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February 7 through February 13, 2022

We'll be cruising the information highway this week as the Sun picks up full power in Aquarius. Keep in mind that even though Mercury went direct last week, there could be some lingering fallout, so stay alert! Monday and Tuesday unfold under a Taurus Moon, enabling us to take care of obligations of a material nature, whether work or home related. If you've got a home project or assignment you're not sure how to approach, hop on YouTube for some great ideas or direction. Wednesday through Friday we'll be under the influence of the Gemini Moon, which makes networking, socializing and researching our main focus. Not only will you be surprised at what you learn, you'll be dispensing valuable information to others! The Cancer Moon will take precedence over the weekend, inspiring a cleaning and refreshing of your personal space, as well as socializing with loved ones, or giving yourself permission to be a couch potato and catch up on all those movies or tv shows you've been meaning to watch!

How to Use Tarot for Guidance, by Victoria Constantino

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

When we work with tarot, we are forging a connection to a magical, spiritual tool. This connection is ever-evolving, ever-changing, ever-growing. The more we work with tarot, the more practice we gain in strengthening our connection to the meanings it holds for us and our understanding of them. In doing so, we increase the value we gain from it. Over time, we also experience the added benefit of strengthening our intuition and the connection to our higher understanding; in this way, we can better receive and interpret messages, information, wisdom, and guidance. Like a muscle we work to develop, the more we work with tarot, the more clearly we are able to intuit what counsel it may hold for us, and the greater the detail and accuracy we can obtain.

While tarot decks traditionally have 78 cards consisting of specific pip cards, court cards, and Major Arcana cards, the symbolism can vary widely from deck to deck. It is that symbolism that conveys so much meaning to us, beyond just the archetype each card represents or the symbols it may present.

For example, the Queen of Wands may represent prosperity, passion, abundance, warmth, creativity, confidence, authority, and fruitfulness in general. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, she is pictured holding a sunflower (which can indicate happiness) in her left hand, and a wand in her right. Two lions—symbolizing strength and protection, perhaps—adorn the base of her throne, one on each side; two lions are emblazoned on the high back of her throne, which ascends above her head. A black cat (a familiar? An emblem of protection?) sits at her feet. If we drew this card after having asked a question about where we stand with a potential romantic partnership, perhaps with someone we recently met, and then drew this card in response, we might interpret it to mean that the relationship has the potential to develop in a way that will bring us happiness. It could also indicate that we have protection or guidance available to us in regards to this relationship. How we interpret it is very much up to our intuition. What are we feeling about this? There may be a fated or karmic aspect, as if we are meant to be with this person. On the other hand, it could indicate we are supported by our guides or allies in the nonphysical as we navigate this new partnership.

In the The Hermetic Tarot, the Queen of Wands is pictured holding a long wand or staff with a large spherical head; her right hand rests on the head of a leopard. Written beneath her staff are the symbols for Pisces and Aries. In this deck, the Queen of Wands is called Queen of the Thrones of Flame, and fire is depicted around her; this symbolism aligns with wands as the representatives of the element of fire. The prominent staff could indicate that there is the possibility of great passion in this relationship, and that the person we identify with the female energy in the partnership is very much in their power—confident in their ability to navigate the world and the relationship in a way that lends to the success of both parties involved. The symbolism of Pisces and Aries adds another element to the interpretation. One or both of the people in the partnership may have aspects of Aries or Pisces in their birth charts that could inform the relationship; an investigation into the astrological placements could reward further inquiry (if we are so inclined).

Colors, numbers, and placement of the cards (in relationship to other cards) can add additional layers of meaning. For instance, the color red may connect us to the root chakra or to family, or, in the Chinese tradition, it can symbolize good luck, happiness, success, vitality, and beauty. The number four often indicates stability and solid foundations, so the Four of Pentacles and The Emperor (which is the number four card in the Major Arcana), share this interpretive connection. More than one instance of a number in a deck can convey additional meaning. Three fours could indicate stronger foundations in three areas of life, or a tripling of the four energy. Placement also informs the meaning of the cards. A Nine of Pentacles following the Five of Pentacles, for instance, could mean abundance and prosperity are flowing to us where there is or has been lack or blocks in those areas, or perhaps could offer guidance to save instead of spending to support our future well-being.

One of the really helpful aspects of working with tarot is that we can ask any question we like. We can also ask clarifying questions or ask for a clarifying card to divulge further information on a card we already pulled. We may choose to work within the constraints of a spread or we can simply ask a series of questions and continue drawing cards. We can draw a card a day, or several cards, asking questions like, What energies are supporting me today? Or What is my guidance for the day?

It can be beneficial when first beginning to work with the cards to gain a foundational understanding of their traditional meanings. One good way to go about this is to refer to the guidebook for the deck you use most often, or to guidebooks for several different decks, to obtain a better understanding of how various decks and authors approach the cards' meaning and symbolism. This provides us with a jumping-off point from which we can launch into a deeper and more personal understanding. It may be that you do not resonate at all with the interpretation the guidebook provides for a certain card, and that is okay.

Ultimately, it is key to trust our intuition, over and above what any guidebook may say. When we doubt our intuition, we may unintentionally set up blocks to receiving the information that is meant for us. It may be that we are getting a strong sense of what a certain card means to us, and it may not necessarily align with the guidebook or the traditional meaning. In my book, Tarot by the Moon, I discuss different approaches to interpreting a reading and also to connecting with our inner guidance to ensure we get the most out of our interactions with the cards. With practice, it becomes easier and more natural to glean information from tarot. And, over time, a well-loved deck can become like a constant companion—an old friend who always offers us just the advice we need.

Want to know more? Check out Tarot by the Moon: Spreads and Spells for Every Month of the Year. You can also follow me on Instagram at @victoria.constantino.author and @tarot_by_the_moon and on Facebook at @VictoriaConstantinoAuthor.

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2021. All rights reserved.

This question is about my one-year-old son. Throughout my life, I have felt the presence of Spirit around me but have never seen spirits or anything like that. My son, however, will sit in his highchair or stand pointing upward. He will talk and talk and laugh like he is having a conversation with someone. He will look back at me as if to say, See that, Mommy? and then continue on with his conversation. During this time, I just sit and watch him. I feel very peaceful and very proud. Is he seeing spirits? Does it mean anything? Is this common? What should I do or say when this happens?
Lynn

Susyn:

Babies and young children can often see and interact with spirits, while most adults don't seem to pick up on their presence at all! Children tend to have a more open and untainted view of the world, which makes it easier for them to sense everything that is around them.

You don't need to worry; this is a very common phenomenon. Years ago, parents would panic if their child had an imaginary playmate, but we now know that kids are just open to and aware of spirits. When this happens, you should encourage your child, for it will help him develop his natural psychic abilities. You may even be able to connect with the spirit he is talking to if you quiet your mind and try to feel your way through what is going on.

There are some signs you'll want to keep an eye out for that will indicate if this is becoming a problem for your son. If he starts to experience nightmares or begins to misbehave, you'll want to take a closer look. Children aren't discerning; if a negative entity or displaced spirit starts to converse with your son, you will want to be aware of what's going on so you can deal with it.

If you discover that his interactions with spirits begin to have a negative effect, you will need to do some clearing of your environment. Though you don't want to scare off positive spirits like departed relatives or guardian angels, there are ways to chase away any unwanted ghosts that could be attracted to your son.

Begin with a sage smudging of your home and your son's room in particular. You can purchase a sage smudge stick at your local metaphysical store or online. Light the stick and let the flames die down until it creates a waft of smoke, and then walk through each room of your house and let the smoke waft around windows, doors and any electronic equipment in the room. As you do, demand in a firm voice that any entities of a dark nature leave the premises at once. You should see immediate improvement after you smudge. If you don't, you can do the smudging a second time.

You can also create a metaphysical air freshener to place in your son's bedroom or other areas of the house. Fill a small bowl or plate with salt and place a quartz crystal upright in the center of the salt. The crystal will attract entities while the salt will ground or repel them. Be sure to place this in a place where your son can't get to it.

Overall, it sounds like your son is having a very positive experience at this point, so unless things change, I would encourage him to continue playing with his friendly little spirits.

*****

Oceania:

It is common for both animals and young children to behave in this way. One of my cats gets busy with this activity whenever I read in bed at night. She walks around on my bed, looks up and watches what seems to be invisible movement. Perhaps she sees an insect, a speck of dust or sparkle of light beyond my visual capacity, or maybe she sees a spirit.

What impresses me most about your story is how much you care for and delight in your child. You observe and take note of his actions. Other parents who are preoccupied may overlook and miss out on such precious moments. Your concern about how to best handle the situation further demonstrates how seriously you take your parenting role. It is admirable that you wish to do and say what is best for your child.

The fact that you feel peaceful and proud indicates this is not a malevolent or dangerous situation. Your intuition is letting you know that all is well. Regardless of what your son is looking at, it's a very good sign that he is talking and laughing aloud because it means he feels open, relaxed and confident. He's behaving in an unguarded manner, and clearly feels free to express himself!

You mentioned that he glances over at you while this is happening, which indicates he feels a strong connection with you and wishes to include you in his experience. He may also be seeking your validation; although you do not see what he does, you can still reflect his feelings. You don't have to say anything - simply share in his delight!

We do NOT have to share the same inner experience as our loved ones in order to see, hear and validate them. Empathy is the capacity to imagine what another person is feeling, and to convey that understanding. While we all appreciate and benefit from having our feelings and experiences reflected and validated, it is especially true for children because they're in the process of forming their identities and their personal understanding of reality.

As your son grows older, he may begin to ask questions about what he is seeing. If so, you can first ask what HE thinks. If he's able, have him draw a picture of what he sees and then tell you about it. As with all spiritual questions, it is okay for a parent NOT to have an answer.

A good guideline is to follow their lead, so should a child ask you questions like, Where did the world come from? What happens when you die? or Who is God? you might start the discussion with What do YOU think? If you then listen carefully, you just might learn something!

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.