 A Winter Solstice Reading with the Magical Child Oracle Reflecting on this unique alignment, one might wonder if it is just a coincidence or could it be a meaningful synchronicity? I think there is spiritual significance to Christmas and Hanukkah falling on the same day in 2024. It feels like a message. As both holidays land on December 25th this year, let’s consider the synchronicity of this convergence.
Both share themes of spiritual dedication and renewal that stretch back far beyond their current religious traditions. The sacred connection to the sky and to the emergence of the Light during the darkest part of the year is an age-old experience, echoed in Winter Solstice celebrations by ancient peoples across the globe.
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 When you enter your early 40s, you will experience one of astrology’s major life transits, the Uranus Opposition. This is when the transit of Uranus becomes opposite (180º) your natal Uranus. Much like the significant life transit of your Saturn Return (28-30), you can expect the transformative power of Uranus to usher you into a new phase of your evolution. How this transit might personally affect your life is explored below.
This major astrological transit often coincides with the struggles commonly known as the midlife crisis. This timing is no coincidence; the Hermetic axiom As Above, So Below, As Within, So Without is always relevant when considering all things spiritual and astrological. In this context, we see how the external influences of the Uranus Opposition mirror the internal conflicts we face during this pivotal turning point in life.  Hiatus is over and I'm happy to announce my schedule is open for online readings! I love combining the sacred tools of tarot & astrology in my readings. Connecting with clients and helping them get clarity about their most pressing issues is such a privilege.
If your life seems more challenging than usual lately, something cosmic might be affecting your personal sky map! You may be in the midst of a major life transit. As above, so below...  Bonhoms.com 2021, Lot 19: Walter Mercado: Seven Decks of Tarot Cards. L to R. The Goose is Out, Mitelli Tarot, Astro Mythological "Grand Jeu" Lenormand, Universal Dalí Tarot, The Tarot of Gemstones and Crystals, Los Naipes de Heliodoro (Majors), and James Bond 007 Tarot. Bonhams hosted an online auction for the estate of Walter Mercado in Los Angeles from Nov 30 to Dec 9, 2021. Mucho Mucho Amor: The Collection of Walter Mercado listed 131 lots with a glorious number of objects, garments, and jewelry that belonged to the beloved Puerto Rican astrologer.
Of particular note for me was his tarot collection, which included seven decks that sold for just under $900: Lot 19, Walter Mercado: Seven Decks of Tarot Cards.  Antiquarian Tarot's Sun card. Summer blessings! The Sun in astrology is about self-expression, power, vitality, and well-being. In Tarot, it teaches us to connect with our creativity to find what makes us thrive. The Lord of the Fire of the World is inviting us to shine our unique Light brightly with confidence. In a world that pushes fear, strips away faith, nuance, and is turning us into dedicated cynics, the Sun reminds us of our positive potential—our beautiful life force. It reawakens us to our creative source, helping to open our eyes wider with childlike wonder. This card asks us to unblock our hearts, dissolve bitter walls, and spread much needed joy. May the Sun shine its optimism on your path!
 Gateway to eclipse season is here! The first eclipse of the year is a Taurus Solar Eclipse, this Saturday April 30, at 1:28pm Pacific.
An aspect of Mystic Rapture, from the Divine Muses Oracle, reveals a message about eclipse season that is ripe for reflections. Eclipses bring change and can make us look at our shadow. It's a time to adapt & grow beyond our current perception of ourselves and that of the Universe. My first unpacking of the USA's Pluto Return is in this post, which I wrote when it stationed retrograde (Rx) in April. I wanted to write more on Pluto Return since Pluto just stationed direct (October 6th) after being Rx for 6 months! The synchronicity of this astro event is really interesting, considering it's on the heels of the Facebook whistleblower's testimony yesterday, and after FB shut down for part of the day! In my opinion, much of the struggle the USA seems to be facing during its Pluto Return is the deepest divisiveness and polarization, which seems to have been fomented by the FB algorithm's preference for negative posts since they get the most engagement. Tristan Harris, Founder of the Center for Humane Technology, recently stated after Frances Haugen's testimony that: We are more profitable if we are addicted, outraged, irritable, disinformed, and polarized than if we're a human being.  The Lion's Gate, a celestial stargate, is when the 2nd brightest star in the heavens, fixed star Sirius (aka our "Spiritual Sun"), aligns with Earth; and it is “activated” with the New Moon this weekend.
As I continue to read and travel through 36 Secrets, A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot by T. Susan Chang, I keep finding fascinating connections between the cards and the stars. For example: The Lion’s Gate happens during this Leo II time, the decan of the 6 of Wands “Lord of Victory” card (Jupiter in Leo).  Tarot Decan: Lua Tarot 5 of Wands, World and Strength. We've entered Leo Season (Strength energies) today. I’m exploring the 1st decan of Leo in the Minor Arcana. Leo I is associated with the Five of Wands, which starts today and ends August 1st. Put the Five of Wands on your altar or reading table during this time to see how it shows up for you.
The Five of Wands can reflect anything from disputes to competition. Because this card is considered the “Lord of Strife” we see struggle between two or more parties, but it does not necessarily have to be negative, as we can look at this as friendly competition and sportsmanship, if we shift perspective.  Tarot Travel Altar Blessings to all this Super Strawberry Moon in Capricorn! I’m about to go on a little vacation and I always pack a travel altar with me. I usually use a small metal box, which I store my little altar items.
I’ll be using the Lua Tarot’s box as my travel altar this time. It’s like a diorama shrine. I’ll pack my altar items in a velvet bag to protect them and put the deck back in the box. The 2nd edition Lua Tarot will be back in the shop second week in July! I'll post here when it is available, please subscribe to be notified.  Shine bright like the sun. Happy Solstice! Happy Pride!
1970 1JJ Swiss Tarot on the Celestial Spheres Mat  We’re in the midst of eclipse season! I pulled the Mystic Rapture card reversed from the Divine Muses Oracle and one of its reversed/shadow messages is about eclipse season reflection. Eclipses can bring change and force us to look at our Shadow. We are being asked to adapt & grow beyond the current perception of ourselves and that of the world.
Eclipses are an obscuration of the sun or moon, and this phenomenon reflects the darker side of our nature—or Shadow. If you are sensitive to energy, this reversed card is suggesting that you take heed during this eclipse season. >>>>>  Lua Tarot and Lenormand Cards Full Moon is exact tonight at 8:31pm PT (11:31pm ET). This Moon’s influence is under Scorpio, which is associated with the Tarot’s Death card—the Child of the Great Transformers and the Lord of the Gate of Death.
Scorpio’s ruling planet is Pluto and Pluto goes Retrograde tomorrow (1:03pm PDT) for 6 months. ALSO: The USA has been in the thick of its first Pluto Return, currently 26° Capricorn (within 1° orb of US’s exact natal Pluto).  Pluto stations Retrograde (Rx) on Tuesday, April 27th at 1:03pm (PDT). The Pluto energies have been so intense lately. Especially for the USA, as an immense astrology transit has been nudging ever slowly forth for the past year.
The USA has been approaching its first Pluto Return, currently 26° Capricorn (within 1° orb of USA’s natal Pluto). Many people have heard of their Saturn Return, but what's Pluto Return?
While I was creating a Reels for Instagram, The High Priestess card came up to remind us of the Dark Moon energies we are entering.
The Dark Moon is the Moon for priestess magic. The time to tap into your mystical or spiritual discipline, to quiet down and hear / understand the teachings intuitively. Moon entered Pisces early this morning and the New Moon in Pisces is Saturday at 2:21am PST! This is an invitation to recharge your mind and body if you've been feeling emotionally drained. May you be restored during this time.
 Lua Lenormand ©2020 Maree Bento Full Moon in Virgo reading from the Lua Lenormand. Stars + Moon + Snake shows the twists and turns of creativity and intuitive clarity. It can be a circuitous path of your purpose and destiny.
Full Moon in Virgo wants us to refine our purpose and tap into productivity, to put our emotions second. This can feel like a paradox as the Full Moon wants us to fully feel them.  Lua Tarot and Antiquarian Tarot Reading Spread Anyone else feeling this Swords-y energy at this Lunar New Year? Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun & Moon are ALL currently vibrating in Aquarius energy.
With the Aquarius vibes, most Tarotists would think of The Star card, which perhaps does reflect the macrocosmic reality, but I’m not sensing that as strongly right now. I am sensing microcosmic mundane world in these three Swords cards today.  Jupiter and Saturn come together in a most auspicious way on the 21st of December! This “Great Conjunction” will spark a turning point at 0° Aquarius on the Solar New Year—the Solstice.
This is a wondrous rebirthing energy converging in the astro heavens that is signaling to us a renaissance! One can see why some astrologers are calling this the “official” entrance into the Age of Aquarius.  Total Solar Eclipse Collage © Maree Bento 2020 We have walked through the fire that has been 2020, and we have been transformed. While this year has felt like the biggest setback of our lives, it truly has been a monumental catalyst for our evolution.
This morning’s Total Solar Eclipse is exact at 8:17am PST. The Sagittarius Eclipse brings an intense and quiet power. Can you feel the inner stirrings of change?  Lua Tarot ©2020 Maree Bento Another magic Monday! Full moon magic on the Gemini/Sagittarius axis. Did anyone sense the lunar eclipse early this morning? I caught a glimpse of it through the clouds here in Portland, as drops of rain speckled my face with their penumbral infused lunar magic.
Penumbral eclipses are more gentle as the moon moves behind the Earth’s outer shadow. They don’t hit us in the same way that Total eclipses do. They reflect a more subtle power. |
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