I’ll admit this: I’m rarely concerned with how astrology aspects affect the world. Usually when I look at the transits, I’m only concerned with what it means for me. I know it’s a rather self absorbed approach but I think a lot of astrology buffs tend to do the same thing.
However, when Pluto entered Capricorn a few years back, I started paying more attention to things that were happening in the outer world. The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was during the American Revolution. A lot was happening then as old structures were torn down and new ones were erected. That same energy is happening right now and will continue for about a decade ahead.
“Tarot For Magical Times” by Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig (US Games ISBN 1-57281-720-8) addresses this transit in a clear and precise manner with a tarot slant. This is no ordinary tarot or astrology book – it is one that we can find useful for our lives (and the state of the world) right now.
The authors begin by discussing the significance of Pluto in Capricorn which helps even those who are unfamiliar with astrology understand the importance of this transit. Thankfully, they refrain from “astrobabble” – they managed to break it down and explain in so everyone can “get it”. One of the most frustrating things about many astrology books is the over complicated lingo. The authors avoid that trap and keep it real and accessible.
After this introduction, they move on to tarot in a section titled: Tarot, Tool of Change. Here, the authors talk about the history of tarot, the basic structure, its relation to the I Ching, prophecy, and more. I especially enjoyed reading the passage about The Tower in relation to the events surrounding September 11th – this was a very powerful part of the book that clearly demonstrated how tarot can predict world events.
This section is followed by another chapter entitled “New Life Blossoms In the Ruins” from astrologer Ernst Ott. This part focuses on the three phases of the Pluto in Capricorn transit: Destruction of Walls, New Life blossoms in the ruins, and Resurrection of all that is buried. The shadow side of this transit is treated as a gift for transformation with suggested exercises. Powerful stuff.
And if this wasn’t enough food for thought, the authors then offer interpretations for each tarot card as well as spreads so that the reader can begin to tap into the wisdom of the cards. This is the real “meat” of the book. Divinatory meanings, reversals and actions are all covered – and I was thrilled to see that there are beautiful, full color images of the Rider Waite Smith cards! (All the images in the book are attractive – this is a big selling point for a visually oriented person like myself. Too many tarot books skimp on this part – US Games got it right!)
The last section in the book, Qualities of Time, covers the “decans” of the twelve months (the astrological timing method where each month is divided into three sections of ten days each). The Order of the Golden Dawn created a system of attaching a connection between astrology and tarot and the authors explain this and provide interpretations for each decan and card correspondence in a manner that even the astrology novice can comprehend. They also offer advice that helps you to live in harmony with the wheel of the year. This section alone is worth the price of the book!
Whether you are a fan of tarot, astrology or simply want to learn more about working with this powerful Pluto transit, I highly recommend that you add this gorgeous book to your tarot library. It has certainly given me a new way of looking at these transformative times – and a new way to work with the tarot. Well done!
Blessings!
Theresa
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2012
Would you like to win a FREE copy of this book? Here’s how: pick a tarot card and put your prediction down for the world in 2012 in the comment section below. I will randomly draw a winner on Sunday February 5th at 5:30PM CST and announce them here! Deadline to enter: Sunday February 5th at 5PM CST.
I’m Theresa Reed (aka, The Tarot Lady). I’ve been a full-time tarot reader for 30+ years — which, in my industry, makes me pretty badass.
I’m definitely not your average Tarot expert — I drop the F-bomb, I quote rappers, and I’m obsessed with pop culture + reality TV. Folks come to me for straight-talk + tough-love — without the woo-woo fluff. 
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