Welcome to my journey through the Major Arcana! This feels like the perfect week to start with The Fool, as it’s the last week of summer before our little family goes back to school. The phrase that pops into my head when I see this card is “joyful abandon!” This card symbolizes leaving the past behind, happily and free of attachment to the outcome, rather finding light in the journey itself. It’s a card of big new beginnings!

In the card from Tarot Mucha, we see The Fool dancing merrily along a cliff, high above the world. Her faithful dog guards her step, making sure she doesn’t fall into the abyss below, allowing her to dance freely and without fear. The sun is shining and the hurdles of the past are behind her. She carries only a few possessions, and is filled with optimism on her path! Brigit Esselmont of Biddy Tarot describes this card as showing “the highest potential for your life, reaching a state of renewal and new beginnings, where each day is an adventure and each moment is lived to the fullest.”

The Fool represents elemental Air, according to Golden Dawn Astrology. I picture The Fool’s energy as being free and light, embodying the spirit of “blowing where the wind takes you.” The Mythic Tarot by Juliet Sharman-Burke and Liz Greene, describe The Fool as being “the impulse toward change which comes upon us ‘out of the blue’, which has no rational basis and no preplanned programme of action” (19). This card represents a striking out into the unknown!

My personal analogy for this card is the concept behind the movie Baby’s Day Out – an innocent soul is out to discover the world, seemingly guarded by an unseen force as he makes his way along the precipice of danger, free from worry and ulotimately unscathed! As Lunea Weatherstone describes in the Little White Book for Tarot Mucha, The Fool “has no expectations, only the willingness to live fully in the flow of life’s experiences” (12). There is no way of knowing if the right decision is being made, and that’s okay: The Fool will figure it out along the way. There is risk involved, but optimism and wonder are the forces at work here. Worrying about looking silly will only dampen the journey!

The Mythic Tarot draws The Fool as Dionysus. When I think of Dionysus, I think of wine and parties! Comparing The Fool to the spirit of the party implies excitement, openness to a good time, and also perfectly illustrates the reversal of this card: feeling afraid of putting yourself “out there,” worrying about looking foolish, and trying to anticipate or even being apprehensive about the outcome of new experiences. This card is about going out and living, meeting new people and learning life lessons!

The Fool’s number is 0, and I love Biddy Tarot’s explanation: “[t]he Major Arcana is often considered as the Fool’s journey through life and as such, he is ever present and therefore needs no number.” This card is about choosing to cast aside fear and doubt and start afresh, believing in yourself and the universal forces guiding you on your path!

And so, here we go – time to soak up the last of the sun and free our minds, letting this week wash over us, finding enjoyment in whatever life has in store!

Works cited

“Baby’s Day Out – The Worton Twins.” Baby’s Day Out. Jaffyescharcha.com. Web image. August 26, 2015.

Esselmont, Brigit. “Fool Tarot Card Meanings.” Biddy Tarot. ©2015. Web. August 29, 2015.

Northwind, Miria. “Sample Tarot Reading.” Dragonfly Moon Tarot. Web. August 31, 2015.

Palmer, Richard. “Delving Into Tarot and Astrology in the Golden Dawn Tradition.” Biddy Tarot. June 20, 2012. Web. August 29, 2015.

Tarot Mucha. Artwork: Giulia F. Massaglia. Torino, Italy: Lo Scarabeo, 2014. ©Lo Scarabeo Italy.

Tarotscopes for August 29, 2015

They’re here!! I am so, so excited to present the first batch of Tantramar Tarotscopes! Each Tarotscope is based on the planetary positions in relation to each Sun sign and the placement of its power planet! Tarot comes in with a card offering advice based on what will be going on with you on Saturday, August 29: the Full Moon!

I’d love to hear what you think: feel free to leave a comment, including your Sun sign, so I can geek out completely! <3<3!!

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You have an increased drive to pursue personal projects. Now is the time to make a move romantically as your confidence is at a fever pitch!

Card: Queen of Swords

A cool, intelligent approach is best. Keep your guard up and sit back with confidence. Everything you’ve planned for is falling into place.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Pamper yourself by splurging on that perfect thing you’ve been eyeing! Home is the place to stoke your coals at the moment – recharge with the people you love.

Card: Knight of Wands

It may feel like everything is blowing up around you, and you don’t know what to do or where to go even though you can’t stop – home is where the heart is. Channel your energy into relaxing; it will have a magical effect!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You’re finally achieving the creative balance you’ve been waiting for! It’s like you’re physically breathing new ideas!

Card: XXI – The World reversed

To get those ideas moving, you need to let go of what is keeping you from starting! You can see the way to the finish line – can you see the obstacle keeping you in limbo?

 Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Your emotions and intuition are in high gear, and they’re pulling you to explore! Plan that trip or start that personal research project.

Card: Knight of Pentacles reversed

Taking the time to really figure out the concrete details will save a lot of time and indecisiveness later. Once it’s all laid out in front of you you’ll feel confident in getting started!

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Should you buy it? You really want it…think about the practical realities of the investment you’re considering before you decide. Taking time to organize your decision will prove fortunate!

Card: Ace of Wands

You’re making a bold new start – it almost feels like a miracle! Summon all your inner power to cut through the fog that’s confusing you now and know that you’re making the right choice.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Seeking a mental tickle? Why not do an overhaul of all your stuff – keep what you love and get rid of the rest, it’ll feel like a weight off your shoulders.

Card: 6 of Pentacles

Spread the wealth! All that great stuff deserved to be loved by someone else. Donate it or give it away to someone you know, you’ll feel even richer!

 Libra (September 23-October 22)

Oh my, Libra: are all your dreams coming true? It feels like it! Be open to the powers of love coursing through your life right now, especially since everyone seems to be in love with you.

Card: King of Cups reversed

Feeling exhausted by all the attention? Listen to your own advice – scale it back and focus on your closest personal relationships to feel on top, you’ll have more fun!

 Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

The way you express yourself now is unusually practical! Take advantage and transform what you thought you couldn’t!

Card: 4 of Cups

Feeling bored with what you’ve got? Do something about it – look for the opportunity to make your feelings known, so you can feel like you have what you want.

 Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Work is booming, and you are the star! The thoughtful decisions you’ve been making are proving fortunate and effective. Good job!

Card: 2 of Cups reversed

In the flurry of excitement in your career, don’t forget to take some time with your loved ones! Nothing heals emotional burnout like supportive affection.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

If you’re feeling emotional and more than a little challenged by what life is throwing at you, turn to your hopes for the future – they’ll carry you through.

Card: 0 – The Fool

Your huge new journey is starting. Leave the past behind and dance into the future: all you need to bring with you is your sense of optimism!

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

It’s time to be bold – you have the power to make changes through the way you communicate yourself to others. Be creative in your approach – and be nice!

Card: I – The Magician reversed

If you’re feeling like you don’t have what it takes for what’s ahead of you – you do! Keep your chin up and find the sparkle in the ambitious feat ahead of you. Look ahead and don’t dwell on the past!

 Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Your sense of self is at an all-time high – you’re in your element! Listen to your psychic instincts to learn more about yourself.

Card: Knight of Swords

Grab life by the reins and charge! You’re full of ideas and already on the road to putting them in motion. Even if it feels out of character, now is the time to take no prisoners in getting what you want!

Decks Used

Tarot Mucha. LWB: Lunea Weatherstone, artwork: Giulia F. Massaglia and Barbara Nosenzo. Lo Scarabeo, 2014.

Astrological Oracle Cards. LWB: Lunea Weatherstone, artwork: Antonia Castelli. Lo Scarabeo, 2012.

Meet my Deck!

A few months ago, as I was procrastinating my end-of-term project for a cool self-analysis-through-writing course, I stumbled upon a book about casting horoscopes. I bought it, and my scattered thought process reminded me of another book I’d purchased at the same shop: The Mythic Tarot. My mind was on fire with connections between astrology and Tarot: I needed a deck!

Immediately I tried to picture what my ultimate deck would look like. I love the art style of Alphonse Mucha, and typed “Mucha Tarot” into Amazon.ca. To my delight the perfect deck came up, I ordered it, and waited two long months for it to arrive. I was not disappointed!

I felt an immediate connection to the Tarot Mucha deck, published by Lo Scarabeo. Besides the breathtaking images on each card, illustrated by Giulia F. Massaglia with colours by Barbara Nosenzo, the deck itself feels almost electric to me – when I use it the hairs on my arms stand on end! I find the imagery and symbolism light and pleasant, with a good balance of darkness.        The descriptions for each card, written by Lunea Weatherstone, are amazing to boot! When I was learning to read the cards, each visit to the Little White Book ended with new goosebumps after reading the interpretations!

I also love the three spreads included in the book. Each involves four cards, laid in a line to resemble Mucha’s posters – which I absolutely adore! In my first solo apartment, I had my living room decorated perfectly in Art Nouveau style, with a poster of The Seasons above my couch! Every time I use my cards I feel a connected, secure feeling, like relaxing in a favourite room with nowhere else to be in the world.

Deck facts:

Cards: 78

Suits: Cups, Discs, Staves, Swords

Court: King, Queen, Knight, Knave

Strength VIII, Justice XI

• Rider-Waite based, with much [Much-a! Haha!] original imagery
• Strong masculine and feminine symbolism
• Great emotional facial expressions
• Back artwork is not reversible, but LWB descriptions include both positive and negative aspects of the card

Favourite images:

3 of Cups: This image makes me feel so good – and it appeals to my childhood love of pink dresses and poofy princess sleeves, not to mention red mermaid hair! It also reminds me of young people drinking and dancing together and having the time of their lives, making me happily nostalgic.

9 of Pentacles: There’s that red mermaid hair again! I think this woman looks amazing – so comfortable and secure, relaxed and hanging out with her pet hawk. She is completely carefree and totally inspiring!

2 of Wands: This card reminds me of the song “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands!” I love the way a soft wind ruffles the young woman’s hair as she looks out over her homeland, holding a globe of the world and dreaming of exploring it someday. The colours in this card really appeal to me, especially the way the red robes are offset by the soft orange, blue, and green background, which melts almost seamlessly into the grey of the castle walls. Mm!

Queen of Swords: This is my favourite card, hands down! Not only does she have red mermaid hair, she is fierce. She doesn’t put up with any bull****, and she stares life down – remaining defensive, but strategically so. Everything she does is to maintain life balance, and her roots are deep.

XV – The Devil: Isn’t she cool?! Haha, that sounds terrible — but I like how, as opposed to the people in traditional decks, the people in this card aren’t chained in any way. They’re practically chillin’! Her message is to be aware of the interesting and mysteriously beautiful shinies that catch your eye, before they turn out to be all-consuming flames.

So there you have it! Now that the deck is introduced, maybe it’s time to introduce the cards in order, one by one! That was my initial aim with the card-of-the-day posts, but I keep getting repeats and wasn’t feeling the blog posts about them (find them daily on Instagram, @tarotscopemim!), but am feeling a card-of-the-week feature here, beginning with The Fool and the Major Arcana and working through the stories in the suits of the Minor Arcana!

I’ve just received a companion deck for Tarot Mucha: Astrological Oracle, illustrated by Antonia Castelli with LWB by the lovely Lunea Weatherstone! I can’t wait to present the project I’ve been working on with them in the next few days!

<3<3

Miriam

Today’s Card is XVI – Temperance reversed!

This card represents balance and serenity, and in the reversed position suggests a need to figure out what’s throwing you off and work it out, allowing yourself to get back to the calm and peace of your happy place. When you’re constantly trying to rearrange the elements of your reality to make them match your inner ideals, sometimes what seems like a good arrangement can prove to be draining instead of enforcing. Find the leak, patch it, and notice the way your energy reroutes back on the path towards oneness, motivation, and clear thinking!

Temperance is one of my favourite cards. This card appearing today tells me I’m on the right track with the personal outlook adjustments I’ve been making, with a little ways and a little more tedious work to be done to get there. It’s not easy to open your mind to new ideas, or to find common ground on issues that are close to your heart. Finding balance between family, work, and school requires constant effort, constant planing, and ultimately, constant patience. Staying focused on the task at hand and finding a rhythm that works are so necessary to going with the flow, not to mention keeping the flow going! Harmony is the result of patience combined with purpose. Look for the rainbow after every storm!

On an interesting cosmological note, I associate Temperance with my daughter Iris, primarily because The Mythic Tarot represents Temperance with Iris, Greek goddess of the Rainbow, and because my Iris is a constant reminder that I need to be patient, connected to the family whole, and mindful of inner balance! When I was drawing this card Iris woke up crying, and she’s having a “reversed” day in the potty department too! Talk about Temperance reversed. Iris is also exactly 21 months old today, interesting that I would draw “her” card on a monthiversary! Neato. I love the Tarot for the interesting symbolic connections that can be made between the endless messages to be found in and between not only the cards themselves, but also every part of daily life. SO COOL jkdnfvzkjbdeaber

<3<3!

Miriam

Today’s card if the 4 of Cups!

This card represents taking a close look at what you have, especially when you’re feeling bored, disillusioned, even a bit ungrateful. Hidden opportunities are waiting around every corner, and you’ll miss them if you’re too busy taking stock and comparing what you have to what others do! On the other hand, counting your blessings is always a good thing, especially if you’re feeling down. If you’re soaked in boredom, get up and go for a walk! Rain or shine. You never know what could happen!

It’s been so grey and dreary for the past while, and it’s hard not to get cabin fever. Routines are hard to establish and even harder to maintain, and it’s easy to start to resent hem and feel like your life is just a boring blob of the same thing, day after day, all the time. And it is! That’s true, but really thinking about what you’re doing and trying to find the joy in it is the key to living happily, and in coming across little surprises that you may not have noticed if you were lost in a dark cloud of grumpy thoughts. This morning I thought about rolling over and going back to sleep, unable to believe that another grey, drizzly day loomed ahead. Then I hear a clear little “mew” and looked out the window to see my big yellow cat, Ra, gazing up and asking to be let in. Instantly I was reminded of everything good in my life, and I made a conscious decision to be my own sunshine today! And this afternoon, the sun came out for real!

<3<3

Miriam

Today’s card is the 2 of Swords!

This card represents contemplating actions, meditation, and cutting out negativity. Sometimes you need to stop and think about what’s going on in your life and figure out how to deal with the parts that bother you. Acting blindly can cause more pain than it’s worth! Try taking a few seconds before reacting, listening for where the reaction is coming from, so you can respond to the situation with your mind checking your emotions. Taking care of yourself sometimes means stepping aside to really think about the direction you’re headed in, to a place where your frustration can’t boil over and scald the people you love. A bit of “me” time can be just what you need to get back on track!

This is my first card repeat! This card is sending me a strong message today: cut out behaviours that hold me back, and think hard to figure out how to do it so they’re done with forever. The last time I drew this card I didn’t write a full blog post for it, and blamed that on not being able to upload the picture. Let’s be honest! I was grumpy and didn’t feel like doing it, and ended up leaving the whole Tantramar Tarotscopes blog project alone for over a week. I have a horrible tendency not to finish what I’ve started, and also to let my darker moods totally overshadow everything in my life. Hello again, 2 of Swords. I hear you! Time for some self-reflection and some overhauling of the ol’ outlook!

<3<3

Miriam

Today’s Card is the 6 of Cups reversed!

This card represents nostalgia and celebrating memories of the past, and in the reversed position having a hard time facing reality, being naive, and feeling stuck in the past. The present can be so overwhelming that we forget to step back and appreciate everything that we have. Letting memories or mindsets from the past cloud the beauty of the present is no way to live! Hold happy memories close, and let them guide your present towards more joys and celebrations.

After a long break from the blog (longer than I planned, talk about trying to hold onto the past!), I’m back with a new approach to the picture! The night before I left for camping I was trying to upload the picture of the card and the memory card just wouldn’t read! Aughhh! So I decided to leave it alone before I lost my mind, go enjoy my little trip (Card theme: 3 of Cups! Enjoy the present!), and I’d pick up when I got back. The result: a new photo layout! I’ve had a printer all this time but technology kind of freaks me out, so I hadn’t thought to use it. However, I was fixed on using the leather book I’d been using in the photos before, and started to get frustrated and discouraged again. Then I decided to try something new, and I’m happy with the result! Moral of the story: try something new, you’ll like it!

<3<3

Miriam

Today’s Card is the 10 of Swords reversed!

This card represents endings, and in the reversed position signifies that the fight is over, and need for rest and recovery to heal and move on. Some of the decisions we make in life are more impactful than others, and sometimes the repercussions can be painful. What’s done is done, and the only thing left in your control now is how to proceed. The situation is over, but your life is not. Acknowledge what’s happened, make peace with it, and keep going!

I’ve had several wires crossed in my life this week, and have been able to single out a few things that need to be left behind. Above all this card is telling me to act on my need for more personal scheduling, as I’ve missed an appointment and had a double-booking that I gave more stressful energy and rumination than was necessary. I also tend to clam up when confronted, but am slowly learning to open my mouth and speak my mind constructively instead of defensively. As a result, I feel like I’m able to be more true to myself, and everything else is falling into place as a result, slowly but surely!

Certain tarot cards have more ominous imagery than others, the 10 of Swords’ disturbing tableau of a warrior preparing to stab an already-dead foe a prime example. When I draw cards like this I get a heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach, but it’s a reminder to look even more deeply to find the positive spin on the message. A gentler interpretation is that it’s time to let go of practices that no longer serve a purpose, and not to invest energy unnecessarily. There’s nothing more to be done!

<3<3

Miriam

Today’s Card is The Wheel of Fortune!

This card represents change, the passage of time, facing reality, and luck. Everything changes, and the key to accepting that is finding as much pure joy in the present that it becomes yours to keep as a memory. Nothing lasts forever! Instead of longing for the past, savour every happiness and know that new joys will come in time. Facing reality allows recognition of the good fortune and luck that cross your path constantly. If you’re looking backwards you might miss them! You can’t stop time, and your fortune lies in enjoying the ride.

This card really resonated with me today, as that midsummer contented feeling washed over me. Wildflowers are blooming everywhere, the grass and trees are lush and green, and the air hums with life, heat, and activity. We have sweet little strawberries growing wild in our garden, and as I was picking some today the deeper personal meaning of this card struck me: instead of stressing about picking the strawberries or beating myself up for taking a break from my studies, I should sit down, eat as many berries as I can hold, and feel good for a few minutes before heading back to a crummy, boring task. Even that crummy, boring task meant being able to feel good about finishing something once I pulled up my pants and did it, mindful of confronting the voice that complained about it the whole time. Counting your blessings can be done any time, but time lost to regret can’t be gotten back. Stop and smell the roses!

<3<3

Miriam

Today’s Card is The World reversed!

This card symbolizes the end of old cycles and the beginning of new ones, wholeness, and a stepping forward into the future. In the reversed position, it represents feeling a lack of closure or completion. Something from the past is holding you back, and figuring out what it is will realign the elements and allow you to get back on track. The World is yours, it only feels like it’s upside down!

Not being able to interpret yesterday’s card was nagging at me, so this card rings very true! This is my favourite Major Arcana card, so pulling it reversed when I was feeling a lack of closure and mental cohesion is very interesting to me. It’s as if the card is telling me that once I figure out what’s turned The World on its head, I’ll be back on the path to balance and wholeness. Nice!

I had a great, very insightful reading this afternoon. I love reading for new people because it reminds me how deeply the symbols and messages in each card can resonate with anyone. The World, and every other card on some level, remind you to think about keeping a balanced perspective in all areas, and each presents a different area to focus on. The World is a loud reminder that all parts of life need equal attention, and finding that balance allows the cosmic doors to open up to unimaginable possibilities!

<3<3

Miriam