Daily Tarot-Scopes
for Sharon
for Week of July 14th, 2008

Monday

Seven of Wands
This is a day to stand your ground when dealing with a situation that involves personal competition or confrontations.  There may be a challenge to who you are, what you stand for, and what beliefs and values you hold to.  Each person has his or her own path to take, and what's right for you doesn't have to be right for everyone else.  Don't let anyone convince you to compromise your personal code of ethics by following the crowd or taking the easy way out.  Social pressures and peer pressure can certainly be a theme at this time, and although we usually hear about "peer pressure" in reference to teens, you can certainly know that this concept does not make its presence known only to teenagers.

Whatever confrontations you may encounter today, be assured that you are up to the challenge.  You hold a position of advantage that you may or may not be aware of at this time, and this advantage helps you to achieve success against opposing forces.  You can face adversity with courage, determination, and valor.  Be confident in your ability to see things through and overcome the situation in order to reach victory.

The Seven of Wands is known as the "card of valor" which signifies negotiations, competition, success in the face of confrontation, stamina, endurance, and determination to stand firm and assert your position on an issue.  Although today itself may not bring the final and desired success that is being strived for, the Seven of Wands shows that things are developing nicely and that you are on the right track -- even with the obstacles you are having to face and overcome.  This is a time of continued developments that can show new possibilities for future success.

This card often pertains to people with unique ideas, or those who have personal visions they are trying to put into practice.  Solving problems and finding better ways to do things are therefore important.  Sometimes your unique ideas are the very thing that creates conflict with others . . . because they may not agree with you.  Yet you know what you are doing, but may be in a position where you feel that you have to continually defend or justify your actions, plans, or ideas.  Be firm but diplomatic to get people to listen to the value of your ideas . . . whether they accept them or not.  You may find yourself having to reach new levels of imagination and creativity to get your ideas accepted in the face of envious rivals.  But you've come this far . . . you might as well continue!  Don't allow jealous rivals to deter you from your path.

The going may seem like an uphill battle at first, but whatever obstacles present themselves, the Seven of Wands indicates that things will turn around.  Again, the Seven of Wands doesn't offer the immediate gratification of success . . . but it does show that you are heading toward a successful direction if you hold firm to what you want and stand up for yourself.  This card shows that you are a survivor who can overcome struggles by drawing on your inner strength to finally pull through.  Always keep in mind that when times are hard, if you can just hang in there, you'll win in the end!

Tuesday

Six of Cups
This is a time where friendships, family ties, and children may bring much enjoyment.  You might also be recalling pleasant memories from the past -- especially those memories from childhood days.  Some of this happy nostalgia could come from time spent with your own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, siblings . . . or even just reminiscing over photos from an old picture album.

The energy for this time is abundant with a great sense of emotional contentment, happiness, and enthusiasm.  When you see a child's eyes light up with a sparkle of enthusiasm and fun, it's easy to share in that special joy and find a little bit of that childlike enthusiasm within yourself.  Children have such a remarkable way of bringing out that "kid" in us . . . the one we think we left behind so long ago.  Well that "kid" is still within us, if we only let him or her come out and play once in awhile.

You may find yourself feeling quite satisfied in the comfort of your friends and family.  And if there is something special going on in your life right now, this is a time for which someday you will likely look back on with fond memories.  If you've been putting off that special outing or reunion for "another time" . . . let the time be now.  Create some warm and fond memories to keep forever.  Spend some quality time with the kids and/or other family members.  Make this day be one that means a lot to you and the ones you care about.

If long distance keeps you apart from family or other loved ones, you might just have the chance to communicate by phone or other means.  You may even see someone again that you haven't seen in a long time, whether it's someone in the family or someone that's an old friend.  Perhaps you will be surprised to hear from someone far away . . . or maybe you'll surprise them with a phone call or visit.

If troubled conditions have been your experience lately, the appearance of the Six of Cups indicates that things will smooth out into a period of much more reliability and satisfaction.  You may come to see and appreciate how much of your world really is stable and supportive, and although your challenges might not disappear, at least you will have a desire to count your blessings and know that better times are in the making.

As you go through the day, see if you can find some way in which the Six of Cups applies to something in your life . . . something that brings you great pleasure and happiness . . . and perhaps some very fond memories . . . or simply the wonderful event of creating special memories for yourself and loved ones :-)

Wednesday

Six of Wands
This is a time in which you may be proving yourself to be superior, well-qualified, and able to meet and beat the competition before you.  Just like anything, this is a process that you get better at with practice.  As you succeed in one area with ease, you then start taking on harder challenges.  Your experience teaches you that solid success is not something you just get lucky with . . . you create that success.  It's not just a matter of good luck.  It's a matter of hard work, effort, and determination that shapes your vision into a reality.

You may soon reach an important personal milestone in your efforts where victory, success, triumph, and satisfaction are the plentiful rewards that await you at the end of the road.  If this is the case, enjoy this reward and sense of honor, because it's what you've been working so hard for.  You've earned it!  Success, like fame, is fleeting . . . and soon it will be time to push on to the next challenge of your journey.  But in the meantime, life may offer up some very positive judgments on the work you've done recently.  Your persistence, intelligence, hard work . . . and even some good old-fashioned "elbow grease" could be ready to pay off nicely for you!  When your time comes to step into the spotlight of applause and acclaim . . . take your rightful place with a graceful bow and let your light shine!

The Six of Wands indicates the achievement of something you have been struggling to gain.  There is a sense of "winning" that is well-earned and deserved because of your effort, dedication, and persistence.  This victory has not been an easy one, as there have been obstacles to conquer and overcome, but the taste of sweet victory has finally arrived!  There is reason to be proud of your achievements.

Even little victories are important with the Six of Wands.  It doesn't have to be something "grand" -- although it could be.  Think about the last time you felt the thrill of victory.  If your life is not allowing you to easily experience that feeling, even if in just little ways, you are missing an important source of nourishment.  Think about your "wins" whether big or little.  They all count!  No matter what sort of victory that you experience under this energy, it's something you have reason to be proud of.  So think about your victories.  They come in all sizes, great and small . . . and everything in between.  But they are all worth something!

It doesn't get much sweeter than this kind of victory that you are experiencing . . . or that is soon on its way to you.  The Six of Wands lets you know that you have the strength, stamina, and the power to achieve what you've set out to do.  This is a positive "thumbs up" card, and often represents an enthusiastic "yes" for your question of concern.  You are equal to the tasks in front of you, and a victory is at hand with your continued effort and responsible choices.

Thursday

Queen of Pentacles
The Queen of Pentacles can signify that you will be looking at issues of stability and security in your life at this time.  Stability is a desired concept for any aspect of life, whether it's work, money issues, relationships, health, family, friends, or anything else that comes up.  You want stability; you want to feel secure . . . because these are essential things to have in life to help you live a happy and prosperous life -- to seek and experience the abundance in areas of your life that may have been especially problematic for you at some point.  And to put it simply . . . you just feel a whole lot more at ease when you feel secure, safe, and stable.

This Queen lets you know that this is not going to be a good time to just "wing it."  If you need help, find the mentor you need to assist you or teach you what you need to know.  Ask for suggestions from people who are more experienced or have the expertise to help you out.  Seek information, advice, or training.  Look around and see if there is a coach waiting to offer help once you admit that you need it.  Or . . . it could be someone will need your coaching and assistance in a matter that you have the experience in which to share.

As a person, the Queen of Pentacles is often someone who is many things to many people.  The idea of a mother who is both caretaker and business woman comes to mind.  She can certainly seem like a miracle worker . . . but the idea would apply equally to a father, too -- or anyone else that just seems to be a "miracle worker" in the lives of others.  Such a person who works still has the time, love, and devotion for family and friends.  She is many things to many people, including mother, friend, wife, housekeeper, laundress, cook, nurse, counselor, teacher . . . and the list is endless!  She values security and home life, and she knows how to create such conditions.  Thus, in addition to focusing your thoughts on giving and sharing, it's also important to be organized and practical to make your many duties more manageable and efficient.

Trust the forces that have taken care of you up to this point.  Continue to express your truth without worrying that you'll lose the roof over your head or the bed you sleep in.  The Queen of Pentacles indicates that it is your destiny and karma to be safe and sound at this time in your life.  Take a sensible approach to matters, and you will note steady progress.  Let people count on you during tough times.  Be generous, sensible, and true to your world.  Help or inspire others to reach their potential.  At this time, you can use your wealth and abilities to empower yourself and others.  The richness of your life can be found in your family, friends, and through life experiences.  Make a point to increase your own personal richness by giving something back today.  Remember to give a hug to someone you care about . . . or to someone who could use one.  Nurturing and supporting others not only empowers them, but empowers you as well.

If you are encountering problems at this time, it may be that a problem which appears to be a "mountain" may turn out to just be a "molehill."  Things are probably not as bad as they might seem, and with this Queen, you can expect some improvements in the area of life that you most need them.

Friday

Four of Swords
The Four of Swords tells you that the time has come for rest and relaxation.  You may need that desperately right now after having experienced a great deal of stress recently.  The serenity of this card brings a welcome relief from the chaos, stress, and problems you've been handling lately.  It's time to take a deep breath and claim a moment of peace and quiet for yourself -- a time where you can put your worries aside and think about nothing for a little while.  This card offers the opportunity to regroup and find a calm center once again.  It's a chance to find some rest, both physical and mental, and to regain a sense of balance in your daily world.

With the Four of Swords, we know that the struggles aren't quite over yet, but a resting place or a truce is temporarily in place which gives you a break from some ongoing struggle.  When you go on a vacation or get the chance to get away, it's hard not to think about how your vacation will soon be over, or the break you are taking from something will too quickly come to an end.  Instead of thinking of all those annoying or stressful kinds of thoughts, when you find a time to really relax, take that opportunity and enjoy it when it presents itself to you!  There will be time later to take care of the long list of things you have to get done . . . but for now, it is "break time!"  So don't forget that you need to be on that list of things to take care of, too!  Take care of yourself so that you will be strong enough to take care of the other things!  If you allow yourself a quiet time to rest, you can continue with your hustle and bustle in a more energized and positive frame of mind.  A little R&R (rest and relaxation) can go such a long way if you just allow yourself the time to enjoy it.  Even if you have to "steal" the time, don't feel bad about taking some well-deserved time out for yourself.  Couldn't you use a break right about now?

In some cases, the Four of Swords can imply some form of incarceration.  Depending on the circumstances, this could be a hospital stay, jail term, a period of rest, recuperation, or convalescence, or simply some "time out" for quiet contemplation.  You may be taking a break from your normal routine with a period of temporary inactivity.  This brings you a chance to take a rest from some ongoing struggle and to perhaps gain a new perspective and new strategies during your thinking time.

You may have a lot on your mind, and the Four of Swords is a calmer energy that gives you a chance to take the time to think things over without being in a hurry.  At least, that is what you need to do at this time.  We don't always do what we need to do in life, and it seems there is always one good excuse or another for not doing what is best for us.  For now, it is important to step back and gain perspective about things, because the "battles" are not over yet.  You are just getting a temporary reprieve from some problems and struggles.  You need some time for quiet preparation to recharge your energy so that you can be strong and at your best when it's time to get back into action (which comes with the reversal of this card).  Especially if you are facing a big ordeal or event, you need to be as strong and mentally alert as you can.  So now is your call to take a break so that you will be prepared for whatever comes next.  The only way to bring the best to your endeavors is to pause before you jump into something.

The energy of the Four of Swords can also be one that makes one feel isolated, cut off, or out of touch with others.  There is a theme of "being apart."  If a person enjoys his or her solitude, this can certainly be a very welcome energy.  But for those who absolutely do not like to be alone at all . . . this Four of Swords energy can make a person feel neglected or cut off from others.

This is one of the cards in the Tarot that ask you to just let things be for a little while.  Rather than taking action at this time, the focus should be on how you are using your mind and working with information so that you can come up with workable solutions for whatever dilemma might still remain unsolved.  Let thing ride for a bit and see what develops.  This is a time to let yourself be as mellow as you can.  Don't let petty things get to you.  It won't be worth making waves over the "small stuff."  This is a time to avoid engaging yourself in any "fights" or arguments.  In fact, you may fare best to just keep a low profile for the time being.  Let this be a time of truce, and for the moment, just let sleeping dogs lie.  Get some rest (you probably need that very much), and tomorrow you may see things from a new perspective.

Saturday

Eight of Pentacles
This is a time to pay attention to the details that can be easily overlooked.  This card is about being persistent and going the extra mile in what you do for others.  It's a card that shows you are fulfilled in what you do for a living . . . and if that is not the case, then you are likely asking yourself what it is that you can do that will fulfill you.  This could involve additional education or training, but if so, then the Eight of Pentacles indicates that the time is definitely right for such a decision.

The Eight of Pentacles is often referred to as the "card of the apprentice" and indicates that you are working to build stronger financial foundations.  Perhaps you are already involved with college or classes which may mean that you feel a "squeeze" on finances at the moment . . . but you are also preparing for better times to come in the financial arena by obtaining the education you need to arrive where you want to be.  You are working on something which will serve you well in the future.  So even if the money is not much now, the important concept is that you are gaining the experience you need to progress.  The time of training (and perhaps low pay) can result in a much more pleasing salary for the future.  "Slow and steady wins the race" is an applicable phrase for this card, because even though it takes time to gain experience and master a particular job or profession, you have great potential with this energy to go as far as you want!

When this card comes up, you may be shown recognition, appreciation, and support for doing an excellent job in whatever you are doing.  One can easily move from apprentice to master with the Eight of Pentacles energy surrounding him or her.  It doesn't happen overnight, but it occurs through experience.  Additionally, financial advancement usually occurs with this kind of mastery.  You or another may be either teaching or learning, as this card may also involve a mentor in the situation.

The Eight of Pentacles is about giving excellent service and operating from a place of professional confidence.  It is also about valuing yourself enough not to let anyone cheat, mistreat, or take unfair advantage of you.  This means that you will not sell yourself short and accept less than you know you're worth.  This energy is also about mastering the circumstances you are in and making the most of yourself and your resources.  It's an energy that deals in prudence, wisdom, and competence.  Experiences now or in the near future may bring you a time of organizing, harvesting, or attending to details.  This may be related to the practical, professional, financial, or work-related details in your life.  It's a time of taking care of business.  There is often reason to take pride in what you are doing.

There is likely a reason to give yourself a pat on the back for something that is going well.  This card often speaks of giving good work for good value and being paid what you are worth for the work you're doing.  This may be something that you are reviewing as well.  Any assessment that you might do at this time should be pleasing overall in terms of where you're heading.  In some way, you are working on something which will serve you well in the future.  You may be making a positive impact on others as well, perhaps making an appreciable difference in someone's life.  You have the ability to move ahead quickly under this energy, because your talents, skills, capabilities, or experience is well-rounded.  When you take pride in everything you do, it shows!

This card lets you know that there is nothing in this world you can't have if you want it enough.  If you have felt frustrated with your current work or a life situation, then now might be the time to turn your attention toward learning something new . . . especially if you have always been guided toward getting a "proper job" rather than following a dream that you want.  Perhaps others have felt your dreams to be little more than "pie in the sky hopes" or "pipe dreams" and have persuaded you to go after what doesn't interest you or bring out your true passions and talents.

Sunday

Reversed Ace of Pentacles
The Reversed Ace of Pentacles can signify that you are getting off to a bad start on something.  Things are probably not going as planned.  You may meet up with delays and frustrations while things seem stalled in your endeavors.  If you feel that you have come to a "dead end" on something, it may be that you have ignored your intuition, lacked sufficient knowledge to carry out plans . . . or you simply need to be more patient.  There is likely a lot more work yet to be done on a matter.  Perhaps you see that something wasn't done right the first time, and you have to redo it.  Careful planning is needed at this time before you implement action.  Never underestimate the time spent on planning, because it can save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run!

Circumstances may seem that they are working against you at this time.  This is not necessarily a card of failure, but if you are operating under a false sense of security, your plans could ultimately fail.  If the proper applications of effort, knowledge, and work are not applied during the beginning stages of an endeavor, there may very well be problems that later arise because of that.  In some cases, a person may be pushing through something out of greed.  Attitudes may be too materialistic.  The focus is off as one sets his sights only on the monetary side of things, and forgets about the importance of proper planning and timing for each of the elements to be introduced in a particular venture.

This card represents a lack of sufficient physical or financial assets needed to sustain a situation.  You may lack the necessary resources to take a project or a goal to the next level.  Things may be in the early stages of development, and you feel "stuck."  You might not have enough money to invest in something that hasn't yet proven its worth to you.  It is possible that the situation may be one in which it would be a waste to try to invest more into something at this particular time.  This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to cancel the project indefinitely, but you do need to take stock of what you have in terms of "raw materials" or resources . . . and determine what you need in order to finally reach your goals.  If your ambition is worth pursuing, it needs a solid foundation rather than something just "cobbled up."  So let things sit awhile if you must, and in the meantime, decide how you can come up with what you need in order to make things work.  Make sure you have enough of what you need to do your best work.  Patience is definitely required here, but you may find yourself short on that as well.

You may have come up against some unplanned for expenses.  You may be having a hard time making ends meet.  If someone was supposed to carry his or her own share of the "load" in something, you may find that you are the one doing it all.  You could encounter someone who is being lazy, greedy, or selfish.  Promises are probably not being kept.  In other cases, the Reversed Ace of Pentacles can indicate one's refusal to grow up and become independent of parents.  Someone may be relying on you for his or her financial support, and it may be a child who refuses to leave the nest . . . or who returns after getting out in the world and meeting with failure.