Tarot Reflections
December 2018

December 2018
By Lalia Wilson

This time of year brings the winter holidays of many religions, thus I wish you greetings of love, prosperity, and health as is appropriate to your personal belief system. As December begins Mercury is still retrograde, but will turn direct on the sixth. At that time we will have lived through a very difficult season, particularly November with many planetary changes. For that reason I particularly wish you inner peace and that you find what works for you to achieve inner peace.

All cards were randomized before these drawings, with four decks being used. There were three repeated cards, which in some ways indicate a collective reading for all of us. There were three High Priestess and three Devil cards drawn. There were two 6 of Cups cards drawn. One way to look at these is that we will be drawn in two directions over the holiday season. One is spirit oriented, quiet, and nostalgic. The other is to fully participate in all the holiday parties, not limiting our consumption of food, drink, and other devilish habits that can generate bad outcomes if pursued immoderately. 

The Fire signs are illustrated by The Tarot Decoratif created by Ciro Marchetti, Self Published Limited Edition (2018). The Earth signs are illustrated by The Prairie Tarot, created by Robin Ator and published by GlowInTheDark LLC; 1st edition (2011). The Air signs are The Druid Craft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm, Stephanie Carr-Gomm and Will Worthington; published by Connections Book Publishing (2010). The Water Signs are the Witches Tarot, by Ellen Dugan and Mark Evans, illustrated by Tricia Newell and published by Llewellyn (2012). In addition to being available as physical cards, all four decks are available as apps from the Fool’s Dog (and your app store) for less than $5 each. 

Aries: 

Devil and the Eight of Swords: 

It looks like a heavy month for you, Aries. The focus is on your career and public reputation. It can be a month of big achievements or a big fall. So, if you’ve been naughty, all will be revealed late this month and into January. If you have been disciplined and focused on your goals, you will have much to be proud of. Is it too late to change your path? No, you can immediately clean up your act and lessen the consequences if you have been misbehaving.

Images are from The Tarot Decoratif created by Ciro Marchetti, Self Published Limited Edition (2018). 

Taurus: 

Devil and the Queen of Pentacles:

The Queen of Pentacles is a good card for you Taurus, she is your female self at its highest expression: patient, productive, fertile and more. So where’s the hitch? Somewhere, far away, big changes are happening that will change your life. You may not even be aware of them. These could have to do with legal changes, religious changes, or countries you’ve never visited. Despite your practical nature and resolute presence in the immediate neighborhood, we live in one connected world. This will be brought home to you in December.

Images are from The Prairie Tarot, created by Robin Ator and published by GlowInTheDark LLC; 1st edition (2011).

Gemini: 

Fool and the Six of Cups:

Gemini, finally after a lot of delays your career is moving ahead again. December and January will be opportunities to put in the extra hours, impressing current and future employers and customers. A friend who had been a bit crazy, but you thought had worked it out, still has some more processing to do. Help your friend get the help that is needed. This problem will be gone by the end of spring 2019.

Images are from The Druid Craft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm, Stephanie Carr-Gomm and Will Worthington; published by Connections Book Publishing (2010).

Cancer: 

The Devil and the Eight of Pentacles:

Your partner, dear Cancer, is once again the center of your month. You have the Devil card as a repeat from last month. It’s just not about you these days. What can you do to support your partner? If he or she succeeds this will benefit you as well. This does mean that you will need to do all the heavy-lifting at home and in your relationship for a while. 

Images are from the Witches Tarot, by Ellen Dugan and Mark Evans, illustrated by Tricia Newell and published by Llewellyn (2012).

Leo: 

The Wheel of Fortune and the Nine of Cups:

Your artistic works and high-achieving children are sources of joy this holiday season. You have plenty of social activity and are feeling right with the world. Except for a recent decorating misstep, perhaps? Did you really paint the living room black? Or go whole hog with the Dia de los Muertos and decide to leave the arrangement up for Christmas? There’s a strange note having to do with your home décor and your usually impeccable, though extravagant, taste being off kilter. Be prepared to revise it before the holidays if you are expecting guests.

Images are from The Tarot Decoratif created by Ciro Marchetti, Self Published Limited Edition (2018).

Virgo: 

The Sun and the Nine of Swords:

Dear Virgo, you have the Sun repeated from last month, it’s telling you to fully engage in your home and family and the holidays. You’ve recently done some home improvements and you are eager to show them off. It’s strange to see you so exuberant. Money seems to be behaving in your life and that’s because you have some new insights into money management and vow to be on top of your finances forevermore. This looks like a great holiday season!

Images are from The Prairie Tarot, created by Robin Ator and published by GlowInTheDark LLC; 1st edition (2011).

Libra: 

Death and the King of Pentacles:

Dear Libra, your finances look very positive. Your home is getting renovated or repaired and things are a bit displaced. That’s why the holiday celebrations are happening at a sibling’s, cousin’s, or neighbor’s home. Given all you have to deal with at home, be glad someone else is putting on the parties. Getting out and attending these events will be fortuitous, so do not skip the socializing this year.

Images are from The Druid Craft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm, Stephanie Carr-Gomm and Will Worthington; published by Connections Book Publishing (2010).

Scorpio: 

The Star and the Seven of Cups:

You are quietly enjoying a new or rekindled love. You enjoy this loving feeling and as usual want to keep things private. However, your social obligations this season are many. Your calendar is full with one party after another. While things are fun, beware situations with too many intoxicants, and particularly the illegal ones. You would like to be warm and cozy with your love and not dealing with criminal charges.

Images are from the Witches Tarot, by Ellen Dugan and Mark Evans, illustrated by Tricia Newell and published by Llewellyn (2012)

Sagittarius: 

The High Priestess and the Six of Pentacles:

You, Sagittarius, are the life of the party this month. You are filled with good will and raise everyone’s moods. Yet you also have a quiet introspective side that only is visible to those you know very well. In between parties you want to go home and spend time being quiet and alone. Your financial situation is being revised in a positive direction. Expect permanent changes that will allow you the kind of financial flexibility you have always wanted.

Images are from The Tarot Decoratif created by Ciro Marchetti, Self Published Limited Edition (2018).

Capricorn: 

The High Priestess and the Six of Cups: 

Dear Capricorn, it looks like a quiet holiday of inner peace and nostalgia for you. Spend some time at night out in the snowy fields having your thoughts about yourself, life, and the season. These quiet moments will fill your spiritual bank for the inevitable withdrawals as life becomes busier in the spring. About that nostalgia… it is okay to reminisce, but there was a reason you moved on from those relationships. Now is not the time to revisit old mistakes.

Images are from The Prairie Tarot, created by Robin Ator and published by GlowInTheDark LLC; 1st edition (2011).

Aquarius: 

The Chariot and the Four of Pentacles:

Dear Aquarius, you are in a time of deep inner change, which can be assisted by a therapist or spiritual advisor. The power of focus and discipline will aid you in making these changes. Avoid holding on to things and belongings that are with you now. Most of it will be released in coming years. Is a new vehicle on your Christmas list?

Images are from The Druid Craft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm, Stephanie Carr-Gomm and Will Worthington; published by Connections Book Publishing (2010).

Pisces: 

The High Priestess and the Queen of Cups:

Dear Pisces, in between the cards drawn and your planetary picture you have the best of fortunes this month. The introspection of both the High Priestess and the Queen of Cups fit you exactly right. Your career and public reputation are flying high. Plan to make time to tune in to the inner world each day. This is what vitalizes you. It also guides you when the noisy outer world seems to be sweeping you away.

Images are from the Witches Tarot, by Ellen Dugan and Mark Evans, illustrated by Tricia Newell and published by Llewellyn (2012)

 

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. If you get bored seeing my favorites, I’m open to suggestions and gifts.