February 2022 – True Tarot Tales

Introducing The Decans of Pisces

20 February 2023 the sun re-enters the zodiac territory of Pisces the Fishes until 20 March 2023, the date of spring equinox when we will move into the mythical sky territory of Aries the Ram.

‘Pisces’ is from the Latin plural for fish, and the zodiac sign is named after one of the largest constellations in the zodiac. The two fish are said to represent Venus and Cupid in Greco-Roman mythology after they turned themselves into fish to escape a terrible monster, a Titan called Typhon who was later imprisoned by Zeus, tricked and trapped under Mt Etna where he still roars to this day, seeking to escape.

The twin fishes of Pisces are often depicted as koi carp.

Pisces symbolizes the concept of The Flood. This time of year marked the rainy season in Mesopotamia -where western astrology originated.

This is also the time of the winter flood melt, when mountain streams swell the rivers and will sometimes flood the valleys below. This is the time of year for the earliest spawning of fresh water fish.

The spring equinox now occurs during the zodiac month of Pisces when the sun passes across the ecliptic, crossing the imaginary line of the cord joining the two fishes. This year, 2022, the spring equinox will occur on Sunday 20 March.

Once upon a time the equinox occurred during the time allotted to the zodiac timing of Aries, the first sign of the western zodiac, but this has changed over time owing to the wobble of the Earth; an effect known as the precession of the equinoxes.

Pisces is the 14th largest constellation overall covering a large V-shaped region of the northern hemisphere. While it is large, its stars are faint — none brighter than fourth magnitude — making it hard to see with the naked eye.

Pisces is seen as two fish swimming at right angles to each other, one to the north and one to the west, attached to one another by a cord of stars, just as life and death, and winter and spring are conjoined and cannot be separated.

Pisces is the twelfth and final sign of the zodiac year, and rules the twelfth house in a personal horoscope, representing hopes, dreams and fears- what lies beneath. It stands for the mystery of the unknowable. It operates outwith the boundaries. This is its power, its magic and its danger, in the meaning of the spaces between reality and illusion.

Planetary aspects: Jupiter and Neptune

Pisces is the constellation associated with watery Neptune in Modern astrology but this planet was not discovered until 1846, and optimistic Jupiter is the original ruler of Pisces in traditional (Hellenistic) astrology. Astrologers vary in respect of which of these rulers they use in their own work.

The Pisces Archetype

The zodiac signs represent archetypes, meaning something that is considered to be a perfect or typical example of a particular kind of person or thing.

The zodiac signs paint a portrait of a person born at a particular time of year, in a particular season. A baby born in summer arrives into a different physical environment from a winter baby; with differences of temperature, hours of daylight, maternal diet during pregnancy and so on, with potentially different effects on the baby’s physical makeup and constitution.

The major arcana Tarot card for Pisces is The Moon, The Moon: ebb and flow, cyclical shifts, intuition, dreams, visionary capabilities, fertility, difficulties with travel, uncertainties, shadow boxing, wild creatures, instinct v civilisation, genius, delusion, visions, and ghosts.

The full moon is a hunter’s moon. The crab, sometimes shown as a crayfish, lives between the sea and the land.

Pisces rules the liminal spaces.

*From The Gilded Tarot Royale, illustrator Ciro Marchetti*

The court card of Pisces is the Knight of Cups, signifying an offer, an invitation, a proposal, a welcome message, a bringer of good news, an admirer, lover, chivalry, a Sir Galahad, good health, a healing cup, loving cup.

Pisces is a mutable sign, marking the end of a season. The other mutable signs are Gemini and Sagittarius. Pisces marks the end of winter leading up to the spring/vernal equinox. Of all the zodiac signs, the mutable signs are traditionally considered as the most flexible and adaptable, the ones most at ease with endings and transitions and change.

Pisces is not only the last sign of winter as we are moving into spring; it is the last sign of the zodiac year, the culmination of all the signs that came before it. Pisces rules the feet and symbolically Pisces has one foot- in the death of the old year, and one foot in the new life of springtime.

Saturn transits into Pisces 7 March 2023 where it will stay for two and a half years. This planetary transit, for many of us, will feel like the end of an era.

I am writing this by the telephone, keeping vigil for my mother, a true Capricorn native ruled by Saturn, as disciplined and dutiful as she is brave and beautiful, with a keen intellect, and a wit that can bite but that is equally playful at times, even childlike. She is very poorly indeed at this time of writing, and is being treated in hospital for pneumonia and a suspected heart attack.

Pisces is famous for its emotional depths and visionary capabilities; sensitive, intuitive, psychic, artistically gifted but also competent or capable of scientific or technical brilliance.

But of course there is no such thing in reality as THE Pisces personality. You are a unique individual. Your zodiac sign (sun sign) is a major keynote, but it is nothing like the full picture in real life – or in astrology. There are many other factors in play, your rising sign, your Moon sign; the planets in your houses, your decan and the degree of the actual day you were born.

If you don’t feel like a ‘typical’ Pisces, perhaps you are a second or third decan Pisces, rather than a ‘most typical’ first decan Pisces.

Many years ago I painted this portrait of my parent’s venerable goldfish, Whizz. One of my sisters won him at a fair and that’s how he came to live with us. Perhaps not the greatest start for him, but he lived to be seventeen! One fish, two portraits in one in pen and watercolour.

What are the decans?

The decans (or decanates) are a way of marking time, breaking down each of the zodiac signs into three shorter blocks of roughly ten days each.

The Zodiac is a belt of sky we see from earth, tracking the path of the sun across the sky over the course of the year. We call this pathway of the sun ‘the ecliptic,’ The Greeks named the signs after twelve of the constellations appearing on, or crossing this zodiac belt: Aries, Taurus, Gemini Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and lastly, Pisces.

Each of these designated zodiac signs represents a 30 degree section of the zodiac belt. Each sign is then further sub-divided into three blocks of ten degrees, each about ten days in length, with slight variations. This gives us the ‘decans,’ from the Latin meaning ‘ten,’ or they may also be called decanates.

The decans are known as the ‘thirty-six faces of astrology’, adding extra depth and nuance to the stories of the signs of the zodiac, distinguishing between someone born at the start of their zodiac month from someone who is born during the middle or at the end of the zodiac month.

First Decan

Pisces- Pisces

Dates: 19 Feb-29 Feb

Planetary rulers: Traditional: Jupiter/ Modern: Neptune

Tarot card: Eight of Cups

Card meanings: Moving on, cutting ones losses, leaving something behind, disillusionment, regret.

The first decan of any sign is considered the most typical. Pisces makes for versatility and adaptability, while Neptune presents a soft or gentle manner or appearance. This Pisces is only rarely aggressive or confrontational.

But there is a sense of a push and pull going on here. Jupiter means they think big and step forward. Neptune means they swim round in circles or hide in the weeds. Neptune, planet of illusion, is their sub-ruler, which emphasize creativity and imagination. This Pisces native connects with other people on an unconscious level, almost hearing what they are thinking. Maybe they haven’t noticed this about themselves yet, or take telepathy for granted, but watch out for the signs.

This Pisces 1st decan double style has a tendency to go on a lot of detours before arriving at their final destination. While quiet, this Pisces has deep passions and their love life can be tempestuous. Their ideal partner is lively and communicative with a can-do approach.

They often look younger than their age, but they need to be especially beware unhealthy habits in order to protect their health; mood, and the chest, lungs and feet in particular. Pisces is extra-sensitive to the effects of overindulgence of alcohol or mind altering drugs.

A desire to do good for mankind is characteristic of the kindly first decan Pisces.

Second Decan

Pisces-Cancer

Dates: 1 -10 March (approx.)

Planetary rulers: Jupiter

Tarot card: Nine of Cups

Card Meanings: dreams come true, wishes granted, food and drink, the hospitality industry, overdoing things

The sub-influences for this decan are Cancer, ruled by The Moon. Cancer is the natural ruler of the fourth house of home, family and security. These Pisces subjects typically stay very close to birth family members. Pisces may struggle to loosen break parental ties and become independent, but must do so if they want to progress and develop and become the adult in the room, to provide for and parent their own children, building their own family unit.

These are the most elusive most watery of the fishes. Now you see them, now you don’t. Their zone of the sky from March 1 –10 houses the stars of the water of Aquarius, and Eridanus the river and the west fish of Pisces.

These Pisceans are masters of disguise and can blend into any environment effortlessly. Pisces decan 2 absorbs. It is sensitive and psychic, but for the same reason these people need to choose their company with care, and form healthy habits early on in life. These subjects are supremely susceptible to the influence of others in their environment, and this can work positively or negatively.

Third Decan

Pisces- Scorpio

Dates: 11 March-20 March

Planetary ruler: Mars

Tarot card– Ten of Cups

Card Meanings: contentment, completion, arrival, family life, a happy home

The sub-influences for this decan are Scorpio and its rulers, traditional Mars or modern Pluto.

Energetic Mars and Scorpio – natural ruler of the eighth house of desire, willpower, drive and determination – brings to this Pisces extra charisma, and the drive and determination to push forward where Pisces otherwise can tend to hold back, lacking that forcefulness. This Pisces has the artistic creativity of Pisces/Neptune; but has that extra sticking power to turn dreams into realities.

Pluto brings depth and Mars brings speed and energy of attack. This Pisces needs to stay busy, and needs plenty of energy outlets.

Pisces marks the completion of the zodiac wheel and this final decan marks, the point at which we move into Aries and a whole new circle starts over again. Aries too, is also ruled by energetic Mars.

These Pisces natives, just like the other decans, are enormously receptive to their environment, but they tend to stay more aloof and watchful and are less likely to blend in or fall under the influence of what is going on around them. They are highly observant, natural detectives, well suited to police or other kinds of investigative work. Pisces-Scorpio is an excellent listener, tuning in the wants and needs of others, listening between the lines to what is not being said.

The Cusps of Pisces

Aquarius-Pisces: February 15-21

Aquarius-Pisces: This is a Pisces native with Aquarius tendencies; a person of high principles, often rather quiet, refined, and with strong likes and dislikes. This Pisces is likely to travel a fair bit and has executive ability and can make money, but can become bored quite easily and needs to be extra careful not to get trapped, becoming committed too soon in a relationship that really doesn’t suit them

Pisces-Aries: March 17-23

Born on the Pisces-Aries cusp, this native is especially instinctive and brave. This mix of energy combines physical and moral courage with compassion for others which can make this Pisces individual a successful leader. This person is loyal to friends and colleagues and they are also generous, and eager to see others do well.

Famous Pisces

Michelangelo, Copernicus, George 111, Albert Einstein, Neville Chamberlain, Sidney Poitier, Elizabeth Taylor, Yuri Gagarin, Michael Gorbachev, Osama Bin Laden, Steve Irwin, Steve Jobs…For more see HERE

Back soon 🙂

Runecast for February 2022

Whoops…I did this rune reading and wrote it up 21 January but then forgot all about it.

This reading was of necessity very general. In a personal reading, the reader will investigate a stated issue to get at specifics and offer relevant suggestions.

What we were looking for here was simply a feel for any collective events or dynamics affecting us in February. We were looking at the tone, and looking for the advice buried within the runes.

We are still only in mid-February but we can now get something of whatever benefit of hindsight there is here, in respect of this casting performed 21 January.

First Impressions

“We have here five upright runes and there is one rune (Uruz) that has been drawn upside down (merkstave) We have four runes that are positive in meaning and two that are potentially challenging (Thurisaz and Uruz merkstave.)

Uruz merkstave denotes things happening around us that we are stuck with for now, as they do not fall under our personal control. Thurisaz represents a challenge.

Thurisaz, meaning Thorn, represents defence or attack, and combined with Uruz merkstave this seems to be referring to theatres of aggression; namely, the massing of military forces on both sides of the eastern Ukraine border, and Russian forces also on the other side of the northern border.

These are worrying times but the runes do not clearly indicate any actual invasion during February. Why not? The reader looks to see which runes are absent. We do not have the victory rune Tiwaz, denoting attack, named after Tyr, the Norse god of war who gives his name to Tuesday. (Whereas In French, Mardi is the Roman god of war, Mars.)

Nor do we have Hagall, the rune denoting a blow like a hailstorm (air artillery, for instance.)

Perthro, the advice rune sitting in the near future position, means secrets but also sanctuary. A stand off and a stalemate is looking more likely for the duration of February, with lots of noise.

We’ve got plenty of trouble all the same in February, mostly way beyond our personal control. That top rune Thurisaz is reflecting the current protests in Brussels, Canada and other places against covid restrictions, and these events seem likely therefore to continue into February.

The theme for this coming month is control, and the challenge of making decisions, both collective and individual in the face of unknowable or unpredictable factors (eg world politics, or covid) (Ansuz- the wisdom rune.)

Rune 1: Ansuz

Meanings: Teacher, mentor, Wisdom, wise advice, guidance, knowledge, information, broadcasting public speaking, writing

This rune stands for recent events and issues, and it is a curious coincidence that just as I am writing this I have learned via the television of the death of a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Nhat Hanh, known as Thay to his followers, who has died 95.

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered around the world for his pioneering teachings on mindfulness, global ethics and peace.

Our own life has to be our message –Thich Nhat Hanh –

What is the connection to this rune? This was a person whose experience and teachings have been hugely influential upon a generation of politicians, social activists, teachers, counsellors, health and fitness practitioners (meditation, yoga, etc.) and has driven an entire publishing market in the area of ‘Mindfulness’.

The rune Ansuz represents the mouth. Another name for it is OS, similar to the Latin word root for the modern words oral, oracle and oratory. We get the modern English word ‘answer’ from this rune. It stands for the power of the word, spoken and written.

Ansuz is saying there has been a huge lot of noise in the mainstream media in recent weeks. And, indeed there has in the UK, even more than usual in the past two years.

Can Boris Johnson survive ‘partygate’ as PM? These runes suggest that yes, he is weakened (Uruz Merkstave) But he could still survive in post at least a while longer, based on the central rune Gyfu meaning goodwill and contract. He is still far more widely and better liked by the public than media coverage would suggest, whatever have been the errors of judgment notwithstanding. Some high profile UK astrologers do not think so, however, and have suggested his departure is practically guaranteed in 2022, though they differ on the timing and as ever, only time will tell.

One thing has been clear since 2016, and was proven at the ballot box. What the media say the public think, and what the general public really think are often not the same thing.

On a personal level, this rune is good news if you are preparing to sit an exam. Making a proper effort of preparation is almost guaranteed to pay off. You may discover a new course of training or an apprenticeship, or you may seek and receive helpful advice from a person older or more experienced than yourself.

The appearance of Ansuz is usually excellent news if you have an interview or audition coming up, or you are delivering a speech or public presentation of any kind in February.

Rune 2: Gyfu

Meanings: Gifts, exchanges, partnerships, marriages, contracts, agreements, alliances

We get the modern English word ‘gift’ from this rune. It may therefore be talking literally, indicating that some actual gift is coming our way this month, or this may take the form of some kindly gesture or assistance. Or we may be signing up for a new partnership, agreement or contract.

This positive rune is sitting in the central position of the reading, reflecting where we are at now, or what to focus on at this present time. This rune cannot be reversed so it is always good news, unless it is surrounded by challenging runes. Here, there’s a mixture, but overall it is more positive than negative for personal and working relationships this month.

The worst case scenario is that we are dealing with a problem of an emotional nature. If so, the best approach is to take deep breath, consider words carefully, as with the previous rune Ansuz, and we may need some further information or advice before deciding on the best response.

Gyfu usually refers to a partnership either in business or in love, and can often indicate that a greater commitment is coming down the line. Here the rune may be picking up on the fact of St Valentine’s Day on the 14^th.

When we have been tired and stressed, this positive rune suggests we get a bit of a break. There is a lift in mood, and we can look forward to some much needed relief and respite.

Rune 3: Laguz

Meanings: Water/Flow/Instinct/Intuition

The Tonga tsunami occurred 15 January. The repercussions continue and seem set to continue for some while to come. Ask Astrology has made more than one mention of tsunamis in 2022. In last month’s runecast, Ask Astrology noted the appearance of the Laguz rune, drawn upside down or merkstave.

Laguz is water and water is vital for life but when the rune goes upside down or merkstave we are talking about troubled waters.

Here we have drawn it for a second time. We are sailing troubled waters globally, and there may be high rainfall and flooding in parts of the world this February, as with Peru most lately. Sadly this is not rare this time of year, but this month the rune has been drawn the right way up, with a more positive message.

Laguz says to trust your intuition this month especially in dealings with others. This rune may be detecting your psychic abilities, or you may have a powerful dream warning you away from someone or warning you against an undesirable situation.

Laguz is the principle feminine rune and usually refers to a female enquirer or subject of discussion. For a female reader, this rune is assuring you that you are equal to any challenges this month. Trust in your feelings. For a male reader, the appearance of this rune at the centre of the spread advises of a strong and supportive woman in your life, whom you should talk to.

Laguz shows the turning of a tide, either in our favour or against us. This month, a tide may start to turn in our favour.

Rune 4: Thurisaz

Meanings: Thorn: Defence, Attack, Studies

This rune is reflecting current issues, and also talking about what might help us this coming month or what might work against us. It has strong associations with protection and defence.

This rune is associated with thunder, and the Hammer of the thunder god Thor. It may be detecting extreme weather events this month, even though they may be short lived. It has strong associations with protection and defence.

One magical use of this rune is to visualize ourselves surrounded by a thorny hedge. No one can get near you that you do not want to. Now and then attack can be the best form of defence but in general, the runes are advising that something to avoid this month is unnecessary or pointless confrontations, and to avoid people operating with the attitude of ‘I am right and you are wrong.’

There is nothing wrong with defending our security and our personal boundaries. Often it is the only sensible thing to do.

Rune 5: Uruz merkstave

Meanings: Strength, power, loss of strength, lack of strength, ill health

This rune represents the stuff we are dealing with right now, that is outside our own control or power to fix. This is what we are stuck with for the time being. would seem to be a clear reference to the on-going covid situation, even though within the UK and parts of Europe restrictions are due to start lifting, cases are rising in other places, although not as steeply as last year.

Historically, for reasons that are everything to do with microbiology and behaviours, and nothing to do with politics or plots, pandemics have tended to last about four years and we are now in year 3.

The runes have no direct connection with astrology, but the auroch was a wild ox. Uruz is a cattle rune, and I tend to associate this rune with western astrology and the zodiac sign of Taurus; ruled by Venus, planet of love, beauty and money. Discussions around the cost of living and specifically the costs of energy and power will feature large in the news this month.

In view of recent dire warnings of price hikes coming soon, we may decide to sign up to pay fixed rates for gas or electricity this month- but we really do need to check the small print. Do we need or want the other things that might be included in the energy provider’s bundle?

In Summary

Rune 6: Advice: Perthro

Meanings: sanctuary, gambling, initiation, secrets, discoveries

We drew this same rune last month in the January Runecast which was performed 21 December 2021. This repetition is not surprising given that with major situations, timescales may extend over many months or even years.

Perthro is a mystery rune dealing with things hidden, secrets that may come to light this month. This is not necessarily ominous or unwelcome news, but may come as a surprise all the same. If you have shared a secret with someone else, they might not keep it secret. Be careful who you take into your confidence,

Paired with Gyfu, Perthro can mean a welcome surprise. In terms of romance, this rune paired with two other runes in this spread, Laguz and Gyfu can mean a powerful sexual attraction. But Perthro warns us to watch our step, for our own well-being. This is powerful stuff but more than this is needed if we want a relationship to flourish or develop in a safe, secure and meaningful way.

Perthro represents sanctuary. What and where for us, represents our own personal sanctuary? Is it at home? Is it with other people? Is it doing something we love that takes our mind away from worry? Is it switching off the news when it gets too much?

Some rune scholars think this rune is supposed to show a dice cup- meaning a cup once used for drawing lots in gambling games or throwing dice. As such, we may take a bit of a gamble this year, and it pays off. This gamble however, still depends on us doing our research beforehand (Ansuz.)

We need to limit the risk. New information comes to light this month and it could be very useful or important.

But there is plenty in this rune cast that is positive, suggesting a flow of new ideas, learning, inspiration, wise advice, and scope for new opportunities this month, whether professional or personal or both. “

Best wishes until next time.

To discover your personal ‘birth runes’ – your ‘heroic destiny or potential’ https://haquil.com/blogs/viking/how-to-calculate-your-viking-birth-runes

Suggested Further Reading

The New Book of Runes by Ralph Blum

Futhark. A Handbook of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson.

The Runes: A practical Guide to their uses in divination and Magick by Lisa Peschel, published Llewellyn

Tarot talks Russia and Ukraine

See more recent posts for updates.

Tarot is a language of words, images and symbols embedded in pieces of card stock. Anyone who wants to learn it, can, and one does not need to see oneself as psychic in order to become a fluent reader. However the interactions between cards trigger left-field and sometimes downright psychic insights that detect/reflect a past or current situation, which may then be directed to forecast/predict/project likely future developments.

What’s the point of a reader telling us something we know already?

It’s critical. We need that benchmark. How else do we know we are on the same page? You may already know what the reader is telling you. But usually -at least in a personal reading- they didn’t already know, and that is largely the point.

That initial mirroring is an affirmation, valuable feedback in evidence of what the reader has initially ‘seen’ -this is the baseline for further investigation.

Therefore, there is likely nothing new here in the following readings. But the point is to illustrate how we can work with the Tarot bearing in mind that not every reader works the same way. Many more readers now focus on using the Tarot more for applied psychology and counselling purposes than for old fashioned divination or prognostication. This has largely fallen out of fashion for a variety of reasons, but I like to do both, or at least I will attempt both.

I woke late today, not feeling terribly well, and turned on the news to see that Mr Putin has today apparently withdrawn some units from the Ukraine border back to their bases. A hopeful sign? although this withdrawal is disputed by the US and of course, it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. If then.

Its Over Viking GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

This isn’t the end of it, is it?

Late last night I was looking in my playing cards about this, romantically bending Il Matrimonio’s ear on Valentine’s Day. Whispering sweet nothings of impending doom and apocalypse. Was it war or not? There was no clear sign of it as yet. I did not see that Mr Putin had decided on war.

19/2/2022 The reader must work with the cards, which as the days go on, seem to agree less and less with what we are seeing unfolding in front of us. Logic says it’s coming and Mr Putin will simply deny involvement and say Russian forces are there to protect the Russian separatists from Ukraine aggression. He will say it is a war waged by Ukraine on Russian separatist states of Ukraine, presenting it as a civil war.

Question: Will there be war between Russia and Ukraine?

Meaning, soon, imminently, or in the near future.

Left hand column: the premise/situation:

Nine Clubs standing alone, independence, pride, stubbornness, courage in adversity, long distance travel, business

Ace Spades Power, stress, act of war, act of law. Sudden decision. Victory. Death.

Well, that figures.

Central Column: the answer to the question as stated.

Ten Diamonds Financial prosperity. Diamonds is also the earth suit and in cartomancy, though you might naturally assume electricity correlates with the suit of Wands as the fire suit, diamonds encompasses electricity and all flammable materials, which could here mean gas. Diamonds also suggests events that develop at great speed.

Jack Spades Threat, attack, new intelligence, potential de-escalation of the Ace of Spades

Mr Putin has amassed troops on the Ukraine borders to issue a warning and this is at least partly in reaction to a sincerely perceived threat to Russia’s economy.

Right hand column: reasons/factors affecting answer contained in the central column

Two Clubs: business deal, alliance of interests

Five Diamonds: home life, money at home. Again, we see that earth suit/energy reference. I associate this card with anxiety, worries about money and a great fear of being isolated or ‘left out in the cold’, physically or emotionally.

The reader also weighs it up by looking at the overall balance of colours and suits. I read a black suit card as a no (Spade) or a maybe (Club) and a red suit cards as a yes. We have here 2 red suit cards and 4 black suit cards, leaning the answer towards a no.

The second most powerful card in the deck, and the card that can say WAR, the Ace of Spades, is on the left of the reading. So, yes, it is in the mix already but that risk does not appear to compound or deepen looking left to right. Had I drawn it top right, or had I drawn more spades cards I would be more alarmed.

The Joker

This is the card that worries me most. What is the most powerful card in the deck? I would say it is The Joker. The Unknowable. Just as in the Tarot deck it is The Fool. The power of zero. The portal. The hand of destiny.

This is a biggie. Destiny is at work.

The Joker has also made an appearance in this reading. And so I feel there is no finalized strategy on the part of Mr Putin. He is testing the waters. He is warning the West and he wants China to watch as well. Any backing down from him now, is not really a back-down given the state of the gas industry, should the West continue along the green path, with new greener technologies and recent advances in nuclear fusion an exciting prospect, but still decades away from viability.

15 Feb on Twitter

Follow-up on 11/2 10 PM 14/2. Will there be war? Central column= answer. 50:50/less. Reduced from Ace Spades to Jack Spades. Overall no, 4 black no:2 red yes but 5 Diamonds (=money/cyber/electric) +Joker v dangerous/volatile. Key=future 2 Clubs=agreement/Nordstream2.

I have looked at this same question a few times in recent days.

Here was my reading posted on Twitter, February 11.

Katie-Ellen@TrueTarotTales·Feb 11#Tarot Ukraine Russia, 10 Swords (past ruin, betrayal, backstabbed + Gemini =B.J) 10 Pentacles (homeland/’family treasures’) King Cups (Biden) Ace Swords + World Rx. A clash/’test’ incident looks likely but Hermit (standoff) says not yet/escalation not inevitable/imminent.

But this isn’t so simple. We don’t need to know much about geo-politics to know that.

What does Mr Putin want?

What is his motivation in this situation? I have drawn this same card, the Two of Pentacles a number of times in recent days.

Tarot Ukraine What does M Putin want? What is his motivation. Huge amount of history as well as strategy embedded. A card that keeps coming up is the 2 Pentacles. Land/sea/trade. He wants/needs for Russia access/influence 2 seas? Black Sea and the Baltic.

Continued:

#Tarot This card, 2 Pentacles, showing a juggling act where finance/economy and bi location are key factors, – a pictorial reflection of Russian motivation, fear of the JOKER /factor X =potential future power of Ukraine/western support to weaponize Nord Stream 2 once operational.

Mr Biden has threatened that Nord Stream 2 will not happen if Russia invades. Asked how he will make sure Nord Stream 2 will not happen, he has simply said, it won’t and that’s a promise. But the new German Chancellor, Mr Scholz has said he is on board with the US position, with Germany a critical element, the primary client in this equation.

REUTERS https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-germanys-scholz-stress-unified-front-against-any-russian-aggression-toward-2022-02-07/

The Joker is the wild card here. This is the risk that Mr Putin, for one, is currently weighing, or at least this is how my Tarot is explaining it to me.

These are the cards Mr Putin is juggling right now. The risk that Ukraine will in future definitively lend itself as a weapon to the West. Or that Nord Stream 2 could be denied certification even at this very late stage, given the stakes for Russia and the scale of investment, with the major stakeholder in Nord Stream 2, Russian state owned company Gazprom.

The Joker has been drawn because no one knows the answer. The benefits to Russia of supplying gas to 26 million German homes is a pudding of which the tastiness is not yet available for proof, to offset the advantages to Russia of attempting to neutralize the mutual unease of Ukraine. It isn’t even a case of a bird in the hand and two in the bush.

19 2 2022 Mr Putin wants to have the cake AND eat it, and is trying to figure out how to have both.We are back to that 2 of Pentacles. He he wants the 2 separatist states in the Ukraine to be consolidated within Russian control, and this would mean civil war for Ukraine which is actually a proxy war between Russia and Ukraine but without jeopardizing Russian interests; money and Nord Stream 2.

It might come down to his assessment of the determination of Mr Scholz, backed by Mr Biden.

Everyone is making their point, and everyone is frightened. But the problem can’t go away. This for now is the trap, the dangerous dance, the Faustian pact. Push to shove, do national governments prioritize COP 26 eco policy or national security, saving ourselves from subjugation by a hostile Other? Which devil do we dance with? No Russian Ukraine war now does not mean no war at all. That is the message of The Joker.

But at least we don’t have the Tower or The Devil or Judgment Day. Not today.

19 2 Feb I will be watching this space to see what more the Tarot has to say. I don’t know geopolitics. The cards are chosen at random, a movement of the hands directed by the unconscious mind. I do not know why I stop shuffling when I do. The challenge is them to interpret those cards using the conscious mind, sticking to the meaning in the cards, regardless of what their intellectual opinion is, or what their logic tells them. On the face of it, war looks well nigh inevitable, but that isn’t how it is being shown to me so far. It is being shown as possible. But still not inevitable. The reasons why it may still not happen may hinge on Germany. But Mr Putin will not wish to wreck Ukraine in order to annex it. The 2 of Pentacles depicts Vladimir Putin making a weighing of the likely financial cost.

Till next time 🙂

Tiger Magic: 2022: Year of the Black Water Tiger

The Tyger

Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies.
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?

–William Blake,

1794, from The Songs of Experience

True Tiger Tales

Where does the tiger’s name come from?

The modern word comes from the Old English tigras (plural), also in part from Old French tigre “tiger” (mid-12c.) and they both from Latin tigris “tiger,” from Greek tigris, possibly from an Iranian source akin to Old Persian tigra- “sharp, pointed,” like an arrow in reference to its springing on its prey.

The scientific name, Panthera Tigris, is thought to have various origins, but is most likely from the Indian language, in which “panther” refers to the yellow and white colouring of the tiger.

There are 2 main subspecies of tiger but two main groupings: the Asian continental tigers and the island tigers. The largest cat in the world is the Amur tiger, and the smallest of the tigers is the Sumatran tiger.

This – Via World Wildlife Organization

Since 2017, IUCN has recognized two tiger subspecies, commonly referred to as the continental tiger and the Sunda Island tiger. All remaining island tigers are found only in Sumatra, with tigers in Java and Bali now extinct. These are popularly known as Sumatran tigers. The continental tigers currently include the Bengal, Malayan, Indochinese and Amur (Siberian) tiger populations, while the Caspian tiger is extinct in the wild. The South China tiger is believed to be functionally extinct.

However, wild tiger numbers are rising again after a century in decline. Based on the best available information, wild tiger numbers are rising again after a century in decline in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Russia and China. An estimated 3,900 tigers remain in the wild (a TINY number) but much more work needs to be done to secure the future of the tiger in the wild. In some areas including much of Southeast Asia, tigers are still in crisis and declining in number.

The tiger is honoured in mythology throughout all its ranges in Asia. The tiger is a wonder of the world entire. The Goddess of Compassion, Kuan Yin will surely be mourning the decline of the tiger in the wild due to hunting and poaching and loss of habitat. She who hears the cries of the world will surely hear the cries of the tiger.

Kuan Yin rides a dragon in token of her power, and also in her role as a protector of fishermen.

For Buddhists the tiger represents spiritual struggle, finding one’s own inner light in dark and dangerous times. The tiger hunts alone by night, and will travel great distances, combining stealth with power. This year of the Water tiger reminds us that the tiger is an excellent swimmer and the mother tiger is devoted to her cubs.

To the Samurai of Japan, the tiger was a natural emblem of courage.

Hindu goddess Durga, (Sanskrit: “the Inaccessible”) principal form of the threefold Goddess, also known as Devi and Shakti, is depicted as a warrior going into battle riding a tiger, Damon. Shown here slaying a demon buffalo (Source Wiki).

North of Mumbai, harvested crops are donated in honour of the tiger, where it is seen as a symbol of life and regeneration.

The Astrology: The Water Tiger 2022

Tiger Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022.

This is a Year of the Black Water Tiger in Chinese astrology. but the first astrological day of the Tiger year is on February 4, 2022, not to be confused with the day of the Chinese New Year, Tuesday February 1 and the celebrations finish with the Lantern Festival February 15th, 2022.

The start of Tiger month marks the first month of spring when the sun enters the 315th degree in the tropical zodiac.

Each Chinese zodiac sign is associated with one of five elements.

Wood: creativity, imagination
Fire: passion, adventure
Metal: persistence, ambition
Water: agility, eloquence
Earth: patience, stability

Why a black tiger? Chinese astrology links colours with the elements, and black is the colour for water.

The Water Tiger symbolizes something moving in, as well as upon the Water. This could mean ships and boats for example and by extension, river or marine fishing, overseas trade and shipping and pleasure cruising.

This imagery could be also read as a fertility sign, something that grows in water could mean water crops or even a baby growing within the womb. There could be far reaching discussions and decisions this year for instance, to encourage or support a rise in the birth rate in China to offset the economic challenges of an ageing population in consequence of a thirty year one child policy.

On the other hand water is connected to danger in the I-Ching. Add this to the courage of the Tiger, for which we could also read potential aggression, then the Water Tiger of 2022 implies a need for caution while suggesting a year of growth, development, challenge, creation, planning with a need to be well-prepared. This has clear implications for developments or confrontations in the Taiwan Straits in 2022.

It could predict significant maritime events this year. Possibly too, because it is about the movement of water or movement in or on water, and following the underwater volcanic eruption near Tonga, the water tiger could mean further significant underwater seismic events or tsunamis.

Update 4/2/2022 The HMS Endeavour has been located off Rhode Island 250 years after it sailed to Australia under the command of Captain James Cook. It is believed that it was scuttled by British Forces in the American war of independence, now identified via archival and archaeological evidence. This, upon the advent of the Water Tiger, and during Jupiter in Pisces.

A Tiger year is a potentially explosive year in world events but the fact of this being a Water Tiger year, the first since 1966, somewhat cools, calms and moderates that Tiger effect.

We are probably in for a series or a succession of standoffs, then, and the situation on the Ukraine border is one marker, but not the only one in 2022.

In the UK, Boris Johnson looks likely to stay in position as PM at least for now, as per a recent reading here in the archives. It looks likely that his party , while unhappy at the recent media storm focused on civil service gatherings at 10 Downing Street, will likely choose not to risk a vote of no confidence with the issue of the Northern Ireland Protocol still not resolved, the aggressive stance in respect of this by the European court of Justice and now that M Macron is head of the EU in 2022.

The UK will not rejoin the EU so far as I can tell, looking through the cards.

Update 4/2/2022 The long lost HMS Endeavour has reportedly been identified off Rhode Island 250 years after it sailed to Australia under the command of Captain James Cook. It is believed that it was scuttled by British Forces in the American war of independence, now identified via archival and archaeological evidence. This, upon the advent of the Water Tiger, and during Jupiter in Pisces.

General Astrology

Where the signs in western astrology change every month and come round every year. Aquarius comes round every February in western or tropical astrology, a Chinese animal year comes round only once every twelve years, and when we add in the element as well, the last Water Tiger year was 1966.

Astrology suggests some kind of cosmic replay of global events or trends in 1966. This could be a year of extremes.

Personal astrology

People born in a Tiger year are characterised in Chinese astrology as confident, in tune with their instincts, knowing the best times to act, and when to stay still. They may, for all their confidence, present a quiet appearance, and may catch people by surprise, who did not realize they were there but it is rare for the tiger to be caught surprised or unprepared,

Tiger year people, even in leadership roles, still like their privacy, and will often choose to work alone or by night.

The Tiger is sensitive, tactile and charismatic, which may draw them into the healing or psychic arts for which they may have a natural talent. Change may be a challenge for the Tiger as for everybody, but their self-control, their talent for observation and their gift of good timing stand them in good stead.

The Water Tiger: 1966 and 2022

These Tigers are curious and independent-minded, but are more reflective, and tend to have very good interpersonal relationships compared with other Tigers who can struggle with other people at close quarters, and in consequence sometimes experience loneliness. They are more family-oriented and like a quiet and peaceful family life. Though they are outwardly confident, they may be more prone to indecision than other tigers. These Tigers tend to keep family and work separate and try to never take work home. They often don’t say much but in general are known for being considerate and sympathetic to their loved ones.

Water Tigers are as ambitious as other tigers, but they need a settled home life to thrive professionally, and they also tend to be stubborn and resistant to listening to advice and learning from others which then works against them.

Thinking of the water tiger of 2022, I can’t help but think of the tiger called Richard Parker in the novel, The Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

Richard…royal rule

Parker… a warden of a park, the garden of Eden, the Earth

Lords of the atlas, we are not. What goes around, as they say, comes around.

Time is the substance from which I am made. Time is a river which carries me along, but I am the river; it is a tiger that devours me, but I am the tiger; it is a fire that consumes me, but I am the fire.

– Jorge Luis Borges

Back soon 🙂