Tarot Reflections

December 2017
By Lalia Wilson

What does December have in store for you? I used a different deck of cards for each of the four elements. All cards were randomized before drawing the cards. We had two repeated trumps: Temperance (thrice) and The Tower (twice). Because these cards repeat they suggest that the message should be more broadly applied to all of us this month. Temperance is associated with the sign Sagittarius which the Sun occupies for the first two-thirds of December. Further, Temperance admonishes all of us to be temperate in our lives, to follow the middle path.

This month’s numerology of the cards has no fours, the number of stasis, firmness, foundations, practicality. Yet, as you see above, we are counseled to be practical and moderate in another way. We have no tens, the number of completion, and no Knights, the cards of dynamic action. Thus our story is in progress, not yet finished. And we are laying aside our energetic pursuit of goals for December. We have six Swords, indicating a lot of thinking going on, and perhaps too much of an emphasis on logic and reason. At the same time, we have only one Cup (and that the Eight!), suggesting compassion and mercy will be in short supply. 

The cards used for the fire signs were The 78 Tarot Carnival Cirque du Tarot Global Art Collaboration available at www.78tarotcards.com. For the Earth signs, I used the Ukiyoe Tarot by Koji Furuta, available from U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (This deck was dated 1983 and may not still be available.) For the Air signs, I used the Coffee Tarot created by Ron and Janet Boyer and available at www.janetboyer.com. For the Water signs, I used the Snowland Tarot created by Ron and Janet Boyer and available at www.janetboyer.com.  

December marks major holidays in many of the world’s religions, with Christmas being a strong tradition in the USA even for non-Christians. I spotted my first Christmas tree this year shortly after Halloween—October 31^th! The Christmas shopping season is underway. The meanings of Christmas and the other holidays of this season are to seek joy in our families and companions and to see hope for the future, especially the (historically difficult) winter season. The Sun moves from ebullient Sagittarius to morose Capricorn a couple of days before Christmas. We have Saturn moving into his home sign of Capricorn on December 19—returning after nearly three decades. Even though Saturn is going “home” he is a mature personage, someone who is a veteran of many life experiences, wise and practical and reserved. Thus, Saturn returning home is not a big party, but a quiet sense of rightness. Saturn is connected with justice in astrology. In tarot the Justice card is associated with Libra; Libra is the sign of Saturn’s exaltation in astrology! It is a sober Saturn, who returns home after a long journey. Let us not forget! Mercury is retrograde from December 3^rd until the 22nd. Retrograde Mercury is ideal for editing, reformatting, redoing, filing, reorganizing… It is not ideal for mail or courier services, travel, or signing contracts. Be very careful with any important items that you ship and contracts that you make.

Aries: 

Temperance and the Seven of Swords: 

It looks like another month of travel, Dear Aries. Take advantage of travel now, as big changes are coming. You may find yourself promoted, or taking on new responsibilities, by the end of the month and that will curtail your travel for a while as you will be too busy at work. There has been a lot of busyness in your life in recent months. Now as you pause to catch your breath you notice an emptiness in your relationships. You have neglected all your relationships and now everyone is spending time doing other things without you. Most likely you will just notice this lack and step forward with your new responsibilities. Tame your usual fire this month, Aries, and observe the world carefully. It may be that theft is possible, so take care. 

The images for this sign are from The 78 Tarot Carnival Cirque du Tarot Global Art Collaboration available at www.78tarotcards.com

Taurus: 

Temperance and the King of Wands:

Dear Taurus, this looks like a month with a lot of internal experiences. Your psychic powers are enhanced. You are reflective and working behind the scenes. You may find yourself taking charge of someone else’s finances, or settling an estate. A dynamic man may figure into your life this month. If you’ve been celibate, not by choice, a change may occur by month’s end. Your relationship life and social life are on the upswing, as the restraint of Saturn is about to end. Enjoy life as you are able and remember to be balanced and moderate in your habits. 

Images for this sign are from the Ukiyoe Tarot by Koji Furuta, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Gemini: 

Blending (Temperance) and the Nine of Air (Swords):

Okay Gemini, you're an air sign, right? The Nine of Swords, among other meanings, suggests that you are thinking too much. Who, you? This month the spotlight is on your partner who may receive an award or a promotion. Your social life will be focused on your significant other. You, yourself, don't have a lot of ambition, get up and go, or vitality this month. It's all up to the other person. You have two indications for a lot of work this month. It's better than no work, right? It will take about two months to adjust to the new workload, but expect to be fully employed, if not over-employed, for a year. 

http://www.janetboyer.com/The images for this sign are from the Coffee Tarot created by Ron and Janet Boyer and available at www.janetboyer.com

Cancer:

Star and Youth-Mental (Page of Swords):

Dear Cancer, give up any expectations for an inheritance, or an inflow of money from a significant person in your life. It just looks like a disappointment. Conditions will need to change, before anything of that nature will happen. (Think three years in the future.) You may have a tendency this month to look at what is lacking in your life, and not the positives. Children will bring joy to you if you let yourself be a teacher and companion. These can be your children, your students if you work as a teacher or young relatives. Let them help you find joy this season.

The images for this sign are from the Snowland Tarot created by Ron and Janet Boyer and available at www.janetboyer.com.  

Leo: 

The World and the Eight of Cups: 

Dear Leo, things are busy on the home front, even if not all that business is happy. Some long-lasting concern you have had about a child or young relative is soon to be relieved. He or she is going to graduate from whatever your concerns focused upon. By month's end you will have some new concerns about your health regimen, or your workload. It will usher in an intense and long-lasting focus on supporting your physical health, keeping good boundaries with employees and co-workers, and organizing your daily work life. This can be an opportunity to take care of much neglected issues, or it can be a downer. You get to decide. 

The images for this sign are from The 78 Tarot Carnival Cirque du Tarot Global Art Collaboration available at www.78tarotcards.com

Virgo: 

The Empress and the Five of Pentacles:

Dear Virgo, it looks like you are the host for the holidays. You’ve been preparing to show off your home, and it may be a struggle to get everything ready by December 20^th. Have no fear, the Universe is supporting you in completing any home renovations you have been undertaking. Keep your nose to the grindstone and all will be accomplished. Your friends and relatives will understand why your gift budget is low when they see your home. Be sure to thank everyone who supported you with a big holiday party. You deserve to celebrate! Let family and friends be the centerpiece of your happy home this December.

Images for this sign are from the Ukiyoe Tarot by Koji Furuta, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.


Libra:

Seeking (The Hermit) and the Three of Air/Swords:

Libra, your natural tendency to socialize will be curtailed this holiday season. Things look lonely at your house. Are the kids with your ex? It looks like the celebrating will stop about the time school lets out and the work holiday parties are done. The Three of Swords suggests that you’ve had a breakup recently that could figure into feeling all alone. If you are feeling blue, there are good strategies to deal with it. Among them, asking for help, consult a professional, exercising more, and doing volunteer charitable work. Pick one or more and keep putting one step in front of the other. 

The images for this sign are from the Coffee Tarot created by Ron and Janet Boyer and available at www.janetboyer.com

Scoripo:

Oracle/The High Priestess and the Six Material/Pentacles:

Dear Scorpio, all eyes are on you this holiday season. You are busy, enjoying the social contacts, and perhaps over-indulging in food, drink, and sex. Your cup runneth over. Not only are things hot now, but these conditions will last for much of the next year. If you want to fit into your clothes next year, still be a licensed driver, and have a successful relationship, you will need to find a way to balance your good fortune with reality. An older sibling or cousin can give you sound advice and generally be helpful. Let him or her.

The images for this sign are from the Snowland Tarot created by Ron and Janet Boyer and available at www.janetboyer.com.

Sagittarius: 

The Moon and the Queen of Swords:

This month will have its wobbles, Sagittarius. Mercury is retrograde in your sign, but it also much-neglected influences your partner. Avoid any elective medical procedures until after the 22^nd. Be patient with your intimate partners. Keep your equilibrium. In addition, check out plumbing issues or roof leaks at your place (or your business if you own it). Keep your eye out for any of these issues and take care of them as they arise. Then, there’s the weather! This is your month to be flexible and accommodating, as life will test you. 


The images for this sign are from The 78 Tarot Carnival Cirque du Tarot Global Art Collaboration available at www.78tarotcards.com

Capricorn: 

Tower and the Queen of Wands: 

Dear Capricorn, it looks like an active month for you. Friends and social activity are big, especially young adult male friends. In addition, there are some long-standing issues about your home that are on your mind, but probably won't be resolved this month. There are more parties for you to attend than normal, plus a lot of behind the scenes activity as well. You don't have any downtime unless you really want it. Not only is this month socially active, but expect your next year to be that way as well. This will be a good time to make friends and good connections. At the same time, listen to your active dreams as they have a lot to say. 

Images for this sign are from the Ukiyoe Tarot by Koji Furuta, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Aquarius: 

Strength and the Two of Air/Swords:

Aquarius, it looks like “everybody else” is partying and having fun. You are feeling lonely. Where is the pizazz in your relationship? It sure looks like low energy now. Take the advice for Libra, another air sign: more exercise, doing volunteer work, asking for help from friends and family, and, if need be, seek professional help. You have to be a friend to have a friend. Start helping others and see how that influences your social life. Relax, your professional life is going strong!

The images for this sign are from the Coffee Tarot created by Ron and Janet Boyer and available at www.janetboyer.com

Pisces: 

Removal/The Tower and the Ace of Fire/Wands:

Travel is still highlighted for you, dear Pisces. Are you going on a holiday trip? A working trip? Your professional life is going well and very active. These last couple of years have brought accomplishments you can be proud of. As you climb the ladder of success, remember that part of your job is to train your successor. You are moving on and someone else will take your position. It looks like you are picking up some stock options, which will be worth more down the road. Keep an eye on your personal budget for now.

The images for this sign are from the Snowland Tarot created by Ron and Janet Boyer and available at www.janetboyer.com.

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.