Mars in Sagittarius, September 13th to October 25th, 2014 – “Genghis Khan Meets Dora the Explorer”

On Saturday Mars, our fiery, warrior planet, takes up

Ciro Marchetti's depiction of #16, The
Tower, from the legendary
 "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

residence with Sagittarius, the Archer.  We’ll develop the attitude of the conqueror, but with the attention span of a gnat.  It’s not quite as bad as that.  We will have moments of pure gold where we gain extraordinary ground in our lives – surmounting obstacles, seizing the day until we succumb to the tangents presented by the roads less traveled.  Mars in Sagittarius marries the mind of a conqueror

 with the heart of an explorer.   

This is a transit for risk takers and there’s a significant up tick in our competitive natures. We greet life enthusiastically and with idealism.  The Martian fire is still present, however. Sagittarius simply points it in the direction of moral principles and concern for the human condition.  Ethical behavior and staying true to our convictions becomes more important during this transit and we don’t allow a great deal of flexibility in either one.

#14, Temperance, as envisioned by
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen
is their deck, "The Wizard's Tarot"©

During Mars in Sagittarius we can demonstrate quicker wit and embrace bold plans for overcoming challenges.  Ideas flow fairly easily and while we have the warrior spirit to execute these plans, we often lack the focus necessary to stick with them to completion.  Mars in Sagittarius produces scattered energy making us easily distracted. Focus, people, focus.

Tarot’s card associations for this transit are #16, The Tower, (swift, unexpected change) for Mars and #14, Temperance, (carefully blending the components of your world, spiritual, emotional and material, for balance) for Sagittarius.  They nicely sum up the exchange between the warrior and the hunter.  If you find yourself missing out on opportunities due to lack of focus during this transit try meditating on some of tarot’s ‘follow through’ cards to ground yourself and narrow that energy beam to where it does you the most good. 

Here are some helpful cards for meditation: Queens of

The powerful Queen of Wands from
"The Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen 

Wands (creative action, confidence and skill), Knight of Pentacles (steadfastness to duty and tasks even when you’d rather not), 9 of Wands (perseverance, going the distance though difficulty) and 7 of Pentacles (tending to tasks which will yield longterm results).  There are certainly other components to these cards, because tarot is a marvelous blend of both simple and complex concepts. ( See Blog: “Lights, Camera, Action” for using the suit of Wands for motivation.)  However, you get the idea and if you’re a tarot reader you probably have your own favorite cards to motivate yourself. In any case, have fun and try pulling tarot energy to guide you through this transit.

LADY ORACLE

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“Border Disputes - Drawing Boundaries That Work”

The goddess archetype, Ishtar,
offers good advice in
Dorreen Virtue's Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards©

If you ask tarot readers what card(s) symbolize boundary issues you will probably get as many answers as there are consultants.  There’s a couple of reasons for this. First, the cards appearing in a reading pertain to instances in the querent’s life, as well as to certain themes.  What might be a boundary issue for one person, might not be one for another.  Secondly, decks are attuned to their reader and while overall themes and keywords run consistently among cards, deck to deck, the nuances are quite particular between a reader and their deck(s).

Boundaries.  We all have them to one degree or another.  However, if they are too narrow, or weak, anybody and anything can cross them and insinuate themselves into our most private selves – usually with the best of intentions.  Friends and family can become too dependent on your support, or too comfortable editorializing on your life.  After a while, no matter how kind or well-meaning they are you put up defenses.

As the pace of our world increases and the size of it decreases we run the risk of more frequently stepping on one another’s toes.  Outrageous reality shows (that have little basis in reality and more to do with ratings and Sweeps) and the anonymity of message boards teach us that not only does our opinion count, but that it counts more than the humanity of the person we’re critiquing.  It’s all too easy to become glib, sanctimonious, or flat-out confrontational.  So, how do we shore up our own borders without building a wall? If history has taught us anything, it’s taught us that walls work both ways.  They keep out intruders, but that also hold us prisoner.

the goddess archetype, Sekhmet, reminds us
of our inner strength.  From Doreen Virture's
most excellent Goddess guidance Oracle©

Border skirmishes occur when we don’t recognize, or utilize our own power and one ego steps on another ego.  Too often we confuse empowerment with being opinionated.  Not even close to the same thing, my friends. Empowerment comes from knowing your own mind – not from a snazzy sound bite catch phrase.  It comes from knowing that your decisions come through thoughtful response and consideration, not emotional reaction.  When you trust yourself and love yourself, no one else’s judgments of your past, present or future hold the same power over you ever again. Like both the King and Queen of Wands, you know, like you know, like you know. 

Life behind walls is safe and secure.  No one can challenge your autonomy if they can’t get close to you.  However, it’s a very lonely existance.  Step out of your ego and into your power by knowing that you and no one else is the hero of your own life.  When you understand this, it is natural to extend the same courtesy to others and let them be the hero of their lives as well.

LADY ORACLE

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Aries, March 21st - April 20th - Living With the Ram Without Getting Fleeced

Aries' tarot association is
#4, The Emperor from
"Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen

Aries the Ram is a cardinal sign, meaning it is the first zodiac sign of a specific season.  In this case, the season is spring. Cardinal signs are highly motivation.  Aries, doubly so, because it's not only the first sign in springtime, but is also the first sign of the zodiac year.

Aries people are optimistic and gregarious. They jump into a new venture or situation with both feet and usually with a high degree of success. They make excellent friends because of their caring, generous natures, as well as their leadership skills. Aries’ natural enthusiasm draws people to them. You want to do things for Aries just to see them smile and do their happy dance. Use caution though, because you don’t want to spoil an Aries. They are born with the knowledge that they are the first sign and in their minds that gives them an entitlement to the things they want. Standing between an Aries and their goal can be darn right foolhardy.

Ram people are easily offended. Notice I didn’t say they are overly sensitive. They are not. Aries is a fire sign ruled by both Mars and Pluto. Gee, can you say moody? Mars carries aggressive energy and Aires isn’t one to shy away from confrontation. Unfortunately, they are also known for becoming childish or even throwing full blown temper tantrums when they are thwarted. Aries best relationships are with other fire signs (Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius).

The tarot card for Mars, ruling planet of Aries, is
#16, The Tower. From "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
by Ciro Marchetti

The natural leadership and energy of Aries makes them very good at heading up new projects or endeavors.  When they are focused, they are focused. Rams are what I refer to as ‘first string’ people.  They insist on being in the starting lineup and are never content to warm the bench.  In their world, team is definitely spelled with an I.  However, ram people are easily bored. While Aries is great at getting the ball rolling, halfway through the game you’re likely to look down the field and find that they’ve headed off to the snack bar. 

Aries birthstone is diamond.  Hard head, hard stone.  In tarot, their ruling cards are # 4 The Emperor (hardness, authority, rules and structure - hmmm I sense a theme here) and the ever dynamic and irresistible, Queen of Wands (creative action, achievement, self assurance).

Aries of a special, charismatic people and life around them is rich and vibrant.  Celebrate the Aries in your life this month.

LADY ORACLE

January 26, 2013 - Full Wolf Moon In Leo

A Full Wolf is better than a Not So Full Wolf.  Ask Red Riding Hood if you don’t believe me.  This January’s Full Wolf Moon or, Old Moon, as it’s also known, occurs in 7 degrees, 24 minutes of Leo.  What makes this interesting is that the Sun, which is in direct opposition to this Leo Full Moon, happens to be in Aquarius. This means is that people with signs in either Aquarius or Leo may feel the pull of this Full Moon a little stronger than the rest of us.  That’s not a bad thing in this case.  All of us will get a tremendous boost to our creative sides this moon and enjoy finding new means of self-expression.

While Aquarius remains objective and more regimented this Full Moon, Leos will give vent to their free-spirited side.  Self-expression and proud individualism give Leo a winner’s attitude. Although these traits are also part of Aquarius’ makeup, this time Aquarians are surrendering some of their 'go it alone philosophy' in favor of letting the whole team play.  Oddly, it’s romantic Leo who claims that, not only should we spell team with an ‘I’, but that there's really no need for the rest of the players to leave the dugout. This is the perfect moon for Lions to rise and shine.  

For most of us, conflicts on, or around the 26th will center on personal needs versus the good of the whole.  In tarot readings consider any of the Minor Arcana’s  5s that show up in your readings. %s are conflict cards. Where are they placed?  Are they the root of the matter, or simply a contributing factor?  Major Arcana’s #15, The Devil, might make a rather heavy-handed appearance.  Draw assistance from #14, Temperance, or the 2 of Pentacles for balance. In positive positions, The Queen of Wands and the ever abundant #3, The Empress will bring in their creative energy.  Look for assistance from the Knight of Wands to make things happen.  If you have questions about your tarot readings, email or message me here, or at on FaceBook - Lady Oracle Tarot.

Oh...and don’t go taking your goodies into the forest after dark.

LADY ORACLE