April 2021 Tarotscope

Tarotscope for April 12 to May 10, 2021

Hello again! Is spring treating you right? It’s fickle where I am, where we can get snow up to May. That’s almost melted now, and the trees are budding. Gardeners can’t wait to get started. May you be just as excited for the next lunar cycle’s potential!

This time around, I chose the Animal Totem Tarot. Although I enjoyed using this deck, I wouldn’t recommend it to beginning readers trying to learn the Rider-Waite system. While its imagery evokes strong reactions, it simply strays too far from the original symbolism to be helpful with that. Instead, this deck is better seen as a loose reinterpretation of the original Rider-Waite meanings through the lens of animal energies.

Sadly, the animal names are not on the cards along with the Tarot designations. This forces readers to turn to the book just to learn the exact name of the species when they might want to ignore the text altogether. I hope this is rectified in later editions. I also hope more care is given to the use of the word ‘totem’ in follow-up editions. I won’t argue with whether or not the word choice was appropriate, but I think a bit more explanation of where it came from is at least warranted. Despite this, I feel this is a deck worth a look-see for advanced readers who are interested in working with animal energies on a starting level.

Here are the thirteen cards pulled for April 12 to May 10, 2021, the lunar cycle starting on the New Moon.

Justice, the card for all signs, featuring the Crane.

All Signs – JusticeCrane – All signs are tasked with picking up the judge’s gavel this lunar cycle. However, while Justice may sometimes be associated with ideas of punishment, retribution, and making things even, here it is depicted with the Crane’s near Zen-like state of perfect balance. Does that mean you need to be a master of meditation to make this cycle’s choices? No, but a little couldn’t hurt. The Crane’s beak points skyward, indicating that it serves a higher purpose than that of any party in the dispute. By taking time to clear your head, you can likewise set ego aside and make unbiased decisions that benefit the community as a whole. The Crane emphasizes how taking yourself out of the equation will lead to impartial resolutions.

The cards (from left to right) for Aries, Taurus, and Gemini, featuring the Echidna, Orca, and Roadrunner.

Aries – Five of Swords – Echidna – What you see isn’t always what you get, Aries. This lunar cycle teaches others not to be deceived by appearances. Although the Echidna looks like a porcupine or hedgehog, it isn’t one. It even lays eggs like a snake or bird but is a mammal. Like these unique Australian animals, you are full of surprises others can’t see coming, and that will give you the edge this period. Just remember: victory is often short-lived. It can be better to share in achievement than to lord it over others. Plan for your next goal while riding this high.

Taurus – Chariot – Orca – No one moves through their environment without affecting it. The Orca emphasizes that altering the kind of movements you make will similarly change the effects you produce. Flail around in the water, and you will make only uncontrolled splashes. Yet once you determine your course, you can easily cut through the waves. The question is: is this the right direction for you, Taurus? Sometimes those under this zodiac sign can get so swept up in the day-to-day details of accomplishing their goals that they lose sight of the islands on the horizon. Be sure your momentum carries you exactly where you want to go this lunar cycle. You are the master of your personal seas.

Gemini – Page of Swords – Roadrunner – Now you see it, now you don’t! Like a flash, the Roadrunner disappears. Inspiration can be the same way, here one moment and gone the next. If you have been waiting for a message from the universe, you have to be ready to take notes when the message arrives. Keep an open mind, Gemini. Don’t squash a young idea just because it seems weird at first. Out-of-the-box thinking is par for the course this lunar cycle. Really stuck on a problem? The Roadrunner suggests taking a break and getting a few minutes of physical exercise or a breath of fresh air.

The cards (from left to right) for Cancer, Leo, and Virgo, featuring the Sting Ray, The Grasshopper, and the Harrier Hawk.

Cancer – Two of Wands – Stingray – Everything has its season. There is a moment for planning and strategy, and a moment for action. So, make sure your priorities are in order this lunar cycle, Cancer. Figure out what you want. Opportunities surround you, and you have to move decisively if you don’t want to miss them. They are just as quick to disappear again as they were to first pop up in your life. Eventually, you must act on your dreams if you want them to come true. Stingray indicates that if you do not cross the finish line, it is time to turn around and find something else that excites you instead.

Leo – The Fool – Grasshopper – Grasshoppers became metaphorically synonymous with curious students back in the 1970s through the TV series Kung Fu. Since then, the concept has entered popular speech through catchphrases such as “You have much to learn, Grasshopper.” When this version of the Fool turns up, Leo, it implies it is time to loosen up and take a bit of a leap. You’re being asked to take some kind of risk this lunar cycle. Just remember: even if you’re out of your comfort zone and feel like a beginner, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Grasshopper character often gained potent wisdom through the adventures he undertook on TV. You possess the same chance right now. Listen to your instincts when you sense which way the wind is blowing and jump!

Virgo – Two of PentaclesHarrier Hawk – Even though the Harrier Hawk doesn’t have hands, it has perfected the art of juggling multiple demands at once. It must be a fierce predator as well as a devoted caretaker to its young. During this lunar cycle, you will also be called upon to multitask or fulfill more than one role at a time. When this happens, mirror the Harrier Hawk and return to your nest to recharge when you feel you’ve taken on too much. This place of security reconnects you not only to your personal power but the strength of the Earth, the ally upon which you can always call. Minimize feeling overwhelmed by prioritizing and specializing wherever you can. You do not need to do everything, Virgo. You only need to do your job well.

The cards (from left to right) for Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius, featuring the Bowerbird, Swan, and Salamander.

Libra – Four of Wands – Bowerbird – The Bowerbird stands puffed up with pride, aglow with the achievement of creating the ideal nest. He’s so sure of his work that he’s already gathered gifts for a mate he hasn’t met yet. Seeing Bowerbird means a cycle has nearly come to completion in your life. Success is within your reach, Libra, and you are ready to celebrate too. But don’t invite party guests before your own nest is finished. You still have some last-minute details to put into place. Gather your supplies this lunar cycle and let the anticipation rise. Do the rest of the work. You’re too close to give up now!

Scorpio – The Lovers – Swan – When people see The Lovers card, they typically ask, “Who will I meet?” and never “What will I bring to the union?” Stop to ponder if you are still bringing ugly duckling vibes to the table by dragging no longer applicable perspectives and baggage into new relationships. Are you presenting the best ‘you’ in your encounters, romantic and otherwise? It takes two to tango, and if you want joy and excitement in your relationships, you have to contribute that to them. Never forget that your heart is a gift you are offering, Scorpio. If you don’t think that it is something worth having, chances are no one else will either. Love has to begin at home first this lunar cycle. Now may be the time to practice daily positive affirmations.

Sagittarius – Page of Wands – Salamander – The upcoming lunar cycle focuses on sparking and exploring newfound creativity, Sagittarius. This is not a time to worry about being an expert, but to get your fingers dirty and enjoy the learning process. Let the excitement carry you over the rough spots. However, some may question why an amphibian like the Salamander has been chosen for this fiery card. Outside of its mythological association with fire, the Salamander emphasizes that you don’t need to rush inspiration all at once or feel the need to conform to stereotypes of what a creative should be. This is a creature that seeks water to survive. Temper your creative passions as needed this lunar period so you not only can handle the flames but won’t burn out.

The cards (from left to right) for Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, featuring the Sugar Glider, Elephant, and Oyster.

Capricorn – Six of Swords – Sugar Glider – Do you feel like you’re ready to walk away from it all, Capricorn? Six of Swords energy this lunar cycle says you have outgrown your current situation and are looking for another place to land. Probable peril awaits, but the Sugar Glider cannot let worry hamper its leap. Neither should you. Trust in your skills and resources as you spread your arms and soar on the currents of change. This time in your life is not about the journey but emphasizes the discomfort of staying where you are now. If nothing else, schedule a mental vacation soon.

Aquarius – Three of Swords – Elephant – The Three of Swords indicates that a loss of some type weighs heavy on your heart during this lunar cycle. Now is the perfect time to set a moment aside to purposely honor and respect that grief. When we feel pain, it is important to acknowledge and experience it. Heartaches help form who we are in the present and in the future, Aquarius. The Elephant says we must visit this emotion, but not necessarily live with it forever. Turning over the Three of Swords represents difficult memories, but also points towards healing and moving through processing them.

Pisces – The Star – Oyster – Be careful what you wish for this lunar cycle, Pisces. Whenever something gets into an Oyster that irritates its tender insides, it enshrouds the irritation with a mineral deposit that eventually becomes a pearl. This suggests that there is no way of getting what you want right now without at least a little aggravation. You have to ask yourself: do you want it enough? This is the true power of the Star. It not only symbolizes our hopes and dreams but the work that we must put out to achieve them. You can sparkle if you’re willing to sweat a little first. So, what will it be?

This concludes another Tarotscope. I hope that you’ve enjoyed this reading for the upcoming lunar cycle and a brief look at animal energies. For those interested in a deeper delve into what lies ahead, I provide readings with Tarot, Lenormand, Animal Oracles, or Daemonic Sigils.  You can find my full listing here or on my website. I also share a glimpse into my personal readings daily on Instagram. You can also check out my books about Daemonolatry, here.

See you next time!

– Will