Tag Archives: reading tarot cards

Tarotcast

Tarotcast week of August 14 2016

Watching the Olympics is one of my high points every two years. I watch it not because I am “Go USA” but because it is a place and time the whole world is doing something collectively. I love that vibe. Also, the scientist in me is fascinated by what makes an Olympian and when will we see the limit to what is the fastest.  What are the physical limitations of the human body and mind?

The above is a picture from the photo book The Athlete –  more of Howard Schatz photos  I love the photo because it shows that there are many body types that make an Olympiad. But what it doesn’t show is that “the most perfect body type” for the sport does not guarantee the gold. The person’s drive, resilience, mind-set add to the athletic package. As we look at the picture above we natural try to type the body with the sport.

But here is where we all need to be really aware in our Olympic discussions – that body type does not bleed into color of skin, where one comes from or becomes a stereotyped fact. It is great that Simone Manuel won the gold. But we need to realize why we haven’t seen a lot of African American swimmers is for societal reason around the sport. One reason being – it is easier to finance a track then it is to finance a pool. I do think these discussions need to happen! The more we talk about “what makes an good Olympiad” the more we unearth our bias and open up the competition to all the people of the world.

P.S. Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you.

*Aries – Seven of Pentacles and Justice – Last week you all got The Tower which represented a change from an outside source. This shift resulted because things were too complex and unbalanced. This week born from rubble comes the time and resilience to rebuild – Seven of Pentacles. Also, the Justice card challenges you to build simpler and more balanced solutions to the problems of last week.

Taurus – Four of Pentacles – The Four of Pentacles heralds another busy week for you, except that your energy level will not be as high as last week. Again like last week you will get more done with the help of others.   If you put the effort in last week – seeing that not everyone is at the same energy level as you – you will have an easier time asking and getting help this week. If you didn’t, then the best strategy for you is to do less of the work and do it alone. You will be less frustrated.
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Tarotcast week of August 7, 2016

podcasts

I love podcasts because I love to hear about new information, ideas, and thoughts. I also think that it’s a great format for comedians. A podcast is “a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.” The roots of podcasts have been around since the1980’s, but really all the parts came together for the masses in 2000. Sixteen years later articles say there are 180K- 250K podcasts, with approximately 75 million subscribers per month.

The podcast I am listening to now is Revisionist History by Malcolm Gladwell. He wrote the books Blink and The Tipping Point. He says it a podcast about unknowns and misunderstandings. For example, the Uncontrollable Acceleration(UA) Toyota recall was basically wrong. The reason for all the UA incidents was that drivers didn’t realize they were pushing on the wrong pedal. The short version of the podcast is if you find yourself accelerating take your foot off whatever pedal and reapply it to the brake. Brakes trump the gas pedal every time. If you are interested you can listen to the whole podcast on ITunes for free.

P.S. I have attached some podcasts that are on my “listen to” list. They may or may not have to do with your tarotcast. Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you.

*Aries – The Tower – The Tower represents change from an outside source. Now the cool thing about The Tower is it comes around when things need to be shaken up because something is not working. This week something that is not working in your life is going to shift, and your challenge is to except it. Now this can be as easy as an “aha moment” in solving a problem or as complex as a move or a relationship shift. Ted Radio Hour- a mash up of Ted talks that make sense together.

Taurus – Ace of Wands – So after your “learning week”, comes the Ace of Wand’s insight. Insight brings with it energy, a sense of eagerness and inner strength. These you will have in abundance this week. Your challenge is not everyone is on the same energy level as you so introduce your ideas/projects with some humility. You will need people to help you get done what you have envisioned.   Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People – the name says it all.
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Tarotcast for week of July 31, 2016

A_cat_on_HMAS_Encounter

Since it is still Leo’s birth month, I would like to talk about the domestic cat. The cat family, Felidae started to diverge 10-15 billion years ago into two sub families, Pantherinae and Felinae. The domestic cat belongs to the latter and the genus Felis. Thus, the domestic cat’s full taxonomy name is Felidae Felis catus, which basically translates to “cat cat cat” or cat to the third. Historians estimate that cats were domesticated about 9,500 years ago in the Fertile Crescent coinciding with the development of agriculture.

We all have heard that “cats hate water”; however, their history has an interesting twist. The spread of the domestic cat around the world is largely due to ships carrying them aboard. There is evidence that the tradition started with Ancient Egyptians taking cats on board to catch birds along the shore line. Then Phoenician trade ships began keeping cats aboard to keep the rodent population down. As trade ships from other nations took on this practice, cats became known as good luck symbols for ships, sailors and fishermen. And the “ship’s cat” became a common sight on naval, trade and private ships.

There are many stories around ship’s cats during WWII in the Royal and American Navy.   The most famous story is about “Unsinkable Sam” who survived the torpedoing of two ships, the Bismarck and HMS Cossack. So it seems cats and water have a more complex and paradoxical history. Hmm, much like their leonine human counterparts.

P.S. For grossness I added some pictures of different breeds of kittens to each sign.   Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you.

mix kittemAries – Nine of Wands – It’s back to work this week. The Nine of Wands’ lesson is preparation. This week take the time to stand back and assess what you need before going into any situation. The more prepared you are the more smoothly this week will go.

 

maine coonTaurus – Page of Pentacles – The Page of Pentacles’ lesson is around being a student. Will all that has gone on the past 3 months since your birthday, you need to ask yourself – What do you still want or need to learn this year?   This is the week to start going to “the life you want” school.
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Tarotcast for week of July 24, 2016

Leo constellation

Happy birthday month, Leos. Mercury, Venus and of course the Sun are all hanging in your sign until the end of this week. Mercury leaves on the 30th and Venus will leave the following week on August 5th. So, you need to take in the all the love communicated to you this week. And since, you all have the biggest hearts of all the signs – for all that you take in – give out twice as much.

Leo is one of the bigger constellations in the sky. In mythology this constellation depicts the lion that Hercules killed as one of his labors. However, this constellation has been seen as a lion since the beginning of civilization. The Persians called it Ser or Shir; the Turks, Artan; the Syrians, Ayro; the Jews, Ayre; the Indians, Simha. All these words translate to “lion.” This constellation also holds two of the 25 brightest stars in our sky, Regulus and Denebola, and a number of galaxies: Miessier 65, 66, 95, 105. It is theorized that the Lion and therefore Leo is associated with the Sun because the sun passes in front of the constellation from August 10 to September 16th, which coincides with the annual flooding of the Nile. Without the Nile flooding, agriculture and therefore civilization as we know it would not have started.   That’s a big legacy behind you Leos. So my question to you: how will you influence the world this year?

P.S. Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you.

Aries – Four of Swords – The Four of Swords’ lessons are around the 3Rs: retreat, rest, reassess. The Four of Swords is a mini Hangman card, reminding us that rest is something we all need to in order to have a healthy life and outlook. So go ahead take that cat nap or take a walk around the block, you only need a little getaway to gain the Four of Sword’s benefits .

Taurus – Ace of Swords – Hmmm, still no rest for you this week. Last week you had The Chariot spurring you on and now the Ace of Swords is asking you to keep that momentum up, at least with your thoughts. This week the challenge is to keep your mind and communications sharp. So you will need to think before you speak or act this week. If you are not sure about committing to something or need to buy some time just say: “I’ll get back to you on that.”
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Tarotcast week of July 17, 2016

crab monkey Ashmolean Museum

Above is a picture of a netsuke from 19th century Japan. This is one of my favorite art forms because it is usefulness and art coming together. Also, I am always amazed when art is done on a small scale.

Netsuke are miniature sculptures that served as a toggle to hold containers (sagemono) from kimono’s sashes(obi). They are carved from a wide variety of materials, from mammoth ivory to walnuts. They take on a variety of forms. The most common is katabori which are round and usually one to three inches high. The most complex are ryusa which is carved like lace and karakuri, which have moving parts or hidden surprises.   During the Edo period in Japan, everyday citizens had limited avenues of self expression due to custom and law, so the netsuke was one subtle way to show your individualism. I think the keychain is the netsuke of today.

P.S. I’ve added some pictures of netsuke that you all may like. Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you.

89189f43166a83fd05911eac524bf794Aries – Ten of Swords and Queen of Swords – This week will be loaded with chaos and disruptions from social situations. The Ten of Swords challenges you to listen to your spidey senses. The Queen of Swords is here to say that if you strategize and prioritize before starting each day, you will be able to focus and dodge the debris of this hurricane of a week.

snail*Taurus – The Chariot – Last week did you make it through the roller coaster of emotions and find those feelings that have clues to what you need and what you don’t want in your life? You will need to use that emotional insight this week to keep the balance and momentum of The Chariot. As much as you all might want a rest from last week, The Chariot challenges you to keep going. The Chariot guarantees that things will move more smoothly in the future if you deal with stuff now instead of postponing it.
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Tarotcast week of July 10, 2016

Changes_one-album coverbowie_david_changestw_101b

 

 

 

I miss albums. I’m not an audiophile. I miss the art work. And having the lyrics printed out, so I could sing along. These two albums have hung on my wall for the past 17 years.  I think modern albums covers come in four categories: the portrait, the photograph, minimal design, and then painted or illustrated art. Personally, I love a good portrait.

Albums originally just had plain sleeves on them. Then in 1938, Columbia Records hired Alex Steinweiss as its first art director. He is credited with inventing the concept of album covers and cover art, replacing the plain covers used before. Two years later all the major recording companies had their own colorful covers. I have attached some album cover art and music that may or may not align with your reading.

P.S. Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you.

album_The-Dixie-Cups-Riding-HighAries – Five of Cups – This week the Five of Cups challenges you not to cry over spilt milk. So, this can be literal as in spilled liquids or the metaphorical milk. Either way finds the positive aspects this week, carry those into your future and walk away from the rest.  Dixie Cups

Dark_Side_of_the_Moon*Taurus – The Moon – Last week did you accept the challenge to get into your Zen spot (grounded and non-judgmental) and let the chaos glide over you or interact with it playfully? I hope so because you will need that grounding this week with The Moon card. The Moon astrologically (and therefore your emotions) this week start out balanced. By mid -week the chaos begins and by the end of the week you might feel like you need to run away and find some space. So that grounding exercise from last week will be very useful in getting through the roller coaster of emotions this week. The challenge with The Moon is that you need to feel those emotions.  Those feelings have clues to what you need and what you don’t want in your life. Pink Floyd
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Tarotcast for week of July 3, 2016

cancer crab

Happy Birthday month, Cancers! The New Moon tomorrow is in Cancer, and one thing it represents is reminiscing about the past. I have had this poster on my wall since I was 11 or 12 and never knew who the painter was until now.  Johfra Bosschart was the painter (15 December 1919 – 6 November 1998). Johfra described his work as “Surrealism based on studies of psychology, religion, the Bible, astrology, antiquity, magic, witchcraft, mythology, and occultism.”

As I reflect 40 years later, I see how this poster was one of the representations of my love for mythology, astrology, and religion, and how that love has molded parts of my life. I find it amazing that as children, before we have experienced a lot of life, we are already drawn to strong threads of our fate/lives/genes. So for this week I ask you – what art/music/ideas/things represented you the most as child? Does it still resonate in your life?

P.S. Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you. And for fun I have attached the other paintings of Johfra’s to your sign.

Aries – Ace of Wands – So the worries of last week are subsiding and you are seeing a bit of light this week. Be open to new ideas and creative urges. It makes sense because Mars (your ruling planet) is on the move forward again. This means anything that has been stalled the past month will begin moving again.  Take advantage of this surge in energy. Aries

*Taurus – Judgement and Five of Wands – This week you all got two cards. The Judgement card is all about seeing the gray areas of your life and accepting them as complex and uncertain. This is not a place that you all like. You like things simple and black and white, even though you are wise enough to know that things are rarely that. And then you have the Five of Wands which means low level chaos to add to the Judgement card. So this week your challenge is to really get into your Zen spot (grounded and non-judgmental) and let the chaos glide over you. If you need to interact with the chaos be playful and try not to take it too seriously. Taurus
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