Archive for Tarot & Astrology

The Twos in the Tarot of Quotes

Two of Wands, Tarot of QuotesWhile the Aces symbolise potential and new beginnings, the Twos in Tarot relate to the need to strive for balance. A solitary spark has evolved into duality.

Duality creates opposites and choices, which are reflected in partnerships, decision-making, planning and multi-tasking.

The High Priestess in the Major Arcana quietly watches over the Twos of the suits and influences them in a subtle way. The underlying message of all the Twos is the need to follow your gut instinct to a certain extent in order to move forward from a perpetual balancing act.

Two of Wands – planning, risk-taking, making preparations, collaboration at work, travel, seizing an opportunity, seeking a new adventure, restlessness, investing for growth.

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Dominion

Astrological attribution: Mars in Aries – power, will, ambition, conquest, authority, courage, influence

Interpretation: a new project, a joint venture, moving into the right direction, asserting your authority, growing confidence, booking a trip, planning your next move, having a clear vision of your goal, setting priorities, taking a calculated risk

Image symbolism:

Two-forked tree – duality
Cargo ship travelling to a new destination – clear vision and purpose
River: emotions, intuition, having faith
Bright colours: fire, energy, clarity, vitality

 

Two of Cups, Tarot of QuotesTwo of Cups – attraction, relationship, friendship, dating, courtship, harmony, cooperation, love

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Love

Astrological attribution: Venus in Cancer – love, beauty, harmony, trust, nurture, emotional exchange, commitment, marriage

Interpretation: emotional balance, personal encounters, meeting someone you are on the same wavelength with, start of a friendship, harmonious partnership in business, companionship, sexual attraction, unity

Image symbolism:

two sheep sitting side by side – friendship, affinity, companionship, mutual fondness (see also the Lovers)

grass – earth (Venus) grounded, stability, nourishment

water – (Cancer) – emotions

 

Two of Swords, Tarot of QuotesTwo of Swords – stalemate, truce, indecision, procrastination, hesitate, defer, choice

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Peace Restored

Astrological attribution: Moon in Libra – a choice between head and heart, working out a fair compromise, balancing thought with emotion

Interpretation: immobilised by fear, ignoring a problem, trying to break a deadlock, blocked emotions; withdrawal from responsibilities

Image symbolism:

waxing moon – a phase of uncertainty, increasing doubts and insecurities, tension

water – emotions, the unconscious, the unknown, feeling out of depth

scales – Libra, the intellect, weighing up the choices, trying to ignore feelings/instinct, careful consideration

 

Two of Pentacles, Tarot of QuotesTwo of Pentacles – adaptability, flexibility, multi-tasking, balancing the books, getting by, juggling various responsibilities, agility, fluctuation

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Harmonious Change

Astrological attribution: Jupiter in Capricorn – expansion and growth limited by restrictions; impermanence

Interpretation: growing pains associated with instability and perpetual flux; transforming energies; change, red tape, financial limitations, new goals and priorities emerge from the need to maintain balance; taking a risk is a necessity, not a choice

Image symbolism:

two coins (Euro and British Pound) – balancing opposing forces to maintain equilibrium

view of farm fields from hilltop – the world is ever-changing, keep focusing on the bigger picture; hard work pays off, but sometimes it doesn’t

murky clouds – uncertainty

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please feel free to leave your comments below.

You can view all images of my Tarot deck created so far in the Gallery

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

 

If you’d like to learn more about the Twos and all the other cards in the Tarot, please check out my ebook Empowering Messages from the Tarot.

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Reading Negative Cards in Positive Positions

Ten of Swords, www.aquatictarot.de

All images in this post:
Aquatic Tarot

Sometimes the messages received from the Tarot can be confusing. For example, you want to know what your strengths are in a certain situation, or what you can do to save your relationship, and the answer you get is the Ten of Swords.

How irritating!

You were hoping for something encouraging and inspirational, but all you got was that pesky card of someone lying back-stabbed on the floor suggesting ruin and painful endings.

But let’s not panic, Astrology to the rescue!

Once you know the astrological attributions linked to the cards, you can see more than just the image. For the Ten of Swords it’s Sun in Gemini.

What does Sun in Gemini tell us about the Ten of Swords?

Positive aspects of the sun: vitality, clarity and confidence.

Positive aspects of Gemini: versatile, curious, social.

So, when exploring your strengths or asking which qualities you need to develop in order to resolve an issue successfully, you now have a few options to choose from.

Zodiac and planetary attributes can also offer more specific interpretations of the cards. Here are some suggestions for the Ten of Swords:

an ending leads to clarity; curiosity will attract new opportunities; social interaction will increase confidence after a blow; an ending is a blessing (sun) in disguise; you have the energy to lift yourself up and recover; resilience…

 

Let’s take a look at other negative cards:

The Tower, www.aquatictarot.deThe Tower is linked to Mars, which in turn is also the ruling planet of Aries (The Emperor).

Positive traits: courage, decisiveness, challenging, energetic, pro-active

Positive card meanings influenced by Mars: taking drastic action to achieve a goal; having the courage to face danger (extreme sports, a fire fighter etc.); confronting an adversary; implementing a radical overhaul or self-improvement program, e.g. diet, exercise etc., ability to see new possibilities beyond the destruction…

 

Death, www.aquatictarot.deDeath is linked to Scorpio, which is commonly connected to “sex, death and taxes”.

Positive traits: compassionate, intense, independent and determined. Its ruling planet Pluto suggests the ability to regenerate and overcome change.

Positive card meanings influenced by Scorpio: clearing the old to bring in the new; spiritual growth through acknowledging and tackling emotional issues; searching for deeper meaning and purpose; making sweeping changes to rejuvenate a relationship; sex therapy or an intense sexual experience…

 

Five of Pentacles, www.aquatictarot.deThe Five of Pentacles is linked to Mercury in Taurus

Positive aspects of Mercury: communicative, expressive, intelligent, thoughtful

Positive aspects of Taurus: disciplined, organised, reliable, steadfast, methodical, affectionate

Positive card meanings influenced by Mercury in Taurus: being pragmatic at times of adversity; self-reliant; a thorough, hands-on approach to overcoming obstacles; willingness to work hard to achieve success; eager to create stability…

 

Devil, www.aquatictarot.deThe Devil is linked to Capricorn and also to Uriel, the light bearer, one of the four arch angels.

Positive traits: down-to-earth, ambitious, hard-working, rational, resourceful and loyal. Its ruling planet Saturn also suggests responsibility, patience and an ability to strive despite adverse circumstances.

Positive card meanings influenced by Capricorn: being disciplined at times of hardship; plodding through and not giving up; taking matters seriously; in relationships loyal and care-giving even when going through a rough patch; realistic expectations…

 

Three of Swords, www.aquatictarot.deThe Three of Swords is linked to Saturn in Libra.

Positive aspects of Saturn: disciplined, responsible, reliable, endurance

Positive aspects of Libra: fair-minded, cooperative, sincere, striving for harmony

Positive card meanings influenced by Saturn in Libra: determination to restore harmony out of discord; alleviating anguish with an objective mind; mourning with dignity and self-composure; ability to cut your losses and move on…

At first glance it can be difficult to see the positive aspects in negative cards, especially when they are placed in positions relating to possible strengths, skills, talents, helpful qualities and inspirational guidance.

Remember that there are two sides to each card – positive and negative – and with the help of their astrological attributions you can discover them.

Why don’t you give it a try with the following cards, and let me know how you get on:

The Hanged Man – Neptune

Seven of Swords – Moon in Aquarius

Eight of Swords – Jupiter in Gemini

Nine of Swords – Mars in Gemini

Ten of Wands – Saturn in Sagittarius

Five of Cups – Mars in Scorpio

You can access basic information on the zodiac signs and planets in my Introduction to Tarot Astrology.

And if you are intrigued by applying astrology to your Tarot readings, then consider enrolling on my Tarot Astrology correspondence course with personal in-depth 1-2-1 support.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

 

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The Planetary Spread with the Rosetta Tarot, Part 2

Planetary Spread, Rosetta Tarot

Click to enlarge

In my previous post you can find all the details of the Planetary Spread and more information about the beautiful Rosetta Tarot.

Please note that for this sample reading I have used the astrological correspondences given in the companion book of this deck.

The cards drawn for this general reading are as follows:

1. Earth: Princess of Disks  - Earth of Earth (together with the Ace of Disks ruler of Aries, Taurus, Gemini)

In the Self position, the Princess of Disks suggests a person, who is full of creative potential and keen to manifest possibilities into something tangible and fruitful. Her creative energy is symbolised by her pregnancy and her crest of the Ram/Oxen head. The Princess of Disks represents creative endeavours in their early stages, and she needs to demonstrate ambition (Aries), patience and perseverance (Taurus) and mental focus (Libra) to turn her ideas into reality.

Her personality is down-to-earth and realistic, sprinkled with a touch of hedonism (good food and drink) and indulgent sensuality. The Princess of Disks has a strong affinity with nature and all things natural/organic/handmade.

The key message of this card is to focus on aspirations with patience and clarity in order to achieve goals and enduring productivity.

2. Sun: Two of Swords – Moon in Libra

Keyword: Peace

The current power source is that of calm, stillness and balance. A peaceful mind alleviates insecurities. Taking time to relax and meditate is important right now to sustain well-being. Creative projects need patience; nothing should be rushed. There is a sense of being at peace by avoiding confrontations or delay making some tough decisions.

The key message of this card is to practice emotional detachment in order to create inner balance to make the right decision and move forward.

3. Mars: Four of Disks – Sun in Capricorn

Keyword: Power

The Four of Disks in the Action position suggests being over-protective of security, possessions and what is known. The need for control can be overpowering at times, stifling others and limiting own potential for expansion. Letting go of power and control may seem risky, but it can have a liberating effect, whilst at the same time avoiding becoming reckless or irresponsible.

The key message of the Four of Disks is to loosen the grip on power and control by developing more trust in others and even the unknown.

4. Venus: Ace of Cups – Root of Water (together with the Princess of Cups ruler of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius)

The Ace of Cups in the love position suggests new emotional beginnings and being receptive to opportunities in love and deepening relationships. Here we see a person, who is open-hearted, ready to give love and nurture others. If this card comes up at a time of emotional upheaval, it can suggest positive developments, that not all is as bleak as it seems, and happy times will return.

Any relationship issues can be resolved by applying qualities of the three ruling zodiac signs: communicative (Libra), passionate (Scorpio) and generous (Sagittarius).

Aces symbolise potential, so the key message of the Ace of Cups is to start sowing the seeds of love in the present by joyfully giving and sharing without expecting anything in return.

In a relationship reading, the Mars and Venus position could indicate one person, who is ready to embark on a new relationship and willing to commit (Ace of Cups), whereas the other person is reluctant to do so, perhaps wanting to protect their feelings (Four of Disks).

5. Jupiter: Prince of Disks – Air of Earth – Aries/Taurus (ruler of 4 of Wands, 5 of Disks, 6 of Disks)

The Prince of Disks in the opportunities position suggests progress through discipline and tenacity. In the image he is driving an ox-pulled chariot scattering dandelion flowers, which symbolise fruitfulness. He is hard-working, patient and energetic. These qualities will be beneficial when pursuing goals at work or at home.

The three pip cards he is ruling indicate initial success (4 of Wands) and the need to manage money more efficiently (5 and 6 of Disks).

The key message of the Prince of Disks is that hard work and perseverance will pay off, but at the same time finances need to be managed carefully.

6. Mercury: Five of Wands – Saturn in Leo

Keyword: Strife

The Five of Wands in the communications position suggests misunderstandings, arguments and power struggles. The Saturn in Leo constellation linked to this card indicates the need to tame the ego and focus more on collaboration rather than competition. Before getting drawn into an argument, it’s worth remembering that clear, simple and calm discussions will be more effective to encourage co-operation.

Whether it is relevant to you in relationships, at work or in family situations, the key message of the Five of Wands is to avoid fighting for power or position to get results. Instead, focus on your goal and what you want to achieve by promoting a more constructive team effort.

7. Saturn: The Hierophant – Taurus

The Hierophant in the opposition/teacher position suggests that conventional structures and an organised hierarchy are beneficial to personal and professional development, even though they can sometimes limit creativity. This is supported by the other Disks cards in this spread. Set tasks, routines, daily schedules and to-do lists are proven tools of productivity, which can at times stifle flexibility and spontaneity.

The key message of the Hierophant is to embrace all the advantages of order, discipline and traditional values, but also be more aware of their limitations. Learning new skills, meet new people or try something different will be invigorating and broaden the horizon.

8. Moon: Queen of Swords – Water of Air – Libra

The Queen of Swords in the feeling position suggests the need to be emotionally strong and resilient. Perhaps feelings are being controlled rather than light-heartedly displayed. Nothing wrong with that, especially when feelings are negative and could easily be expressed with cutting, spiteful remarks. Some issues still need to be resolved, and this Queen may either keep a stiff upper lip or voice her emotions in a matter-of-fact, clear and honest way.

The key message of the Queen of Swords is not to keep emotions suppressed. Whatever needs to be resolved, do it with diplomacy, wit, fairness and understanding.

The Queen of Swords in the Moon position complements the Two of Swords in its opposing Sun position. Here, the message of keeping a cool head and practising emotional detachment (without being cold-hearted) is emphasised to create and maintain harmony.

Would you like to learn more about using Astrology in your Tarot readings? Then please check out my online Tarot Astrology course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

 

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The Planetary Spread with the Rosetta Tarot, Part 1

Rosetta Tarot, www.rosettatarot.com

The Rosetta Tarot © 2011 M.M. Meleen

Last week I received the magickal Rosetta Tarot in the post, and I’m very impressed with the stunningly vibrant images.

This self-published limited edition tarot deck by artist and author M.M. Meleen is based on Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot and the Golden Dawn tradition. Some images are very similar to those in the Thoth deck, but others vary a lot, and some images have even been given a modern, 21st century overhaul.

This isn’t a lengthy review of the Rosetta Tarot. Overall, I love this deck, and it has inspired me to create an 8-card planetary spread, which can be used as a condensed overview, ideal for general readings.

If you are interested in buying this deck, you will need to be quick, because only 777 copies have been printed, and I received number 520. I would also recommend buying the companion book, the Book of Seshet, as it offers a wealth of information on the artwork and symbolism of the deck, astrological correspondences, an introduction to Qabalah and explores the Golden Dawn based tarot structure.

Planetary Spread

Click to enlarge and print

In ancient Greco-Roman astronomy five planets and two illuminaries (sun and moon also referred to as planets) were identified, which could all be seen with the naked eye:

Moon – Mercury – Venus – Sun – Mars – Jupiter – Saturn

It was also believed that the Earth was at the centre of the solar system, circled by the seven planets.

The planetary spread is based on this ancient model.

Each planet is associated with characteristics and psychological energies, which we all express in various forms and at different times.

In Tarot, the planets are linked to Major Arcana cards, which can already offer you an insight, what the individual planet is all about, and what the position in the spread refers to.

This spread doesn’t contain a future/outcome position. Instead, each card may reveal new information or confirm what you already know. It may also offer guidance on what action to take, perhaps even suggest future possibilities:

1. Earth

The self; present situation; your current role; how you express yourself; where you are right now; your reality; identity

2. Sun (The Sun)

Power source; what motivates you; energy levels, creative endeavours; level of contentment

3. Mars (The Tower)

Action; the male principle; what actions need to be taken; what needs to be confronted; power and control issues; leadership; what existing structures need to be broken up and rebuilt; in a relationship reading, this position can relate to the male (or male-orientated) partner

4. Venus (The Empress)

Love; the female principle; relationships; family; home life; what needs to be nurtured; sensual pleasures; health; in a relationship reading, this position can relate to the female (or female-orientated) partner

5. Jupiter (Wheel of Fortune)

Opportunities to look out for; things in your favour; changing circumstances; new experiences; growth, expansion; what helps you to reach a long-term goal or is necessary for survival

6. Mercury (The Magician)

Messages that clarify a situation; potential; communication; resources available; what needs changing; intention and goals; generating ideas

7.  Saturn (The World)

Opposition or teacher; obstacles, limitations and boundaries; what has been achieved and completed; lessons learned; what adversity have you overcome that has made you stronger; likewise, which apparent positive situations/people in your life can turn out to be a problem in the future

8. Moon (The High Priestess)

Feelings and emotions; how you have been feeling recently; moods; fears, insecurities; doubts; perceptions, what is hidden; intuition

How to read the Cards in this Spread

Shuffle the deck and arrange the cards face-down. Although the cards are placed in the numerical sequence of the spread, they can be read in any order.

If you do the reading for someone else, you could ask the querent to choose, which card to start with (whilst the cards are still lying face-down). This can give you an indication, what the querent’s subconscious priorities are or what concerns them most.

See this spread in action with the Rosetta Tarot in the follow-up post.

In the meantime, download the FREE planetary spread worksheet to do your own reading.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

 

Would you like to learn more about using astrology in your tarot work? Check out my Tarot Astrology online course.

Make sure you subscribe to my feed to receive the latest news and Tarot articles straight into your inbox when published.

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Tarot Moon Journal 2013 Workbook

Tarot Moon Journal Front PageIf you love Tarot journalling, then perhaps you would like to treat yourself to my latest ebook, the Tarot Moon Journal 2013.

It’s a calendar/Tarot diary/workbook with lots of journalling sheets to do monthly readings in tune with the moon – a great way to incorporate astrology in your Tarot work. And it’s only a Fiver!

A magickal little treat that will last for a whole year Laughing

Find out more about the Journal here:

Tarot Moon Journal 2013

 

You can now also download a trial lesson for my Tarot Astrology correspondence course.

Visit the course page and click on the PDF document link:

Tarot Astrology course 

 

If you enjoy the exercise, you can book a trial lesson to get feedback on your work. And if you decide to enrol on the Tarot Astrology course, you will get a full refund of the trial lesson fee. Also, you will also receive the Tarot Moon Journal 2013 free as a bonus during December and January.

Stay tuned for some new Tarot Astrology articles  and a review of the Sirian Starseed Tarot coming soon. 

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

 

Make sure you subscribe to my feed to receive the latest news and Tarot articles straight into your inbox when published.

You can also connect with me on FacebookTwitter and Pinterest.

 

 

 

Tarot Astrology – The Moon Cards

Most of the cards in the Tarot (except Aces and Pages) are connected either directly or indirectly (via zodiac attributions) to the planets.

When you look closer at the images of those cards that share the same planetary attribution, you can see some visual similarities. By identifying and studying these similarities, you can gain new insight and a deeper understanding of individual cards.

For example, here we see the High Priestess and the Two of Swords. The moon is assigned to the High Priestess, and the Two of Swords’ astrological attribution is Moon in Libra.

Both women face us with their backs to the water. Whereas in the High Priestess image the view of the water is concealed by a curtain, the woman in the Two of Swords is blindfolded.

Both women are dressed in a white robe. The moon crescent can be found at the feet of the High Priestess, and in the sky on the Two of Swords.

The High Priestess is holding a book, the woman in the Two of Swords is holding the swords. Both women are seeking knowledge through quiet contemplation, yet they do so in different ways. Both cards are connected to feelings, emotions and the unconscious (lunar influences).

What new insights are you gaining from these two images? What are your interpretations of the similarities?

You can check out my Power of the Moon article and the Planet chart for more information about the moon and how it might affect card meanings and interpretations.

Please feel free to share your thoughts about this card combination.

And if you love this kind of Tarot study, you may be interested in my Tarot Astrology course.

The special introductory offer is only available until the 31 October 2012, so please enrol quickly to take advantage of this substantial saving.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

 

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Tarot Astrology Online Course – Aries in the Minor Arcana

Welcome to the official launch of my Tarot & Astrology Online course!

To mark the occasion, I would like to share with you a little snippet of what you will be learning on this course.

My focus today is on the astrological attributions to the pip cards (numbered cards 2 – 10 in the Minor Arcana).

Every pip card is assigned to an astrological correspondence. For example:

Two of Wands – Mars in Aries

Three of Wands – Sun in Aries

Four of Wands – Venus in Aries

We can see that a planet and a zodiac sign is connected to each card. I won’t be explaining today why and how these attributions have come about (but it’s explained in the course). Instead, I will show you how you can make sense of these attributions in a reading and apply them in a practical way.

First of all, you will have noticed that the above pip cards are assigned to the zodiac sign Aries.

Some characteristics of Aries are: pioneering, visionary, initiating and pro-active. Aries people are enthusiastic about starting new projects and find it easy to take the lead. But they also need to keep focused on their vision in order to reach their goals. Sometimes they find it hard to sustain the initial enthusiasm, but their ambitions and drive may help them along towards what they want to achieve.

Aries is also connected to the Emperor and the Queen of Wands.

(Note how you can make additional connections with corresponding Major Arcana and Court cards.)

 

Two of Wands – Mars in Aries

Aries is combined with the aggressive energies of Mars. The planet Mars is associated with both positive and negative aggression – competition, ambition, drive as well as anger, ruthlessness and violence.

The combined energies of Mars and Aries in the Two of Wands suggest someone, who is inspired to turn ideas into action, and has that inner urge and drive to succeed. Both Mars and Aries indicate restlessness and inner energy that needs to be released in a creative and constructive way.

The figure in the image is holding the world in his hand, perhaps thinking of a global conquest, which would be a very Martian thing to do Wink

Mars is also connected to the Tower, and is the ruling planet of Aries (the Emperor).

 

Three of Wands – Sun in Aries

Here, Aries is combined with the Sun, which is associated with the ego, need for self-expression and action.

This combination suggests powerful energies initiating the move from a planning stage to action – new beginnings, the actual start of a journey. The sun in Aries combination indicates specifically individuality, leadership, confidence and self-assertion.

It can also indicate a tendency to be self-centred or an abundance of energy that could lead to burnout. Selfishness at this stage doesn’t need to be a negative trait but could be a necessity to disregard naysayers and discouragement.

The sun is the ruling planet of Leo (Strength), and is also associated with the Sun card.

 

Four of Wands – Venus in Aries

Venus is a grounding force in this combination. It is associated with the Empress, but also with the Hierophant and Justice as Venus is ruler of both Taurus and Libra.

Venus relates to love, beauty and indulgence. Together with Aries, there is certainly a party atmosphere, a reason to celebrate and take it easy for a change. Good times may be connected to business progress, success but also to a house move or family occasion. The Venus aspect may also indicate an engagement/wedding, or the couple have set up home together.

Because Venus can succumb to prolonged self-indulgence at times, there is a danger of stagnation and complacency, which needs to be overcome by the driving force of Aries.

 

Once you get more familiar with the planetary and zodiacal traits and characteristics, your interpretation of individual cards will evolve to a new level.

Sign up to my Tarot Astrology course and make it happen. Remember, the special introductory price is only valid until the end of October 2012. You can complete this course in your own time, so you don’t need to start straight away, but you can still take advantage of the generous discount.

More information about the contents of this course can be found here.

My Tarot Astrology course is also suitable for Tarot professionals already charging for readings, but not yet applying astrology in their Tarot work.

Click here to buy

 

Cosmic Blessings,

Christiane

 

Make sure you subscribe to my feed to receive the latest Tarot Astrology articles straight into your inbox when published.

You can also connect with me on Facebook and on Twitter.

 

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