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.
Aries
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Magician (Nine of Pentacles)
You've got the magic touch this month. Focused energy and strong resources give you the power to create abundantly in several desired areas. The time is right for the fruits of your past labors to be plucked, but if you procrastinate, your harvest will spoil and rot. Follow through with your projects and obligations, and be prepared to see big changes. Be mindful not to overspend your earnings on trivial souvenirs. On a personal note, be sure to honor someone's seemingly small achievement; your recognition will give them the confidence they need to keep going.
Images from The Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan and John Matthews with Will Worthington published by Sterling Ethos.
Taurus
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Wheel of Fortune (Ace of Pentacles)
A new phase is developing in the realm of the material relating to work, finances or your body. It could be a pregnancy, relationship, or you might be considering pursuing something in the realm of health. This is also a great time to initiate any plans for expansion and to collect the rewards of your small investments. If given the chance to gamble, go for it. You will likely receive money or notoriety from a creative venture you undertook this year. You will either see positive results from past networking, or you’ll make future connections when you follow up on past efforts.
Images from the Joie de Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Gemini
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High Priestess (3 of Swords)
Wisdom is often concealed in the illusion of pain. Your mind, when aggravated, begins to search for deeper meaning, and at this time a painful perception will reveal an unwanted truth. Unfortunately, this may cause a situation in which you feel betrayed. However, in facing your greatest fears and past sorrows, you have the divine ability to learn about yourself. It’s only from your human perspective of pain that you turn away from important lessons - thus causing anguish. Remember the most heartbreaking experience of your life and notice the amazing insights that were birthed as a result.
Images from the Dragons Tarot published by Lo Scarabeo for Llewellyn Worldwide.
Cancer
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Devil (Queen of Wands)
Pride can obscure your ability to see the truth, especially when your independence prevents you from accepting the support of others. You don’t always need to be the rescuer; in fact, sometimes by accepting help, you allow others to recognize their own power. Detach from your need to be perceived as strong and you will begin to feel the deep love you desire. You will likely face your vulnerability as well. Take note of how you avoid responsibility by denying that there’s a problem, and don't be surprised if the person you’re protecting turns around and bites the hand feeding them – yours.
Images from the Golden Tarot by Kat Black and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Leo
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Emperor (Six of Wands)
Acting with dignity is the surest means to achieve respect from both others and yourself. People who you hold in high esteem will see your growing confidence and they will likely honor or reward you as a result. You may get that raise, bonus or promotion you have been wanting. You’ll succeed if what you seek is in alignment with your values because you will still be who you are whether or not you achieve or acquire something. When you regard yourself with integrity, so will others. You’re in a position to help someone close; be it materially or spiritually.
Images from the Tarot of Dreams by Ciro Marchetti.
Virgo
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Temperance (5 of Pentacles)
Through the integration of personal experiences a self-image is built. Although it’s more convenient to identify with what’s positive, it’s more common to hold on to the negative. An example is how people commiserate and complain about their woes. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, make an effort to transform it into something meaningful. When you feel fearful of losing something or someone, realize that loss will create space. To connect with this inner knowing, it is necessary to find harmony in opposition. Like a chef combines ingredients, so must you to make the most of your life.
Images from the Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov, published by Magic Realist Press.
Libra
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World (Six of Cups)
Emotional memories from the past may trigger feelings of nostalgia. Rather than getting caught up in the “used to” or “should have” woes, find relevance in the present. This could be a great indicator of unresolved issues. With reflection, you’re likely to free yourself from the past – either by accepting, forgiving or acknowledging. Family dynamics, although complex, will change when you decide to change your perspective on them. In your relationship, this may suggest a new development – a beginning or end. Marriage, children and commitment are also a possibility during this time. Make a special note to honor your siblings.
Images from The Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan and John Matthews with Will Worthington published by Sterling Ethos.
Scorpio
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Strength (4 of Pentacles)
In your attempt to establish yourself in the world, you’ve depended upon the strength of your character to survive. It’s time to bring forward and utilize some less-refined qualities. You are a mixture of many different aspects, none of which is wholly good or bad. However, choosing to adopt one over the others banishes important parts of yourself. Maintaining the status quo may be important, but it can easily breed complacency and deprive you of a dynamic life. Loosen your hold and give in a bit to the pressure – at least then you can mindfully unleash some pent up passion.
Images from the Joie de Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Sagittarius
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Hanged Man (5 of Swords)
Feeling trapped is an illusion, for life is perpetual and stops for nothing. Ego leads you to believe that you’re a victim of your life. In your attempt to control, you resist, and this is the cause of suffering. It is at this point that you’re called to rise above the circumstances and let go. Facing your own limitations is humbling and teaches you that life is a paradox. Using the power of acceptance to face life challenges, you can adjust your perspective to any situation, therefore alleviating suffering. Peace comes through your ability to see the larger picture.
Images from the Dragons Tarot published by Lo Scarabeo for Llewellyn Worldwide.
Capricorn
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Lovers (2 of Swords)
Every thought, deed or action (past or present) creates a karmic consequence. Thus, your choices are not always as conscious as you might think. Making conscious choices requires a peaceful mindset, unfettered by fear and desire. When faced with a decision, take note of which emotion is driving your choices; this will likely determine the effect of your cause. For example, if you stay in a relationship out of fear, then that will be the foundation and magnet for the experience. Indecision and over-analysis are simply avoidance. Every experience is an extension of you. Be honest and take responsibility for your part.
Images from the Golden Tarot by Kat Black and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Aquarius
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Justice (8 of Swords)
Allowing yourself to be influenced by others’ beliefs, fears and judgments leads you to uphold a standard you don’t necessarily agree with. Why abandon your power to be judged by society, religion, parents or anyone else? When you do so, your mental attitude will slowly suffocate your willpower and you’ll become a puppet to fear. It requires great courage to follow your own truth. In doing so, you become aware of the nuances of right and wrong; what’s right for one may be wrong for another. By adjusting your perspective and following your own truth, you’re living authentically and transcending judgment.
Images from the Tarot of Dreams by Ciro Marchetti.
Pisces
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Hierophant (Knight of Cups)
Life is an enigma; the more you learn the less you know – that is, until you begin asking the important questions. While the quest to discover deeper meaning is inherent, the paths often searched are either safe or serve only to reinforce what you already know. For example, if compassion is your lesson, then you must experience each end of that polarity; you’ll be hurt and you’ll hurt another as a way of fully understanding its meaning. It’s empowering to understand a deeper meaning, but sometimes unsettling to see it expressed. Don’t sacrifice the lesson for the illusion of comfort.
Images from the Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov, published by Magic Realist Press.