Resource: #6 James Ricklef's Tarot Blog

James Ricklef's Tarot Blog has many useful resources for tarot enthusiasts at all levels. The man himself is a tarot reader, lecturer, and writer. He has been a frequent workshop presenter at the annual Los Angeles Tarot Symposium as well as a guest presenter at the New York Tarot Reader’s Studio and the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium. He is the author of the award-winning book Tarot Tells the Tale: Explore Three Card Readings Through Familiar Stories and the follow-up book, Tarot: Get the Whole Story: Use, Create & Interpret Tarot Spreads. He is also the creator of the Tarot of the Masters deck.


If you have a Tarot subject you would like him to discuss then you can get in touch with him. His latest post answers a question sent in by a reader: What do I need to know about myself to restore passion in my life?


There is a monthly tarot article and the September 2010 one is The Empress and the Emperor –Wholeness through a marriage of opposites. A little excerpt provides an example of the kind of information available:

Duality is a recurrent theme throughout the Tarot’s Major Arcana cards, which emphasizes the fact that understanding how to balance and integrate the complementary energies symbolized by the cards is an essential part of our spiritual journey. For example, the Empress and the Emperor form a dualistic pair, representing (among other things) the archetypal mother and the archetypal father.

There are also links to Tarot Reviews. See his blog or contact him via his Twitter feed at @AskKnightHawk for more information.

Resource:#5 Aeclectic Tarot

The Aeclectic Tarot site does a great job of providing a lot of relevant information in a simple package. It has been around since 1996 and features information on tarot decks, over a thousand are listed, information is available to help you learn the 78 tarot card meanings, and you can get a free tarot reading, read tarot eBooks, and much, much more.

The two most useful aspects of the site for me are the following: 1) tarot deck information because there are pictures of the cards and I can explore before I purchase; and 2) the forum and section on tarot card spreads. As a reader, new or slightly less new, the most useful skill you will have is your ability to find the answer to a question. There are hundreds if not thousands of tarot spreads which will help you achieve this. They range from the classic Celtic Cross to the simple three card spread and the yes or no spreads that you may be already using. Somewhere past these are the myriad variations and enhancements which feature looking for love, money, lost pets and many more.

Card image from the Vampire Tarot

Resource: #4 Mary K. Greer's Blog

Whether you are a new enthusiast to Tarot or have been indulging the subject for years, there are many things of benefit and interest to Mary K. Greer's blog. Greer is a published author on the Tarot and has been in print for over 20 years.


Mary Greer's books on Amazon

Her writing ranges from texts that deal with further understanding of the tarot cards and helping people learn tarot spreads and how to use the deck. There is something for everyone and I recommend you investigate what she has to offer.

Resource: #3 Tarot Discussion Group

One of the best ways to learn about tarot is to use it in everyday life and to interact with others who are experienced and interested in the same thing.

Classic Tarot is a group hosted by the Yahoo Groups and anyone can sign up at the following link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClassicTarot/.

As they say in their introduction, Classic Tarot is a group designed for the beginner, the intermediate and the advanced student. It addresses not only how to use Tarot for divination but also how to use Tarot for self discovery.

They discuss the history and symbolism of tarot and how to use it. There is discussion about designing your own spreads and developing your intuition. Other subjects that come up are Astrology, Numerology, the Qabalah Connection, and Rituals. If it’s Tarot related, it’s of interest. And, of course, they do real Readings, Daily Card Weaving Exercises, and address questions, questions and more questions.

All members of any skill are welcome so join in to learn, participate or just enjoy the atmosphere.

Resource: #2 'Learning the Tarot' course

A free 12-week course on learning the tarot is available from Lotus Tarot. 12 lessons are made available alongside 12 tests for each one. They suggest you need your own deck of cards and a book or two for reference.

How does the course work

There is a weekly schedule of lessons but you can go at your own pace as the lessons are all on the website already.

The lessons consist of study material, practical exercises and a few multiple-choice questions at the end of each, so you can test your understanding and retention of the lesson before moving on to the next one.

http://www.free-tarot-reading.net/learn/

Resource: #1 Learning Tarot

I will be posting some information about learning the tarot and hopefully help you find the resources that can help you.

One of the most useful sites I have encountered is 'Learning the Tarot'. The website contains Lessons about learning to use the tarot, individual pages of descriptions and keywords about each card, a version of the course you can download and a list of decks you can browse through.

The first card of the Major Arcana is the Fool and the following keywords are provided: BEGINNING, SPONTANEITY, FAITH, and APPARENT FOLLY.

There are actions associated with the Fool and some of them are as follows:

beginning
entering a new phase
striking out on a new path
expanding horizons
starting something new
beginning an adventure
going on a journey
heading into the unknown

Opposing cards are suggested such as the Hierophant which means: following convention, routine.

A description is provided and suggestions about how to use the card.



See Learning the Tarot for further information.

Tarot News: Cheryl Cole Seek's Advice

The demise of Cheryl Cole's love life was publicly documented in the press. From the first date to filing for divorce, the cameras and journalists' notepads have been on scene. We have been provided with information about what has been going on but there must have been some secret moments.

Chery Cole is known to have been visiting clairvoyants for advice and it's a good thing that what they told her has been kept secret. However, we can use her case to help out others so I've drawn three cards for advice on what she should do.

I drew the 3 of cups - 6 of cups - 5 of wands.

The 3 of cups suggest she should be out celebrating with her female friends because she's had too much time on her own (6 of cups). The trouble has been the lack of interaction and fun and dealing with troubles that came up (5 of wands). The cards add up to 14 which is the major arcana card Temperance. This card suggests finding a balance between what you love and what you do. Ideally she should find an outlet in her professional life so we may see a new album on the way. The time on her own may be draining her from the fun she could be having.

Mars in Gemini

Mars in Gemini

Mars in Gemini

The planet that gets us moving is in Gemini starting today. Mars in Gemini is tricky because it’s erratic and wiry. It can get you spinning out if you’re already anxious. But in the whirl of doing many things at once — a Mars in Gemini specialty — you catch up on emails and calls, speed-read to get the gist, knock out your chores while listening to a tv or radio program. The path may not be linear, but in the flurry, much can get done.

See more at freelovehoroscopes

July 5th - Venus enters Gemini

From astrogrrl

Venus in Gemini ~ July 5 to 31, 2009

Venus leaves the comfort and stability of Taurus for the lighter fancies of Gemini starting on July 5 at 4:22 a.m. (Eastern) through July 31. Venus represents our relationships (all types -- intimate, platonic, familial, and with the self), our material wealth, our value system, our self-worth, our capacity to see beauty in the world, and our desires.

In Gemini, Venus is friendly, popular, easy going, uncomplicated, and requires mental stimulation in our social interactions. Love may blossom through hours of conversations, jumping from one topic to the next and back again. Friendships created through laughter. Existing relationships grow stronger through communication. Our social calendars may be busier than usual. Enjoyment in the present is encouraged during this transit.

link

July 5th - Venus enters Gemini

See Sasstrology's website for astrology tips and information:

her current post on Venus entering Gemini:

Please: it’s just far too easy to pick on Gemini sometimes. They’re such bright, chatty, charming creatures that they’re so easy to love, and it’s not their fault they didn’t turn out to be what you wanted. And it’s not their fault they talked you into it in the first place … you were the one who listened.

Oh, wait … Venus is in Gemini now. Yeah. Watch out for fast-talkers and inconstant affections.

link

Reading for Miguel

i broke up with my girlfriend about a month ago and i feel like i made a mistake. i really want her back but now shes starting to date other people. is there anyway you can help? am i making the right decision by tryin to go after her again?

-Miguel-

Hi Miguel,

I drew the card 'patience' from the osho zen deck and the card 'morality'. I asked what you should do and the answer is wait. This card is a reminder that sometimes there is nothing to do but wait. Be patient and alert for she will come to you or there will be a new woman. If she was harsh to you and unemotional then she will realise this and come back. She will be single again soon.

hope it helps.

Joanna

The queen of swords clarified with temperance

I drew cards on a daily basis and while I don't usually take that much notice of them, they are useful as ways of learning and of marking events. For example when a friend's dad was run over by a car i had drawn the chariot (he survived! he's a very strong guy though he suffered a lot).The cards and the daily draws are mostly used as a way of creating a tarot vocabulary. Learning which cards go with which events.

The following are my day cards for the 3th of August, 2008:

Morning
normal influence - high priestess
best potential - 8 of wands

The house mate is sleeping so i'm tempted to just carry on doing my web stuff on my own - looking up more information on astrology etc. This fits in with the wise and silent high priestess. She doesn't rock the boat and she is at a place in her life where no action needs to be taken - she is internalising the plans for the next step ahead. The best potential though calls for some action and some speed. There's a bit of a contrast. I woke up the house mate and have been updating my blog so that could be it.

Midday
normal influence - Queen of Swords (Temperance)
Best potential - Queen of Swords (Temperance)

My midday influence looks quite interesting! Drawing the same card in the position with the same clarifier is pretty unusual. Especially since i count out the different cards when selecting them in order and put them back in separate places in the deck. The queen of swords were placed in different parts of the deck and shuffled before the two draws. I'll have to wait and see about what the queen of swords has to tell me. She's usually about writing i think. Maybe i'll talk to my mother who is a libra but with an aries energy of 'me, me, me'. Gotta love 'em. Ironically I dated an aries for a while but with a libra energy. It's probably not ironic at all actually - just fitting in with the normal patterns of repeating cycles in life.

Afternoon
Normal influence - 6 of pentacles
Best potential - Death

not sure yet of these two. maybe trying to decide whether to go out for dinner or eat in. I'd say eat in as the best potential.

Evening
normal influence - Empress
Best potential - Ace of wands

the empress promises the comfort of a wonderful murder mystery (Agatha christie tonight) and the ace of wands says go to the pub for the quiz! we'll have to see.


Oh and btw - i note on a previous post about the devil. I spent the rest of that day working on a report and it took all day! I was committed and had to do it. In the end it wasn't the right format so i spent the next few weeks redoing it over and over again. I submitted a version on Friday (in time with the eclipse - well a few degrees later for the moon) so now i'm waiting to see how that goes.

The Devil

I have drawn the devil as my day card and as my best potential day card. Not quite sure what to make of it. Something binding or something basic in nature, grounded, restrictions and chains but unable to see any choices.

My favourite devil character is the Tom Robbins idea of nature all wrapped with instinct and primitive sensations and instincts.

activations by the mars-saturn conjunction

saturn and mars are conjunct my saturn - which would trigger my natal sun square saturn. Something to do with my father? feelings of worthlessness? hmmm...

mars and saturn conjunction - affecting best friend

Mars and Saturn are conjunct his natal moon in the 3rd house.; sextiling his uranus in the 4th house; squaring his neptune in the 5th; trining his chiron in the 10th almost exactly (he's currently looking for a job...)

Mars and Saturn conjunction - affecting me

I have the transiting Mars-Saturn conjunction in my 8th house. where it is conjunct Saturn in the 8th; Mars and Saturn both square Mercury in the 11th. Mars and Saturn also sextile venus in the 10th; Mars and Saturn bi-quintile mars in the 11th; they square (widely at 9 degrees) Neptune in the 11th and the trine chiron in the 4th. They also semi-square the MC very tightly at less than 1 degree.

The transiting sun is trining my natal sun and uranus. It also squares pluto and the true nodes in the 9th house (libra) and the MC at 1 degree.
Transiting Mercury in the 6th is conjunct my jupiter in the 6th.

Asteroids in astrology

I haven't used asteroids at all but this newsletter points out some interesting ones. My adonis asteroid is at Libra 29' 25 in my 10th House.

Sexual and Relationship Asteroids:
* Juno/Hera - The Goddess of Marriage and
commitment in relationships. Check synastry for
connections. Transits and progressions can signify
timing of marriage.
* Aphrodite - indicates attraction in synastry.
* Adonis - an attractive male. What your ideal
male is. What is your Adonis by sign and house?
* Eros - God of erotic love. Represents what
turns you on, sexual attraction.
* Lust - Sexually motivated, lustful. Lascivious
personality or behavior. Non-committed sex.
President Clinton has Lust conjunct his ASC, as
does Gene Simmons of KISS.

Reading for D - having a baby

I would like to know if and when I will have a baby of my own. Do I need to seek medical assistance?

Having a baby: i drew the card 'slowing down' and 'no-thingness'. I would suggest that you start to take it easy and get less worried about things. The baby will come in its own time but it won't be for a while. There is nothing to do but intend for this to happen and then wait. Pause and relax for the time being because something beautiful is waiting to be born.

Medical assistance: i drew the cards adventure and letting go. You may need to seek out ways that are as yet unknown to you and then leave the rest to fate. But be adventures and try to find out as much as possible. This isn't the time to be fearful of what can happen. Let go of your fears.

*** This is not a medical diagnosis and I don't usually do medical readings. I would always suggest you go see a doctor ***

Sensitive Points table

Predicting Love

More cafeastrology.com....

1) find the midpoint between sun and moon.
my sun is at 24 Scorpio 31' 20
my moon is at 12 Aquarius 50'34

convert these
sun - 210 + 24 31' 20 = 234 31' 20
moon - 300 + 12 50' 34 = 312 50' 34

547 21' 54
273 40

so Capricorn 3' 40 is a sensitive place in my chart.

also this means that all cardinal points at 3' 40 will be sensitive points for me. The cardinal signs are capricorn, libra, cancer and aries.the semi-square and sesquiquadrature aspects, are also considered to be important in midpoint work - they are hard angles. To work this out I take the midpoint of 3 Capricorn 40 and add 45 degrees. This goes to 313 40 which is Aquarius 13 - which is a fixed sign. so now I know that 13' 41 of any fixed sign will activate my sun/moon midpoint by either semisquare or sesquiquadrature.

So i note this as:
Sun/Moon: 3 Capricorn 41 - 3 Cardinal 41 - 13 Fixed 41

next - not down the position of Venus, as this planet, whether it is connected to the 5th and 7th houses or not, is often figured in any kind of romantic predictive work. Venus is the planet of love and relationships, and is the natural ruler of the 7th house.

Venus is at 8 Scorpio 33 - 218 33' - 8 fixed 33 - 23 mutable 33

The mutable signs are sagittarius, pisces, virgo and gemini.

descendant is at 2 Leo 26 - 2 fixed 26 - 15 virgo 26

vertex is at 16 gemini 59 - 15 mutable 59 - 15 cancer 59
the sun is important as the ruler of my 7th house.
sun is at 24 scorpio 31 - 24 fixed 31 - 9 capricorn 31
mercury is ruler of my fifth
mercury is at 10 sagittarius 47 - 10 mutable 47 - 25 cardinal 47
north node is at 14 libra 31 - 14 cardinal 31 - 29 fixed 31 -