By Adrienne Abeyta
This month's TarotScopes feature six different decks. Each deck is used twice. See the individual scopes for identification and publisher.
January Forecast
Aries
Temperance (Knight of Pentacles)
In the process of planning for the future, it’s important to strive for realistic goals. Ambition without pragmatism is often futile. Before veering too far off the path, take inventory of what you’re currently invested in. More needs to develop, so it’s wiser to be patient than eager at the moment. The efforts you do make this month will pay off threefold – if you add the necessary ingredients. This is no one-shot production; you’ll need to creatively sort and blend your resources. If you must appeal to someone for help, be sure you’re organized first.
Images used are from the Tarot of the Magical Forest created by Hsu Chi Chun with artist Leo Tang and writer Giovanni Pelosini, published by Lo Scarabeo and available through Llewellyn Worldwide.
Taurus
Empress (6 of Swords)
Birth and creativity are intimately tied together in a way that makes everyone an artist and a mother. The dilemma, however, is that you are placed in these roles whether you like it or not. The thoughts you nurture eventually give birth to offspring, coloring your life with splendor or tedium – it is your choice. Place emphasis on thoughts that bring you joy and you’ll be blessed with a successful harvest. A trip or move involving your mother will yield interesting results. If you’re asked to help, be sure to do so. Those encumbered by financial hardship will find solutions around the 22nd.
Images used are from the Tarot de Paris created by J. Phillip Thomas, published by InSpira Editions.
Gemini
Emperor (5 of Pentacles)
Take command of your problems this month rather than giving in to worry. Nothing will hold you back as much as being afraid to act. Although circumstances appear bleak, you’ll have the upper hand if you can move through your fear. Letting others’ problems concern you could sidetrack you from your own goals. Careful strategies and hard work go a long way in planning this year’s harvest; there are no corners worth cutting right now. The last week of the month, an authority figure in your life may let you down, but don’t worry – it’s only temporary.
Images used are from the Cartomanzia Italiana con Tarocchi Del 19 Sec. made in Italy and distributed in the USA by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Cancer
Chariot (8 of Swords)
Trapped in indecision? Not sure which way is right? Forget about weighing the pros and cons and just act. Courage is essential now as you remove yourself from the problem. Without beating yourself up, be honest about how you’ve contributed to this issue. This problem is not about what will happen as much as it is when something will happen. You might want to cut your losses while you can and let go of your ego attachments. Your mind can work miracles when it serves the greater good; anything less is a selfish agenda. The full moon on the 29th heralds a memorable event.
Images used are from the Sheridan Douglas Tarot, by Jo Sheridan and Alfred Douglas, published by Sheridan Douglas Press.
Leo
Hierophant (Page of Pentacles)
Higher learning is on the horizon: school, trainings, certifications, spiritual teachings and/or personal study. Take the time to immerse yourself in something meaningful to enrich your life. You may also find yourself in the role of mentor, which will also result in rich learning. As you engage in the process of learning, you’ll find that there are also unconventional ways to find knowledge. When you listen, you’ll hear the story of the world – even in the most unlikely places. Seeking advice around the 1st of the month will reveal surprising answers – don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know.
Images used are from the Archeon Tarot, by Timothy Lantz, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Virgo
Devil (8 of Wands)
The road to hell is paved with temptation and good intentions; reserve the right to avoid both. A way out of a tough situation will suddenly be revealed; although this solution requires selling your soul to you-know-who. No matter how bad it is now, it will only get worse if you pick the easy way out. Feeling bored in your relationship? Tired of getting overlooked at work? Refrain from making any impulsive decisions for the sake of instant gratification. An artificially sweet intention around the 3rd could turn into poison by the end of the month – be sure it’s not yours.
Images used are from the White Light Tarot, by Jessica Fisher Willson, published by Sylphar Press.
Libra
Hanged Man (3 of Cups)
Your patience (whether voluntary or not) will be rewarded with the emotional treat of happiness. Enjoy this celebration while you can because there’s more hard work ahead. Those who linger too long in pleasure will face a consequence of loss. Near the 5th, a seemingly hopeless situation takes a turn for the better relating to marriage or health. Don’t be surprised if your mood takes on several colors throughout the month. The internal forecast predicts a variety of weather patterns; you’re goal is to simply observe the emotions without being attached; let them rise and fall like the tide.
Images used are from the Tarot of the Magical Forest created by Hsu Chi Chun with artist Leo Tang and writer Giovanni Pelosini, published by Lo Scarabeo and available through Llewellyn Worldwide.
Scorpio
Star (Ace of Cups)
Create visions in sync with your heart, for anything less will generate temporary results. There is much to be learned when you listen to the silence. Take time to sit quietly, breathe deeply and trust that you are the creator of your life. An emotional encounter around the 9th will remind you of your past; do not waste energy in remorse or sentimentality. Instead, reflect upon how this experience has changed your concept of self and life. If you’re dealing with an illness, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel when you set your inner sight on it.
Images used are from the Tarot de Paris created by J. Phillip Thomas, published by InSpira Editions.
Sagittarius
Judgment (7 of Wands)
Karma is often misunderstood as the consequences of our actions: cause and effect in the manifest. Karma, however, doesn’t only respond to your actions – it also responds to your convictions. Notice how your life reflects the internal frame of reference you hold. The notion of right and wrong is simply your opinion; it is the consensus from which laws and truth are professed. Take account of your actions and thoughts. Do they serve you as the person you want to be? Be careful how strongly you commit yourself to being right, because it could cost you something very valuable this month.
Images used are from the Cartomanzia Italiana con Tarocchi Del 19 Sec. made in Italy and distributed in the USA by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Capricorn
Tower (King of Wands)
Contrary to what you may believe, even the strongest structures are susceptible to ruin. In an attempt to protect your assets, you try your best to maintain the status quo, but it won’t work this time. Something will fall and, in the process, a trusted means of security will come tumbling down. You may not be able to avoid loss, but you can make the most of what is left. The Solar eclipse on the 14th teaches that you are not what happens to you; rather, you are what you choose to become as a result.
Images used are from the Sheridan Douglas Tarot, by Jo Sheridan and Alfred Douglas, published by Sheridan Douglas Press.
Aquarius
Wheel of Fortune (2 of Cups)
People enter and leave your life at meaningful times; however, it’s possible to overlook the magical threshold of one phase turning into the next. Change is on the horizon, and as your life turns, you’re also turned into a new person, subtle as it may be. This time beckons events such as marriage, birth, death, reunion, separation and reconciliations. It’s best to avoid trying to control people and events since it usually results in frustration and a half-lived life. The weekend of the 15th will bring a catalyst for change!
Images used are from the Archeon Tarot, by Timothy Lantz, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Pisces
Sun (7 of Pentacles)
Failure is a mindset that permeates both the conscious and subconscious mind. When you choose not to act due to fear, the potential for failure is not really avoided, it’s postponed. You’ve reached the pinnacle of a project and need to gather the courage to move further or let go. All your hard work should be celebrated, not just the results of your actions. Success is guaranteed in all endeavors when you concentrate on the quality of your work. For those waiting for a green light, the middle of the month brings a fresh opportunity. Don’t think about the “what if’s” – just do it!
Images used are from the White Light Tarot, by Jessica Fisher Willson, published by Sylphar Press.