American Renaissance Tarot Book and Deck Review

 This 2021 deck was created by Thea Wirsching and illustrated by Celeste Pille. This deck has been years in the making. It includes the traditional 78 card tarot deck and a 6” X 9“- 240 page book. This is a quirky deck that most people will not be able to read immediately as it deviates from the most well-known tarot traditions of the Rider-Smith-Waite, the Marseilles, and the Thoth. The Major Arcana are numbered, with Justice being card VIII and Strength is XI. What is usually the High Priestess is the Priestess, and the Hierophant is the Pope. Two of the four court cards are renamed: Pages are Pioneers and Knights are Missionaries.

Walt Whitman as "The World"

The deck is centered in 19^th century America, the United States, and includes major literary figures and their works in addition to some aspects of American history. This handsome set, housed in a permanent storage box that looks like a 19^th century book, is of interest to anyone with a love for Americana, American Literature, or the tarot. Did your favorite American of the 19^th century make the cut? Are your favorites of 19^th century American literature included?

The Scarlet Letter's Hester Prynne, a symbol of love (or society) gone wrong.

I’m going to give you some hints. Each of the Major Arcana is a different figure of this period or a work of literature. The World is Walt Whitman. Each of the four suits represents a literary stream. The King of Swords is Edgar Allen Poe and the 10 pip cards are ten of his famous works. The King of Wands is Herman Melville and the pips are events from Moby-Dick and others of his works.

Ishmael, the only survivor of the Moby-Dick adventure.

Another feature of this set that make it well worth your library are the six unique spreads offered, the “word cloud” of meanings for each of the 78 cards, and writer’s appendix of literary correspondences. The latter is exclusive in my years of studying and using tarot. A couple of examples from the literary correspondences: The Fool is Fantasy; The Moon is subjective mood; The Ace of Cups is Children’s Literature; and the Six of Swords is Science Fiction.

I recommend this tarot set.

Lalia Wilson

Book Review: Inner Practices for the Twelve Nights of Yuletide by Anne Stallkamp and Werner Hartung.

 This reviewer received an ARC from the publisher.

Each year we are faced with choices at the holiday season. Seemingly we have to choose the happy and merry--party ‘til you drop--overspend on gifts version of Christmas, or to be a holiday grouch. This book calls us to a spiritual opportunity for Yule/Christmas.

The Capricorn (Winter in the Northern Hemisphere) Solstice commences the time between the Solar Year and the Lunar Year (The Lunar year is several days less than the 365.25 day Solar year as the 12 succeeding New or Full Moons occur in less time.) This interstitial time is the twelve days of Christmas you’ve heard about in the Christmas Carol.. The “Time Between the Years” might be considered a fifth season. They are days of reflection and days of prophecies for the coming year. The Year’s Great Pause begins at the Solstice on December 21 or 22. This book contains rituals and tasks for each of the 12 nights that allow us to heal old issues and more forward into a better year. This whole reflection can be in addition to a more commercial Christmas season, or instead of it. At end, the final night is a renewal that reintegrates with “normal life” on January 1 or 2.

If you are searching for the sacred during the holiday season, this book is for you!

Lalia Wilson

A Review of Empath Activation Cards by Stephanie Redfeather

 

 The Empath Activation Cards are a 44-card full color deck of large cards, and accompanying book, created by the Rev. Stephanie Redfeather, Ph.D. The design of each card was painted by Ms. Redfeather. Redfeather’s area of specialization is Shamanic Studies. She is the author of The Evolutionary Empath, with which this deck is consistent. I received a copy of this deck and book from the publisher.

The author defines empaths with these five qualities. The ability to merge with and absorb the energy of other beings. Having a highly sensitive nervous system. The ability to sense the energy stored in the auras of all living things. A strong need for harmony in relationships and in living arrangements. Finally, a strong desire to serve others.

This beautiful deck has three purposes: to remind you of your true nature, to connect you with your true mission, and to raise your spiritual frequency. These cards can be used as a self-guided initiation into higher consciousness by following the directions in the accompanying 5.25 by 7.5 inch, 209 page B&W book.

You can use these cards individually as a focus for meditation. You can use them much as you would use tarot cards, using tarot spreads. You can use then in one of the several spreads offered by Redfeather in the book, especially a ten-card spread designed to personalize your spiritual growth. You can use them starting with the first card, to raise your own frequency by spending up to a month or more with each card.

Perhaps of most interest is that this deck can be used with groups of spiritually-minded people. They can meet weekly and work through the 44-card deck in about a year.

You will know if this deck is for you. Look at the images.

Lalia Wilson

Review of Greek Mythology Reading Cards

 This is a wonderful deck to familiarize yourself with the Greek Pantheon. For someone new to mythology reading through this book and the accompanying cards is a good grounding in the Greek Deities of antiquity.

The instructions for using this deck as an oracle deck are limited and presume that you are familiar with other oracle decks or tarot for the methodology.

The artwork is digitally altered versions of classical paintings. Some will find this reprehensible. For me it is just too busy, especially the cards that show groups of people. One minor thing that would help future editions is to add a page or two relating the Greek Gods to the Roman Gods--usually just a name change--and then to astrology.

How Astrologers Think About Relocation

 

Astrologers think about changing residences or changing locations in this process.

I was recently asked to find “a time” for someone to move to another location over a thousand miles away. The person who approached me was a referral and likely did not know much about astrology. I was also inelegant in how I responded, so here I’m clarifying my thoughts.

First, what I told her was that yes, I could find a “time for her to move.” I said that this would be the time for starting her journey from her current location, BUT that this chart would only pertain to the trip itself. So, you could choose a perfect time to begin the journey, but that chart only applies to the trip, not your experience after you arrive. (I also said how much I would charge, and she hasn’t responded.)

So what can I say as an astrologer about relocations?

My first question would be what is your reason to relocate? Depending on the answer I would examine their natal chart, which recall, requires the (exact) time, date and place of birth. I would be looking for which planet or planets are aligned with why the person wants to relocate, because I would be emphasizing them in the next two techniques.

Then I would ask: How open are you to a variety of locations—world-wide, just in Europe, just in the USA, just in your state, just in your city?

If the person just wanted to relocate within their city or a small geographic area, the technique of choice is called a “Local Space Map.” This requires an accurate chart or it will not yield useful information.

Here's Joe Biden's Local Space Map set for the USA:

If the person wants to consider a wider area, then the technique is Astro-Carto-Graphy. This also requires an accurate time of birth yielding a correct birthchart.

Joe Biden's Astro-Carto-Graphy Chart for the USA.

That is the first consideration.

Next, I would be interested in two things: selecting a good time to sign the person’s lease, or buying a home, and a good time for signing their new employment contract. Those specifically address the person’s experience in that house, apartment, or job. Usually those two items, the residence and the job are major factors in how this new location will affect the person.

For Joe Biden, this would be the chart of the presidential inauguration:

Biden actually took the oath of office about 12 minutes earlier, but he officially became president at noon.

The last consideration is regarding the best time to begin driving to the new location or to the airport.

Lalia

 

 

Tarot Scopes March 2021 by Lalia Wilson

 Welcome March! Spring begins this month in the northern hemisphere, autumn in the southern hemisphere.

This month we are using four different tarot decks, with two being decks new to me and two fairly recent decks. I choose various decks to illustrate each month’s drawings so as to show the versatility and variety of tarot, to emphasize a particular season or sign, and because some are my favorites.

For the Fire signs we have the Nature Spirits Tarot, 2^nd edition (2021) created by Jean Marie Herzel and published by Bear and Company. For the Earth signs we have the Ostara Tarot (2017) created by Molly Applejohn, Eden Cooke, Krista Gibbard, and Julia Iredale, and published by Red Feather, Inc. For the Air signs we have the Encore Tarot (2019) created by Ciro Marchetti and available at ciromarchetti.com.  For the water signs we have the Light Seers Tarot (2019) created by Chris-Anne and published by Hay House.

We have five repeated cards this month The Page of Wands, The Emperor, The Lovers, The Wheel (of Fortune),  and The Hanged Man. Of the twelve minor arcana cards drawn eight were Wands! Wands are frequently associated with spring, which commences in the northern hemisphere this month. Wands are inspiration, the fire of action, the nucleus of creativity, that which prompts us to leave our winter inertia behind. The repeated Emperors connect with the first fire sign of the zodiac, Aries, the sign that also commences this month. The Emperor is the master of the physical world and its political systems, he is self-disciplined and unemotional. The Lovers are not so much a card of romance as a card of contracts and accepting social responsibility for relationships, so we will be stepping up this month. As a card indicating contracts, The Lovers also has to do with international agreements. The Wheel always changes, when some individuals are “on top of the world” others are at the bottom. The Wheel tells us that things always are changing. If they are bad, they will improve. If we are at the top of our game we need to have a plan for when life is not as kind to us. Finally, the Hanged Man says that some of us need to wait and reflect, to gain a higher perspective before it is time to take action. The Pages of Wands announce that better times are coming.

Aries: The Wheel and the Three of Wands:

            Dear Aries, your friends will be a big positive in your life this month. You are full of energy and raring to get busy. Both cards are favorable for new ventures, especially business ventures. Things are moving forward for you, Aries, take action.

Taurus: The Emperor and the Two of Wands:

            Dear Taurus, actions behind the scenes are ongoing. Either someone with a low profile, perhaps unknown to you, is interfering in your business, or you are working on things in your dream state. Either way don’t expect a fast start this month. Even so, you are eager to start things in motion. It will start slowly.

Gemini: The Lovers and the Six of Cups:

            Dear Gemini, it looks like a busy month with your public work. You shine in public and are feeling energized. Old friends and old times are highlighted.

Cancer: The Emperor and the Nine of Pentacles:

            Dear Cancer, this is a big month for your career and public reputation. With care you can get a big promotion or award. It looks like your money will be good, too. Even so, the Nine of Pentacles implies some loneliness, whether being alone by choice or for other reasons.

Leo: The Empress and the Page of Wands:

            Dear Leo, Faraway places are calling to you. Products, and importing/exporting medical or caregiving items is on your mind. Your sex life is strong, romantic, and dreamy. Your creativity is also working overtime. Good news and inspiration is all around you.

Virgo: The Lovers and the Seven of Wands:

            Dear Virgo, this is not the month to take on all challengers. The advantages are all with your opponents. Defend what’s yours. Adhere to any contracts. Don’t make waves as this is a time that you will create unnecessary problems for yourself.

Libra: The Hanging Man and the Ace of Wands:

            Dear Libra, it’s time for others to take the initiative. Your energy level is erratic this month and your health may need looking after. Hang loose. See the big picture. Conserve your energy.

Scorpio: The Wheel and the Five of Cups:

            Dear Scorpio, things look good at home and with your creativity. You want to jump into life with both feet and if you do so, will over expend your energy and maybe your money. It’s exciting that your energy is rising and that you can now circulate more. But be cautious.

Sagittarius: Death and the Ten of Wands:

            Dear Sagittarius, have you been having ominous dreams of great burdens and death? You are normally content and serene, but you seem troubled by unseen forces. Heed any warnings from your intuition and dreamlife. The opening up that everyone else seems to be viewing is not what you are seeing.

Capricorn: The Hanged Man and the Five of Cups:

            Dear Capricorn, there is a problem in your neighborhood, possibly flooding. Whether it is a physical problem or an emotional one, people around you are very sad. Your job is to keep your equilibrium and console those around you. If the heartbreak is yours, a time-out for relationships is indicated until you see the big picture.

Aquarius: The Tower and the Page of Wands:

            Dear Aquarius, you are naturally drawn to times of chaos and cultural mixing. Right now, some amount of that is prompting you artistically, allowing you to process the experience and ultimately gain from it. Are you able to take the high road and make lemonade from your lemons? The Page of Wands is bringing news of good times ahead.

Pisces: The High Priestess and the Four of Wands:

            Dear Pisces, you have attention on yourself and upcoming celebrations. Your intuition and inner guidance is accurate. Listen to your inner voice. Joyful occasions are coming!

             

You can use these Tarot Scopes to read your Sun sign, Moon sign or Rising Sign (also called your Ascendant). You can determine these by using free or low cost apps, or internet sites, and inputting your time, date and place of birth. The Rising sign indicates your entire life; the Sun sign is about your ego and creative forces, and the Moon sign is about your reigning needs, emotions, and flexibility.

            The tarot cards used as illustrations for this column are ones that I admire and want to share with you. Note that decks have subtle differences of meaning as they are reinterpreted by a new creator/artist, and, of course, the tarot reader. Enjoy that flexibility of meaning and the artwork of these various decks. Reading articles with illustrations like these will help you determine the tarot decks that most fit you. If you get bored seeing my favorites, I’m open to suggestions and gifts.

The Summer Solstice 2018: the chart for the season!

Astrologers interpret world conditions from the solstice or equinox chart that precedes them. Thus Summer 2018 , in the northern hemisphere, is indicated in the chart for June June 21^st at 6:07 AM EDT for the capital of your country. Thus Washington DC for many of us. (If you come from a smaller country, you may want to cast the chart for the nearest large country that influences life in your country.)

The chart for Washington DC has one tight aspect that will appear in charts cast for any world location. Another important aspect only exists in certain world locations. In Washington DC a stationary direct Neptune sits on the Midheaven! This is a big deal. About once in every 250 years will you get a stationary Neptune on any angle of the horoscope on the solstice in a given location. Even this solstice only has the Neptune-Midheaven conjunction over just a few degrees of longitude. This is a rare event.

Planets that are stationary are extremely powerful, the same can be said for planets conjunct an angle of the chart. Finally, of all the angles, the Midheaven, which this is, is the most important for public affairs.

Before we look at what Neptune and the Venus-Mars opposition mean, let’s talk about where they are operative. The Venus-Mars opposition is in effect all over the globe. However it will hit different houses in the solstice charts set for different locations. It will also hit different houses of people’s personal horoscopes. The stationary Neptune, though, will only be angular on four lines over the world map. These lines represent where that stationary Neptune is rising, where it is overhead, where it is setting, and where it is at the bottom of the chart. These areas are where Neptune’s influences will be strongest.

Neptune is overhead on the US East coast, especially in New England, then the influence travels south on a specific longitude line, going through Dominica (thus influencing Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico), the Columbia-Venezuela border, western Brazil, the Peru-Bolivia border then passing down the axis of Argentina. Only three other lines on the earth’s surface are so strongly influenced by Neptune, and this is the only one for which the influence is on public life.

Neptune is the planet of make-believe, illusion, filmmaking, deception, self-deception, smoke and mirrors, financial crimes, oil and pharmaceuticals, the oceans and fish, cosmetics, and glamour. Neptune is the Gaslighting planet. Neptune intentionally or unintentionally deceives others. This is intentional when we pretend we are a princess in a fairy tale. We knew we were not the princess. But when we deceive ourselves or are deceived by others, Neptune is difficult. The remedy is Saturn, hard reality.

Neptune on the Midheaven for the seasonal chart suggests that things will be slow. Neptune is just “hanging” in the sky, at its most prominent point. Neptune’s tarot correspondence is the Hanging Man. It looks like summer will be a slow season in public life. Do not expect much action by the US congress, supreme court, or executive branch. Though the United States is in an off-year election, this summer will be pretty quiet. Don’t worry, everything will return to business after Labor Day.

In people’s love lives, though, Venus-Mars is a lot of action: sex and drama. Venus, the planet of charm and sexual attraction, is in Leo opposing Mars, the planet of sexual and athletic drive,  in Aquarius. Neither planet is in a very favorable or very unfavorable sign, thus neither holds an advantage. Venus in Leo is prideful, passionate, and pampered. Mars in Aquarius is rational, quick to utilize social media, wordy, and group-oriented. Anyone with planets or points at 5-11 degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) is ripe for some Venus-Mars drama this summer. Since Leo and Aquarius are both yang and masculine signs, they are extroverted. This configuration makes for a summer of romantic hijinks. Expect to see your favorite Hollywood actors in the gossip pages more than usual… and expect local community shenanigans as well.

This will be a summer to remember!

Lalia Wilson

To see my 2018 astrology guide click here: