A Publication of the American Tarot Association
By Adrienne Abeyta
Carrying on their "Olympic" battle, the TarotScopes this month features cards from the Rider-Waite and the Tarot de Marseilles. The Universal Waite published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Tarot de Marseille, Spanish and German version published by Grimaud.
Strength (5 of Swords) Your courage will be tested this month as familiar challenges arise. A situation you’ve been ignoring will present what seems like an impossible task. It would be better to refrain from an aggressive posture; yield to this opposition and you will find a valuable solution. Around the 19th, an emotionally charged situation will provoke you to resort to underhanded actions. Be aware that this test will have serious consequences; respond with integrity instead of reacting. For those in a troubled relationship, surrender your pride and look at the issue from the other person’s perspective.
Magician (King of Wands) A magical month indeed! Take action on your ideas, build your dreams, and pursue your goals. You are in a position of great power this month and others know it. Your abilities to persuade, sell, and manipulate are top notch, so use them! After all, manipulation can be a very creative activity. Focus your attention on what you want to achieve and don’t allow the opinions of others to cloud your judgment. Don’t overlook strange coincidences the weekend of the 22nd: this may be your window of opportunity.
Emperor (6 of Wands) You will be rewarded for all your hard work, whether your effort was focused at work, with your family, on a project, or on yourself. While you may recently have felt that your work has gone unnoticed, the fruits of your labor have bloomed and those around you want to share in the celebration. What’s most impressive is your commitment and consistency to your goal. Don’t be ashamed to flaunt this; in fact, be sure that people know how proud you are. The week of the 25th is a great time to ask for a raise or vacation.
Fool (3 of Swords) A problematic situation may worsen this month if you don’t take immediate action. Look around and see what you are missing; don’t be too sure of yourself. Be sure your own actions are just. By the end of the month you will uncover a betrayal by a so-called ally. It would be best to keep your private affairs private. Do not be surprised by the enormous changes this betrayal triggers. Furthermore, ask yourself if it was for the better that this occurred. After the crisis, there will be plenty of time to reflect.
Wheel of Fortune (Knight of Wands) What started as a small inspiration is on its way to a grand vision. The solar eclipse on the 1st is an auspicious omen of future gain; however, the thoughts you give attention to will grow, whether or not they are positive. If you’re motivated by fear or lack, that’s exactly what you’ll create. Channel your feelings into productive behavior that supports you. Most importantly, take this time to explore exciting ideas and experiences. From this a new phase of life and a new image of yourself will emerge.
Moon (5 of Pentacles) There is nothing to fear when you believe in yourself – a powerful cliché too often ignored. An unknown territory is just around the corner, and though the temptation may be to turn back, you must venture forward. This month will present inescapable fears and insecurities, most of which are related to finances. Your test is to develop new resources for dealing with these annoyances. Remember that they are nothing more than illusions distracting you from what’s most important. A minor health concern at the beginning of the month is nothing more than stress, so remain calm and breathe!
Judgment (5 of Wands) It may feel like you’ve been beating your head against a brick wall as nothing seems to move in the direction you desire. All these complications are the consequences from previous actions. As you realize this, you will find that you still have choices and room for movement. The week of the 8th brings power struggles with others. There’s no need to prove your point, just move on. Unfair as it may be, there is more freedom in accepting what is and starting again. If you’re looking for new employment, you might want to shift the direction of your search.
High Priestess (2 of Pentacles) You are experiencing a state of flux this month, and though it feels uncertain, there is a natural cycle emerging. It is important to align yourself with goals that are most sacred to you. Anything sought for the sake of status or pride will be stripped away from you. Those involved in secret relationships or covert operations should be careful this month as things have a way of slipping out. Also, this is not a great time to make any financial investments; if something looks too good – chances are that it is!
Lovers (2 of Wands) A new relationship with a person or a situation offers fresh possibilities. Your life’s direction is about to change. You will be faced with choices that will stretch your comfort zone. Consider the effect your decision has on those closest to you. Do not let concerns about passion or security influence you too much, and examine what your motives say about who you are. Remember: it’s not what you do that defines you, but rather why you do it! Those in a love affair, the weekend of the 9th could bring an encore of July’s fireworks.
Sun (10 of Swords) To see the radiance of the light you must clean the cobwebs from the windows. Your perception has become muddied by your destructive thoughts and emotions of resentment, anger, desperation, and fear. Although these are simply feelings, they are preventing you from moving on. The week of the 12th may be explosive. Use this energy constructively to dismantle your fortress of negativity. You must change your inner vision in order to affect your outer circumstances. Take a look at your emotional attachments and you’ll be surprised by the amount of “clutter” you have.
Justice (6 of Swords) It’s harder to have a balanced mind when you won’t consider constructive criticism. When striving for peace this month, don’t disregard the opinions of others. When confronted with someone’s opinion of your character, you can either defend yourself or accept it. The latter will provide you with powerful material for reflection – the secret ingredient for a calm mind. However, the Lunar Eclipse on the 16th is especially strong, so take extra precautions if you’re traveling. Also, steer clear of people you’re not too fond of because you’ll be more reactive at that time.
World (8 of Wands) It’s a great time to tie up any loose ends and get to those tasks you’ve been avoiding. This month will fly by, and if you’re not keeping up, there will be a price to pay. For you dreamers, this could be a potentially successful time for your visions, but you must apply action now! By the week of the 18th, what you’ve prepared will successfully come to completion and you will be rewarded! For those in a relationship, this is a great time to rekindle the passion by… wait, do I hear wedding bells? Could be!
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Tarot Reflections is published by the American Tarot Association - Copyright (C) 2008
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