February 2020 – Texas Tarot Lady Blog

Mercury Retrograde – Let’s take a look at The Magician (reversed)

The Magician corresponds to the planet Mercury in the tarot

We are in Mercury retrograde season (February 17-March 10, 2020). I’m sure you are seeing a lot of posts about this event which happens three times per year. Basically, it is when the planet Mercury, appears to move backwards in relation to the Zodiac. This is an optical illusion of course, which is why this phenomenon is referred to as “apparent retrograde movement”.

Mercury is the planet of all forms of communication (both honest and dishonest), logic, reasoning, messages, quick thinking, ideas, opinions, perceptions, the mind, focus, and short distance travel.

The tarot card which represents Mercury is The Magician. Since Mercury is in retrograde, let’s take a look at this card in it’s reversed position. This will give us some insights regarding the general baseline energies that we should pay attention to when Mercury goes retrograde.

Now there are many other factors to consider when assessing the particulars of each Mercury retrograde cycle, such as what sign and house Mercury is in at the time of the retrograde, the other planetary alignments, individual natal chart planetary placements, etc. If you are thinking of making a big decision during a Mercury retrograde, plug in the date to an astrological chart and compare it’s alignments to those of your personal transitory chart. This may clue you in on some potential pitfalls so you can take the necessary steps to avoid them. There are many sites online where you can obtain free astrological charts, or you may want to contact a professional astrologer.

As we move on, take a moment to study the upright image on this card.

This card is the conscious “masculine” aspect of the mind. The Magician is the “architect” that channels (aka communicates) with the universal energies of the divine and combines them with his will to create. He has all the elements he needs in front of him to manifest his desires. On the table, we see a pentacle (earth), a wand (fire), a chalice (water), and the sword (air). The Magician himself is the channel for “spirit” which is the catalyst that ties all the elements together to create life. He is balanced mentally and physically as he is shown with one hand holding a wand up to the divine for inspiration, and the other pointed down, grounded to the earth. When I look at this card, the first three absolute Universal Laws comes to mind: The Law of Mentalism, the Law of Correspondence, and The Law of Vibration.

A few key words associated with The Magician are potential, focus, manifestation, magick, the conscious “masculine” side of our minds, willpower, the phrase “you have all the tools you need to make it happen”, divine timing, confidence, balance, alchemy, competent, transformation, purpose.

Remember, when I said that Mercury in retrograde was an optical illusion? When we reverse The Magician, the positive aspects of this card are reversed as well. The Magician is no longer a conscious creator, he is an illusionist. His positive attributes are skewed. He uses slight of hand to distract his audience. He entertains us with one hand, while deceiving us with the other.

Since he is no longer using his powers to create, the tools in this position are falling off the table. And look at The Magician’s hands. Still pointing, but now the dominant hand with the wand is no longer channeling the divine, but is pointing down at the earth. Also note that the lemniscate is now reversed as well. This symbol, which corresponds to infinite creation and potential, as well as spiritual and material balance, is no longer the energy between the divine realm and The Magician. It is now the energy between the earth realm and The Magician.

This indicates that instead of receiving his guidance and inspiration from the divine, he receives it from the material, earth plane. And I think we all know what happens when people misuse their power for material gain.

Reversed, this card also indicates that the diving timing is “off”, and communications will have a tendency to be misconstrued. This is exactly what many experience during Mercury retrogrades. Some may experience technical issues with their computers and phones during this time as well.

There is also a potential for “slight of hand” tactics. In the form of communication, some examples of this are fine print in contracts, fast talking sales pitches and misleading advertising. The timing is off for interpersonal communications as well. I am seeing a lot of people right now that are not “getting” each other when communicating. A sideways look, or a misread word results in an immediate disagreement.

Not everyone is energetically affected by the movements and aspects of the planets on a conscious level. But for those who are, Mercury retrograde is a message that now is not the time for moving forward with a major decision or project.

This is a time for rest. Take care of yourself. Focus on calming the mind and body. And as The Magicians tools at this time are in disarray, this is a good reminder to clean up your surroundings. Get a jump on spring cleaning! It is a fact that a clear physical space, clears the mind as well.

Mercury retrograde also reminds us that this is a good time to take stock of your finances. Examine future purchases carefully. For example, at this time, many people are just now recovering from the holiday season. If you have some extra cash, it may be a good idea to put it in your savings instead of splurging on unnecessary material goods. Putting money in your savings is not flashy and fun, but you’ll be glad it’s there later on should an unexpected expense come up. And during a Mercury retrograde, this could happen!

Mercury in retrograde is an introspective energy. Take the time to consider all your options and to research thoroughly before committing to something. Making quick decisions during Mercury retrograde is not conducive to a successful outcome. Don’t fall for those “buy it today” deals. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The Magician’s slight of hand can make your money disappear quickly if you are not careful.

As for personal relationships, Mercury in retrograde can bring up issues from the past that need to be addressed or healed. You may see challenges arise that will test to see if you have truly absorbed the life lessons from the original situation. Emotions may be raw because of this. Mercury in retrograde gives us the gift of time, to regress for a little while, to give us time to once and for all, put the baggage behind us so we can move forward.

As I touched on before, choose your words carefully when you speak or write. Communications during a Mercury retrograde can be misinterpreted easily. This can trigger people emotionally as it brings up unhealed wounds they may have. Keep your communications short and to the point. Be positive as much as you can. Keep that ego in check! You may find that it’s not worth it to argue with someone to prove your point. Especially online where the shadow side of people likes to make it’s appearance behind the anonymity of the keyboard. People with mental illnesses can be especially triggered during this time. Best just to hide/block the comment instead of reacting. You’ll be glad you did!

Mercury moves out of retrograde on March 11th which is right before the spring equinox! This will bring an influx of renewed energies and perspectives just in time, to merge with the spring season. It will be like taking a breathe of crisp, clean, fresh air!

Personally, I think Mercury retrogrades are a reminder to take a pause to regroup ourselves. Everything that we need to be mindful of during a retrograde are things that we should always be aware of. Mercury retrograde is just a signal for us to pay closer attention to how we treat ourselves and others.

Happy Valentines Day from The Empress

The Empress tarot card – corresponds to Venus in the major arcana

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday which is the day of Venus. The planet which represents The Goddess. The energies of love, art, money, beauty, sensuality, fertility, abundance, nature, gaia, passion, home, creativity, birth, femininity and balance.

The card that represents Venus in the tarot is The Empress. If one takes a moment to study this card, one can see all of the qualities I listed above are embodied within it’s image.

The message of The Empress today is one of turning our focus to our relationships. Look at your partner with the eyes of love. What is it about them that you fell in love with? What do you appreciate about them? What qualities do they have that you admire? Our relationships are often a mirror image reflection of ourselves.

Take a few moments and write down everything that you admire and love about your partner. Reflect on this list. You may find what you admire about them are the very qualities you would like yourself to have. Or are attributes of your personality that need some nurturing. When one looks at their close relationships in this way, it gives us a chance to look at ourselves and grow. It also gives us a chance to look at our partner with a renewed sense of love and appreciation.

If you are not in a relationship at the moment, do this exercise about yourself. Go outside yourself and make this list from the perspective of you looking at you. Keep it positive! What aspects about yourself do you love and admire? What situations have you been through in which you handled yourself in a way that you were proud of? How did you grow from that experience? What qualities do you have that would make someone appreciate having you in their life? Don’t hold back! Look at yourself with the eyes of The Goddess of Love! If you work with the tarot, it may help you to pull The Empress card as well as a few other cards whose images resonate with your list. It is often difficult for us to reflect upon ourselves. Pulling these cards will give you a few physical images to meditate on.

Venus and The Empress are not just about the love for other people. Their energies are also a message about self-love. Are you taking care of yourself? As the goddess that rules over art and creativity, a question to reflect upon for yourself is, are you taking the time to pursue hobbies and/or interests that inspire YOU? When we live a life that inspires us, we inspire others. In the context of relationships, this love of self, is the “spark” that draws other people to us! Love for ourselves, raises our “energy vibration” and in turn our perception of our surroundings and other people. In short, when you love yourself, you draw loving energies to you. Including people that will love and appreciate you.

I know some people may dispute this, but it is true. If you are a loving person, but are drawing not so great people and situations to you, this is a message to reflect on yourself. There is an aspect of yourself that needs healing. This is what is called the “great work”. It is not going outside ourselves to find the answers, but it is doing the work that is within, that when healed and understood, allows us to emerge with a renewed sense (aka “rebirth:) of self. Once you do this work, you can’t help but to see yourself with the eyes of love. You fall in love with yourself! You do not need to be completed by someone else. You are complete within yourself. And when you are complete within yourself, you can truly devote yourself to another with the pure love of The Empress.

“Don’t fall in love with a person—fall in love with who you are when you’re with them.” ~Connor Chalfant

Leo Full Moon tarot spread message: Do it!

2/9/20 Full Moon in Leo. Bring out those hidden talents!

February 9, 2020, the full moon is in Leo. With the sun in Aquarius opposite the moon in Leo, this makes for an interesting combination. The card associated with the astrological sign of Leo in the tarot is number eight, Strength. The additional tarot card associated with this moon is the seven of wands. I pulled the cards that come before and after both the Strength card and the Seven of Wands, as well as The Sun and The Moon cards.

So, here is our Leo Moon tarot spread:

The card of Strength (the card top and center) in the Major Arcana is one that symbolizes, inner strength, faith, emotional balance, and confidence in one’s quiet power. This card comes after The Chariot, which symbolizes getting oneself together, bringing the mind, body, and spirit into balance. Once the chariot driver has brought himself into balance, he can now use his focus and force of will, to direct the sphinxes. They all work together as one to move the chariot forward to achieve a common goal.

After Strength, we have The Hermit. This card’s image is one of going within, inner wisdom, retreating from the world to enable one to deeply contemplate. This card can also symbolize a wise mentor, but not one that is mainstream. I think of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda from Star Wars when I see this card.

Now we move on to the second row:

The Seven of Wands (the card bottom and center) is a card of standing up for oneself, defending one’s achievements and/or reputation, and standing alone in the face of adversity. It can also indicate taking the “high ground” in a situation.

The card before it is the six of wands. This card is one of achievements and/or talents being acknowledged by others, success that has been earned, self confidence in one’s abilities, a promotion, overcoming obstacles, and victory.

The Eight of Wands, after the Seven of Wands, is a message of potential travel, action, inspiration, moving forward, motivation, and inner drive.

The Moon in the tarot, in general is a card of intuition, going within, the subconscious, not knowing all the facts of a situation, mystery, things hidden, using one’s instincts to move forward on a path, but not knowing yet where it leads.

So with the Moon in Leo, this is a message of the time being right to step into your courage to bring one’s talents and abilities into the light. Have you been hiding an aspect of yourself or going along with others, blending in with the “herd”, because it feels “safe”? The Leo Moon is saying that perhaps it is a good time to begin to love and acknowledge that aspect of yourself so you can bring it out for the benefit of yourself and others.

Leo is an astrological fire sign. The aspects of this sign are openness, giving and receiving attention, joyfulness, playfulness, creativity, leadership, and imagination. Leo’s enjoy the limelight. Their courage gives them the confidence to show their talents and uniqueness to others. This is the energy of creators, artists and actors.

The sun in Aquarius is a bit high minded. A little bit cold, technical, more analytical. It’s attention is primarily directed to helping others through evolving the collective through innovation and technology, and less about the concerns of the aspirations of the individual. Now, this can actually be a good thing, if seen in the right perspective. As the sun in this sign, is busy with other “bigger things”. This translates to us as individuals, not being under the microscope of others. It can be a good time to showcase a creative project or aspect of yourself that you have kept hidden, as the current energies won’t overwhelm you with undue attention, especially from negative critics. You are more likely to attract those like-minded individuals who appreciate what you have to offer. The trolls will be too busy at this time with other things to take notice!

And when you do start to turn some more heads, you will already have been established in the spotlight. You will have received support from the others in “your tribe”. As such, your inner resolve will be strong. It will be easy to stand up in your own individuality and tell the critics to move along. Where before, this same criticism may have been intimidating to you, now I get the message of “you got this”. I see this as I look at the Strength card and the Seven of Wands below it.

This Leo fiery confidence and joy leads to the eight of wands! New opportunities, a zest for life, maybe even travel! As the Eight of Wands is underneath The Hermit, this could even be travel in the form of visiting other lands as a way to get away for a while, a type of a personal, introspective “quest”. Or it could be an indication of intense study of a subject that you are passionate about which will lead you down a new path in your life. As a Leo Moon, the destination of the journey is not known yet. But the eight of wands suggests this will be an opportunity for inspiration and adventure for sure!

This is a good time to showcase your talents or at least begin the process of bringing them out. Increase your social interactions with others that have the same interests as you, stand up to others, and set those boundaries! Follow your joy! Remember, the one living YOUR life is YOU! Do what inspires you. We all have talents and abilities that are meant to be brought out to enhance the quality of our life and the lives of others.

Your courage to put yourself out there, will inspire others to do the same! I believe we need more of this at this time. For when we show our “beauty” to the world, it makes the world a more beautiful place.

“Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade”`
~ Benjamin Franklin

Knight of Wands Reversed. A few messages for personal, relationships, work/career.

Knight of Wands reversed. Can indicate lack of inspiration in one’s life, a not so great relationship, and/or issues surrounding work/career.

Upright, this card indicates someone who is charismatic, a fiery lover, motivated, self-inspired and inspires others, a “go-getter”, and is someone who is moving forward with purpose. Putting their creative ideas into action. When it is reversed, well, not so much. Wands represent the fire element in the tarot, so it can indicate the influence of the more negative aspects of the signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius as well. Here are a few messages for this card when it is in the reversed position. Of course, this is by no means a complete channeling, as the messages of any single card will be influenced by it’s position, and in how it relates to the other cards when it is a part of a spread.

Personal message:

This card is an indication that you have lost your passion/fire in some area of your life. You may be feeling uninspired by your current circumstances. This card can come up in the reversed position for those who are ready to make a change in their life, go a different direction, or perhaps wish to travel to widen their perspective and experiences, or as a message that they need to. It can also indicate someone who is depressed or has lost their way. The fiery charging steed in the card has come to a stand still. It’s time to re-evaluate what is causing you to feel this way and make the appropriate changes. What is it that inspires you? What gets you out of bed in the morning? Think back in your life to what you loved to do (and keep in mind, Knights represent movement, making things happen, and/or going on a quest to find or attain something). This is physically taking action, not thinking about it, doing it. Look at the image, it indicates movement. Remember when King Arthur sent his knights out to find the holy grail? This is physical action. The Knight of Wands upright is someone blazing a new trail in their life, moving forward with passion and a sense of purpose. Reversed, this Knight is not doing so well. The fire has dimmed down to a spark, but it has not gone out completely. This character is still a Knight! And The Knight of Wands is not one to wallow in self-pity for very long. This is just a setback. Get back on that horse, rediscover your inner fire, maybe do some traveling, figure out what it is you would like to accomplish, and get moving!

Relationship message:

This is not a nice person. The Knight of Wands reversed in a relationship reading can indicate someone who has to “win” all the time. They are “always right”. On a more extreme level, this is your narcissist that is also a gaslighter. A manipulator and a liar. Potentially physically abusive. This can indicate a person that turns on the charm to get his/her own way at the expense of others. This person may have an ill temper and is usually aggressive. They will use what they know about their relationship partner against them for revenge or spite. To get “even” for a perceived injustice. And notice I used the word “perceived”. This is an injustice in their mind, only because the other person did not agree with them or do whatever it was that THEY wanted them to do. As I mentioned before, this could be someone who puts on the false front of being a nice person, “a charmer”, but in reality has a black heart. This is a user. I see the wands suit as inner fire, “energy and spirit”. So this can indicate an energy/psychic vampire that drains the life force from the other person in the relationship. They belittle them, and they trigger them emotionally, to keep them under control so they have an energy source to feed on, and someone to take out their frustrations on. If this card comes up in a relationship reading, in particular a new relationship, keep your distance and be very careful. Read books/articles and watch videos on narcissistic behavior so you can be alert for the signs. Eventually their mask will slip.

This card can also indicate sexual dysfunction whether it be physical or emotional. As “fire” energy consists of the “hot” colors of red and orange which corresponds to the root and sacral chakras in the body.

Work/business message:

In the work/business position, this card reversed can indicate a lack of motivation and inspiration in your current profession or place of work. This is your message to update your resume, or perhaps to begin moving forward on an entrepreneural endeavor. Bring that fiery inspiration back into your career so that you have passion for what you do for a living. This can also be an indication of feeling stuck where you are. Maybe a job/career change, perhaps one which involves travel would be more suitable for you.

This can also indicate that there may be a co-worker or manager in your midst that takes ideas from others in the workplace and presents them to upper level management as their own to further their own career. It can also indicate a “charmer” at work that sabotages others behind their backs to make themselves look good. This person is a real piece of work. So when this card comes up in a work position, watch out for someone in your work place that may steal or sabotage your ideas, or will use underhanded means to make you look bad in front of your peers and boss. They are manipulators and liars. They will put on the front of being helpful, part of the team, etc. in front of those that they want to impress, but when it comes to dealing with them one on one, they are quite a different person indeed. When dealing with someone like this, the best course of action is to deal with them as minimally as possible. Document everything, and I mean everything, in writing. And keep your communications with them in writing as well. Don’t fall for the charm, do not reveal any personal information about yourself. This is not someone you want to chit chat with in the break room. Keep it all business and again, your interactions with this person should be kept to an absolute minimum. After meetings and conversations, be sure to follow up with a written confirmation of what was said and/or agreed to. And be sure to copy your supervisor, the other team members, and whomever else is overseeing the department and/or involved in the project.

If this is your supervisor, you may want to seriously think about looking for a new job opportunity either in a different department, or another company. It will be very difficult to advance your career while working underneath someone who has these traits.