "I'll never be in a relationship, nobody appreciates me, I'm too this and not enough of that." You are beautiful, special and important just because, and if you feel the need to prove this then it's only an attempt to persuade yourself. Pay more attention to your goodness and let go of the mistakes you've made. You will have this opportunity as a blast from your past returns; perhaps an actual person but likely a reminder that you just can't shake. Here's your chance to find closure, freedom and acceptance. If this pertains to a cherished dream or unfulfilled aspiration, either do something about it or get on with creating something different. This month is ripe with possibilities - get out there and enjoy yourself.

Images from the Golden Botticelli Tarot, by Atanas Alexandrov Atanassov published by Lo Scarabeo.

Scorpio 

Judgment (4 of Cups) See things for what they really are and just notice what you feel. Circumstances and relationships do not rise to meet your expectations. Events happen as they do and people behave as they are. Open your eyes and see clearly; spare yourself the pain of avoidable disappointment, the attachment of desire, and the toxicity of bitterness. When something happens, the only thing in your power is your attitude toward it; you can either accept it or resent it. Life is what it is, and while it can certainly be different, it will not be fulfilling if you don't learn to control your reactive impressions to it. Take inventory of what currently feeds your soul, what motivates you, what you find meaningful (not just the good stuff) then notice how you'd feel if it were all gone tomorrow.  Are you overly attached to things in your life, dependent upon them to define you? When you approach life with an open heart, there is no need to hold on to anything because you trust that life will continue to feed you. 

Images from the Vanessa Tarot, by  Lynyrd Narciso published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Sagittarius 

World (2 of Swords) Do you believe that life is a series of random, meaningless episodes or an ordered, elegant whole that follows intelligible laws? Imagine there is a force directing the universe through justice and goodness, and even when you can't see this on the surface, it is still the best possible universe. While this might not erase the obvious ugliness of humanity, it does offer a choice of perspective. If you choose to see negativity as some hopeless act of evil, you deprive yourself of faith. Faithfulness is not some blind frivolous belief; it is an unwavering practice of shunning the bitterness that believing in good and bad brings. Life is in a constant state of motion, what goes around comes around - even the laws of physics affirm this. Don't bother your mind with other people's lessons. Focus on aligning your actions with your highest aspirations. If life is meaningful to you, then take responsibility for the meaning your making. Move away from this and that and see the bigger pattern. If not, live long and prosper, you're still an important piece of the human puzzle. 

Images from The Grail Tarot: A Templar Vision, by John Matthews and Giovanni Caselli, published by St. Martin’s Press.

Capricorn 

Magician (4 of Swords) How often do you consider the whole process of a prospective action before making a move? Your strategy might be sound in that you have a plan but what about after that. Most action is motivated by desire and comfort but what if you really surveyed the landscape of what that desire entails, asked yourself how it will affect you and what will be required of you throughout. It's easy to dabble in things, start and not finish projects, get married and divorced, purchase and throw away valuables, but none of this leads to lasting fulfillment. Might be time to refine your goals and take a more realistic look at what you are wholeheartedly involved in or simply maintaining. Tentative efforts lead to tentative outcomes. To truly excel in something you need to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. You've got special talents and capacities that require a thorough investigation and a purposeful initiation. There are great opportunities awaiting your undivided attention. Go forth and make it happen!

Images from the Golden Botticelli Tarot, by Atanas Alexandrov Atanassov published by Lo Scarabeo.

Aquarius  

Hanged Man (7 of Cups) Give up your expectations this month and you will be pleasantly surprised. This task is much harder than it sounds because everyone craves pleasure over discomfort. Surrendering your expectations requires acceptance and a trust that nothing in life is permanent, and although you may have to undergo some challenges and discomfort, that too will pass. The outcome is never as important as the process because it is there that you encounter all of your devices and strategies. To really see someone's character, watch them under stress. You've got your heart set on something right now that is either unrealistic or just not ready for you. It's hurtful to your pride and as much as you may want to avoid ripping the off the band aid to see the wound, you need to, in order to treat it effectively.  While there's not much apparent momentum on the outside, there's a lot brewing under the surface. Go within and explore how your expectations are setting you up for disappointment. Whatever you do, be honest about your feelings. What you hide will find you in the end.

Images from the Vanessa Tarot, by  Lynyrd Narciso published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Pisces 

Temperance (Ace of Pentacles) Dearest, sensitive one, be careful about the company you keep. You are by nature impressionable and easily affected by your environment. You are also a pro at emulating others. Do yourself a favor and have worthwhile role models to look up to. You're in a position this month in which you need to make some creative decisions, and although you may feel a hint of confusion, don't let it turn into doubt. There isn't a right way per se, but there is a practical way. You'll need to be more conservative with your time and resources even if it means upsetting someone around you. You only have so much energy, and it needs to be focused on you - not pleasing others - until you feel better balanced. If you have difficulty summoning up the strength, imagine someone whose confidence you admire, then act like them. For the aspiring artists, dreamers and healers, now is a great time to launch the project you've been visualizing. You are the best at making your dreams a reality. 

Images from The Grail Tarot: A Templar Vision, by John Matthews and Giovanni Caselli, published by St. Martin’s Press.