By Lalia Wilson
Before the advent of modern acceptance of differences in sexuality (LGBTQ+) in the United States, astrologers had ways to pinpoint whether a horoscope was “gay.” For the most part these methods were to look for combinations of the sexual planets, Mars and Venus, with the transcendental planets, but especially with the planet of eccentricity and revolution: Uranus. Uranus, as the planet of unconventionality, thus gave the person a freedom to be unconventional in their expression of love and sex. But we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village (New York City) of June 1969. Today people who identify as LGBTQ+ supposedly have equal rights and equal standing in society. In practice this is not quite the case. However, as an astrologer, I can say with confidence that you cannot tell if a person is gay from looking at their chart. You don’t have to be a rebel to be gay anymore.
As our society become more gender neutral, our approach to astrology and card reading needs to also be more fluid. For that reason many card readers are seeking out cards that allow the flexibility of two men, or two women, or more, being in a romantic or sexual relationship. You will notice two decks in this month’s issue that are more accepting of different sexual orientations. Other decks may have a number of androgynous cards, The Modern Witch Tarot is an example there. Looking back at decks that were more constrained, we can see that they do not reflect contemporary America.
As always, choose a deck that speaks to you. Also consider using a deck that will resonate with your clients. You are the person who makes those choices.
The cards shown are The Emperor card from the Modern Witch Tarot (2019) created by Lisa Sterle and published by Sterling Ethos, and the Four of Wands card from the Modern Spellcaster’s Tarot (2016) by Melanie Marquis, illustrated by Scott Murphy, and published by Llewellyn.