Throughout the US exists ordinances and laws making fortunetelling illegal. While there is no federal prohibition against reading cards professionally, there are laws by state as well as by city that do in fact make reading tarot as a profession illegal.
Most of these laws were passed a long time ago, during a different time in our nation's history and often sound like laws such as, "Don't leave your donkey tethered after 6pm". And, while these laws are old, state officials and city officials like to invoke them to "keep the riffraff out." These out-moded and dangerously misinformed laws not only impinge on our American right to freedom of expression and religion, but they unfairly discriminate against good, law abiding, honest readers whole sale. I have spoken at length about the unfair stigma a professional reader has to contend with, but as society begins to take a more tolerant view of our work, readers are beginning to fight back. Below, In this two-part series, I interviewed a would-be professional reader who is working to repeal ordnance in her town. The second part of this series interviews someone who was successful doing it.
Heather Cooper came to my attention as news media outlets were covering her fight in West Virginia to repeal a local ordnance so that she may rightfully work within her own community. I was intrigued by Heather's indomitable spirit and courageousness. Heather was gracious enough to spend some time with me discussing what she was up to.
Tell me a little about yourself, how long have you been reading tarot and when and how did you decide to go into business as a reader?
I have been reading since I was a teenager. I knew no one who read at the time so I had to teach myself. It wasn't until around 10 years ago that I meet other readers. I was surprised there were others, more, group of them that met regularly. Before them I only know what I learned from books. When I turned 18 I went to Memphis TN. There was a palm reader there. She had a small table and a line around the corner. I took one look at her and thought... I want to do that. It wasn't until the last 3 years that I believed. I could. Where are you located and when did you learn about the city ordinance that bans 'fortune telling' can you also include a copy of the actual code? What do you know about it's creation and what it was created to serve? I live in Parkersburg wv. I had always heard rumors about it being illegal but never thought anything of it. What I do was everywhere. There was psychic fairs a few blocks from the city building, sometimes right beside it. If it was true some one some where would have enforced it. We met weekly. It wasn't until a year after I received my state license and I had a store that I was told about it. I was told that the code was tracked back to 1906 by a city council member but he couldn't find any thing before that. "529.05 FORTUNETELLING, PALMISTRY, ASTROLOGY, ETC. PROHIBITED. No person shall engage in or practice in any manner, within the corporate limits of the City, the trade or profession of palmistry, fortunetelling, astrology, phrenology or any kindred trade or profession having as its object the foretelling of happenings of future events. (1947 Code §20.13)" (Isn't it interesting that the authorities only stepped in when a reader attempts to become a legally licensed and registered business owner? The ordinance then only punishes the honest, enforcing the very environment they wish to keep out!!) Why do you think the ordinance (besides your livelihood) should be overturned? What do you envision will happen if it does? I hope to be able to open peoples minds about divination. There is such a bad stereotype. I would like to see that changed. Why don't you read tarot outside of the city limit, or go somewhere else? I have ties here. My family founded this town. My ancestors and relatives Helped to make it what it is today. I volunteer here I am on committees here. My passions are here. Also my kids, now teenagers go to high-school here. Their hopes, dreams, friends and girlfriends live here. This town and our location means everything to us. Why is it important for you to overturn this ordinance? Why else it's wrong and out of date. It's not in forced and it's not right to restrict us in such a way. I am not hurting any one. I just want to do what I'm good at and give back to the community. What do you think it will take/require to overturn this ordinance? I'm hoping that I have done everything possible. It is on the docket for this Tuesday the 12th. The only thing left is to ask people to call their council members and let them know we are here and part of this community. Have you done a reading on this situation? If so, would you care to share with us? The bad thing about doing what I do is that I can't read myself. It drives me crazy. (I hear you there, Heather!)
Heather has a gofundme account to help her raise the legal support to make the repeal a success. If you can spare just a dollar, please do what you can to help. While it might seem that it has no direct impact, it does. For every reader who successfully fights back against injustice, it helps the rest of us. This generation of readers are bushwacking the acceptance that later generations will get to enjoy.
Please be apart of this journey!
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Happy July and Happy Birthday to my Cancers (and July Leos!). This month we see more than our fair share of court cards, in fact this may be more than I have seen in a long while for tarot scopes. When we see a large amount of court cards, it is a global call to being responsible, for showing up, for taking on uncomfortable or newly emerging aspects of ourselves to heal the world.
What is emerging from within you? Cancer—King of Swords Happy birthday, cancer! Okay, so July is going to throw a lot of things at you that will be emotional in nature. It will seem that as soon as you are done dealing with one bit of drama, another one comes around the corner! King of Swords is a message from the Universe telling you to take things calmly, logically, deal with things fairly and with absolute transparency. You need to be the person everyone can count on for a fair shake, deal? Leo—Page of Wands The closer we get to August, the louder the lion roars. You know your birthday is coming soon. You can feel it like you feel the power of the sun infusing you with raw leo power. Page of Wands is an indication that you will be prolific with your creative ideas this month. Perhaps you will have trouble sleeping,waking up at 4am with ‘the next big thing’ on your mind. People may approach you with creative project ideas, as well. This is a vibrant, open, amazingly creative time for you, don’t squander it! Virgo—Ace of Wands Now is the time to try something new. If you are looking for a new job, you will most likely get one this month. Want to learn how to cycle, waltz, learn Korean? Go for it! Ace of Wands means ‘initiation’; you have the power, the energy and the courage to try something that you never have before. Take a new route to work, or reach out to acquaintances to make them better friends.July supports any endeavour where you are getting out of your rut. Libra—4 of Swords Have you been burning the candle at both ends? Feeling tired, sluggish, unmotivated? As crazy as this may sound, you need to rest. Do you have any days you could take off? And by taking a day off I do not mean also then catching up on other stuff. I mean taking a day off. Have a day in bed. Serve yourself champagne and fancy snacks, grab some magazines (get off social media) and just relax for a change, you need it. This card can also mean that this month will not support an aggressive approach to anything going on your life. It will feel like trying to swim in molasses, everything that you do. So don’t fight it. Embrace the nap. Scorpio—5 of Wands There is a lot of demands for your time and attention. You are feeling like you are being pulled in 5 directions and there just doesn't seem to be enough of you to go around. Listen, you can’t please everyone all the time, only some people some of the time, wasn’t it Mark Twain who said that? He was a pretty smart guy, listen to him. Try to release the assumption that you will finish any project definitively this month. It will be more like making some progress on some projects but no one thing being done. Sagittarius—The Tower The Tower is what I call the ‘last straw’ card. Anything in your life that is hanging on by a thread may likely and finally fall now. Usually, these are the things that we know we need to leave, let go of, or destroy within ourselves but ego, fear, and resistance keep us from seeing the truth for what it is. The more you resist, the harder this will be. Your car, a relationship, your microwave oven, a job--anything that has been limping along for some time now will finally go kaput. Please see this as the universe helping, since you cannot end or fix it, you are being helped out. Capricorn—Queen of Wands The appearance of this Queen in your life is often an indication about how you need to be of service to others. Queen of Wands helps to infuse others with enthusiasm and a zest for their own lives. This Queen helps others see the great possibility of their lives and helps others find the internal strength and tools for making their dreams come true. This month, you have a great opportunity to support others in changing their lives, how amazing. Aquarius—2 of Pentacles July is a bit chaotic. The energy supports moving, for travel, house moving, or work which usually suits an Aquarian just nicely! Do you have travel plans? Perhaps you get invited last minute to a fun getaway. Say yes, Aquarian, always say yes. Pisces—Page of Pentacles This Page appears when we need to keep our ‘mind on our money and our money on our mind’. There may appear a way to make some side income this month (some may call it the hustle) so please keep your ears pricked for any news on increasing disposable income. A side gig, overtime, perhaps you sell those things in your basement. All are ideas to bring the shiny coin of good fortune your way. Aries—King of Wands King of Wands’ appearance this month is a call for you to finally get serious and make some work or creative project happen. A king in tarot means outward expansion, being in the world, assertive, outgoing energy and this King in particular is a full force sun being. What do you have to share with the world? What does the world need from you? Move forward with great confidence on your idea, it is ready to be born. Taurus—The Fool Are you having any fun? How often do you laugh every day, every week? Do you enjoy things simply because they bring you pleasure? This month, try something new and that thing, specifically, should have no other purpose except for making you happy. Do you even know what that could be? If not, that’s the work for you now. Gemini—King of Pentacles This King asks that you make certain you are taking steps to solidify any unstable situation. Whether it is work, home, finances, housing, health--make sure you are owning the leadership to stabilize any situation that is beginning to feel outside of your control. Take ownership. Man (and Woman) up. Anything you are sweeping under the rug? That’s it.
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Hello there and welcome to my monthly Tarotscopes!
June is a calm, happy, productive month if anything is to go by the cards I pulled for everyone. Enjoy the fullness of the month, and remember, tarotscopes are not hard written fated impassable events but rather more of a "weather pattern" wherein some things will be easier to accomplish than others... the more you work with the energy present over you (rather than against) the better off you will be in your own unique karmic journey. Enjoy! Jenna
Gemini—3 of Cups It’s your birthday, Gemini, and you are not shy about letting everyone know! All good things as Mercury has finally stationed direct (Thinking more clear about things all of the sudden?) and June is beautiful spend your time this month connecting to friends, seeking out joyful company and just in general, making your life light. The energy supports enjoyment and laughter this month. High fun, low drama. Cancer—10 of Pentacles If you are thinking to move, buy or sell a home, renovate, or decorate this month supports a successful endeavor in this area for you. If you have been putting off any of these projects rekindle them in June because it looks like you will make above standard deviation for progress in this area this month. Leo—Knight of Cups “You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat: So I did sit and eat.”--George Herbert- This month there may be messages of love and romance coming your way. From new or known places spend June thoroughly kindling your love centers. It’s a dance and you need to enter the dancefloor to play. The emphasis is on movement and change in this area of your life, but you could be the Knight, the one initiating the passion, as much as you are the recipient. Virgo—Knight of Pentacles There appears to be changes in the wind concerning work or finances. There could be a big spend for you (perhaps a trip?) or a gift to another. You might find yourself in a position to help someone, this card often appears as a ‘coming to the rescue’ kind of energy, either you will be rescuing someone financially or they will be helping you. There is an exchange of resources here but not in a stressful kind of way, but in a way that builds a relationship with another.
Libra—9 of Wands
Perhaps through the spring you have been trying really hard to do something, shift something, make something, begin something. At first, it’s easy—you are excited to begin—but then your inner critic kicks in trying to sabotage your efforts. This month indicates that you will still struggle in this aspect. The message is keep going the breakthrough will happen later. Scorpio—7 of Pentacles You have been so patiently waiting for something to play out. The results are slow to come and frustrating but still you wait. The message here is simple, keep waiting, the results will be worth it. Slow progress still means progress and things are moving in your direction. Sagittarius—The Hierophant This card’s appearance is a big ‘toe the line’ kind of message for me. Felling rowdy, rambly and rebely? Well, stuff it, Sag, because the energy for this month is to play by the rules, be a good boy or girl and delay whatever fanciful gratification (that you are constantly imagining!) for this month. I feel like this has to do with work. Keep your opinions to yourself for right now and don’t rock the boat! Capricorn—Ace of Swords I call this card my ‘awkward conversations’ card and this month, Cap, you will need to have a few of this with people in your life. There are things that need to be said and only by stating the obvious and standing in your truth do you get to feel better. Sometimes our need to be honest and claim our desires are more important than the reaction of the other person. In fact, the other person needs to know how you feel. From there, you can make decisions about how to move forward rather than suffering in silence. Aquarius—Page of Pentacles Always curious, always wanting to learn new things, Aquarius this is a great card for you! This could mean either a new learning or new job opportunity coming your way. The emphasis is on new, happy, open to new experiences and in ways that add to your growth and value overall. Stay open to new opportunities that cross your desk, say yes more often this month (though, you tend to say yes a lot anyways!) Pisces—10 of Wands It would appear that you have a lot going on in June. You might feel overwhelmed, tired, stressed and wondering if you can just cashing your 401k and run to Dominica island to live forever and ever, the end….. Nice dream but not the reality for you this month. Stay focused, initiate self-care when you can and keep your nose to the grindstone, good, good work is being done here. Aries—6 of Wands Feeling good, Aries? You should because you have the mark of success over you this month. Whatever it is you are working on or fighting for will make positive lasting progress for you this month. You get it, you win, you are acknowledged, you finish, you pass the test. There is nothing like a happy Aries, like a goat that dances there’s such radiant joy in a happy Aries, celebrate your successes when you can! Taurus—9 of Pentacles This card could indicate success at work or with your business. If you have been working hard expect to see a breakthrough or a completion in a project this month . If you have been waiting for money to come in it is possible that that ship docks at your port this month, too. The energy of this card also emphasized enjoyment, if you do get a windfall don’t save it ALL Taurus, buy yourself something pretty, treat yo’self!
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With Mars, Mercury AND Jupiter all in retrograde at various points in May, it makes for an interesting time with all signs at some point being affected. Much of the theme for May is about inner work, moving and shifting things we need to process, move aside or leave quietly on the roadside so we can continue to move into our own dharma.
May May bring you gentle, gentle, gentle... Taurus-- 8 of Swords This month you are going to grapple with some internal demon. Perhaps mild depression, perhaps a self esteem issue, there will be some intrusive thoughts that will be unkind, unloving, unhelpful and you know that they are trash thoughts because they usually are stuck on repeat. These are not new, innovative, or even interesting thoughts. Like trash, they accumulate, get in your way and are not worth your time. This month, your job will be to take out the garbage, release and purge thoughts that have no real claim on you, who diminish you, who hold you to smallness. I CAST THEE OUT. Gemini--4 of Swords My Gemini, we are so unfairly affected by Mercury's common and troubling retrogrades, being ruled by mercury we are affected the most. However, since Gemini are so very high energy most of the time, I see this as a heavenly hand brake, built in times of forced rest so we don't burn out. Four of Swords means rest. Take May to recuperate from the long shuttle from winter to spring, if you can. Get out of the fast lane, put on cruise control and instead of fighting the energy, work with it. Move inward and dream. Cancer--9 of Swords If you can, this month, try to keep a dream diary. This month may be particularly active with dreams and some of them might be part of your inner self working through past trauma, trying to untangle a personal challenge, or an attempt to get your waking mind to look at something deeply. During this month, nighttime distress means inner growth. Please pay attention here. Leo-- Queen of Pentacles Get your house in order, Leo. This Queen's appearance usually signifies spending time tending to your domestic garden. Perhaps you wish to redecorate, start a kitchen garden, or pick up some sweet lights for your outdoor space. I also recommend learning feng shui, it is such a wonderful way to create a home space with function and form! Virgo--The High Priestess This month, you are being asked to spend some time ding what Virgos do best, engage with that wonderful feminine energy that you have in spades! The High Priestess is about swimming in the mystery of the intuitive. You might find yourself more tuned in than regular and if your gut is screaming at you about something, you need to listen. Use this time of heightened awareness to ask the important questions. Wait to hear the answer revealed. Libra--King of Pentacles Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to become a very adult adult and take a good long look at your financial situation. I don't mean the short term, I am talking long term here; how's your retirement situation? Are you saving what you need? Is there anything more you can be doing here, be honest, is there? Are you helping others to the determent of your own long term care? Guard your castle, this month take ownership of the future you. Scorpio--2 of Wands Scorpio, I dare you to dream in May. I am talking about big, lazy springtime dreams. Expansive, beautiful, romantic dreams where things glitter and float on the air and it just all seems so possible. Because it is, and you can make it so. Take all of the things inside and write them down, come up with a plan, put down some action steps, start thinking about implementation. What you survey can be yours with a little free thinking ingenuity. Sagittarius--6 of Wands The month of May sees you are being successful at something, Sag. Whether it be work, in love, with family, or maybe a lottery ticket, this month there is a resounding YES to the energy that surrounds you. Take a chance. Leap! You are going to make it to the other side. Capricorn--The Emperor May asks that you pay attention to the nuts and bolts of your life. Bills, housing, your schedule, there is a sense here that you need to take control of some aspect of the foundation of your living. Have you been avoiding something in your life that needs attention and focus right now? What are you resisting? What bores you? This is the area that needs you to clamp down and focus. Aquarius--7 of Pentacles You might feel frustrated by the slow rate of movement in some aspect of your personal life this month. Slow rate, however, does not mean no rate; please keep that in mind before you throw something across the room in frustration. With the planets in retrograde, that is just the situation right now. You are being asked to call upon your patience, be the tortoise, not the hare. Slow and steady will win the race just don't panic if it doesn't happen in the way or pace you wish it to. Pisces--The Hermit May asks that you quiet it down, go within, take some serious time for self reflection and inner inquiry as you watch the spring leaves unfurl and the flowers bloom, Pisces. Perhaps you have felt flustered about something, unsure or uncertain and when we feel like this, this is when it is time to disengage from the social media and online time and slow the brain rate down to a pace that works for us, not against us. The Hermit is about honing his craft, what can you work on during this quiet time you will create? Aries--9 of Cups You are still riding in a nice wave of energy this month as the 9 of cups indicates a feeling of satiation, fullness, happiness, and joy. Perhaps you have finished a project or are newly fallen in love. Maybe you got the car you were looking at or the house, this energy is the energy of getting what you want and feeling immensely happy about that, a little smug, even, in your job. No hard feelings with that! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
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Happy April Fools' Day!
April Fools has deep historical origins, as anything of Archetype does, replaying, recycling, and rebirthing throughout human society, cultures and migration for as long as we can find evidence for them. The Fool is particularly powerful in its archetype on human consciousness, so much so that our Fool gets his very own day each April first. April Fool's day can be reasonably found in historical articles from the middle ages throughout Europe, the day has shifted from late March to April first but the sentiment is similar, Here is what we know for sure: In 1508, French poet Eloy d'Amerval referred to a poisson d’avril (April fool, literally "April fish"), a possible reference to the holiday.[9] In 1539, Flemish poet Eduard de Dene wrote of a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on 1 April.[7] In 1686, John Aubrey referred to the holiday as "Fooles holy day", the first British reference.[7] On 1 April 1698, several people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to "see the Lions washed".[7] (Wiki)
Even earlier, ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated the feast of Hilaria (doesn't that sound like so much fun?!) Celebrated on March 25th, possibly along with the start of spring to honor Cybel, So it seems that what was once a joyful noise of people acting probably pretty silly, filled with frisky spring fever eventually morphed into the April's Fools day pranking that exists today.
In tarot, the Fool's meaning has shifted over the centuries. Originally, the Fool was literally a fool, a silly or dumb man or a man acting stupid for the comedic enjoyment of others. Today, the Fool denotes more of a letting go of control, self-consciousness and embracing everything that life has to offer. The fool's appearance in a reading is a serious call to let go of the reigns and let the Universe provide. Being mindless and spirit-full.
Less in the western cultures anymore, but in many others, the Fool does act as a spiritual Clown. A silly shaman that through laughter of himself and others, making that joyful noise we get closer to God. I think it is deeply sad that our modern life has only one little tiny april fools prank vestige of what is a very powerful and wise archetype, the Fool.
For example, in Hopi tradition, there is the Heyoka, the sacred clown is still very much activated in this culture: Principally, the heyókȟa functions both as a mirror and a teacher, using extreme behaviors to mirror others, thereby forcing them to examine their own doubts, fears, hatreds, and weaknesses. heyókȟa also have the power to heal emotional pain; such power comes from the experience of shame — they sing of shameful events in their lives, beg for food, and live as clowns. They provoke laughter in distressing situations of despair and provoke fear and chaos when people feel complacent and overly secure, to keep them from taking themselves too seriously or believing they are more powerful than they are. (wiki) So how can you embrace the call of the Fool today?
Here are some ideas: *Go to a Comedy show, *Sign up for Laughter Yoga (truly, the Fool is alive and well among this merry troupe!) *When was the last time you really laughed at yourself? *Do something silly, meaningless, joyful, even 'dumb', who cares whose watching? *Turn off your GPS, and guess a new route home today from work, remember what it feels like 'not to know' be comfortable with that ambiguity, look at a beautiful new place you've never seen before in the process. *Eat ice cream for lunch. *Sing loudly with the windows down *Wear mismatching socks or a T shirt inside out or backwards *Stop taking yourself so seriously, darlin, the Sacred Fool has come to play today! For this month’s Tarotscope, I felt like doing something a little different; adding a little, you know, ‘spring’ to your step. So I have chosen a Tarot Anthem for you for this month. For each sign’s tarotscope I have also associated a song, your own personal anthem; consider it a culmination of the feeling, and weather pattern in play for you right now. Aries--3/The Star Happy birthday, Aires! Yes, you are quite the Star this month as we are swinging through your natal house and rams do like loving attention, yes they do. The Star’s appearance reminds me of Bob Marley’s “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” and it sure is, my friend for this card means hope springs eternal. If there has been anything on shaky ground for you, something that has been keeping you tossing and turning at night in anxiety, it turns a corner and you can lay that to rest. Taurus-- Queen of Swords This Queen’s appearance in your horoscope often means that you must take on her attributes which are to be more strategic and less emotional right now. It’s business time, my friend and even among your friends; take care of business first. Deal with any contracts, negotiations, paperwork, your taxes--if there is anything that is hanging in this realm buckle down and get to it because your mind and your focus is on point right now. Gemini--Queen of Pentacles This Queen’s appearance in a Gemini’s home often indicates that you have been too much in your head, perhaps too anxious, too frazzled and you very much need some down town. This Queen can be languid, eco-centered, earthy, relaxed, and full-bodied. It might be a good idea to spend some time doing body work or working with your hands; fixing things around the house, going on walks--quiet your mind and let your body do the work. Cancer--7/Wands What is it that they say? The squeaky wheel gets the grease? You are being called to squeak my friend. Perhaps it has been too long, or you don’t like squeaking but you have been too silent about something that needs advocating. Be brave and speak up. You will ultimately be so glad that you did. Leo-- The Hierophant You are no slouch when it comes to taking on the mantle of leadership and this month you are being asked to do so. This leadership though is a bit conservative, you need to toe the line and be a bit of a rules minder for others as much as for yourself. You are required to rehash and communicate boundaries and procedure to those around you, either in work or family. This probably will not make you very popular right now. Sometimes we have to play the adult every once in awhile. Virgo--2/Swords If you feel pressure from others to make a decision and you just cannot decide, try not to make it this month. With 2/swords in play you are not seeing clearly and just seem kind of unable to make a decision either between things or people. Your indecision is causing issues with relationships but you just cannot be forced to make a move when you in good conscience are not ready. It's ok to take your time right now. (Under pressure) Libra--9/Wands The sense I get here with this is that there is a lot of manufactured drama around you. The key word here is manufactured, most of it does not come from you and is not really even about you but nevertheless it is involving you! This month you will struggle to separate between what is real and what needs your true undivided attention and what is silly nonsense played out by others; this will be difficult because there is entanglement but I think by the end of the month you will understand what is really yours and what is not. Scorpio--8/Cups This month emphasizes sacrifice. What, or who, what process, or habit; what person, or belief needs the chopping block this month, Scorpio? What do you need to let go of to break through to the other side? There is just one small dish of fear that is holding back all the many other courses, the banquet of a promised, amazing result. Sagittarius--2/Cups Whenever people pull 2/cups they are happy for its traditional meaning is romance, but I expand that meaning to also include all of intimate relationships and interactions. These intimate moments are when we are fully our authentic selves engage with another fully authentic self; these are exceedingly rare and beautiful. These can happen with friends, pets, family, even trees. Cultivate intimacy, cultivate depth, look under rocks and ask people what they wish for and when you ask people how they are doing, wait to hear the answer, look for the follow up. Capricorn--The Sun Oh this is an easy song for this card. Everything’s roses, my wild goat! I tend to think of the Sun card as the card of the ‘overreach’ people basking in the sun’s wealth have a plus one of charisma to them and can attempt things they normally cannot at other times. Try out for the job, ask that person out, make a bid on the house-- all on the things that you normally would think, “that’s out of my league.” You may just surprise yourself! Aquarius--2/Wands It is incredible to me that someone, a long time ago figured out that if you rub two sticks together over some kindling, you can make fire. I mean, WHO thought of that? A real caveman genius I bet. And this card, two is wands is kind of like that two, you are holding two sticks and thinking, “what can I make with these?” There is something that needs to burst forth into life from within you. I think that thing will come all in a flash and once that happens you will be there in the dark, rubbing away, trying to make the spark. Give yourself the mental time and space needed to take that spark and make it a fire. Pisces--6/Cups This month, seek joy in ALL the places, especially in the hardest ones. You know what I mean, the old thought-forms the thinking routes we go to when we want to feel sorry for ourselves or give ourselves excuses for why we are the way we are or why our lives are they way they are. Instead of doing that, this month make it a small (but not easy) habit of replacing that thought-form with a joyful memory. Instead of,”Oh here I am late as usual to work, maybe I will get fired like I did last time only last time it was because I was a single Mother woe is me….” Soundtrack, replace this with finding and remembering something that makes you happy, that gives your joy, that fills you with peace. Watch something incredible happen this month.
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March Feels Liminal
This month I pulled 4 major arcanas, 2 cups, 3 pentacles, 2 wands, and one sword. This is an unusually even-handed pull across all the tarot suits for a monthly tarotscope and the only reason I can think why that is is because March is often a liminal month.
March is often a space holder between the cold winter reach and the fun happy spring, we hold our breaths, waiting for the show to really, really begin. Do I have to take my jacket today? Can I wear my dress? Are my plants safe outside? The days are getting longer but things are not quite in full swing just yet. Pisces—The Magician Party like it's your birthday (cause it is!) The Magician arrives and asks you what you wish for, within realistic limits, it looks like you might actually get it. In fact, this is the month of the overreach; take a risk, reach just a little higher, longer for that job thats just a bit out of your league, that cutie that is just a little hotter than you normally go for, the heels one inch higher than your norm. Boosted by the energy of the Magician, anything is possible, Go. For. It. Aries—10 of Cups March asks that you stay close to home and attend to matters of family. If you are sandwiched between caretaking between generations you are being asked to lean into the task of being the glue that holds everyone together. Create a special family meal, perhaps start a new tradition, there is something joyful and new and beautiful you need to make in March to bring everyone together. Taurus—6 of Cups This month you might find yourself reminiscing of days gone by and finding those memories joyful. In fact, you should indulge in those memories. Was there a childhood game you found on eBay that you bid on? Play it! Watch an old cartoon on Youtube, there is some memory that needs to be revisited that brings you joy that has been forgotten and needs to be unlocked. For some reason, my intuitive sense is telling me that this is important for something later on. Do not fear going into the past. Gemini—The Tower Uh oh...the appearance of the Tower is often what I call "the last straw" card; meaning, the straw that breaks the camel's back. In any area of your life: health, work, romance, friendship, if there has been anything hanging on by a thread and you have not attended to dealing with, the Tower can be the TKO arriving to end that thing for you, and largely... it ain't pretty my turtle dove. Its tough and harsh, and dramatic and necessary and freeing and needed, tuck and roll, tuck and roll. Cancer—The Empress If you are trying for a baby this may be the month you concieve, if you are not trying for a baby, this may be the month you conceieve as the empress' appearance can mean hightened fertility. If that is off the table that can mean a message for you, that you deeply need to mother yourself; have you been burning the candle at both ends? Some deep self care is needed at this time. It could also mean call your Mother, she misses you. Leo—The Wheel of Fortune You have been riding high on a nice run of cards so far this year and I wonder if the WOF here means that things are about to take their natural turn as they do. What comes up, must come down and Fortune's favour is fickle. If your luck has been great, expect there to be a sudden reversal and vice versa this month. Don't take this personally, there is nothing you have or have not done here it's just the tides. Virgo—Knight of Pentacles March is a workaday month for you, Virgo. Are you trying to get debt down or save up cash for vacation? You make great progress on your financial life in March; buckle down and watch those pennies, you will be totally surprised by how many you will have by the end of the month. At work, you might feel tempted to make waves about a situation, please don't, at least not yet. You can do so later when the energy swings in your favor but for now the message is to lay low and sit on your nest, incubate those eggs! Libra—8 of Wands The energy this month is very much about "strike while the iron is hot" if a situation comes to you that requires immediate action or a decision, please make it! This is not the month for you to dilly dally. Yes, for just about everyone else in the zodiac this is a liminal month but oddly, not for you. Perhaps because as the balance sign a balance month means opposite? Who knows! All I know is that this is a huge card that says YES YES and GO GO GO. Scorpio—Queen of Pentacles This month may clarify anything you were sitting on over last month and the action that is suggested here is 'gentle forward action'. This Queen applies gentle constant pressure to all efforts, not unlike how a seedling slowly but determinedly finds its way up through the soil. This is you; take your time but don't panic, you got this. Domestic pursuits such as gardening, cooking and spring cleaning are also highlighted right now. Get your Feng Shui on fleek. Sagittarius—4 of Swords This has been a really odd year for you so far! January was a chill out card, last month you got a very high energy card, and now... you got another chill card; 4 of swords literally means "rest". I swear, I am not trying to encourage any unhealthy behaviors, Sag! This month you need to take it easy, perhaps you really pushed it last month or overindulged. This month ease off the gas a bit, put on cruise control, and get into the slow lane. Enjoy the scenery while you are there. Capricorn—Knight of Wands Knight of Wands can often mean change of job or travel for work so if you are looking for work this is a very good sign. Also if you thought you might be able to weasel your way out of going to Alaska in winter, sorry but that's on the docket for you as this card highlights work travel. If none of those apply then you might want to consider taking on the fiery work ethic of this Knight. What can or should you be doing right now to reinvigorate your occupation, how can you inflame your work with a passionate focus? This will be rewarded later on. Aquarius—8 of Pentacles March's liminal feeling month also saturates your energy, this is a workaday kind of month for you, too water bearer! Keep your nose to the grind and just put some miles down; projects, money, hours, all these things need focus and time. Perhaps you were frazzled or distracted before but this month is the month to make some headway. Also, if you were thinking of picking up a new hobby or side thing that is craftmanlike (woodworking?) this card highlights energy to support that right now. I know, boo, take the birthday hat off and get back to work.
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The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within." Aquarius—Ace of Cups Happy Birthday, O Water Bearer! February is the popularly titled ‘month of love’ and the energy is certainly supporting that for you this month as well. The Ace of Cups supports love of all kinds: friendships, familial, marital, romantic and things that perhaps felt difficult or hard to say feel easier to carry or share with the ones you love this month. Good news from loved ones, easy evenings in the gentle company of those who think you are just the greatest—what better way to spend a winter’s evening, eh? Pisces—King of Pentacles Perhaps you have taxes on your mind but this month is a great month to take serious inventory of your money, property, and resources. Any areas of ‘leakage’ need to be dealt with like a boss, no running from or avoiding the numbers. Look at your bills, anywhere you can cut down? Anything you have not been paying attention to that’s bleeding money? This is what is in store for you this month. Aries—Queen of Wands Despite the winter chill, you are still radiating heat and light, Aries. This month you act as a kind of lightning rod for your friends and family, they are going to come to you with their problems and concerns and it will be you job to help them see new possibilities—to fill them with enthusiasm and creativity, to light them with that internal fire that you naturally have in spades. This month you are for others and what a blessing you are! Taurus—3 of Pentacles If you are looking for work it could be that this month you get a job offer. This is the month of diligent effort that brings success in the long term. Not an overly ‘exciting yahoo’ kind of month but rather those months where you put the hours in for success in the long term. Things remain largely quiet and calm to allow you to do that work. If you have been working on a project, you make a lot of progress. Gemini—9 of Wands February is a tough month for Geminis who live in northern climates and don’t participate in winter sports. Being cooped up is no fun for our twins and this reading shows it! You may feel a little ‘too much in your own head’ Please see this time as an opportunity to develop your spiritual life; meditate, cultivate a yoga practice if that is your thing, pick up drumming, whatever calls to you and feels good and especially calms your brilliant, quick but sometimes over-active mind. Cancer—The Devil Whenever the Devil pops up in a reading, it can be a warning to watch for one of two things: either that we need to be mindful of our inner critic and anxiety and/or with our indulgences. Sometimes these are linked; we indulge in things: drugs, drink, food, sex, shopping, etc. in order to self-medicate ourselves from the discomfort of our inner critic and the anxiety he creates. Please be mindful of this cycle this month and turn to healthy habits, or face that critic head on, rather than dissembling into behaviors that ultimately get you nowhere. Leo—The World A lovely card, the expansive large feeling continues for you in the second month of February, Leo. Do you have plans for travel this month? Would you like to make some? The world often supports travel or easily made travel plans. If you cannot make that happen then I suggest trying to indulge in something you don’t normally do; perhaps one of those fun wine and paint nights? Color outside the lines this month, lion. Virgo—2 of Cups February is still riding strong on a positive vibe for you, too, Virgo and you are in a nice intimate feeling for February. 2 of Cups is traditionally a romance card so if you are single, it could single partnering up; or if partnered up; a closeness that occurs between you this month. I expand this card to also include the feeling of intimacy with others so you might find that in general your conversations with others may deepen, may get more real, may become softer and open up more with one another. This is lovely, lovely energy please enjoy responsibly! Libra—The Moon This month you may find out about secrets, or someone may find out a secret you have been holding against them. The moon for me often means hidden things and its appearance speaks to me, "what is hidden is now revealed'. If there is stuff you don’t want known consider this a warning: update those passwords, lock down those systems and be extra careful with your words and your sharing. “Loose Lips Sink Ships” Careful now. Scorpio—4 of Cups This month you will be on the fence regarding a number of issues and projects in your life. It will feel like you cannot make a decision about how to move forward. My advice to you is if at all possible, do not make a decision this month because you are just not able to see clear. (Unless you come get a reading! Shameless plug, right?) This card literally means reevaluation but its other context is that you are being shown options that you cannot see. So I suggest waiting out that period until it becomes clear, if you can. Possibly next month. Sagittarius—Ace of Wands If you took January to chill out and recover (like I recommended) then February is your come back, Centaur! Ace of Wands is so typical Sagittarian that is actually makes me laugh. Full of light, life, vibrancy, ideas and power you are going to be bursting with creativity and energy in February, come over and melt some of this snow, will you? If you have been looking for a new job, you just might get hired, a new relationship (particularly a sexual one) might begin; this month sees radical new beginnings along with that heat and light. Capricorn—5 of Pentacles Count your pennies this month, Capricorn, as this card often means there is a dearth of resources going on in your life right now. It could mean something pops up that you have to repair or pay off meaning that cash is a little less flow-y than usual. Either way, be careful this month as it looks like you might be taken off guard. You might still be climbing out of the holidays or perhaps saving for that March trip to Jamaica. No “what did the martini fairy buy me from Amazon” surprises for you!
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Full Moon~Wolf Moon
The naming of moons comes from the adoption of the Algonquin way of naming their own lunar calendar, which the colonials picked up and added and made changes to fit their own needs and culture. From that, a standard naming of the Moons has held tradition in Farmer's Almanacs since those early days, these moons have been codified in print since the late 1700s. We can also use the format of this most likely ancient and nature based way of living the eco-centered year as a way to live our own deeply fed spiritual lives. Each full moon, I will send you a brief "this or that" in keeping to the spirit and feeling of that full moon and to help support your connection to both our Lunar as well as our Seasonal cycles. Psychic Protection Wolf = Loyalty, Pack, Encirclement, Lodge, Protection, Guarding, Watchfulness Moon = Hidden Things, Psychic Awareness, Spirits, Feminine Spiritual Power When talking about psychic protection, I am not talking about the stuff you see in the movies, but rather the everyday energetic "thorns and shards" people (often unintentionally!) send your way. If we are all energy, if thoughts produce energy and if what we think can set things in motion; then its not a terrific leap to assume that negative thoughts by others can affect you, too. The 'Evil Eye' has been a concept as old as written language, even older than that, and every culture has their own way of turning aside negative energy directed towards you. If someone is jealous of your life; wishing they had what is yours, or believes you do not deserve what you have, this can affect you by making you ill, by giving you a run of bad luck, by making you fall. If those people are intuitive by nature, you will feel it more strongly. Part of the reason why we must also guard our own thoughts about others, as we may be unintentionally sending them energy to harm, rather than help. This belief I have seen is endemic to almost all cultures from Turkey to China, from the various tribes of the Amazon to the frozen steppe, this is old old human stuff, guys. I for one, am not going to discount something as old and as endemic as all that!
So how do you protect yourself from "evil eyes" i.e. often unintentional negative energy that, if directed at you, can disrupt your flow? There are many, many ways to create a protective sphere or shield around yourself, here are a few of my favorites that once implemented, should stop any 'weird energy' in its tracks.
If you have had a run of bad luck, headaches (!!), or it just seems all the sudden you have two left feet then I highly recommend you put this on the top of your To Do list! Stones that protect against psychic attacks when worn or carried: The list is long but if I had to narrow it down to two I would say black tourmaline and blue chalcedony back a power one two protective punch. Protective Amulets like the Turkish blue eye, the Hand of Fatimah, the Holy Cross, or any traditional religious amulet worn or carried that (and this is important) has significant and important meaning to you. If used as a place to hold prayers of protection said by you or an important spiritual figure to you, even better. Prayers of Protection from your God or Saint of choice and it is important that you say these prayers regularly, they should be a part of your daily spiritual maintenance, not just for 'when I feel like it'. Consider this housekeeping, you have to pick up a little every day to keep things in order. Saying a prayer of protection over a white candle that you light is effective, too! But you have to actually... you know... employ this, do this and BELIEVE in it for it to work! Visualization of a circle of light that surrounds you, especially when you are doing things that make you feel vulnerable or when you are doing energy work is essential. Sage is something many people do but they might find it ineffective. This is because sage is usually a cleansing tool, not a protection tool, per se. So if you are saging away and still things feel weird? Its the wrong tool for the job. Salt though can be an important protection tool especially while having a bath, scrub away and imagine negative thoughts, thorns and shards and energy being sloughed away with those dead skin cells for a healthy. glowing, auric complexion. Bedtime Protection is very important; since you are sleeping you are susceptible to all kinds of influence while off in lala land, this is probably why there was an emphasis to say your prayers before bedtime; asking that your Guide, the Angels, or whatever Diety or Belief you hold near or dear to right before bedtime is very protective. Sincerity, Belief, Ritual, Commitment, and Daily Use are by far the most important tools that you will use in your protection protocol. Choose what feels right for you, then commit to doing it until it becomes second nature. Just like with anything else we have going on in our lives, we need to ensure that our energy is clean-- what is going out and also what is coming in.
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2016 is a Hermit YearUsing tarot numerology, we can easily assign an archetype to the upcoming year, 2016 all added up in a flash gives us 9 which corresponds to the Hermit. While individual numerology will vary, this planetary number is like a large picture energetic weather pattern for the year. Understanding the hermit will helps us understand and perhaps negotiate better with the forces saturating all the nations of earth. I for one, am hoping that the hermit's energetic need for reflection will impact the world's stage in terms of conflicts as well as home grown terror. 2015 was an 8 year, a Strength year which we saw in many countries saying things like, "No I am stronger than YOU are, here I am going to shoot down YOUR plane!" Hopefully, the hermit's calmer head and keener sense will reign on the world stage in 2016.
In client readings, the hermit ranks right below Death and the Devil for the 'least wanted card' award. Unfairly so, in my opinion, for the topical understanding that the hermit will mean loneliness, singlehood, sweatpants and long nights with a mid-priced merlot is vastly incorrect.
In the majority of hermit imagery, the hermit is standing with his or her lamp, shining out in the forested darkness. The hermit is not curled up in a fetal ball of lonely agony with Bon Iver on repeat, the light of an Iphone clutched in hand. The hermit is standing with his lamp outstretched; is he shining that lamp for himself, or is he shining the way for someone else? Is the lamp really for him, who knows the dark forest so well or to help another soul who needs to simply rest? In most hermit imagery the hermit is also standing: in search, or in mid-stride; he is an active figure in the landscape; while the word suggests someone passive the imagery illustrates something entirely different. So I asked a group of fellow tarot readers, what is your favorite Hermit image, and why? Altogether, here were the themes that emerged from their responses:
Below, in their own words, are some of the pictures as well as thoughts as to why they loved that particular Hermit, the choices are diverse and the reasons varied but in no instance do we see knee jerk reactions to the hermit to depict lonely as suffering or alone in withdrawal as a negative.
If we notice this Hermit and all the others, the Hermit is not staring into the lamp, he is not transfixed by it, he is using the light to shine out into the darkness, he is looking for something, or someone. His focus is almost always outward, actually. Certainly not the actions of a person who has totally withdrawn in complete isolation and sadness.
This hermit is also dynamic, one of the Hermit's main themes is study and learning and this imagery captures that idea, what do you need to hone, to make clear, to master?
This image is so interesting to me, the turtle is not physically able to have put the lit lamp on his shell, so who did? Who is with him, sitting companionably in his light? Or did they light the lamp for Turtle and leave? This image creates a cognitive dissonance between the withdrawal of the turtle (a fear or stress reaction) and the warm glow of the lamp. Our introvert above felt comforted by the imagery of the card, you can just be yourself.
This card especially picks up the shamanistic undernotes of the Hermit, that he is somehow closer to nature, in the quiet able to hear the moods and sounds of the animals and from there to gain wisdom that our busy world left behind. In this, the Hermit acts as bridge, necessary, pertinent, without which we as a race are completely lost.
Again, we return to the light, what is the nature of the lamp, the nature of the light, is it the heart of Hermit?
I included this because of the modern focus on perhaps too much withdrawal, a Hermit that is not spiritual in focus, again, what is a Hermit without his lamp?
Even in the 'scariest' image, easily the Deviant Moon's hermit, we hear Jennifer's quote that he is, 'withdrawing from the world for his own learning and purpose.' The main take away is that when we draw a Hermit card:
The withdrawal is a voluntary one. You do not have to take on the mantle of the hermit if you do not want to. My own personal favorite image of the Hermit if the 'Kung Fu Master' archetype. He left the village on purpose, to hone his craft and now that he has mastered his skills people come to him. He meets those he wishes to help on his terms. If we view the role the Hermit through the eyes of a love reading, this is fabulous, actually! Through a short stint of getting clear of "your junk" you then position yourself to pick and choose from those who seek YOU out. "The Hermit figure is removed on the whole from the image, which focuses on the holding of the lamp as its main design element. It reminds me that the Hermit is not following anyone, not even himself, he has walked the path for long enough to become the path. In this case, he is adjunct to the light itself, which is the principle of the card; return to your own light and carry it."--Marcus Katz
The emphasis is not on the withdrawal, even though the card is called the Hermit, the image is not focused on his hermitude, but in fact is focused on the light. And what does light do? Light carries, light illuminates, light gets noticed, light is bright.
When we as readers and clients see the Hermit in a future state position, it can be read as, "You will be alone during x time." I feel that Hermit is in fact already defining a known position, the act of being a hermit has happened. What is the future state is the search with the lamp. (The Hermit is NOT 8 of Cups. The Hermit is NOT the Hanged Man though people often read him that way especially in love and relationship readings which I think is a huge mistake) When the Hermit appears he is defining the change to the light. In most pictures of the Hermit, he is walking forward, carrying the lamp in front of him. The action is forward moving with the light preceding him. The Hermit's appearance in a reading, especially in a romantic reading, is not as much "you are going to be alone" but rather-- you are moving to the light, the truth of what you need and that is shining. Something (or someone) is being called to you, and you in your work and wisdom... you get to choose. 2016 calls for the entire world to choose, are we going to choose peace, will we light our lamps and search for the hard answers? Will we allow calmer, wiser heads to speak? We need more silence, more thought, more reservation, more detachment from the fires of passionate gun slinging. As we face 2016 embrace the Hermit's energy in your own life by lighting your lamp and walking your path, look fearlessly in the dark corners. Do The Work |
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Jenna Matlin
M.S. in Organizational Psychology and Leadership CategoriesAll |