Every one of the seventy-eight Tarot cards speaks volumes about the human condition and about the human spirit. Among them, the twenty-two Major Arcana cards are especially eloquent on the subject of our spiritual journey. The following, then, are a few such insights that are suggested by one Tarot card in particular, the Fool.

Hope sustains us,
and our wishes help
us create the future
that we envision
through them.

Steve Nelson, with the Shift Doctors

Steve Nelson, “Mythic Astrologer” and good friend of “The Shift Doctors” (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.),  returns to share his wisdom. Steve is an astrologer who follows a Jungian mythological tradition. He was raised by a part Cherokee shaman Aunt Maude who learned much of her lore from Molly Runningwolf, the mother of Amanita Sequoyah, the last Cherokee medicine man officially recognized by the Eastern Tribe. Steve’s Indian name is Steven Red Wolf, his lineage is of the wolf clan, one of the 7 tribal groups of the Cherokee. Steve follows many of the Cherokee traditions especially as these relate to celebrations, the use of ritual fire and star lore. For more information about Steve Nelson see www.GaiaAstrology.com

Morning Star Venus rises now blessing this New World. Rising before the Sun helps us awaken to the new magic of this time. A planet long shrouded in mystery, Venus will reveal many of her secrets to us this year. Blessings can be received directly by focusing on the light of Venus and breathing deeply fully in and fully out. Venus rising before the Sun invokes the transforming power of love. Love rules this new world.

However, it also lies within the power and responsibility of those who are being taught (and who are symbolized by the initiates on this card) to ensure that they are enlightened by tradition and religion, rather than enslaved or subjugated by them, since spiritual growth requires more than blind faith and unquestioning acceptance. 

It is when you become grateful
for what you have that you
become an abundant person.
--Marianne Williamson

Duality is a recurrent theme throughout the Tarot’s twenty-two Major Arcana cards, which emphasizes the fact that understanding how to balance and integrate the complementary energies symbolized by these cards is an essential part of our spiritual journey. For example, the Empress and the Emperor form a dualistic pair, representing (among other things) the archetypal mother and the archetypal father.