Tarot Astrology: Sun in Sagittarius, Full Moon in Gemini

Cosmic Tarot, Norbert Lösche © 1988 F.X. Schmid

Tomorrow the energies of the full moon in Gemini (Lovers) together with the lunar eclipse will mingle with those of the current sun sign Sagittarius (Temperance). What do these two cards tell us about this astrological combination? What do we need to pay attention to at this time?

We have already experienced this combination in May this year, when the full moon was in Sagittarius with Gemini in the sun, and the emphasis at that time was about healing relationships.

Whilst Temperance is asking us to focus on moderation and harmony, the airy energy of the Lovers reminds us to strive for mental equilibrium. The key phrase is "mind over matter".

Temperance suggests a need to reduce, de-clutter and discard; less is more! Combined with the Lovers this may well relate to information overload. Are you getting carried away floating around the internet reading too much stuff about other people? All that random unimportant rubbish clearly serves no purpose to your life and well-being.

The Temperance/Lovers combination is asking you to

• heal your way of thinking, and be more discerning about the information you are seeking and absorbing; avoid reality TV and celebrity gossip trash in favour of what inspires your creative potential. 
• slow down, even when the collective madness of the world around you is speeding up; let go of those constant status updates, Twitter feeds and other mind-cluttering titbits bombarding your smart phone. Instead, enjoy listening to classical music, have a calming bath, light some candles and other sensory pleasures that help you clear your mind from excess clutter. 
• reduce your anxiety levels, which may be raised at the time of the Gemini full moon. In Tarot, Gemini is also linked to the Nine of Swords, which is associated with worries and fears. Keep anything at bay that induces or increases feelings of anxiety, which can keep you from making the right connections that help you move forward, evolve or understand the bigger picture. 
• play and be creative. Find productive projects that utilise your mental energy, intellect and imagination. Best to be shared with family, friends and in social circles - playing games, cooking, crafting, telling stories.

The Temperance/Lovers energy combination can help you focus on mental clarity and free thinking. Collaborate with others rather than compete. Strive for new knowledge that aids health, rejuvenation and personal transformation.

How will you take advantage of the Temperance/Lovers energy mix this month? Do you feel you need a break from media overload and social networking to clear your thoughts and create more space for healthier and more grounded activities?

This week seems like an ideal time for a serious mind detox ;)

Enjoy! It will do you good.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Weekly Inspiration: Abundance

“Riches are not from abundance of worldly goods, but from a contented mind.” Mohammed

It’s not easy feeling rich when you have to make ends meet.

It’s tough to be poor worrying about putting enough food on the table for your family and having the money to pay next month’s rent.

As a student back in the 80s, I was badly strapped for cash whilst creating a massive student loan debt, which took me 20 years to pay off.

In those days I never felt particularly well off. Although I wasn’t starving and could afford paying for a roof over my head, there were certain things I could never afford and experience, such as fabulous holidays abroad.

Sometimes I felt disappointed and frustrated; there I was, paying off my debt by working in corporate jobs that made me ill, while others seemed to have a whale of a time buying large houses, driving luxury cars and going on fancy holidays and weekend breaks twice a year.

Thankfully, I never felt envious; I was just wondering, how these people managed to afford those expenses.

Today I know they took out massive debts to feed their desire to have it all and “to keep up with the Jones’s”.

Now that I’ve entered the second half of my life, I am far more relaxed about money (lack of) and possessions.

I have learned that freedom is more important to me, and that means owning less. Get rid of the clutter, and you’re as free as a bird.

Every time I give another charity bag away, I feel lighter and relieved.

I prefer to upcycle, make my own, buy second-hand; no longer interested in that mass produced rubbish from China. Love vintage stuff found in charity shops and thrift stores.

If you feel poor or you think you miss out compared to others, look around you and see what you have that money can’t buy:

love, health, freedom, friendships, wisdom, time, intelligence, dreams and yes, happiness

Feeling happy is your choice despite your circumstances.

You own more treasures than you think you do; look around you and recognise them.

Here are some ways to help you feel rich without money, which I have practiced over the years:

Create abundance in your life by letting go of material desires you cannot afford.

Stop being a slave to materialism.

Live within your means.

Don't be fooled by advertising. You really don't need all that stuff.

Enjoy the simple pleasures.

Have a few good friends in real life and nurture those friendships. The hundreds or thousands of friends you have collected on Facebook are quite literally just virtual (except the handful of them you know in reality).

Be grateful for your health. In fact, be grateful for all the treasures you have that money can’t buy.

Let nature cheer you up - plants, forests, the sea, animals, the weather, the sky, the moon and the stars.

Look forward to every new day and the opportunities it may offer you.

Love yourself and your body.

Spread an abundant amount of love.

Be part of and contribute towards your local community. Hard times can be a great opportunity to get together with people for mutual support and strengthen community spirit.

There is no need for expensive Christmas gifts, not even for your children. They need to learn that life doesn't depend on obtaining the latest gadget or made-to-measure trainers. Help them to escape the consumerism trap, so they can live happier lives.

Enjoy what you have while you pursue what you want.

But having a mindset of abundance doesn't mean belittling poverty.

It doesn't mean you should be content with living below the poverty line and have no aspiration to better yourself.

Yes, I know from my own experience that it is truly tough to be poor, but counting your blessings with a positive mindset despite hardship will make it easier to find a way out of poverty than resignation, blaming others, envy and bitterness.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Zodiac Card Temperance - Sagittarius

Temperance is associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius. If Sagittarius is either your sun or moon sign, then Temperance is one of your zodiac cards.

As a sun sign card, Temperance may reflect your conscious, expressive, outward, open personality; how you engage with people and the world around you.

As a moon sign card, Temperance reflects your unconscious, hidden, blocked personality traits, instincts and emotions; you feel them within.

Personality Traits associated with Temperance:

Positive: independent, charming, generous, self-expressive, adaptable, idealistic, spiritual, open-minded, sociable, good-natured, energetic

Negative: restless, argumentative, extremist, impatient, inconsistent, boastful, lack of concentration, over-confident, self-indulgent, tendency to gamble, preachy

Temperance/Sagittarius Life lessons:

• finding life purpose as a guide, philosopher and law giver
• working in harmony with the laws of life to find true freedom
• learning to combine freedom with commitment
• practising self-restraint and weighing up carefully which risks are worth taking
• learning to balance the need to travel, pursuit for knowledge and new experiences with providing stability for loved ones

The following Sagittarius correspondences also relate to Temperance:

Element: Fire
Season/Timing: Late Autumn (November 24 - December 21)
Ruling Planets: Jupiter (also associated with the Wheel of Fortune)
Stone: Turquoise, Amethyst
Key Word: Freedom
Key Phrase: I See

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Meet Your Shadow

Welcome to the Samhain Blog Hop.

If you have just arrived from Carolyn's contribution, thank you for stopping by.

You can jump back onto the blog hop train and continue your journey by clicking on the link to Amethyst's blog at the end of this article.

Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival that was celebrated on the first day of November and marked the beginning of winter and also the Celtic New Year.

As you can imagine, in the olden days this would be a dark and cold time; no wonder our ancestors would be thinking about death, ghosts and sheer survival during the harsh winter months ahead.

Today, we celebrate Halloween on the eve of the 31 October, which nowadays marks the start of the party season up to Christmas.

But if you would like to commemorate Samhain in a more contemplative way, then this year you may want to explore your dark - shadow - side, and what better way to do it than with a Tarot deck?

What is your Shadow?

It's that aspect of your personality you prefer to keep hidden. Weaknesses you'd rather ignore, blocked personality traits you dislike or may be seen as inappropriate by society; desires, fears, secrets, latent talents, suppressed emotions, your dark side.

At Samhain, the evening of Halloween, prepare to meet your Shadow and face it. Uncover and explore your hidden and true self. Acknowledge it, embrace it, make friends with it, release it or turn it into something positive.

Identify your Shadow Zodiac Card

First, meet your Shadow by selecting the opposing zodiac of your sun sign:

Emperor (Aries) – Justice (Libra)
Hierophant (Taurus) – Death (Scorpio)
Lovers (Gemini) – Temperance (Sagittarius)
Chariot (Cancer) – Devil (Capricorn)
Strength (Leo) – Star (Aquarius)
Hermit (Virgo) - Moon (Pisces)

For example, if Scorpio is your sun sign, then Taurus is your opposing zodiac, and the Hierophant is your shadow card.

Before you move on to the next step, explore your shadow card in more detail:

What does it say about your hidden personality, your fears, weaknesses and so forth? Explore the challenging aspects of the card. Which ones resonate with you?

Your Shadow is uncharted territory. And just like real shadows, it fluctuates, changes shape, becomes larger or smaller. Different shadow aspects come through at different times and in different situations.

For your Samhain exploration, pull two more cards that will focus on a particular aspect in relation to your zodiac shadow card and a task that may help you overcome or at least integrate that aspect into your life more comfortably.

Here's the spread:

1. Your Shadow Zodiac Card (see above)
2. What particular aspect do you need to focus on at this moment in time?
3. What can you do to make a positive change?

I invite you to take a glimpse into my Shadow world:

As a Pisces, my shadow zodiac card is the Hermit, which is also my personality card. What do these cards reveal to you about me that I would rather keep hidden?

Have fun exploring your Shadow and dark side with this simple spread.

Thanks for being here. Please enjoy more Samhain / Halloween explorations by visiting Amethyst's blog, and before you go, please consider subscribing to my feed.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Tarot Astrology: Sun in Scorpio, Full Moon in Taurus

Tarot of the Vampyres  © Llewellyn 2010

It's full moon in Taurus tonight, and I dare to admit that I've nearly missed it!

Trying to combine half-term holidays and Halloween preparations with a busy workload is my lame excuse, but here we are, at that dark time of the year, when Scorpio's intense emotions and transformational powers are kept in check by down-to-earth Taurus.

Since it is Halloween in two days time, I have chosen the zodiac card images for today's post from Ian Daniels' Tarot of the Vampyres; Death (Scorpio) and the Hierophant (Taurus).

2012, the year of the Hierophant, is soon coming to an end, and according to the Mayan calendar a new era is beginning on the 21 December. Scorpio is the sign of transformation, so it is an apt match with Death as its Tarot zodiac card.

Scorpio/Death as the current sun sign influence may encourage a strong urge within ourselves to follow our primal needs and emotions, which can indeed bring about long-lasting changes and an unsettling time ahead coming to terms with the new order we are creating.

Tonight, the energy of the Taurus full moon, the Hierophant, will help us determine, if we want to go all the way into an unknown, risky, adventurous direction or stay as we are, in a secure but unexciting comfort zone.

But the Taurus/Hierophant energy is not entirely a killjoy; it may prevent you from making choices that are completely mad, bonkers and regrettable in a few months time.

Whatever direction the Death/Hierophant energies are taking you over the forthcoming 24 - 36 hours, they will most likely be for the best.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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A Message from Strength

Tarot of Quotes

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. 

Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. 

Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.”

August Wilson

Affirmation: 

I create harmony by gently balancing my opposing needs and desires.

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Zodiac Card Death - Scorpio

Death is associated with the zodiac sign Scorpio. If Scorpio is either your sun or moon sign, then Death is one of your zodiac cards.

As a sun sign card, Death may reflect your conscious, expressive, outward, open personality; how you engage with people and the world around you.

As a moon sign card, Death reflects your unconscious, hidden, blocked personality traits, instincts and emotions; you feel them within.

Personality Traits associated with Death:

Positive: passionate, steadfast, intense, intuitive, perceptive, loyal, resourceful, dynamic, healing, ability to transform and regenerate

Negative: possessive, jealous, unrelenting, manipulative, secretive, suspicious, vengeful, controlling, judgemental, extreme

Death/Scorpio Life lessons:

• learn to trust intuition and sensitivity in order to heal others
• delving deep into the soul to discover and follow passions and motivations
• overcoming the desire to be possessive of others
• learning to be neutral rather than judgemental in order to be at peace
• exploring and facing the deeper truths beyond appearances to allow for personal transformation
• taming the desire for revenge and instead releasing negative energies held towards others, not transferring own emotions onto others

The following Scorpio correspondences also relate to Death:

Element: Water
Season/Timing: Autumn (October 24 - November 23)
Ruling Planets: Mars (also associated with the Emperor and Tower) and Pluto (also associated with Judgement)
Stone: Bloodstone, Topaz
Key Word: Sex
Key Phrase: I Desire

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Tarot & Quotes: Wheel of Fortune

Animalis Arcanum Tarot 
© Oephebia 2011

"Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant, filled with odd waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like." - Lemony Snicket

The Wheel of Fortune is relentlessly spinning throughout our lives. Sometimes we're in luck, at other times we need to deal with a misfortune.

Most of these events seem to be out of our control, but quite often we will have done something beforehand, perhaps unknown to us, that will have led to the Wheel of Fortune moment: cause and effect, karma.

"We create our fate every day we live." - Henry Miller

In a few non-traditional decks, the Wheel of Fortune is represented by a fortune-teller; the unknown future can be scary when you want to stay in control.

The Wheel of Fortune in the Animalis Arcanum Tarot by Oephebia is a delightful image of a cat, whose curiosity and playfulness leads her to spin the Wheel. She's probably also keen to catch the bird, which no doubt will fly off any moment having already spotted the little predator. The cat is unaware of having set the "wheel in motion"; the bird flies off, just when the cat is about to pounce and in that movement may even knock over the wheel.

The cat, unaware, has taken fate into her own "paws", and in a reading, the Wheel of Fortune may suggest that you need to do the same. When this card comes up, why not spin the Wheel? Ask yourself, what can you do or change, even just for a month or so, that might have a big, positive, nurturing impact on your life? 

Of course, when we cannot find an explanation for an unexpected event that has long-term consequences, it often seems that higher forces beyond our control influence our lives. In that moment all we can do is control our reaction to it.

"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours." - Wayne Dyer

Whatever fate has in store for you, it's up to you to make the most of it.

"All of us have bad luck and good luck. The man who persists through the bad luck - who keeps right on going - is the man who is there when the good luck comes - and is ready to receive it." - Robert Collier

"If you can't change your fate, change your attitude." - Amy Tan

Oephebia's Animalis Arcanum Tarot is a visually attractive deck-in-progress with a wealth of symbolism and the presence of animals on each card. The Major Arcana is nearly completed. Take a look at the other beautiful images on her website: Animalis Arcanum Tarot.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Transform your life this year: 

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Tarot Astrology: Sun in Libra, Full Moon in Aries

Justice (Libra) & The Emperor (Aries), Aquatic Tarot

The full moon in Aries early morning on the 30th September will bring some harmonising energies together with the sun in Libra.

We have already experienced the opposite energy combination back in April this year, when the sun was in Aries and the full moon in Libra, but due to the change, the energies of Libra and Aries influence each other differently.

While we are working on creating balance at work and in our relationships by recognising the needs of others and exercising more tolerance (Justice/Libra), we also need to be aware of our own needs and ambitions (Emperor/Aries).

Whilst we focus on the collective needs and greater good (Justice/Libra), we are challenged by new motivational energies - new ideas, visions and ambitions that help us grow, and this balancing act may create a sense of new beginnings ahead.

The full moon in Aries may help you to

• re-evaluate relationships that may have gone stale or drain you; make some positive changes or perhaps go separate ways
• be more spontaneous and use the momentum to resolve unfinished business. The easy-going energy of Libra/Justice may have led to a passive state of procrastination. Now is a good time to get things done again, especially for yourself.
• explore what is holding you back from achieving your goals, and let go of it, especially people, who don't offer you the support and encouragement you need.
• focus on being a driving force rather than blending in with the collective. Be more confident about your abilities; let go of the fear of making mistakes or not being good enough.
• seek ways to become more independent and self-reliant

Meditate on the Emperor card to invoke the positive energies of the full moon in Aries over the next few days.

Make Magick happen!

Christiane

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Tarot Astrology Correspondence Course

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Empowering Messages from the Tarot ebook - for more inspiring quotes and affirmations for each card

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The Power Of Transformation

Tarot of Quotes

Welcome to the Mabon Blog Hop. If you have just arrived from Jaymi's contribution, thank you for stopping by. You can jump back onto the blog hop train and continue your journey by clicking on the link to Morgan's blog at the end of this post.

The topic for today is an intriguing one: which Tarot cards or spreads signify most truly the power of transformation? What is my personal, ultimate tool of the Tarot that offers me the ability to transform my Self and my circumstances into something new, different and better than how I began?

Let me share with you the simple truth: the Tarot on the whole is a tool of transformation. The moment I picked up the cards all these many years ago and started learning the Tarot, it slowly but surely transformed me from someone full of insecurities, who was just reacting to events, situations or circumstances, to actually taking control, living more mindfully and making things happen.

I don't do readings for myself every day. In fact, I rarely read for myself, but each card in the Tarot teaches me a lesson on a daily basis. Every time I read for others or when I teach the Tarot, it offers me new insight and wisdom.

The Tarot teaches you universal life lessons and patterns. When you decide to learn Tarot, you become the Magician, the initiator of transformation, the archetypal alchemist, who has all the tools and ingredients to create and make Magick happen in your life.

Gradually, you tune into yourself, others and your surroundings. You become more aware. You gain foresight. Understanding. A healthy level of detachment. You learn about the cycles of life, death and rebirth. You learn the art of self-empowerment.

Tarot of Quotes

The process of transformation rarely happens overnight. In Tarot, it is symbolised by Death. The ending is its climax, which generates a new beginning; the moment when the caterpillar turns into a butterfly. What the Magician has started is culminating at this point.

It's not straightforward and can be uncomfortable, even emotionally painful at times. You have to learn to let go of your old Self, which isn't always easy.

Once you are mindfully aware of your transformational process, you start to embody Temperance, when you begin to perfect the mix of new lessons learned, behavioural patterns, ideas, beliefs and attitudes.

You start to make things work, create harmony and balance by coming to terms with the changes and getting accustomed to your new situation. You learn about making compromises without losing out.

Your journey continues through darkness and light, setbacks and progress - will you make it to the World and fulfil your true potential?

Tarot of Quotes

When you start to engage with the Tarot as a tool for self-development and spiritual growth, you will notice its profound effect on you over time.

If Tarot is your passion and part of your life, how has it changed you over time? 

An example of a transformational Tarot spread can be found here.

Thank you again for your visit. Before you move on to enjoy Morgan's blog hop contribution, please consider subscribing to my feed.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Zodiac Card Justice - Libra

Justice is associated with the zodiac sign Libra. If Libra is either your sun or moon sign, then Justice is one of your zodiac cards.

As a sun sign card, Justice may reflect your conscious, expressive, outward, open personality; how you engage with people and the world around you.

As a moon sign card, Justice reflects your unconscious, hidden, blocked personality traits, instincts and emotions; you feel them within.

Personality Traits associated with Justice:

Positive: balanced judgement, mentally, active, self-expressive, communicative, diplomatic, a need for unity with others, easy going

Negative: indecisiveness, sentimental, changeable, lack of confidence, sometimes too easy going, vengeful

Justice/Libra Life lessons:

• striving for harmony and balance without being indecisive
• acknowledging truth and live with integrity
• creating harmony in relationships
• expressing grace and beauty through artistic endeavours
• avoid cruelty and need for revenge when feeling angry or hurt
• nurturing firm but fair leadership skills

The following Libra correspondences also relate to Justice:

Element: Air
Season/Timing: Early Autumn (September 22 - October 23)
Ruling Planet: Venus (also associated with the Empress and the Hierophant)
Stone: Jade, Emerald
Key Word: Harmony
Key Phrase: I Balance


Curious about combining Tarot with Astrology? Check out my Starlight Astrology Self-Study Course

Connect with me on:

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