Tarot Tuesday: Is the Future the Tarot Sees Unchangeable?

I'm always surprised when I hear that people still think this. So let's bottom line up front this sucker and say:

No, the future the tarot sees is not set in stone. Not by a long shot. 

In fact, many people have tarot readings to make SURE they are going in the right direction. If the future that someone sees with the cards is unchangeable, then why would these people consult the tarot?

Yes, it may seem like certain events are "fated". But I've never believed that you were stuck with one future. I believe you receive certain opportunities and some you will take and some you won't. They're like highway exits or doors. You can take one or walk or drive on by.

The choices you make define your future. If you think that I do as a tarot reader, you're giving me too much credit and giving away one of the greatest powers you have. My job as a reader is to tell you what your choices are and may be, but at the end of the day, you are responsible for your own future.

New Theme and New Q&A Link!

Venus: [mutters to herself] Where is that man? I told him when he needed to be here. [SIGH]

[Mercury enters]

Mercury: Sorry, Venus. Mars isn't coming. Looks like you and I working together today.

Venus: What a pleasant surprise, Merc! But why isn't Mars coming?

Mercury: [looks at his phone] Well, the spelling in these text messages is aborrhent and inhibits understanding to a certain degree. But from what I can determine, he's protesting.

Venus: Did he say why?

Mercury: Again, we have more of an enigma, but my best guess is that he's upset about NFL players being called "sons of bitches" for kneeling during the National Anthem. So he's not showing up "to work for the man" today.

Venus: Well, for what it's worth, I'm pleased to see you. And it's probably better for you to be doing this portion anyway.

Mercury: Yes. Questions and answers are definitely my thing. So anyway, John wanted me to tell everyone that he has a new link to answer tarot and astrology questions. If you look to your right, you'll see it, and you can scroll down to fill in the different fields.

Venus: That's a fantastic addition. But did you see the field on choosing an astrological planet to answer? I'm not thrilled it could make more work for us.

Mercury: I sure did. And I hope people pick me because I love giving information.

Venus: Well, I'm not the most...ummm, energetic planet, so especially now I hope that people DON'T pick me to answer, especially not right now while the Sun is in Libra. I mean I guess I will if I have to but...

Mercury: We have no evidence to support or refute that possibility, Venus. But what were you supposed to talk about?

Venus: Well I'm here to tell people about the new blog theme! John's beloved wife Jen is clearly at work here...I was getting tired of that "Ye Olde World Traveler" default theme he had going on. I mean, clearly the blog was in need of a refresh. 

Mercury: If it conveys information better, I couldn't care less what it looks like. It's all about blog numbers and bringing information to the people.

Venus: Well I for one love it! That girl is a creative genius and she's so good at helping her partner be successful.

Mercury: I have conveyed the information as instructed, Venus. Time for me to jet. [speeds off]

Venus: He never even sticks around for simple gratitude. Weird little dude...loveable but weird.  

The Sun vs. Saturn: Truth and Consequences

Sun: Come in, Saturn. Have a seat.

Saturn: Thank you, sir. 

Sun: Do you know why you're here?

Saturn: My behavior during the last meeting, sir. 

Sun: Yes, of course. But it's not just that. You haven't been the same since you returned from your last retrograde. 

Saturn: No, sir. 

Sun: Want to tell me why?

Saturn: No, sir, I don't. I'd rather you just hand me my punishment, which I will accept. 

Sun: It's not going to be that easy this time, Old Man. 

Saturn: I don't understand why not. 

Sun: Because we see leadership differently; you expect actions and consequences, but I'd prefer not to see problems recur.

Saturn: Your authority over these planets is questionable at best, sir. 

Sun: Well, good leaders ask for feedback. Let's take the situation from the summer regarding your door. What could I have done as a leader to prevent what happened?

Saturn: [PAUSE] You want me to speak freely?

Sun: Yes, of course. That's not just what I WANT; it's what I expect from you. 

Saturn: You're not a strong leader. You seem to let others do what they want in meetings without coming down on them immediately. Then they assume they can do what they want without consequences, and then incidents like this happen. 

Sun: So if I understand you correctly, you want more structure from me with others so they won't assume that I tolerate their bad behavior. 

Saturn: Correct. 

Sun: Hmmmm. I will take that under advisement, Saturn, which is not a way of saying "I will ignore the problem." I will consider what you've said carefully. 

Saturn: Good. 

Sun: Unfortunately, I cannot allow your recent behavior to slide, either. So you're on administrative leave until Libra sun begins.

Saturn: And the terms of the suspension?

Sun: You will perform no work for about half a week. You will turn in the key to your office until September 22. Lady Moon will hold it, and on that date, you will go to her desk and she will return it to you.

Saturn: This punishment is ridiculous, sir. You're deliberately putting me out of action for a few days. 

Sun: Yes. Perhaps you can take some of that time to consider how you perceive my "authority" and how we can better work together to make our interactions less...Saturnian. 

Saturn: Perhaps.

Sun: You're dismissed, Old Man. Go home. I don't want to see your face until I move into Libra. That's an order. 

Saturn: [gets up] Yes, sir. 

Jupiter, Uranus, and the State of the Art (SOTA) Conference

Uranus: [whispering] Now I'm the one who has to do this crap? I thought the outer planets got left alone!

Jupiter: [whispering back] Urnie, just shut up and let's get this over with!

Uranus: Hello, everyone! I'm here under duress, and I rebel against this useless marketing ploy!

Jupiter: HA HA! What my generational friend would like to say is that he's thrilled and proud to be here as we talk about John's upcoming appearance at the State of the Art (SOTA) astrology conference next month and why you should come join us.

Uranus: Wait...you never said it was called "State of the Art"! That's me to a "T"! You know...cutting edge! New age shit!

Jupiter: Well, what did you think SOTA stood for?

Uranus: I thought it was a carbonated drink we were promoting!

Jupiter: Oh for fuck's sake! No, dude, we're promoting an astrology conference! You know, the one John's speaking at next month in Buffalo!

Uranus: Oh yeah! Well, that makes me a lot more excited. But I thought we should change the format up a little bit; we've been doing things the same way around here for too long.

Jupiter: Urnie, I understand your impulses and all, but my job is marketing and publishing. John has his own style that we probably shouldn't mess with.

Uranus: It's too late! How about we do a Talk Like a Pirate Day theme? "Yarrrr, shiver me timbers, and raise all the sails as we make way for Buffalo across the cold, hungry ocean! Move it, ye landlubbers or you're headin' to Davy Jone's locker! Yarrrrrr!"

Jupiter: As I recall that's a lake, not the ocean. 

Uranus: Fine. How about something a little more formal then? "Esteemed astrologers from all over the eastern United States and Canada will be joining John in cosmopolitan Buffalo as they discuss the most riveting metaphysical topics of the day!"

Jupiter: Dude, John's going to be so pissed...

Uranus: No? John should like the Boston-accented version then! "In late Octobah while the Sox ah winnin' the pennant, if you don't have tickets to Fenway Pahk you oughta get to Logan and fly outta theyah to Buffalo! And the Bills SUCK! In Belichick We Trust!"

Jupiter: It's sort of mid-October, Uranus. The 19th through the 23rd. We want people to know so they'll sign up, so make sure to give them the link. Are you even listening to me anymore?

Uranus: Nope...because I've got the perfect one!

Jupiter: Oh shit. Do I even want to know?

Uranus: The Old Man!

Jupiter: [smiling] OK, now this one I can get behind.

Uranus: Turn on the music! [Pomp and Circumstance playing in the background; slow and steady news anchor delivery] "Metaphysics is, and always will be, a Saturnian subject. Are you giving enough time to your astrology, tarot, or other metaphysical studies? Let's not fool ourselves; I'm sure you're not. I entreat you respectfully to consecrate four days to Jessica Lanyadoo's or Ellen Bourn's study of yours truly. There may be some other less important topics on offer, but unless you attend, you will not understand the dignity and majesty of astrology. Miss it, and you will be depressed. Mark my words well, on behalf of the seven planets that we once were and hopefully will be again."

Jupiter: [laughing hard] DUDE THAT WAS AWESOME! And who's that Lanyadoo lady? And Ellen Bourn?

Uranus: Jessica and Ellen are both giving presentations on Saturn. Personally, I'm planning to pop in for Donna van Toen's lectures on yours truly.

Jupiter: Wow. Well, it looks like our work here is done!

Uranus: Wait! What's John doing?

Jupiter: Some lunch lecture on Sunday. 

Uranus: Don't care. It's LIBERATION TIME! Exit...stage left! [runs off]

Jupiter: That bastard really does break everything he touches. 

Tarot Tuesday: Are Tarot Readers Psychic?

This is a question I heard once but stated in a different way. A tarot mentee of mine asked me, "You don't actually think that these cards can tell the future, do you?" 

Before you ask, yes, she was serious, and I'll mention her again in a moment. But let's address the question before we do that.

All tarot readers are psychics, but not all psychics are tarot card readers. Psychic is an umbrella term for anyone who divines the future using an intuitive ability. For tarot readers, the cards are the method for receiving the message. 

Think of it this way: Each tarot card connects with the subconscious mind and acts as a sort of starting point for the reader's intuition. The more experience a tarot reader has, the less the meanings of each individual card matter and the more the whole reading starts to come into sharper focus.

Bottom line: The answer to this question is a resounding YES. 

And my mentee? Well, she kept referring to the cards as "props" and had contacted a talent agent for gigs; I suspect she thought the whole tarot reader thing was some kind of hustle. So our mentoring relationship didn't last, but I managed to get over it. :)

Tarot Tuesday: Is Tarot a Sin?

This is a recent question I received at the psychic expo where I taught and did readings over this past weekend. 

So...this is more of a spirituality question than a tarot question, but I answered it anyway.

To me, no, tarot is not a sin. No form of divination is a sin. But that's because I don't believe in the concept of sin. 

There's a deeper question here, however, and it's about what a person was raised to believe. The person who asked me the question had come to the expo because after 52 years of believing tarot, astrology, and other forms of divination are a sin, she's starting to open her mind up to other spiritual possibilities and beliefs. 

I look at this as a good thing, as I've dealt with my share of ignorance and openness is definitely better. 

Saturn Returns [and Flounces], Part 2

Sun: Good morning, everyone! Lady Moon, do we have everyone back?

Moon: Unfortunately, no, sir. We've still got Urnie out and...

Mars: And the SHRIMP is out too!

[The Sun frowns. Venus kicks Mars hard in the leg]

Mars: [yells] OW! Bitch that was my calf!

Moon: [chuckles] Mars is also correct, sir. Pluto is out as well.

Sun: Mars, I've spoken to you about asking to be recognized.

Mars: Sometimes I've got shit to SAY!

[Sun puts hands in prayer position]

Saturn: Mars, none of us want to be here, so don't make it more painful. And in my humble opinion, you've done more than enough recently. 

Mars: I paid to fix your fucking door, Depression Man! So we're even!

Sun: Gentlemen, that issue has been resolved.

Saturn: That's debatable, sir, but I'm willing to move forward at this time. 

Moon: If I may, I'd like to share the eclipse report.

Sun: Please proceed, Lady Moon.

Moon: The past few weeks have shown a tremendous amount of upheaval in many areas. Our favorite blogger is spreading his wings at a regional psychic expo.

Neptune: I LOVE those things! So many neat vendors and intuitive readings. He'll have a great time. 

Jupiter: And he's teaching two classes, Nep. He enjoys that so much. 

Saturn: We'll see if he makes the money back that he spent to go there. I'm going with no. 

Mercury: No disrespect intended, Saturn, but you seem even more negative than usual. And that's saying something.

Saturn: I did a lot of thinking while I was away, Mercury...

Mars: Oh shit! That's never a win!

Saturn: As I stated earlier, Mars, you have done ENOUGH!

Sun: Saturn, if you can't play well with others, then you may excuse yourself. But we have an agenda here and I won't let you waste everyone's time with your poor attitude. 

Saturn: [gets up] Brilliant idea, sir. I think I will do just that. The lack of respect in this room is suffocating me. 

Sun: There will be consequences, Saturn.

Saturn: I'm prepared to accept them, sir. [walks out]

Sun: Lady Moon, please be sure the record is shown to reflect Saturn's departure. And please schedule some additional time with him on my calendar for next week.

Moon: [grimaces] Yes, sir.

Sun: So let's return to our sheep, as the French say. How are we dealing with the eclipse fallout, folks?

Mars: We've got lots of angry people, sir. I just hope they know to take it out on gym equipment, but for the time being, I'm not hearing about it. Mostly they're trying to hang in there.

Sun: Thank you, Mars. Mercury...once again, your departure caused a lot of problems. What are you doing to set things right again?

Mercury: Everything I can, sir. Now that I'm pretty much back up to full speed, I'm working on lots of different paperwork matters...people applying for jobs and the like. 

Sun: Thanks, Merc. Jupiter?

Jupiter: It's been a challenge, sir. There's been a lot of prayer and meditation with the amazing and scary weather plaguing the United States. I was also hoping to bring something up to the Old Man, but he flounced. 

Sun: I'll mention it to him, Jupiter. What is it?

Jupiter: Our favorite blogger has another test this week, sir, and I was hoping to get Saturn's support because it's a management exam. 

Sun: Another one? I thought the last one was it. 

Jupiter: No...apparently this is the last one.

Mars: He's going to kick its ASS, sir! All I do is win win win no matter what...

Mercury: He's been preparing, sir. It's an interview and a presentation, so Jupiter and I will definitely get together before the exam, which is on Wednesday afternoon.

Sun: I'll speak to Saturn before then, but Mars, be prepared to give him your help as well. I'm in Virgo so it's a great time for this type of work. I know he will appreciate all of your assistance, folks. Lady Moon, how is he doing emotionally?

Moon: John's a little nervous, but he's holding it together. 

Sun: Hmmm. Perhaps you could speak with him? I know you don't normally intervene directly...

Moon: [smiles] I'd be honored to speak with him, sir. It's been a turbulent time emotionally for him and for many others after our last eclipse, sir. And you're correct...normally I'm present but more passive.

Sun: I'd appreciate it, Lady Moon. Does anyone have any alibis?

Mars: What the fuck do I need one fore? I'm HERE, aren't I?

[Sun places palms over his eyes]

Moon: We're adjourned, everyone. Venus, if you don't have any plans, I need you for a bit. [cuts eyes to Sun]

Venus: Yes, ma'am. [gets up]

Mars: This whole place is FUCKED! At least the NFL is back!

Astrology by Tara's Full Moon Astrology Forecast

Hello everyone...Mercury here and I'd like to introduce one of my favorite people: Tara of Astrology by Tara!

She's going to be stopping in every once in a while to give her impressions on the new and full moons. And yes, she may even talk about ME every once in a while!

--> Greetings, everyone!

Here in the DC metropolitan area, the full Moon will occur at approximately 3am on Wednesday, September 6th. At that time, the Moon will be at 13 Pisces, while the Sun will be at 13 Virgo. As I’ve discussed in past articles, full Moons occur monthly when the Moon and Sun are opposite each other. It is the second strongest position for the two luminaries, second only to the conjunction. These two “light bearers”—luminaries—in our galaxy are extremely important. The Sun provides light and supports the growth of our planet and all life on earth, while the Moon reflects the Sun’s light. Astrologically, the Sun represents our life force, the embodiment of what we hope to become, and the direction we are growing in life. The Moon represents our emotional expression, and our connection to our souls’ memory or past life recognition.

The Moon will be in the Pisces, a water sign that is the twelfth and final zodiac sign and is ruled by Neptune. Some key words for Pisces include intuitive, contemplative, emotional, artistic, and spiritual. The symbol for Pisces is the fish that swims down to the lowest depths; however, the water in which they reside symbolizes the soul. Pisces is also a mutable sign, which means that it doesn’t draw a hard line on decision-making; it’s very flexible almost to the point of being indecisive. Also, it can become so uncertain about what it’s experiencing that it can become disillusioned and dilute the information given to it in favor of seeking deeper meaning.

During the full Moon, the planet Neptune will be conjunct the Moon, which is the strongest aspect and will blend the energies of the two planets. Neptune’s added energy will intensify the raw emotional response of the full Moon. As a water sign, Pisces is feminine by nature; feminine signs internalize their energy. The Moon and Neptune will be located in the 8th house, naturally ruled by Scorpio. The 8th house represents release, transformation, sex, death, the occult, and taxes. The 8th house is ruled by the watery sign of Scorpio, which adds another layer of intense emotional upheaval to this full Moon. It’s fair to say that it will light up our inner emotional triggers, responses, turmoil, and needs. This Moon-Neptune conjunction in Pisces can have us examine questions like our perception of our purpose in life; where people and situations fit in to our lives; how we may grow spiritually; what we are connecting to, and what we need to let go of in order to become true to our own paths in life.

With the Moon in the 8th house of release, we have the Sun opposed the Moon in the 2nd house of financial stability, the things we draw comfort from, and tangible possessions. The axis of polarity between luminaries, houses, and signs is asking to question what we need to hold on to versus what we need to release. We may all find ourselves realizing that material possessions truly aren’t bringing us the happiness we deserve.

During this full Moon, we also have several planets at sensitive points in the chart where the lunar and solar eclipses of August occurred. We have Venus at 13 Leo, crossing the location where the lunar eclipse occurred on August 8th. Venus represents how we love, relate to others, and create comfort in our own lives. Venus is in the first house of self during this full Moon, nd is inconjunct the Moon and Neptune in the eighth house of release. Inconjunctions are aspects requiring adjustment. Given Venus’ triggering the August lunar eclipse point inconjunct the Moon and Neptune, it is fair to say that this full Moon may drag up some of the emotions surrounding relationships we were feeling last month during the lunar eclipse. This full Moon is going to ask us to weigh the positive and negative effects of the relationships in our lives, the boundaries we set, and the health of how we give and receive love. If we see or feel an imbalance in these areas of life, then rest assured that the Moon and Neptune will take over and drag us into the well of our own souls to seek relief from our emotions and ourselves.

There are two other key players in the dynamics of this full Moon chart: Mercury and Pluto. Mercury just stationed direct on September 5th conjunct the August 21 solar eclipse point. During the full Moon Mercury is at 28 Leo, conjunct the August solar eclipse point and conjunct Mars at 0 Virgo. With Mercury in the fire sign Leo, it wants to actively express itself outward but with Leo mannerism, so from a place where self is the focus. With Mars in Virgo, there will be confidence regarding our thought processes for rationalizing and creating effective plans for progress. This means that although Mercury is not yet up to full speed, it can very well begin the process of analyzing the situations to see how things are affecting self. With Mercury getting ready to approach its rulership in Virgo in a few days, this is an excellent time to begin planning ways to make improvements for self. Pluto is in Capricorn, trine the Sun and making a sextile to the Moon. With the Lord of Transformation making complimentary aspects to both the Sun and Moon, this suggests a highly transformative time for emotional change and efforts on the physical plane.

Another way to look at this full Moon is that the Virgo/ Pisces axis asks us to let go or be dragged. With so much activity in earth and water signs and houses, tangible day-to-day tasks compete with our emotional and spiritual exploration and satisfaction. This full Moon really is the perfect time to get very real with ourselves about how we feel and the people in our lives with whom we share relationships of all sorts. Ask yourself: Do you like who you are and what you feel? If the answer is no, then this may be the time to begin exploring why.

Until Next Time,

Brightest Blessings

Tara



- For anyone experiencing the weight of significant emotional turmoil, please contact a health professional to properly address your medical and emotional needs.

Tarot Tuesday: Can I Read for Myself?

Greetings dear readers. I've managed to wrest control of this blog away from my astrological planets--ok, fine, from Saturn!--with the understanding that I will produce one tarot blog a week. This will be a new feature known as Tarot Tuesday!

So let's start off with a common myth that I hear regularly:

You can't read tarot for yourself.

I try to debunk this one as often as I can, folks. Of course, you can read cards for yourself! I do it all the time.

If you're worried about being objective in that moment, then draw the cards, lay them out, take a picture on your phone, and come back to it in a few days. 

Some people like to do daily pulls, where the reader pulls a card and it's the theme for the day. This is also a great way to learn the cards. Pick one card, then consider its themes throughout the day. Write down your reflections at night. 

If you are interested in something more detailed, then you can add to your daily draw by starting on January 1. You will draw one card at random and keep it out the whole year; that card is one you'll learn very well. Then pull two more...one to represent the month (January) and one to represent the day. That way you have a tarot theme for the year, month, and day. This is a great way to bring some tarot into your daily life in a way that's painless and enlightening. 

By the way, please check out this article on A Little Spark of Joy if you want a review of the archetypes of the tarot's Major Arcana.