The Darker Side of Venus

Venus will be in retrograde from July 25 until September 6. The conventional warnings about the time of Venus retrograde include avoiding the purchase of luxury items, being careful about ill-advised liaisons, and avoiding beauty procedures, even haircuts.

Whether or not you choose to follow this advice, the Venus retrograde is an interesting time to consider the ways in which Venus tempts us, and sometimes leads us astray.

Do you overspend on items you regret later?

Do you worry too much about your appearance?

Do you sacrifice too much in unhealthy relationships?

What tempts you to make poor decisions in love?

The next month offers an opportunity to examine your behaviors, heal, and find your inner beauty.

Love and Tarot

Often we approach tarot with questions about love and romance.  We want some assurance of a happy future.

The cards can be very helpful in directing communication and compromise within a relationship. The cards can also sometimes reveal hidden agenda and unwise associations.

What we often want the cards to reveal, however, is the exact date that we will meet our true love. Sometimes the cards will do exactly that, but not always.

Sometimes the cards seem more interested in helping us heal, and helping us understand ourselves, than they are in predicting our future. When that happens, I think about this. Sometimes the decisions we make, especially in love, really matter. Tarot can help us evaluate our situations, and help us make the logical decisions that will bring us to the most happiness possible, in love and in life. 

The Week in Review

This week, Joanne Matthew shared some Tarot Haiku on my Community Blog. She wrote a haiku for each of the Major Arcana. This is a shining example of the way tarot can inspire poetry.

On my Dark Forest blog, I offer some “Energetic Cures for Obnoxious Neighbors.” Remember, Venus is about love and war. If you find yourself at war with a neighbor, here are some things to try.

From Around the Web

From Raven’s Tarot Site, here is an interesting discussion of Venus and Tarot.

 Olivia at First Earth Tarot has shared a great review of an interesting new tarot deck, Stone Tarot.

Elephant Journal often has great articles. I enjoyed their take on Venus retrograde very much!

Inner Beauty Tarot Spread

Tarot mirrors life. Sometimes it’s helpful to get a reminder of our inner beauty, to receive a clue to understand that deep and strong part of ourselves.

Here’s a two-card tarot spread to help you see your inner beauty. Let the first card show some aspect of your inner beauty. Let the second card show the source of that beauty.

What do you learn about yourself when you consider these cards?

What’s up at the Psychic Café?

This week I caught up with Michael Bridge-Dickson, the artist of Orbifold Tarot. This is an unusual and striking deck. There are many things about this deck I find fascinating. Currently, Orbifold Tarot is in its funding campaign for self-publication.

I’ll be uploading my interview with Michael to my YouTube Channel later on this week. Keep an eye on the Christiana’s Psychic Café Facebook page for details!

Image from Gilded Reverie Lenormand, by Ciro Marchetti

Learning Lenormand

Card Twelve: Birds

Birds is about conversation, communication, gossip and chatter. This card can indicate busy times and quick action. It suggests meetings, interviews and high energy gatherings.

Since communication can be either meaningful or mean, the Birds is considered a neutral card. Look to the surrounding cards and the context of the question to ascertain your role in this conversation, or how it will affect you.

The playing card association for the Birds is the Seven of Diamonds. This can indicate arguments, difficult conversations and irritation.

Next week we will explore card thirteen in the Lenormand system, the Child.

Don’t Miss Florida TarotCon in October!

On October 10th and 11th, tarot and divination experts from all over the world will be gathering in Palm Beach Gardens to share their wisdom and knowledge. You can be there, too! Act now, and receive a $50 discount on your tuition, and a reduced rate at the DoubleTree Hotel.

Tarosophy Tarot Association, the world’s largest tarot association, presents TarotCon. Learn more, and make your reservation on the Florida TarotCon website.

Image from Gilded Royale, by Ciro Marchetti.

Your One-Card Weekly Reading

Your one-card reading this week is the Three of Swords. Drawn at random, this is an appropriate card as we approach the time of Venus retrograde.

Now is the time to acknowledge the things that have hurt your heart. As much as possible, find ways to release and heal from the pain.

Understand that life must always include difficulty, and love always includes a risk. Nonetheless, your heart can heal, and can be made strong and whole, simply by filling it with love.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, July 22, 7 pm
An Evening with the Tarot
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library
2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, Florida 33618-1828

Join me for a fascinating journey into the world of tarot. Learn about the art, history, culture and uses of tarot in this free presentation. For more information, visit the event listing on my website.
 

Sunday, July 26, 3:30
Tampa Bay Area Tarot Meetup
Panera Bread, 23388 State Road 54 in Lutz, 33549

Please join us at Panera Bread in Lutz for a Court Card Workshop with me, Christiana Gaudet. Tarot enthusiasts from the Tampa area and beyond will gather to learn, share and have fun.

Join our meetup, or visit the event listing on my website.

About Christiana

Christiana Gaudet
Origins Spa and Wellness Center
1537 N Dale Mabry Highway #102
Lutz, FL 33548
 

Private telephone, Skype and in person readings and instruction are available by appointment.
Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida. 

Call 813-948-4488, toll free 866-99TAROT,
or text or call 561-655-1160
for more information or to schedule your event.

Agent inquiries are welcome.