Tarot Tuesday
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you…
When you feel ready pick the card that you feel the most drawn to. There are crystal wands above each of the cards used as markers and they will be included in the mini-readings that follow. The crystals from left to right are Stromatolite, Onyx, and Pietersite. This week the deck is the Rider Waite-Smith deck published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
The Reveal
From left to right we have Stromatolite above The Empress, Onyx above the Five of Swords, and Pietersite above the Queen of Cups. Pay attention to your first impression when you see the card you were drawn to. Compare that first impression to your thoughts and feelings after the mini-readings below. Learning to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings and emotions is the first step in learning how our intuition works in speaking to us, and this can help us to better understand, use, and strengthen our own intuition.
Stromatolite
Stromatolite is an excellent stone for transformation, and evolutionary change. It assists in removing or changing deeply ingrained blockages, patterns and programs. It is also known to encourage new patterns, and flexible thinking. Stromatolite is created from fossilized algae that were the predominant form of life on Earth for more than two billion years, and are said to have created the oxygen on our planet. This stone is also said to be helpful for reading the Akashic Records, and delving into past lives through techniques like past life regression. This stone has a deeply earthy energy that works well with the Root and Solar Plexus Chakras. In divination this stone points to a time when change is called for, you may want to initiate these changes before they are brought about from outside of you.
The Empress
This card is the third card in the Major Arcana. It has an astrological correspondence with the planet Venus. In mythology Venus is a Goddess of beauty and love. The card holds the vibration of the number three, in numerology threes stand for creativity, artistic leanings, growth, team-work, self-expression, and playfulness. The image of this card is that of a pregnant woman seated in a lush meadow with trees and a flowing water behind her, a heart shaped shield with the symbol of Venus on it is at her feet. There is the suggestion of the Great Mother, an Earth Goddess, or possibly Mother Earth herself. Some keywords associated with this card include fertility, motherhood, creativity, self- expression, love, relationships, emotions, intuition, and hopes and dreams. If you have been drawn to this card this week then it is likely that growth will occur for you, if you have been waiting to take steps on an artistic project now is a time to do so. In relationships there will be harmony and balance this week, which in and of itself is helpful to making headway in areas where you might have felt stuck.
Onyx
Onyx is a variety of silicate mineral chalcedony. Black onyx stimulates both the Earthstar and Root Chakras. Onyx is an ancient stone used for many magickal and mundane purposes by many cultures throughout history. Black Onyx is a powerful stone of protection for the mind and body. It is useful as a sort of shield against harmful energies, often used by those who do energy work like psychics, and mediums. It has a very earthy, grounding energy to it that might be depressing for some if used for too long. Helps develop emotional and physical strength and stamina. It is helpful in times of stress, confusion, and grief. With time and thoughtful workings this stone can help lead one to mastery of one’s self. In divination Onyx means that happiness and good fortune are just around the corner. To dream of Onyx is said to mean that you will have a happy marriage.
Five of Swords
This card is the fifth card in the Minor Arcana suit of Swords. It has an astrological correspondence with Venus in Aquarius. This card is of the Air element, air is a representation of thoughts, and communications. The number five is a number that shows change, movement, and transmutation. The air signs of Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini could figure into the associations for this card. The card itself shows several dejected figures and one figure in the foreground. There are stormy skies that might further suggest battles, or unrest of sorts. The scene appears like a battle has been won, but the victory may or may not have been worth it. If you have chosen this card then it is likely that there has been a fight of ideas going on for you. It is also a possibility that the new ideas that win will cause you to make some changes. Making changes is not always easy, but once we are far enough along to see the results of them it is like the difference between night and day. Also remember that often when making big changes we need to let go of what is not working and even though this leads to better things it can hurt or be unsettling to do so. So allow yourself to grieve what you will be getting rid of even if it is just an idea, or belief. When you are done the clouds will clear and the Sun will shine again.
Pietersite
Pietersite is known as the Tempest Stone. It can clear the emotional air like a thunderstorm is known to do, leaving the aura and emotions feeling calm and renewed. It grounds physical energy centers to the etheric realm instead of to the Earth. It increases intuition, the use of the will, and the focus of one’s aim in life. It is also a powerful protective stone, especially against the elements, storms in particular. This crystal is also good for boosting confidence, creativity, and supports overcoming addictions. It is a blend of Tiger’s eye, Hawks eye, and Jasper with incredible chatoyancy (shimmery shine) that makes it seem to swirl like a storm brewing. It is a fairly recent discovery made by Sid Pieters in Windhoek, Namibia. In divination this crystal means that you will see things in a new way, usually after something is brought to light.
Queen of Cups
This card is a court card in the Cups suit of the Minor Arcana. This Queen is known as Water in the suit of Water. The astrological affinity is Cardinal Water. The image of this card is that of a Queen sitting on her throne at the water’s edge gazing into the chalice she holds. Some keywords are loving, sensitive, motherly, compassionate, intuitive, dreamer, artistic, creative, emotional depth, and protective. Court cards can often show up as people in your life, this queen may represent either yourself or someone else who is in your life. If it is you, you may be in a position to be a caretaker or use your intuition to assist another, if this is someone else in your life trust them to provide you with the assistance you need right now with their compassionate counsel.
I hope that this mini-reading has been helpful for you this week. If you have any questions about it, or would like to book a full personalized reading then please feel free to contact me at april@lodestarphx.com
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one l breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you…
From left to right we have Chrysocolla above the Four of Swords card, Pietersite above the Three of Swords, and Amethyst above the Four of Cups. Again pay attention to how you feel upon seeing your card, and then compare that to how you feel after the mini-reading. Do you feel better or worse after the interpretation of your chosen card? While most people will get their intuitive messages from their emotions and feelings, some get actual physical feeling, or even hear messages, or they may receive these messages as their own thought rather than words from someone else.
This card is the fourth card in the suit of Swords in the Minor Arcana. It carries the energy of Jupiter in Libra with the modality and element of cardinal air astrologically. It signals a time of renewal and expansive thinking. The image on the card is of a weary knight reclining on a stone slab in a chapel, he appears to be in deep meditation. Some keywords for this card include solitude, rest, withdrawal, reevaluating perspectives and strategies, setting goals, opening to guidance from higher energies, optimistic, expansive and balanced. Swords represent the energies of our thinking and thoughts, communications, breathing, speech, and discrimination. The number four in numerology holds the energy of foundations, balance, sturdiness, the four directions, four elements, and even the energy of home, roots, and ancestry. If you were drawn to this card this week you may need some time alone to reflect on some things, and become clear about what steps to take next. It also might point to a need to simply begin or deepen a meditation practice at this time.
This card is the third card in the Minor Arcana suit of Swords. Astrologically it carries the energy of Saturn in Libra with the modality and element of cardinal air. This card image is one of the most striking in the tarot deck as three swords pierce a heart with storm clouds raining down in the background. The keywords and concepts for this card include that of severe distress, the heart tried by pain, painful advancement, upheaval, negative or hurtful thinking and communications, despair, and depression. While there is some consensus around this card pointing to pain, it is usually caused by and can be mitigated by our thinking, and perception. Swords are thoughts, thinking, communication, learning, and discernment. Three is a number for growth, and creativity, this can be good or bad. It is good if we are growing thoughts that increase our happiness, not so good if we are in a depressive spiral with our thoughts. If you have been drawn to this card this week it is likely that you will have some disappointment to work through. What you learn from it, and how you decide to move past it are going to be important. It may do well to remember this week that there is no failure but only lessons. Like Thomas Edison who is credited with having said about the light bulb before getting one to work successfully “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”.
This card is the fourth card in the suit of cups in the Minor Arcana. It carries the astrological energy of Moon in Cancer and the modality and element of cardinal water. The image shows a figure sitting cross-legged and with arms crossed under a tree. There is a hand emerging from a cloud offering a cup, and three cups in the foreground. Fours are about foundations, stability, balance and authority. Cups represent the emotions, intuition, creativity, and subconscious. Some keywords and concepts for this card include opportunities offered, contemplating a decision, dissatisfaction, passivity, brooding, inaction, or indecision. If you have been drawn to this card this week you may have been procrastinating on taking action or making a decision because you don’t feel emotionally ready, or emotionally satisfied about what your choices or the opportunities are. With the cups involved it may be that mood is holding you back from thinking clearly. Create a pros and cons list so you can look at things in a more rational way. Remember that usually once we take some action even if small things start to feel better emotionally.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
Pay attention to your initial reaction when you see your card revealed, is this the answer you were expecting? Is it something you didn’t want to hear? Sometimes it doesn’t seem to fit or make sense until later. Being aware of your own emotions, feelings, thoughts, and intuition and then trusting yourself is what it is all about. From left to right we have Citrine above Justice, Tibetan Quartz above The Devil, and Pietersite above the Nine of Wands.
Justice is a Major Arcana card. In the Rider-Waite (Smith) deck Waite is known to have switched the order of this card with the card of Strength. So in this deck it is numbered eleven. It carries the astrological energy of the sign Libra, and modality and element of cardinal air. Some keywords include harmony and equilibrium, fair and balanced, choosing with discernment, poise, karma, values, priorities, justice, judgement, relationships, and partnerships. the image shows the figure of Justice sitting on a throne holding scales in one hand and in the other, a double edged sword. If this is the card that you have been drawn to this week remember the Goddess Maat, and keep your heart as light as her feather. The scales will balance in your favor if you do.
This card is number fifteen of the Major Arcana in this deck. This card carries the astrological association with the sign Capricorn, and the modality and element of cardinal earth. The image on this card shows a horned Devil holding a chained couple captive. Some keywords associated with this card include materiality, temptation, obsession, scapegoating, limited outlook, mistakes, overreacting, being tied to a situation, person, or even a habit, addiction, fear of real self, fears, animal nature, material over spiritual attachments, and preoccupation with the dark side of things. If you have found yourself drawn to this card this week the message for you might be to look closely at what your true needs are, as opposed to wants, habits, or even addictions. You can free yourself, as you may notice the couple in chains are loosely chained and could escape if they only tried. Sometimes we are conditioned to believe things must be a certain way, look again and maybe not. Now is the time to make your escape, and develop new beliefs and perspectives.
This card is the ninth card in the Minor Arcana suit of wands. Astrologically attributed to the energies of the Moon and the sign Sagittarius (Moon in Sagittarius), the modality and element of mutable fire. The image on this card is one of a figure with a bandaged head, leaning on a wand with eight other wands lined up behind. Some keywords for this card include readiness, strength, watchfulness, on guard, wary, defensive, dedication and resilience, protecting one’s reputation, courage, and discipline. If you were drawn to this card this week its message is to expect the unexpected. Be prepared for things that you perhaps thought you had faced and were done to rear up again to be finished once and for all.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
When you feel ready pick the card that you feel the most drawn to. I am using the crystal hearts above each card as a marker and the crystal will also be included in the following mini-reading. From left to right the crystals are Chrysocolla, Preseli Bluestone, and Pietersite. The Tarot deck this week is the 
This card is the eighteenth Major Arcana card. It’s element is water, and it’s ruling planet is Neptune. Neptune rules the astrological sign Pisces. The image shows a full moon that also contains a crescent. Beneath this a crayfish crawls out of the primordial sea. Both these images representing mutability and evolution. This is further underscored with the two dogs, one tamed the other still wild. Cycles, phases, and change are some keywords the image may conjure. Other keywords include dreams, imagination, deception, intuitive, artistic, emotional, and illusive. This week as we head toward the full moon at 0 degrees of Libra on the Spring Equinox (a Harvest moon in the Southern Hemisphere), there may be a feeling of uncertainty, or even pressure or anxiety. This is due to the energy that is building toward this “turn of the wheel” or change in season. You yourself are likely to be going through a process of change if you were drawn to this card. Align yourself with the energies of the Moon and prepare for a phase of new growth, and balance within yourself and in your outer circumstances. You will fare best if you allow yourself to navigate the new territory through your intuitive senses.
This card is the eighth card in the Rider-Waite -Smith tarot deck. It is attributed to the sign Leo, and has a fixed modality with the element of fire. Leo is ruled by the Sun. The image shows a maiden retraining the jaws of a lion, gently controlling the animal nature. A lemniscate, the symbol above her head that resembles a figure eight on its side, is known as the infinity symbol. This represents a need for continued mindfulness of that which is occurring in ones consciousness, and as much as possible just beyond. Some keywords include strength, power, energy, force, heart, vitality, self-esteem, will, animal nature, instinct, mastery, and lust. If this is the card you have been drawn to this week you may need to use your courage and determination to dive deep into any past issues that you don’t want to continue to carry with you into the new phase that will be ushered in with the Spring Equinox next week. Wouldn’t it be a blessing to start off the Spring with an open heart?
This card is the first card in the MInor Arcana suit of Swords. All Aces represent new energies. The suit of Swords represents the element of Air. Astrological correspondences are Libra (Cardinal in the suit of Air), Aquarius (Fixed), and Gemini (Mutable Air). The image shows a hand emerging from clouds, grasping a crowned sword. Palm and olive branches hang from the crown. Six yellow flames known as Yods hover around the hilt of the sword. The hand grasping the sword appears to be the right hand which symbolizes action, rather than the left which symbolizes receptivity. Some keywords include action, initiating force, rational mind, inventive, innovative, communication, thinking, success, victory, conquest, justice, and liberation. If this is the card you have been drawn to this week it is likely that new thoughts and ideas will arise, perhaps due to new information being uncovered, that will lead to new and improved situations. The saying “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them”(attributed to Albert Einstein) applies here.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
From left to right we have Pietersite above the Six of Wands on the far left, Purpurite above the Page of Pentacles in the center, and Chrysocolla above the Queen of Swords on the far right. Take note of which card and crystal you were drawn to, and your first reaction to it. You can compare this initial intuition of yours with how you feel after you read the information in the mini-reading. Did the card you were drawn to make sense for you at this time? Did your initial reaction to the card prove to be aligned with the card interpretation? The more you pay attention to your own intuition and internal guidance system the stronger and more accurate they become.
This card carries the energy of the planet Jupiter, and the sign Leo. Its modality is fixed and its element is fire. The image on the card depicts a man on horseback with a laurel wreath not only on his head but also on the staff he holds. This card is considered a card of victory and success. Keywords include completion, success, reward, recognition, good news, and triumph. While the victory may be an internal one, it usually is one that will be recognized by those around you. You have summoned your inner fire of will and inspiration to win the day. The message of this card is that even if challenges are apparent you will overcome them.
This card is said to be Earth in the suit of Earth. It corresponds astrologically to Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo. It is the perpetual student, an idealist, perfectionist. This card can represent a young person, especially an Earth sign. Some keywords are alert, practical, optimistic, and willing to work hard, and open to learning things, so studious and diligent. When this card does not represent an actual person it often indicates messages, these could be spoken, written, or delivered via the Universe through signs. As an Earth sign these messages can often relate to our physical bodies, money and finances, or our environment. The message this card holds this week is to be be alert for messages about healing. This healing could be around any or all of the topics above like education and study, our physical environment, bodies, or money and finances.
This Minor Arcana court card is said to be Water in the suit of Air. This card also has an affinity for the astrological sign of Libra. A serious woman on a throne holding a sword in her right hand and raising her left hand toward an unseen subject. The element of Air rules thinking and intellect. This card usually represents a woman, often an Air sign. It is thought that she knows suffering and sometimes is said to represent a widow. In any case she is quick witted, and independent. The sword card also can represent writing, an on-line presence, handicrafts, and sometimes even a sharp tongue. Some keywords include independent, intellectual, witty, perceptive, feminist, justice, solutions, and accuracy. This card might represent a woman who is in or will enter your life, or it might even be you. The message of this card is to use some of the Venus ruled Libra energy to include grace and beauty in your expressions this week. Whether you are writing a blog, a manifesto, or even knitting a shawl, do it gracefully and beautifully.
Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment. By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..
The first heart on the left is Chrysocolla, and the card beneath it is the Nine of Pentacles. The second heart in the middle is Fluorite and the card beneath it is the Emperor. The heart on the right is Pietersite and the card beneath it is the Five of Swords. Take note of your initial feeling upon seeing what the card you picked is. Do you feel good about it? Does it leave you feeling anxious? Or are you feeling a sense of “oh that figures”? Noticing our initial reactions helps us in developing our intuition. The feelings and thoughts that first show up are usually unfiltered and have messages of their own to share with us if we pay attention. You can check these initial reactions later against what you may learn about the card and crystal pair and see if it has changed or gotten deeper.
This card is a Minor Arcana card or pip card. This card is an Earth element card, and is said to carry the energy of Venus in Virgo. The number nine is a number that represents culminating energy. Pentacles represent money and wealth, but also physical health and the material world itself. The card itself shows a woman in her garden with a falcon. This image speaks of self-sufficiency, self-empowerment, financial well-being, independence, and even creativity and spiritual connection (being able to use spiritual messages in practical ways). She is alone in that she is the only person in the image, yet there is no evidence of her being lonely. A small snail near her feet might suggest a that it took some time to grow and develop not only the wealth but possibly the self-assurance as well. If you have chosen this card it may be time to focus on growing your “garden”. Now is not a time to build your world around what anyone else wants for or from you, instead build it to suit yourself. Learn to be happy with your own company, it is better to have fewer friends than many false ones.
This card is the fourth card in the Major Arcana. Fire is the Emperor’s element, and it is ruled by the planet Mars. This card shows an Emperor sitting upon his throne, holding a scepter, and a globe. This tarot card represents security, and stability, as well as power and control. It is about control of self, and the world around you. The Emperor is in charge, and makes the rules. This card can represent a father, or father figure, a leader, a boss, or other authority figure. If you have chosen this card it is time to make the hard decisions and take the lead. Be the boss in whatever situation you are facing at this time. This doesn’t have to mean being mean, you could choose to be tough but fair. In any case now is the time to take charge.
This card is of the Air element, air is a representation of thoughts, and communications. The number five is a number that shows change, movement, and transmutation. The air signs of Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini could figure into the associations for this card. The card itself shows several dejected figures and one figure in the foreground. There are stormy skies that might further suggest battles, or unrest of sorts. The scene appears like a battle has been won, but the victory may or may not have been worth it. If you have chosen this card then it is likely that there has been a fight of ideas going on for you. It is also a possibility that the new ideas that win will cause you to make some changes. Making changes is not always easy, but once we are far enough along to see the results of them it is like the difference between night and day. Also remember that often when making big changes we need to let go of what is not working and even though this leads to better things it can hurt or be unsettling to do so. So allow yourself to grieve what you will be getting rid of even if it is just an idea, or belief. When you are done the clouds will clear and the Sun will shine again.
Tarot Reveal
Stromatolite is an excellent stone for transformation, and evolutionary change. It assists in removing or changing deeply ingrained blockages, patterns and programs. It is also known to encourage new patterns, and flexible thinking. Stromatolite is created from fossilized algae that were the predominant form of life on Earth for more than two billion years, and are said to have created the oxygen on our planet. This stone is also said to be helpful for reading the Akashic Records, and delving into past lives through techniques like past life regression.
Onyx is an ancient stone used for many magickal and mundane purposes by many cultures throughout history. Black Onyx is a powerful stone of protection for the mind and body. It is useful as a sort of shield against harmful energies, often used by those who do energy work like psychics, and mediums. It has a very earthy, grounding energy to it that might be depressing for some if used for too long. Helps develop emotional and physical strength and stamina. It is helpful in times of stress, confusion, and grief. With time and thoughtful workings this stone can help lead one to mastery of one’s self.
Pietersite is known as the Tempest Stone. It can clear the emotional air like a thunderstorm is known to do leaving the aura and emotions feeling calm and renewed. It grounds physical energy centers to the etheric realm instead of to the Earth. It increases intuition, the use of the will, and the focus of one’s aim in life. It is also a powerful protective stone, especially against the elements, storms in particular. This crystal is also good for boosting confidence, creativity, and supports overcoming addictions. It is a blend of Tiger’s eye, Hawks eye, and Jasper with incredible chatoyancy (shimmery shine) that makes it seem to swirl like a storm brewing.