Tarot Blog
THE WORLD - GAIA Tarot card, from the Goddess Tarot deck by Kris Waldherr, embraces the idea that In every ending lies the seed of a new beginning. We have come full circle to a new awareness by our journey.
Here you'll find a few thoughts about Tarot. Please feel free to send me a strand of history, art, or video that you love about Tarot!
The Goddess Tarot by Kris Waldherr
Publisher: U.S. Games Systems Inc. (March 5, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1572810661 / ISBN-13: 978-1572810662
THE WORLD - GAIA Tarot card, from the Goddess Tarot deck by Kris Waldherr, embraces the idea that In every ending lies the seed of a new beginning. We have come full circle to a new awareness by our journey.
Here you'll find a few thoughts about Tarot. Please feel free to send me a strand of history, art, or video that you love about Tarot!
The Goddess Tarot by Kris Waldherr
Publisher: U.S. Games Systems Inc. (March 5, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1572810661 / ISBN-13: 978-1572810662
Hillary Clinton's Emailgate :
Zodiac Curse?
by Paulette Reynolds
August 9, 2015
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings."
Spoken by Cassius in Julius Caesar (I, ii, 140-141)
Hillary Clinton, currently the most undeclared political candidate for President, is facing intense public scrutiny over Emailgate. Without going into all the delicious drama of her bad choices, the question on everyone's mind is, "Why did she do it?" Well, perhaps we should turn to the stars for an explanation.
For those who walk the metaphysical path and work with astrology, it comes as no surprise - after all Hillary is a Scorpio. This sun sign has many characteristics, such as charisma, ambition, and self-control. However, the one defining quality that is universal for all Scorpios (yes - ALL) is their love of secrets and secrecy.
Scorpios will overturn every rock in the forest to discover a secret, and that makes them excellent investigators, researchers and journalists. Most Scorpios will have friends that can ferret out any gossip and eagerly deliver it to their door. Yet the flip side is that this scorpion won't reciprocate with information of their own - unless it directly benefits them. A Scorpio is fiercely protective of their privacy and are only comfortable in situations where they control the flow of information.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, born on October 26, 1947, 8:02 AM, has both her sun and rising signs in Scorpio. Add to that her 12th house, which governs secrets, is in Scorpio; and the planets Venus and Mercury are securely nestled within this domain. The planet Venus in this configuration point to an intense love of the Machiavellian machinations that are commonly associated with the Clintons - especially Hillary. And Mercury intensifies Hillary's obsession with culling and keeping secrets along the information highway. Bill Clinton, who comes from the casual, laid-back school of conducting business, is happy to let his wife monitor their home KGB office.
So as the media pokes fun and the political pundits roast Hillary Clinton for her OCD tendencies, those that follow astrology know that there may be some method to her mania for secrecy. And although it appears she abused her power of state, she did have a bit of help from one ancient source.
Zodiac Curse?
by Paulette Reynolds
August 9, 2015
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings."
Spoken by Cassius in Julius Caesar (I, ii, 140-141)
Hillary Clinton, currently the most undeclared political candidate for President, is facing intense public scrutiny over Emailgate. Without going into all the delicious drama of her bad choices, the question on everyone's mind is, "Why did she do it?" Well, perhaps we should turn to the stars for an explanation.
For those who walk the metaphysical path and work with astrology, it comes as no surprise - after all Hillary is a Scorpio. This sun sign has many characteristics, such as charisma, ambition, and self-control. However, the one defining quality that is universal for all Scorpios (yes - ALL) is their love of secrets and secrecy.
Scorpios will overturn every rock in the forest to discover a secret, and that makes them excellent investigators, researchers and journalists. Most Scorpios will have friends that can ferret out any gossip and eagerly deliver it to their door. Yet the flip side is that this scorpion won't reciprocate with information of their own - unless it directly benefits them. A Scorpio is fiercely protective of their privacy and are only comfortable in situations where they control the flow of information.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, born on October 26, 1947, 8:02 AM, has both her sun and rising signs in Scorpio. Add to that her 12th house, which governs secrets, is in Scorpio; and the planets Venus and Mercury are securely nestled within this domain. The planet Venus in this configuration point to an intense love of the Machiavellian machinations that are commonly associated with the Clintons - especially Hillary. And Mercury intensifies Hillary's obsession with culling and keeping secrets along the information highway. Bill Clinton, who comes from the casual, laid-back school of conducting business, is happy to let his wife monitor their home KGB office.
So as the media pokes fun and the political pundits roast Hillary Clinton for her OCD tendencies, those that follow astrology know that there may be some method to her mania for secrecy. And although it appears she abused her power of state, she did have a bit of help from one ancient source.
Mercury Retrograde
by Paulette Reynolds
November 26, 2014
Mercury enters a retrograde station three times a year. While Mercury appears in the sky to be traveling backwards, that's just what we feel happens to us: For the first few days, we get held up in traffic, drama queens reign, and we can't forthelifeofus locate that vital document. After the first week, we begin to breathe easier and settle into the minor confusion, shrugging it off as "Life Happens". By the time Mercury goes direct, all havoc is forgiven and forgotten - until the next time!
But what gets lost in the Retrograde Shuffle is that when Mercury wobbles, it does so in a zodiac sign. It's important to take note of the zodiac station it goes into. What is the significance of this? People often focus on the negative blowbacks and ignore the positive effects: A retrograde period allows us to be cautious in our every day life, but it also encourages us to examine the sign's deeper meanings for significant development. Embracing the scope of a retrograde period is an opportunity to adjust our focus and repair significant areas in our lives. It's also a perfect time for meditation, reflection, and personal growth, as we address some of our core issues. As Mercury enters the direct station in a particular sign, use the astrological guideposts to direct your needs, intentions, and feelings.
And remember - a retrograde period is a double-edged sword that we can learn to wield with ease!
by Paulette Reynolds
November 26, 2014
Mercury enters a retrograde station three times a year. While Mercury appears in the sky to be traveling backwards, that's just what we feel happens to us: For the first few days, we get held up in traffic, drama queens reign, and we can't forthelifeofus locate that vital document. After the first week, we begin to breathe easier and settle into the minor confusion, shrugging it off as "Life Happens". By the time Mercury goes direct, all havoc is forgiven and forgotten - until the next time!
But what gets lost in the Retrograde Shuffle is that when Mercury wobbles, it does so in a zodiac sign. It's important to take note of the zodiac station it goes into. What is the significance of this? People often focus on the negative blowbacks and ignore the positive effects: A retrograde period allows us to be cautious in our every day life, but it also encourages us to examine the sign's deeper meanings for significant development. Embracing the scope of a retrograde period is an opportunity to adjust our focus and repair significant areas in our lives. It's also a perfect time for meditation, reflection, and personal growth, as we address some of our core issues. As Mercury enters the direct station in a particular sign, use the astrological guideposts to direct your needs, intentions, and feelings.
And remember - a retrograde period is a double-edged sword that we can learn to wield with ease!
The Air / Fire Controversy in Your Tarot Deck
by Paulette Reynolds
June 16, 2014
by Paulette Reynolds
June 16, 2014
A tarot student asked me once why I interpret the Minor Arcana WAND cards as Air and the SWORDS cards as Fire. "Readers and the books I've read all say that the WAND cards correspond to Fire and the SWORD cards correspond to Air."
Yes, a lot of them certainly do, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're right! If we examine a few tarot decks, we can see they see it differently, too: The Art Nouveau Tarot, Whimsical Tarot, Witches Tarot, Shapeshifter Tarot and Pomo Tarot decks all have fire corresponding with swords and air with wands. Air relates to the mental processes of thought, knowledge and wisdom; hence, Wands. Fire is represented by the stronger emotions of passion, courage and conflict; hence swords.
Why the controversy?
The Minor Arcana suits of Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles focus on the elemental aspects of Air, Fire, Water and Earth. My approach to the Minor Arcana is pretty pagan, and surprisingly, Deborah Lipp's, The Way of Four Spellbook (page nine), agrees with me.
The creator of the standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck, Arthur Edward Waite, switched the elemental correspondences for Air and Fire in his 1910 deck. Why? Because as a member of the Golden Dawn, he felt he was giving away too many oath-bound "secrets" to share all four of the Golden Dawn's elemental correspondences (Air=Wands/Fire=Swords/Water=Cups/Earth=Coins).
Earlier decks showed, according to Lipp, “Every Wand in Waite’s deck has little flames, salamanders, and orange colors, and every Sword has prominent clouds, sylphs, and a lot of light blue. Perhaps because most Witches read the Tarot, most associate the sword, or athame, with Air.” Current Rider-Waite decks now picture wands and swords with their appropriate correspondences: The Ace of Wands now sports the clouds and the Ace of Swords has small flames (abet still with the lingering clouds…grin).
Today the Elemental Correspondences for magical work and spiritual reflection are common knowledge, and we can anticipate an increase of tarot decks with this "new" perspective. One can only guess the thousands of readings mis-represented by this well-meaning deception.
Source: The Way of Four Spellbook: Working Magic with the Elements by Deborah Lipp, 2006,
Yes, a lot of them certainly do, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're right! If we examine a few tarot decks, we can see they see it differently, too: The Art Nouveau Tarot, Whimsical Tarot, Witches Tarot, Shapeshifter Tarot and Pomo Tarot decks all have fire corresponding with swords and air with wands. Air relates to the mental processes of thought, knowledge and wisdom; hence, Wands. Fire is represented by the stronger emotions of passion, courage and conflict; hence swords.
Why the controversy?
The Minor Arcana suits of Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles focus on the elemental aspects of Air, Fire, Water and Earth. My approach to the Minor Arcana is pretty pagan, and surprisingly, Deborah Lipp's, The Way of Four Spellbook (page nine), agrees with me.
The creator of the standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck, Arthur Edward Waite, switched the elemental correspondences for Air and Fire in his 1910 deck. Why? Because as a member of the Golden Dawn, he felt he was giving away too many oath-bound "secrets" to share all four of the Golden Dawn's elemental correspondences (Air=Wands/Fire=Swords/Water=Cups/Earth=Coins).
Earlier decks showed, according to Lipp, “Every Wand in Waite’s deck has little flames, salamanders, and orange colors, and every Sword has prominent clouds, sylphs, and a lot of light blue. Perhaps because most Witches read the Tarot, most associate the sword, or athame, with Air.” Current Rider-Waite decks now picture wands and swords with their appropriate correspondences: The Ace of Wands now sports the clouds and the Ace of Swords has small flames (abet still with the lingering clouds…grin).
Today the Elemental Correspondences for magical work and spiritual reflection are common knowledge, and we can anticipate an increase of tarot decks with this "new" perspective. One can only guess the thousands of readings mis-represented by this well-meaning deception.
Source: The Way of Four Spellbook: Working Magic with the Elements by Deborah Lipp, 2006,
Interview with a Tarot Card
by Paulette Reynolds
October 2012
Our fearless Gaze-etter caught up with that infamous tarot card - DEATH - for a drive-by interview.
Gaze-etter: When I caught up with the Death card, he was getting a touch up on his tan; just in time for his holiday – er, rounds.
GZ: “Hello, um, Death – we’d like to thank you for taking the time to answer a few quest---."
D: (annoyed) “Well, isn’t that one of your mottos – ‘There’s always time for tarot’?”
GZ: “Ah, yes, but –"
D: (chuckling) “And as everyone knows, I’m all about time!”
GZ: (coughing) “Just why do you think you’re the most misunderstood tarot card?”
D: (bellowing) “Most misunderstood?! Why don’t you add – ‘feared’, ‘hated’, ‘dreaded’? Why don’t you just drive a stake in my heart?”
GZ: “Um, don’t you think you’re exaggerating just a bit?”
D: (acidly) “Ok, what do you think about when I make an appearance in YOUR tarot reading?”
GZ: “Well, I get, uh, nervous when I see you in a tarot spread. I start thinking maybe I’m going to die."
D: “Die?! Is that the kind of superficial relationship you have with me? What exactly happens when one dies?”
GZ: “Ah, we leave this life – well, as we know it, anyway. . .”
D: “That’s right! One way to look at me is that I represent “letting go” of something – in the physical realm of your life – that may be holding you back from growing in character.”
GZ: (thoughtfully) “So this letting go is a ---"
D: “Yes, yes! Is a kind of ‘death”, because you mortals don’t like to change! Think of me as the Feng Shui Soldier of a tarot deck. You have to remove all that junk and clutter before the positive energy can finally begin to see the light of day.”
GZ: “Forgive me for asking, but aren’t you related to the Tower tarot card?”
D: (sighing impatiently) “He’s a distant cousin of mine, there’s no denying that! But he represents change of a different sort. His change is brought about by an external force, while I bring a change of an internal process – one that only you can control.”
GZ: “Wow…that’s pretty deep---"
D: (offended) “Oh - you mean deep ‘for a tarot card’, right?”
GZ: “You do seem pretty sensitive, for a Major Arcana card – that’s what I meant to say. Is there any particular reason you’re #13 in the deck? Do you feel somehow this placement gives life to the Death = Unlucky myth?”
D: (grimly) “Nice play on words, GZ. Don’t get me started on that damn urban legend!”
GZ: (nervously) “What’s it like to be stuck in between The Hanged Man #12 and #14, Temperance?”
D: (rolling his eyes) “What can I say? I’m stuck in between a rock and a hard place! The Hanged Man is waiting for me to do the difficult work of cleaning house and Temperance gets all the credit for the balance. Yeah, it’s great being me!”
GZ: With that, dear readers, the Death tarot card, outraged over his reputation as the “Bad Boy” of the deck, slammed his tanning bed door. This reporter left – quick, fast, and in a hurry – because as we all know - - - the only time we really want to get a visit from Death *is* in a tarot reading!
Written by Paulette Reynolds, October, 2010. All rights reserved. This material may not be reprinted digitally, electronically, print, or by any other publishing medium.
Tarot image created by Robert Place for Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery, 2009.
by Paulette Reynolds
October 2012
Our fearless Gaze-etter caught up with that infamous tarot card - DEATH - for a drive-by interview.
Gaze-etter: When I caught up with the Death card, he was getting a touch up on his tan; just in time for his holiday – er, rounds.
GZ: “Hello, um, Death – we’d like to thank you for taking the time to answer a few quest---."
D: (annoyed) “Well, isn’t that one of your mottos – ‘There’s always time for tarot’?”
GZ: “Ah, yes, but –"
D: (chuckling) “And as everyone knows, I’m all about time!”
GZ: (coughing) “Just why do you think you’re the most misunderstood tarot card?”
D: (bellowing) “Most misunderstood?! Why don’t you add – ‘feared’, ‘hated’, ‘dreaded’? Why don’t you just drive a stake in my heart?”
GZ: “Um, don’t you think you’re exaggerating just a bit?”
D: (acidly) “Ok, what do you think about when I make an appearance in YOUR tarot reading?”
GZ: “Well, I get, uh, nervous when I see you in a tarot spread. I start thinking maybe I’m going to die."
D: “Die?! Is that the kind of superficial relationship you have with me? What exactly happens when one dies?”
GZ: “Ah, we leave this life – well, as we know it, anyway. . .”
D: “That’s right! One way to look at me is that I represent “letting go” of something – in the physical realm of your life – that may be holding you back from growing in character.”
GZ: (thoughtfully) “So this letting go is a ---"
D: “Yes, yes! Is a kind of ‘death”, because you mortals don’t like to change! Think of me as the Feng Shui Soldier of a tarot deck. You have to remove all that junk and clutter before the positive energy can finally begin to see the light of day.”
GZ: “Forgive me for asking, but aren’t you related to the Tower tarot card?”
D: (sighing impatiently) “He’s a distant cousin of mine, there’s no denying that! But he represents change of a different sort. His change is brought about by an external force, while I bring a change of an internal process – one that only you can control.”
GZ: “Wow…that’s pretty deep---"
D: (offended) “Oh - you mean deep ‘for a tarot card’, right?”
GZ: “You do seem pretty sensitive, for a Major Arcana card – that’s what I meant to say. Is there any particular reason you’re #13 in the deck? Do you feel somehow this placement gives life to the Death = Unlucky myth?”
D: (grimly) “Nice play on words, GZ. Don’t get me started on that damn urban legend!”
GZ: (nervously) “What’s it like to be stuck in between The Hanged Man #12 and #14, Temperance?”
D: (rolling his eyes) “What can I say? I’m stuck in between a rock and a hard place! The Hanged Man is waiting for me to do the difficult work of cleaning house and Temperance gets all the credit for the balance. Yeah, it’s great being me!”
GZ: With that, dear readers, the Death tarot card, outraged over his reputation as the “Bad Boy” of the deck, slammed his tanning bed door. This reporter left – quick, fast, and in a hurry – because as we all know - - - the only time we really want to get a visit from Death *is* in a tarot reading!
Written by Paulette Reynolds, October, 2010. All rights reserved. This material may not be reprinted digitally, electronically, print, or by any other publishing medium.
Tarot image created by Robert Place for Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery, 2009.
Copyright, 2014-2022. Reviews by Paulette Reynolds. These articles may not be reprinted without permission.
Copyright 2022. Adventures in Tarot with Paulette. All blog articles are the sole property of Paulette Reynolds, and may not be reprinted by any means, including digital and internet. All rights reserved.