Oracle of the Radiant Sun: Astrology Cards to Illuminate Your Life

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From your mouth to goddess’s ear! I’ve always been the breadwinner and keeper of the finances. I work for my money and I’m careful with it, but not miserly. If I could get as far as riches, I would be very happy indeed!

Mystic Meg Tarot Reviews | Aeclectic Tarot Mystic Meg Tarot Reviews | Aeclectic Tarot

The Elemental Tarot was the first major offering from the husband and wife team, John Astrop and Caroline Smith. It was published originally in 1988 by Doubleday and became out of print around 1990. There was a second print done by Connection Books around the mid-nineties, and although essentially the same there were some differences in how the cards were presented, and I feel, quality on the artwork. All pip cards are titled with an elemental based keyword i.e. ‘Breeze’(Three of Air), ‘Clay’ (Four of Earth). The system in place owes much to Paul Marteau, combining a number interpretation alongside the elemental quality of the suit. In the March 2015 spot (far left of layout above the April 2014 card) the Acquisition card Sun in Taurus suggests female L will come into some money or at the very least something of value. This card also shows a minor dispute over possessions.Interesting that two of my gifts are my birth planets. It seems to be saying that their positions are my natural gifts. I just need to recognize them and use them. What would be healing for me is to allow myself enjoyment and a little showing off.

Oracle of the Radiant Sun - Caroline Smith, John Astrop

After login, wordpress sets this cookie, which indicates when you’re logged in, and who you are, for most interface use. So what happened? I sat down at my desk today and started doing the spreads included in the book. As is often the case, cards look different laid out in spreads. Or maybe it’s just that I look at them differently. In any case, seeing them in spreads and reading the explanation for the artistic choices made on each card changed everything. Suddenly, the artwork that I thought was “meh” came to life and I managed to get my head around what I was looking at. All of a sudden I thought they were brilliant. The book is kind of confusing as a basic introduction to astrology, especially the spreads. They’re based on houses, and months, and ??? I think I’ll pass on them but try some of my own houses spread ideas. And I may pull into service my handy Keywords for Astrology book if I need more info than the card keywords.

The artwork is simply stunning. The imagery is rich and symbolic from many religious and mythological traditions, including Judaism, Islam, Christianity and Voodoo as well as Egyptian, Minoan, and Greco-Roman. The images, woodcut style in lovely pastels, are collages of symbols and figures , at first appearing unrelated, but when studied, opening up to release their meanings. It is visually easy to recognize the suit of each card by its layout – each suit has a different design which speaks to the characteristics of the relevant planet: Mercury cards are divided in half diagonally (it is the sign of duality and The Twins!) with a different image or symbol in each half. The Sun cards are an arched portal (the doorway of our identity) with two areas for images. So the layout and imagery in combination speaks to our unconscious and takes our understanding of the cards into a deeper place enhancing the written interpretations. As an astrologer, I was dubious about what the cards could do when I first got them. I have come to love their imagery and the many ways to work with them. The sample year readings provided are great and useful for working with clients as a complement to progression, transits and solar return readings. I have also used them working with a client to pin down an ascendant or moon placement when they aren’t sure of their birthtime. I cannot recommend these cards highly enough for Tarot readers, practiced or astrologers-in-training, those curious about planetary and house meanings or simply lovers of beautiful objects! Studying the four weekly cards there is a strong indication a situation will materialize which will test female L. Since the Loss card does suggest the “loss” of someone or some situation which is very close to female L the weekly cards confirm this especially in week 2 of January. The Theme card needs to be factored in when reading these cards as well. There is a strong indication that someone’s health will be of concern.