The Moon and the Hermit

The Moon card in tarot shows two dogs on land baying at the moon and a crayfish crawling out of the sea. The card number is 18 that reduces to 9 (1+8). Number nine in numerology often relates to karmic influences. 

The dogs represent animals - animal instincts - irrational emotions that are stirred in the presence of moonlight, a cosmic force beyond our comprehension or control. 

The crayfish does not belong in the dry land. It is a creature of the deeps. It lives in deep waters. Water is both scientifically and metaphysically the source or origin of life; here, it represents past lives. The water is pulled by the moon. The past lives are pulled into our unconscious. The moon triggers old memories, unconscious feelings, often strange, unrecognizable reactions that come not only from our present life but also from the many other lives we have lived. Often around full moon, many people experience uneasy, upsetting emotions that are not easily understood.  

Moonlight has a soul purpose in bringing these remnants from the past into the present. We may not comprehend or have conscious awareness of these links and pieces of the puzzle that we are. We can only remain receptive to the influence of the forces that guide or overwhelm us at different times.

This is a time of limited light or darkness. Sunlight is missing. The Sun represents our Soul, the constant force that powers us, the blazing brilliance that shines through us all. The Moon represents the ever changing Mind with its myriad forms, its rhythmic rising and falling. Both have a purpose. One rules the day, the other night. While the mind is affected by all kinds of influences, the Soul remains unaffected. The Moon has no light of its own. It shines by reflection, unlike the Sun which generates its own light through fusion, by drawing on the cosmic source of energy. The Soul directs; the mind only reflects. 

The Hermit card is given the number 9. It shows us a way through the darkness. The Moon card itself gives us a hint of this way - the narrow path originating from the sea where the crayfish is surfacing and through the land where the animals are howling, right up to the top of a mountain in the distance. We have to make a difficult journey, we have to rise from the depths of despair to the top of the mountain of wisdom.

So what does the Hermit tell us to do? It says, when the Sun is hidden, we can light a lamp. Knowledge is the light of the lamp. It will guide us in the dark. It will help us reach the top of the mountain. The Hermit also shows us that we need to make this journey alone and without any baggage. Just like a hermit gives up all material possessions on his solitary pursuit, we must leave behind the burdensome expectations, the unrealistic desires, the illusions of our chaotic life below and seek higher ground. All we need to carry in this journey is our inner strength (represented by the staff the Hermit carries) and knowledge (the lamp). 

This is the way through the moonlight, a time of darkness that we often cannot make any sense of. Remember, as they say, it is always darkest before dawn. We must hope for the dawn, keep our eyes focused on it. The Sun will never fail us. Trust the Sun to always enlighten our tomorrows, to not only shine the light but also make our burdens light. 

Tarot Practice - About Healing

The Osho Zen tarot is a beautiful deck of cards that are structured as a regular 78-card tarot deck but do not follow the traditional symbolism. Moreover the cards are given names that seem quite ‘non-traditional’ but make sense when you dig a little deeper. I often use it as an oracle to provide clarity on the ‘bigger’ questions of life, not just the mundane, everyday concerns.

The Layout: This is a four card reading that uses the tarot itself to elicit the question as well as provide the answer. I drew one card from the Osho Zen tarot deck that represents the question, and three other cards that provide the answers.

The question card I drew is named ‘Healing’ and it corresponds to the King of Cups in the traditional Rider Waite Smith (RWS) tarot.

Question:  What is Healing?

Answer 1: Healing begins with ‘Totality’

The card drawn, Totality, corresponds to the Five of Wands in the RWS tarot. It shows members of a group engaged in a complex maneuver. Every member’s participation and activity is crucial, they are operating as a unit. There is a feeling that you’re one of the cogs in this beautiful machinery. You realize the importance of working with others, of acknowledging and accepting their support. Perhaps for healing to take place, this is the first step – the recognition of ourselves as part of a group with a common, shared purpose. It could be the people you work with, your friends or family. The Totality of Life Experience is not just a sum of our individual experiences but also the collective experience of life that we share in our relationships with others.

Answer 2: Healing requires ‘Courage’

The card drawn, Courage, corresponds to the Strength card of the major arcana in RWS tarot. It shows a tiny flower making an arduous journey of courage to survive against all odds in a rocky, difficult environment. It is weak and has nothing to depend on but only a quiet courage and determination to live. It refuses to give up and ultimately thrives in an environment where nothing else seems to grow. Perhaps healing is about facing not only your inner weaknesses but also external difficulties with courage, patience and faith. Perhaps what can heal you is within you. You have to summon the courage to heal yourself.

Answer 3: Healing is important because ‘We are the World’

The card drawn is the Ten of Pentacles, which, in this particular deck, is named ‘We are the World’.

The tens in tarot are about change, cyclical completion and transformation. The card seems to resonate the meaning of the first card which was the five of wands. Five is the mid-point in the decimal number line (1-10), ten is its completion. While in the earlier card it is probably just the people we know and share our lives with, here we embrace the idea of a larger community. Here, we join hands with the world beyond our immediate borders instead of keeping ourselves separate from it.

Perhaps healing occurs when we realize we are all in it together, united not just by common causes or interests but by the fact of our basic underlying unity, our humanity. About feeling one with the joy and suffering of our fellow humans. Perhaps this attitude will not just enable healing in ourselves but also make us the healers for others.

Summary: The three cards together provide not just a map or a step by step action plan for how to heal ourselves but also empower us to move beyond our individual concerns and recognize the power we have to make a difference not just in our own lives but also in the lives of others. Courage as the middle card glows bright to remind us of what we are capable of. A humble flower shows the grace and light we’re capable of shining all around us.

Let the cards empower you to make a difference.

Have a wonderful day!

Tarot Practice - Three-card reading for a work situation

Serena from New Jersey says:  “There is too much politics going on in my workplace and I feel like they’re all sucking my blood. Seems like everyone is out to take advantage of me. What can I do to feel better?”

The Reading:

We asked the Tarot for guidance and drew three cards from the Universal Rider Waite tarot deck (copyright US Games Systems Inc.,1990) to answer the following questions.

Question 1: What is really happening at the workplace?

Card drawn: The Hanged Man

Interpretation: This image of a man hanging upside down suggests the themes of martyrdom and disempowerment. It corroborates Serena’s feeling of being taken advantage of, being unfairly treated or punished for no fault of hers.

The person is tightly bound with no means of escape. The situation is not likely to change in the near future so it might be best to do some soul searching to see if you are not being excessively focused on something that you cannot control at this point. It might be a difficult time for you and you will need to change your perspective to see positive value in this situation.

Question 2: What am I doing wrong?

Card drawn: Ace of Pentacles

Interpretation: Aces suggest new beginnings. But since this card is in a negative position or what should be avoided, this is not the time to make a new beginning, in case you had that in mind. Also, being a pentacles card, it relates to material issues such as money/finances, health, new work projects, etc., so trying for a new job, changing your daily routine or enhancing your investment portfolio might not be a good idea at this time. 

Pentacles often symbolize coins or something of value; here the phrase, ‘set a store by something’ comes to mind. Maybe you are giving too much value to something that should be let go. Assess your situation and prioritize your goals accordingly.

Question 3: What can I do to make the situation better?

Card drawn: Two of Swords

Interpretation: You can take some time out for the moment. Let things be instead of aiming for an overhaul. Swords symbolize mental activity and communication. Avoid taking sides. In case of a dispute with a superior or colleagues try for a reconciliation and adopt a more diplomatic stance in your professional interactions.

Summary: This spread, seen as a whole, seems to be reiterating that the situation is in a state of suspension and there will be a time lag before things will turn in Serena’s favor. Both the Hanged Man and Two of Swords suggest this theme of delays, letting go for the time being and waiting it out. The Ace of Pentacles is in a challenging position so any new changes that she may desire will have to be kept on hold.

Remember, card reading is applicable for a particular moment in time. The idea of accepting things as they are and not expending effort in changing your situation is probably the best thing to do right now. At some other time a different strategy, one that calls for initiative and action, may be more appropriate. Let the cards empower your choice of action with wisdom. And always, always trust your intuition.

Have a wonderful day!

Tarot Practice - Body, Mind, Spirit

Dear Tarotists,

The long and brutal winter is almost over and it’s a relief to know it will be a wee bit easier from now on to keep our bodies, minds and spirits up and running in the coming months. But I also know not every day is sunny like today so for those days when the sun doesn’t shine and life doesn’t chime, I have a little spread for you and your favorite cards…just to get by. It’s an old one but a very handy one when you want to take a peep inside your out-of-kilter selves. 

BODY-MIND-SPIRIT

This is the classic three card spread that is shown in most beginner tarot books. I have extended it into a three by three question format where we can get more clarity into the situation, understand the nature of the problem and how to resolve it. On any particular day, you may find an issue with either the body or the mind or the spirit or all three. Accordingly, you can consult the cards for insight. Remember, however, that the insight will come from you, the cards are only a trigger. Do not worry about the memorized meanings of the cards, let the illustrations guide you and form associations in your mind about your particular situation.

The Layout:

For all the sample readings shown here, I have used the mini Pamela Colman Smith Rider Waite tarot deck from US Games Systems, copyright 2009-2015.

Draw three cards for any or all of the three areas - body, mind and spirit.  

1The Body

The first step will be recognizing the problem with the body. Ask the question and draw a card.

·       I am lacking energy. Or, I am feeling lethargic. What exactly is happening?

In the sample reading above I have drawn the World card. This is what is happening. I am comfortable in my surroundings. I am lazing around in my cozy spot, on the bed or the sofa. I am surrounded by my favorite things (the animal and human figures on the four corners of the card)  – there’s plenty of food and drink, there’s the TV and the internet.. I don’t feel like getting dressed or being up and about.

Here, I am seeing the image of the woman in the wreath as someone lazing in bed. Traditionally, this figure is considered to be striking a dancing pose. Someone else may see it as dancing, or exercising. For instance, too much exercise leading to tiredness, etc. Allow yourself to see your specific situation in the image. All answers are found within. Trust your own impression.

The second question is about knowing why the situation has arisen.

·       Why am I feeling tired/lazy?

Two of Wands: The reason I am feeling so lazy is that I do not want to leave my creature comforts (the globe in hand) and venture out. But there is also a feeling inside me that if I want something good to happen, I will need to make the effort. I am conflicted; I want comfort but I also want achievement (contradictory feeling is implied by the man holding globe in one hand and wand in the other). I will need to cross that boundary and move out of my comfort zone. I am tired because I am sticking to comfort and not exerting myself.

Lastly, I need to know what to do in order to break this unhealthy pattern.

·       How can I address this feeling and get my energy back?

The Magician: The Magician is exhorting me to make a beginning. For my body to feel good I have to act. In order to manifest action in the real world, I have to first make an intention in my mind, to act. As above, so below. I have to get this idea in my head and my body will follow suit. I must conquer the weakness in my mind, summon up my will power and act now. The energy generated in my mind will flow into my body and the feeling of lethargy will melt away. I must get out of my bed, stand up and start my chores right away.

2  The Mind

Recognize if something feels off in the mental realm. Ask the following questions.

·       I am restless. Or, I am unable to focus my mind on anything. What is happening?

Knight of Wands: This is what is happening. My mind is racing like the horse of this energetic Knight, kicking its heels and not looking where it is going. The horse is not guided by its own will, and this is how my mind feels right now. As if someone else is in control not me.  

·       Why can’t I concentrate?

Six of Pentacles: I can’t concentrate because like the wealthy man in the card who has decided to be generous to people, I am distributing/scattering my mental energy in different areas. I am not consistent with the time and energy I am giving to these tasks I am responsible for. There is no sense of prioritization.

·       How can I make my mind calm and focused?

Ace of Wands: Do one thing at a time. Take ownership of it and finish it. Do not let the mind wander, tame it with your superior inner strength and lead it in your chosen direction, just like the Knight leads the horse.

3The Spirit

Recognize if there is a lack of drive or passion. Ask the following questions.

·       I am bored. Or, I am not interested in my work.  What is happening?

Three of Pentacles: I am not enjoying my work. It feels routine and uninspiring. I am told to do something and I do it but without any passion. Sometimes, I just delegate it to the junior team members.   

·       Why am I so disinterested in everything? Why do I feel so apathetic?

Ten of Cups: The reason I don’t feel interested in my work is that I am thinking about my family who are pestering me to take a break and go on a vacation with them. I feel I need a vacation.  

·       How can I get the interest and passion back in my work?

Nine of Wands: This is a crucial time for my project and the team members are looking for my support. I must feel responsible and not let my lack of interest undermine the entire effort. Once the project is over, I can go on a vacation with my family. I must be strong and think of the greater good and realize how the lives of so many people, including my own family, depend on the quality of my work.

Remember to keep it simple and let the answers flow out of you in a natural, unhurried and relaxed manner. Let the images speak to you, in your own words. Until next time…happy taroting!

The Empress and The Sun

Card images from Hanson Roberts tarot deck,
Copyright U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the Hanson Roberts tarot deck for this reading.

Card1: The Empress - This card represents abundance as lush as the bountiful Mother Earth. It brings success in personal and professional matters including health and finance, marital happiness, energy and vigour in day to day work issues and tremendous potential for future possibilities.

It is also a card of creativity and nurturing your personal goals, nourishing them with right actions and carrying them through to completion. Often the depiction is of a pregnant woman, emphasizing future growth and the need for letting things develop and mature at their own pace.

Card2: The Sun - This card represents achievement, happiness and freedom and is said to light up any surrounding cards with its energy. As a counterpart of the Empress it brings a feeling of success in all personal and professional endeavours this week. The Sun promises happy outcomes in all situations including those that had been stuck for a long time. There is a sense of burdens lightening, responsibilities reducing and the old tiredness of routine giving way to fresh perspectives and inner vitality.

When the tarot throws up such positive cards as these it does not mean life is all roses and perfection though it may certainly be an easy time. The Sun urges you to look for the power deep within you to make every moment shine, just by freeing your mind of negativity. The Empress inspires you to feel abundant within yourself and irrespective of your possessions, just by remembering how blessed you already are. May the almighty guide you to everlasting peace and happiness. Have a wonderful week!

Four of Cups and the Five of Cups

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the gorgeous Golden Tarot for this reading.

Card images from the Golden Tarot by Kat Black,
Copyright 2003 U.S.Games Systems, Inc.

Card 1: Four of Cups - This card, being a number four, is about resistance to change and lack of enthusiasm on an emotional level. There may be nothing wrong as such in your environment. Infact, there could be abundance on every level and it is apathy to this very abundance that causes you to withdraw from the hustle and bustle outside and go inward. What you have in your environment no longer excites you.

An important symbol in this card is the cup being presented by an angel from above. It shows there are opportunities and possibilities  which you may be disregarding. This card shows up whenever we become too complacent about the blessings in our life and start taking them for granted.  Going within is the right way to analyze your feelings and know your priorities. However, don't let this mood cause you to miss opportunities that the present moment provides.

Card 2: Five of Cups - As the direct numerological successor of the four of cups, this card shows what happens when opportunity has been lost as a consequence of our own action or lack of it. This is the image of regret and loss which brings on an intense moment of self realisation, and a wish to isolate ourselves from the ordinary business of life.

The positive aspect of this card is that it shows all is not lost yet as three out of the five cups still remain standing. While the possibility of loss in the earlier card came from present apathy, the loss shown in the five of cups is in the past and can lead to missing future opportunities due to self absorption in and regret for what is already over.

This week the cards remind us about the importance of remaining firmly in the present moment and not letting opportunities slip by. There is a message here to get a grip on our overly emotional response to past events and to get away from negative feelings such as regret, grief, worry and apathy because these feelings only steal moments of true joy from our lives. Resist the urge to let your emotions rule this week and ground yourself through practical and routine physical activities. Have a wonderful week!
  

Knight of Pentacles and The Emperor

Card images from the Crystal Visions tarot,
Copyright U.S.Games Systems, Inc.

 Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the Crystal Visions tarot deck for this reading.

Card1: Knight of Pentacles - The knights in tarot are concerned with action and pursuing your goals with a very result oriented mindset. Their basic nature is fiery, passionate and driven and they personify the most dynamic quality of the element they represent. The knight of Pentacles is representative of the element Earth hence rootedness, dogged determination and a practical approach is how he moves towards his goals. These qualities will be important to you this week with regards to work and relationships.

You will bring a lot of focused energy to whatever you plan to do, making sure to avoid risks or any action that does not seem to give you expected results. You realize the importance of going about your routines in an orderly, systematic manner and avoiding all distractions in your path. Just make sure you don't eschew all sponteineity, especially in your interactions with others. Remember that being aware of the beauty and adventure that lies in your path makes the journey more pleasant than the destination.

Card 2: The Emperor - This card symbolizes everything that is representative of order, control and structure in your environment. In a broader sense this would include governments, law, society, rules and regulations. In an individual sense it may remind you of the necessity of creating some kind of structure in your life, setting up routines and procedures and following them diligently in order to get something important done.

Enforcing discipline in your day to day life is what the Emperor in you may want to do this week. If life has been chaotic recently or you've been unable to focus your energies towards a goal, this week you may find a shift in your attitude and an increase in will power.

A surge in energy will cause you to step up and take charge of your life this week. Recognize and respect the desire that rises from within to take action and make things happen. Methodical planning and a clear vision of what you want to achieve will bring efforts to fruition. Have a wonderful week!

Ace of Cups and The Hierophant

Card image from the Smith Waite Centennial tarot deck,
Copyright U.S.Games Systems, Inc.,2009

Here's your tarot forecast for the week ahead. I am using two cards from the Smith Waite Centennial tarot deck for this reading.

Card 1: Ace of Cups - This card brings with it the promise of renewed emotional energy this week. You will find it easy to express emotions and exude positive feelings in general. This card bodes good luck in all matters of the heart and can indicate new beginnings, reconciliations and more openness in relationships.

You will find it easy to relate to people and be more accepting and forgiving of trivial differences. What matters to you at this time is showing your real side and giving people the freedom to express theirs. It's a great time to connect with and reach out to people without letting self-conscious thoughts restrict your true feelings.

Card 2: The Hierophant - This card symbolizes convention, tradition and affiliation to a higher social or religious order. It basically implies respect for conventional ways and letting yourself be guided by established processes rather than adhering to a more individualistic or radical philosophy.

This week you may find it easy to follow the tried and tested approach that has always delivered rather than try out something original. You may seek inspiration from people who seem veterans in a particular area or have had more experience and learning than you. You're eager to follow in their footsteps not just because it's easier but also because you genuinely feel it's the best approach.

This week, there is a realization that sometimes it's best to go with the flow rather than push yourself against the current. You understand that there's no harm in doing what you've always done. In taking a more passive, receptive stance to whatever the universe has to offer, you actually invite more abundance and stability into your life. Have a wonderful week!

Page of Cups and the Tower

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the Hansen Roberts tarot deck for this reading.

Card images from the Hansen Roberts tarot deck,
copyright US Games Systems, Inc.

Card1: Page of Cups - This card represents a message or information that triggers a strong emotional response in you. The energy of the Pages in tarot is receptive, earthy and easily influenced by external circumstances. You may be very sensitive and impressionable to people and situations this week, getting either too involved in emotional matters or too withdrawn depending on the circumstances.

You would do well to remember that the change happening in your outside environment does not necessarily have to change your inner landscape. A level of detachment would prevent your getting too overwhelmed by forces beyond your control. Also remember that this detachment is not about being impervious to others' feelings, it's about safeguarding your own.

Card2: The Tower - This card suggests something powerful causing an emotional upheaval or triggering an outburst of pent up feelings. It could also be something as mundane as wanting to completely overhaul your daily routine. The Tower brings change that is uncomfortable at best and violently turbulent at worst. However, this is the only way nature brings about a resolution of things long pending for release.

You may be forced out of a comfortable zone physically, emotionally, intellectually or spiritually this week but at the end of it you will find acceptance and learn an important lesson for growth. The best way to go through the Tower energy is not to resist change but to welcome it, and to appreciate the wisdom it is trying to impart through an uneasy experience.

This week you will need to bear in mind that everything may not be in your control, that it is perhaps good that it is not. Things may shift and bring some kind of chaos in their wake, but this would help you see the bigger picture and make some important decisions about the future. Stay serene and Have a wonderful week!

King of Cups and the Three of Wands

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the Waite Smith Centennial tarot deck for this reading to get an overview of the energies playing out this week.

Card 1: King of Cups - This card brings an element of healing and understanding. It's all about staying in control with your emotions and subconscious feelings as these may still be lurking behind the scenes. You may get some kind of help in dealing with emotional issues, perhaps a sympathetic friend or elder person who can help bring clarity to something you have been dealing with in an immature manner.

You yourself could also be playing this role to someone in need so it is important not to get drawn into other people's affairs too much or you could end up bringing your own emotional dramas to the surface. The energy of this King is best for helping others and taking a broad view of relationships rather than sorting out trivial personal issues.

Card 2: Three of Wands - This card is about expanding your conscious awareness in the light of your experiences. This is a symbol of Sun in the zodiac sign of Aries, the one concerned with asserting your individual identity and fulfilling your spiritual purpose in life.

You are fearless, dynamic and full of optimism about what is to come. You hope for the best possible outcome in every area of your life. It's also a very positive card for success in ongoing projects and getting expected results from recent endeavours. You are now ready to leave the past behind and focus determinedly on your future goals.

This week there is a clear shift in your inner landscape from the water element of the King of Cups to the fire element of the Three of Wands. After resolving complex inner feelings you move to a more dynamic and active state of mind and assume greater responsibility for your actions. Stay centered and empowered as external events bring these changes to effect. Have a wonderful week!

Ace of Pentacles and the Four of Pentacles

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week using two cards from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Card 1: Ace of Pentacles - This week starts with renewed focus on everyday matters and material possessions including money matters, health and the homestead. This is one of the most earthy and grounded cards in the minor arcana and often may be rooted in mundane happenings rather than something profound or exciting. Nevertheless, it acts as a foundational step to greater material security and brings a sense of connectedness to life.

This card also shows up as a reminder to keep up your basic routines no matter how pointless or excruciating they may feel at times. It is important to go through these seemingly monotonous routines as this is the 'watering-the-plants' stage of your life with much to look forward to at a later stage. Keep yourself motivated as you go about with present hardwork. It's the key to future happiness and well being.

Card2: Four of Pentacles - This card suggests a secure establishment of the life you want to lead, a consolidation of resources you have been gathering for a while and a sense of order. Astrologically, this represents sun in the zodiac sign of Capricorn so there is stability, security and groundedness in your life this week. In matters of work you would be methodical and adopt a more conventional approach, no risk taking at this time.

In personal relationships you may be reserved, inclined to preserve peace and maintain the status quo rather than stir things up for adventure. Try and remain open to the emotional energy of others instead of closing yourself off or taking things too seriously.

This week you may want to consciously remind yourself to do things with more passion than you feel. Keep a lighthearted approach to things and try and think of ways to make your everyday routines more fun and joyful. Have a wonderful week!

Ace of Wands and the Knight of Swords

Here's your weekly forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the Universal Waite Smith tarot deck for this reading.

Card 1: Ace of Wands - A new energy, a sparkling idea or a new impulse is coming your way this week, bringing loads of action and creativity. You would experience an increase in confidence and a general burst of energy at this time. You would be inspired and motivated to take charge of your life and steer it in the direction you have been wanting to for sometime now. This Ace brings tremendous vitality and vigour into your everyday actions so nothing seems mundane or trivial.

Card 2: Knight of Swords - The knights in tarot bring speed and action and this one in particular comes galloping with an impressive and almost chaotic energy. Things are sure to speed up this week and you may find yourself in a rush, trying to accomplish everything at once. Some events may take you by surprise as they occur unexpectedly and as if forced by circumstances.

The pitfall of this knight is overconfidence and an excessively intellectual approach to all things, including human relationships. This is one area where you would need to proceed with gentleness and understanding rather than get into a black and white, right and wrong argument. Try not to rub people the wrong way this week, even if they're unable to catch up with the speed of your thoughts and passionate zeal.

This week try and make the most of the high energy you possess and stay on course with your short term goals. However, stay grounded and practical where long term planning is concerned. In relationship matters you may be inclined to talk more and listen less and also come across as a tad domineering so try and temper your natural instinct with kindness and sensitivity.
Have a wonderful week!

The World and the Five of Pentacles

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the Universal Waite tarot deck for this reading.

Card1: The World - This week you will find yourself at the centre of all the important activities you are involved with at work or at home. You will recognize the importance of these activities in a larger context instead of getting annoyed by the excrutiating details you usually end up focusing on. You will enlarge your field of work in this manner and also ably support others in providing a central direction to them so work completion becomes easier and more orderly.

The card is astrologically associated with the planet Saturn that rules organisation and imparts a practical, methodical approach. Your long term efforts will bear fruit and bring you a sense of achievement and understanding.

Card2: Five of Pentacles - This card is traditionally associated with financial or health related challenges and bodes a somewhat uncomfortable time. It also shows the importance of not losing sight of your goal and carrying on with determination and persistence. However, this week, with the World card tying up the loose ends and bringing cyclical forces to a state of completion, it seems to be taking the focus from a strictly materialistic view to a more spiritual understanding of goals, priorities and inner values.

Having reached a significant stage in your life you may be required to consider your priorities and particularly those areas of your life where you find yourself lacking. You may find yourself looking at your life from the outside and finding some discrepancies between what is shown to the world and what you feel inside. Make sure to realistically assess your strengths and weaknesses and remain true to yourself as you prepare for the next phase. Have a wonderful week!

King of Wands and Eight of Cups

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the Universal Waite tarot deck for this reading.

Card 1: King of Wands - This card represents a person who is dynamic, self confident, action oriented and a natural leader. It could represent your attitude this week or someone in your life who you look up to. Wands, being symbolic of the element Fire, bring high energy, spiritual motivation and dynamic force into everyday activities. You are enthusiastic this week and may be required to provide direction and leadership to an important cause or event.  You would be in the helm of affairs, running from the front and inspiring everyone to put in their best efforts.

Card 2: Eight of Cups - Cups are representative of the element Water which is not considered compatible with the Fire energy of Wands. This combination causes conflict between your outer environment and the inner landscape of your emotions. The eight of cups shows a person walking away from two rows of five and three cups respectively, which hints at something missing or some sort of hidden instability within an apparently stable situation.

Astrologically, this card shows the effect of Saturn, the planet of restrictions, on the zodiac sign of Pisces, which is concerned with subconscious and hidden realms of the mind, deeper feelings and psychic insights. Inspite of everything being 'right' you could feel a pull towards something not clearly defined, something you feel compelled to explore further.

Your emotions may have something to do with the limitations or restrictions in your life that have assumed greater importance for a brief time. Spend some time away from the clutter and chaos of responsibilities to understand the true nature of these restrictions and how they bring stability and protection in your life instead of thinking of them negatively.

This week you may experience some contradictory emotions and a shift in perspective. It is the time to recognize and appreciate the things that are the framework of your life and provide structure, stability and order. Let your feelings guide you to greater peace and joy. Have a wonderful week!

Nine of Wands and Five of Pentacles

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the Rider Waite tarot deck for this reading.

Card 1 - Nine of Wands: This card is about perseverance and staying on in the face of insecurities and fears. It's also about expecting something negative to happen. The card image shows a man holding on to a rod or baton, his forehead bandaged, implying that he's been through a rough situation in the past. Hence the basis for these fears lies in past incidents. While it is prudent to remain cautious and learn from past experiences, too much of this attitude could take away from a true life experience. Try not to be overly judgemental of people this week and let not your inner feelings cloud your reason.

Make sure you are well prepared, especially in a work situation, but avoid obsessing about the details as that may undermine your confidence. If you find yourself getting exhausted or overwhelmed by responsibilities and chores, take a short break to recharge yourself but do not give up; you may be closer to your goal than you realize at this point so just hang on and get on with it.

Card 2 - Five of Pentacles: This card signifies some challenges and feelings of inadequacy that may get your spirits down this week. However, more than a real lack it may point to feelings of lack that arise out of comparison with people who seem luckier and more well off than you in material aspects. Try to resist comparing your worth with others. You may be caught up in appearances this week instead of focusing on the big picture of your life, hence this consciousness of lack. Focusing on what you do have and being appreciative of it will go a long way in easing your worries and guiding you towards the path of improvement. An overly critical attitude will only make matters worse.

This week you need to guard against negative thoughts and feelings about yourself, your situation or the people in your life. Such feelings and thoughts may arise spontaneously and while you cannot always prevent things from happening a certain way you can certainly control your reaction to them. Respond positively and understand that things will not stay the same always. What goes down has to come up. Stay serene and have a wonderful week!

Page of Cups and the Ace of Pentacles

Here is your tarot forecast for the upcoming week using two cards from the Rider Waite tarot deck.

Card 1 - Page of Cups: This week again we have a Page as the first card which shows something new coming your way. Cups in tarot represent the water element and are symbolic of the energy of subconscious influences, emotions, deep feelings and sensitivity to the environment. These matters may play an important role this week and you may pick up on information of a subtle nature such as moods and feelings of people around you and be more influenced by them. Your creative impulse may be stronger at this time and new ways of doing things may come to mind. Relating to other people will be easier and communication will flow easily. Just try not to get too affected by your surroundings or take on other people's emotional burdens.

Card 2 - Ace of Pentacles: Aces in tarot signify beginnings and as Pentacles are concerned with the most earthy and material aspects of life, this week you may find new opportunities in this area. Money, health, day to day work activities and long term relationships will remain in focus and demand time and attention. This Ace is one of the most grounded one and hence its effects may manifest in a very mundane manner. This is the time to plant a new seed which means careful attention to detail and a practical, down to earth approach is required. It may take a while before you even think about reaping the harvest, now is the time for putting in consistent hard work.

Both the cards suggest a passive, receptive and nurturing quality this week. Any inspiration or idea you have must be put to good use so keep your focus on the bigger picture, accept new experiences with a positive mindset and do what you must, even if the effort causes some minor inconvenience.
Have a wonderful week!

Page of Pentacles and the Ten of Pentacles

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using two cards from the Original Rider Waite tarot deck for this reading.

Card1 - Page of Pentacles: This card, being a page, represents information coming your way and since Pentacles brings the elemental energy of Earth into force, it would have something to do with practical, day to day concerns of a material nature such as health, money, work related tasks or learning a new skill.

It could also indicate a trustworthy child, ward or younger person eager to take ownership of important family matters, someone who wants to assist or contribute in a small way for a larger group or cause.

Card2 - Ten of Pentacles: This card shows an image of material success and abundance with emphasis on long term asset building, family legacies and a cautious, conventional approach to the material aspects of life. Family issues and especially those concerned with incomes, expenditures and safeguarding of tangible assets may be in your mind this week.

You may receive some positive information or news concerning financial investments or property matters. Some of you might become serious about health and take steps for improvement in this direction.

There is a clear focus on both health and wealth this week and a reverential attitude towards the tried and tested. Your thinking is more grounded at this time and your goals and actions more realistic. Stay inspired as you inch closer to your dreams and have a wonderful week!

The Tower and the Three of Pentacles

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I drew two cards from the Rider Waite tarot for this reading.

Card 1: The Tower - This card shows a scene of chaos, upheaval, disturbance. The depiction is of two people being forcibly thrown out of a tower that has been struck by lightening. The people are shown mid air, heading towards a craggy landing place in the middle of the night.

The Tower card represents a powerful force of nature that can upend the carefully planned structure of our life in a sudden, chaotic event. There is a sense of powerlessness about this card and of being forced out of our comfort zone. You may experience some unease this week. It could manifest as a radical and life changing experience for some, a minor disturbance for others; however, it will cause a shift in energy and new perspectives to emerge.

Astrologically, the Tower card stands for the fiery planet Mars and you would feel its intensity at the beginning of the week. On a mundane level there could be angry outbursts or arguments and for a short while it may make things around uncomfortable. Just remember that this was inevitable, that there was no way life could continue in the same path without the release of this energy.

Card 2: Three of Pentacles - This card shows a skilled craftsman conferring with two people about some work related matter. The central figure in the card seems to be a leader, someone who knows his job and is confident about what he is doing.

This is a card of work done with dedication, finesse and self confidence. A very positive card to have with regards to professional matters and brings recognition for efforts and a rise in social standing.
Astrologically, this is Mars in the zodiac sign of Capricorn where the planet is exalted and very powerful.

Both the cards point to a need to channelise your high energy into purposeful and constructive activities. Mars energy being very action oriented gives you personal power, focused concentration and will power to finish long pending tasks, take quick, effective decisions and influence people. But it may also bring impulsiveness and insensitivity to others so take some time to think through before you act. Stay positive and have a wonderful week!

Knight of Swords and The World

Today I decided to chuck the positional three card spread we've been doing for sometime and just pick two cards that would show what to expect in the upcoming week. It's a more intuitive way of seeking guidance and direction from the cards and paying attention to the duality underlying our lives. Also, my camera is behaving weirdly so I hope my words can convey the sense of the cards.

Card 1: Here we have the Knight of Swords on horseback, carrying a sword of course, and charging at high speed towards his goal. This card, being of the element of Air, indicates someone with a keen intellect and a gift of the gab. Someone who is fair minded and often in an extreme way, is impulsive, stands up for the cause of justice but can also tend to intellectualize issues and come across as thoughtless and insensitive. You could be this way, overly focused on something that's still up in the air and not pausing to consider the consequences. 

The Knight of Swords also represents events and situations happening at breakneck speed that may cause some kind of chaos and disturbance in day to day routines. It may represent sudden travel plans  or situations needing urgent attention. 

Card 2: Here we have The World card, the last of the major cards that represents completion of a goal, emotional fulfillment, success of an important endeavour and joyful involvement in a project. 

Astrologically this is Saturn, the planet that imparts wisdom through tough experiences and rigorous discipline. In combination with the first card it bodes well for whatever comes your way this week. While it may start off as chaotic and cause minor disturbance in daily routines it will end well and with a feeling of immense personal satisfaction for you. 

Overall it's going to be a fast paced week with some high energy that may seem overwhelming but will leave you with greater wisdom, endurance and ability to cope. Be realistic and back words with action when pursuing goals. Have a wonderful week! 

Weekly Tarot forecast - May 9 to May 15

Card images from the Universal Waite tarot:
Knight of Cups, Queen of Pentacles, Two of Swords

Here's your tarot forecast for the upcoming week. I am using the Universal Waite tarot deck for this reading.

Card1 - Knight of Cups: This card shows the key atmosphere or theme this week. The Knight of Cups represents a high degree of emotional energy coming your way. It could be the influence of someone you know. Someone sensitive, warm and diplomatic who you feel comfortable sharing your issues and concerns with.

It could also represent an event where you would have a chance to express your emotional energy such as interaction with an old friend, colleague or family member.
Invitations to an event, either personal or professional, are also sometimes indicated by this card.

Card 2 - Queen of Pentacles: This card represents you and your reaction to the energy shown by card 1. The Queen of Pentacles is someone very down-to-earth, practical and resourceful. It is also someone who knows the value of little, everyday things and cares for them in a nurturing sort of way.

With regards to the emotional energy of the Knight of Cups, your attitude is receptive, understanding and generous. You may have to play the role of a listener or provide some sound, practical advice to someone who eagerly seeks it out. As Pentacles stand for the material aspects of life, including money and health, you may have to deal with these as your primary areas of concern this week, most likely with regards to people you are required to care for.

Card 3 - Two of Swords:  This card represents how things will progress this week. You may have to assume a noncommittal stance especially concerning a dispute or argument in order to maintain peace. You may face a mental block and try to defer taking any sort of action for fear of upsetting the cart. You would need to confront the truth of the matter soon, however, for now it would be best to remain tactful and defer making any judgements or taking a definite course of action.

This week you may find concerns of other people rather than your own occupying most of your time and mental energy. Proceeding with empathy and compassion you can make a positive difference in their life, however, try not to get too emotionally drawn into their problems.
Have a wonderful week!