Weekly Tarot Forecast: 17 December 2017

Welcome to your weekly Tarot forecast! The days are so short now; being in a basin among the hills and mountains creates a very short arc for the sun, and every day begins with fog. The day’s conversation is usually about whether the sun will have a chance to break through before it sets. Good hot tea weather, though. 🙂

I’m using the Bonefire Tarot for the first time this week. What’s fascinating to me about this deck is that I never would have chosen it myself, but it was a gift from a raffle held at the TABI conference this past summer. Like the Mary-el Tarot, I found the imagery initially to be too much and not really relate-able. I’m not into tattoo art as such, and the images seemed extremely busy. But also like the Mary-el, the companion book gave me the perspective I needed to understand and appreciate the deck’s take on Tarot symbolism. Gabi Angus-West allowed me to see the deck through her eyes.

The upshot of this deck is that it is in your face, and visceral, and deals in a grounded way with both the mythology and the real-life issues that the Tarot explores.

Since there is no specific question or area of concern for these readings, my interpretation will be very general in nature, based on my sense of what the Tarot itself is addressing and the general energy potentials for the week.

Let’s do a chronological look first, and then we’ll use some mirrored pairs to round out the message.

The Timeline View

We begin this week with practical stuff (Knight and Ten of Coins). Connected to the Earth, and yet also on the move and in respect for that which has gone before and will grow again. At the start of this week, take your time to savor both family and nature. Tap in to your Knight of Coins energy and move with deliberation, keeping a strong hand on your resources (the coin), and remembering the fable of the tortoise and the hare. Know that you have the backing of family in multiple generations (like the varying stages of growth in the poppies in the second card). Everything will end all right, and then will start again.

By midweek, your persistence and meticulousness, along with your respect for the cycles of life will provide a chance to take a break with the Four of Swords. As Gabi describes her, this knight has taken a rest from battle to soothe her weary bones. Things are still in flux; she’s left a shoe on in her haste to warm up and relax in the water. This break won’t last long, and she’s determined to take best advantage. I love the warmth of this card; Gabi’s not into the staid, cold, knight lying on a slab. Note that every card has the bone-fire symbol on it; the deck is never really cold or still. Breathe on Wednesday and remember your resources from the beginning of the week.

Moving toward the end of the week, something big you’ve been working on reaches a finishing point. Gabi’s original Fool now sits contentedly in her moment of victory, with all the elements in her corners; everything is right with the world. But remember that all victories are temporary; the Seven of Swords serves a warning here. Don’t rest on your laurels; there could be complications arising, and you’ll need a clear head to analyze other people’s motives, or you may even need to compromise your values in some way to make something happen. As with all sevens, it’s going to be complicated and subtle.

The Mirrored Tarot Pairs

The focal point for this view of your cards is a moment of rest between challenges (Four of Swords). Remembering that you can take a respite in order to recharge will help keep your sanity this week. I suggest finding a space to rest however that works for you at some point this week.

Now let’s pair the outer cards up to see how they might inform your situation. I see the Knight of Coins and his energy as the tool you will need to face the two-headed deceiver in the Seven of Swords. Take your time to dot all i’s and cross all t’s and you will be able to finish the week with a tortoise victory lap. Set your boundaries and ask detailed questions.

The inner pair makes for a great partnership of power and understanding to fortify you for any challenges you face (and perhaps give you the space for the Four of Swords break). Appreciation of the cycle of life and the continuity of same (Ten of Coins) will allow you to take everything with some confidence that all will be well in the end (The World).

A challenging week, I think, but you should have the resources to pace yourself through it and keep the wolves at bay.

Cosmic Whispers of the Week

Over at the TABI blog, Mick Frankel has done a nice review of Bringing the Tarot to Life, by theatrical director and acting teacher, Scott Martin. He uses theatrical exercises to pull the Tarot symbolism out of the cards and into the emotive life of humans. Especially if you are into theater, this book should be a valuable way to understand the cards. Check it out here.

Lisa Eddy has a great spread for contemplating the Sagittarius New Moon tonight (Dec. 17). Lots of long-term changes in the energy of the planets as they seem to move across our skies, largely because large-scale Saturn is shifting, and he stays in one place a long time before moving. Also, new moons are always good times to check in with yourself and your goals and take a new direction. Check out the implications of this new moon here.