The Five of Swords, The Empress & Page of Pentacles
The Empress is a card of creation, nature, and beauty. Ruled by Venus, this divine feminine, embodies abundance and self-love. Look how relaxed she is. She is not a machine – go, go, go. She is nature. And nature is not full speed ahead all of the time. It ebbs and flows in cycles.
I feel that in this reading today, she is saying that you require some “me” time this week. And more importantly, you are to be okay with it. There is no need to explain, no excuses, no guilt. The Empress says “you are worth it”.
I love the Page of Pentacles card grounding this reading. Isn’t she beautiful? She appears to be in a modified “tree” yoga position. Balanced, full of potential, optimistic. She gives me a “tribal” sort of vibe. Her unique gifts and talents are an asset to herself and others. They are the keys to manifesting abundance in her life. But only if she takes care of herself first. She is but just a Page. She must take care not to burn herself out. And more importantly she must be careful not to squander her potential on those that do not appreciate it. I find it interesting that she too, is out in nature, just like The Empress card above her.
What’s with the Five of Swords here? I sometimes refer to the Five of Swords as the “screw you” card. But I don’t recommend you tell anyone off this week! (laugh). However, this could indicate a more direct approach is required to cut some circumstances, people, or prior commitments out of your life that are draining you. The Empress is very generous, the Page of Pentacles is young and energetic, but even they have their limits.
We have the quirky, innovative Aquarius New Moon this week, coinciding closely with the Chinese New Year in the sign of the powerful Water Tiger. These are additional energies coming in serving as an energetic “push” to aid you in making any changes that you wish to make to allow space for other, more positive experiences to come in to your life.
People grow, develop other interests. This is normal. If you are ready to do something else. It’s all good. People will get over it. You cannot be all things to all people, as if you try, you will lose yourself in the process.
The Empress does not exhaust herself to “prove” her worth to anyone. She is enough. You are enough. You are always enough.
We have the full moon in Cancer tonight. Cancer is a water sign associated with home, family, emotions, close relationships and what we hold close to our hearts. This full moon is illuminating a domestic or emotional aspect in our life that requires our attention.
Tonight, reflect on your thoughts regarding something from the past that may be undermining you emotionally or mentally. The seven of swords indicates there is something still creeping around. Is it time for a fresh start? If so, make the decision to no longer allow this shadow from the past to continue to “steal” from the happiness and success of your future.
The King of Pentacles knows value. If something has gotten “complicated” strip it down to the bare bones and inspect the foundation. If you feel this is worth it, you have the wisdom and maturity to shift your perspective to a more positive outlook. Bring your mind back to the present. Focus on what you do want and not what you don’t want.
Let that seven of swords go on down the road. The King of Pentacles is reminding you, this is not but a petty thief that is taking what no longer serves you anyway. Take a closer look at these cards. See? Sometimes, when you lose, you win.
The tenacious mountain goat is most often associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn
New Moon in Capricorn:
New moons are for new beginnings and setting new intentions. Capricorn is the zodiac sign associated with earthly matters. It is concerned about what is “tangible and real” and is reserved with its emotions.
Its an ambitious energy with a relentless drive to achieve its goals. Which is why the mountain goat is the animal most often associated with this sign.
Some keywords that describe Capricorn are: Money, drive, career, reputation, fame, success, ambition, determination, long term goals, structure, discipline, contracts, accountability, business, strategy, investments, financial security, commitments, and accomplishments.
This new moon in Capricorn is an ideal energy to work with to plant the seeds of your 2022 New Years intentions.
Below are some journal prompts for the New Moon which may help you focus your intent. Pulling a tarot card for each of these prompts would be a great exercise as well. Of course, this is just a suggestion. As the saying goes, you do you.
What is my overall intention for 2022 (big picture)?
How can I apply the wisdom from what I have learned in 2021 to aid my success in 2022?
What are some things I can do to keep myself motivated and on track this year?
Where would I like to see myself in the next six months?
Where would I like to see myself in the next three months?
What is the first step in achieving this goal?
What can I do within the next 30 days to move closer to or accomplish this first step?
Theme colors for Capricorn: Earthy colors such as brown, tan, green, dark green, gray, black, white. If financial goals are your main focus, add the color gold and use generous amounts of the color green.
We have the Five of Cups, The World and The Page of Wands making their appearance this week. You are being urged to step out of a repeating karmic cycle. But keep in mind Venus just turned retrograde, she will be in this shadow energy for the next six weeks or so (until the end of January 2022). Any moves or changes should be carefully thought out. There is an air of seduction and possible emotional manipulation when Venus is in retrograde. Be smart. Watch your step.
One question to ask yourself this week is, what is the true underlying motivation behind the drive to achieve a particular goal or to make a change. Remove the rose-colored glasses and be honest with yourself.
There is the potential for an “aha” moment this week!
We have the oracle card “Intellect” grounding this reading. This is your message that more information is required. The Page of Wands offers us inspiration and new vision. However, remember this is a young energy. It can be a bit naïve. Knowledge is power, do your research.
Some of you may be too close to a situation emotionally and are finding it difficult to move forward. If this is the case, the oracle card “Intellect” is urging you to seek unbiased advice from someone you trust and/or professional council in the form of therapy or legal advice. 2021 has been an extremely difficult year. Ask for help if you need it.
Traditionally, the winter season is a time for dormancy, rest and reflection. The time for new growth coincides with Aries season around mid-March, which is Spring. This is the “true” new year as dictated by mother nature. The Page of Wands falls in the calendar period of mid-June to mid-September. I was compelled to deliver this message regarding time. So this message is most likely relevant to some of you out there.
I decided to pull some cards for the new moon solar eclipse coming up on 12/4/21. I am using the Moon Mansion Oracle and the Spirit Animal Oracle to aid me in this reading.
The nine of wands is the tarot card associated with this transit. It’s interesting that the planetary energies of this tarot card is moon in Sagittarrius. So we have the illusive watery moon energy literally mixing with the fiery sign of Sagittarius.
On a collective level, there are some big energies transpiring with this transit. With the powerful Goddess Kali in the mix, we are sure to witness an uptake of chaotic energy. This transformation process that is happening now, is not an easy one. As a collective, we have been clamoring for change for a good while now, but this will not be without its price. Literally the notation for the Kali card is “If you fight, you will have to pay the price”. But what is the price if one does not fight? The nine of wands stands alone, indicating that he believes in his position. He is willing to stand alone to defend it. I think we are contemplating this question as a society at this time. The rights of the individual within the context of a larger societal structure.
The next card in the wands progression is the ten of wands. This is a card of too much work, burdens, responsibilities, indentured servitude. So many are working, working, working, just to keep their heads above water. The collective is still recovering from the events from 2020-2021, and now we are seeing inflation in the form of higher gas prices, food prices, higher taxes, cost of living increases, etc. Yet, wages have not kept up for the most part. We see the Nine of Wands card looking at the Butterfly Spirit as if he is holding strong, but battle weary. Sagittarius energy is known for it’s optimistic outlook. But as we progress through the tarot to the next card, the ten of wands, this is where literally see this character in the nine of wands, progresses to the point of where it is too much. He literally cannot carry the burden anymore. The natives are getting restless. Something’s got to give.
The image in my minds eye that I see is of two sides of a coin. With the sun being the coin. We have a building up of energy as the moon moves closer to the sun, then a period of darkness during the transit, and then as the moon moves through, we are shown the “flip side of the coin” so to speak. Be prepared for new information coming to light, breaking news stories, as well as people changing their opinions, saying one thing and doing another, as well as an increase in “mysterious deaths” and a rise of prominent people being targeted for standing up for their personal truth, philosophies and beliefs. There is an undercurrent of the beginnings of a change. It’s subtle now, but it’s there.
On a more individual level, it is important to rest at this time, as we see this message in the Black Moon card. This transit can be draining on sensitives. You may be feeling physically tired and/or mentally overwhelmed. We are receiving a huge download of information from the cosmos. I literally feel that the collective, depending on the spiritual elevation of the individual of course, is receiving an upgrade.
I would not necessarily recommend conducting any spells or magickal workings during this transit. As the results may end up different than what you anticipated. I equate this to attempting to continue to work on a computer, while it is in the middle of an update. You may save the file and it seems okay, only to have it be “off” in some way when you open it again, such as the spacing is different, the fonts have changed, the icons have moved, etc. Or you may discover, that the file did not save at all.
Some people may disagree with me on this of course. This is just my personal opinion. Do what feels right for you.
I feel this is also not a good time for sudden big decisions or serious talks. Seriously, wait a couple of days. You may come out on the other side of this transit with a different perspective. The sun and moon energies here have a push/pull effect. Being impetuous will not serve you well. It may leave you wondering what the heck were you thinking? See how this character on the Precipice card is heading towards Kali? Whoops! Don’t push it. Trust in the process. See how the Nine of Wands is standing still, while remaining alert? You may need to use your discernment and pick your battles wisely. You may discover it wasn’t quite such a big deal after all, after you have a nutritious meal and a good night’s sleep.
On the flip side, I feel if you have already been working on something up to this point, it will progress and/or transform naturally into a new beginning and/or opportunity. This message came through in my tarot post on Monday. This may require you to transform your perspective as was mentioned. I think it is interesting that on Monday, we had the eight of swords with her blindfold over her eyes. And here, we see the nine of wands, without any encumbrance to his vision, looking at the Butterfly Spirit card. I see this, in this context, as the building up to the solar eclipse, and then symbolically as the moon covers and then moves past the sun, this is removing the temporary blindfold that we saw in the eight of swords. So again, if you are already in the process of making a decision or change, you are literally the caterpillar in the cocoon. These energies are in already in process and will unfold naturally during this transit. The other side of this eclipse may present you with a positive opportunity, that will allow you to see for yourself just how capable and valuable you are. You emerge as the butterfly.
As we know, not everyone is aware, or what we call “awake”. However this energy will still be affecting the collective. As such, you may notice erratic behavior in some people, and we may see more of this shown in the media. It will be important for you to step back from this. Many of the media stories will be construed in a way to distract you and trigger emotions. Keep in mind, not all is what it seems. Stay alert in public places and while driving. There is a potential for injuries as well as crime during this transit. No need to be paranoid, just pay attention to your surroundings.
The physical body is a focus at this time. Work on staying physically grounded. Exercise, mundane activities and eating small nutritious meals throughout the day will be helpful. Be sure and step away from electronics for a while every day. As a collective, I feel most of our energy has been in the mental realms for the past year or so. We’ve got to get back into our bodies to balance this out. The upcoming Scorpio/Taurus transits in 2022 will highlight the area of physical health.
I hope this information was helpful to you as we approach the final solar eclipse of 2021!
Tarot cards for this week: Ace of Pentacles, Eight of Swords, Rhino Spirit
The tarot cards today are indicating that there is an opportunity for some of you this week. But it will require you to step outside your comfort zone. Rhino spirit is your message that you are strong and capable. Show the Universe that you are serious about making a change in your circumstances, by taking the initiative to get the ball rolling. If an opportunity comes your way, especially in the area of work, career, money, business, etc. don’t let your self-imposed fears or perceived limitations stop you from acting on it.
Astrology wise, we have both the sun and mercury in optimistic Sagittarius. And even though the image we see in the eight of swords looks disheartening, the planetary energies of this card is Jupiter in Gemini, which is the opposite zodiac sign of Sagittarius. So there is quite a bit of energetic support this week that is making it’s appearance in the cards! Take advantage of it!
When the eight of swords appears in a reading, it indicates that a change in perspective is needed to turn a situation around. Our lady in bondage is required to save herself by calling up determination and courage from within, to take that first step out of her self-imposed prison. I see the Ace of Pentacles here as a metaphorical “carrot” dangling in front of her. To encourage her to remove the blindfold and proceed forward. She will then see there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But it will not come to her. She must go to it. Sagittarius is a sign of a positive mental outlook, as well as forward momentum.
The Rhino Spirit oracle card as the base energy of the reading, came out to encourage you. Rhino energy breaks through limitations and obstacles. However, all movement requires a catalyst. Take that first step. You will see it is not as difficult or as scary as you think it is.
Sometimes the best thing that ever happened to us, lies just one step on the other side of our fears.
In other words, feel the fear and do it anyway.
Have a great week!
To schedule a personal tarot reading with Texas Tarot Lady, please go to the website: https://texastarotlady.com/
Welcome to Virgo season! Virgo comes in after we have had our fun in the sun during Leo season. She comes in after the party so to speak, to put things back in order. It’s time to stop playing and get back to work. She reminds us to be realistic about our future and to make plans accordingly so that we are prepared for it when it arrives.
In the past, this was a busy time. The fall season is when the ancient ones would come together as a community to help one another can fruits and vegetables, cure meats, and dry grains to prepare them for storage to ensure they had enough to eat during the barren winter months.
The fable of the ant and the grasshopper is a good example of the zodiac transition from Leo to Virgo.
Virgo is a mutable sign that denotes transition, so you may feel the urge to “tweak” any plans or projects currently in progress during this time. Or perhaps you get inspired to clean out that closet or spare bedroom. To make things easier, more efficient, more organized. Clear the clutter by selling or donating items that you no longer use or need. And/or get moving on taking care of those repairs around the house that you may have been putting off.
Be aware of excess spending at this time. It’s interesting that August/September coincides with “back to school” season for many families. When the responsibility of ensuring the children have what they need for the school year is the primary focus for the family funds. This is another example of how Virgo reminds us of discipline and preparedness.
Virgo is also the sign of health, holistic medicine, the physical body and healing. Once the work has been completed, give yourself some down time if you are feeling drained. This may require you to put your needs first for a little while (Virgos sometimes need to be reminded of this). Go ahead, take that time out. You may need to limit interactions with other people and/or social media to allow your mind, body and spirit to recharge. On the flip side, you may need to limit distractions so that you can get some things done!
Virgo is the parent that tells everyone its time for bed at the slumber party. We all moan and complain and beg to stay up for just a little while longer. But they know that if we do not get our rest tonight, that we will be exhausted and cranky the next morning! And we need our rest because we have things to do tomorrow!
Virgo prepares us for the next sign, Libra. Which is the sign of balance. Life is meant to be enjoyed, but we must also be realistic about it too. To enjoy the fruits of our labor, we must first put in the labor! We are then open to receive the harvest of all the good things that life has to offer.
“Luck and success is when preparation meets opportunity”
The tarot card associated with this new moon is the six of wands. This card in the upright position is a positive sign in a reading. It indicates accomplishment, overcoming obstacles, forward momentum, higher awareness, good news heading your way, building a positive future from the victory of the present, being seen in a positive light, confidence, a possible promotion at work, and celebration of one’s success. This can literally manifest as a party being thrown in one’s honor, or this can also be an internal victory.
The message that came through for me today for these energies is one of self-confidence, and embracing who you are. Knowing that it is your unique gifts and talents that got you here. There is also a reminder as well, to be sure to continue to act with integrity and honor. People are watching you.
Leo is the fifth house in the zodiac which is the vibration of the individuality of the self. It relates to the solar plexus chakra. When this energy is balanced and strong, we speak our truth, stand up straight, accept accolades and praise from others with grace. We are fair and kind to others. Especially those that look up to us. A byproduct of this energy can produce a covetous and/or jealous energy from others. So, it is important to remain centered within one’s power. In other words, be a gracious winner!
This New Moon asks you to reflect on just how far you have come. Whether you see it or not, you are indeed, moving ahead with victory. Now is the time to appreciate your success. Go ahead bask in the sun of your glory for a little while. Just as the mighty lion, enjoys a long rest after a successful hunt. Do understand that this is but one victory that is within a succession of many more. Resting on your laurels for the long term is not an option. Eventually, the mighty lion must rise again to hunt once more. But having had one successful victory, the lion has the confidence in knowing that if it can accomplish it once, it can do it again!
Do not “sweat the small stuff”. Again, we are talking about the life force of a lion here. These large animals do not waste their precious energy dealing with minor annoyances. During this moon cycle, embody this powerful energy. Get in the habit of asking yourself. Is this truly worth my time and energy? See these situations as a test of your higher awareness. This is a time of strong personal boundaries. But establish them with the quiet strength of a lion. There is no need to get up and roar for every little thing.
What’s next on the horizon? Where do you want to go from here? Channel this powerful solar plexus activation to align your will with your vision of success. Whatever this is for you. The New Moon in Leo is giving you the confidence to pursue your future endeavors with passion, strength and dignity.
Card associated with the 6/10/21 New Moon & Solar Eclipse: The Lovers and 9 of Swords
The cards associated with the June 10th New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Gemini are The Lovers and the Nine of Swords. Gemini (The Lovers) is a sign represented by the twins. The energy of duality and decisions. Paired with the Nine of Swords, I feel the message is that we need to look at something through the lens of discernment. With Mercury in retrograde, not all communication whether from others or even from ourselves may be 100% the truth. It’s no coincidence, that The Magician in the reversed position (Mercury is the planet associated with The Magician) has come up in quite a few client readings lately! Some of you may need to detach for a moment to view a situation from a higher perspective to understand that what you see and hear may not be the entire truth. It may not be your truth at all. Perhaps it is someone else’s truth that is being projected onto you.
The nine of swords is a card of worry, anxiety, sleepless nights, and of reliving the emotional trauma of the past. Left unchecked this energy can spiral into a “loop” of negative self-talk and disempowerment which can prevent one from moving forward and ending the cycle (as shown in the next card of the swords suit progression, the ten of swords). This powerful transit asks us to look within, and to be mindful of our thoughts. You may be presented with information or a new perspective to aid you in ending a cycle. Perhaps it is time to set personal boundaries in your relationships, or come to a decision about what needs to go so that you can move forward in a positive direction. You may discover that your fears were larger in your mind than what they are in reality. Or it simply may indicate that you should trust your inner guidance. If something doesn’t feel right to you, pay attention.
If this energy is activating something from your past, whether this is an ex that trying to come back into your life, or an internal thought process, this transit is a good reminder for you to be easy on yourself. Take stock at how far you have come. Choose the path and patterns that empower you, allow you stay positive and focus on what you want to bring into your life. If you are slipping back into worry, anger and self-doubt, this is an indication that you are focusing your energy on what you DON’T want instead of what you DO want.
This is not a time to take a big leap! Ground and center yourself. Connect with love and move through the process at your own pace. But darling, do be sure you keep moving forward! The Nine’s in the tarot indicate a cycle that is close to completion. You have completed the lessons of the past and now this is your opportunity to embrace not only a new beginning, but to walk within the light of your personal truth (the Ace of Swords).
The zodiac sign of Gemini is represented by The Lovers card in the Major Arcana
Today, the sun moves into Gemini. An air sign which is represented by The Lovers in the Major Arcana. One of the more popular cards in the deck, The Lovers represents, balance, unification, clear communication, decisions and connections on all levels (within ourselves, with other people, as well as our connection to Source, God/Goddess, Universe, Divine, etc.)
Today’s message:
The Lovers, as it is the next card that comes after The Hierophant, is a reminder to be mindful of our internal moral compass. Are you considering all the long term effects of a current decision? Is there something tempting that is being presented to you that looks good on the surface, or may appear be a shortcut to something that you have been wanting to achieve, but is there a caveat attached that requires you to compromise your personal values or integrity in some way?
The Lovers encourages you to bring into balance the information received from both the conscious mind and the heart. But ultimately, your heart will lead the way. What FEELS right to you? Stay solid in your truth. Take the “high road”. Although it appears to be the more challenging path now, it pays off with big dividends later.
“The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind cannot understand.” Robert Valett
