Going With The Flow of 'The Lovers'

Don't have much time to write today. My dad's had his operation and is doing OK. I am going to visit him at the hospital in a bit. Using the 'Universal Fantasy Tarot' and shuffling whilst thinking about the day ahead, I pulled the 'Two of Pentacles', 'Ace of Swords' and 'The Lovers'.

Universal Fantasy Tarot

© Lo Scarabeo

The 'Two of Pentacles' tells me about the everyday activities we all have to do, housework, looking after the children, shopping extra. This is a fitting card considering my day ahead with the children at home for the weekend.

The 'Ace of Swords' tells me of action and assertiveness. Which is true of me, having to get everyone organised to go visit my Dad. I feel sharp and ready to get this day done. I'm not keen about hospitals and seeing my Dad on a ward full of men, so I am going to be assertive  and rational, rather than emotional to get through it. I am aware of people being tense too. My Dad will  be a little sharp and so will his wife, who I will also visit today to pick up some bits and bobs.

'The Lovers' is a big card in this reading and tells me that I am either going to be faced with an choice of the heart or, my day will be filled with love united. I will go with the latter. Knowing my dad is OK, becoming closer to my mother and brother as a result of their revelations this week and also getting on with the Ol' man are al good things that I am feeling right now.

The 'Two of Pentacles' and the 'Ace of Swords' are Earth and Air cards respectively. Earth and Air are enemies and weaken each other. I imagine that these cards indicate a stressful time today. I must remember to relax and go with the flow. 'The Lovers' card is represented by Gemini. Gemini's tend to go alternate between the rational and emotional. therefore I must maintain a bit of both, not be too stress, not be too assertive and not too emotional either. 'The Lovers' are telling me to maintain a balance attitude.

UPDATE: 31/01/10 08:26
It was a good day, although stressful. I felt happy inside and yet tense and a little stressed. I visited my Dad in hospital who apart from feeling very sick looked well, but not too happy about the company, which was a little awkward for me, but I was still happy to see my Dad. The day was made stressful by the Ol' Man's debit card going on the blink and after holding up a queue in the shop while the shop  assistant rang the bank to sort it out, things became even more stressful. Remembering my cards, I decided to avoid getting stressed by reading a magazine on the counter and ignoring the annoyed people behind me in the queue! Turned out the bank's systems were on the blink so they couldn't sort it out after all that! The 'Two of Pentacles' relates to the communication between me, the shop and the bank, and the 'Ace of Swords' looks to put the proverbial 'spanner in the works!' But thanks to 'The Lovers' I managed to keep a cool head.

How is My Dad's Health?

As I have mentioned in a previous post my father is in hospital. I now know that he is waiting to have his gall bladder removed as an emergency. It should be sometime today hopefully, perhaps now, if my gut feeling is right.

I did a reading with the Celestial Tarot asking "How is My Dad's Health?" and whilst shuffling I had a card jump out and land on my foot, it was 'The Sun'. Dad's operation will be a success, so no worries there then. However 'The Sun' means that the success will only be on the surface. Just as wearing the latest fashion, doesn't change the person underneath.

Celestial Tarot

© US Games Systems Inc.

I continued to draw three cards which were 'Judgement', the 'Eight of Swords' and the 'Nine of Pentacles'.

'Judgement' tells me that this operation will be a turning point for dad, perhaps his stomach troubles will stop for good this time and give him a new lease of life. It is a major Arcana card and carries a lot of weight in this reading and is represented by Pluto whose astrological qualities are destruction and creation. My father is facing a time in his life where his decisions will make him or break him.

However, the 'Eight of Swords' tells me that Dad will think there is no longer a problem with his health and this will allow him to be blind to his weight gain, the problem that most likely caused his stomach troubles in the first place. 

The 'Nine of Pentacles' confirms that he will refuse to address his weigh gain because the Nine of Pentacles is a card of luxury where a person can enjoy the fruits of life. Therefore my father will continue to eat a diet which is no good for him. The 'Nine of Pentacles' is associated with Virgo, my star sign and indicates that I'm going to make sure he thinks about his weight gain whether he likes it or not!

Looking at the cards through elemental dignities the Eight of Swords' and the 'Nine of Pentacles are Air and Earth cards respectively. Air and Earth are enemies and weaken each other, so refusal to see that his weight gain is a problem (Eight of Swords) and continuing to eat to much (Nine of Pentacles), are indeed bad decisions.

Numerically speaking, the cards are neared the end of their respective Arcana and suits. Which indicates that my father cannot afford to waste any more time on a bad diet.

Illustrations from the 'Celestial Tarot' reproduced with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright © 2004 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.

A Review of Gloria Jean's 'Infinite Visions Tarot'

"If you like traditional tarot and appreciate fine art, you will love Infinite Visions Tarot. These tarot designs were made by using the art of the old masters, and designed with basic traditional tarot symbolism. They are easy to read and interpret and perfect for both beginners and experienced tarot readers.

Infinite Visions Tarot is a hand-made, home printed tarot deck that can be made to order for collectors and tarot card readers. "

~Gloria Jean

www.infinitevisionstarot.com

This is my favourite Tarot deck. The cards are very well made, are borderless (which is a huge plus in my opinion) a lovely size that is not too big, or too small, they shuffle well and will last a long time. The cards are heat laminated and are fairly thick and very glossy. They come with a numbered certificate of authentication and a lovely, well constructed and handmade box. There are also two additional cards, the 'Dark Magician' and the 'Dark Priestess', who are the negative side of the original 'Magician' and High Priestess'.

The artwork is poignant and endearing with full, evocative symbolism, soft lines and deep and pale hues. The symbolism, although based on the Rider-Waite, is different to the standard with insightful, clever and fuller meaning that really makes me feel an instant connection to this deck.

It would be great for a beginner, perhaps being easier to understand than the Rider-Waite. It would be great for the professional reader who is looking for something original and different.

The fact that this deck is handmade really makes it special and is a very strong Tarot in both its symbolism and its construction.

Revelation and Enlightenment

This week has been a week of revelations, not mine, but of those around me. Certain things that have been kept secret, came to light yesterday evening and I am brought to life, seeing that the people I love are free and are living life. When the 'High Priestess' appeared in recent post along side the card of deliberate secrets (Seven of Swords), I was exited knowing that something was going to happen, and it did. And not only that, I discovered that where I thought I was wrong and misguided, I was actually spot on. This has been a powerful experience for me, and I am glad for it. Because it has opened up a whole new world and I realise that I can trust my instincts and in the Tarot.

Infinite Visions Tarot

© Gloria Jean

Using the Infinte Vision Tarot again, I shuffled the cards thinking of what may lay ahead and drew the Five of Swords', 'The High Priestess' and the 'Eight of Wands'.

The 'Five of Swords' is a power card for me, It tells me that those who had withheld the truth from me, have now relinquished their secrets and it is I who is in power knowing the truth. Not because I am trying to have power over them but because I have established my own power once again, knowing that I was not misguided before.

I anticipated 'The High Priestesses' appearance and here she is. She tells me that she marks the end of the phase that she first announced. She also signals the revelations that have come about. I cannot mention them in detail here, but I have pondered them in previous readings but with no confirmation. Now I have confirmation and a great joy knowing that I can trust in my intuition and a great joy felt as a result of the secrets of those around me. I am happy that these truths have brought joy and freedom to them and I feel elated as a result. Their new found happiness and spiritual awakening matches my own inner mysteries and it feels good to find that someone see the world as I do.

The 'Eight of Pentacles' appeared yesterday and here we have another number 8 card, the 'Eight of Wands'. In Numerology, 8 is power - It is a establishment in a more powerful way. It confirms the two previous cards. That the revelations have brought me out of the dark night of the soul, that I now enlightened and can trust may myself and the tarot, having established a firm and powerful ground from which to continue my Tarot and spiritual journey. 'The High Priestess', a Major Arcana card and therefore the most potent card of this reading, alongside the 'Eight of Wands' tells me that this new potential will continue to show itself as I proceed.

Tough Times And A Loving Touch

I have so excited about this deck. It's called the 'Infinite Visions Tarot' and has been designed and handmade by Gloria Jean. Its a great size, the art is borderless,  flowing, beautifully coloured, detailed and inspiring. I love it! The handmade touch makes this deck extra special.

Infinite Visions Tarot

© Gloria Jean

Anyway! My dad is still in hospital awaiting another scan to check there isn't an underlying cause. I just got a letter this morning telling me I have to go to court and testify that I saw someone I know (but don't like, some idiot loser) beat my friend up for kudos points. It's also my son's birthday today, and after a stressful morning getting the kids to school I'm a little fed up now!

Using the wonderful 'Infinite Visions Tarot' and asking "What do I need to know today?",  I drew the 'Five of Pentacles', 'Page of Cups' and the 'Eight of Pentacles'. Both the 'Five of Pentacles' and the 'Page of Cups' turned up on Monday so  am concerned that I am missing something that needs my attention.

The 'Five of Pentacles' tells me I am broke (yes, paid big phone bill yesterday!) and there are big changes happening on the home front. Which is true considering my Dad is in hospital, which is pretty bad. He needs to lose weight, I am sure this is whats causing his stomach pains, his body wants him to drop weight, you cannot live on painkillers all your life. I wrote yesterday, that I would take the cards advice and get on his back about it, rather than just keeping quiet.

The 'Page of Cups' again, hmm I am not sure what this card wants to tell me! My brother told me he was gay on Tuesday, that might fit the 'Page of Cups'!  Other than that I am going to receive message of some sorts, perhaps relating to my witness summons which has made me consider whether I will be emotionally strong enough. It also tells me that the changes in the 'Five of Pentacles' are causing me an emotional time, which is true, I realise it now.

So that leaves the 'Eight of Pentacles' - hard work and diligence. Yep, today is going to be action packed with my sons after school party! The 'Eight of Pentacles' shows a little boy with a birthday candle! So, although I'm feeling a little sorry for myself I know I'll get through it with ease, especially with with the 'Eight of Cups' showing - It will be a fun day celebrating my sons birthday - but I can't help imagining that I'll look like the women in the 'Five of Pentacles' by the end!

The quintessential card is the 8+5=13 Which is the 'Death' card. A concerning card considering my dads health, especially when the 'Five of Pentacles', a lower from of the death card, is in my reading. However I think it indicates that something has to be done about by dad's health or he is going to ebb away. The hard work being shown by the 'Eight of Pentacles', the man and child, my father and I, we need to do something together. Perhaps I need to give him this message, perhaps I need to be the 'Page of Cups' and tell him lovingly that he's jolly well going to lose some weight! That's if he improves enough to do it.

With the reappearance of two cards from monday, and many aspects relating to my current situation, I have a tough time ahead and much to think about.

UPDATE 29/01/2010 13:36
The Page of Cups was a message of love from my mother. Well it was actually a love revelation she had previously denied.

Tarot and The Panic of The Lost Keys

Its my son's 10th birthday today! Its been an exciting and happy morning with balloons, streamers and party blowers waking the entire neighbourhood! All was going well until when trying to get all three of them out the door to school and I realised I couldn't find my keys! I started searching high and low in all my usual places but they were nowhere to be seen. I started to panic, going around in circles desperately trying to think where I had put them. So, I grabbed my deck and shuffled desperately thinking, "where are my keys? where ARE my keys?". I turned one over....

The 'Eight of Swords', "I know I can't find my keys already!" so I turned another...

The 'Eight of Cups' - "Yes I know I need to take the kids to school!" I thought, "I know, they must be near the cups in the kitchen". I turned another for good luck...

The '6 of Pentacles' "Argh, they must be hanging up by the cups", so off I went to check my usual spot in the kitchen for the 20th time but still, no keys! "Where else would they be hanging up?", I thought looking above my oven where all the silvery utensils are hung up, and there amongst them were my keys!

I never hang my keys there and I normaly know where they are in the morning, I feel really stupid now, but at least I found them in time for school!

Ambush!

I didn't ask a question, I thought about the day ahead whilst shuffling the cards. Using the 'Tarot of a Moon Garden', I drew the 'Eight of Swords, 'Ten of Swords' and the 'Seven of Swords'. And goodness me! what cards! From a literal point of view they look like someone getting attacked from behind!

Tarot of a Moon Garden

© US Games Systems Inc.

These cards tell me that I am allowing myself to be restricted by other people (Eight of Swords) and that I am giving in to it (Ten of Swords). The 'Seven of Swords' tells me that I should not let this happen and to act in my own self interest today. I need to be assertive and not put other people before myself.

I can't see how this will happen because I am good at holding my own. So another interpretation might be that someone is up to no good and I am failing to see it. Perhaps I need ambush them first!

UPDATE: 10:58

I just rang up my mum to make sure she isn't hiding anything from me after my 16 yr old brother told us he was gay yesterday! I then rang my father (who's separated from my mum, I'm the only child of their marriage) to update him on the revelation! I had told my father the night before that I was concerned about how my mum would react to my brothers news and would keep him updated. But when I rang up my father to tell him that everything was fine with my mum I was told that he's been admitted to hospital. I can't get hold of him right now, but at least I know. Had I not felt compelled by the cards to ring up my mum to make sure nobody was hiding something from me, I would not know about my father. My father's wife should have rang me to tell me the news, I hope he's OK! Now I really feel like the 'Eight' and 'Ten of Swords'.

UPDATE 12:40

I was hoping that my delivery would have shown up by now so I could go out, but judgeing by these cards I am not going anywhere. They are restrictive cards indeed and I am powerless to do anything, bummer!

UPDATE 13:01

I understand now. My fathers in hospital because he's had stomach troubles for a while. He's had another bought of it but the painkillers didn't work this time. The issue probably stems from his weight gain. I tend not to say much about it so not to upset him (Eight, Ten of Swords), but it looks like its time to tell him to sort out his weight, because he's obviously refusing to face facts and I'm allowing him to get away with it (Seven of Swords) by not asserting my views and the same goes for my father!

Illustrations from the 'Tarot of a Moon Garden' reproduced with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright © 2004 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.

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Time To Get Out and About!

Its a glum looking day, not much to do. I was thinking about walking to the next village with the little one and my dog. As usual, I asked "What Do I Need To Know Today?" and using 'The Enchanted Tarot', I drew the 'Two of Wands', the 'Wheel of Fortune' and the 'Page of Pentacles'.

The Enchanted Tarot

© Lo Scarabeo

The 'Two of Wands' tells me to do something energetic and outgoing today!  The 'Wheel of Fortune' tells me to go out because there may be something waiting to happen, which won't happen if I stay in. The 'Page of Pentacles' tells me this 'something' will be a learning experience, whether a good one or a bad one I don't know, although any experience is a learning one. Perhaps the wheel will fall off my pushchair and I'll have to carry the little one home! Or maybe it will just be a great time getting back to nature. However I look at these cards, they look active and outgoing!

I am wondering if the 'Infinite Visions Tarot' will arrive today from the USA. The 'Two of Wands' is me waiting at home and looking out for the postman! (See Rider-Waite version above) The 'Wheel of Fortune' may indicate its arrival with a bit of luck, with the 'Page of Pentacles' being the Postman, the bringer of physical goods!

UPDATE: 15:59
I should have said that the reason I was going to walk to the next village was to look in the huge array of charity shops. All three cards read really well as a successful trip out for a bargain! Did I get a bargain? Yes I did! I am as pleased as the 'Page of Pentacles'! It was a great day out indeed!

Have Brad and Angelina Split Up?

With a few newspapers reporting that Brad and Angelina have officially split up (again), I decided to do another reading asking "How is Brad and Angelina's Relationship Going?"  Using the original Rider-Waite deck I drew: the 'Seven of Pentacles', 'Five of Wands', and the 'Queen of Pentacles'.

These cards tell me that the are a strong team, who are focusing on building and strengthening their family, work and charity endeavours. They have achieved success in all that they have done and now they are looking at new ways to build upon this.

How they are going to do this may be the only problems facing them right now! The 'Queen of Pentacles' says that Angelina is focusing her home and children and may even want have another child and they may even be looking into adoption. However, it is likely that Brad wants to focus on the children they have and their charity and humaitairan work. This may be causing some conflict but they are still geared towards strengthening their familiy and work commitments, in perhaps a very big way.

UPDATE: 04/02/2010 21:25

I am aware that the cards may reflect the speculation that Brad and Angelina have divided their assets in view of splitting up. What makes me think against it, is the lack of Cup cards (love, feelings) and Sword cards (assertiveness, problems). These cards only focus on material wealth. If they were splitting up, I would not expect these cards to show reflect it! I think they are building upon their home and family by getting married, or at least that's what I'm hoping. I hope that I'm not letting my judgement interfere with my interpretation.

('’)

Back To The Way It Was Before..

Well the Ol' Man came around the weekend, and things got back to normal, as if nothing happened! Now I feel a little repressed again! After finding out the time I was born I know was born with the moon in Aquarius and I wonder if these aspects are why I feel like I need my emotional space. I have been studying astrology along side Tarot and I realise that skeptics think that its a load of rubbish. However, examining my own birth chart has made me think deeply about myself and the effects of which are very beneficial. Astrology really does achieve what sets out to do.

I have performed my daily reading using the Lenormand Tarot and asking "What do I need to know today?", I drew the 'Five of Pentacles, King of Cups and the 'Page of Cups' (Knave).

Tarot Lenormand

© Lo Scarabeo

The 'Five of Pentacles, tells me of change or loss on the home and work front which probably relates to making up with the Ol' Man and the loss of my freedom. It may tell of coming change or loss too.

The 'King of Cups'  is the master of emotions. The knows and controls his emotional side very well. He tells me that that the both the Ol' Man and I have become more stable emotionally.

The 'Page of Cups' is a person who is become aware of his feelings, perhaps this is the Ol' Man or perhaps this is me, or perhaps it is both of us. It tells me that we are becoming more aware of the way we feel and may strengthen or relationship in future.

All three cards are Earth and Water cards, they are complimentary, laid back cards.  The 'Five of Pentacles' next to the two cup cards, tells me (according to the Rider-Waite tradition) that the Ol' Man returning means that I have lost out on my quest for emotional freedom from the worries of the Ol' Man. The King tells me I now have to maintain fixed emotions in order to keep things contented and happy at home although the Page tells me to keep to not let go of the way I felt before. I must continue to concentrate on how I feel, which means not letting the Ol' Man worry me in future. His did treat me to two new Tarot decks so I have made a gain like the man in the 'Five of Pentacles'. But that was yesterday.

In a general sense, I may experience an physical loss or I may make gains today since the man in 'Five of Pentacles' seems to have made a lucky gain. Perhaps a lucky gain this will give me some emotional security (King) and freedom (Page).

The 'Five of Swords' And Venus in Aquarius

The sun will be in the first third of Aquarius on the 20th January until the 29th of January. Golden Dawn assigned a Minor Arcana card to each Decan, a Decan being a third of each Zodiac sign. Each Minor Arcana card, except the Aces, gets one of these thirds. You can see a chart HERE.

This means, that the 'Five of Swords' will be the next Tarot card for this Decan and its picture represents the qualities of the Venus in Aquarius.

Aquarian natives are independent and freedom loving, they are intense and think differently than the rest of us which can make it hard for people to understand them, thinking that they are away with the fairies!

In astrology, the planet Venus represents the passionate, feeling and sensual part of us that loves to feel and do things that make us feel good! When these qualities combine with Aquarius, Aquarians become passionate about the way they think and want to make sure everyone else feels it too, but people don't tend to see it this way.

The image to the right, reproduces a famous painting of Sandro Botticelli entitled "The Birth of Venus." The painting depicts the nude goddess in a pose, typical of classical statues of Venus.  She holds almost the same pose as the figure in the 'Five of Swords' who looks to have taken all the swords from two unhappy people who are walking away. He looks rather happy and smug about it too! But, he's not really being smug, he's just very passionate about his thoughts and idea's.

The suit of Swords represent words, thoughts and how we use them. The swords that the main figure is holding, are his thoughts and words that he his now feels with the venus passion. He wants people to understand how passionately he thinks, but because he thinks differently, people just don't 'get him' and have given up their 'swords' trying to understand him and he's left on his own. There are also two swords about him on the floor showing that even he does not always understand his passionate way of thinking. There is conflict within himself and with those around him but its mostly down to misunderstanding rather than deliberate intentions to alienate.

This card tells us that it's good to be passionate about the way we see things and to express the way we think, but it's also good to be aware of how you are come across to the people around you!

Five of Swords

© US Games Systems Inc.