Today's Tarot Card for August 25 is The Sun

The Sun

Sunday, Aug 25th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the Sun card is about the self — who you are and how you cultivate your personality and character. The earth revolves around the sun to make up one year of a person’s life, a fact we celebrate on our birthday.

The Sun card could also be titled “Back to Eden.” The Sun’s radiance is where one’s original nature or unconditioned Being can be encountered in health and safety. The limitations of time and space are stripped away; the soul is refreshed and temporarily protected from the chaos outside the garden walls.

Under the light of the Sun, Life reclaims its primordial goodness, truth and beauty. If one person is shown on this card, it is usually signifying a human incarnation of the Divine. When two humans are shown, the image is portraying a resolution of the tension between opposites at all levels. It’s as if this card is saying “You can do no wrong — it’s all to the good!”

Today's Tarot Card for August 23 is The Devil

The Devil

Friday, Aug 23rd, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the Devil card expresses the realm of the Taboo, the culturally rejected wildness and undigested shadow side that each of us carries in our subconscious. This shadow is actually at the core of our being, which we cannot get rid of and will never succeed in taming. From its earliest versions, which portrayed a vampire-demon, this card evoked the Church-fueled fear that a person could “lose their soul” to wild and passionate forces.

The image which emerged in the mid-1700’s gives us a more sophisticated rendition — that of the “scapegoated Goddess,” whose esoteric name is Baphomet. Volcanic reserves of passion and primal desire empower her efforts to overcome the pressure of stereotyped roles and experience true freedom of soul. Tavaglione’s highly evolved image (Stella deck) portrays the magical formula for harnessing and transmuting primal and obsessive emotions into transformative energies. As a part of the Gnostic message of Tarot, this fearsome passion and power must be reintegrated into the personality, to fuel the soul’s passage from mortal to immortal.

Are Ouija boards harmless children's toys, or tools of the devil?

Are Ouija boards harmless children’s toys, or tools of the devil?

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

 

The Ouija board is one of the most controversial forms of divination.

Question: Are Ouija boards harmless children’s toys, or tools of the devil?

I bought a Ouija board because I want to talk to spirits. My dad says it’s a tool of the Devil but I think I’ll be fine. What do you think?

Answer:

Erm… well, I’m going to let the whole “devil” bit slide, but let’s look at this a bit more in depth, shall we?

Here’s the problem with a Ouija Board — anyone can use one, and no skill is required. In other words, the thing that makes the Ouija Board so easy to use is also what can make it potentially troublesome. Toy and game companies sell them by the thousands, but most people don’t realize exactly what they are. Are they evil? No, no more than your Monopoly board is. Are they dangerous? Well, in the hands of someone who’s untrained — or an idiot — they could be. Look at it as a spiritual version of the chat room, if that helps. There’s nothing at all wrong with talking to thirty strangers… until one of them turns out to be a serial killer or a pedophile. And the thing is, you don’t KNOW who is what when you enter that room. Same with a Ouija board.

A Ouija Board is, quite simply, a divinatory tool. Its purpose is to answer a question by inviting spirits to speak to the people using the board. There’s no guarantee that anything will happen at all… but there’s also no way to control what DOES happen.

The use of a Ouija board is a form of voluntary possession. In order to get the spirit to contact you through the planchette, you basically have to give up your will — it’s the only way for them to work through you. The spirit isn’t moving the planchette, but it’s causing you to move it with your hands by way of possession. Once you’ve opened up the Ouija board, it’s a crapshoot as to what’s going to try to make contact — you don’t know who or what is moving that planchette around, or what its purpose is.

The bottom line — if you’re unsure about what you’re doing, or inexperienced with dealing with spirits, you may want to find some other method of divination that doesn’t involve voluntary possession.

Daily Feng Shui News for Aug. 22nd – 'Be An Angel Day'

On  maybe you’d like to call on one to make your wishes come true. Author and angel historian JoAnn Cornug shares that Angel Xexor is your ally in bringing magic and manifestation to whatever you wish. Be specific with what you want when you call on him and he will answer, especially if you call this way: ‘I am a witness to God’s Miracle every instant of every day.’ Invoke Xexor three times before saying this prayer and then be careful what you wish for, because now it’s coming true.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today's Tarot Card for Aug. 22nd is Temperance

Temperance

Thursday, Aug 22nd, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is traditionally known as the Temperance card is a reference to the Soul. Classically female, she is mixing up a blend of subtle energies for the evolution of the personality. One key to interpreting this card can be found in its title, a play on the process of tempering metals in a forge.

Metals must undergo extremes of temperature, folding and pounding, but the end product is infinitely superior to impure ore mined from the earth. In this image, the soul volunteers the ego for a cleansing and healing experience which may turn the personality inside-out, but which brings out the gold hidden within the heart. (This card is entitled “Art” in the Crowley deck.)

Feng Shui News for Aug. 19th – 'Aviation Day'

It’s up, up and away on ‘Aviation Day.’ If you’re feeling stuck or struggling to see any forward movement in your future visions, then put an image or symbol of a rocket blasting off in your ‘Fame/Future Visions’ area and then watch as your energies and opportunities take flight! This time, not even the sky’s the limit!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Rune For Monday, August 19th is Uruz

bw-uruz

bw-uruzYour Rune For Today        

Uruz       

Uruz is the Rune of harmony, order and inner strength. Often it marks endings and beginnings of periods in our lives. Uruz  also symbolizes your ability to tackle new challenges by confronting them with the powers that lie within you. Opportunities probably abound for you right now.

Your Tarot Card for August 15th is The Lovers

The Lovers

Thursday, Aug 15th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although it has taken on a strictly romantic revision of meaning in some modern decks, traditionally the Lovers card of Tarot reflected the challenges of choosing a partner. At a crossroads, one cannot take both paths. The images on this card in different decks have varied more than most, because we have had so many ways of looking at sex and relationships across cultures and centuries.

Classically, the energy of this card reminded us of the real challenges posed by romantic relationships, with the protagonist often shown in the act of making an either-or choice. To partake of a higher ideal often requires sacrificing the lesser option. The path of pleasure eventually leads to distraction from spiritual growth. The gratification of the personality eventually gives way to a call from spirit as the soul matures.

Modern decks tend to portray the feeling of romantic love with this card, showing Adam and Eve at the gates of Eden when everything was still perfect. This interpretation portrays humanity before the Fall, and can be thought to imply a different sort of choice — the choice of evolution over perfection, or the choice of personal growth through relationship — instead of a fantasy where everything falls into place perfectly and is taken care of without effort.

What's Your Cosmic Name?

What’s Your Cosmic Name?

Look below to see your unique astrological name…

Tarotcom Staff on the topics of astrology

Who are you? Are you Snappy the strange Moonwalker? Or are you Gaia the brilliant Goddess? You could even be Tipsy the angry Gypsy. Now you can find out for sure with our brand new Cosmic Name finder. Look below to see just how unique your name is … it’s almost like a birth chart!

Have fun and remember to share this with your friends to see their name!

Your Rune for Monday, August 12th is Naudhiz

bw-naudhiz

bw-naudhizYour Rune For Today   

Naudhiz       

Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.

 

Today's Tarot Card for August 9th is The Fool

The Fool

Friday, Aug 9th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pamela Coleman-Smith’s artful rendition of an “innocent Fool” archetype (Rider-Waite deck) is often used to represent Tarot in general. Early classical versions of the Fool card, however, portray quite a different character — a person driven by base needs and urges, who has fallen into a state of poverty and deprivation.

In some instances, he is made out to be a carnival entertainer or a huckster. In others, he is portrayed as decrepit and vulnerable — as the cumulative result of his delusions and failures. Not until the 20th century do you see the popular Rider-Waite image of the Fool arise — that of an innocent Soul before its Fall into Matter, as yet untainted by contact with society and all its ills.

Modern decks usually borrow from the Rider-Waite imagery. Most Fool cards copy the bucolic mountainside scene, the butterfly, the potential misplaced step that will send the Fool tumbling into the unknown. Don’t forget, however, that the earlier versions of this card represented already-fallen humanity, over-identified with the material plane of existence, and beginning a pilgrimage towards self-knowledge, and eventually, wisdom. The Fool reminds us to recognize the path of personal development within ourselves — and the stage upon that path where we find ourselves — in order to energize our movement toward deeper self-realization.

Today's Tarot Card for August 8th is The World

The World

Thursday, Aug 8th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the World card points to the presiding intelligence, called “Sophia,” or Wisdom, which upholds life on this and all worlds. A more precise title for this card might be “the Soul of the World,” also applicable as a symbol of personal empowerment and freedom. In most Tarot decks it is a female figure that has become our standard World image. She originates in Hebrew, Gnostic and Alchemical lore, and stands between heaven and earth as the Cosmic Mother of Souls, the Wife of God and our protector from the karmic forces we have set loose upon the Earth in our immaturity and ignorance.

Where the Empress energy secures and fertilizes our terrestrial lives, the goddess of The World invites us into cosmic citizenship — once we come to realize our soul’s potential for it. Just as the Chariot stands for success in achieving a separate Self, and Temperance represents achievement of mental and moral health, the World card announces the awakening of the soul’s Immortal Being, accomplished without the necessity of dying.

This card, like the Sun, is reputed to have no negative meaning no matter where or how it appears. If the Hermetic axiom is “Know Thyself”, this image represents what becomes known when the true nature of Self is followed to creative freedom and its ultimate realization.

Today's Tarot Card for July 26th is The Lovers

The Lovers

Friday, Jul 26th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although it has taken on a strictly romantic revision of meaning in some modern decks, traditionally the Lovers card of Tarot reflected the challenges of choosing a partner. At a crossroads, one cannot take both paths. The images on this card in different decks have varied more than most, because we have had so many ways of looking at sex and relationships across cultures and centuries.

Classically, the energy of this card reminded us of the real challenges posed by romantic relationships, with the protagonist often shown in the act of making an either-or choice. To partake of a higher ideal often requires sacrificing the lesser option. The path of pleasure eventually leads to distraction from spiritual growth. The gratification of the personality eventually gives way to a call from spirit as the soul matures.

Modern decks tend to portray the feeling of romantic love with this card, showing Adam and Eve at the gates of Eden when everything was still perfect. This interpretation portrays humanity before the Fall, and can be thought to imply a different sort of choice — the choice of evolution over perfection, or the choice of personal growth through relationship — instead of a fantasy where everything falls into place perfectly and is taken care of without effort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Vacation Spell

A Vacation Spell

For a change of pace you may want to try using some magic to decide the best destination for a quick get away. You will need a pendulum and a map. Narrow down your choices to between three and five destinations and spread the map in front of you. First, as the pendulum to show you a “no” answer and a “yes” answer. When you have determined which way it swings for yes and no, hold it over each sight. Ask aloud if this would be a good place for your vacation. The pendulum will swing giving you a yes or no answer. If the pendulum swings in circles or vibrates wildy, avoid that location. When the pendulum answers yes to one or more locations you have your destinations!

The World

The World

Friday, Jul 19th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the World card points to the presiding intelligence, called “Sophia,” or Wisdom, which upholds life on this and all worlds. A more precise title for this card might be “the Soul of the World,” also applicable as a symbol of personal empowerment and freedom. In most Tarot decks it is a female figure that has become our standard World image. She originates in Hebrew, Gnostic and Alchemical lore, and stands between heaven and earth as the Cosmic Mother of Souls, the Wife of God and our protector from the karmic forces we have set loose upon the Earth in our immaturity and ignorance.

Where the Empress energy secures and fertilizes our terrestrial lives, the goddess of The World invites us into cosmic citizenship — once we come to realize our soul’s potential for it. Just as the Chariot stands for success in achieving a separate Self, and Temperance represents achievement of mental and moral health, the World card announces the awakening of the soul’s Immortal Being, accomplished without the necessity of dying.

This card, like the Sun, is reputed to have no negative meaning no matter where or how it appears. If the Hermetic axiom is “Know Thyself”, this image represents what becomes known when the true nature of Self is followed to creative freedom and its ultimate realization.

Your Weekend Love Horoscopes for July 19 – 21

Weekend Love Horoscopes

July 19-21: Fun-Loving

Jeff Jawer

Jeff Jawer on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

 

Thinking big and looking forward to a brighter tomorrow begins the weekend with high hopes. The fiery Sagittarius Moon inspires a desire for adventure and a strong attraction to different kinds of people and experiences. But simply wandering into unfamiliar territory is not likely to fulfill romantic potentials now that karmic Saturn trines poetic Neptune.

Ambitious visions of the future have been awakened this week and need to be woven into a strategic plan to fulfill your goals. Make this a special time by creating an environment in which the magic of love can occur. Romancing your current partner with extra effort or engaging deeply with a potential life mate will be more rewarding than simply partying and playing around.

Fun with a purpose, one that’s meant to align you with someone who shares your highest aspirations, is a wonderful way to invest your energy. The Moon’s entry into hardworking and committed Capricorn on Saturday afternoon provides the discipline and dedication to prepare a well-planned romantic experience that can open even the most closed of hearts.

Think of it as putting on a play where a well-written script, the proper setting and colorful costumes are used to captivate the imagination of the audience. You star in the leading role, but understand that the success of this venture depends upon putting your co-star in the best possible light.

Daily Feng Shui for February 20th – ‘Love Your Pet Day!’

This ‘Love Your Pet Day’ is made for man’s best friends, and the best way to do that is to share some Pet Shui! One sure way to make your furry friends happy is to make sure that they’re always clean and smelling good. An easy way to affect that rewarding result is to place their bed (or cage, whatever the case may be) outside where fresh air and sunshine will infuse it with healthy and happy Chi. This will not only lift the spirits of your pet but will raise the entire vibe of the whole house as well!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

How to Phrase Your Tarot Question

How to Phrase Your Question

Get the most from your Tarot and I-Ching readings

Tarotcom Staff  Tarotcom Staff on the topics of tarot, i ching

It’s important to realize that if you ask the appropriate kind of questions, you will have a more satisfying Tarot or I-Ching experience. Readings work best when you are looking for greater insight, wise advice or an idea of which way the wind is blowing. They are NOT designed to answer questions asking for data or to give exact predictions about the future.

Consult the Tarot or I-Ching as if you were asking the advice of a wise friend or teacher, and expect to get a snapshot of what is going on in the present, at the time you are picking the cards. A great question is “What is happening with regard to (a situation or relationship),” while a not-so-good question to avoid is something specific like “Where should I go on vacation.”

You also may skip asking a question and just enter a subject (the name of a situation or person you are in relationship with) and Tarot cards can give you a spectacularly helpful reading as long as you are sincerely focused when you pick your cards or toss the coins.

Use Your Intuition: The Benefits of Tarot

Use Your Intuition: The Benefits of Tarot

Learn what a Tarot reading can do for you!

Tarotcom Staff      Tarotcom Staff on the topics of tarot, insight

Are you wondering, “Why should I do a Tarot reading?” It’s a common question for Tarot beginners, and one that has a simply wonderful answer: Because it can help you improve your life!

Tarot is all about “intuition.” You know — that pure perception of truth we all have hidden deep inside. It’s the inner voice of your higher self, telling you what is the right thing to do and hoping you won’t ignore it. Well, Tarot cards can help you hear your inner voice and embrace its message.

Sometimes it’s hard to hear your inner voice amid all the cosmic clutter. And some people may hear it, but they deny it. Which is where Tarot comes in. If you can learn to use Tarot readings to tap into your wise intuition and listen and learn its lessons, you will be guided toward a more fulfilling life.

Some people have a fear of Tarot because don’t want to face their personal truth or they’re afraid they’ll see something “bad” in their future. But that’s not how it works. Tarot can’t predict the future. It’s simply a valuable tool for tapping into your intuition and using that insight to make decisions that will lead to a happier life.

Here are a few ways Tarot readings can help you:

Gain clarity — Whatever your situation, you can’t avoid the truth with Tarot. Tarot puts you in touch with your higher self, also known as your intuition, and it will force you to take an honest look at your life — even the things you’d rather not admit! Once you have that clarity, you’ll be able to make more responsible choices.

Highlight areas that need work — Sometimes life gets so overwhelming that you don’t know where to begin to make it better. Tarot can help highlight the things you should be focusing on right now in order to get the best results in the future.

Find peace — Anxiety, worry and fear are often symptoms of living in the unknown. And while Tarot cannot predict the future or tell you for sure what’s going to happen, it can tap into what is happening right now. Once you have clarity on the present, it’s easier to determine the path you’re on and how to change it for the best.

Make difficult decisions — People often turn to Tarot for advice about what to do, and once again Tarot can’t predict the future. But it can provide a snapshot of your present life, and show you a few likely options of where you’re headed if you continue on the same path. You can use this information to continue down the road you’re on, or make a necessary change.

Improve your life — Never forget the power of free will! If you see something you don’t like about your life in a Tarot reading, you have the power to change it. That’s the whole point!