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.
October 2010 Forecast
Aries
Star (King of Swords)
Faith is an enigma, not a concept to be intellectually understood. Because it is abstract, you must let go of the need for an explanation and trust the symbolic meaning. Give your mind a focus that does not involve the future or past, allow it to channel the impressions it naturally absorbs, then simply observe. As you become the master of your mind, you will live in the moment with acceptance and curiosity, not judgment and fear. A tough situation around the 20th will require more than a cool strategy. Before executing solutions, sit with the dilemma and see what unfolds.
Images used are from the Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Taurus
Hierophant (Knight of Wands)
Your urge to break from the norm might conflict with your need to preserve the status quo. Ask yourself if this stimulus could be a meaningful factor in your personal growth. Excitement is paramount when you are on the verge of change, so take note of these seemingly erratic impulses. They whisper of truth, no matter how absurd they sound. Take small risks and do things reason tells you are fine, but worry wants you to avoid – such as sharing your opinions or reaching higher in your career. It’s likely that this month will mark the beginning of a goal set in motion.
Images used are from the Necronomicon Tarot by Donald Tyson, illustrated by Anne Stokes and published by Llewellyn Worldwide.
Gemini
Emperor (8 of Swords)
In a primitive sense, trying to control circumstances and people may offer a temporary feeling of safety. However, with awareness, you will learn that you can only truly control your responses and reactions, and that what you focus your energy on dictates the quality of your interaction with life. Where you’re currently feeling trapped, you might ask yourself whether you’re directing your energy efficiently or relinquishing your power to an excuse, an outside influence, a mindset or a fear. The challenge is not in acquiring power, but in directing it and accepting responsibility for all that you create.
Images used are from The Vampire Tarot by Robert M. Place and published by St. Martin's Press.
Cancer
Judgment (7 of Cups)
Getting beyond illusions is probably one of the hardest lessons in life. Similarly, continuously searching for pleasant experiences only leads to a path of longing. To live in balance is to acknowledge what is without needing to avoid or cling. Freedom is awaiting you when you’re willing to let go of fantasies. The euphoria of life is to be fully present to pure experience without being captured by it. Be real about the quality of your life. As you focus on more meaningful matters, you become more available to live – come what may.
Images used are from the Tarot of the Magical Forest by Lo Scarabeo and distributed through Llewellyn Worldwide.
Leo
Lovers (6 of Pentacles)
Relationships are the perfect mirror for pointing out values, strengths and weaknesses. Notice how what you admire in another is also something you want or value. It’s also true, although not as easily accepted, that what is disliked in others often reflects unsavory aspects in you. To a degree, people reflect back to you the self-image you have created. As you judge them, you also subconsciously judge yourself. Look closely at your relationships for the underlying dynamic. You may discover that you are more involved with a projection or expectation of that person than with the actual person. Issues regarding fairness will likely prompt a heated discussion.
Images used are from The Archeon Tarot by Timothy Lantz and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Virgo
Magician (8 of Pentacles)
You’re full of unrecognized potential, simmering over with capabilities that are unknown, yet somehow familiar. And, as you gravitate to areas that ignite your passion, you will diligently perfect your skills. Through focused energy, you’re able to develop these talents and fully express yourself. You’re unique flair can be put to good use when refined through further study or practice. This is a great time to begin cultivating this gift and imagining how you might earn something for it. You are the master of your own providence and as you become aligned with this truth, you’ll actualize your greatest dreams.
Images used are from the Halloween Tarot by Kipling West and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Libra
Temperance (5 of Wands)
As you know, life is about balance; which is not to say that differences are unimportant or that there’s a universal right and wrong. The totality of life experience is born out of the tension of opposites, but when you’re accepting and open, you have more clarity for resolution of that tension. The art to creating balance requires your discernment and flexibility amidst a constant state of change. There’s always room for adjustment if you’re willing to compromise. The struggles you’re experiencing can be resolved with a dose of compassion and creativity. If you feel blocked, find another route.
Images used are from the Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Scorpio
Devil (7 of Pentacles)
It’s dangerous to become a slave to your attachments or to measure your worth by possessions or status, just as it’s dangerous to assume others judge you by what you do or have. Aren’t you tired of preserving something that is artificial? Wouldn’t you like to shatter this image? Something heavy in life is dulling your natural spark. You’ve become more concerned with what you do than who you are and this has you chained to an illusion. Let go of burdensome activities and take the time to explore other ventures. You will be amazed at who you really are.
Images used are from the Necronomicon Tarot by Donald Tyson, illustrated by Anne Stokes and published by Llewellyn Worldwide.
Sagittarius
Strength (Five of Swords)
Power is often thought of as an ability to control or stop a difficult situation. Ironic as it may be, this force of energy often overwhelms the very resources needed to solve a problem. Challenges can be opportunities in disguise. To be aware of this, however, you must stay with the uncomfortable feelings long enough to see the opportunities. Strength is a quiet determination, unfolding from the inside and illuminating your personal boundaries. A power struggle around the 10th will test your ability to relinquish control. In this case, it is wiser to accept your limitations than prove your point.
Images used are from The Vampire Tarot by Robert M. Place and published by St. Martin's Press.
Capricorn
Hermit (10 of Pentacles)
One of the most baffling ironies is that, although we are ultimately alone in this enormous universe, we are at the same time all one: a uni-verse. The feeling of separateness is often the root cause for sadness, anxiety and depression. Your mind can keep you trapped if you identify yourself too strongly with your body, possessions, relationships and/or status. To become aware of yourself in the context of the whole is to understand your deeper connection to all things, and, eventually, how you fit in. Find personal ways to honor yourself and the world.
Images used are from the Tarot of the Magical Forest by Lo Scarabeo and distributed through Llewellyn Worldwide.
Aquarius
Justice (7 of Swords)
Breaking through self-made illusions can be very difficult, especially when social politics shadow authentic expression. In a world plagued by empty values, theory has replaced action – personal worth is based on competition and people profess truth without conviction. This month, use honesty like a sword to skim away the film of superficiality. However, acknowledge your own masks before exposing those of others. If you cling too tightly to principles, you’re likely to lose a relationship; never be too proud to give or accept an apology. Be aware that around the 15th a verbal agreement you made last month could be proven to be fraudulent.
Images used are from The Archeon Tarot by Timothy Lantz and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Pisces
Fool (Page of Wands)
An unexpected message will almost fall from the sky and change your perception of reality. This could appear in the form of many things, and the excitement it generates will be a shock to your way of life. Get out of your own way and embrace the unknown, for something larger than you can fathom will come from this experience. Don’t be surprised by the random events that occur – it’s all part of the fun. A note of caution to those with compulsive behaviors: if it looks too good to be true – it is! Take care to avoid impulsive purchases.
Images used are from the Halloween Tarot by Kipling West and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.