The Tarot is an ancient meditative discipline by which one can gain access to higher levels of consciousness. The mystique of Tarot cards combines astrology, numerology, symbology and the occult to gain insights into the past, present and future. Tarot cards can be used for divination, therapy, mirroring and counselling. A series of images represent, in pictorial form, a summary of all knowledge, ancient energies, teachings and the wisdom of sages. Usually, there are 78 cards in the Tarot pack, which is divided into two, major and minor arcana. The major arcana cards symbolise the elements, planets and zodiac signs. Then there are the royalty cards – Knight, Queen, Prince and Princess – that symbolise people, characteristics and qualities. The minor arcana are presented in four suits from one to 10 and they are Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles.
– Ma Prem Usha is a well-known Tarot consultant who has been reading the cards for over 15 years. Her e-mail address: prem.usha@vsnl.com
Spiritual Message: Swatantra means freedom and liberty. It has another meaning also: swa means self and tantra means expansion. When you are in freedom your self expands, you go on expanding. One day you become the whole universe. That’s why in India we have never called the ultimate state heaven. We have called it moksha; moksha means freedom. Expand and become free says Osho, the Zen master.
Aries(March 21 - April 20): ‘The Knight of Disks’ supports you through a busy and tiring week with healing and earthy energy. You are patient, laborious and clever in material aspects and manage finances and business ventures with ingenuity and success. Health problems for yourself or family members can be resolved with natural healing and alternate therapies, be open to them. Parents may need your support and attention while children need your guidance and love at this point. Be prepared to travel by road and enjoy a journey with friends or family. You are perhaps somewhat preoccupied with material and professional affairs but also manage to attend to children, family and loved ones with devotion and care. Beware of an avaricious, surly and petty man at work as he is jealous and tries to grasp your position. Building a home or redecorating can be a passion this week. Sporty pastimes and physical activity keep you fit and energetic.
Lucky number is 5. Good colour is earthy brown.
Taurus(April 21 - May 21): ‘The Queen of Swords’ brings clarity and logic to resolve complications of any kind this week. You are perceptive and individualistic at work and intense in personal relationships. You are graceful during social occasions and family celebrations. You are diplomatic when dealing with deceitful factions in the work area. Beware of a superficially attractive woman who can be dangerous or competitive. You come up with brilliant ideas and actualise them with cooperation from associates. You are not about to make compromises in personal relationships and that can cause tension. You are able to make financial investments this week. Be gentle when expressing bitter truths to people you care about, as they are sensitive right now. Listen to your heart when making decisions about friends, family and partners. Health and finances need watching. Take a gamble or a quantum leap; winning could surprise you.
Lucky number is 6. Good colours are rainbow pastels.
Gemini(May 22 - June 21): You are strong and full of energy to make breakthroughs and changes in personal relationships and professional situations this week. You seem to control the life force as you swing lucrative business deals and turn things around to your advantage. A romantic involvement flowers into a lasting commitment or marriage. You are seen, noted and heard as you make an impact on life and people around you at work and at home. Media exposure can be exciting. A Leo person brings joy in your life. You are ready to shatter old patterns and limitations that may have blocked you in the past. In doing so you will be amazed at the vitality and empowerment this breakthrough brings to your life and personality. This is a good time to express your plans, feelings and ideas as you are received well and your suggestions appreciated by people who matter. A pleasure trip is on the cards!
Lucky number is 11. Good colour is golden yellow.
Cancer(June 22 - July 22): You maintain your position of power and financial security this week as business and professional situations stabilize. Since property matters are settled according to your wishes, there is relief from financial tension and anxiety. You are able to negotiate business deals and come to terms with conflicting ideas and interests in collaborations. Your winning strategy this week is one of pacific resistance rather than dynamic offensive. A Capricorn person is efficient and supportive in the work area. Health and physical energy is good but you need to take frequent breaks and watch your diet and fitness routines. Aesthetic pursuits and creative pastimes are rejuvenating. Practical details and family conflicts can be resolved with a little effort. Travel overland is on the cards! Personal relationships are supportive and invaluable. It's a good idea to spend time with family. Listen to your intuition or inner voice!
Lucky number is 4. Good colour is orange.
Leo(July 23 - August 23): ‘The Princess of Discs’ brings your awareness to creative matters this week. A trip overseas is on the cards! You are full of new business plans that need active participation. You are blessed with youthful energy and physical strength. You are generous and kind family situations. Redecorating home or office space brings new energy and ambiance. Your social circle enlarges as people enjoy your hospitality. Get in touch with parents to receive an invaluable gift.
Lucky number is 6. Good color is emerald green.
Virgo(August 24 - September 23): ‘The Hierophant’ takes you through a variety of experiences this week from which you learn and grow. You achieve professional and personal goals. You are practical in business matters while being caring in personal relationships. You play the role of a father figure and take responsibility. You make an impact and a big difference wherever you are this week. You are likely to invest in land or home. You learn from practical experience and life than from academics.
Lucky number is 5. Good colours are earthy browns.
Libra(September 24 - October 23): ‘The Hierophant’ takes you through a variety of experiences this week from which you learn and grow. You achieve professional and personal goals. You are practical in business matters while being caring in personal relationships. You play the role of a father figure and take responsibility. You make an impact and a big difference wherever you are this week. You are likely to invest in land or home. You learn from practical experience and life than from academics.
Lucky number is 5. Good colours are earthy browns.
Scorpio(October 24 - November 22): Two golden Cups full of light and lotus blossoms add love and romance to your personal relationships. Being open and receptive, you attract prestigious opportunities. You start a new business project while rejuvenating an old one. A short vacation allows you to let your hair down with a loved one. An influential friend offers you an opportunity to work with him. Beware of over indulgence in emotion, food or drink. Yoga and walking are great fitness routines for you.
Lucky number is 2. Good colour is buttercup yellow.
Sagittarius(November 21 - December 23): ‘The Knight of Swords’ lends you a new vision for the future! You are brilliant and skillful in professional ventures. Things are changing as you step into new opportunities and dimensions. You play the role of advisor, sharing your experience with others. You are loving and caring in established personal relationships and can expect loyalty and support therein. Beware of a crafty and clever individual who can talk you into making a bad financial deal. Put financial investments on hold this week. You are able to relax and take time off for sport, art or meditation.
Lucky number is 18. Good colour is peacock blue.
Capricorn(December 21 - January 20): You are a winner in difficult situations this week stand up for justice. Good fortune and good timing bring you to the right place at the right time to avail of lucrative business opportunities. Since luck is on your side its best to attend to complicated financial matters and practical details. Friends and family share happy times during a celebration. A Leo person offers you professional support. You may take on important jobs or people successfully as you have an edge over others competing with you.
Lucky number is 6. Good colour is citrus orange.
Aquarius(January 21 - February 19): It's a busy and enthusiastic time as new opportunities are available to express your creativity. It’s best to divide and rule or delegate responsibility at work as you have too much on your hands. A collaboration or partnership of three including yourself proves to be gainful. A trip is on the cards this week. Personal relationships may develop in a triangular manner and it is best to look at your priorities before making any commitment. Remain centred within and focus on priorities outside.
Lucky number is 3. Good colour is strawberry pink.
Pisces(February 20 - March 20): You feel exhausted and decide to take time off from hectic schedules and relax for a while. Financial transactions can be delayed and communications take time to arrive so you need to be patient. A Pisces person can be moody but loyal. You may feel life is passing by like on a screen and you are watching it without being actively involved in it. This feeling of detachment passes when you regenerate your energies and start being involved, enthused and creative once again. It's best to adopt a slow and steady pace to achieve goals and targets this week.
Lucky number is 8. Good colours are forest greens.