Stars and Cards: Gemini

The Lovers and the Magician from the Tarot of Marseille deck, published by Lo Scarabeo.

The Lovers and the Magician from the Tarot of Marseille deck, published by Lo Scarabeo.

The sun begins its month-long journey through Gemini, the sign of the zodiac associated with the Lovers trump of the tarot, on May 21. The sign Gemini belongs to the element air and is ruled by the planet Mercury (the Greek messenger of the gods), which is linked to the Magician trump of the tarot. The tarot’s air suit of swords illustrates typical scenes of daily life related to intellect, communication, logic, strife, conflict, choice, decision-making and the overcoming of adversity.

As an air sign, Gemini is concerned with all aspects of the mind. This zodiac sign is ruled by Mercury, which is a planet that represents communication, writing and teaching others. They get fascinated by almost everything in the world and they have a feeling as if there is not enough time to experience everything they want to see. This makes them excellent artists, writers and journalists. Gemini sign means that sometimes people born under this sign have a feeling that their other half is missing, so they are forever seeking for new friends, mentors and colleagues.

During the time of the sign Gemini, we have an excellent opportunity to meditate on the tarot’s Lovers and Magician cards, as well as the suit of swords of the minor arcana. Ponder the myths of Castor and Pollux, and of Helen of Troy — all figures associated with the constellation Gemini. Do you show your loved one how much you really care? What are the important decisions you are facing in your life and what are the potential consequences? Where must you turn away from the things of childhood and assume your position as an adult member of society? How can you use your talents to work magic in your own life and in the lives of those around you?

Stars and Cards: Taurus

"The Golden Tarot of the Tsar" (by A.A.. Atanassov and available thru Lo Scarabeo) depicts the Mother of God as the Empress, St. Parasceva as the High Priestess, and an anonymous woman martyr as the Queen of Pentacles.

“The Golden Tarot of the Tsar” (by A.A.. Atanassov and available thru Lo Scarabeo) depicts the Mother of God as the Empress, St. Parasceva as the High Priestess, and an anonymous woman martyr as the Queen of Pentacles.

Taurus people love everything that is good and beautiful, and they are often surrounded by material pleasures. People born under Taurus (April 20 – May 20) are very sensual and tactile. Touch is extremely important for them, both in business and in romance. Stable and conservative, Taurus is among the most reliable signs of the zodiac. Stubbornness is a trait that forces them to stick with projects to the end, in order to comply with the standards. As an earth sign (associated with the tarot suit of Pentacles), Taurus can be overprotective of their loved ones. They are great in making money and they will stick to their projects until it is successfully completed.

Bulls are often known for their stubbornness, but this can also be interpreted as a complete commitment to the execution of tasks. This makes Taurus people excellent workers and great friends, because they are always there, no matter what.

Their ruling planet Venus (associated with the tarot Empress), represents love, attraction, beauty and creativity. Thus, Taurus can be an excellent cook, entertainer, artist. They are loyal and don’t like sudden and unwanted changes. The moon, associated with the High Priestess card, is considered more important than usual in an astrological chart when it is found in the sign of Taurus.

These cards, together with the Bull, ask us several questions. Do you need spiritual guidance from a wise counselor? Are you being as fruitful as you can with the gifts nature has given you? Have you been paying enough attention to your inner life or just focusing on the outer life? Where are you in the cycle of planting your seeds, cultivating your garden and reaping what you have sown? In what part of your life do you need to “die” in order to be reborn?

Stars and Cards: Aries

The Tower and Seven of Wands cards from the "Tarot of Durer" by Lo Scarabeo.

The Tower and Seven of Wands cards from the “Tarot of Durer” by Lo Scarabeo.

As the first sign in the zodiac, Aries (March 21 – April 19) almost always marks the beginning of something energetic and turbulent. Aries people are continuously looking for dynamic, speed, and competition. They are always first in everything – from work to social gatherings. Thanks to its ruling planet Mars (associated with the Tower in the tarot deck), Aries is one of the most active zodiac signs. People born under the Aries sign, are meant to emphasize the search for answers to personal and metaphysical questions.

Aries is a fire sign. This means that it is in their nature to take action, sometimes before they think about it well. Their fiery ruler affects their excellent organizational skills, so you’ll rarely meet an Aries who doesn’t like to finish more things at once, often even before the lunch break! The challenges are increased when they are impatient, aggressive and vent anger on others.

The tarot Tower card portends sudden, unexpected change (often perceived as disaster but that interpretation of events is up to the one experiencing the sudden, unexpected change). Aries is also associated with the suit of Wands which is related to enterprise, ambition, enthusiasm, challenge and competition.

With these cards in mind, consider your spiritual journey and where you might need courage, change, or renewal in your life. Have you used your enterprise and daring to become a mature ruler of your own life? Have you acted in too arrogant a manner and called down the wrath of the gods upon yourself? What aspects of your life require “spring cleaning” at this time?