Tarot Sushi

July 2020
By Lalia Wilson

July should be more peaceful as well as calmer than June, at least after the July 5^th Lunar Eclipse [Astrology’s Moon is the High Priestess in the BOTA system, The Moon in others]. We’ve had a Lunar Eclipse and a Solar Eclipse in June, so July 5^th ends the eclipse season until the end of November of this year. Mercury’s retrograde [The Magician in the BOTA system] ends on July 12^th and lifts spirits as our communications and travel conditions improve. Also, the two Mercury-ruled signs, Gemini and Virgo, plus Cancer (where Mercury is this month) will be the most relieved by July 12^th.

When drawing from tarot I do a collective reading from any cards that are duplicated (something that is possible since four different decks are usually used). This month has two duplicated cards: Judgment and The World. These are the last two of the Major Arcana, arguably the strongest and most karmic of the Major Arcana. One American expression that would describe this combination of cards is “the chickens are coming home to roost.” All the inequities in the U.S.A., all the places where an update is needed, are visible now: racism, lack of universal healthcare, and a stupid way to fix the temporary economic drop (many European countries paid the companies to keep workers on the payroll—thus no surge of unemployment and no need for unemployment compensation). The Judgment card and the World card both speak to an ordeal, or surviving an ordeal. June has certainly given everyone plenty to have suffered over.

This month the Fire signs are depicted by The Wild Unknown Archetype Deck. (This deck is reviewed elsewhere in this issue of Tarot Sushi.) The Earth signs are shown by The Daughters of the Moon Tarot (1984) by Ffiona Morgan (the publisher is not indicated on the box or at Amazon). The Air signs are represented by the 78 Tarot (I combined my favorite cards from four different 78 Tarot decks: Elemental (2019), Mythical (2018), Astral (2017) and Carnival (2016). All are produced by Kayti Welsh and available at www.78tarot.cards. Water Signs are shown by the Tarot of the Coisters (1993) created and illustrated by Michelle Leavitt, and published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. 

I choose various decks to illustrate each month’s drawings so as to show the versatility and variety of tarot, lenormand, or oracle cards, and to emphasize a particular season or sign. Also because some are my favorites. This month, since I had a round card deck to review, I also used the two other round card decks I have and threw in the 78 tarot cards as a “fourth” deck.

Aries: The Creator and the Dead End: 

Dear Aries, opportunity awaits! You can create something new and viable and valuable from what appears to be “nothing.” What’s more, you will need to do so as the path you have been following ends. The Dead End card is the end of a cycle, not THE END, but “an” end. This requires you to be creative and find new ways to make your life work. Yes, it’s a big task, but you are up to it. With your ruler, Mars [The Emperor], in your sign this month all the momentum is in your favor. Do what you need to do.

Taurus: Celebration/Judgment and the Ten of Blades (Swords):

Dear Taurus, Things are beginning to work out for you. Whatever old love interest, or old aesthetic interest occupied you in April and May has been resolved. Events far away will strongly impact your life this month. The card of ruination suggests that you closely examine your personal finances. Cut any unnecessary expenditures. Be very cautious with your money and personal possessions this month. Since the cards do not indicate theft, look to the possibility of natural disasters such as floods. It is time to be prepared for potential losses.

Gemini: Judgment and the Three of Wands:

Dear Gemini. life’s uncertainties may have caused losses of loved ones or financial losses recently. July will find you taking on responsibility for someone else’s finances or estate. New business opportunities with friends are highlighted. Look forward to what has opened in your life and let the past go after a suitable time of grief.   

Cancer: The Wheel of Fortune and the Seven of Pentacles

Dear Cancer, life is good in July. Your birthday and the weeks around it usually find you shining and at your best. Your partner still has lots of responsibilities and tasks to accomplish this year, so it’s a waiting game for your partnership to become more “fun.” The July 5^th Lunar Eclipse may bring big revelations. This month initiates a year of big change for those born July 3-7.

Leo: The Pilgrim and The Storm:

Dear Leo, If any health concerns arise, seek appropriate healthcare. Your income is down. Meanwhile your partner, or an attractive potential partner, is mesmerizing. You are fascinated by his/her unique star-power. Enjoy the sunshine, which is always a mood-booster and health-enhancer for Leo. 

Virgo: Strength and the Crone (King) of Pentacles: 

Dear Virgo, what a relief it will be when Mercury ends its retrograde on 7/12. You have been getting subtle messages, possibly dream messages of great import. A Leo may be of value to interpret them. Some long standing concerns about children and/or your creative process are up for you. Your children are learning responsibility. You can help them by age-appropriate tasks and hints. Creatively, look to old techniques, and old or antiquities subjects. Travel opportunities arise and (if you have them) your grandchildren call.

Libra: The Hierophant and the Page of Pentacles: 

Dear Libra, your responsibilities increase this month. You have some home repairs or renovation happening. Look to replace old items that may be at the end of their life-cycle. You also may find yourself responsible for others’ finances.  Be as considerate and thoughtful of managing others’ money as you are for your own.

Scorpio: The Fool and the Ace of Vessels/Cups:

Dear Scorpio, you have two cards indicating new beginnings. Both are positive. A new love interest is possible. Emotionally you are moving into positive territory. Go ahead and be “a fool for love.” Youthful joy and emotional satisfaction are waiting. 

Sagittarius: The Destroyer and The Bardo:

Dear Sagittarius, Your task this month is to be the destroyer. As a Sagittarius you would most likely destroy something through the law, by bringing suit or prosecuting a crime. Additionally, money, defunding something evil, is your destructive goal. The Bardo is where all beings go after this life according to Buddhism. In the Bardo they may be confused at first, but the Bardo contains the answers to many questions about this life and lives past and future. In some spiritual techniques it is possible to visit the Bardo while still alive in order to learn the profundities available there. No small thing.

Capricorn: The Witch/Magician and the Three of Blades/Swords (Focus): 

Dear Capricorn, you are always serious about life and your duties. The Magician suggests things lifting when Mercury goes direct on July 12^th. Expect some work or partnership matter to work out then. The Three of Swords is something else. Though in this deck it implies focus, a good target for you, it also indicates heartbreak and heartache. Follow up on any health issues. Let go of any relationships that do not support you.  

Aquarius: The World and the Two of Pentacles:

Dear Aquarius, next year, 2021, will be big in your life. You will have new public visibility and new responsibilities. A major shift is occurring world-wide and you are part of the “revolution.” Right now these changes are working themselves out in your unconscious mind and in the collective unconscious. Do what you can to listen and prepare for your new role.   

Pisces: The World and the Two of Vessels/Cups:

Dear Pisces, you have picked up some responsibilities for a group, could be a group of friends, or maybe an organization. You are up for it. Your poetic soul will be fed this month. That Two of Cups is a new relationship, a new commitment, new love… Allow yourself to dream and enjoy all the romance that calls.  

 

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 or the editor, Terri Clement, 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.