Tarot Reflections             
December 2015

December 2015 Tarot Forecast
By Adrienne Abeyta

 Aries 

Devil (8 of Pentacles) Who you are in many ways is a construct of your environment. Other people's opinions of you have helped to form your personality and your values. Your job and relationships are also reflections of who you think you are. How do you feel about this person you've created?  Are you satisfied with yourself or do you sense there is more? Even if you believe you have perfected your image with status, beauty and integrity, there is still more to you. Don't be fooled into believing that you should be a certain way or that you don't fit in. This month is an opportunity break away from the self-imposed chains of doing or being right. The problem though, is if you don't voluntarily question the persona you've constructed, you'll encounter a rather unruly side of yourself through an event or relationship. Give yourself permission to express the ugly side a little so as to at least round out your personality. On the other hand,  those who liberally express their unruly sides might want to invest in expressing a little more beauty in the world. 

Images from the Transparent Tarot, by Emily Carding, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.

Taurus 

Hanged Man (9 of Pentacles) In an attempt to better yourself, you've encountered the dilemma of doing or not doing enough. Your tendency is to keep pushing ahead because you want to see progress, you want to feel like you've done everything you can. But at this point, there is nothing more to do. You can let go a little and just relish in what you've already created. Even if it's not enough, it's something. Use this period of so-called inactivity as a pause to reassess your values, goals and resources. Look at your position and consider if it's where you wanted to be. While there is still work ahead, it's important that you don't waste time just being busy. In financial matters, there will be significant gain in the near future. You will see evidence of this coming soon. In the area of health, you would be wise to take a break right now. Plant a garden, go on a small retreat or make an effort to just relax. Surrender to the moment and allow yourself to just be. 

Images from the Universal Fantasy Tarot, by Paolo Martinelli, published by Llewellyn Worldwide.

Gemini

Sun (3 of Cups) Life is full magic. Look around you and see what you notice. Do you see objects  as labels: house, car, dog, building, food, etc? Or do you really see the essence of the object? A tree you've seen a hundred times can look different when you really look into it. It's so easy to be lost in your head only glimpsing a fraction of the wonder that surrounds you. How can life possibly be boring when you look through a lens of curiosity. Things are never as bad as you make them out to be when you broaden your perspective. Your emotions are not facts so stop believing that what you feel is real. Just appreciate the experience and be open to what's next. This is potentially a very creative month for you. Put yourself out there and share your light with others. Talents you've been ignoring  deserve your interest. Smile and receive the attention you deserve. Even better, celebrate your gratitude for life by uplifting someone else who's in the dark.  Chances are you will make someone's day in a big way. 

Images from the Deviant Moon, by Patrick Valenza, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Cancer 

Hierophant (4 of Cups) The quest for truth is sometimes counter to the desire for security especially when what you discover contradicts your long held beliefs. By no fault of your own, it is common to search for evidence that reinforces what you already believe or at least suspect. Your opinions and personal philosophies are often a string of societal and familial beliefs. It's not until you're challenged in the world through education, differing cultural, religious or political views or personal crisis that you really begin to question why you believe what you do. Those who hold tightly to their views for the sake of security are afraid to be judged, worried that they will be ostracized or rejected. While some might argue that the herd mentality serves the purpose of keeping the peace, others might experience the claustrophobia of mental conditioning. It's your right to believe what you want and it's your choice to live according to those beliefs.  Might be a good time to evaluate whether  you like the person you've become. Changing the contents of your mind, could change your life.

Images from the Tarot of Dreams, by Ciro Marchetti, self published.

Leo 

Moon (10 of Pentacles) Pride and success go hand-in-hand, and some might even say, they go to your head as well. With all the mixed messages regarding pride and success: like having  too much pride makes you arrogant, but not enough means you have a low self-esteem or success shouldn't be measured by what you have unless you're going to share it, it's no wonder you're confused.  There's a balance somewhere in between and it probably doesn't look the same for everyone. You should be proud of yourself for attaining whatever definition of success you have but equally so, you should just love yourself simply for being you. If you've been feeling down lately, consider how you value yourself and whether you're practicing enough self-compassion. You're lovable just the way you are . No need to prove anything to anyone - including you. Take caution this month with finances. Rather than showing your love and appreciation with excessive gifts, spend quality time or pay meaningful compliments to your loved ones. The gift that keeps giving is the one that comes from your heart.

Images from the Transparent Tarot, by Emily Carding, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.

Virgo 

Justice (5 of Cups) Don't underestimate the power of resentment and the insidious decay it causes. What at first feels like a disappointment or a loss can quickly turn into a righteous feeling of indignation if you fall victim to the 'it's not fair' fallacy. Whoever told you life was fair either lied or didn't understand the meaning of fair. Yes, terrible things happen to good people all the time, things they don't deserve but why assume that those things don't have a value even if it's unknown at the time. Life constantly offers opportunities to learn and grow. This progression is facilitated through a process of adjustments. You adjust your behaviors, your thoughts and beliefs, your external factors and relationships all the time. Why? Because life is dynamic and requires you to respond in kind. Harboring anger, personal injustices and  blame only leads to apathy and resentment. Resentment is toxic and ultimately squanders your happiness. Take inventory and be honest about what you're holding onto. Freedom from negativity begins when you adjust your position from the victim to the hero. 

Images from the Universal Fantasy Tarot, by Paolo Martinelli, published by Llewellyn Worldwide.

Libra 

Strength (6 of Cups) Pleasure and pain are thought to be the primary motivating factors in life. Pleasure you seek , pain you avoid. Yeah right! If it were this simple, you'd still be crawling on all fours. Animals get it, while humans complicate it. Consider the things in your life that feel comfortable, yet you know are not good for you, maybe even harmful.  Overindulgence as an aspect of this, starts out feeling good then subtly turns into too much, leading addiction or illusions of happiness. Desire turns into a need and you lose control over your impulses. The obvious examples of this are drugs, alcohol, food, sex, shopping and gambling but other ambiguous investments that are also precarious, are emotional attachment (a.k.a. love). How many times have you felt hurt by a relationship that you continued to go back to, either literally or in your head? Holding on to an old relationship long after it's over is like harboring a fugitive. Let it go! Do not linger in the past at the expense of the present. Here's where it's happening and here is where you'll find peace.

Images from the Deviant Moon, by Patrick Valenza, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Scorpio 

Emperor (Page of Pentacles) Each of us are born with inherent talents, strengths and proclivities. As well as, liabilities and weaknesses. Life sets the stage for developing your talents, capitalizing on your strengths,  learning lessons from your weaknesses, and  transforming your liabilities into assets. But life as the canvas, cannot also be the artist - that's up to you. The outcome is dependent on the investment. How you use your skills is up to you. Your talents must be honed, your strengths must be developed through discipline and practice and your limitations must be acknowledged if you are to become masterful. Through a series of trials and errors, you have learned what you do best and the importance of hard work. You're in a good place to rely on your skills, to bring forth a cherished goal and the step into a leadership role. Laziness and inconsistency will sabotage all your hard work if you're not serious. Those in school or training, your time to show what you know is coming up. Be confident and earn the respect you deserve.

Images from the Tarot of Dreams, by Ciro Marchetti, self published.

Sagittarius 

World (Knight of Pentacles) Life is like a box of ........puzzle pieces scattered all over the floor, under the couch and down the hallway. The adventure, however,  is to recover the pieces and put them together. Through your various experiences - some good and others not so good - you have encountered what it is like to be human. Ask yourself if during this journey have you rushed, or overlooked the scenery, forgotten where you were going or just stopped caring? Each experience deserves the same kind of attention, because like each puzzle piece, they are all part of one - one life - your life. Slow down this month and take notice of how things are connected. Nothing is really random if you see into the experience. A project you've been diligently working on is coming to a conclusion so be sure to see it through to the end. One of your investments will also yield results that should answer the question of why you worked so hard. This might be literal but more likely figurative. Add the piece and see the bigger picture.

Images from the Transparent Tarot, by Emily Carding, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.

Capricorn 

Death (Queen of Pentacles) Security, although comfortable can also be misleading because what you rely upon most heavily, you hold onto too tightly. Everything is subject to change and while you know this intuitively, you still suffer the grief of loss. The experience of grief plays an important part in the process of change because it offers you the opportunity to emotionally discharge an array of feelings. You might be sad, angry, grateful, hopeful/less, sentimental. These feelings also help put the experience in perspective by stirring you to think more deeply about what something meant to you, how it shaped you as a person and what it means to you now that its changed. Material comforts are the focus this month as something you depend on is in the process of transforming. Trust your ability to endure the change ahead as this is only a small evolution in the greater design. Your, health, job, money, housing and other physical attachments cannot remain untouched. Stay focused on your values and have faith that no matter what, you'll be okay. 

Images from the Universal Fantasy Tarot, by Paolo Martinelli, published by Llewellyn Worldwide.

Aquarius 

Empress ( King of Pentacles) Family has many meanings and as you move through relationships in life, you may realize that your current family is not like the model you grew up with. Safety, nurturance and belonging are all components of family yet how you express them is highly individualized  and open to change. Pay attention to your little tribes and notice how you fit in, what role do you naturally play and how fulfilled are you? You may notice an imbalance in what you give and receive. Are you ultra responsible, the strong, capable, independent one; yet, do you feel alone an unsupported? You may need to make some adjustments to your family units so that you are both giving and receiving. Those who cling to being in control for fear of relying on another are those who suffer loneliness.  While those who depend too heavily on others may also suffer from a feeling of inadequacy. Find your balance in the system, for you are an important piece of the whole. If your needs aren't getting met, it's up to you to ask. 

Images from the Deviant Moon, by Patrick Valenza, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Pisces 

Wheel of Fortune (8 of Wands) The month ahead promises action and advancement. Whether this is a good thing depends on what you've been secretly wishing for. The last few months may not have been as productive as you hoped. As such, you envisioned some goals either consciously or through your daydreams. Either way the universe is conspiring to make those goals a reality. If you wished for a new job but didn't feel ready to quit your current job, the decision will be made for you, if you wanted to move but didn't want to put the work in to look for a place, might be a knock at the door informing you it's time. Don't worry though the changes ahead are better in the long term. You needed a little push perhaps to get things going, but once the momentum sets in, you'll be happier for it. This is also a great time to make purposeful goals for the year ahead. Sit down and visualize what you want, stay with the image or feeling long enough to believe it's happening. This is ripe time for manifestation. 

Images from the Tarot of Dreams, by Ciro Marchetti, self published.