the tarot room

Lightening Strikes the Hierophant

Mars moves into Taurus today and stays there until May 31st.

Looking at this transit through the eyes of the Tarot, it’s like the Tower’s lightening has struck the Hierophant’s throne. And his acolytes are tumbling down.

When Mars moves into Taurus, and the Hierophant’s stone throne is struck by lightening, we might find that what we thought was certain, no longer seems so obvious.

Belief structures might shift, and rules that used to make sense might now feel outmoded.

Old ways of seeing the spirit, religion or traditional structures are all up for review. As could be our perceptions about who really has moral authority.

Don’t be afraid of letting tradition for tradition’s sake fall away. And if an idol or two falls with it, that’s all right too.

It might be a bit chaotic for a moment, but this is your chance to find faith in yourself. Use it as an opportunity to start being your own last word.

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Tower as Emperor’s Throne

Mars moves into Aries tonight and stays there until April 20th.

Looking at this transit from a tarot perspective, it’s like the Emperor was sitting in his castle just as the lightening struck. His stone throne is exploding.

Mars in Aries, or the Tower as the Emperor’s throne, is likely to be an exciting time. What you thought would never change suddenly does.

It could just be a way of seeing things. Old ideas are shattered and inspiration to begin afresh becomes overwhelming.

Or things might really be changing. New circumstances present themselves without warning and the way you were approaching a situation no longer works.

Destroy inertia and create a new world for yourself. This is a time of great power.

Potentially challenging, yes. But also a chance to take charge in your life like you never thought possible.

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Mars moves into Pisces today and will stay there until March 12th.

In the language of the Tarot, this transit could be described as the Tower’s lightening striking the dark landscape of the Moon. Its night sky has become unexpectedly bright.

When the Tower’s lightening appears, it usually does so with little notice, but with a great deal of energy. It’s fast, bright, and somewhat shocking.

The fire it ignites is strong enough to topple kings, and make solid structures seem like sand.

The Tower asks us to let go, and we might as well listen. Sometimes it’s safer to leap than to languish.

The Moon on the other hand, moves more slowly, and is certainly less decisive.

It’s dreamy and unclear, mysterious and mostly silent.

Under the Moon’s gaze, feelings make more sense than words, and instincts are more dependable than logic.

Though the Moon isn’t particularly comfortable with the Tower’s sudden flash of fire, there’s no denying its energizing effect.

Mars in Pisces, or the Tower’s lightening striking the Moon, is a great time to stir up the muck and start recharging.

Though you might rather avoid new ideas, situations, or even people, doing so could cost you the opportunity to see something more clearly than you had before.

Pay attention to flashes of sudden psychic insight you might experience, and don’t shy away from looking your emotional fears straight in the face.

Though new perspectives might throw you for a bit of a loop, you’re going to be fine. Follow your instincts and you’ll stay on path.

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Mars moves into Aquarius today and will stay there until February 2nd.

Through the eyes of the Tarot, this transit is like the Tower striking around the Star. A shot of fiery energy has made its way into the night garden of the goddess.

The Tower is a powerful source of change. Its lightening strikes and the sky ignites giving us the chance to see things from a very different perspective.

And though shifting foundations can certainly be disturbing, they can also open doors to freedom, and a new way of organizing our lives.

The Tower breaks down old concepts of authority and asks us to be in charge of ourselves. It’s a call to action, and one that’s not easy to ignore.

The Star, on the other hand, is typically quite peaceful, a calm respite after changes brought on by Tower-like disruptions.

Her focus is on emotional stability and physical nurturance. She is hope and serenity, peace, and faith in the future.

The Star gains her strength from compassion, and a willingness to bare truth and love for all to see.

And though she’s quite comfortable quietly doing her own thing, the Star’s more than capable of handling a lightening bolt or two.

Mars in Aquarius, or the Tower’s lightening striking around the Star, might be described as a time of energized benevolence.

It’s easier now to see how much we have in common with our neighbours, and how extending kindness beyond our usual circle of loved ones is good for everyone.

Let situations that might normally surprise, or even upset you act as opportunities to open up to more compassion, not shut it down.

It’s a fabulous time right now to amp up our empathy, and to set universal love on fire.

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Mars moves into Capricorn today and will stay there until December 26th.

Looking at this transit from a Tarot point of view, it’s like the Tower’s lightening is striking the Devil’s lair.

When the Tower appears, it always bring surprises with it, especially for those who think they’ve got things under control.

It’s not causing trouble for trouble’s sake, but when ideas or situations become too entrenched to grow with change, the Tower swoops in to clear the air. It’s not always pretty, but it always gets things moving.

It’s important to remember though, that the Tower does provide an enlightenment of sorts, it’s just one that usually comes from out of nowhere, and can knock you off your feet for a moment.

Unlike the Tower, the Devil is usually quite stable, or at least he likes to think he is. As long as he controls the chains, he’s happy to keep things as they are.

It’s all about the physical with him, the tangible and the real. The material world is his domain and he maintains an obsessive watch over it all.

The Devil needs to be careful though, not to become too oppressive. If he keeps trying to run the whole show, there’s always a chance he’ll face a rebellion within the ranks.

And the Tower’s appearance can cause just such a challenge. When the lightening strikes, all the old rules are out the window.

Mars in Capricorn, or the Tower’s lightening striking the Devil’s lair, can be a time of powerful recharge.

If you’ve been stuck in an oppressive mindset, or in a situation where you’ve felt a lack of control, this is an excellent time to positively mix things up.

There’s a chance now to let go of rigid thinking and to break free of rules, self-imposed or otherwise, that serve only to dominate rather than to guide.

Be open to sudden illumination, and willing to take charge of your own material domain. You might not control everything, but you do control yourself. Don’t give your power away.

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Mars moves into Sagittarius today and will stay there until November 17th.

From a Tarot perspective, it would be like the Tower’s lightening strikes behind the Temperance Angel. His usually tranquil environment is shaking up around him.

The Tower really gets matters charged up. It’s powerful and energizing, loosening all blocks and obstructions in its way.

More often than not, it’s unexpected, a bolt from the sky that throws everything into chaos.

The Tower reminds us that solidity is just an illusion. Everything is always in flux, and no matter how many walls we build up, eventually they’re all going to come down.

Temperance, on the other hand, is about easy flow. He balances earth, air, and fire in perfect harmony and isn’t often caught off guard.

Steady, yet fluid, he’s able to control nature as if by magic. His wings connect him to the divine, while his feet lightly plant him in earth’s soil and water.

Temperance is about following the mean, not cascading one way or another. He’s about balance and movement even when standing still.

And though typically serene, Temperance is well able to manage the force of the Tower. He’s fluid, and willing to realign.

Mars in Sagittarius, or the Tower’s lightening striking behind the Temperance Angel, is a time of energized flexibility.

Though you might be surprised by some of the events swirling around you, you can find strength in the opportunity to let go of old ideas, situations, or relationships that might be hemming you in.

Take control, but be flexible. Attaching yourself too strongly to one particular concept or way of doing things isn’t necessary or even desirable right now.

Keeping yourself balanced as you take action towards change is more important. And for the time being at least, probably a lot easier and more productive.

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Mars moves into Scorpio today and will stay there until October 7th.

Looking at this transit through the eyes of the Tarot, it would be like the Tower’s lightening is striking Death. Transformation has been ignited.

The Tower hearkens change, typically of the sudden and unexpected kind.

Solid structures no longer feel secure, and those in charge can find themselves more than a little unsure of where they might be headed.

But the bolt of lightening also brings new energy with it, and a blinding flash of light that can open new perspectives. Shocking though it is, the Tower energy is illuminating as well.

Death is also a card of change, but it’s more emotionally charged than spiritually ignited. It’s less about illumination, and more about reflection.

Putrefaction is its theme. It’s transformation through decay, slow moving, but ever progressing.

In Tarot, Death isn’t an end so much as a stage. It’s like a caterpillar’s time in a cocoon, an internal process of regeneration.

The Tower’s lightening forces Death’s normally hidden processes to suddenly come to light. Though it’s not always pretty, it’s usually worth paying attention to.

Mars in Scorpio, or the Tower’s lightening striking Death, can be a period of significant internal transformation. And change that was taking place slowly might start picking up speed.

Be as open to the changes around you as you can, and courageous enough to face what you see.

If an unexpected insight prompts you to reconsider aspects of your life – dive in and explore the situation fully.

Have faith that endings will be followed by renewal, and dormancy replaced with something fresh and very much alive.

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Mars moves into Libra today and will stay there until August 23rd.

From a Tarot perspective, this transit is like the Tower’s lightening is striking the seat of Justice. Balance is being mightily realigned.

The Tower brings with it disruption and transformation. What once appeared solid is brought down with a bolt from the sky.

Shocking though it often is, this bolt can represent liberty and freedom from mental confinement.

When the Tower’s around, it’s easy to think outside of the box because the box itself has been destroyed.

Justice herself is no stranger to change, though typically she’s less dramatic than the Tower.

She represents the natural flow of life, the laws of nature, harmony, and karma.

Justice carefully weighs what she sees and adjusts as necessary to create a perfect balance.

Though Justice prefers to take her time and make change rationally and with a certain subtle grace, when faced with fireworks, she can move quickly.

With Mars in Libra, or the Tower’s lightening striking Justice’s throne, definitions of what’s right or wrong become less clear. Mental paradigms begin to shift.

During this time, take advantage of any unexpected changes in your life to look at things from a new perspective.

Old connections, patterns, and methods of decision-making might be open for review. Don’t be afraid to shake things up.

Out of the chaos, a new balance will emerge. It might not be what you expected, but it will be just right.

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Tower Strikes the Hermit

Mars moves into Virgo today and will stay there until July 30, 2012. It will be retrograde from January 23 to April 13th.

From a Tarot perspective, this transit is like the Tower’s crashing around the Hermit and the night skies are on fire.

The Tower is raw power exploding from out of nowhere and shaking down everything in its wake.

It’s great for breaking through blocks and stale ways of thinking, but it can sure make things uncomfortable.

The Tower might be shocking, but at least if provides a chance to start fresh. Things that once seemed solid crumble like sand and it becomes apparent that they weren’t so solid after all.

The Hermit isn’t particularly keen on surprises. He’s slow moving and likes his fire contained.

He’s concerned with the inner realms, and spends a lot of time by himself just thinking. Wisdom is within, and it takes time alone to discover it.

The Hermit isn’t lonely or morose, just contemplative. He likes it where he is. And though he might not throw a lot of parties, he’ll welcome you if you drop by.

When the Tower shows up in the Hermit’s realm, it certainly messes with his routine, but he’s been through more than one shake up in his long life, and faces the commotion unruffled.

Mars in Virgo, or the Tower striking the Hermit, is a time to throw away your own routine and start building a new one.

A new perspective is almost certain to arise, and it’s likely to come from somewhere unexpected.

Don’t be afraid to look beyond your comfort zone, and don’t give up the details just because things around you seem chaotic.

It’s time to energetically reorganize and create a new plan of action that will be even better than before.

Stick with what you need to do and keep going. Things will calm down soon enough, and you’ll know so much more by the time it’s done.

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Tower Strikes Strength

Mars moves into Leo today and will be there until November 11th.

Looking at this transit from a Tarot perspective, it would be like the Tower is tumbling around Strength and her lion.

The Tower is a surprise, an unexpected change that gives you no time to prepare.

It’s a powerful force that rips down everything in its path with the shocking speed of a wildfire on grass.

Though the changes the Tower brings might be unsettling, they’re typically liberating, freeing us from stagnant behaviours and thought patterns.

Strength is full of fire herself, though she likes it contained and within her control.

Though unassuming in her white robe and floral head-dress, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Creative, enthusiastic, and courageous, she won’t step back from a challenge. And she’s not afraid to take up arms for a battle she believes in.

When lightening strikes and the Tower falls, Strength is someone you might want by your side. She’s well able to take charge when the going gets wild.

Mars in Leo, or the Tower falling around the Strength’s feet can be a time chaos contained.

Tempers might flare as unexpected situations arise, but you have the power to deal with pretty well anything that comes up. Just believe it and keep going.

See if you can harness the high energy to really make a difference, positively shaking up your life to get it more in line with your spirit.

Don’t fear change, embrace it and see how strong you really are.

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