Katie-Ellen Hazeldine – The Eight of Cups*

The Eight of Cups is associated with Saturn in Pisces. An awkward pairing, it represents a difficult re-adjustment, and discomfort with the restrictions being imposed on our usual freedoms at this time of widespread medical emergency. The Eight of Cups indicates moving on, and suggests that in May we will see a continuing turning away from the fact of a certain continuing level of disease, and the start of the end of the lockdowns currently in place in many countries.

The moon in the Tarot can specifically refer to disease, infection and contagion among its other meanings (fertility, female health, travel, danger, deceit, dreams and illusions, paranoia, ghosts) The moon here is waning, suggesting the first signs of a waning pandemic, and certain sectors or industries will by now have mobilised again, driven by economic necessity, weighing the risks of one evil against another, while not discounting the risk of a second wave. This will be a comet with a very long tail, and there can be no relaxing of our guard for many more months, and as we head into November and December 2020.

Will it be business as usual once this is all ‘over’?

Possibly, but that would not be wise. Memories are short but there is a stark reminder here about the causes of past pandemics, and an equally stark warning here in respect of future pandemics driven by mass global travel, and in respect of this particular pandemic, the inhumane treatment of all animals sold for food, and especially endangered, illegally trafficked animals.

What can we do about it? We can exercise our consumer power with extra care in the light of this awareness.

There is another question tied in with this. What is the hidden cost, what is the true price of our freedom to roam wherever we like, whenever we like, however we like, and for as long as we like? This is a massively challenging question, striking at the heart of those freedoms of international travel and relocation we have collectively come to take for granted, though only since the second half of the twentieth century. But Saturn, the disciplinarian planet of the strictly honest bottom line, insists on asking this question, warning that a citizen of ‘everywhere’ still must spend any given day of their life somewhere in particular, just as viruses, though not alive in the sense that we understand being alive, are intelligent in their own way, and adaptable, and where we go, they will go too.

On a personal level, the Eight of Cups is a card of grief and disappointment, chalking up our losses, and deciding where and how we can cut those losses, taking back our power of decision and action. We must never camp outside a locked door, allowing ourselves to be taken hostage by empty hopes, where, no matter how much time and effort and devotion we have invested, and no matter what we may have been promised, nothing happens, and nothing changes.

Saturn in Pisces says we must not stay where the water is not fit to drink. The figure in the Eight of Cups is aching with memories, the salt water of tears, but he/she is an explorer with a staff to lean on, standing on his or her own two feet, and wearing the red cloak of courage…a new day beckons yonder.

*Card drawn April 13, 2020

Kyra Oser – Six of Wands

The tarot card I drew for May is Six of Wands, a sign of victory that portends the overcoming of obstacles. While shocking challenges continue throughout this month and in some ways will escalate, the overall trend is toward improvements, especially when it comes to creative invention in both the arts and sciences. Overall, there will be a flooding of change, both literal and figurative.

In terms of global news of the future, Six of Wands forecasts breakthroughs. Sometimes progress is hidden in the depths of change, and that’s the case with the profoundly transformative feelings you might be picking up on this month. Upcoming trends in U.S. news that are indicated by this card in combination with its reversed position include simultaneous victories emerging alongside unprecedented disappointments. However, what appear to be setbacks are often signs of the old system falling apart in real time. Disruptions will be a necessary component in generating critically needed innovations, particularly in the area of climate change developments. New information will come to the surface about scandals from decades past regarding major political leaders, which results in an even more resounding call for heightened accountability in leadership. The victory of undermining corruption doesn’t happen right away, but each new revelation plants a seed towards future revolution.

In your own life, Six of Wands encourages you to be confident in your abilities, no matter what is happening in the external world. This card emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and appreciating even the smallest of triumphs along the way. In terms of relationships, the Six of Wands is a reminder to pick your battles based on what is most important to you so you can have the victory that comes with peace. Accentuate similarities instead of differences and you’ll find your connections deepening. What you focus on will grow, so keep your mind on positive subjects and you will discover that you are gradually but undeniably attracting more positivity into your life. Once those good feelings arise and subsequent accomplishments ensue, Six of Wands also acts as a reminder to cultivate humility even as you are praised for your achievements.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less” – C.S. Lewis

NOTE: Please consult with your financial advisor regarding all financial decisions.

Katie-Ellen Hazeldine, BA Hons, is a Tarot and Rune reader/consultant, writer and historian in the UK, and has been reading professionally since 2006. Website – True Tarot Tales. Twitter: @truetarottales

Kyra Oser – You can read more from Kyra at her website here.