Tarot Reflections
October 2018

By Lalia Wilson

For the Northern Hemisphere, fall is well underway by October. It’s time to enjoy the outdoors, particularly if you live where being outside in the winter is a survival game. 

All cards were randomized before these drawings, with four decks being used. There were four repeated cards, two each of the Magician, Temperance, and the Tower, and three Kings of Cups (and two additional Kings as well). There were no Pages or Queens, the softer energies of the suits and the conciliators. It looks like October will have prominent men, particularly artists, writers, and romantics, on center stage. The Magician, as the card signifying Mercury, is welcome. He encourages us to use our wills to make the change we want to see in the world. The repeated Temperance card is telling us to walk the middle path of Goldilocks, not too sweet, not too salty, not too perfectionistic, not too sloppy with details… The path to success lies in moderation. We end up with the Tower card, of unexpected breakdowns and breakthroughs. As every other card in the Tarot, the Tower brings opportunities and downsides. Usually the bad side of the Tower is obvious from the card image. How can you use a “shake up” in some area of your life to make adjustments that make your life easier? 

The cards used for these readings are all Halloween or Horror themed decks. The Earth signs are illustrated by The Halloween Tarot, created by Kipling West and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. The Air signs are The Ghost Tarot created by David Corsi, illustrated by Pierluca Zizzi, and published by Lo Scarbeo. The Water Signs are the Twisted Tarot Tales, an 83-card (or 107-card, for the full version) tarot deck inspired by vintage horror comic books. It is a joint effort of artist James Battersby and his partner Christine Aguilar, and available directly from them at http://www.jamesbattersby.co.uk/. The Fire signs are The Deviant Moon Tarot created by Patrick Valenza and published by U.S. Games System, Inc.

Aries: 

Death and the King of Cups: 

Oh Aries, it looks like you have plenty of secrets this month. While the world is seeing your high public profile, your private life is humming right along. Any joint financial ventures are favored, though there may be a money hiccup in November. If you are a financial fiduciary, executor, or any other job or career whose work involves the dead and their estates, you will be happily busy this month. 

Images are from The Deviant Moon Tarot created by Patrick Valenza and published by U.S. Games System, Inc.

Taurus: 

The Magician and the Seven of Imps (Wands):

You are on the right track, dear Taurus. Your partner is happy. Your social life is busy. You are enjoying life and public events all month. This is probably your best October in years, so make the most of it. If you are single and looking for that special someone, get out and be social! If you and your partner have been through a rough spot, this month is a time of coming together. Your partner is getting rewarded for hard work, so be the first to speak words of praise. There is also an indication that you are worrying over things that will not happen.

Images are from The Halloween Tarot, created by Kipling West and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. 

Gemini: 

Judgment and the King of Cups:

It looks like a very busy month for you, Gemini. You have a surplus of work, positive relationships with the people that matter, and could be involved in a matter of criminal law, or corporate law. Geminis are known for good skills in the courtroom; this will help you to handle matters of government, corporations, and people who disregard the law. If you are a lawyer, judge, or otherwise work in the criminal justice system, your hands are full. 

Images are from The Ghost Tarot created by David Corsi, illustrated by Pierluca Zizzi, and published by Lo Scarbeo. 

Cancer: 

The Tower and the Eight of Pentacles:

Your partner, dear Cancer, has been in the hot seat. Expect a sudden shift that will make things better for the long run. There are indications that some Cancers will be separated from their partners for a couple of years. This could be a work matter or something else. You, however, are protected. It’s been heavy going for some years, and these next two years will be even more intense. Your home, family, art, and children are a comfort to you at this time.

Images are from the Twisted Tarot Tales, by James Battersby and his partner Christine Aguilar, Self-Published.

Leo: 

The Empress and the King of Swords: 

Either you are having a great sex life, or you are busy quarreling with your partner. If it is arguing, remember that sex is more fun. There is a chance that your difference of opinions has to do with house decorations or remodeling. Might you be over the agreed budget? Find a way to work this out with your partner, and remember that you have great taste. You may be more extravagant than most people, but everyone loves how it turns out.

Images are from The Deviant Moon Tarot created by Patrick Valenza and published by U.S. Games System, Inc.

Virgo: 

Temperance and the Nine of Pumpkins (Pentacles):

Is your partner traveling or temporarily working and living away from you? I see you as a bit lonely these days. No one’s at home. Could you have just sent your child off to college? This is an adjustment for you. Whatever has been happening this summer will taper off, but be sure that it will return more or less permanently come spring. Look to neighbors, siblings and cousins to make your days happier.

Images are from The Halloween Tarot, created by Kipling West and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Libra: 

Temperance and the Four of Wands:

Libra, you are ready for a celebration, but the time is not quite right. There appear to be major renovations or repairs to your living quarters underway. This may take a lot longer than you think. Happy days are coming, but celebrations and parties look to be after this month. All the pieces don’t seem to come together until mid-November. 

Images are from The Ghost Tarot created by David Corsi, illustrated by Pierluca Zizzi, and published by Lo Scarbeo.

Scorpio: 

The Fool and the Seven of Swords:

You are feeling pretty good about yourself, yet you are not alone in your life. Your partner seems to have taken on new projects and interests, things so different that you wonder just what happened. Yes, this is a long-term change. But the late fall and winter (spring and summer for those in the southern hemisphere) will be less of a challenge. Whatever it is will return, though, in about six more months. Enjoy yourself and be less concerned with your partner.

Images are from the Twisted Tarot Tales, by James Battersby and his partner Christine Aguilar, Self-Published.

Sagittarius: 

The Magician and the King of Pentacles:

You are so excited about something that is coming that it’s hard to keep your mouth closed. A younger brother, or someone like a younger brother may figure into this. Your dreams and internal life are active. It’s just a few weeks until you can share what’s coming. November looks like it will be superb. Give this item the time it needs so that everyone can fully enjoy it when it comes.

Images are from The Deviant Moon Tarot created by Patrick Valenza and published by U.S. Games System, Inc.

Capricorn:

The Tower and the Knight of Ghosts (Cups): 

Well Capricorn, it looks like your life is all work, work, work. You are responsible for everything, it seems. There is some money issue, probably a good thing in the long run. Look at computerizing your financial records, or redoing your computer system and the software that you use for money matters. This is a temporary item that will make life easier in the future. If you’re the boss, this may refer to your business software, particularly payroll. Your friends keep inviting you to do things with them; please say yes.

Images are from The Halloween Tarot, created by Kipling West and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Aquarius: 

The Chariot and the Ace of Wands:

Dear Aquarius, you are full of energy this month, perhaps even running too hot. Health concerns probably are nothing, but if the symptoms seem serious do consult a health professional. Your public life looks good. Enjoy your moment of fame this month. Next month it will be your friends in the spotlight.

Images are from The Ghost Tarot created by David Corsi, illustrated by Pierluca Zizzi, and published by Lo Scarbeo.

Pisces: 

Strength and the King of Cups:

Though you may be a bit unfocused these days, your intuition is right on the mark. You are a fountain of creativity, so please make notes for your future self. Any long distance travel is favored. So, too, are people who come from far away, usually meaning other countries. Traveling and enjoying life in a foreign (to you) destination is the most rewarding experience you can have this month. Health concerns are probably nothing, but if you have the symptoms, do see a health practitioner.

Images are from the Twisted Tarot Tales, by James Battersby and his partner Christine Aguilar, Self-Published.

 

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.