tarotbyhic

Mercury Retrograde
2 ~ 26 August

Some great suggestions for how to take advantage of this (or any) Mercury Retrograde :

Check out the full article here :
http://articles.coventrycreations.com/index.php/component/content/article/16-monthly-forcast/90-thirteen-ways-mercury-retrograde-is-your-friend.html
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This month’s deck : Voyager Tarot by James Wanless

A note on reading these TarotScopes. If you have had your astrological natal chart done, then you can use your sun, rising and moon signs to get a more well rounded sense of your month.

Your rising sign is how you act in the world.
Your sun sign indicates your ego/self-identity as well as your deepest goals and wants in life (or, in this case, the primary goals and desires for the month).
Your moon sign is your emotional self, how we respond emotionally and what we feel.

Combine the TarotScopes for all three of those, and you get a much clearer picture of the energies affecting you for the month and the areas in which those energies will be most prevalent. If you only know your sun sign, that's fine and you can just go with that. If you would like to know your other signs, then I would suggest that you simply visit a website (it's free! 8) such as www.astro.com.

Wow and Whoa days.

Wow days are ones that have a strongly positive, supportive, productive, successful energy to them.
Whoa days are ones that may be a bit more problematic and challenging, perhaps days to avoid major decisions, projects, etc.

(Please note : these days are based on cards pulled for each of the days in the month rather than astrologically determined.)

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Herb ally and affirmation from The Spirit of Herbs by Michael Tierra & Candis Cantin

There are many ways to use and access the energies of an herbal ally. Some suggestions are : If you can ingest the herb in some form (directly, as an herbal essence or flower essence, as a supplement, as a tea), that is the quickest and most direct way to bring that energy into you and into your life; carry a bit of the herb around in a small pouch in your pocket or around your neck; put some of the herb or its essential oil in a bath; burn the herb as an incense, or diffuse the essential oil of the herb; use the essential oil of the herb (or the powdered form) to coat a candle and imbue that candle with the energy of the herb; bring the plant itself into your space (inside or outside) in order to infuse the space with the energy of that plant. Most of the herbs here are fairly easy to acquire in one form or another. If you are having trouble finding one, all of them are available (often in multiple forms) through http://www.botanical.com . [ note from HiC : if you have questions on how to use candles for these or other purposes, get in touch with HiC at tarotbyhic@sbcglobal.net ]
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If you would like to expand on how the information presented here may manifest in your life and how you can be working with it in the best way possible, then contact HiC for a one on one reading. At any particular moment, we can do a reading about any issue(s) going on in your life to understand what is going on and how to best navigate through it, make the best decision(s), head down the right path. A personal reading can offer you Insight, Information, Enlightenment and Empowerment along your life’s path. Should you feel in need of any or all of those at any time, then contact HiC for a personal reading.

Readings : HiC is a professional Tarot Conversationalist and Ritualist. He is available for readings in person, by phone, via email, webcam/skype, or audio CD. He is also available to do readings at parties and events.
Classes and Workshops : HiC is also available to teach classes and workshops on a variety of topics (Tarot, ritual, magic, herbs and oils 101, and other topics).
Parties & Events : He is also happy to make Tarot a part of your party or event. Create a party that includes mini-readings for your guests. They can pay individually or you pay for the event. From bachelorette parties to teen parties to themes to birthdays to...the possibilities are limited only by your imagination and creativity.
Rituals : HIC is also happy to assist with ritual creation (from a simple 5-minute ritual to a more complex ritual) in order to aid you in manifesting your will and intention in such a way as to create yourself and your world according to how you would like them to be. He can also create rituals suited to a particular theme or event (wedding, birthday, rite of passage, etc).

You can contact HiC via email at tarotbyhic @ sbcglobal . net
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ARIES
Sage of Worlds (master)
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Dill
I sweep away all darkness and depression, and with joy I open myself to new thoughts and ideas.

Wow days : 8, 10, 11, 19, 20, 26, 28+, 30, 31
Whoa days : 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13+, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29+

Ask yourself this month, « Is it really worth it ? Am I prepared for the unexpected ? Am I appreciating what I have rather than always trying to get more ? Are my resources going to things that are truly valuable and worthwhile ? »

The reversal of this card suggests that you may lack a sense of control over your life and the events that are happening in it this month. You are at the mercy of others, or of Fate, and this may cause you to feel a bit unstable and insecure. Be careful not to make decisions or take actions as a reaction to that feeling of instability and insecurity. However, this is a card that can indicate a lack of mastery or control over your material world and material resources; therefore, you may have a tendency towards spending or purchasing things that are not necessary or go beyond what you can afford right now. You may need to take some time out to reassess where your resources are going and whether they are going to things that are valuable, worthwhile, and substantial rather than simply going to things that are momentary without any real lasting value, worth or need. You may not get paid in a timely manner for work you’ve done, or there may be someone who is trying to renegotiate after the work is already completed. There may also be some unexpected expenses due to circumstances beyond your control (especially as might relate to your physical environment, such as your home or possessions, or your physical health), so stick with the budget and make sure you are putting what you can in to an emergency fund now rather than thinking you need to establish one but will start doing that later. Be extremely careful who you are entrusting your finances and material belongings to this month, as this card reversed suggests that someone may either be scamming you or taking advantage of you or cheating you in some way (their gain, your loss, basically), or they will not take good care of what you loan them and it may get damaged or lost. This may be a month where you are feeling overworked and underpaid, or that you are being a workaholic at the expense of other areas and relationships in your life. This is also a card that reminds you to relax, that you don’t have to have every minute of your day filled up with something to do and that a little downtime and not doing anything is good for the body and the soul.

TAURUS
4 of Worlds (commencement)
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Wild Ginger
I have within me the capacity to rise to any challenge and surmount any obstacle.

Wow days : 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 17, 19, 22, 24, 27+, 31+
Whoa days : 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11+, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28++, 29

Ask yourself this month, « Is there really something secure and substantial underlying what I’m trying to do ? Do I have everything I need to make this viable and sustainable for the long term ? If I didn’t have what I thought was going to be around for a while, what would I do, where would I go, who would I be ? How have I (or have I) prepared myself to get through periods of instability and insecurity ? »

Difficulties and setbacks related to your home environment, work, or finances may be especially at the forefront this month. When this card appears reversed, it can be like trying to stand on quicksand. It’s as if there are laser beams shooting down and carving out different areas, chipping away at what might have once seemed solid and dependable. Whether literal or metaphoric, this card reversed urges you to examine the foundation upon which things are set or things are resting and depending...be it the foundation of the house, where there may be problems or cracks that create unexpected expense or challenges, or what you are trying to create or build something on that either isn’t yet ready or doesn’t possess what is necessary to support the endeavour for the long term. Financial setbacks may be incurred this month, or a lack of resources (that you might have thought had been secured) may cause delays or an inability to move forward in ways or with projects that had seemed fairly certain. This can be a card, when reversed, that pushes us into a situation where we have to learn the value of relying on others and asking for assistance rather than holding on so tightly that we refuse to let anyone else play in or be a part of our world. Expose your vulnerabilities and let go of the, « What’s mine is mine » mentality. Open your heart rather than keeping everyone at a distance in an attempt to give the impression that everything is fine, perfect even, for you and in your world.

GEMINI
XV Devil’s Play

Ally : Herb : Elecampane
By being in tune with Mother Earth, I strengthen and heal myself.

Wow days : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27+, 29
Whoa days : 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31

Ask yourself this month, « How am I living a life of conformity to the expectations and rules of others rather than living my life my way ? How often do i say I should do something or I’m supposed to do something a certain way instead of making my own determination about the best way to do it ? What vices or habits is it time that I start actively putting energy towards changing ? Am I willing to give myself permission to take a walk on the wild side and do something without worrying about what others might think or say ? »

Temptation can be a dangerous thing when given in to and indulged this month. Situations and challenges may arise this month that can push your buttons, which is to say, cause you to fall into habitual ways of responding and dealing with things that aren’t necessarily productive or healthy. Pay extra attention to things that cause you to respond with, « Well, that’s just the way I am. » Because it is precisely those aspects or areas that you need to really examine and consider why you may not be willing to change them. Vices and addictions can surface or be overindulged when this card appears. Be conscientious about what, who and how you are living your life that is unnecessary, unhealthy and unsustainable. It’s time to stop letting someone or something else pull the strings. The darker, more negative aspects of yourself and others are likely to come out this month. The harder you try to fit in, be one of the crowd, not upset anyone, do it the way you’re told you « should » or « supposed to, » the more you will exacerbate the situation and your feelings of inadequacy, frustration and resentment. Take this opportunity to recognise how you allow other people and other things to control you and your life in order to take back that control over yourself and your own life. Throw off the chains that bind you, in whatever form those chains may take, so that you can start stepping toward a life that is lived freely, fully and authentically rather than in a way that is somehow beholden to others or upholding and maintaining a life and a self-image that is based on what others want, need or say it should be or look like. This is a month to take a walk on the wild side, to toss your taboos and inhibitions in the closet, and to give yourself permission to live and experience life the way you want to. Let this be your challenge for the month : to do something you’ve always wanted to do or been curious about but never have because you’ve always been afraid of what others might think or say if you did.

CANCER
IV The Emperor

Ally : Herb : Marshmallow
I feel the joy of being on the earth. I am nurtured and nurture others with my bliss.

Wow days : 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31
Whoa days : 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 20, 27, 28

Ask yourself this month, « How do I want my kingdom to look ? Am I passing the buck rather than taking ownership and responsibility ? Have I laid the proper foundation for what I’m envisioning will be built on it ? Do I have the discipline and perseverance to see this through ? Am I taking the long term view or am I being shortsighted and short term oriented ? »

This is one of the best cards for indicating that you’ll be able to ride out the storm of the turbulent times this month, coming out of it relatively unscathed. Phew. So steady as she goes. This is not the time to be making drastic changes and upset to things. Just let things coast for a bit in order to assess once things have settled down. The key here is discipline, knowing your limits, and taking responsibility. This is the time to be laying the foundation, making sure that all of the basics are in place and secure...an analogy would be the pouring of the foundation (and letting it dry) in order to build a house. This is the pouring and drying period. So make sure not to rush things, cut corners, or only do the minimum while expecting to be able to create the maximum outcome or return. You don’t lay a foundation for a 1 bedroom, 1 story house and then try to build a 5 bedroom, three story house on it. It may seem like it will be okay in the beginning, but it will ultimately come crashing down around you. This is the time for you to step into a role of leadership and authority, perhaps even become your own boss. Take ownership. if you want things a certain way, then take on the responsibility of making them that way rather than complaining they’re not and doing nothing to change it. Take the long view, remain eagle eyed, and survey the landscape before making any final decisions or actions. Tenacity and perseverance will pay off, so don’t panic and act in haste...settle in for the long haul. Be nimble and agile in the way you approach situations and challenges. Buried treasure is only find when there is a willingness to put in the effort to digging.

LEO
4 of Crystals (logic)

Ally : Herb : Comfrey
I joyfully create my life and see Spirit as the foundation of All.

Wow days : 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28
Whoa days : 1, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 17, 20, 21, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31

Ask yourself this month, « When’s the last time I let myself have a day off ? Can it wait ? Can i have some time to think about it ? Have I sat with this to really hear and know what the best way to proceed is ? Does that make sense, or is it simply what I want (and I want it now) ? »

Take a breather. You need a break, and this is the time to take one. Allow yourself a mental health day and take the day off work. Postponement and delays may be encountered this month. Just go with it rather than getting all riled up and frustrated about it, especially when you can’t do anything to change it. Heck, if what was needed or expected today isn’t going to materialise until tomorrow, then take the rest of the day off rather than frantically trying to find a way to make it happen today. Put emotions aside and let logic and common sense be the driving force and motivators of the month. Don’t make any snap decisions or rush into anything. Your mantra for the month is, « Let me think about that » or « Let me sleep on it. » Make it a regular habit to get some fresh air, to step away from what you’re doing for a few minutes, to take a nap (even if it’s a power nap) regularly. You need to get some rest, and you have to make it a priority, otherwise, you may find yourself having to deal with complications and problems from decisions made and actions taken that weren’t given enough thought and planning; you may also find yourself flat on your back due to health issues or back problems. Be an observer rather than becoming a player in the drama. Keep your ears open and your mouth shut for now...what you observe and hear will be useful later, so don’t show your hand too soon. There is an art to patience and playing the waiting game, so be Picasso this month. Stillness. Silence. Focus on your breath. Hibernate. Lie in wait.

VIRGO
XVII The Star

Ally : Herb : Sassafras
I respond to challenges with decisive vigour and clarity.

Wow days : 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17+, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 31
Whoa days : 1, 2++, 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20, 26, 29, 30

Ask yourself this month, « Do I have faith ? Can I keep the faith ? Have I forgotten how to wish, to hope, to dream ? Have I convinced myself that it’s all hopeless ? When and where did I get off of my life’s path, and how do I get back on it ? Why am I here ? What’s my path, my purpose ? Am I paying attention to the signs ? »

Faith. That is the keyword for the month. You may feel as if you are stumbling around in the dark, wondering if there will ever be a light at the end of the tunnel. And this is where you have to have faith. It’s not about turning around and going back to where you came from. It’s simply continuing to move forward, feeling your way along, trusting that if you just keep forging ahead, that light will come into view eventually. The reversal of this card can often indicate that you are on the wrong path, going the wrong direction. This is the Star that keeps the sailor on course when in the middle of the ocean, and when it appears reversed, it suggests that we have gotten off course and this is not the way to go if we are seeking that which is right, which is meaningful, and which will give us a sense of purpose or serve a purpose. A feeling that all hope is lost may pervade the month for you. But that often arises when our subconscious wants to alert us to the fact that we have strayed from the path we need to be on, from what we really need to be doing. What you’re wishing or hoping for may be granted at a later time, but not right now. You may still be transitioning out of calamity/upheaval mode...give it a bit more time for things to settle down and for you to feel as if you have a sense of what to make of it and what direction to go from here.

LIBRA
XVI The Tower

Ally : Herb : Hops
I open myself to the abundance of the Universe. I am a channel for her expression.

Wow days : 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25++, 28
Whoa days : 2, 3, 7, 10, 12+, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30+, 31

Ask yourself this month, « Am I making mountains out of mole hills ? Does fear keep me from making the necessary changes that could bring about greater things in my life ? How can I facilitate cool heads prevailing rather than contributing to outbursts and blowups ? »

Small changes over time can bring about a cumulative major shift. On the one hand, it is nice to get this card reversed. It suggests that while there may be some minor tremors and upsets during the month, there’s nothing so radical or so great of an upheaval that you will feel as if the sky is falling. Be willing to make adjustments and corrections. For now, the saying « Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater » might be one to live by. On the other hand, it is now time that you start facing your fears regarding change, as you may have gotten so entrenched in that fear that you are keeping yourself from actually accepting the need for and the willingness to engage in a more radical shift and upheaval in yourself or in your life. This is a time to see an opportunity to dive rather than falling. Spread your arms wide, open your heart, and allow what wants to come in rather than fearing what the cost, the change, the challenge might be as a result of doing so. Maintain a cool head this month. Regularly release the pressure in order rather than suppressing things or keeping things in until they blow up and cause all sorts of collateral damage. it’s time to start picking up the pieces and seeing what you can create from the aftermath rather than hiding out in fear of more to come...you’ve come through the worst of it, and now it’s time to get on with things. The spark of change has to originate from you...you can’t keep waiting for some outside force to make things change for you. The Universe is still giving you the opportunity to control and manage the process of change.

SCORPIO
Man of Cups (surfer)

Ally : Herb : Burdock
I am open to the blessings that come my way and find inner contentment each day.

Wow days : 1, 2, 4, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 31
Whoa days : 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26+, 30

Ask yourself this month, « How and where am I going against the current ? Have I put enough energy and attention into my own healing ? Who can I turn to for comfort and guidance regarding my happiness and satisfaction in life ? Where does the current of life want to take me, and am I trying too hard to make my life go in a different direction ? »

Ride the wave. This is a month to go with the flow, and that current will take you to places of fulfilment and satisfaction if you are willing to relax into the flow and let it take you where it wants to go (rather than trying to swim against the current or direct the flow in a particular direction). Water is extremely important and key this month...drink it, be in it, be around it, be on it, bathe in it, purify with it, maintain an altar to it. Pay attention to people you meet and things you find out or encounter when in and around water. There is a strong aspect of the healer and healing with this card, so this is a month to pay attention to your healing process and what needs to be healed. But it can also indicate when we are coming into a place of seeing the results from a healing process or approach. This is a great month to seek out a healer who works in the alternative healing arts. Waves of opportunity, insight, creativity, inspiration, intuition and imagination will swell and flow over and through you this month. Give yourself over to those and maximise them. Riding those waves offers the chance to take you deeper and farther than you might have anticipated or thought you could get in such a short amount of time. Emotional maturity and consistency is called for this month. If you are struggling with that, seek out someone who can help you by being that calm, centred, mature emotional keel to help keep you from keeling over.

SAGITTARIUS
8 of Crystals (synthesis)

Ally : Herb : Turmeric
Anger is the measure of fear. Love is the measure of faith.

Wow days : 1, 3, 5, 11, 15, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30
Whoa days : 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12+, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31

Ask yourself this month, « Am I ready and willing to stop playing the victim/martyr and take the necessary action to change a situation or my life ? Do I blame others for things that I don’t want to take responsibility for ? Am I engaging in or perpetuating rumours and gossip ? Do I let fear, anger, bitterness, and hurt cause me to live behind a wall that keeps people out or intimidates people so that I feel isolated or trapped ? How have I created this prison for myself ? »

Things are starting to come together. But this means that there is also a need to be willing to look at things realistically, and perhaps to start facing some harsh truths as you see what is needed and how things are starting to connect. This may be a month where you connect the dots and begin to see someone or something for what they really are rather than what they’ve portrayed themselves to be. Be careful of who you listen to and who you put your trust in this month...they may not be be who they present themselves as, or they may only be giving you partial or one-sided information. Instead of pointing fingers and playing the blame game, challenge yourself to take the necessary steps to deal with the situation rather than exacerbating and being a part of the problem. Just because you may be the victim in a situation doesn’t mean you have to play the victim. if you want things to start to work and fit together, then it’s time to start looking at who or what is preventing that from happening and do something about it rather than making excuses and justifications for or about them, and then complaining that things are working or coming together.

CAPRICORN
7 of Wands (courage)
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Blue Flag
I am open to the new skills and creative endeavours that are being revealed to me.

Wow days : 1++, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11+, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 26, 31+
Whoa days : 3, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17+, 21+, 22+, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28+, 29 30+

Ask yourself this month, « Is this really worth fighting (continuing to fight) for ? What am I so afraid of ? Am I compromising my beliefs and integrity rather than standing behind what I believe in ? What do I desire ? Am I willing to give in to that desire and go after it no matter what ? »

Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority are your biggest stumbling blocks this month. When this card appears reversed, it indicates a tendency towards compromising too quickly and too easily, of letting yourself get walked over and taken advantage of instead of standing your ground and defending your beliefs. When you give in to feelings like it’s already been done, someone/everyone is doing it better, what if it doesn’t go exactly like I envisioned, then you give up. Take up the challenge and believe in yourself. Sometimes, this card will appear when it wants us to realise that our energies may be misplaced, that we keep fighting to keep or defend something that isn’t really worth it anymore. But this is usually as a result of thinking that it’s the only thing, the only chance, the only one, rather than seeing that there are and will be other opportunities and possibilities out there. But we have to move towards them rather than assuming they don’t exist simply because they aren’t coming to you. This may be a period where you are being challenged to question and doubt what you thought and believed in. Engage in that process rather than giving up and thinking that nothing really matters. You’ve allowed fear to beat you down and cause you to retreat. Courage comes from desire, and the reversal of this card may suggest that you have lost or become disconnected from your desire. Use this month to go inward and rediscover the spark of creativity, of passion, of desire, so that you can begin to fan that flame once more, that flame getting you fired up once more to go out and conquer the world and make your mark rather than roll over and play dead. Find something or someone to help you reconnect with and reignite that creative spark.

AQUARIUS
Man of Wands (actor)
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Kelp
My heart is a fountain of peace. I bathe myself in Divine Love.

Wow days : 3, 4++, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, 23, 27, 28, 31
Whoa days : 1, 2, 5, 9+, 11+, 12+, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22+, 25, 26, 29++, 30

Ask yourself this month, « What do I really want ? How have I handed over the path and destiny of my life to others ? What actions am I not taking that prevent myself and my life from being what I want it to be ? Am I playing the part of my True Self, or am I playing the part that (I think) others want to see and want me to be ? Who am I putting my faith and trust in that I am allowing to supersede my own beliefs and goals ? »

There seems to be a disconnect between who you are and what you want, and how you are acting in the world. The greatest role you can play on the stage of life is your True Self. When this card appears reversed, then there is a sense that we are acting in ways that we think others want to see or will be approving of rather than acting authentically and being ourselves. It’s time to evaluate how you have handed over your life to others to determine how it looks, when things happen, what you get from it. You need to be the creator of your own destiny. There may be a sense of not having direction in life, of not being motivated, of lacking goals and ambition, just letting life happen to you rather than life being what you make of it. The reversal here suggests that you may not be able to adequately or completely create or accomplish what you had set out to do (or it may look more like someone else’s vision rather than our own). But that is more an indication of perhaps our goals and energies being misplaced or misdirected, usually because we either went after what we think we’re « supposed » to do or be rather than staying true to ourselves, or because we handed off too many things to other people and other things to determine how, when and where rather than staying true to our vision and owning it completely. Be careful that ego is not being allowed to run amok this month. You may find yourself being manipulated or taken advantage of by someone who is only looking to get something out of or from you. You may be drawn to someone’s charm and charisma, but this reversal is like the cult leader, and they may lead you in directions that are not right, not good, not healthy, and perhaps even dangerous. They are more interested in you playing a part to bring their ambitions and vision to reality with little to no regard for who you are or what you want.

PISCES
Child of Crystals (learner)
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Licorice
With patience and inner quietude I follow the guidance of my own inner light.

Wow days : 1, 2, 3++, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30+, 31
Whoa days : 1, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20+, 21+, 22, 23, 24, 25,

Ask yourself this month, « Am I ready to go to the next level ? Do I have a plan ? What do I want to focus on ? Am I just reviewing and rehashing what I already know instead of learning something new ? What am I doing with the knowledge I have ? »

Learning new things and expanding our mind is all well and good, but sometimes we can get so lost in the learning process that we never actually do anything with it. This is a month to give your brain a rest and start exploring what the practical application in the real world of what you’ve already learned, and what you already know, can bring about. Perhaps it is time to stop seeing yourself as the student, and start realising that you have something to offer and teach, that you don’t have to learn more before you will be ready to do so. It is time to get focused, perhaps on simply learning one thing more in depth, rather than flitting from this to that, dabbling here and there, due to a sort of learning ADD. It’s fine to explore different things to figure out what resonates, but at some point, we have to declare a major and decide what we want to study in more depth and where we want to focus our attention and energy. It is time to take something you’ve learned or are learning to the next level, to an intermediate or advanced level, rather than continuing to think that you have to stay at the basic or beginner’s level any longer. It’s just becoming review at this point rather than actually learning something new. It’s time to get more serious and more disciplined in what you are learning, how you are learning it, what you want to do with it. This isn’t the best time to go (back) to school. Learn through the process of living/doing it rather than being in a classroom for now. Let the act and experience of your body and your senses being your teacher. This is the time to come up with a plan, get focused, then execute the plan with discipline and precision. Perhaps what you’re doing or where you’re at has nothing left to offer or teach you; stop operating in auto pilot and challenge yourself to take the next step, go to the next level, move beyond.


©2011 Tarot by HiC

Three Eclipses - Four Weeks
June 1st to July 1st
by : Ivo Dominguez

A cycle of three eclipses from June 1st to July 1st. Two solar and one lunar. The first in the far North at midnight.., yes the midnight sun in eclipse. The second a blood moon visible in most places except the US. The last a solar eclipse so far in the icy South that nobody lives where it can be seen. The world will be shaken awake with change. Love will be tested. Are you in love with life? If so all will be well.

Advice: Truth is relative and perspective based so listen to all sides of a story. In times of great change, victory goes to the flexible and the nimble and those that pick them selves up and keep going. Live like a Hera or a Hero and this can be a quest rather than an ordeal. Dread has never been a winning strategy by the way so approach this time with gusto for the challenge.

Don't forget that the people in your life are your life.

Note: The three eclipses also represent the Above, the Middle, and the Below as well as so many other sets of three. This suggest that what occurs during these 30 days affects the whole world in both mundane and spiritual matters.
Source : http://www.ivodominguezjr.com/

« New » Eclipses
by Pam Younghans

Eclipses usually occur in pairs. They also tend to repeat in zodiac location every 19 years, allowing us to connect the dots between present and past. This 19-year repetition is useful, as it can help us understand the lessons and growth involved in the eclipses.

But, every so often, we get a "new" eclipse, one that was not an eclipse 19 years ago, but simply a new or full moon. This means a new degree of the zodiac is receiving the energy of the eclipse, which can both raise and resolve karmic issues that have not been addressed before.

Likewise, occasionally we have a trio of eclipses instead of a pair.

In the eight years scanned (starting in 2005 and ending with 2012), there are 36 eclipses. Of those 36:

• There are just two times when there are three eclipses in a row: in 2009 (July 7, July 22, August 6) and in 2011 (June 1, June 15, July 1).
• There are actually eight eclipses out of the 36 that are "new": two in 2006, two in 2008, two in 2009, and two in 2011.
Source : http://northpointastrology.blogspot.com/2011/05/eclipse-questions-from-teleclass.html

Full Moon
Lunar Eclipse
by : Skywatcher888

On Wednesday, June 15, we have a Lunar Eclipse at 25º Sagittarius. It will bring new meaning into our lives, and relief to some aching feet. Gemini is wonderful for raising questions, and many many have been raised recently. Whether the topic is politics, faith, relationships, career, finances, or our future, questions flit about us like gnats on a hot summer’s day. Sagittarius may not specifically answer those questions, but it provides a means by which they may be better understood, supplying a context in which they can be answered on a personal level, much in the way religion, philosophy, of spiritual development do.

We have the recent entry of Jupiter into Taurus on June 4th. Jupiter will remain in Taurus until Jun 11, 2012, so it will be in effect for an entire year. Jupiter is usually the planet of opportunity, expansion, and greater fortune, and its sojourn in Taurus will affect each of the signs differently. See how this will affect your sign here : http://skywatcher888.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/the-flow-week-of-june-5-11-2011/
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This month’s deck : Osho Zen Tarot

A note on reading these TarotScopes. If you have had your astrological natal chart done, then you can use your sun, rising and moon signs to get a more well rounded sense of your month.

Your rising sign is how you act in the world.
Your sun sign indicates your ego/self-identity as well as your deepest goals and wants in life (or, in this case, the primary goals and desires for the month).
Your moon sign is your emotional self, how we respond emotionally and what we feel.

Combine the TarotScopes for all three of those, and you get a much clearer picture of the energies affecting you for the month and the areas in which those energies will be most prevalent. If you only know your sun sign, that's fine and you can just go with that. If you would like to know your other signs, then I would suggest that you simply visit a website (it's free! 8) such as www.astro.com.

Wow and Whoa days.

Wow days are ones that have a strongly positive, supportive, productive, successful energy to them.
Whoa days are ones that may be a bit more problematic and challenging, perhaps days to avoid major decisions, projects, etc.

(Please note : these days are based on cards pulled for each of the days in the month rather than astrologically determined.)

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Herb ally and affirmation from The Spirit of Herbs by Michael Tierra & Candis Cantin

There are many ways to use and access the energies of an herbal ally. Some suggestions are : If you can ingest the herb in some form (directly, as an herbal essence or flower essence, as a supplement, as a tea), that is the quickest and most direct way to bring that energy into you and into your life; carry a bit of the herb around in a small pouch in your pocket or around your neck; put some of the herb or its essential oil in a bath; burn the herb as an incense, or diffuse the essential oil of the herb; use the essential oil of the herb (or the powdered form) to coat a candle and imbue that candle with the energy of the herb; bring the plant itself into your space (inside or outside) in order to infuse the space with the energy of that plant. Most of the herbs here are fairly easy to acquire in one form or another. If you are having trouble finding one, all of them are available (often in multiple forms) through http://www.botanical.com . [ note from HiC : if you have questions on how to use candles for these or other purposes, get in touch with HiC at tarotbyhic@sbcglobal.net ]
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If you would like to expand on how the information presented here may manifest in your life and how you can be working with it in the best way possible, then contact HiC for a one on one reading. At any particular moment, we can do a reading about any issue(s) going on in your life to understand what is going on and how to best navigate through it, make the best decision(s), head down the right path. A personal reading can offer you Insight, Information, Enlightenment and Empowerment along your life’s path. Should you feel in need of any or all of those at any time, then contact HiC for a personal reading.

Readings : HiC is a professional Tarot Conversationalist and Ritualist. He is available for readings in person, by phone, via email, webcam/skype, or audio CD. He is also available to do readings at parties and events.
Classes and Workshops : HiC is also available to teach classes and workshops on a variety of topics (Tarot, ritual, magic, herbs and oils 101, and other topics).
Parties : He is also happy to make Tarot a part of your party or event. Create a party that includes mini-readings for your guests. They can pay individually or you pay for the event. From bachelorette parties to teen parties to themes to birthdays to...the possibilities are limited only by your imagination and creativity.
Rituals : HIC is also happy to assist with ritual creation (from a simple 5-minute ritual to a more complex ritual) in order to aid you in manifesting your will and intention in such a way as to create yourself and your world according to how you would like them to be. He can also create rituals suited to a particular theme or event (wedding, birthday, rite of passage, etc).

You can contact HiC via email at tarotbyhic@sbcglobal.net

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ARIES
X The Wheel (change)
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Slippery Elm
« Through all the changes that Life brings, I feel the centre of stability that is within me. »

Wow days : 3, 8, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28
Key periods this month are the 17th – 19th and the 23rd – 26th
Whoa days : 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30

Ask yourself this month, « How do I fulfil the potential of Change rather than worrying about what may no longer exist as a result of the Change ? »

The merry go round of life is slowing down, and it would be best for you to step off the wild ride for a bit to get your bearings, come back to centre, and see how things have shaken out and settled down before moving forward. After the whirlwind of activity that may have characterised the past few weeks or months, the reversal of this card indicates that you have a chance to catch your breath as long as you’re not rushing around to get in line to ride the rollercoaster one more time. This is not a month that is recommended for making major changes or significant alterations. Focus on taking care of the little things and put the major things off until a bit later. Things are best not left up to Fate this month. Especially when this card appears reversed, it asks that we examine how we respond to Change. Do we fight it and resist it at every turn ? Do we put off making changes until circumstances force us in to change ? Do we see and embrace Change as an opportunity or as a loss ? Sometimes, Change happens to us. But with the reversal, this is a time when it is more important to be preparing for and understanding our relationship to Change...perhaps to put greater emphasis on making sense of the myriad of changes that have been experienced in the recent past, or perhaps to be more open and willing to ride the wave of Change when it comes rather than dreading or fighting it at every turn. There may be a downturn of luck or events during the month. But one nice thing about the reversal of this card is it represents that things can only go up from here. Things are bottoming out, and depending on your response, things can get better moving forward. But as the Wheel of Change never stops turning, this is the time to understand what’s happened and where it’s brought you, and to begin preparing for where you want to go and what you want to do with what those changes.

TAURUS
6 of Pentacles (compromise)

Ally : Herb : Hops
« I open myself to the abundance of the Universe. I am a channel for her expression. »

Wow days : 2, 3, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22+, 25, 29
Whoa days : 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27
Challenging period is the 5th – 11th

Ask yourself this month, « Do I need it ? Have I earned it ? Is it fair for all involved ? »

If you’ve earned it or if you merit it, then it is yours to be had this month. Be willing to ask for what you want, but avoid greediness, and ask within the parameters of what is needed and what is fair. This can be a strong month for raises, promotions, and other benefits that you have put the time and effort in to being worthy of receiving. Don’t forget the cycle of reciprocity and have a willingness to give back in some way to the people, community, world around you. Give what you can, but not beyond what you can afford, whether it is money, time, energy, work. This is a good month for negotiations as it is quite likely that a compromise can be reached that all involved will be satisfied with. If you’re spending money, don’t give in to the desire to buy the most expensive thing or the biggest and flashiest.

GEMINI
4 of Pentacles (the miser)

Ally : Herb : Cascara bark
« I acknowledge my spiritual power and security. I discover my faith within. »

Wow days : 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 15+, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 29
Whoa days : 2, 6, 8+, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30
Challenging period is the week of the 8th and the 20th – 24th

Ask yourself this month, « What do I need to hold on to ? What am I holding on to too tightly ? What am I hoarding within myself that I could be giving and sharing with the world ? »

Steady as she goes is what the 4 of Pentacles generally indicates. There is a sense of stability and security with this card, so the month isn’t really marked by a lot of ups and downs. When it is, this is a card that reminds us to find that which gives a sense of stability, of place, of security. You may not feel that this is an overly exciting month, but sometimes that is a good thing and is needed so that we have a chance to settle down and catch our breath without a lot of things distracting us or unexpected surprises throwing things off kilter. Hold on to what you’ve got this month, perhaps saving it for a rainy day rather than assuming there will be more right away. Organisation and dependability are keywords for the month. You might want to do a bit of self-reflection and see where you may exhibit some tendencies toward being a hoarder, be it with material things, emotions, speech (holding it in), whatever the area may be. There is a Buddhist saying, « Before enlightenment fetch wood and carry water. After enlightenment fetch wood and carry water. » Focus on getting day to day tasks and chores accomplished. This is the time to be focusing on and establishing a strong and firm foundation, which is a process that cannot be rushed, isn’t necessarily glamourous, but is key to all that comes after it.

CANCER
9 of Cups (laziness)

Ally : Herb : Squawvine
« I share my visions and feelings with those to whom I am close. »

Wow days : 2, 8, 10, 11++, 13, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29+, 30
Key periods are the 11th, the 20th – 22nd, and the 28 – 30th
Whoa days : 1, 3, 4, 5, 6+, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, 27
Challenging periods are the first week of the month and the 14th – 16th

Ask yourself this month, « Am I happy and content with what I have rather than always wanting something else or something more of what don’t have ? How often do I wish for what I don’t want rather than actually wishing for what I truly do want ? »

Make a wish ! The 9 of Cups is the card of happiness and wish fulfilment. So this is a month when you are likely to see something you have been hoping or wishing for come into being. if you are making a wish, make sure it is clear and precise, and that it is something you really and truly want. Because this is also a month in which you are likely to get what you wish for. How often do you say something like, « I wish I didn’t work in such a miserable job » or « I wish I didn’t have to deal with all of this home repairs » ? You’ll notice that those are wishes, and circumstances are likely to happen to make them come true this month...perhaps you might lose your job (hey, you wished to not work there) or perhaps your house might suffer some sort of major calamity (hey, you wished to not have to deal with the repairs, so...no house, no repairs). This isn’t to say that something bad is likely to happen this month. On the contrary, you’re likely to be quite happy with what this month has to offer you. But it is a month in which you want to examine how you express your wishes, hopes and desires, making sure to wish for you what you do want rather than using the negative form of wishes by stating them based on what you don’t want. The idea of laziness here is one in which this is a month where you can kick back and relax as things will seem to flow smoothly and just come your way when and how needed without much effort. Enjoy this in the moment and remember to express gratitude to the Universe when it happens. But don’t get stuck here, because laziness can quickly become stagnation.

LEO
Page of Wands (playfulness)

Ally : Herb : Shepherd’s Purse
« With all fears and insecurities aside, clarity and single mindedness is the key to my success. »

Wow days : 3, 6, 9+, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22+, 23+, 24, 25, 29, 30
Key periods are the 14th – 19th and, especially, the 21st – 25th
Whoa days : 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20+, 25, 26, 27

Ask yourself this month, « What did I used to do for fun that I haven’t done in a long time ? What have I always wanted to do that I’ve never given myself the permission or freedom to experience ? What spark of passion and desire do I need to be fanning so that it can burn brightly allowing me to really shine in the world ? »

Play ! This card appears when we are encouraged to remember how to enjoy life and not take everything so seriously all of the time. Let your inner child break free and inspire you to do things you’ve always wanted but have talked yourself out of for far too long. New experiences and new challenges are the call this month. This is a great time to start new projects, to initiate new career choices and challenges. Let go of all your inhibitions and analysis so that you can let your gut be your guide this month. Don’t be afraid to go after things, because you’re up to the challenge based on courage and confidence you may not even realise or remember that you possess. And it will so be worth it in the end. This is a card that can signal a new romance, maybe not something serious and long lasting, but surely something that will be passionate and fiery and exciting and maybe even feel a little dangerous. See where it takes you by just enjoying the ride. Forget everything you know or expect, and just fly by the seat of your pants. You are likely to feel re-energised and rejuvenated...don’t squander the energy and feeling. Give yourself over to the experience. Dance, be silly, cast aside all concern for what anyone else might think and just live life fully and freely.

VIRGO
IX The Hermit (aloneness)

Ally : Herb : Licorice
« With patience and inner quietude I follow the guidance of my own inner light. »

Wow days : 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 29
Key periods are the 7th – 11th and the 19th – 23rd
Whoa days : 4, 5, 6+, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30
Challenging periods are the 15th – 18th and the 24th – 28th

Ask yourself this month, « Where do I go from here ? What’s my next step ? Do I experience discomfort being by myself and with my own thoughts ? »

Alone time and solitude need to be priorities for you this month. Make sure that you set aside time on a regular basis to just decompress, be with yourself and your own thoughts without external distractions and stimuli. Even if it means you have to just go and sit in your car in silence for 15 minutes to get away and have some time and space to yourself, do that. This is a great month for a retreat, for getting away, for doing your own thing rather than worrying about what others want to do or doing things that are more social and group oriented. Take yourself out on a date to a museum, a restaurant, a hike, the beach, wherever you would enjoy just being without having to worry about or compromise to someone else’s wishes or needs. This is also a good month for introspective work. There is a sense that a particular phase or cycle is being completed. Take time to ruminate on where you’ve come from, what that means, and ponder the next step. Set aside worries and concerns about the grand goal or the end destination, and just focus on taking the next step, which will then illuminate the next step which will then illuminate the next step. Pull back from the world a bit this month and just focus on your own little world. Create a refuge for yourself, a space where you can retreat to and just be yourself. Do some meditation and self reflection to connect with where you’re at and where you want to go next, what that next phase looks like and the next step in going there.

LIBRA
2 of Cups (friendliness)
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Uva Ursi
« I recognise the spiritual strength and power that is created from our union. »

Wow days : 3, 4, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29
Whoa days : 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10+, 14, 16+, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 28+, 30
Challenging periods are the last two weeks of the month (a sense of resolution coming around the 27th)

Ask yourself this month, « Am I getting the nourishment and sustenance from the relationships in my life, or do I feel like I am going thirsty ? What isn’t working or isn’t growing anymore in my life ? Was it just a crush or infatuation rather than genuine connection or real love ? How can I help facilitate the process of reconciliation instead of waiting on someone or something else to fix things ? »

When the 2 of Cups appears reversed, it can indicate that there may be significant difficulties in one or more of our relationships. It can signal the separation or ending of a relationship, perhaps a realisation that the connection or feelings initially experienced have evaporated leaving nothing to sustain the healthy continuation of a relationship. This is a very strong card upright, so it can suggest that current conflicts and rifts can be resolved, but only if everyone involved is willing to put in the work and find a way to meet in the middle rather than there having to be a winner (or right) and loser (or wrong) in the situation. Perhaps it is time for a relationship to move beyond the infatuation/honeymoon stage with more serious talk and commitment to doing the work that is necessary to support a longer lasting entity. A relationship from the past may reappear in your life this month. There is a reason and significance for that, so take heed and don’t dismiss it as a fluke. Sometimes things naturally drift apart and evolve in different directions. This is a card that is about accepting that as a natural and organic thing that can happen in any relationship (with another person, with a job, with a living space, we have relationship to and with everyone and everything). Allow for this flowing away rather than clinging on to.

SCORPIO
8 of Cups (letting go)

Ally : Herb : Gravel Root
« I acknowledge past emotions and make way for the new, rejuvenated self to be revealed. »

Wow days : 2, 3, 4, 7+, 8+, 10+, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19+, 20, 21, 23, 27
Key period is the 10th – 15th
Whoa days : 1, 5, 6, 9+, 16, 17+, 18+, 22+, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30
Challenging periods are the 16th – 18th and the 24th – 30th

Ask yourself this month, « What needs to be a part of my past so that I can begin moving towards my future ? What am I clinging on to out of desperation ? How can I best do what is needed for my own emotional well being and health instead of trying to keep everyone else happy at my own expense ? »

It is time to stop clinging, to let go of attachment, to accept that nothing is permanent regardless of how hard we try to hold on to it or convince ourselves that it can be fixed or saved or salvaged. When the 8 of Cups appears, it is time to let go and move on. This is certainly not easy, and the hardest part is when we have to allow ourselves to accept in our heart that the time has come. Our mind can no longer find any way of excusing or justifying or postponing, because we know deep down in our heart that the time has come. Allow yourself to emotionally release through tears, through screaming, through breaking dishes (in a safe environment and way, not hurled at someone ;); but regardless of the method, allow for the emotional release and letting go so that you can move forward and onward with your life. You may be feeling sad, depressed, disconnected, withdrawn this month. Examine where this is coming from, and be willing to recognise how it may be rooted in things, people or situations that you continue to cling to rather than let go of. The key to this card is that it reminds us there is something better, someplace happier, someone even more perfect for us that awaits, but we have to be willing to go there rather than waiting for it or them to come to us. And that can only happen when we are willing to walk away from where we are at and start the journey towards the other, leaving behind what was in order to move toward the potential of what can be, a potential that will remain unfulfilled until we are ready to go in search of it.

SAGITTARIUS
4 of Cups (turning in)

Ally : Herb : Burdock
« I am open to the blessings that come my way and find inner contentment each day. »

Wow days : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6+, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16+, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 29
Key periods are the 2nd – 10th and the 18th – 20th
Whoa days : 1, 11, 12+, 13, 14, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25+, 28, 30
Challenging periods are the 11th – 14th and the 21st – 25th

Ask yourself this month, « How do I need to relax ? Can I allow myself to just float for a while and see where the current takes me ? How do I listen to and prioritise my own inner voice rather than letting it be drowned out by all the outside voices and influences ? »

Relax and enjoy this period of calm. When the 4 of Cups appears, it can signal a period of calm waters after dealing with a period of turbulence and activity. It can also say that now is not the time to be causing ripples and waves; instead, aim to maintain peace and harmony, at least for the time being. If waves are needed to be made, the time will come later, but it would not be the best or most productive time to do so right now. This is also a month in which you want to shut out the voices and influences from outside in order to connect with and listen to what your own inner voice of instinct and intuition is saying. Rather than reacting or responding right away, take some time to reflect and ponder the best approach or solution. Disengage and sit on things for a while rather than giving in to the impulse to take immediate action. Let things calm down a bit before moving on to the next thing or taken the next step or action. Things may feel like they’re at a standstill, but that’s okay, because it’s just a sort of calm before the storm or a break in the weather. Take advantage of it and enjoy, because you’ll need your energy for later. A sense of contentment permeates this card and the month; allow yourself to be content with where you’re at, what you have and how things are...at least for now.

CAPRICORN
6 of Swords (the burden)

Ally : Herb : Vervain
« I open myself to different perspectives about my life; I ride in the boat of inner faith. »

Wow days : 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16++, 17, 19, 20, 21+, 26
Key periods are the 16th – 17th and the 19th – 21st
Whoa days : 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29
Challenging periods are the 13th – 15th and the latter part of the month

Ask yourself this month, « What burden am I trying to bear all alone rather than asking for help ? What difficult but necessary decision or choice do I need to make in order to move forward and away from something that is not right or healthy for me any longer ? How can I help ease the burdens of another ? »

The nice thing about the 6 of Swords appearing is that it can indicate forward movement taking place. The challenge of the 6 of Swords appearing is that it can often mean, in order for that forward movement to happen, some difficult yet necessary choice or decision has to be made. It is time to unburden yourself by no longer feeling as if you have to deal with, figure out or resolve things all on your own. Reach out to someone else for support, for guidance. Be willing to open up and share what is going on inside of you with another, then marvel at the feeling of lightness that can bring about. This is a card that represents the opportunity and ability to begin moving from stormy seas to calmer waters. But we have to be part of and engage in the process. It is also a month to confront the guilt, shame, grief, etc. that you carry in order to begin the process of shedding those things, making room for healthier and more productive emotional states to begin developing. The first step is the hardest, and it will get easier from there. Be willing to take that first step this month, and things will begin to shift as the year progresses. Travel may be beneficial in this process or an important element of the month for you.

AQUARIUS
XVI The Tower (thunderbolt)

Ally : Herb : Garlic
« I inhale and nurture myself. I dissolve the fortress within me.I exhale and cleanse myself. I am open to the awakening within. »

Wow days : 3, 4, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26++, 27
Key periods are the 16th – 19th and the 26th – 27th
Whoa days : 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 20, 23, 25, 28, 29, 30
Challenging periods are the 5th – 15th and the end of the month

Ask yourself this month, « What radical change or upheaval needs to happen ? How have I boxed myself in ? What bright idea has come to me in a flash that I need to take action on ? »

Stormy weather. The Gods are not pleased, nor are they amused. When the Tower card appears, there are all sorts of things happening. The month may be rocked by radical changes and sudden upheavals. You may get rocked by sudden flashes of insight and AHA ! moments. Current structures can no longer be supported and maintained. There’s a fortress like energy that needs to be dismantled or blown apart in order for an oppressive rigidity to be broken apart. You can’t just keep adding to and remodelling, be it a physical environment or your inner space and thinking...it’s time to tear things down and rebuild from the ground up. Your world may get shaken this month. Things may seem to happen all of a sudden that require unexpected attention. The ivory tower approach to life can no longer work, and if we don’t change things, outside forces are going to intervene and force change to take place. You can’t see hope on the horizon when you are living behind walls that obscure the view. The walls of complacency and inertia are crumbling down...you can choose to embrace the opportunity for radical change in your life, or you can choose to play the fiddle while the Tower burns down around you and be left standing in the rubble, shocked and paralysed. The nice thing about the Tower card is that it is fast. While it may not seem like it at the time, there will be a sense of relief afterward that it happened and was over with quickly rather than getting painfully dragged out.

PISCES
8 of Wands (travelling)

Ally : Herb : Sassafras
« I respond to challenges with decisive clarity and vigour. »

Wow days : 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14+, 15, 16, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
Key periods are the 11th – 16th and the 25th – 29th
Whoa days : 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19, 21++, 23, 24, 30
Challenging periods are the 8th – 10th and the 17th – 24th

Ask yourself this month, « Where do I want to go and what’s stopping me from going there ? How can I allow myself to grab life and run with it rather than waiting for it to happen to me ? How can I take immediate action to move forward with a plan or what my gut is telling me to do ? »

Hold on and try to keep up. The 8 of Wands signals a month wherever everything seems to be happening at light speed and you are merely doing your best to keep up and play catch up. Situations and projects may suddenly take off and start zooming forward. Opportunities may suddenly appear and, just as quickly, be gone...so go with your gut in order to grab and run with those opportunities when they present themselves, because they won’t linger for any amount of time. Travel may be a key element of the month...pay particular attention to things that happen, information gained and people met while travelling, or if you happen to come in to contact with someone that is travelling. This is not a month to wait or to put things off. Get things done and out of the way as quickly as possible, deal with things in the moment and immediately, dispatching them with efficiency. If you feel like life is passing you by, then get in the fast lane rather than continuing to wait for life to slow down to a speed you’re comfortable with. There’s no stopping you this month other than your own hesitancy and fear...so go for it !


©2011 Tarot by HiC

HiC is a professional Tarot Conversationalist and Ritualist.
He is available for consultations in person, by phone,
via email, or skype/webcam.

HiC is also happy to assist with ritual creation in order to aid you
in manifesting your will and intention in such a way as to create yourself
and your world according to how you would like it to be.

You can contact him via email at
tarotbyhic@sbcglobal.net

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Justice - Civilization by justice

As Japan continues to suffer the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, and as I write this there is yet another significant earthquake and tsunami warning a month later, let us offer up this prayer to Kannon (the Japanese name for Kwan Yin). Take a moment to be in a still space, to light a candle while focusing energy and prayers of healing and hope to the people and land of Japan as you recite this prayer :


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Mercury Retrograde : 30 March ~ 23 April 2011

Full Moon in Libra : Sunday, 17 April 2011

The Full Moon of April is known as the Full Pink Moon, the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and the Hare Moon. The hare is a totem of Diana, goddess of the Moon, and represents springtime and great fertility. If you’ve wondered where the Easter Bunny comes from, look no further. This ancient symbolism is still alive today.

Terri Windling, founder of the Endicott Studio of Mythic Arts, has an excellent article on The Symbolism of Rabbits and Hares from several cultures. She tells us,

In China, for example, the Hare in the Moon is depicted with a mortar and pestle in which he mixes the elixir of immortality; he is the messenger of a female moon deity and the guardian of all wild animals. In Chinese folklore, female hares conceive through the touch of the full moon’s light (without the need of impregnation by the male), or by crossing water by moonlight, or licking moonlight from a male hare’s fur.________________________________________________________________________________________________

This month’s deck : Tarot of the Spirit

A note on reading these TarotScopes. If you have had your astrological natal chart done, then you can use your sun, rising and moon signs to get a more well rounded sense of your month.

Your rising sign is how you act in the world.
Your sun sign indicates your ego/self-identity as well as your deepest goals and wants in life (or, in this case, the primary goals and desires for the month).
Your moon sign is your emotional self, how we respond emotionally and what we feel.

Combine the TarotScopes for all three of those, and you get a much clearer picture of the energies affecting you for the month and the areas in which those energies will be most prevalent. If you only know your sun sign, that's fine and you can just go with that. If you would like to know your other signs, then I would suggest that you simply visit a website (it's free! 8) such as www.astro.com.

Wow and Whoa days.

Wow days are ones that have a strongly positive, supportive, productive, successful energy to them.
Whoa days are ones that may be a bit more problematic and challenging, perhaps days to avoid major decisions, projects, etc.

(Please note : these days are based on cards pulled for each of the days in the month rather than astrologically determined.)

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Herb ally and affirmation from The Spirit of Herbs by Michael Tierra & Candis Cantin

There are many ways to use and access the energies of an herbal ally. Some suggestions are : If you can ingest the herb in some form (directly, as an herbal essence or flower essence, as a supplement, as a tea), that is the quickest and most direct way to bring that energy into you and into your life; carry a bit of the herb around in a small pouch in your pocket or around your neck; put some of the herb or its essential oil in a bath; burn the herb as an incense, or diffuse the essential oil of the herb; use the essential oil of the herb (or the powdered form) to coat a candle and imbue that candle with the energy of the herb; bring the plant itself into your space (inside or outside) in order to infuse the space with the energy of that plant. Most of the herbs here are fairly easy to acquire in one form or another. If you are having trouble finding one, all of them are available (often in multiple forms) through http://www.botanical.com . [ note from HiC : if you have questions on how to use candles for these or other purposes, get in touch with HiC at tarotbyhic@sbcglobal.net ]
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If you would like to expand on how the information presented here may manifest in your life and how you can be working with it in the best way possible, then contact HiC for a one on one reading. At any particular moment, we can do a reading about any issue(s) going on in your life to understand what is going on and how to best navigate through it, make the best decision(s), head down the right path. A personal reading can offer you Insight, Information, Enlightenment and Empowerment along your life’s path. Should you feel in need of any or all of those at any time, then contact HiC for a personal reading.

HiC is a professional Tarot Conversationalist and Ritualist. He is available for readings in person, by phone, via email, webcam/skype, or audio CD. He is also available to do readings at parties and events.

HiC is also available to teach classes and workshops on a variety of topics (Tarot, ritual, magic, herbs and oils 101, and other topics). He is also happy to make Tarot a part of your party or event.

HIC is also happy to assist with ritual creation (from a simple 5-minute ritual to a more complex ritual) in order to aid you in manifesting your will and intention in such a way as to create yourself and your world according to how you would like them to be.

You can contact HiC via email at tarotbyhic@sbcglobal.net

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ARIES
One of Fire
Force

Ally : Herb : Yarrow
« I am a child of the Universe. I embrace the illuminations revealed. »

Wow days : 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 11+, 12, 13+, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, 24+, 29, 30
Whoa days : 5, 8, 10+, 17, 18, 21, 23+, 25, 26, 27, 28

There could hardly be a more representative card of Aries than the One of Fire.

Health : This can be a great card when it comes to health and well being. It can indicate a sense of renewed energy, feeling recharged and ready to take on the world. Be careful not to overdo things, as this is a card that can represent the potential to overheat, i.e. overdo things to the point of exhaustion. Try not to burn the candle at both ends by remembering to take time out to recharge, renew, refresh, regenerate. Activities that help to heat you up, get the blood circulating, get the adrenaline and energy pumping would all be good to focus on this month...high energy activities and forms of exercise. Be out in the Sun whenever you can and really start to reconnect with its life giving warmth and rays as we move in to the fullness of Spring.

Wealth : On the career front, this is a card that can indicate new opportunities, things really heating up and starting to pop here and there and here and there with opportunities and potential. Now is the time to start going after what you really want, what you truly desire. If you are seeking to make a career move, advancement or change, this is the month to start pouring energy into making that happen. You may feel extra motivated, ambitious and goal oriented this month. Use this energy, this sense of being « fired up » to really propel you and what you are wanting forward. Be ready for new opportunities, to grab them and run with them when they appear, because the One of Fire does not allow for lots of pondering and reflection time. Trust your gut instinct. Growth opportunities with almost unlimited potential seem to be in the air. Put your will into action, and there is little to stop you from getting what you want.

Emotions : If you’re looking for love, this may not be the best month for it. However, that doesn’t mean that your love life has to be barren. Quite the contrary. The One of Fire can indicate a particularly heated up sexuality and libido. Remember to have fun, to play, to enjoy yourself rather than being or taking things so seriously all the time, even if it means for just one night. New (or renewed) passion and romance are in full force this month. Give yourself over to it by fanning the flames of desire, by giving in to the moment, by not worrying about the future so that you can fully embrace and indulge the primal urges in the present moment.

Spirit : The One of Fire takes us back to our core. This is a month to really come back to that very deep and central place within yourself where what drives you, what motivates you, where your most primal sense of passion, desire, ambition and will resides. This is the card of the Self. This is a month to reconnect with Who You Really Are by recognising how you’ve lost sight of that or gotten away from that. Question why you’re doing what you’re doing, if you are where you wanted to be in your life when, five or ten years ago, you had envisioned what your life would look like now. Take some time to reflect back to when you were a child and what you wanted to be when you grew up. Are you fulfilling that ? Are you living that ? Even if it’s not the exact thing (maybe you’re too old to try and be an astronaut now), ponder the underlying impulses and reasons you wanted to be that (if it was an astronaut, perhaps it was the sense of adventure, exploring unknown territory, discovering new things, travelling to foreign and unknown places). Ask yourself if your life today reflects those passions and desires (continuing the astronaut example would mean asking whether you are travelling to new and unknown places regularly, if your career involves discovering and creating new things, if there is a sense of challenge and stimulation from new and unknown adventures regularly taking place in your life). This is what the One of Fire wants you to come back to, that core of who you are and the willingness to let that be the driving force in your everyday life so that you are living a life of passion, purpose and constant growth every day. Come back to You, to that Core Self, so that you can start to, continue to, and/or remember what it’s like to live your life authentically and fully rather than with regret or always hoping/dreaming, but never doing anything to manifest those hopes and dreams into the reality of your life.

TAURUS
3 of Wind
Recognition
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Pleurisy Root
« I allow the emotional pain to leave me. My heart is one with the Divine. »

Wow days : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30
Whoa days : 6, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29+

Health : There can be a sense of relief when this card is reversed, because it suggests that things that were causing us pain may be subsiding. Perhaps a health or health-related issue that we have been struggling with for a period of time is finally dealt with or is now getting properly identified and treated so that it is becoming manageable, its impact or severity is lessened, or it is in the process of being done with once and for all. One note of caution, if something occurs that is odd or foreign, that you don’t recognise, don’t just brush it off; not identifying it or having it treated now may cause complications later (that can likely be avoided and of little concern if identified and dealt with immediately). Pay attention, especially, to pains or concerns related to the lower part of the body.

Wealth : Old grudges or unresolved conflicts may come back into the picture this month, perhaps even something that you thought had been dealt with and settled long ago. Dealing with it now rather than trying to avoid it or be in denial will allow for it to be done and behind you for good. If we look at the word that appears on this card, Recognition, the reversal can suggest that you may not get the kind of acknowledgement or recognition for your efforts or work, perhaps especially for past efforts and work related to something that is happening or succeeding now. The reversal of this cards warns against holding grudges and carrying around unresolved issues in your heart. Don’t let the wounds fester and become infected. Deal with things now, even if painful, because it will be a much more temporary and more quickly moved through painful process than if you put it off until later. Confront the gossip, shut down the rumours, nip the problems, arguments and conflicts in the bud rather than giving them time to become ever more toxic.

Emotions : One the one hand, the reversal of this card can indicate that we have finally come through a painful period and process, that our heart is on the mend, and that we are able to start moving forward and opening ourselves up again to others. That which has been piercing our hearts is starting to fall away. On the other hand, the reversal of this card can indicate that a long held loss, pain, grief, wound is in desperate need of focus and healing. Something is triggering a hurt from the past, and it is extremely important to pay attention, to be willing to step into where that pain is rooted, so that it can now be faced, dealt with, and the healing process can begin rather than continuing to repress it and live in denial of it, allowing it to colour and unnecessarily (and unhealthily) influence and control how you may act or how you continue to define yourself. You no longer have to be defined by the wound, as the wounded being (perhaps the wounded child). But you have to make the choice and have the willingness to sit with the pain, be present with where it is rooted and what it has to teach you, and then concentrate on the healing process that is needed so that you no longer carry it around. I would highly encourage you to read this (very short) story : http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/10/04/readers-story-the-perfect-heart/

Spirit : There is a sense that your spirits are lifted and something that weighed heavily upon your heart no longer is bearing down upon you. Perhaps there is a need to unburden your heart through the process of forgiveness, apology, and compassion. The reversal of this card suggests that this is a month to really work on overcoming the need for external recognition and approval, and how these are allowed to define us and think of ourselves. Instead, go inward in order to find your own definition of Self, so that you walk your life’s path knowing and confident in who you are, telling and showing the world who you are, rather than letting the world tell you who it thinks you should be.

GEMINI
Seven of Earth
The Garden
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Rhubarb
« I look at the past and learn how I can now create a better tomorrow. »

Wow days : 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 30
Whoa days : 1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29

Health : When this card appears reversed, it can suggest that there may be something that wasn’t done (but was known or needed to be done) previously that could now be having an impact on your health and well being. For example, not taking a medication for the prescribed length of time because you were feeling better and, as a result, stopped taking it before the prescribed end date. Therefore, if you are experiencing some health issues this month, look back to what was not done, or was not done fully or completely, for some insight into what it may be or what may be causing it. With this card called The Garden, there may also be an indication that environmental factors that have not been properly maintained or are dirty or contain unhealthy elements may be a source of health issues or exacerbating/worsening health issues.

Wealth : The reversal of this card is what I think of as representing the get-rich-quick scheme. There is a tendency to be short sighted, to go for the fast buck, for quick turnaround. But that lack of long term thinking and planning will come back to bite you later. The reversal here indicates that the proper amount of attention and cultivation is not being given to a job or financial matter, so while it may seem that everything is taken care of, or you may feel flush with cash as a result, it likely won’t be sustainable or very long lived. Now, I will say that the reversal of this card, when thinking about investment and that sort of thing, can indicate that, for right now, it is better to focus on short term needs and goals, short term investments so that resources are not tied up for an inordinately long amount of time (such as a 6 month CD rather than a longer term CD, a 15 year mortgage rather than a 30, 0% balance transfer for 12 months rather than 3.99% for the life of the balance, etc). In terms of work, it may be better to focus on part time or short term job opportunities rather than waiting around for full time or that one perfect job to materialise; those may come in time, but for now, there is a sense that it is better for some sort of movement or change to happen rather than none at all so that you are moving away from something and towards something else instead of remaining stagnant.

Emotions : It’s time to start planting new emotional gardens. Let the past be the past, and stop trying to resurrect what was. Starting finding new, fertile emotional ground where new opportunities and new growth can take place. Start focusing on the star of new hopes and dreams that represent the way forward rather than continuing to try to figure out and work through the past. The reversal of this card indicates that you may be going through some fairly rapid turnover in terms of dates and potential relationships. Trust that this is temporary and just ride the wave rather than getting bogged down in « Woe is me » attitude.

Spirit : It’s time to start focusing on what part of your Spirit or spiritual life has been neglected and gone fallow over time. What needs to be cultivated, what spiritual weeds need to be pulled, what effort or process have you been ignoring or putting off that has created a sense of overgrowth leading to a lack of growth spiritually ? For now, this may be a time that is best served by experimenting, trying out new things, not spending too much time in any one thing so that you can explore and find what feels right for future exploration. Don’t spend too much time or energy on any one thing. As a result, you’re more likely to experience spiritual growth spurts that are needed right now.

CANCER
Mother Water
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Lady’s Mantle
« I receive satisfaction and joy in sharing the cup of my beingness with another. »

Wow days : 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 30
Whoa days : 2, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28+

Health : Dehydration, fluid imbalances, circulation issues, bleeding, diarrhea, cramps, extreme PMS. These are some of the issues that you may be dealing with or need to have checked out this month. Fluidity and the ability to move comfortably, such as arthritis or joint pain/issues, may also be areas that need extra attention and care during the month. Drink more water and reduce things that are drying or dehydrating (sodium, alcohol, etc). Be in and near water more by taking baths. There may also be blockages regarding fluids in the body, from water retention to hardening of the arteries. Things that need to be released and expelled from the body are not properly doing so. This would be a good month for a flush or detox of some sort in order to get things moving and flowing more properly and freely again. Issues related to the blood and toxins in the system may also be of primary concern this month.

Wealth : Disharmony, dissatisfaction and a lack of fulfilment may characterise the work realm this month. Things don’t seem to be flowing smoothly. Everything seems to be getting backed up. The reversal of this card can indicate that we may be dealing with one (or more) people that seem to have no heart, no compassion, and are overbearing to the point of insufferable. You may also be dealing with people or situations that are very needy and seem to need all sorts of coddling and encouragement causing you to say, « Grow up ! I’m not your mother. » Money may not be flowing very smoothly or in great quantity this month. There may be upsets in terms of financial issues and dealings. Nobody seems to be happy with anything, and wants everyone else around them to be as miserable as they are – toxic people and toxic surroundings. The caveat to much of this, of course, is that you have to look at yourself and see whether you are acting in such a way or contributing to such an environment. There seems to be a decided lack of creative opportunity or outlet...either it’s lacking or it’s stifled to the point of non-existence. Perhaps this will be the motivation needed to start doing something about that rather than drowning in the misery of it.

Emotions : Well, I wouldn’t say this will be the happiest month on record for you. As hard as it may be to believe right now, if you can hold on to the hope and understanding that this too shall pass, then it will make it a bit more bearable. There may be heartache, upset, breakups during this month. Overall, the reversal of this card can indicate a period of sadness, unhappiness, dissatisfaction, depression. The reversal reminds us that there is a primary need right now for you to mother yourself, to tend to your own emotional needs rather than being everyone else’s shoulder to cry on, rather than supporting everyone and everything else. Take care of yourself, pamper yourself, and let others deal with taking care of themselves rather than relying on you or taking it for granted that you’ll be there to mop up after the mess(es) they created. Take time to pinpoint those areas in your life where you feel like you’re drowning, and let those be the areas you focus on dealing with right now...all the other things can wait. And the most important way you can deal with those areas is to reach out for help, to seek out assistance, to stop trying to deal with or fix those areas all on your own. There is a sense that you are bottling up and holding in a lot of emotion that needs to be expressed; just as toxins build up in the body, so too do unhealthy and unexpressed emotions and feelings build up to become toxic within us (which can then contribute to or manifest in physical illnesses and problems).

Spirit : Your Spirit and spiritual life is so undernourished. It’s as if it is just drying up and withering away. Let this be a wake up call for you to recognise the importance and the need for some form of spiritual foundation in yourself and in your life so that you will be motivated to take the necessary action to (re)start incorporating that into the regular routine of living. There also may be a lack of any sort of artistic or creative outlet. You need to find some way, some form of expression so that what is within you can flow through and out of you rather than building up and being carried around inside. There are feelings and emotional states that cannot be contained any longer. There is a need to reconnect with compassion (especially for yourself, be gentle with and towards yourself), with hope, with dreams, with optimism. Feed your soul this month, because it is starving.

LEO
XIII Death
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Elder Flowers
« As the serpent sheds its skin, I renew myself within. »

Wow days : 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30
Whoa days : 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 27, 28

Health : The nice thing about this card appearing reversed, of course, is that whatever health issue you may be dealing with or worried about isn’t terminal. ;) While the appearance of this card can indicate things that are significant and need to be addressed or looked at by a medical professional, the reversal indicates that it will likely be something that can be treated and overcome (or fairly easily managed). You can think of the reversal here as indicating that there is still some life left in something. On the one hand, this may suggest that a particular issue or illness hasn’t been completely addressed or healed, and there is a need to look at what habits, actions, lifestyle factors, environmental factors, etc. have not been totally stopped, removed, overcome or let go of in order for true and total healing to occur (taking a week’s vacation without changing anything else that contributes to a high stress level in your everyday life is not going to resolve health issues related to stress, for example).

Wealth : There may be a sense, with the reversal here, that finances are on life support. While this indicates an ability to resuscitate them, it also indicates that this is a time when there needs to be extreme care and prudence taken in how the finances are managed. This is not the time for large purchases and expenditures, for indulgences, for impulse buying. Also, the reversal may indicate that a particular situation that is impacting your financial situation is not over yet, so don’t go buying things with money you don’t have or with money that you think or expect you’ll have; only work with what money you are certain you have. In the job or career realm, this card suggests that to let go of, be done with or walk away from something just yet. Perhaps it’s as simple as you are not quite ready for change just yet, so doing so now would be premature (like pulling the plug without clear and irrefutable proof that there is no hope for coming back to life). Let this be a preparation time for you as you reflect on and investigate how and what needs to change and be let go of (willingness to sacrifice) in order to fully embrace and move forward with change. Perhaps ask for what you’re seeking from a current work situation before assuming you wouldn’t be able to get it and start looking elsewhere.

Emotions : Perhaps a perfect illustration of this card reversed is found in this story : http://www.radiolab.org/2011/jan/25/finding-emilie/ . This card reversed can indicate not giving up hope, not taking things at face value that all is lost or there is nothing left. It may take time, persistence, and a willingness to approach or think about how or what to do in a very different way, but the hope of bringing things back to life rather than being dead and gone still exists. Now, let us also be honest in realising that the reversal of this card can indicate we continue to hold on to, cling actually, to someone or something that needs to be let go of, but out of desperation we grip tighter and tighter due to fear of the unknown about what will come afterward without that person or thing. It may be a trait or habit that no longer serves us but has, for so long, been a primary component of how we identify and define ourselves. It may be a fear that our life will fall apart without a particular person, relationship or thing. But these are illusions that we use to convince ourselves to stay stuck rather than moving forward into transforming ourselves and our lives, just as death is but an illusion. You can’t stay in the cocoon forever, and you can only come out of the cocoon and discover your wings that allow you to grow, go higher and move on to new and even more rewarding things once you are willing to let go of those things that continue to weigh you down and keep you stuck, grounded, trapped in an old way of life, and old way of being, an old way of thinking, an old way of acting.

Spirit : You may find that things you feared dealing with or going in to will not be quite so intense or traumatic as your fear would have you believe. Perhaps there is a need for you to take some time this month to just curl up in whatever represents your cocoon of safety, familiarity and comfort. Take a break from the constant stream of news and information from the outside world that stirs up fear and frustration and anger within you. Escape a bit into things and places that bring you comfort, that let you feel like, at least in your world that you have control over, everything is okay. This may be a time when you can work on not demonising some of those things that you feel are wrong or bad about yourself or your life; instead, try looking at them from the perspective of how they have served and supported you up to this point, of how you have learned from them or what you can learn from them rather than just seeing them as bad. From a literal sense, this would be the time to do some personal work around your fear of death, or what death means to you, to better understand and work with it rather than simply fear and deny it.

VIRGO
Sister Water

Ally : Herb : Damiana
« I am open to new and loving relationships. »

Wow days : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5+, 8+, 12, 13+, 14, 17, 21, 23+, 27, 28, 29, 30
Whoa days : 7, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 19, 20+, 22+, 24

Health : This is a lovely card to indicate that health issues and matters are going to start improving. It may be that a proper healing approach has been found that is now starting to work. It may indicate that after a period of feeling horrible or dealing with severe pain that things are starting to ease up and/or that there is a sense of being able to manage the situation much more effectively and comfortably. Proper fluid intake is important right now. Blood and fluids in the body are highlighted. Circulation is key, so doing things that stimulate and support the circulation are to be focused on at this time. Taking things at a relaxed pace and making time for relaxation are extremely key this month. Emotional health and issues are also likely in need of being given top priority and support; the nice thing about this card is a sense of starting to feel happier, hopeful, at ease. This is also a card that can suggest that alternative medicine and treatments would be extremely beneficial for you at this time.

Wealth : Relax and allow what wants to flow in to your life to do so. Right now is not the time for major or extreme action. Instead, take a moment to step back and see what is wanting to trying to come in to your life as a result of actions taken and things set in motion. This is a card that often heralds good news or information coming our way, so this may be the first signs or indications of fruitful and positive things beginning to happen or come in to your life based on what you had been seeking, setting in motion or waiting for. This is a card of fertility, so it is a good time to be testing the waters and exploring opportunities and avenues for growth. You may find that your finances are starting to flow more easily or smoothly, that you’ve come past the hurdle and things are starting to get just a bit easier and be less stressful. Financial and career opportunities may flow in to your life in unexpected ways or from unexpected sources. The key is to be open and receptive to these rather than dismissing them because it doesn’t come from or look like what you’d expect. New creative opportunities may be coming your way.

Emotions : This can often be card that represents the birth of new love, new relationships; it can also indicate renewed sense of love and connection in existing relationships. Be open and receptive to potential relationships that want to come in to your life. Go with the flow and see where it wants to take you rather than having a pre-determined course in mind and denying anything or anyone that doesn’t fall in to that. Be gentle with yourself. As the card of the child, be willing to reach out for what you need emotionally and allow others to offer and provide that. Don’t shut yourself off from others. Come out of your emotional « cage » and connect with people, places and opportunities around you that can nourish you emotionally. It’s okay to let someone else take care of you for a change.

Spirit : Like a cool glass of spring water on a hot day. This is the feeling that your Spirit may feel (and need) this month. A new or renewed sense of hope and optimism permeates your soul. You may find it easier to connect and feel connected with the world around you. Perhaps a new artistic or creative pursuit would be the perfect thing to start this month in order to tap into and allow for what’s internal to flow out of you and nourish the external world around you. Be in and around water as much as possible this month, whether it be making time to take long, leisurely baths, sitting by the ocean, reading next to a babbling brook, swimming, whatever it is that appeals to you that brings in to proximity and harmony with the water element. You may find new or greater intuitive and psychic awareness bubbling to the surface this month. Honour it and work with it. Listen to your intuition, your inner voice, and trust what it is telling you and what direction it is pointing you. Relax and go with the flow. Feed your Soul and nourish your Spirit.

LIBRA
I The Magician

Ally : Herb : Astragalus
« Through concentration and dedication, I am a willing channel of Spirit manifest on Earth. »

Wow days : 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 29, 30
Whoa days : 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Health : Needed resources are now available or in front of you that would be of greatest benefit and use. The key is that you have to be willing to be proactive and actually put them to use. And you can’t rely on them or someone else to do the work for you. You have to play a primary and active role in the process. In other words, while there may be medication or treatment for something, you can’t be passive and think that’s all it will take. Take the medicine and start exercising, for example. Go for the treatment and change your eating habits. The medication or treatment will not be the sole solution without you doing your part as well. This is a card that can indicate a return to health, the overcoming of an illness, or a new approach or treatment that can be effective.

Wealth : All the resources you need to move forward or initiate something are now at your disposal. There is no reason not to act, initiate, take the first step. It’s time for a new phase or cycle to be implemented. This is a card that suggests there is nothing you can’t do right now...that you have the ability to pull a rabbit out of a hat when you need it, to dazzle people with who you are, what you can do. Take advantage of this time to really go after something you’ve been wanting or planning for. The key is to have a clear vision and the ability to lay that out for people. This is a time to play the role of visionary, to think big, to offer up the big picture with dazzling potential and solutions. There is a sense you can get pretty much anything you want if you put your Will into action in order to make it happen. Don’t squander this time or opportunity.

Emotions : Just like was mentioned above, you have the ability and opportunity to dazzle and shine this month. Get out and about so that you can work your magic on people. If you want a new relationship, then do something magical to reel them in (« How did you whip up this meal in 30 minutes from just ketchup and a few bottles of beer in the refrigerator ?! »). Be bold. Be brave. Initiate rather than sitting back and waiting. Really come up with a clear and well defined vision of what you are seeking; visualise what the most amazing relationship would look like to you, visualise the type of person you want to be in a relationship with. Know that what you envision now can become a reality, but it will be totally dependent on a clear and fully realised vision rather than one that is vague and nebulous. Specify what you want, visualise the details, then be willing to go after it. You may be feeling that nothing can stop you right now, that you are able to manifest things out of thin air...and you’d be right.

Spirit : As above, so below. It is time to embark on new adventures and delve into new realms of growth, understanding, spirituality, etc. You possess everything you need to become who you want to be. But you can’t wait around for that to happen. You have to be the force that propels it forward. Stop making excuses that you need something else or something more, and start putting to work the resources you have available to you at this moment. You can build and grow from those rather than needing it all before ever getting started. Strive for more, reach higher, see yourself as moving into and becoming something greater, closer to your fullest potential and the ultimate vision of who you see yourself able to become. New chapters are being written, new vistas are appearing, new opportunities are unfolding right before you at every moment. Grab them and do something with them. Run, don’t walk, forward without hesitation and with vision and purpose. Limitless vision, aiming high, dreaming big...3, 2, 1, GO !

SCORPIO
10 of Wind
The Way of the Cross
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Ephedra
« I inhale and feel the cleansing energy filling me. I exhale and release the old. »

Wow days : 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28
Whoa days : 1, 2, 3, 4, 8+, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 23, 26+, 27, 29, 30

Health : Either things that have been creating extreme stress, anxiety and worry are starting to dissipate, or there is an immediate and urgent need to focus on reducing those things in your life right now. Back pains may be easing or not as severe as they have been before. There may be a need to ease up on things that strain the back. Longstanding pains or difficulties may be easing; or you may feel as if you are finally moving out of (or found a more effective means of managing) something that has been a chronic or ongoing problem. Relax, it’s not nearly as bad as you think. Stay focused on the real problem rather than letting your mind go into hypochondriac mode.

Wealth : Things that have been stressing the financial situation are easing up. Things that have been sources of great concern, worry or anxiety are likely to be less so starting this month. Perhaps a longstanding debt is finally being paid off or a conflict related to finances is getting resolved or released. Prioritise and stay focused on the most crucial thing at the moment rather than worrying about and getting stressed over trying to deal with and figure out too many things at once. On the job/career front, it would seem that a source of stress or conflict is going away or being removed (finally ! you might say :). Don’t make assumptions or spread innuendo or rumours...stick to the facts and work with and from those.

Emotions : Don’t sweat the small stuff. Perhaps a situation (such as a divorce) that has been going on for a loooong time (and likely not pleasantly) is finally nearing an end and coming to a resolution. Conflict or pain as a result of past treatment or abuse is finally starting to heal, and you feel lighter and better able to move forward without fear and the need for being in constant defensive mode. Stop being paranoid, no one is trying to stab you in the back. There is a clear and accepted recognition that old ways of thinking, old habits and old reasons for being fearful and defensive are no longer needed and will no longer serve you in connecting with others the way you desire. Let go of the anger, forgive and forget, focus on the future and moving on and moving forward rather than on what’s been done to you in the past.

Spirit : What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. You no longer have to bear the burden of what you’ve been carrying around as you realise that you were making the choice to continue burdening yourself with it rather than continuing to blame external forces and people for your burden and pain. Try the compassionate approach rather than the stick-pins-in-the-voodoo-doll approach. You may find the compassionate approach more productive and successful. It’s time for a renewed sense of focus and purpose. Time to come up with a new philosophy for living and a new attitude. Start coming up with plans on how to create the future you want rather than planning how to get revenge or make up for past wrongs. In some ways, this card says, I don’t care where you’ve come from; what I do care about is where you’re going and how you’re planning to get there.

SAGITTARIUS
5 of Earth
The Nadir

Ally : Herb : Mugwort
« I see the richness in my spirit and acknowledge my inner values. »

Wow days : 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Whoa days : 4, 5, 6, 7+, 8, 9+, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23

Health : There may be some health challenges this month. The important thing is not to wallow, nor to be around others who like to simply wallow and complain. Misery loves company, but it’s not healthy nor productive. You must also not give in to the compulsion to drag others into your misery. There may be some setbacks or some bad news regarding a health matter this month. There may be some necessary but unpleasant or unwanted changes that have to be made as a result of a health issue. Don’t deny or turn away from those people or organisations that can offer assistance in dealing with or getting through this.

Wealth : Finances may be severely pinched. There may be things that come up requiring greater financial resources than you had anticipated or can afford. Pay freezes, demotions, pay reductions, layoffs, loss of a job or home may also be indicated by this card. There is no way to sugar coat what this card can represent. However, the key is in how you choose to respond to these things. Will you simply give up ? Or will you accept what you have no control over changing, and let this be both a motivator and an opportunity for you to make changes you had been thinking about or wanting but not doing anything about out of fear and complacency ? This is a card that leaves us little excuse to not try something new or different, so will you give in to the opportunity or give up to hopelessness ?

Emotions : Emotionally impoverished may be one way to describe this card. You may be feeling like an outsider, or like you’ve been tossed out in the cold. The danger is to wallow in this emotional state and to surround yourself with others (or environments) that feed that emotional state. If you’re feeling like an outsider, stop complaining about it and take action on your part to go in to where you want to be rather than waiting for an invitation. If you’re feeling left out in the cold, then go to where you can feel warmth rather than being surrounded by others who are cold. This can also be a card that indicates codependency. Perhaps it is time to start recognising an unhealthy relationship situation and start doing something about changing it rather than letting it persist while you feel more and more miserable. One might think you prefer the drama, the misery, the status of loser because you don’t seem to want to do anything about it other than bitch and moan to anyone who will listen. And if you’re dealing with someone like that, it may be time to cut them off rather than letting them continually bring that energy into your life.

Spirit : Hopeless. Needy. Not worth much. Everybody has it better than you. Life is miserable and you’re going to make sure everyone else hears about it and feels as lousy as you do. Rather than giving up, perhaps it is time to face the need for change. Things are not going to get any better than they are if they are allowed to persist indefinitely the way they are. You may have to take a hard, objective and close look at who you surround yourself with, what kinds of environments you put yourself in, and really be willing to see whether those are supportive, productive and healthy, or if they simply play in to the most negative attitudes and feelings (because, again, misery loves company), where nothing changes and the same complaints get repeated ad infinitum. Reach out and accept the help of others by seeing it as a gift and blessing rather than a show of weakness or failure. You don’t have to endure this alone, and things can change and get better. Based on the Wow and Whoa days, it would appear that the last part of the month will start to bring glimmers of hope and possibilities for change.

CAPRICORN
Brother Water

Ally : Herb : Sarsaparilla
« I create opportunities to share my thoughts and feelings with others. »

Wow days : 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
Whoa days : 1, 4, 6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 30

Health : No major health concerns with this card. In some ways, it says to stick with what you’re doing as those things seem to be finding their groove and you’re beginning to settle into the flow of those things as a more natural part of your everyday life rather than having to make great effort just to do them. Being active in water may be useful (such as swimming). Things that support and stimulate circulation, the blood, and the proper intake and expelling of fluids in the body are emphasised. But overall, it seems you’re doing the right things, so just relax into and continue with them. You may have something to offer to someone else to help them in their health and well being.

Wealth : Smooth and easy flow. You may receive an offer or proposal this month. Alternately, this would be a good month to make an offer or proposal. There may be someone in your life or who comes in to your life this month that will want to and have the capacity to assist you in improving your financial or job situation. This is a card that indicates someone who has your best interests at heart, and truly wants to (and enjoys) helping others succeed. Be willing to accept what is being offered. Taking action on your hopes or dreams would end up paying off successfully in the long term.

Emotions : A relationship may move to the next level this month. A proposal may be made (or this is a prime month for proposing). Act on what your heart is leading you to say or do. Trust that what is being said to you is genuine and coming from the heart. This is a month to really work on issues related to trust. Allow yourself to be open and willing to trust and allow in rather than being wary or defensive. Be willing to be more open and sharing with others by trusting that they want to hear what you have to say, that they want to know you more deeply and fully. Be willing to listen more deeply and fully to others when they are sharing with you.

Spirit : Trust your instinct and take action on what your intuition or inner voice is telling you. Let hope be your motivator. Let your dreams and wishes be what you are striving to manifest this month. Spiritual study and practice needs to be more engaged and active by making the effort and making the time rather than simply whenever it seems to happen or be convenient. This is a month to focus on searching for your Holy Grail, perhaps even recognising the need to identify what that Holy Grail is for you and in your life, then being willing to go on the quest for it rather than waiting for it to come to you. This is the month for actively engaging in the spiritual quest, to seek out greater spiritual truths, to be more fully invested in and engaged in spiritual practice and pursuits. It’s a time to start developing a greater sense of spiritual identity and how to embody that and live it on a day to day basis. Dive into the mysteries rather than simply standing back and looking at them in awe.

AQUARIUS
3 of Fire
Birth of Light

Ally : Herb : Saffron
« This is the first day of the rest of my life. I go forth with inner strength and confidence. »

Wow days : 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28
Whoa days : 1, 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 26, 27, 29

Health : You are ready to push beyond the challenges and limitations you once had (or that you perceived about yourself). Expand upon any health regimens you are already following by doing things like increasing the workout time, going for longer walks or hikes, increasing the amount of weight you use when working out, running longer, swimming more laps. The idea is to push yourself a little harder, challenge yourself a little farther. Success is likely, and the payoff will be worth it in greater ways than you might think. If you are in need of something for a health issue, there may be a need to either travel to where it is, or that it will be something that comes from a far away place and can’t easily or properly be found locally.

Wealth : Expansion and growth is indicated by this card. This is the time to expand, to build out, to push the limits of growth potential. Whether it is to expand a business, take on additional responsibilities in a job, push for an advancement or promotion, or increase the reach and divestment of your financial portfolio. Foreign markets may be particularly lucrative for you right now. Travel may play a key role. If you’re looking for a job, then look beyond where you normally would, be willing to relocate, perhaps look at things that involve travel or are literally travel related jobs and fields.

Emotions : The phrase The Birth of Light brings to mind this sense that you are coming in to your own and really starting to be ready to shine in the world as yourself rather than simply how you may think others would most like to see you. If you’re looking for love, then be willing to go outside of your normal circles and places. Venture into foreign territory, unknown crowds, new places, situations and events. You may meet someone while travelling, or someone who is travelling. It also may have a high probability of being someone from another country (or while you are travelling in a foreign country). If you are in a relationship, there is a need and desire for expansion, to bring the relationship experience out into new things and different places. Go on a trip together to someplace new for both of you, have sex outside, be more social together rather than separately, explore polyamory or an open relationship, give the relationship space and opportunity to breathe and try new things. While some of these examples may seem shocking, the idea is to throw off the limitations and inhibitions so that the fire of passion and desire can be fully stoked and explored rather than always having water thrown on it. You may be feeling expansive and wanting to try new things, have new experiences. Indulge that desire and actively create opportunities for having those experiences. They may just be one time things, but at least you can say you tried it rather than regretting later in life never having even explored something to see what it was like.

Spirit : Tantra would be something that may be of great interest and benefit for you to explore this month. This is a card that holds the idea of the Self reuniting with its Self so that a third, more wholly and fully realised Self can emerge. We all have this sense of longing for « the other » that is a result of our birth into human incarnation creating a sort of split between the physical, earthly self and the spiritual, energetic self. When this 3 of Fire appears, there is a sense that those two parts of our Self are connecting, bridging as it were, and we are more consciously aware of our higher Self and our greater potential. Build and expand on this during the month, challenging yourself to see and go beyond the limited perspective of who you are and what you’re capable of, recognising that there is not only a whole world, but a whole Universe for you to explore and experience. Expand your consciousness. When you hear the phrase, « Let there be light, » what does that evoke in you ? That is the spark of creation and the fullness of potential and possibility that resides within you at your core. Fan those flames of possibility and potential, with no fear of what they may bring or where they may take you, for they are limitless. Your capacity to change the world, be it the world around you or the world at large, is at a peak right now...what are you going to do with that potential ?

PISCES
Five of Wind
Fear
Reversed

Ally : Herb : Mistletoe
« I let go of my judgements and allow love to be my guide. »

Wow days : 1, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 20, 21, 23, 27, 29
Whoa days : 2+, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18+, 19, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28++, 30

Health : The biggest challenge and detriment to your health right now is an environment of conflict, backbiting, one-upmanship, rumours, politics, gossip. There is a need for you to literally walk away from those activities, and to remove yourself from the conflicts and environments that seem to foster such negative and combative energy. The root of your health issues is anger, frustration, rage, revenge, negativity that you carry around inside of you. It’s as if it is literally eating away at you from the inside out. When you are willing to forgive, to let it go, to walk away, to stop making comparisons between yourself and others, then you will find that your health begins to improve. This is much more about mental health in some ways, but our mental state and mental health have a direct bearing on our physical health and well being.

Wealth : It’s time to stop fighting and to walk away. The stress, the pain, the conflict, the expense of continuing to fight just isn’t worth it any longer. Sometimes we have to accept a loss or that something didn’t work out as planned rather than continuing to try and force it to succeed or be what we think it can or should be, which creates greater and greater risk, pain, expense and grief. Start living within your means by no longer worrying about keeping up with the Joneses (or Kardashians). Stop comparing what you have and what your worth (including self worth) based on what you perceive others to have. It’s better to walk away from a situation at this point rather than fighting to win, to be right, to prove your point, to get revenge. Walk away, tend to your wounds and get on with your life rather than being caught up in a neverending conflict that does nothing but leave everyone involved bloodied and exhausted (if not dead from a heart attack due to the stress and viciousness of it all). You have to ask yourself, is it really worth it ? And this card says, emphatically, « No ! »

Emotions : You are under and dealing with a lot of stress and strife, much of it unnecessary because you are unwilling to walk away from it. This can be a card that says to let the divorce be finalised and done rather than continuing to fight over the all the petty stuff. There is nothing to gain (and perhaps everything to lose) by continuing to fight and subject yourself to the cruelty and mental/emotional violence of the situation. It just isn’t worth it anymore. It’s time to recognise when you are being abused and victimised, and walk away. It’s time to recognise when a situation is bringing out the very worst in you and causing you to act and treat people in ways that are abusive, and walk away. It’s not about giving up, it’s not about winning or losing anymore. It’s about throwing down the white flag and walking away so that you can begin to heal and get on with your life rather than remaining in a perpetual game of get stabbed and stab back. Stop making excuses, finding justifications, and just be done with it.

Spirit : FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. We can convince ourselves so much that the illusions, the assumptions, the perceptions, are real to the point that we don’t even know what is real and what is false anymore. We may even be at a point where we don’t even know what we’re fighting against nor why anymore. But it’s the fight that we’ve always known, so we perpetuate it simply because it’s what we’ve always know. If you can let go of the fear of what might happen, you may find that much of what you thought had no bearing on reality. Things can actually be better, you just have to be willing to trust and believe in that possibility, and then actively bring an end to and walk away from those things that falsely perpetuate a sense of fear, because those things simply become self-fulfilling prophecy rather than the reality of the way things can, need or even would be. You’ve lived in a (partially) self-created spiritual prison for long enough. It’s time to break free of those things, excuses, situations, reasons and illusory beliefs that the prison exists. Stop living and acting from a place of fear. Fear no longer has to have a hold over you, it only has as much power as you give it. When you release yourself from the prison of fear, you have the opportunity to experience what true Freedom really is and feels like. It’s time for you to be Free. Are you willing to stop perpetuating the fear and to walk away from the people, places and things that feed that fear, in order to move toward a greater sense and a life of freedom ? It’s your choice, but now is the time for the change from Fear to Free.


©2011 Tarot by HiC