Early in the morning on August 25, Saturn stationed Direct at 21’11 Sagittarius. The planet of challenge, of order, of “fatherly” influence has been Retrograde since April 6, during which time we all worked on our internal notions of what it means to feel “free,” “independent,” “unfettered,” and we came to several realizations about what needs to be done in order to bring those feelings into our lives. Now that Saturn is Direct, we are ready to start finding that balance, bringing it into our lives on the grand scale, in order to come to a new level of “peace” not only with the people in our lives, but ultimately with ourselves. The tarot cards for Saturn and Sagittarius are XXI – The World and XIV – Temperance, suggesting that we are stepping into new, much calmer territory, where we can trust things to be more readily “in place” than ever before! This next phase requires a leap of faith to be sure, and it will have its share of conflicts, but you have “heard” your core truth in some form or another and now you are following it — nothing can sway you from starting this new chapter. You are ready to put in the Saturnian hard work required of you in order to implement your Sagittarian fiery passion! Get ready to run with it!

The following reading, drawn from the Thoth Tarot, Ascended Masters Oracle, and the Cosmic Tarot, looks at how to make the best use of the energies surrounding Saturn going Direct. This is an example of what’s included with the $50 Planetary Retrograde/Direct Readings tier on my Patreon page! For this reading I laid out a crystal grid with clear quartz for higher self connection, yellow calcite for personal power, dumortierite for Saturnian clarity of communication and grounded purpose, two citrine to allow your light to shine really bright, two tree/dendritic agates to help protect and grow what you’re working on now, crazy lace agate to remind you to laugh off heaviness like a Sagittarius, amazonite for heart-balance, tourmalinated quartz for ancestral spiritual guidance, and falcon’s eye for far-sighted perception and further protection on your exciting new journey!

Now that Saturn is Direct, there is no excuse not to focus on your responsibilities. You can feel the weight of all you’re taking on, but my oh my, it doesn’t feel that heavy! You are so excited that you are taking on this new level of Everything with an unseen strength, seeing it as a chance to make an Impression rather than a new source of Oppression. Coming through the Retrograde cycle, you are dancing forth fresh, set on your journey but free of expectations, ready to work towards ensuring it unfolds with a spring in your step and a trust in the Universe to guide you on your Way — you are following your heart and taking a leap of faith with what’s been set in motion, but you Know you are doing the right thing, and you are fueled by your pure ambition!

Oracle Cards: 9 of Wands |  Strength + Fertility | Pan

You are standing in your power, and you are ready to “light up” your dream! Your creative juices are flowing, if you will, and everyone is dancing to your new “tune.” Saturn’s time Retrograding in Sagittarius was valuable for you, as you were really able to identify and get a hold of the ways you were “spending” your energy, which you now feel much more in control of. You’re getting closer and closer to your goal! This is the point on the path where you need to take care not to get “lazy” — full steam ahead is the only option, there’s really not time to stop and rest! Keep creating your vision, and prepare to be amazed at what you’ve borne by the time the Sun enters Sagittarius in late November!

Tarot Cards

Card 1: What challenges were reflected on during Saturn Retrograde that you can work towards freeing yourself from now that Saturn is Direct? XX – Judgement reversed

You’ve heard your “calling” and now it’s sweeping you along, and where you were once filled with negativity and outward criticism, you now feel a sense of contentment and gratitude, such that you appreciate other people in a whole new way. You are open, you’ve busted through a glass ceiling and there’s no going back now that you’ve seen things in this new way. You’re ready to connect, re-connect, network and Make It Work: where the path ahead once looked like a desert wasteland, now it looks like a road paved with goodness and absolute hope.

Card 2: What new structures will increase your independence of those past obstacles? 9 of Pentacles reversed

Just keep working at it! You’ve seen where your comfort zone was holding you back so you turned it upside down, accepting an influx of tasks and responsibilities that you know you are totally prepared to handle. I heard the lyrics to Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice:” “Got my mind on my money, and my money on my mind!” You’re making it happen, and you are okay with giving up some of your present “luxuries” in order to continue to make it happen, and then some. You’ve realized that the true reward is getting to do what you love, and you can’t put a price tag on that!

Card 3: What goal will you now begin to chase at full speed? Page of Cups

With all this career activity, you’ve finally found time to focus on emotional You, and your personal relationship with yourself is flourishing. You’re understanding your personal triggers and are examining what gets you feeling raw so that you can keep a lid on it when you need to — your relationships with others are in a fantastic place too, and you’re determined not to rock the boat. Keep listening to your intuition, because all this soul-work has you very much in touch there — ask for the answers you need in the moment, and trust that you will receive them! You’ve made a new start, and you can feel just how much more good is flowing in.

Saturn Direct finds you ready to hit the ground running, your new vision clear in your mind, your relationships in harmony, and the unshakeable drive to create an awesome future. This urge comes from a place of love, as you are striving to pave the way for others too: you are “parting the waters,” finding passages you hadn’t noticed or assumed weren’t there, finding that not much can hold you back now, unless you let it! Your personal power meter is full and ready to sweep you off on a journey of self-discovery through realization of your dreams. If this sounds grandiose, that’s because what’s happening to you — and everyone else right now! — truly is HUGE. Channel your tiger-spirit and trust that with love in your heart, nothing is impossible! Don’t do it because you’re “supposed” to or because someone wants you to — do it because you need to!

Yes yes yes, you’ve heard “the Call:” now follow it with a light, happy heart! This is a time full of new ideas and learning new things, including about yourself and what you are capable of! You’re “bubbling up” to the surface, ready to fill your cup with fire — you are going to take this new thing by storm with your fresh attitude and newly cool head. You’ve worked for this, now you have it, and you’re more than ready to work some more! Keep working your magic, maintain your new balance, and get excited for the next chapter to begin — you really are “almost there.”

Decks used:

Ascended Masters Oracle. Doreen Virtue. Various artists. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc., 2007.

Cosmic Tarot. Norbert Lösche. Neuhausen, Switzerland: AGMueller, 1998.

Thoth Tarot Deck. Aleister Crowley. Illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris. Stamford, CT: US Game Systems, Inc., 1983.

On August 22 at 6:20 pm ADT, the Sun moves into Virgo, where it will remain until moving into Libra on September 22. The sign of Virgo is characterized as quite reserved, meticulous and perfectionistic, with a “deeper” side that takes work to get to know but reveals a tender and attractive groundedness. Virgo is very concerned with positive self-presentation, and often chooses to keep their “problems” to themselves to solve alone, lest their weakness be discovered — Virgo is independent and just fine with solitude. Virgos are much more easygoing than their love of rigid structure may let on, and their sound wit is revealed through surprising jokes and well-thought-out fun. Because Virgo thinks things through so thoroughly, they are excellent at coming up with and implementing successful ideas. The tarot cards for the Sun in Virgo are XIX – The Sun and IX – The Hermit, and Virgo is ruled by Mercury (I – The Magician), suggesting that Virgo season is about bringing forth your inner vision, sharing the ideas and using the resources you have been gathering all summer, and “shining the light” that you lit when the Sun was in Leo. This Virgo season will be about moving on the changes you’re making in your work life, bringing your new reality out of the shadows, and getting everything in order to the greatest degree possible!

The following reading from The Wild Wood Tarot, the Druid Animal Oracle, and the Druid Plant Oracle looks at how to make the best use of the energy of the Sun in Virgo. This is an example of what’s included with the $15 Sun Sign Change Reading tier on my Patreon page, which also includes a One-Card Monthly Kick-Off reading on the first of the month! For this reading, I laid out a crystal grid with “Virgo-y” crystals: amegreen for trust in your own process and heart-centred decision-making, labradorite to encourage “going with the flow,” howlite (with a little heart!) for connection with the higher self and the finding of solid solutions, falcon’s eye for protection and clear, far-sighted perception, lapis lazuli for clear communication, vulcanite for implementing new patterns, and Apache Tear for grounding and further protection as you enter new, unfamiliar territory.

This Virgo season finds you quite keyed up (hello, Mercury Retrograde!), and very much needing to calm down, to trust that things are in better order than you may perceive them to be. It’s possible that you’re majorly butting heads with your partner, but know that allowing them to help in their own way will get things done much faster! It’s time to release your grip on needing to control absolutely everything. You’re feeling held back by your environment, so it’s time to do some “clearing,” and to clean your past wounds, re-envisioning them as motivating factors as opposed to brakes on your forward momentum. You are full of clever ideas and now is the time to start acting on them — just don’t forget to include the other people who very much want to be involved. Remember to share!

Oracle Cards: Swan + Ivy

This is a time of flourishing for you, as you respond to what you’ve been inspired to pursue and really start to see the “magic” happen. You’re ready to present your best self and start to “grow” on people, spreading your beautiful vision but also finding it received and supported harmoniously by the people closest to you. You have experienced a transformation and things are falling into place, as the clouds of confusion dissipate and your personal light shines through. You are also being guided from “beyond the veil,” be it by a spirit guide, ancestral spirit, or other divine force — this comes in the form of dreams, synchronicities, and sudden moments of further inspiration that keep you on your dedicated path! This Virgo season finds you making awesome progress on making it up that hill, climbing that tree, breaking down the final barriers between you and your current goal’s realization.

Tarot Cards

Card 1: Where to focus your energy this Virgo season? Ace of Bows | Spark of Life

Truly, know that you are creating something amazing, and all you need to worry about now is protecting that little flame, keeping it alive, trusting that your idea is good and it is ready to “catch on.” You’ve found your niche and now it’s just about getting started and then getting noticed, which you already know won’t be difficult. You have also built a solid network from previous experience, and now your way is clear. Maintain your inspiration by picturing yourself at the height of your journey, enjoying it as much as you knew you would, leaving no room for doubt that this is your best course of action!

Card 2: How can you best get organized and keep things in order without hinging on perfection? VI – The Forest Lovers

Aww <3<3 “Togetherness” is a happy theme in your life at present, so your challenge is not to judge yourself by your own standards, but rather to try to see yourself through the eyes of the people who love you: the ones who forgive your “shortcomings,” seemingly not noticing them at all, brushing off your insecurities with kind words and fun distractions. In fact, this is a good time to solidify and make time for your personal relationships, as you will soon so busy with new responsibilities that your life won’t know what hit it! But that’s exciting, especially knowing the people you’ve chosen to surround yourself with will be there for the ride.

Card 3: How to embrace and make the best use of your independence and convey your personal authenticity most clearly? I – The Shaman

You’ve learned to maximize your “alone” time, which has resulted in a huge boost to your skill levels — you have made serious improvements and you know exactly what you’re doing. Thus, you are ready to create, to bring your resources together into their end result! Virgo season finds you putting the finishing touches on your work, bringing this last “beginning” phase to a close, ready to ease into the part where you experience and learn from your little creation. Now is a time to focus on your positive end result and familiarize yourself with “speaking it into reality” using ultra-positive language, and watching it really take form.

Card 4: A deep-seated anxiety that can be released now? 2 of Bows | Decision

Somewhere in your life, you made a choice that you can never help but wonder if it was the “right” one: allow yourself to know that it was. The direction you took then is what opened you up to all that you have now — of course it would have been a totally different tale if you’d taken the other path! You are always in control of your journey, and you can be proud of both your mistakes and your achievements, because every one of them served as a stepping stone to the gilded gates that you are now approaching. As fate would have it, the direction you chose turns out to be the correct key!

Card 5: How to ground yourself to maximize enjoyment of the abundant harvest you’re earning now? XIV – Balance

Hello again, Temperance card! A theme over all this past Retrograde activity (5 planets are currently in retrograde) has been staying calm — going with the flow when the current gets choppy, being understanding when life’s dragons snap and blow fire in your face. You’ve been keeping your cool, continuing up your personal ladder, striking the balance you need to seek and create what you want to see in the world! Keep up the good work in rising above the conflict and staying true to your vision. There are more challenges ahead, to be sure, but by keeping a level head you’re already ahead of the game! Roll with whatever comes at you with a smile. You no longer need to prove yourself: laugh with life! And drink more water!

Jumper: 8 of Vessels | Rebirth

Yes, know that Virgo season represents you being “reborn,” starting fresh far away from what used to overwhelm you so much emotionally. That past difficulty showed you where your cup was empty, and you have found new ways to fill it up again, so much so that it’s overflowing and you’ve been finding new cups to catch it all! You are growing and expanding just as you were meant to, and while it took a long time to relax into your progress, it’s now more apparent than ever that you are safe and supported and will continue to be.

Higher Self Cards: Salmon + Poppy + Ace of Arrows | Breath of Life

You are aware of how much “wiser” you feel after all the necessary introspection inspired by the currently crazy cosmos — and others have noticed too, opening up the opportunity for a “redemption” of sorts, that allows you to seal off that door to the nasty past for good. Yes, you know for certain you are thinking in the right direction, and that your aim is true. You are doing an amazing job taking care of everything, and your results will continue to be beautiful by nature on the resilient foundation you have laid! Take a deep breath and exhale a sigh of relief, as you relax into knowing just how very far you’ve come. And this is only the beginning!

Your long, drawn-out “gestational period” is drawing to a close, and you are ready to bear your little bud into the world! Everything is coming together now, truly as if by magic, and your keen instincts and clever ideas will continue to keep things in motion. There are only a few more “responses” needed to confirm how it will all take place, but there is no doubt that it is happening, and darn soon! Stay focused and take care of yourself through this final push: here comes your treasure, your sunny new dawn, and you are so very, very ready for it!

Decks used:

The Druid Animal Oracle. Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, Illustrated by Bill Worthington. New York: Fireside/Simon & Schuster, 1994.

The Druid Plant Oracle. Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm. Illustrated by Will Worthington. London: Connections Book Publishing, 2007.

The Wild Wood Tarot. Mark Ryan and John Matthews. Illustrated by Will Worthington. New York: Sterling Ethos/Sterling Publishing, 2011.

On August 21, we have an incredibly powerful New Moon at 28’53 Leo, which also happens to be a Solar Eclipse! The Moon will be passing directly in front of the Sun around 3:30 pm ADT. This is the last eclipse of the recent cycle, closing it out with a big burst of sunny Leo energy to propel you towards achieving your greatest personal heights! Truly, everything that’s been stirred up between the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius and now has only been for your benefit, showing you where you can truly improve and laying before you the golden path to What’s Next. The cards for The Moon, The Sun, and Leo are II – The High Priestess, XIX – The Sun, and VIII – Strength, suggesting that this New Moon will allow you to bring the intuitive messages you’ve been accumulating into the light, and in doing so you will find yourself feeling hopeful and empowered to connect with others to transcend what once held you back. You have come to a new understanding of your situation and are prepared to seek the balance that benefits everyone involved. You are opening your heart and you are ready to share what you’ve been developing in secret! New Moons are about intention-setting, and in the case of the Solar Eclipse, what we start manifesting now will play out and come into its full form in about 6 months’ time. Intend for your vision to shine and be received warmly by everyone it meets!

The following reading, drawn from the Thoth Tarot, Connected and Free: The Alchemist’s Oracle, and The Wild Unknown tarot, looks at how to make the best use of this New Moon Solar Eclipse’s energy. This reading is an example of what’s included with the $25 New/Full Moon Readings tier on my Patreon page, which also includes a one-card Monthly Kick-Off reading on the 1st of each month and a 5-card reading when the Sun sign changes. Normally New/Full Moon readings are 3 cards, but I had to throw in an extra card for the Solar Eclipse! If you’re interested in a 4-card reading like this to maximize your use of this New Moon Solar Eclipse energy, you can order one from my Etsy shop 😀 For this reading, I laid out a crystal grid for chakra alignment, with red jasper and black obsidian for the Root/Muladhara, carnelian and my sunstone-y astrological wheel for the Sacral /Svadisthana, citrine for the Solar Plexus/Manipura, aventurine for the Heart/Anahata, blue lace agate for the Throat/Vishuddha, sodalite for the Third Eye/Ajna, and amethyst and moonstone for the Crown/Sahasrara.

This New Moon Solar Eclipse, above all, will represent finding personal balance in its entirety — the kind that finds you glowing because you know exactly what you have and how to best work with it, not against it. It’s a time to rest and recuperate, to let go of past struggles that you carry with you in your heart and mind, even though you know they have no place in the present. It’s time for a truce, mainly between your past and future selves, as you decide to move forward once you’ve recharged a bit after this eclipse season’s many mini-upheavals. Indeed, the Solar Eclipse will have this New Moon feeling very much like a Full one with all the upstarts and excitements — keep in mind that since this is a New Moon, anything uncomfortable can be worked into your intentions for what to release in harnessing this Solar Eclipse Leo energy, and you can trust that 6 months from now it will noticeably be “history!”

Oracle Cards: 4 of Cups | Luxury + Throat Chakra

This New Moon Solar Eclipse will represent an opportunity to realize and face your disappointments once and for all, giving “voice” to them, and as a result watching them become resolved. Speak your dreams and watch them become reality, and let yourself relax into all that you have recently attained — you’ve reached new levels that even a year ago you weren’t sure were possible, but here you are, with your cup running over and the future looking bright. That being said, you can only “see” that bright future if you look forward to it: examine what’s keeping you from quite literally Enjoying your Life, and take this opportunity to look for new ways to express yourself in order to make that happen!

Tarot Cards

Card 1: What Shadow will be cast by this New Moon Solar Eclipse? 9 of Pentacles

This Solar Eclipse will represent realizing where your “comfort zone” is actually holding you back, and about allowing yourself to progress to the next level, in particular by accepting that you deserve it! You have already reached incredible heights, why not rise to your full potential? You have been doing a great job grounding yourself to prepare for future success, which is rolling towards you now — take the opportunity when it arrives even if you feel slightly underqualified. You will not regret it!

Card 2: What challenge will the New Moon Solar Eclipse help you to overcome? XIV – Temperance

All these recent eclipse energies have tensions high, and tempers too — your challenge is to STAY CALM and be the wise one. All this urgency everyone has been pushing is unnecessary, but also forgivable, because you know this eclipse cycle has been about making yourself “stand in the flames,” feeling your discomforts through so that they can truly heal. Let yourself cry if you need to, picturing your tears cleaning off the soot of the past, leaving you fresh and free to fly on once the sky settles and the stardust clears, finding you prepared to make use of what you’ve learned about yourself through all this!

Card 3: What can setting a New Moon intention this powerful Solar Eclipse help you release for good over the next 6 months? 8 of Swords

Intend to identify and release yourself from all the little traps you set to convince yourself you don’t deserve better (and better!!) than what you have now. It’s one thing to be grateful, but it’s another to realize wasted potential, and this New Moon Solar Eclipse finds you preparing to “cut loose,” emerging from your cocoon an amazing butterfly. Intend to be honest with yourself about what works for you and what doesn’t, what you continue to refuse to examine for fear that you’ll lose everything if you admit this one last thing to yourself: you won’t lose anything important. Unfurl: the world is waiting!

Card 4: How will this New Moon Solar Eclipse help you increase your “shine”? XV – The Devil

Truly, MASSIVE change is underway in your career, and also the way you project your personal power — let your realizations in the “Temperance” department be your wings as you cooly soar above your past transgressions and approach the summit of your personal mountain. Your goal is in sight: keep going! If anything, you are now more aware than ever of the kind of person you do not want to be, and so you have an example to work against. Strive to be your best self in all that you do and watch yourself take off — you now know how much control you really have in spite of all the recent fires and flipoffs!

You are nurturing something new into existence, and the energy of this New Moon Solar Eclipse is exactly the boost that will carry you towards territory where you have a better grip on protecting what you have earned, not to mention the people you are earning it for. As everything gets tossed around and shaken up when the Moon brings nighttime darkness to cover the Sun, just keep in mind “doing what’s right” to get you through. Stay calm, knowing that all this intensity will soon be replaced with much more soothing, healing energy, and that persevering with your end-goal in mind will find you with exactly what you hoped to “get” out of your situation and more. Six months from now you’ll look back on this time and find your worries cut in half, replaced by a restful contentment achieved through trusting things to work out in your favour, remaining open to new opportunities, and staying grounded through your every “trial by fire.”

The first steps have been taken towards your new endeavour, and there’s no going back! I squealed when I noticed that there are 3 “4s” again in this reading — 444! You are very much protected by your higher guidance now, and can trust yourself to stay on track towards implementing the structures that you know will serve you better. At present, conflicts are past and being re-integrated; allow yourself to forgive and move on. There is a slight warning to this reading, which is to KEEP WORKING at this, as you’ve reached the comfortable point where you could easily “drop the ball” and backslide, having settled into the flow of your new responsibilities. Know that you are ready for more! In the meantime, self-care, self-care, self-care: take care of yourself and get ready for another influx of “wishes granted” and dreams you’ve made real!

Connected and Free: The Alchemist’s Oracle. Lauren Aletta. Illustrated by Tegan Swyny. First Edition. Inner Hue, 2014. (link is to second edition)

Thoth Tarot Deck. Aleister Crowley. Illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris. Stamford, CT: US Game Systems, Inc., 1983.

The Wild Unknown. Kim Krans. Philadelphia, CA: The Wild Unknown, 2012. (link is to Amazon/2016 edition)

On August 16, Jupiter in Libra forms a biquintile aspect with Neptune in Pisces. This is a very minor aspect, one that is not usually paid much attention to, but it is of interest because it represents a new shot of inspiration towards achieving a goal, a theme we have all very much been working with lately, as Mercury and all the other planets currently in retrograde make everything feel like it’s ground to a complete halt! This biquintile occurs with Jupiter at 19’22 Libra and Neptune at 13’22 Pisces, suggesting that it will set in motion a happy breakthrough allowing a transformative change in the structure of what you’ve been working on. Changing the way you’ve been approaching this and finding a new way to do it (that you love!) will help create a more balanced flow in the process of the beautiful thing you’re creating now. The tarot cards for Jupiter and Neptune are X – The Wheel of Fortune and XII – The Hanged Man. With Neptune in Retrograde, this is actually more a story of The Wheel of Fortune and The Hanged Man Upright — this transit will find you springing forward with an idea, setting The Ball rolling again, effecting the changes you want to see!

The following reading is an example of what’s included with the $50 Angular Aspect Effect tier on my Patreon page. This reading looks at how to make the best use of the energies surrounding Jupiter biquintile Neptune, with cards drawn from The Mother Mary Oracle, the Art of Life Tarot, and the Feng Shui Tarot. I laid out a crystal grid with citrine for powerful attraction of good fortune, ocean jasper for protection to “go with the flow,” fluorite for connection between the heart and intuitive mind, yellow calcite for trust in your personal power, and amazonite for balance between your personal dualities and understanding of others,’ rounded out with another citrine. The reading couldn’t agree more with the above Wheel/Hanged Man upright energies: happiness is ready to flow in for all that you’re working on, have faith and keep at it!

Shadow Cards: 17. Our Lady of Truth + 4 of Cups | “When the music changes, so should the dance” -African proverb + 4 of Wands

Yes, at this point in your process, you know exactly what you’re doing and what you’re working towards. This is what keeps you on track, what grounds you as you wade through the mud that’s come up to try and stop you recently — but now you know better than ever that nothing can stop you now! In fact, you’re already able to taste the good things coming of all this — more motivation to learn where gaps need to be filled now, to see where new opportunities are arising, new doorways being opened to support you and your new direction. What you know best of all now is how very much everyone is “embracing” you in this endeavour — lean on this support, bask in it, because you’ve earned it!

7. Our Lady of Answered Prayers + 3 of Cups | “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” – Sir J.M. Barrie + 9 of Pentacles

Truly, if you take anything from this Jupiter/Neptune transit, it will be a thorough knowledge of the “team” you have behind you — both your higher guidance and the real friends in your life. You have so much wanted this idea to take off, and now it is, with the help of the people who love you, with the help of your own positive intentions, with the help of your faith in things to work out in whatever way is best. And here you are, already having achieved so much, and poised to welcome in even more! You are shining because you’ve allowed yourself to, and as a result, you are sharing your inspiration with others and they are soaring to greater heights as well. Keep up the good work, because this is no time to stop, but do allow yourself to relax a bit in the self-criticism department — zoom in and check out the treasures you’ve brought into your own life, fill yourself up with satisfaction, and push on — your potential is growing and you are keeping up magnificently!

Higher Self Cards: 36. Our Lady with the Moon at Her Feet + King of Wands | “Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.” -Samuel Johnson + King of Cups

At this time, what you can know for sure is that you are in control — especially of your emotions and the way you relate to others, and also of your passion and the way it is being directed on the grand scale right now. You’re about to step off into the stars, to take a huge leap, the chance of a lifetime! Right now you must trust that you have set everything up as it should be, that your pot is almost at a boil. If you needed permission to throw yourself in completely, here it is — but you were already ready to go, weren’t you?

Right now, you know that what’s on your agenda is nothing you can’t handle! You made huge strides and are in “completion” mode. Your team is present and also in action, the proper seeds have been planted, and the right questions are being asked to get productive decisions made. You can relax a little, knowing that you’re really doing it — just remember to keep your “head” present, as all of this is very exciting and has your passions and emotions firing on all cylinders. Take the time to think everything through, but trust your plan and your progress, and let your Jupiter biquintile Neptune breakthrough be one of leaning in to all this with renewed self-confidence!

Art of Life Tarot. Charlene Livingstone. Stamford, CT: U. S. Games Systems, Inc., 2012.

Feng Shui Tarot. Eileen Connolly and Peter Paul Connolly. Published by U.S. Game Systems. Scans via Tarot.com, August 27, 2015. Illustrations from Feng Shui Tarot used with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 2001 by U.S. Games Systems.  All rights reserved.

Mother Mary Oracle. Alana Fairchild. Artwork by Shiloh Sophia McCloud. Victoria, Australia: Blue Angel Publishing, 2014.

On August 12, Mercury goes Retrograde at 11’38 Virgo. It stays retrograde for about three weeks, until September 5, and I think we’ve all been feeling the “shadow” period that starts a couple of weeks before the full retrograde — in my area there was a problem where cell phone service was disrupted for almost an entire day! That’s the kind of thing we usually expect from Mercury Retrograde: communication breakdown, technological glitches, seemingly endless little challenges where the only explanation is that a “trickster” is at work. Retrograding in earthy, organized Virgo, one of its power placements, this Retrograde’s obstacles should be seen as springboards: you are being challenged to rethink your plans, to know them like the back of your hand, so that nothing can stop you once things feel “back to normal” and it’s time to go full steam ahead. The tarot cards for Mercury and Virgo are I – The Magician and IX – The Hermit, and in reverse, together these cards suggest trusting yourself to find new approaches when you’re feeling stuck, and banking on your inner strength to see you through this retrograde. You’ve been building it up all summer, and you’ll surely be put to the test, but remember that any setbacks to come are only temporary — momentary — and are helping you know what to do when even bigger challenges arise much further down the line, and ensuring you come out on top when you get there. Mercury Retrograde is less about actual setbacks and more about learning ways to think through them!

The following 3-card reading is an example of what’s included in the $45 Planetary Retrograde/Direct Readings tier on my Patreon page. This reading is drawn from Crystal Reading Cards, the Thoth Tarot, and Revelations Tarot — I’ve been loving using my “bigger” tarot decks as oracle decks lately! I laid out a crystal grid centred around a stone astro-chart wheel, with sunstone for brilliant expression of your ideas, angelite for protection and connection with your higher guidance, aventurine for heart-centredness, magnesite for clear thinking, amazonite for understanding of both sides of situations, and labradorite to remind you to go with the flow and expect good surprises.

Shadow Cards: Nuumite | Healer + XXI – The Universe + XIX – The Sun

No matter what comes your way this Mercury Retrograde, you can rest assured that everything is coming together! The Universe has stepped in to heal and protect what you’re working towards, and all you need to do is trust that and keep the positive outcome you envision at the forefront of your mind. Your structures are in place and they will sustain you — keep pushing forward, knowing you’ve come too far for any real setbacks anyway!

Oracle Cards: Chrysotile | Animals + 3 of Wands | Virtue

This is a time to trust in the direction your heart has carried you in, and to know that the calls you sent out for your dreams to be made reality have been heard — it’s all on its way to you, and now you have to trust the parts of the process that lie in others’ domains. Keep your heart open, and try to be understanding when other people act in ways that are just beyond anything you’d ever imagine doing — you’re in the “eye of the storm” where it comes to your passion-project, leaving you just idle enough to fixate on what everybody else is doing. Express your interest, make your intentions clear, especially that you’re not trying to interfere because you very much have enough on your own plate! Take this time to rest and observe yourself, preparing to use your strength and inner fire again when Mercury goes Direct.

Tarot Cards

Card 1: Focus/Advice: Knight of Cups reversed

It’s true that this Mercury Retrograde may be full of little emotional “button-pushing” situations that make you feel like you’ve lost your grip on what you’ve worked so hard to attain. When your thoughts stop swirling, instead feeling like a big dark cloud, trust that this is temporary! You are being presented with an opportunity to identify and overcome your personal triggers, so that in the future you are better at managing your raw emotions and quicker to laugh at yourself when you find yourself in deeper than you’d calculated. Your dream is not over! It’s only beginning, and this is the part of the process where you stand by and wait for the tank to fill — stay cool in the meantime. Have faith in yourself!

Card 2: Release: 8 of Wands reversed

Just because things have slowed down doesn’t mean they’re not happening — resist the urge to “stop” and close off, even more so to get defensive about the speed (or lack thereof) at which things seem to be moving. Most of nature’s incubation processes are invisible, taking place away from the light of day. That is what’s happening now — the weird-looking growth process, which when the time is right, bursts forth with such beauty that no-one can believe something so perfect could be possible! But it is, it will be, and your only task now is to persevere, to find your way of speaking this thing into reality, to keep at your practice knowing that when things start moving again it will strike like lightening — trust that you’ll know what to do in the excitement, and hold on for the ride!

Card 3: Increase: III – The Empress

Again, your focus this Mercury Retrograde must be to trust the incubation process. Your creative seed has been planted, and it is sprouting deep down in the warm, fertile Earth! This is a time to take care of YourSelf, so that you are well-rested and full of more creative energy when your little bud blooms and blossoms. The stars are aligned for you, you know what you want for all this, and that is all you need to think about now. Continue to nurture yourself and your vision, and enjoy the magical stillness that comes with listening to your body, your heart, and your soul when you make your life decisions — that is what you have set in motion, and you will soon gather to you the earthly rewards for your hard and very much blessed work.

Higher Self Cards: Dioptase | Heart Healing + Ace of Swords + II – The High Priestess

You’ve been working so hard at this, tending to it so meticulously, that thank goodness things have slowed down a bit or you might have had a heart attack! Your direction is protected, and new ideas continue to come to you, but now you have a clear idea for how to combine them all to fit with your overall Vision. Your intuition is correct where it comes to knowing that this is exactly the direction you should be taking: be still with this thought, and beam with the knowledge that this is the perfect moment between the past and the future: you are being provided an opportunity to stop, reflect on that, and feel the balance that flows through you knowing that you are bringing everything together. You have learned to see in the dark, and soon your accomplishments will be ready to shine in the light!

Decks used:

Crystal Reading Cards. Rachelle Charman. Sterling Ethos, 2016.

Revelations Tarot. Zach Wong. Llewellyn Publications, 2005.

Thoth Tarot Deck. Aleister Crowley. Illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris. Stamford, CT: US Game Systems, Inc., 1983.

On August 11, Uranus in Aries forms a semi-square with Neptune in Pisces! These planets are forming a 45′ angle to each other, indicating a “halfway” point towards their respective energetic goals — Uranus in Aries is about innovations that fuel personal drive, and Neptune in Pisces is about creating from the depths of emotional experience. This suggests that this semi-square will involve a breakthrough idea that helps you “push” through the challenge that will peak when the full square is formed! The numerology of this transit (Uranus at 28’30 Aries and Neptune at 13’30 Pisces) further indicate that this semi-square will invoke a transformation that allows your true will to take the lead as you make progress in overcoming any difficulties that have arisen with the huge project you’re gaining momentum with. Both planets are in retrograde, so we’re working much more on an “inner” level with this transit, on evolutionary growth across lifetimes rather than day-to-day stuff here! The tarot cards for Uranus and Neptune are 0 – The Fool and XII – The Hanged Man, suggesting a chance for feeling like nothing is happening, like the new start you’ve made is not taking off at the speed you expected — but take this as an opportunity to really notice what’s happening around you and to be inspired by it, knowing that truly, nothing can stop you at this point in your journey!

The following reading is an example of what’s included with the $50 Angular Aspect Effect Readings tier on my Patreon page. I chose to draw from Oracle of the Mermaids, Tarot of Mermaids, and Angel Tarot Cards. I laid out a crystal grid centred around a big piece of carnelian for creative thinking, with agatized coral for deep understanding of personal patterns, lilac lepidolite for calm thinking and foresight, a cube-shaped moonstone for understanding the structures of our personal cycles, and another peachy little carnelian to ground it all with more creativity!

Shadow Cards: 10 – The Wheel + 2. Transparency reversed + 2 of Wands

You have very much started out towards something amazing in terms of getting the ball rolling, but for now it’s time to remain focused on your other work, where you’re still needed while you wait for your vision to come together. It’s not time to speak widely of this either — keep it to yourself for now, and let your excitement buoy you up, preparing you for the successes to come! Keep your head above the water as the many changes to come wash over you — some may crash! — and know that they are only strengthening you, charging you up for the Next Level.

4 of Earth + 31. Coral’s Wisdom reversed + IV – The Emperor

This is a powerful time, when you are being challenged to examine your whole life’s structures, in favour of taking them down to rearrange and rebuild! How scary, so if you feel like you’ve been turned upside down, you have — but it’s like a swimming lesson, and soon you’ll know how to swim deeper and stay under longer. You can rest assured that you have everything you need materially at present, having anticipated reaching this point and knowing to save a bit, to hold on to what you could. What you’ve invested in is picking up the pace, ready to start coming into reality! Trust that this will work out, and remember to “come up for air” every once in a while. What you’re doing is “protected” — all three cards are 4s, 444! And I’m typing this sentence at 4:16! 4:4×4! Angel numbers galore or what? It couldn’t be clearer that you are divinely supported to see this through!

Higher Self Cards: Knight of Earth + 45. Imramma + 9 of Wands

Yes, this endeavour will be a Journey to say the very least, and while you’d love to blast forward, full steam ahead, to get everything in place right away, at the moment that’s just not possible. Slow and steady wins the race: keep planning, keep examining the structures you’ve already redone and solidified, and bask in the positive energy surrounding what you’re creating. It will be a long road, but you know that you’re well-prepared, and you can rest assured that you are also divinely supported in your work on this.

Uranus semi-square Neptune will be a time of working through confusion towards fresh thinking, of “finding new structure” as you work towards being able to launch your idea into the public sphere. In the meantime, focus on staying calm, finding balance, and filling yourself spiritually, as this is a time for planning — conserve your energy and resources, as you’re about to make a gigantic leap in the energy that needs to be focused on your new endeavour. You’ve made great strides and will continue to! Keep thinking on how to build your inner defenses from where you are Now. The rest is being created in the way you are thinking about the future of all this — trust yourself to see this challenge through.

Angel Tarot Cards. Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine. Artwork by Steve A. Roberts. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc., 2012.

Oracle of the Mermaids. Lucy Cavendish. Artwork by Selina Fenech. Victoria, Australia: Blue Angel Publishing, 2013.

Tarot of Mermaids. Lo Scarabeo. Llewellyn Publications, 2003.

On August 7, we have a powerful Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius! Aquarius is the sign of humanitarianism, of innovative thinking, of finding a way to refresh what’s become outdated. A Lunar Eclipse from an astrological standpoint involves a bright spotlight being thrown on your “Shadow,” leaving it with nowhere to hide — and you with no choice but to decide what to do about it. This is a good thing, because it effects change — Eclipse-style changes play out over years, so hope for the best! The tarot card for the Moon is II – The High Priestess and the card for Aquarius is XVII – The Star, suggesting that this Lunar Eclipse will represent an opportunity to get in touch with your intuition, to “listen to your gut,” in such a way that you are inspired by something that you can’t ignore. This in turn leads you to pop up and into action, starting out towards making something of it, applying the knowledge you’ve already accumulated along the way. Following this urge will lead to your total happiness: you really are headed for the light! You could choose to turn back, knowing it would mean more of the same darkness that you know like the back of your hand — but aren’t you ready for the fresh and new?

The following 3-card reading (with an extra tarot card because LUNAR ECLIPSE) is an example of what’s included in the $25 New and Full Moon Readings reward tier on my Patreon page, which also includes a 5-card reading when the Sun sign changes and a one-card Monthly Kick-Off reading! For this reading I drew from The Cook’s Tarot, Crystal Reading Cards, and Chakra Wisdom Oracle Cards. I laid out a crystal grid of a blue agate slice to match Aquarius’ “electric blue” power colour, moonstone for understanding of our personal cycles, tiger’s eye for quick thinking and creative protection, tourmalinated quartz for intuitively finding the “silver lining” in any situation, and rutilated quartz for loyalty and support through difficult times via spiritual connectedness.

Oracle Cards: Calcite | Relaxation + Insecurity

The cards couldn’t be more clear: it’s time to “relax” your “insecurity.” Put it to rest by allowing yourself to, well — relax! You have come so very far, too far to let the little devils on your shoulder get in your ear and take it all away. As if they could: what you have now is all yours, and at this point, it really can’t be taken away from you — maybe physically, but nothing can take away the feeling of knowing you’ve accomplished something that you always pictured achieving for yourself. You did it, you did it!

Tarot Reading: Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius Spread

Card 1: What “Shadow” will be cast by this Lunar Eclipse in order to show where change needs to occur?

King of Wands: Your greatest test this Lunar Eclipse will be examining how you deal with being in control of great, passionate power. Are you a warm leader, or an angry tyrant? Meet your public with a smile over a frown during this Lunar Eclipse — your attitude towards what you’re making happen will make all the difference. This is not a time to be keeping track of fiddly details — your team helped you get where you are, don’t forget to keep meeting them at eye level!

Card 2: Where will you be able to start to pour your energy most consciously this Eclipse?

7 of Cups: You will be presented with many options, and your best course of action will be to spend time with them all, flirting with each possibility, making sure you know what each choice will turn into in the future. Take your time here — if nothing “feels” right, maybe now is a time to choose not to choose, however disappointing that may be for the other people involved. You know by now that there are always more opportunities floating around — your passion seems to draw them to you like magnets! Keep dancing and know that you’ll be able to decide easily when the time is right. Focus on trusting yourself to know what to do!

Card 3: What will this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse help you finally release for good?

King of Pentacles: You’ll be able to release the sense that you need more than what you have to be considered a “success.” You have had your loyalties challenged, you have lost your money, you have felt so tired you thought there was no way you could go on — but you did. You’re still here, and you will always have the resources you need to get by, one way or another! Release that cemented picture of what “rich” looked like when you were a child, and find it instead in the groove in your spot on the couch, in the loving eyes of your pet or your darling, in the food in your cupboard and the warmth of the sun outside.

Card 4: What future breakthrough will this Eclipse set in motion?

7 of Swords reversed: The Jupiter/Pluto square forced you to be honest with yourself about what’s working and what isn’t, and now the Lunar Eclipse is plunging you into full-healing territory, whether you’re ready to go there or not! The rug is being ripped out and you can no longer hide — what’s been done, what’s being done, and what needs to be done next to confirm your resolution. Let nothing more be taken from you, let go what left of its own accord, and focus on the sweetness to come once the emotional currents tied to what recently sent you running have calmed down. Honesty will always save the day, eventually, and it’s time to focus on the presences in your life who are loyal — they’ll still be by your side when everything is said and done!

Yes, this Eclipse will mean big things in the long-term, and what you are going through now is strengthening you and the people closest to you for something very important in the long haul. Stay connected with those you know support you, and take this intense opportunity to cut ties with those who you know do not. It’s time to make plans that you know will benefit you, and to release the old patterns that you created, but that you found to be holding you back — anyone who resents you making personal improvements is not worth the New You. Slow and steady wins the race, so think only of success and don’t let those who entertain failure cloud your disposition!

Decks used:

Chakra Wisdom Oracle Cards. Tori Hartman. Illustrated by Gretchen Raisch-Baskin. London, England: Watkins Media Ltd., 2014.

Crystal Reading Cards. Rachelle Charman. Sterling Ethos, 2016.

The Cook’s Tarot. Judith MacKay Stirt. Schiffer Publishing, 2015.

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

On August 4, Jupiter in Libra forms a square aspect with Pluto in Capricorn. A square is a position of challenge or resistance that ultimately leads to greater personal stability, once the difficulties have played out and you’ve found your way through them! This square is represented by the tarot cards X – The Wheel of Fortune (Jupiter) and XIII – Death, indicating that its effect will have to do with a “fortunate change” or a propitious transformation, something being left behind forever in favour of a total change of state. This Jupiter-Pluto square occurs at 17’32, a numerological 13 also, further reinforcing that this aspect’s transit will involve a major transition leading feeling a sense of completion.

The following reading is an example of what’s included with the $35 Planetary Transit Readings reward tier on my Patreon page, which also includes a one-card Monthly Kick-Off Reading, a 5-card reading when the Sun sign changes, and 3-card readings at the New and Full Moons! For this reading, I drew from the Druid Plant Oracle, the Kuan Yin Oracle, and the Feng Shui Tarot, for their smooth combination of healing energy and powerful fortune-related guidance. I laid out a crystal grid of iolite for connected communication, snow quartz for Higher Self connection, pink opal for creativity that comes from the heart, serpentine for heart protection and flexibility, red jasper for grounding, and petrified wood for even deeper grounding and connection with ancestor spirits. This Jupiter-Pluto square could be a tough one, so surround yourself and ground yourself!

Shadow Cards: Primrose reversed + 44. Weave the Future Golden + Queen of Swords

If only you knew how “right” the direction in which your thoughts are taking you now is — you’re right not to take the course of being “sweet,” because this square will be a time for cool, collected thinking, and decisive action in favour of the advancement of yourself and your loved ones. You are creating great things, right now, and you are building your vision for the future! Keep your focus on that work, and pour out the need to keep simmering any old grievances at this time — the last thing you need is anger and resentment getting in the way of the amazing things that are in progress. Sure, you still have some tangles and snarls to work through before you really feel on top of things, but in the meantime know that your personal light is shining bright and true, and you are being noticed in a way that can only help things along in a way that’s truly beautiful.

Clover reversed + 33. Ten Sisters of Light + 7 of Swords

This square may find you feeling like the water is closing over your head, like your luck has run out, like you’re trying to swim up a waterfall!!…stop. Calm yourself, recollect, and know that the luck coming to you hasn’t even started — you’re in the “shower” stage of the day, but on the grand scale, and now is the time when you need to focus on cleansing your insides: your mind, your body, your perspective on what you have. And who you have! Any time you need a reality check for how well things are going, just reach out: you are surrounded by support, and for the moment at least, you really don’t have to look far to find it. Use this loving energy to your advantage, and keep creating, keep coming up with ideas for how to “make this work,” and don’t let yourself get in your own way. Right now, what matters is being honest with yourself and trusting yourself to find a way “back to earth,” once you’ve taken the time to think through your current position and figure out how to connect all the dots to your best advantage. Things may feel harder before they feel easier, but you’re on the right track, so keep your wits about you and listen to the thoughts you can’t let go of — they are telling you something, and listening (then sharing!) will help you on your way.

Higher Self Cards: Bramble + 32. Tai Chi Rising + XVIII – The Moon

Yes, no matter how challenging this Jupiter/Pluto square is, know that you should “stick with it” and that any seeming depletions of your energy are only temporary. You are on your way up in your endeavours, and right now, you are simply adjusting your eyes and learning to see in a new light. As the saying goes, it’s always darkest before the dawn, and your personal Dawn is coming indeed: with that kind of achievement comes many tests beforehand, making you work for the benefits you will absolutely receive, challenging you to tough through the stings and scratches to get to the potent healing that is underway.

Things may feel tougher before they feel better during this transit, but as I wrote down while meditating on this spread, this Jupiter/Pluto square will represent “THE CHALLENGE BEFORE THE RESULT.” Your results are coming, so hang in there, and trust that anything that falls away during this period was no longer serving you, holding you back, and standing in the way of you harvesting the bountiful fruits of your long and dedicated labour. This storm shouldn’t last long and is a pure test of your mettle when it comes to what you’ve been putting in motion — don’t let this stop you!

Feng Shui Tarot. Eileen Connolly and Peter Paul Connolly. Published by U.S. Game Systems. Scans via Tarot.com, August 27, 2015. Illustrations from Feng Shui Tarot used with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 2001 by U.S. Games Systems.  All rights reserved.

Kuan Yin Oracle. Alana Fairchild. Artwork by Zeng Hao. Victoria, Australia: Blue Angel Publishing, 2012.

The Druid Plant Oracle. Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm. Illustrated by Will Worthington. London: Connections Book Publishing, 2007.

Uranus goes Retrograde on August 3, 2017, at 28’32 Aries! It remains retrograde until January 2, 2018. This will be a time for deep introspection, especially concerning the decisions we make that either allow us to feel great and go with the flow, confident in our new ideas and the paths they lead us down, or those that make us feel foolish, like running home to hide, like really needing to rethink how to approach starting over yet again.The tarot card for Uranus is 0 – The Fool, reversed for the Retrograde, and the numerology adds up to 15, card XV – The Devil. This retrograde will find us thinking about choices to be made surrounding our sense of personal success on a grand scale, and will in turn set in motion important new trajectories where it comes to feeling like we are thinking in line with our soul’s purpose. This is a good time to seek the support of others, especially where you’re struggling to release harmful patterns: Uranus Retrograde will provide opportunities to break free from the past through being confronted with it head-on. This will be a time of rebalancing indeed!

The following reading is an example of what’s included in the $45 Planetary Retrograde/Direct Readings Reward tier on my Patreon page, which includes 3-card readings each time a planet goes retrograde/direct (~2/month), one-card reading when planets change signs, 3-card readings for the New and Full Moons, a 5-card reading when the Sun sign changes, and a One-Card Monthly Kick-Off Reading on the first of each month. For this reading, I drew from the Art of Life Tarot, Astrological Oracle Cards, and The Sorcerer’s Tarot. To maximize connection with Uranus’s electric energy, I laid out a crystal grid around a blue agate slice, placing magnesite for out-of-the-box thinking and tiger’s eye for ultimate creativity and “thinking on your feet.” I also considered the Shadow and Higher Self cards (the cards at the top and bottom of the deck after shuffling) for further insight.

Shadow Cards: I – The Magician + Aries + 7 of Wands

You have finally started something you’ve wanted to do for a long time, that you know you’ll be good at — no matter what challenges Uranus Retrograde throws your way, know that you have the energy and spiritual strength you need to persevere against any obstacle that comes your way. Can you feel your personal power swirling? Proceed with confidence, knowing you’ve fought long and hard for what’s in the works Right Now. You have earned it!

Oracle Cards: Pisces + 2 of Cups | “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you” – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

This is a time to be totally open to others, especially those you love, and to look for ways to adapt to accommodate everyone’s feelings so you can keep swimming smoothly together. Love is in the air lately, with “love”-related cards turning up in just about every reading for everyone, so trust that your support system will hold you, and make it clear that you’ll return the favour! Aquarius energy is pretty cool and emotionless, so make a point to keep in touch on that level so nobody feels like they’ve been flushed out of the picture. Sensitivity will serve you well moving forward — this Uranus Retrograde, be your best self and watch even more love in many forms flood in. You’re sure to be surprised!

Tarot Reading: 3-Card Uranus Retrograde Spread

Card 1: “Evolutionary” challenge to focus on this Uranus Retrograde: 7 of Cups reversed

You have actually done a ton of flexing and re-flexing in order to get on top of everything that has been overwhelming you, especially “themes from the past” — you’re doing a fantastic job!! Your main challenge this Uranus Retrograde will be staying on top of things, maintaining your balance, learning from the past and remaining upbeat moving forward. Your Inner Child was thrown for a loop lately, so perhaps try getting back “in touch” at that level over the next 5 months, in order to find yourself carrying forward a child-like joyfulness once the retrograde period is all said and done!

Card 2: Main “point of innovation” -> how to change your thinking to welcome new ways of being: Page of Wands

Yes, let yourself “think like a child,” in a mode of discovery where you’re ready to get down and figure out how everything works. You’re like a student learning a new trade, preparing to take your upcoming career by form, fueled by the forces of magic and passion, inspired by the beauty to be found in every stage of this exciting process! Phew, that’s a lot of enthusiasm — but that comes with Uranus territory no matter which direction you’re headed, so keep sparking and prepare for your flame to leap, finding you quite transformed!

Card 3: Outcome: What fresh things to expect from Uranus Retrograde: 8 of Swords reversed

If anything, Uranus Retrograde will provide ample opportunities to examine “new ways out” of the situations that appear to hold you back from truly enjoying your life, and feeling like you are the shining star that you are at this point in time. You will be forced to be honest with yourself and with others, as the new perspective you are about to gain throws what was causing you to get overgrown and bushy into sharp relief. Enough of what makes your head spin — listen to your discomfort, and follow to answers to what “freedom” means to you, which are becoming impossible to ignore.

Higher Self Cards: 7 of Wands (again!) + Libra + XV – The Devil

The cards couldn’t be clearer: this is the time to persist in your pursuits. You are coming out on top, as a result of taking action towards doing what’s right for yourself and the people closest to your heart. You are growing, you are on fire! Keep your ego in check and continue to strive to do what’s Right — it’s always good retrograde advice to check and re-check, to make sure you’ve crossed all your t’s and dotted all your i’s! Important decisions are being made now so you must keep a level head and an open heart. Stay grounded and resist the temptation to take the easy way out — there is no easy way, so take the time to figure out the best way!

Uranus Retrograde promises to bring huge changes, ones that shift the scales of balance! Hold on tight to what is valuable to you, especially non-material things, and fight this battle with all of your valour. You are learning, and you are already well-prepared for the lessons to come. Stay on task, and forge ahead with full confidence in your drive and passion!

Art of Life Tarot. Charlene Livingstone. Stamford, CT: U. S. Games Systems, Inc., 2012.

Astrological Oracle Cards. LWB: Lunaea Weatherstone. Artwork: Antonella Castelli. Torino, Italy: Lo Scarabeo, 2012. © Lo Scarabeo Italy.

The Sorcerers Tarot. Antonia Castelli. Torino, Italy: Lo Scarabeo, 2014.

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

Happy August! There’s one month left of summer, almost two really — it’s time to start making decisions about what we still want to get out of the rest of the summer, what we still want to seek out and experience! This one-card reading with The Animal Wisdom Tarot is an example of what’s included in the $5 One-Card Monthly Kick-Off Reading tier on my Patreon page. I laid out my Fossil Jasper pyramid, also known as Calligraphy Stone and Miriam Stone (heehee! That’s my name!), for its powerful “creative” energy, and for its strength in helping us recognize useful patterns in order to make the best use of our personal energy. For this reading I also considered the Shadow and Higher Self Cards (the cards at the bottom and top of the deck after shuffling, respectively).

Shadow Card: Ace of Swords/Feathers (animal energy: Stork)

It’s been hard to maintain perspective on the amount of sunshine-time left of the summer, with the darkness of reality crushing in from all sides — and yet, you’ve done the tough job of deciding on something heavy to leave behind for good, and you’re ready to fly free and find that sunshine again! This dark night has been a gestational process, and soon you’ll be swooping forward, ready to bring forth something precious and new into the world. The dawn is coming, and you’re rising with it, bringing forth a fresh new perspective that you’re ready to share.

Tarot Card: Guardian of Feathers/King of Swords (animal energy: Eagle)

Truly, you’ve risen above the chatter and clatter, and your new wisdom has allowed you to relax and view things from a level, logical standpoint. There’s no doubt that you’re still ready to fly into action at a moment’s notice, talons bared, but you now have a better grip on when to fight and when to stop, stay still, and listen. This is serving you very well, allowing you to remain cool in even the hottest of heats — you are ready to relax and enjoy the view, ready to share and explore some more, ready to keep thinking towards the future. You are in control, and your noble course of action in overcoming recent challenges is earning you fantastic recognition! Keep speaking your ideas, and be open to starting new ventures, knowing you’re capable of thinking them through into reality.

Higher Self Card: Seeker of Shells/Page of Cups (animal energy: Polar Bear)

Now that your mind is settled, you’re ready to start forth on a new emotional journey — an artistic project, a relationship, the pursuit of a dream! You’ve “seen the light” and you’re following it, trusting your heart to guide you — while you’re cool in the heat, you can also stay toasty in frigid atmospheres when you tune in to your heart’s frequency. You know what I’m talking about — what comes to mind when you ask yourself, “what makes my soul sing?” If you’re not sure what that is yet, keep your eyes (and heart!) open, because messages drawn by that very energy are arriving now. You can’t miss it — it will feel like seeing the Northern Lights for the first time, the sensation of real-life magic!

This August, we will be working with “cycles:” understanding our rises and falls, our dark times and the times when we feel bright and ready to face the day. This month promises to hold unforseen wonders, if we get out there to see them! You’re feeling better than you have in a long time, so allow yourself to get out there and enjoy the rest of the summer! August 1 marks Lammas, the first harvest, when summer is in full swing with the most fruits and vegetables and flowers and all manner of wonderful things! You know not to overextend yourself so of course you can be selective, but now is the time to act on urges to try new things and to plan big for how to make the best use of your current position — August will be full of socializing and being presented with new ideas. Have fun with it! Take it slow and bask int he warmth and opportunity surrounding you.

The Animal Wisdom Tarot. Dawne Brunke. Artwork by Ola Liola. Cico Books, 2013.