Tarot Reflections
September 2018

September 2018
By Lalia Wilson

September is a wonderful month in the northern hemisphere. The weather turns a bit cooler and dryer, the air is clear, and everyone has more energy—at least in a perfect world! While objective reality is always something we need to be aware of, our positive attitudes and forward motion really does make things better for ourselves and others. 

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. I look to which cards repeat when I do readings for more than one person or group. These repeated cards represent a kind of overall reading for the individuals read for on that day. In the more than three years I have done this column I have never had four repeats of the same card. This time I have five, since one of the decks has three versions of the Devil card. FIVE Devil cards were drawn for the September readings! What does the Devil card mean? Its astrological tie is to the sign Capricorn, the sign of ambition and organization. Among other meanings the Devil is about temptation, being caught up in seductive or addictive behavior, and having the means to extricate ourselves, but lacking the vision to do so. Only two other cards were repeated, The Fool, and the Nine of Cups. Both can be easily tied in to a Devil story line, as the Fool is someone who is ignorant, lacking life experience, which applies to the Devil’s prisoners in many Devil cards, and the Nine of Cups is about being satiated. Many Nine of Cups cards show a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Perhaps these cards tell us to be careful and to seek the middle path of Temperance, which does not appear this month.

By suit, we have zero Pentacles, five Cups, 3 Swords (two being court cards), and four Wands (three being court cards). Just looking at the elemental emphasis, no Pentacles means we are less than grounded and practical this month. Contrasting this with the three Wands court cards, suggests that big personalities will dominate the news and our lives, or big Fire and Air events. Those among us who are able to stay grounded will be the rescuers of themselves and the rest of us. There are five court cards, all Swords and Wands. We have the Pages of Swords and Wands, the Knight of Wands, and the Queens of Swords and Wands.    

The cards used for the Fire signs were the I Am One Tarot, by Maya Britan available through multiple sources including iamonetarot.com. For the Earth signs I used the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot (a recolorized version of the original Pamela Coleman Smith deck), published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.  Representing the Air signs are the Tarot of the Cloisters created and illustrated by Michelle Leavitt, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. For the Water signs I used the Daughters of the Moon Tarot by Fiona Morgan, available at Amazon and at www.daughtersofthemoon.com.  Note that The Daughters of the Moon Tarot has three versions of The Devil, and I drew two of them for this article. Kim Huggins at Aeclectic Tarot says this about these Devil cards: “The Devil cards each have a slightly different meaning, and it could be useful to use all three cards together: The first one is Coyote Woman, the Trickster, which takes on the meaning of trickery and duplicity. The second is Oppression, and takes on the traditional meaning of the Devil card. The last is Pan, which, according to the book, embraces the male side of things, showing the importance of the male in the world.” 

Aries: 

The Thinker (Devil) and the Queen of Curved Blade (Swords): 

Dear Aries, it may seem like you are working for the Devil this month. If you interact with the public you may find that people are crazy and impossible to please. It seems like the world is out to get you. But you find solace at home in the gentleness and quiet reason of your significant other. This is one month to celebrate that special person who keeps you sane when the world is crazy.

Images are from I Am One Tarot, by Maya Brita.

Taurus: 

The Star ★ and the Ace of Wands:

Well, Taurus, you have the Star for a second month in a row, pointing to new professional directions that may involve video or TV, and certainly involve new tech. While it looks promising, it is not yet here. Take the steps necessary and wait for things to work out in your favor over several years. The Ace of Wands indicates that you have enormous creative insight and potential at this time. Make sure you make notes of all the ideas, as you are getting enough for a lifetime of creativity.

Images are from Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot (a recolorized version of the original Pamela Coleman Smith deck), published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Gemini: 

Strength and the Four of Cups:

Dear Gemini, you have a sibling, cousin, or neighbor who is a celebrity. This month is full of celebrating that person. Your path is more inward and private, at least for now. Listen to your intuition, especially regarding any public relations or professional matters. You are on target. Your sexual organs’ health is at risk this month. If you have any unusual symptoms, or are due for a checkup, make that appointment and follow medical advice.

Images are from Tarot of the Cloisters created and illustrated by Michelle Leavitt, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Cancer: 

Pan (the Devil) and the Mother of Fire (Queen of Wands) Chantico:

Dear Cancer, the Mother of Fire, exemplified as the Aztec Goddess Chantico, is the good and bad side of the Leo woman. Combining this with the Pan version of the Devil card looks like a love triangle with a Leo woman. Remember Temperance! Given that your significant other is always associated with the Devil card, and the astrological activity in the sign Capricorn this month, keeping your equilibrium will be challenging. On the bright side, money looks good and artistic ventures at home bring peace.

Images are from Daughters of the Moon Tarot by Fiona Morgan.

Leo: 

The Virgin (The World) and the Five Pear of Tears (5 of Cups):

Dear Leo, hard work, and health concerns keep you busy this month. Something at home has not turned out as glam as you were expecting, drat. Your intuition is doing quite well. Allow yourself to listen to and benefit from those hints that your extra senses are throwing your way. Probably the best news is that some big project is underway. You’ve wanted this for a long time, so roll up your sleeves.

Images are from I Am One Tarot, by Maya Brita.

Virgo: 

The Devil and the Page of Swords:

Of all the signs, dear Virgo, you and Taurus are the best equipped to deal with the Devil. This is because you are practical, pragmatic, and have good self-control. Even so, be careful as a new love interest may cause you to be less than your usual modest self. The Page of Swords is telling you that this is a good time to learn about money management, and collectibles, especially if your teachers are female. Investing in collectibles may bring long term positive benefits, so be open to the idea.

Images are from Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot (a recolorized version of the original Pamela Coleman Smith deck), published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Libra: 

The Devil and the Eight of Cups:

Dear Libra, either you have some relatives from hell who have moved in or some major damage happens needing repairs to your living space. The vibes around your home are not good. First, if neither of these seem to apply, good! Now is the time to decline any relatives moving in, and now is the time to make sure your entire living space passes safety inspections. Also be aware of external hazards like fires and floods. Is your insurance up to date? Are there precautions you should take? The Eight of Cups is often a spiritual retreat or turning away from your present life and relations. Here it could mean a forced move. Money will be available as needed.

Images are from Tarot of the Cloisters created and illustrated by Michelle Leavitt, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Scorpio: 

The Trickster (Devil) and the Ace of Swords:

Dear Scorpio, your dreams are showing you ways to change your life so as to be happier. Are you listening? That Devil card is pointing to problems in your neighborhood, or with siblings or cousins. Here again, your intuition is right on target. Even if your rational mind is unconvinced, take your intuitive mind’s advice and protect yourself. Just about anything, especially creative things, which connects you with your unconscious will bring success this month. Give it a try.  

Images are from Daughters of the Moon Tarot by Fiona Morgan.

Sagittarius: 

The Royal-Maze (Wheel of Fortune) and the Prince of Two-Headed Serpent (Knight of Wands):

Dear Sagittarius, if you are looking for love, someone in the health professions is a good bet at this time. Like most Sagittarians, you are waiting for your ship to come in. It won’t be until nearly Christmas or even next year. Even if you can see the writing on the check, don’t spend that money before it gets here. Travel and study are always favorites of yours. This is a good month for both. Enjoy!

Images are from I Am One Tarot, by Maya Brita.

Capricorn: 

The Fool and the Page of Wands: 

Dear Capricorn, “beginner mind” is what you want to emphasize this month. I know you are an old soul, but look at life as if you didn’t already know everything. Let the universe surprise you. You may find out that your oldest child is up to something interesting, or you may find out that you are expecting that child. It’s a good month to get your finances in order. It’s better to do this now than wait until tax time.



Images are from Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot (a recolorized version of the original Pamela Coleman Smith deck), published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

 

Aquarius: 

Justice and the Nine of Cups:

Dear Aquarius, you may have some interactions with the legal system or females involved with the legal system this month. Watch out for any tendency to overindulge this month, though it is never a good idea. Perhaps you will meet a female officer of the law? If you have the money for high risk investing, the new legalization of marijuana may offer good investment opportunities. This is only for those who can tolerate risky investments, and for those who will not consume the products. 

Images are from Tarot of the Cloisters created and illustrated by Michelle Leavitt, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Pisces: 

The Dreamer (Fool) and the Nine of Cups:

Dear Pisces, is your neighborhood getting higher-speed internet? Something “electric” is happening around you. Neptune, your ruling planet, is putting you into an altered state. This goes on for years. Be sure that you are using this time of enhanced spiritual connection to be creative and to help others. You do not want to wake up in five years to find that all you did was get high.

Images are from Daughters of the Moon Tarot by Fiona Morgan.

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.