By Adrienne Abeyta
This month's TarotScopes feature six different decks. Each deck is used twice. See the individual scopes for identification and publisher. - Ed.
April 2010 Forecast
Aries
Justice (10 of Cups)
A situation in the family calls for a careful examination of your priorities. Although circumstances are emotionally charged, you must maintain a dispassionate view of things. Certainly family concerns take priority, but when they begin to interfere with other important obligations, you need to reassess. Your involvement in family matters may also distract you from accomplishing other tasks. Be sure to balance your own responsibilities with those of others; codependent behaviors will thwart your efforts if you’re not attentive. Be aware of legal matters around the 12th and don’t try rescuing anyone.
Images used are from the Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti, published by Llewellyn Worldwide.
Taurus
Fool (King of Swords)
A battle between trust and control ensues as you encounter resistance from an authority figure. A situation you feel very comfortable with is suddenly interrupted by another person’s opinion. Before reacting, listen to what’s said. Best case, you could learn something valuable; worst case, you will reaffirm what you’re already doing. In either case, this challenges you to clarify your position on matters. Trust yourself enough to at least entertain the possibility of change. Control for the sake of power is limiting, even when you know you’re right. A seemingly ridiculous offer around the 14th is more lucrative than you’d imagine.
Images used are from the Ancestral Path Tarot by Julie Cuccia-Watts, published by in 1996 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Gemini
Devil (Ace of Cups)
When what you value becomes superficially admired by someone else, it’s often the case that you put the person on a pedestal. Similarly, when you become consumed with something, you also become bound to it. A situation you feel deeply about is taking more of your energy than it’s giving back. Notice how your feelings have changed from satisfaction to obligation. Rather than blame a person or events, take responsibility for how you have contributed to this state of affairs. It’s unrealistic to expect any one thing or person to fulfill you. The weekend of the 16th will bring you face-to-face with this dilemma.
Images used are from the Bohemian Gothic standard edition created by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov (Magic Realist Press).
Cancer
Wheel of Fortune (5 of Wands)
Changes and new opportunities are always available; however, to take advantage of them, you’re the one that needs to move toward them. Be honest about how your problems might be serving you by asking yourself: “If I didn’t have this problem holding me back, what would I be doing.” You may realize that what you’re really resisting is the responsibility of having the very thing you wish for. Ironically, problems are buffers and excuses that disguise themselves as roadblocks. Stop spinning aimlessly and commit to a direction. The chance you’ve been waiting for presents itself around the 18th, so go for it!
Images used are from the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy, copyright Lo Scarabeo, Torino. USA distribution through Llewellyn Worldwide.
Leo
Hanged Man (King of Cups)
A great paradox in life is that what you resist persists. In your refusal to accept a situation or person, you inadvertently commit yourself to the charge of that feeling. Emotions are full of energy and energy cannot be destroyed; it can, however, be changed. A seemingly hopeless situation around the 20th offers a catalyst for growth, but to take advantage of it, you must be willing let go of your defenses and excuses. There’s a lot of movement in this thank you realize specifically pertaining to your perspective. Don’t look at things like a problem; look at them like a puzzle.
Images used are from the Mythic Tarot created by Liz Greene and Juliet Sharman-Burke, published by Simon & Schuster.
Virgo
Judgment (5 of Cups)
Feelings of regret only block your opportunity to learn and heal. Mistakes are the fertilizer from which great accomplishments are grown. You’re not always going to get it right, but the degree to which you do your best will yield the most positive results. A loss around the 22nd brings up feelings of failure. It’s important to allow yourself to grieve through the process. The stages of grief are denial, bargaining, anger, depression and acceptance. Recognize where you are by giving expression to the associated feelings. Things don’t happen to us – they happen for us.
Images used are from the Ship of Fools Tarot by Brian Williams, published by in 2002 by Llewellyn Worldwide.
Libra
Death (6 of Wands)
Each passage of time is accompanied by a period of grief or celebration. It’s usually during these stages that a person becomes colored by the experience. You will encounter an exciting change around the 24th which positively effects your self-esteem. This might come in the form of a promotion, a proposal, or an award. In any case, this calls for celebration. More subtly, a personal goal will be realized when something you have been striving to let go of finally falls away. Use this period to connect with a deeper sense of personal glory.
Images used are from the Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti, published by Llewellyn Worldwide.
Scorpio
Empress (Knight of Cups)
Love is a mystery. The lessons of love, however, are most dramatically experienced when there is an object for affection. When emotions are aroused, you could be swept away by them, and, depending on the response you receive, your feelings can either intensify, fizzle out or be transferred. Note how those feelings carry you, what they awaken in you and how you channel them. Near the end of the month, you’ll encounter a charming individual or tempting situation; don’t underestimate the opportunity or you may miss out on a heart lesson. For Scorpio artists, inspiration will bring about success if you let it.
Images used are from the Ancestral Path Tarot by Julie Cuccia-Watts, published by in 1996 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Sagittarius
Moon (Ace of Wands)
When you focus on your inner world, a light of illumination can emerge out of the dark. Although subtle and somewhat fleeting, the resulting feelings can motivate you into action. Insight and imagination are born from the invisible realm of the subconscious; to access this and turn it into something tangible, you must grab hold of it and make it yours. A seemingly ambiguous situation around the 1st has more clarity than you’re admitting; rather than trying to find the answers, be flexible and spontaneous. There’s untapped potential that requires a little magic and risk-taking on your behalf.
Images used are from the Bohemian Gothic standard edition created by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov (Magic Realist Press).
Capricorn
Hierophant (7 of Swords)
Social conventions and traditions are thought to serve a purpose that can be trusted over time, but when these norms conflict with personal experience, a battle can arise. You are faced with the expectations of social norms to follow the rules; however, this month your own colliding opinions cause a moral crisis. If you are sneaky about how you handle this, it might backfire with undesirable consequences. Use this conflict to communicate your thoughts and experiences; although there may be a differing of opinions, your self-respect and integrity will remain intact. An error in the system causes unforeseen problems around the 3rd.
Images used are from the Ancient Tarot of Lombardy, copyright Lo Scarabeo, Torino. USA distribution through Llewellyn Worldwide.
Aquarius
Star (2 of Cups)
Balance and harmony are not merely mental representations; they are physical, emotional and spiritual experiences evident in the relationships of nature, our bodies and the people around us. Healing is also based upon this redistribution of energy. If you want to improve something, you must create a balance between yourself and the other. An important reconciliation occurs during the first week of the month which lands you and another person in a much better place. Take this time to heal old resentments and go past your comfort zone to make amends for past mistakes.
Images used are from the Mythic Tarot created by Liz Greene and Juliet Sharman-Burke, published by Simon & Schuster.
Pisces
Lovers (2 of Swords)
Relationships are a series of choices – all of which have consequences. If you choose a person or situation that you know will not fulfill your needs, then the consequence is a dysfunctional relationship. Do not be blinded by black and white thinking of passion vs. safety. Love is a choice. If you can identify your needs and honestly express them, the logical consequence is a healthy relationship – not perfect nor set in stone, but authentic and more fulfilling. Evaluate your relationships and determine which, if any, require adjusting. If nothing more, take responsibility for your part.
Images used are from the Ship of Fools Tarot by Brian Williams, published by in 2002 by Llewellyn Worldwide.