Mercury Retrograde Reading with the Celestial Tarot

What is your reaction when you hear the term “Mercury retrograde”?

(a) Huh? What’s that?

(b) Oh no! I’m doomed! Nothing will go right!

(c) Something in between

As an astrologer, I am very familiar with Mercury turning retrograde (appearing to move backwards in the sky) several times a year. It’s retrograde even as I type this (July 7-July 31).

Mercury is the planet of the mind and communication, so it’s pretty obvious that if it “moves backwards,” all manner of thinking and communication could be jumbled, confusing, erroneous, and downright disastrous. The current Mercury retrograde started out in Leo and then sashayed backwards into Cancer, which also affects the effects one might expect to experience.

I am delighted to share a Tarot spread that I recently heard about through Bridget at _Biddy Tarot_  : The Mercury Retrograde Spread by _Liz Worth_. Her positional definitions are based on the nature of Mercury retrograde as well as the energies we associate with Leo and Cancer.

Liz has graciously allowed me to post the spread here. The Celestial Tarot by Kay Steventon and Brian Clark (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) insisted on participating in this reading with me, and I agreed that it made a great deal of sense.

1. What is it time for me to value within myself?

FOUR OF CUPS / Serpens
The zodiac sign linked with this card is Scorpio (Water), whose modern ruler is Pluto. There is a sense of loss, disappointment, and grief in the Four of Cups, and most likely these feelings are deep and powerful. It is time for me to value those feelings – not so I can wallow in them or use them as an excuse, but so that I can honor them as real and useful to my current-day Self.

2. How can this help me shine in the world?

SEVEN OF WANDS / Lyra
With this card we enter into the first decanate of Sagittarius (my Sun sign), ruled by Jupiter. The energy is that of strong conviction and determination to defend that which is valued against all attacks. Both Jupiter and Sagittarius (Fire) carry the confidence and power to handle this sort of thing quite well. This is about reaffirming my beliefs and goals in the face of adversity, and that is how I can shine in the world.

3. Which of my needs is most important to focus on to support my path at this time?

ACE OF PENTACLES / Sagitta
Another reference to my Sun sign, Sagittarius, comes in the form of the constellation Sagitta. With Aces often representing new beginnings and the suit of Pentacles being the suit of Earth (physical, material world), it is important for me to focus on a new direction or plan on the material, physical plane. This could refer to health or to finances, for example. Ruling this card are the sign Capricorn (Earth) and its ruler, Saturn. It’s all about structure, discipline, ambition, and achievement – and how I can use that to support and enhance my spiritual and creative nature.

During this Mercury retrograde, the consecutive signs Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn form a trio of diverse energies that can be channeled in my chosen direction.

U.S.A. Birth Chart (reprise)

The following is a post I originally made on July 4, 2014 to coincide with Independence Day here in the U.S.

It is about America’s birth chart and the Tarot cards that one could associate with that chart. Please note that I am not ignoring the fact that there were many nations on this continent long before the arrival of European settlers and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. I am choosing in this post to deal with the formal establishment of the United States of America in 1776.

After doing a bit of research, I quickly discovered that astrologers do not agree on the date and time (mostly the time) for which the birth chart of the U.S. should be cast. I won’t go into all of that here. You can do a search on the net and find out more than you probably want to know about it!

The two main variances seem to be the “Sibly chart,” originally published in 1787 by English astrologer, physician and herbalist, Ebenezer Sibly (1751-1799). Those who use this chart note that Sibly was alive at the time of the signing and therefore could have had access to information that is no longer available. The Sibly Chart, cast for July 4, 1776, 5:10 pm LMT (Local Mean Time), Philadelphia, PA, has Sagittarius rising.

In contrast, we have the “Gemini Rising Chart” for 02:13am, attributed to Evangeline Adams in the 1920s. This chart places Uranus (planet of rebellion and upheaval) exactly on the Ascendant. Some astrologers argue that this reflects the “birth” of America quite accurately, but opponents feel the chart does not depict the true nature of American character. Anthony Louis explained his support for this chart in a blog post in 2012: http://tonylouis.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/why-i-use-a-usa-gemini-rising-chart/

So… which chart shall I use for this post? In Tarot terms, using the astrological attributions developed by the Order of the Golden Dawn, I have a choice between Temperance (Sagittarius rising) and The Lovers (Gemini rising). I think I am going to go way out on a limb and not only choose the Gemini chart but use the Aleister Crowley Thoth deck (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) as my Tarot reference for this post.

This should be interesting…

Below is a chart for July 4, 1776, 02:13am LMT (Local Mean Time), Philadelphia, PA. I am using the Equal House System.

The Rising Sign, Gemini, is represented by The Lovers card. Because the planet Uranus sits on the Ascendant, I am pairing The Lovers with The Fool, which is linked with Uranus by modern occultists (Uranus had not yet been discovered when the Golden Dawn made its original astrological attributions, which attributed the element Air to The Fool).

In her book The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need (Taylor Trade Publishing), Joanna Martine Woolfolk writes, “Your Ascendant is the sign that reflects your outward demeanor and to a great extent determines how the outside world looks at you.” It often represents the “mask” we wear or the way we act when our defenses are up.

In the Thoth deck, we not only see “The Lovers” in Trump 6, we also see The Hermit officiating over the marriage depicted on the card between the Black King and White Queen. The Hermit (linked with the zodiac sign Virgo and the Hebrew letter Yod) contributes a creative, virile, fertile energy to this card.

Notice the white child standing with the Black King and the black child with the White Queen. These four figures together can be seen as representing the integration of opposites which, interestingly, is one of the themes of the Temperance card (Art in the Thoth deck), which is linked with Sagittarius, the rising sign in the Sibly Chart I mentioned earlier.

The Fool is commonly seen to represent birth, creation, the very beginning of something – perhaps a new idea, since the card is associated with the element Air by the Golden Dawn. On the Thoth card we don’t have The Fool gazing in the air as he steps off a cliff. However, the fact that The Fool on the Thoth card is being threatened by a tiger and a crocodile tells us that he is not in a “safe” situation, that there are risks involved, energies that may distract or block him from moving forward.

It appears that the colonies did try to reconcile the conflicting views held by the Mother Country and themselves. Indeed, before April 1775, many of the colonists hoped for reconciliation with King George III and Great Britain. But by the time the Declaration of Independence was signed, the relationship was damaged beyond repair and the colonies were ready to bring forth “a new nation conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” ~ (- Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 1863). That “new nation” is The Fool, independent, original, and ready to face an unknown future.

The Lovers card from the Thoth deck can be said to represent equality in that we see opposites being integrated or brought into balance. Neither the Black King nor the White Queen will rule over the other. To me, this actually foreshadows the argument of the abolitionists in the 1800s, who pointed out that the Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal” and that slavery was in conflict with that belief.

America’s Sun Sign is Cancer. In Tarot terms, this gives us The Sun and The Chariot.

In Astrology, the Sun in a birth chart represents our general character, our ego, our identity and sense of Self. In the Tarot, The Sun is a positive, strong card associated with freedom, happiness, and good health. In The Chariot we see triumph over adversity, self-control, moving forward and taking advantage of opportunities. Cancer is a Water sign known for being sensitive, nurturing, emotional, loyal, and protective. The connection between the sign and the card can be found in comparing the protective shell on the Cancer crab with the armor, helmet, and shield used by the charioteer. Also, Cancer is a cardinal sign, which gives it the qualities of action, leadership, and outgoing activity – all of which apply to The Chariot.

In The Chariot I see a “new nation” that is fortified, armored, and steeled for whatever lies ahead, determined to direct its own path and to remove any obstacles in its way. But the armor is only necessary because the creature wearing it is vulnerable and sensitive. Cancer is the sign of home and family, concepts Americans have always held dear. America will defend its homeland and its friends with armed force if necessary.

The Moon (The Priestess) is in Aquarius (The Star).

In Astrology, the Moon represents emotions, instincts, and the unconscious – the hidden aspects of the personality. In Astrology, the Moon rules the sign Cancer. The Priestess holds the Book of Mysteries on her lap, a book containing esoteric knowledge that can only be accessed using intuition, emotion, and the unconscious mind.

The sign Aquarius (which happens to be ruled in modern Astrology by Uranus) is known for innovation, humanitarianism, idealism, and intellect. Aquarians are often described as displaying rebellious, unusual, even shocking behavior.

The Star card in the Thoth deck features Nuith (Nuit) pouring the Water of Universal Life upon the fertile earth. Nuith is based on an Egyptian sky goddess, Nut, who was appropriated by Aleister Crowley for use in the Thelema pantheon. Crowley wrote: “Nuit is All that which exists, and the condition of that existence” and "Note that Heaven is not a place where Gods Live; Nuit is Heaven, itself."

To me, these qualities of Aquarius and The Star beautifully depict the inner spirit, emotions, and “unconscious mind” of the United States of America that was “born” on July 4, 1776 – the motivation and deepest emotional needs of the people who journeyed to and settled in the New World. What I am getting are the hope and faith and high ideals within so many of those who settled here: the sentiments that inspired the words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The Lovers (and The Fool) rising, The Chariot sun sign, and The Star moon sign together create a picture of this country that reflects the past, mirrors the present,  and offers hope for the future.

Happy Birthday, America!

Twelve Houses of the Zodiac Reading: Part 3

The Twelve Houses of the Zodiac Tarot Spread

Excerpted from 

Tarot Awareness: Exploring the Spiritual Path

by Stephen Walter Sterling

I recently came across the Twelve Houses of the Zodiac Spread by Stephen Walter Sterling on line, and I loved the way each house/sign was described in the positional definitions. This spread forms a pattern resembling the astrological birth chart, beginning with Aries and ending with Pisces.

For the purposes of this blog, I am going to do the spread in three “installments.” Part 1 included Houses 1-4. Click _HERE_ to read. Part 2 included Houses 5-8. Click _HERE_to read.

Part 3 includes Houses 9-12. I am using Tarot of the Spirit by Pamela and Joyce Eakins (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

PART 3

(9) The House of Philosophy, Sagittarius: Does life hold any particular depth of meaning for you? What are you aiming for? Where do you want to go? What is the nature of your belief system? What do you value? (Fire)

FOUR OF EARTH: Power (Sun in Capricorn) / Traditional Name: 4 of Pentacles

With the Four of Earth, we see the sort of power that protects, guards, and defends me from loss or destruction. It’s about being vigilant about keeping what is mine, what I have worked or fought for, that which is valuable to me. The danger in doing so is that if I focus on preventing loss, I risk losing a sense of what brings true satisfaction.

(10) The House of Pragmatism, Capricorn: What areas of our life do you need to apply practical methods? Where do you need grounding? (Earth)

FIVE OF WIND: Fear (Venus in Aquarius) / Traditional Name: 5 of Swords

Eakins interprets this card as being “trapped in a self-designed prison of negative energy from the past.” There is a sense of intellectual or mental energy taking control and running away with me, and if that is the case, a dose of grounding and practicality could be useful. There is a need to try to see thing as they really are, not how I imagine or fear them to be. Instead of spending so much time “in my head,” I need to become more invested in the “real world.”

(11) The House of Originality, Aquarius: The individual searches for identity with a new approach. How do you relate to others in the process? (Air)

THE MYSTERY CARD

For this position, I have drawn “The Mystery Card,” a card that is unique to this Tarot deck. It is viewed as a card of “birth, death and karmic transitions; incredible power, magic and wonder.” Very appropriate for “The House of Originality,” I think! You can view a fascinating video by Pamela Eakins about this card _HERE_.

(12) The House of Intuition, Pisces: Where is listening to the Inner Voice of critical importance? How is your psychic development proceeding? (Water)

EARTH SISTER: Revelation (Aries, Taurus, Gemini) / Traditional Name: Page of Pentacles

I love that in this deck, Earth Sister represents “the brink of transformation,” advising me that “something new is coming” and I am “moving steadily, with stability.” Few ideas are more appealing when applied to The House of Intuition and psychic development. I like the sense of being “at the beginning” of something but also prepared/ready for that transformation to take place.

Twelve Houses of the Zodiac Reading: Part 2

The Twelve Houses of the Zodiac Tarot Spread

Excerpted from

Tarot Awareness: Exploring the Spiritual Path

by Stephen Walter Sterling 

I recently came across the Twelve Houses of the Zodiac Spread by Stephen Walter Sterling on line, and I loved the way each house/sign was described in the positional definitions. This spread forms a pattern resembling the astrological birth chart, beginning with Aries and ending with Pisces.

For the purposes of this blog, I am going to do the spread in four “installments.” Part 1 included Houses 1-4. Click _HERE_ to read.

Part 2 includes Houses 5-8. I am using Tarot of the Spirit by Pamela and Joyce Eakins (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

(5) The House of Persona, Leo (Fire): What is your outer self like, the personality that you present to the world? How do you express yourself? Do you face life with courage, with flair?

SIX OF WIND: Clarity (Mercury in Aquarius) / Traditional Name: 6 of Swords
The qualities of Aquarius and Mercury (the mind) suggest that my outer self (the personality I present to the world) is, in many ways, that of an intelligent and free-spirited sort of person with the ability to detach that can cause me to come across as being “aloof” or “distant.” In my birth chart, I actually have Mars in Aquarius in the Fifth House (the house I am currently talking about in this reading). From an elemental perspective, this is a combination of Fire (Leo) and Air (Aquarius). Fire and Air are mutually supportive and both are “active” elements, representing forward motion and getting things done.

(6) The House of Detail, Virgo (Earth): Is your attention to priority reasonable and productive? Are you well organized? Are you being of service?

NINE OF WIND: The Screen (Mars in Gemini) / Traditional Name: 9 of Swords
This card typically refers to feelings of being threatened or in danger. Virgo (which happens to be my rising sign) is known for being worried or anxious about things, perhaps overly focused on details. Gemini is an Air sign ruled by Mercury (the mind, thoughts, perceptions), so these fears may or may not be based in reality. If we think about this type of energy in the Sixth House, we can see where it might be disruptive or interfere with my ability to pay attention to detail, to be organized and productive, and could even affect my willingness or ability to be “of service” to others. Mars/Gemini energy can really rock Virgo’s “down-to-earth” boat.

(7) The House of Balance, Libra (Air): Do the activities of your life add to your peace of mind? Is your distribution of energy well proportioned?

THE EMPEROR (Aries)
Linked with the Fire sign Aries, The Emperor is “swift, male, creative energy” with “clear sight and presence of mind” and “exceedingly well organized.” (from Tarot of the Spirit by Pamela Eakins, Ph.D. / Weiser). This energy suggests that the activities of my life contribute to a sense of stability and security, a sense that things are more or less “under my control” as I “oversee my kingdom.”  One would expect The Emperor’s energy to be “well proportioned.” Again we have the combination of Fire and Air, indicating forward progress and achievement.

(8) The House of Intensity, Scorpio (Water): What is it that you feel strongly about? How do you regenerate your emotions, change how you view your inner atmosphere?

FOUR OF WIND: Mastery (Jupiter in Libra) / Traditional Name: 4 of Swords
Interesting to see this somewhat “stagnant” energy appear in “The House of Intensity.” Pamela Eakins describes the Four of Wind as “a holding pattern,” “resting on your laurels.” We are dealing with the Air sign Libra here, a sign known for being indecisive (mostly because Libra craves harmony and dreads conflict, so it can be difficult to make decisions). One way of interpreting the idea of “Mastery” in “The House of Intensity,” is to consider that perhaps I am at a place “between passions,” so to speak. I have indulged in various things that regenerate my emotions and in a sense, have reached a plateau in those areas. The intensity, therefore, is bound to have faded a bit, creating a bit of a lull.

Twelve Houses of the Zodiac Reading: Part 1

The Twelve Houses of the Zodiac Tarot Spread

Excerpted from

Tarot Awareness: Exploring the Spiritual Path

by Stephen Walter Sterling

(Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.)

I recently came across the Twelve Houses of the Zodiac Spread by Stephen Walter Sterling on line, and I loved the way each house/sign was described in the positional definitions. This spread forms a pattern resembling the astrological birth chart, beginning with Aries and ending with Pisces.

For the purposes of this blog, I am going to do the spread in four “installments.” Part 1 will include Houses 1-4. I am using Tarot of the Spirit by Pamela and Joyce Eakins (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

(1) The House of Aspirations, Aries (Fire): Attitude toward reaching a goal, what you intend to accomplish, and the level of your enthusiasm. 

FIRE BROTHER: Sun Warrior (Cancer-Leo) / Traditional Name: Knight of Wands
Certainly apropos for this First House (Aries) position, Fire Brother exhibits strength, swiftness, brilliance, and agility. Clever and spontaneous, he can also be irrational and impulsive. With my Sun in the Fire sign Sagittarius, I relate well to this energy as I enthusiastically pursue my goals. I need to guard against impulsive behavior based on sudden bursts of optimism and enthusiasm.

(2) The House of Security, Taurus (Earth): Attitude toward material gain. Are you at peace with your resources?

FIVE OF WATER: Spilling (Mars in Scorpio) / Traditional Name: 5 of Cups
Known as a card of disappointment, regret, and frustration, the Five of Water often admonishes us not to “cry over spilt milk.” If we focus on what we have lost or perhaps never had (three spilled, empty cups), we cannot see that there are still avenues and opportunities and resources available to us. A deeper level of understanding is needed so that we can see above and beyond our disappointments, perceived failures, and deficits.

It is interesting to note that the planet Mars is the traditional ruler of the sign Scorpio. Scorpio and its modern ruling planet, Pluto, both represent death and decay (8th house).This tells us that even when expectations are not met, there is still strength available and an opportunity to “power through” and rise above.

(3) The House of Thought, Gemini (Air): How well you communicate your ideas, your needs, and your creative self. Learning and speaking abilities.

TWO OF WIND: The Crossing (Moon in Libra) / Traditional Name: 2 of Swords
Here we have a second instance of “matching elemental attributions,” with the positional definition being Gemini (an Air sign) and the card representing Libra (another Air sign). Libra represents a desire for peace and harmony as well as indecision. The Moon represents emotions and the subconscious.

Although my Sun sign, Sagittarius, is known for being brutally frank, the appearance of this card in the house of communication suggests that deep down, I have a strong desire for my communication and expressions of creativity to be peaceful and harmonious – in other words, I really would rather not ruffle feathers, offend, or start arguments. At times, this can make it hard for me to make a choice or decision, since I want everything to remain harmonious.

(4) The House of Emotion, Cancer (Water): The nature of your home environment. What are the areas of your life that need nurturing? Do you have a reasonable understanding of your feelings? (Water)

THE UNIVERSE (Saturn) / Traditional Name: The World
As the final card of the Major Arcana, The Universe typically represents closing a circle, completing a lesson or a journey. With The Universe card, we have finished what we started; we have seen our purpose through to the end.

In my birth chart, the 4th House is where the Sun resides, an indication that my “home” plays a significant role in who and what I am as an individual. Another interesting connection with my birth chart is the fact that in that chart, Saturn is in my First House (House of Self).

The planet Saturn, sometimes called the planet of “lessons and limitations,” is known as a stern taskmaster who constantly turns our attention to reality, duties, and obligations. Position 4 in this spread mentions home environment, nurturing, and understanding one’s feelings. These are things I may not think I need to take responsibility for, but Saturn holds a different view.

In some ways, I have come full circle. As a child growing up, I was fortunate to have a stable home life. I wanted for nothing, and I had a lot of time to pursue creative activities such as writing and music. Then came marriage, motherhood, and a long period when I worked in an office setting 8 hours a day, doing work that was not very fulfilling. Now, I am again in a stable, pleasant home environment, free to express my creativity and imagination in satisfying “work.”

Are You the Knight of Pentacles?

Rider-Waite-Smith

Whether you are male or female, if you were born between August 13 and September 13, you are the Knight of Pentacles. Read on to find out why!

Although many Tarot readers choose not to incorporate astrological attributions for the cards into their readings, others find that doing so adds a fascinating layer of information to consider and explore. The Order of the Golden Dawn* established a system of astrological attributions used by many Tarot readers. Here are the fundamentals of this system:

• Major Arcana cards are associated with a planet or sign in most cases, exceptions being The Hanged Man (Water) and Judgment (Spirit and Fire).

• The numbered cards are linked with the placement of a particular planet in a particular sign. For example, the 5 of Cups is assigned Mars in Scorpio, and the 8 of Swords is assigned Jupiter in Gemini.

1JJ Swiss

• Kings, Queens, and Knights are given a range incorporating a total of three decans** over two signs. For example, the Knight of Pentacles is associated with the last decan of Leo to the second decan of Virgo. The dates covering this range are August 13-September 13.

• The Knave – or Princess – of each suit is associated with the element Earth plus the element linked with the appropriate suit. The Knave of Wands is called “Earth of Fire,” the Knave of Cups is called “Earth of Water,” and so forth.

My focus in this article is on the Knight of Pentacles – and how the astrological attributions chosen by the Golden Dawn can be used to enhance a Tarot reading in which this card appears.

According to Book T***, and as stated above, the Knight of Pentacles is associated with 20 degrees Leo to 20 degrees Virgo, that is, the last decan of Leo to the second decan of Virgo. The date range for this segment of the zodiac is August 13-September 13.

Marseille

What do we know about the sign Leo? It is a Fixed Fire sign, single-minded, energetic, outer-driven. Ruled by the Sun, Leo is typically characterized as determined, proud, courageous, and generous, with a tendency towards intolerance, self-righteousness, and vanity.

The Golden Dawn specifies 20 degrees Leo, which begins the last decan of the sign. That decan is ruled by the Sun and subruled by Mars. Known for its energy and force, Mars combines with the Sun to create impressive willpower and creativity, and an eagerness to plunge into new projects.

That description represents one-third of our Knight of Pentacles. What about the rest: the first and second decans of Virgo?

Virgo is a Mutable Earth sign, adaptable, versatile, practical, and conservative. Ruled by the planet Mercury, Virgo is commonly characterized as organized, methodical, discriminating, analytical, and critical.

Oswald Wirth

Let’s blend in the first and second decans of Virgo.

• The first decan is ruled by Mercury and subruled by the Sun, adding a layer of individuality and conscious will to Mercury’s intellectual energy.

• The second decan brings in the planet Venus as subruler. Known for being gregarious and social, Venus combines with Mercury to create a desire for approval and a special talent for using words, an ability to speak and write in a charming manner.

So, when we consider the Knight of Pentacles from the perspective of Golden Dawn attributions, we find that he is 1/3 Leo (ruled by the Sun, subruled by Mars) and 2/3 Virgo (ruled by Mercury, with the Sun and Venus as subrulers). Earth is the dominant element, and Mercury is the dominant planet. Yet we cannot ignore that Leo-Sun-Mars connection. A complicated fellow, our Knight of Pentacles!

Thoth

If you were born between August 13 and September 13, you can rightfully claim the Knight of Pentacles as your “significator card,” that is, the card that represents you in the Tarot.

---------
* The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn – or simply the Golden Dawn -- was an organization devoted to the study and practice of the occult, metaphysics, and paranormal activities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

** A decan, or decanate, is a ten-degree subdivision of the zodiac that divides each astrological sign into three parts of approximately ten days each. There are three decanates in each sign.

*** Book T – The Tarot, Comprising Manuscripts N, O, P, Q, R, and an Unlettered Theoricus Adeptus Minor Instruction.

U.S.A. Birth Chart (another reprise)

The following is a post I originally made on July 4, 2014 to coincide with Independence Day here in the U.S.

It is about America’s birth chart and the Tarot cards that one could associate with that chart. Please note that I am not ignoring the fact that there were many nations on this continent long before the arrival of European settlers and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. I am choosing in this post to deal with the formal establishment of the United States of America in 1776.

After doing a bit of research, I quickly discovered that astrologers do not agree on the date and time (mostly the time) for which the birth chart of the U.S. should be cast. I won’t go into all of that here. You can do a search on the net and find out more than you probably want to know about it!

The two main variances seem to be the “Sibly chart,” originally published in 1787 by English astrologer, physician and herbalist, Ebenezer Sibly (1751-1799). Those who use this chart note that Sibly was alive at the time of the signing and therefore could have had access to information that is no longer available. The Sibly Chart, cast for July 4, 1776, 5:10 pm LMT (Local Mean Time), Philadelphia, PA, has Sagittarius rising.

In contrast, we have the “Gemini Rising Chart” for 02:13am, attributed to Evangeline Adams in the 1920s. This chart places Uranus (planet of rebellion and upheaval) exactly on the Ascendant. Some astrologers argue that this reflects the “birth” of America quite accurately, but opponents feel the chart does not depict the true nature of American character. Anthony Louis explained his support for this chart in a blog post in 2012: http://tonylouis.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/why-i-use-a-usa-gemini-rising-chart/

So… which chart shall I use for this post? In Tarot terms, using the astrological attributions developed by the Order of the Golden Dawn, I have a choice between Temperance (Sagittarius rising) and The Lovers (Gemini rising). I think I am going to go way out on a limb and not only choose the Gemini chart but use the Aleister Crowley Thoth deck (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) as my Tarot reference for this post.

This should be interesting…

Below is a chart for July 4, 1776, 02:13am LMT (Local Mean Time), Philadelphia, PA. I am using the Equal House System.

The Rising Sign, Gemini, is represented by The Lovers card. Because the planet Uranus sits on the Ascendant, I am pairing The Lovers with The Fool, which is linked with Uranus by modern occultists (Uranus had not yet been discovered when the Golden Dawn made its original astrological attributions, which attributed the element Air to The Fool).

In her book The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need (Taylor Trade Publishing), Joanna Martine Woolfolk writes, “Your Ascendant is the sign that reflects your outward demeanor and to a great extent determines how the outside world looks at you.” It often represents the “mask” we wear or the way we act when our defenses are up.

In the Thoth deck, we not only see “The Lovers” in Trump 6, we also see The Hermit officiating over the marriage depicted on the card between the Black King and White Queen. The Hermit (linked with the zodiac sign Virgo and the Hebrew letter Yod) contributes a creative, virile, fertile energy to this card.

Notice the white child standing with the Black King and the black child with the White Queen. These four figures together can be seen as representing the integration of opposites which, interestingly, is one of the themes of the Temperance card (Art in the Thoth deck), which is linked with Sagittarius, the rising sign in the Sibly Chart I mentioned earlier.

The Fool is commonly seen to represent birth, creation, the very beginning of something – perhaps a new idea, since the card is associated with the element Air by the Golden Dawn. On the Thoth card we don’t have The Fool gazing in the air as he steps off a cliff. However, the fact that The Fool on the Thoth card is being threatened by a tiger and a crocodile tells us that he is not in a “safe” situation, that there are risks involved, energies that may distract or block him from moving forward.

It appears that the colonies did try to reconcile the conflicting views held by the Mother Country and themselves. Indeed, before April 1775, many of the colonists hoped for reconciliation with King George III and Great Britain. But by the time the Declaration of Independence was signed, the relationship was damaged beyond repair and the colonies were ready to bring forth “a new nation conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” ~ (- Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 1863). That “new nation” is The Fool, independent, original, and ready to face an unknown future.

The Lovers card from the Thoth deck can be said to represent equality in that we see opposites being integrated or brought into balance. Neither the Black King nor the White Queen will rule over the other. To me, this actually foreshadows the argument of the abolitionists in the 1800s, who pointed out that the Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal” and that slavery was in conflict with that belief.

America’s Sun Sign is Cancer. In Tarot terms, this gives us The Sun and The Chariot.

In Astrology, the Sun in a birth chart represents our general character, our ego, our identity and sense of Self. In the Tarot, The Sun is a positive, strong card associated with freedom, happiness, and good health. In The Chariot we see triumph over adversity, self-control, moving forward and taking advantage of opportunities. Cancer is a Water sign known for being sensitive, nurturing, emotional, loyal, and protective. The connection between the sign and the card can be found in comparing the protective shell on the Cancer crab with the armor, helmet, and shield used by the charioteer. Also, Cancer is a cardinal sign, which gives it the qualities of action, leadership, and outgoing activity – all of which apply to The Chariot.

In The Chariot I see a “new nation” that is fortified, armored, and steeled for whatever lies ahead, determined to direct its own path and to remove any obstacles in its way. But the armor is only necessary because the creature wearing it is vulnerable and sensitive. Cancer is the sign of home and family, concepts Americans have always held dear. America will defend its homeland and its friends with armed force if necessary.

The Moon (The Priestess) is in Aquarius (The Star).

In Astrology, the Moon represents emotions, instincts, and the unconscious – the hidden aspects of the personality. In Astrology, the Moon rules the sign Cancer. The Priestess holds the Book of Mysteries on her lap, a book containing esoteric knowledge that can only be accessed using intuition, emotion, and the unconscious mind.

The sign Aquarius (which happens to be ruled in modern Astrology by Uranus) is known for innovation, humanitarianism, idealism, and intellect. Aquarians are often described as displaying rebellious, unusual, even shocking behavior.

The Star card in the Thoth deck features Nuith (Nuit) pouring the Water of Universal Life upon the fertile earth. Nuith is based on an Egyptian sky goddess, Nut, who was appropriated by Aleister Crowley for use in the Thelema pantheon. Crowley wrote: “Nuit is All that which exists, and the condition of that existence” and "Note that Heaven is not a place where Gods Live; Nuit is Heaven, itself."

To me, these qualities of Aquarius and The Star beautifully depict the inner spirit, emotions, and “unconscious mind” of the United States of America that was “born” on July 4, 1776 – the motivation and deepest emotional needs of the people who journeyed to and settled in the New World. What I am getting are the hope and faith and high ideals within so many of those who settled here: the sentiments that inspired the words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The Lovers (and The Fool) rising, The Chariot sun sign, and The Star moon sign together create a picture of this country that reflects the past, mirrors the present,  and offers hope for the future.

Happy Birthday, America!

Planetary Spread with Faery Wicca Tarot

As promised, I am sharing with you The Planetary Spread from Jonathan Dee’s book Tarot Mysteries (Hampton Roads). To read my review of this book, click HERE.

The spread can be used to answer specific questions, but I am using it today as a weekly forecast.

I am using the Faery Wicca Tarot by Kisma K. Stepanich, illustrated by Renée Christine Yates (Llewellyn).

My first task is to choose a Significator for myself. As I went through the deck, I felt equally drawn to the Ainnir of Domhan and the Ainnir of Tine, so I decided to have a pair of Significators for this reading. In this deck, “Ainnir” represents pure feminine energy. Domhan is Earth. Tine is Fire. As my true fans will remember (ha!), I have a strong Earth presence in my birth chart, but my Sun is in Sagittarius, a Fire sign. Both elements resonate strongly with me.

My Significators

Okay, here we go. For this spread, we draw 7 cards into the following pattern:

The positions for a weekly forecast reading are as follows:

1) Moon / Monday
2) Mercury / Wednesday
3) Venus / Friday
4) Sun / Sunday
5) Mars / Tuesday
6) Jupiter / Thursday
7) Saturn / Saturday

Let’s see what the week ahead looks like. My innate sense of organization wants to see these cards in the order the days of the week occur, so I am reading them that way, beginning with Monday.

1) Moon / Monday

ACE OF UISCE

The “motto” for this card is “Show me how to think with my heart.” In general, Water (Uisce) is linked with the heart, emotions, love, and good feelings, relationships, psychic experiences, and inner pilgrimage. With the Ace, we see birth and beginnings. Combined with the suit meaning, we can add pleasures, home, nourishment, satisfaction, caring. The card can represent new love or the way love can help us bear troubles and get through difficult situations. Any or all of these meanings may apply to me on Monday, a day associated with the Moon, ruler of Cancer, a Water sign. I love the illustration on this card, showing a rainbow path to the sea and a faery castle on the rocks in the water.

5) Mars / Tuesday

ARD RI OF TINE

The Ard Ri is a High King of the Emerald Isle. Tine is the element Fire. The Ard Ri of Tine is “Fire of Fire; exalted willpower; ego in full action; Spirit in battle…” With this card, I have the ability to overcome adversity due to my superior strength, as well as the ability to listen to Spirit to hear the ancient voice of wisdom. “Lamhfada” is another name for the Irish god Lugh. This is a very different energy from Monday, more action-oriented, passionate, and even aggressive, especially since we are linking the card to the planet Mars here.

2) Mercury / Wednesday

STRENGTH OF WILL (Trump 11)

This card belongs to the group called The Ancient Ones in this deck (traditionally known as the Major Arcana). The border of each card in this group features an ogham in each corner, representing the four seasons. So for Wednesday I have a card titled “Strength of Will” or “Rundaigne Banba” (Banba's Strength). In Irish mythology, Banba is a patron goddess of Ireland. Like the Strength card in traditional Tarot decks, this card refers to our inner light, with which we can tame the wild beast within us. It’s about facing my fears with grace and dignity, not fighting and scratching but with tolerance and understanding. As a Major Arcana card, this indicates that Wednesday carries the potential for a significant event or realization in my life.

6) Jupiter / Thursday

FIVE OF AER

The suit of Aer can indicate “danger, warnings, frustration, sorrow, depression, death, accidents, hostile forces, and setbacks.” However, it is also about how the mind and our ways of thinking dictate our attitude, which in turn dictates action, which dictates life. The number Five is typically a “difficult” number, indicating conflict. There is a warning with the Five of Aer not to fight a no-win battle, but to rely on patient endurance and passive courage to weather the storm.

3) Venus / Friday

TWO OF AER

The suit of Aer can indicate “danger, warnings, frustration, sorrow, depression, death, accidents, hostile forces, and setbacks.” However, it is also about how the mind and our ways of thinking dictate our attitude, which in turn dictates action, which dictates life. The Two of Aer is called “The Path of Discernment” in this deck, and it refers to two forces against each other, which sounds negative in a way but can also represent balance and can be a reminder that “what goes around comes around” in a karmic sense. Another message from this card is “Know thyself.”

7) Saturn / Saturday

SEVEN OF UISCE

Uisce is Water, the element dealing with the heart, emotions, love, relationships with self and other people, nostalgia, and inner pilgrimage. With the Seven of Uisce, I am looking at the potential for inspirational dreams, visions, and fantasies along with feminine spirit and poetic sensibility. I may have many options from which to choose in a situation, or I may need to “wake up” from a dream state in order to deal with reality in a pragmatic way.

4) Sun / Sunday

THE HOLY STONE

This is one of four “Gift of Faery” cards in this deck. They are unique, not found in traditional Tarot decks. Kisma Stepanich tells us, “If the Holy Stone card is pulled, your journey will begin your apprenticeship in our world.” What an interesting card to pull for Sunday, the traditional Christian Holy Day! Stepanich also calls the Holy Stone “the Spiritual Benefactor” and “Earth fairy ally,” who will help me “understand symbols, codes, or puzzles that may be encountered when traveling in the OtherWorld.”

REVIEW: Tarot Mysteries by Jonathan Dee

R E V I E W

Tarot Mysteries: Rediscovering the Real Meanings of the Cards

by Jonathan Dee

Hampton Roads Publishing Company

(Originally published in 2003 by Sterling/Zambezi )

_About My Reviews_

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

This is one of those books that makes for interesting reading and can also serve as a handy reference, especially for a reader like me who loves to use astrological associations with the cards. A reader who likes to use Qabalah and Tree of Life associations will also appreciate the tables provided in the book.

I think the book is best suited to people who have a basic foundation in Tarot, astrology, and Qabalah – or at least two of the three. Otherwise, the material could be overwhelming.

I especially like the Court Card descriptions, for which Jonathan Dee provides “Subsidiary Symbols” and a “General Interpretation” aimed at understanding a Court Card when it does NOT represent a person. The sections on “Symbolism” for each Major Arcana card contain a wealth of information, much of which I had not read before. The insights Dee provides for Minor Arcana astrological relationships are extremely useful.

Even if you are a Tarot reader who has no wish to use astrology or Qabalah, you still can gain from Dee’s historical information and card descriptions, as well as his thoughts on the positive, negative, upright, and reversed meanings for each card.

Stay tuned for a reading here on Tarot Notes using The Planetary Spread from this book.

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

This is a practical and accessible guide to one of the most popular divination systems. What makes this book different from the others is that it:

• Provides instruction on reading both the Major and Minor Arcana
• Explains why the cards are the cards, why each picture forms part of a sequence, and why they occupy a mystical place in our consciousness
• Gives a balanced and informative perspective on each of the cards, as well as an overview of the entire deck
• Provides a history of the tarot
• Connects the tarot to the Qabalah

This wide-ranging primer provides readers with everything they need to know about the tarot and provides fresh insights into the cards.

THE AUTHOR

Born in Wales in 1957, Jonathan Dee became an astrologer, Tarot card reader, and psychic in the 1970s, working all over the UK and also the USA. His was a familiar name on radio, television, and in magazines. He was also known as an historian and folklorist.

Dee partnered with Sasha Fenton to produce an annual Astro-guides series between 1995 and 2002, in addition to coauthoring the Moon Sign Kit and The Star*Date*Oracle. Dee’s other works include illustrated guides to Tarot, Runes, Feng Shui, Color Therapy, Chinese Face Reading, Astrology, historical works on Ancient Egypt, and the history of Prophecies. Jonathan Dee passed away in 2010.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE BOOK

“The true origins of the Tarot remain a mystery, but it is a mystery with clues, these being found in the images of the cards themselves, and the occult themes that underlie them. Most notably, these are the signs and planets of astrology, and the complexities of the Holy Qabalah.”

“We should remember that the cards, like many other divination tools, will tend to focus on drama and large events that make an emotional impact. This drama may have already happened, be occurring now, or it may still be a way off in the future.”

BASIC INFORMATION / APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY / ART

This book is published in paperback with a wonderful, creative cover showcasing several cards from the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot arrayed in front of a High Priestess sort of woman with her arms upraised. On either side we see a nautilus shell, which can be seen as a symbol of growth and evolution. The book measures 8-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches and is about an inch thick (323 pages). The paper is a nice weight, cream colored printed with easy-to-read black type in a serif font.

Illustrations are black and white versions of cards from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

DETAILS / COMMENTS

Part One – The Mystery of the Tarot Cards – covers five topics:

1. What Are Tarot Cards? 
2. The History of the Tarot
3. The Holy Qabalah
4. The Major Arcana and the Zodiac
5. The Four Grail Hallows

In “The History of the Tarot,” Dee dutifully discusses the heavy hitters of Tarot aristocracy such as Antoine Court de Gébelin, Alliette (Etteilla), Alphonse Louis Constant (Eliphas Levi), Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Coleman Smith, Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris. Photographs are included of Levi, Waite, Mathers, and Crowley.

Dee then proceeds to give us “The Known Facts” about the true origin of the cards. This section is quite thorough and interesting. I am not a Tarot historian, so I will have to leave it to others to discuss the accuracy of this account.

We also learn about The Game of the Governance of the World (1459) and the game of Trionfi, which ranks the Trumps in five categories: The Earthly World, The Estates of Man, The Virtues, Hell, and Heaven. Gertrude Moakley’s way of presenting the cards, published in 1966, is fascinating, and not something I knew about before reading this book.

Dee’s discussion of the influence of the Holy Qabalah on the Tarot is detailed and thorough. He includes a Tree of Life Summary, along with Eliphas Levi’s Qabalistic Card Attributions and S.L. MacGregor Mathers Qabalistic Card Attributions. These are presented in table format, making them a handy reference for future use.

Part One continues with astrological associations for the Major Arcana cards, as devised by Levi, Mathers, Joseph Maxwell, Brian Innes, and the Golden Dawn (with a table incorporating both Hebrew/Qabalah and Astrology).

Finally, we have a long section detailing parallels between the Tarot suits and the four “Hallows” (sacred and magical objects in the legends of the Quest for the Holy Grail). This material may not be of great interest to everyone, but might be of special interest to anyone who uses The Arthurian Tarot by Caitlin and John Matthews (illustrated by Miranda Gray; Eddison-Sadd Editions).

From here, we move into Part Two: The Minor Arcana of the Tarot. Dee points out that the symbolism we have come to know and love for these cards is thanks to A.E. Waite and, most of all, Pamela Coleman-Smith, who produced the first set of fully illustrated cards. In this section of the book, we learn about the Golden Dawn’s astrological associations for the four suits, expanded to include the individual cards from Ace to King.

Those who wonder how specific associations for example, “Saturn in Leo” for the 5 of Wands) came into being will find Dee’s discussion informative and engaging. Much of the information is consolidated into table form, which again makes a great reference for the Tarot reader who likes to incorporate astrology into card meanings. Dee also offers a table outlining number symbolism in the Minor Arcana.

Next, beginning with the suit of Wands, Dee discusses the nature of each suit in general, followed by information on each card, including Esoteric Title, Key Concepts, Astrological Relationship, Tree of Life Position, Positive Meaning, and Negative Meaning.

Last (but certainly not least!!!) we move into Part Three: The Major Arcana. Dee describes his interpretations of these cards as follows: “The interpretations in this book are as close to the early ideas a possible, but without harking so far back into history as to make their meanings difficult for a modern card reader to interpret or to explain to his Querent.”

For each Major, we are given its Number, Title, Alternative Title, Qabalistic Letter, Tree of Life Pathway, Direction, Astrological Correspondence, Description, Symbolism, Upright Meaning, and Reversed Meaning. (Dee notes that he only uses reversed cards “when one gets turned around by accident.”)

In Part Four – The Art of Reading the Tarot – we have sections on The Significator, Beginning the Reading, and Layout Out the Cards. Basic Tarot Spreads included in the book are The Horoscope Spread, The Planetary Spread, two Tree of Life spreads, and The Pyramid Spread. Dee follows these larger spreads with a few smaller ones: The Past, Present, and Future Spread (6 cards); When You Need a Quick Answer (4 cards); and The Pathways Spread (6 cards).



In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.

U.S.A. Birth Chart (a reprise)

The following is a post I originally made on July 4, 2014 to coincide with Independence Day here in the U.S.

It is about America’s birth chart and the Tarot cards that one could associate with that chart. Please note that I am not ignoring the fact that there were many nations on this continent long before the arrival of European settlers and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. I am choosing in this post to deal with the formal establishment of the United States of America in 1776.

After doing a bit of research, I quickly discovered that astrologers do not agree on the date and time (mostly the time) for which the birth chart of the U.S. should be cast. I won’t go into all of that here. You can do a search on the net and find out more than you probably want to know about it!

The two main variances seem to be the “Sibly chart,” originally published in 1787 by English astrologer, physician and herbalist, Ebenezer Sibly (1751-1799). Those who use this chart note that Sibly was alive at the time of the signing and therefore could have had access to information that is no longer available. The Sibly Chart, cast for July 4, 1776, 5:10 pm LMT (Local Mean Time), Philadelphia, PA, has Sagittarius rising.

In contrast, we have the “Gemini Rising Chart” for 02:13am, attributed to Evangeline Adams in the 1920s. This chart places Uranus (planet of rebellion and upheaval) exactly on the Ascendant. Some astrologers argue that this reflects the “birth” of America quite accurately, but opponents feel the chart does not depict the true nature of American character. Anthony Louis explained his support for this chart in a blog post in 2012: http://tonylouis.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/why-i-use-a-usa-gemini-rising-chart/

So… which chart shall I use for this post? In Tarot terms, using the astrological attributions developed by the Order of the Golden Dawn, I have a choice between Temperance (Sagittarius rising) and The Lovers (Gemini rising). I think I am going to go way out on a limb and not only choose the Gemini chart but use the Aleister Crowley Thoth deck (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) as my Tarot reference for this post.

This should be interesting…

Below is my chart for July 4, 1776, 02:13am LMT (Local Mean Time), Philadelphia, PA. I am using the Equal House System.

The Rising Sign, Gemini, is represented by The Lovers card. Because the planet Uranus sits on the Ascendant, I am pairing The Lovers with The Fool, which is linked with Uranus by modern occultists (Uranus had not yet been discovered when the Golden Dawn made its original astrological attributions, which attributed the element Air to The Fool).

In her book The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need (Taylor Trade Publishing), Joanna Martine Woolfolk writes, “Your Ascendant is the sign that reflects your outward demeanor and to a great extent determines how the outside world looks at you.” It often represents the “mask” we wear or the way we act when our defenses are up.

In the Thoth deck, we not only see “The Lovers” in Trump 6, we also see The Hermit officiating over the marriage depicted on the card between the Black King and White Queen. The Hermit (linked with the zodiac sign Virgo and the Hebrew letter Yod) contributes a creative, virile, fertile energy to this card.

Notice the white child standing with the Black King and the black child with the White Queen. These four figures together can be seen as representing the integration of opposites which, interestingly, is one of the themes of the Temperance card (Art in the Thoth deck), which is linked with Sagittarius, the rising sign in the Sibly Chart I mentioned earlier.

The Fool is commonly seen to represent birth, creation, the very beginning of something – perhaps a new idea, since the card is associated with the element Air by the Golden Dawn. On the Thoth card we don’t have The Fool gazing in the air as he steps off a cliff. However, the fact that The Fool on the Thoth card is being threatened by a tiger and a crocodile tells us that he is not in a “safe” situation, that there are risks involved, energies that may distract or block him from moving forward.

It appears that the colonies did try to reconcile the conflicting views held by the Mother Country and themselves. Indeed, before April 1775, many of the colonists hoped for reconciliation with King George III and Great Britain. But by the time the Declaration of Independence was signed, the relationship was damaged beyond repair and the colonies were ready to bring forth “a new nation conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” ~ (- Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 1863). That “new nation” is The Fool, independent, original, and ready to face an unknown future.

The Lovers card from the Thoth deck can be said to represent equality in that we see opposites being integrated or brought into balance. Neither the Black King nor the White Queen will rule over the other. To me, this actually foreshadows the argument of the abolitionists in the 1800s, who pointed out that the Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal” and that slavery was in conflict with that belief.

America’s Sun Sign is Cancer. In Tarot terms, this gives us The Sun and The Chariot.

In Astrology, the Sun in a birth chart represents our general character, our ego, our identity and sense of Self. In the Tarot, The Sun is a positive, strong card associated with freedom, happiness, and good health. In The Chariot we see triumph over adversity, self-control, moving forward and taking advantage of opportunities. Cancer is a Water sign known for being sensitive, nurturing, emotional, loyal, and protective. The connection between the sign and the card can be found in comparing the protective shell on the Cancer crab with the armor, helmet, and shield used by the charioteer. Also, Cancer is a cardinal sign, which gives it the qualities of action, leadership, and outgoing activity – all of which apply to The Chariot.

In The Chariot I see a “new nation” that is fortified, armored, and steeled for whatever lies ahead, determined to direct its own path and to remove any obstacles in its way. But the armor is only necessary because the creature wearing it is vulnerable and sensitive. Cancer is the sign of home and family, concepts Americans have always held dear. America will defend its homeland and its friends with armed force if necessary.

The Moon (The Priestess) is in Aquarius (The Star).

In Astrology, the Moon represents emotions, instincts, and the unconscious – the hidden aspects of the personality. In Astrology, the Moon rules the sign Cancer. The Priestess holds the Book of Mysteries on her lap, a book containing esoteric knowledge that can only be accessed using intuition, emotion, and the unconscious mind.

The sign Aquarius (which happens to be ruled in modern Astrology by Uranus) is known for innovation, humanitarianism, idealism, and intellect. Aquarians are often described as displaying rebellious, unusual, even shocking behavior.

The Star card in the Thoth deck features Nuith (Nuit) pouring the Water of Universal Life upon the fertile earth. Nuith is based on an Egyptian sky goddess, Nut, who was appropriated by Aleister Crowley for use in the Thelema pantheon. Crowley wrote: “Nuit is All that which exists, and the condition of that existence” and "Note that Heaven is not a place where Gods Live; Nuit is Heaven, itself."

To me, these qualities of Aquarius and The Star beautifully depict the inner spirit, emotions, and “unconscious mind” of the United States of America that was “born” on July 4, 1776 – the motivation and deepest emotional needs of the people who journeyed to and settled in the New World. What I am getting are the hope and faith and high ideals within so many of those who settled here: the sentiments that inspired the words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The Lovers (and The Fool) rising, The Chariot sun sign, and The Star moon sign together create a picture of this country that reflects the past, mirrors the present,  and offers hope for the future.

Happy Birthday, America!

The Energy of the Day: A Reading

For today’s blog entry I am doing a reading with a spread I saw in action over at Ellen’s blog, _Greylady’s Hearth_. Ellen has given permission for me to use the spread, which she came across years ago on line. If anyone knows where it originated, please feel free to let us know!

Let’s see what the Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) can tell me about today. I am placing the cards in this layout:

………….1…………..

2……………………..3

1 The energy of the day – QUEEN OF CUPS

Linked with the zodiac sign Scorpio (fixed water), the Queen of Cups leads me into “the paradoxical realm of feelings, the unfathomable regions of the soul, and a deep engagement with the unconscious” (Clark). Wow. With the influence of this Queen on the day, I have an opportunity to experience a transformation, “exorcizing the ghosts of the past and the haunting memories from unsatisfying relationships.” Again, wow. Emotional healing and increased stability are “in the cards” for me today, as Queens in general offer “The Stability of the Fixed Spirit.”

2 The challenge of the day – EIGHT OF CUPS

Fittingly, the Eight of Cups as a challenge represents the idea that “sacrifice needs to involve past feelings, expectations, or ideals, which no longer support our contemporary life” (Clark). I may feel a need to withdraw or I may experience feelings of depression as I try to process these feelings. This may involve self-examination in an effort to honestly reevaluate a past relationship that haunts me.

3 Gift of today – THE LOVERS

I love this as my Gift of today. For one thing, Gemini is my husband’s Sun sign, and I feel I am being encouraged to appreciate and acknowledge the “Gift” that he is. Clark writes: “The appearance of the card focuses on our balanced relationships, whether with a twin, soul mate, sibling, partner, or friend.” Yet it also “reveals the need to be mindful of separateness and differing agendas within relationships.” Today I have an opportunity to reflect on my relationship patterns and their complexities. This Gift can help me begin to find a balance between separateness and togetherness, not only in terms of a relationship with someone else, but within myself. It is intriguing to me to think of my “inner Self” as consisting of twins – identical in many ways yet very different in temperament, yet bonded to each other as One Self.

I really liked this spread when I read Ellen’s reading on her blog, and now that I’ve used it, I LOVE it! Look for more readings like this at Tarot Notes in the future.