When I was working on the creation of my
Tarot Astrology online course, I was pondering about how the planets affect us in everyday life.
I'm not sure how much their existence in our solar system influences us here on Earth, but I keep an open mind and certainly know about the proven power of the moon, without which our planet would be unable to sustain life.
Knowing that the moon regulates the tides on Earth, its gravitational pull not only affects the oceans but also us human beings (plants and animals, too!), who consist of around 75% water.
The waxing and waning of the moon regulates women's menstrual cycles, hormonal balance, and it is pretty certain this as a result affects our moods and feelings.
Astrology, developed and practised for thousands of years, has picked up on that, carefully examining the planetary influences over a long period of time.
In the ancient world, astrology and astronomy were closely linked, whereas nowadays it is strictly divided between the science and exploration of the universe and the esoteric practice of consulting the stars for guidance.
More people nowadays live more consciously with the power of the moon.
When you are in tune with the lunar influence on your life, you can make use of it to your advantage.
For example, you can use the different phases of the moon to make things happen:
New Moon (the waxing, growing phase): starting something new, new ideas are created, planning and research, learning something new and building on what you know to reap the rewards in the future.
Second Quarter (half moon, gibbous): what was started during the New Moon phase, is now beginning to take shape and manifest; check plans, review, adjust, take the next step towards your goal.
Full Moon: a time of fruition, fulfilment, achievement, culmination, pinnacle, reaping rewards - depending on the efforts during the previous phases.
Waning Moon: a time to rest, reflect and letting go; banishing, moving on.
Some farmers and gardeners use the phases of the moon to aid their work.
They tend to sow seeds and transplant young shoots during the waxing phase of the moon, whereas during the waning phase they cultivate, harvest, prune and mow the lawn.
If you want to give up smoking (or any other addiction), then you can stop smoking on the first day of the new moon - the first day of your new life as a non-smoker.
By the time of the full moon, you may have overcome the worst craving, and the most dangerous time of a relapse is behind you.
During the waning phase you are less likely to slip, and you can finally let go for good.
The Moon Cards in the Tarot
In Tarot, the moon is associated with the High Priestess, The Moon and The Chariot (the moon rules the zodiac sign Cancer, which is assigned to the Chariot).
The moon is also associated with the following Minor Arcana cards:
Six of Pentacles, Four of Cups, Two of Swords, Nine of Wands, Seven of Swords.
What are the lunar qualities associated with these cards?
In Astrology, the moon symbolises the cycles of birth, death and rebirth, and is associated with feelings, emotions, intuition, the unconscious, instinct, self-nourishment and femininity.
Here are some ideas for the moon cards:
Six of Pentacles: feelings about money and charity; feeling good about your own generosity, or feeling uncomfortable about receiving financial help. Balancing fluctuating circumstances; unstable finances (temporary or freelance work can create periods of high and low income)
Four of Cups: moodiness; low self-esteem, boredom, pessimism; succumbing to negative emotions, reflection.
Two of Swords: contemplation, on the verge of a new beginning; finding answers within (the blindfold is meant to prevent external influences - in the RWS deck this image resembles that of the High Priestess).
Nine of Wands: recuperation, evaluation, weariness, protecting one's feelings, insecurities.
Seven of Swords: secrets, deception, misguidance, lies not yet uncovered, trickery, not all is as it seems, conspiracy, hiding the truth, shady character.
As you can see, the planetary associations with Tarot cards can offer some interesting and insightful new meanings and interpretations.
This is only the beginning of Tarot Astrology.
