Tarot for the Taurus Lunation: First Quarter Phase

The beginning degree of the First Quarter Phase is 12°52 Leo, associated with the 6 of Wands which is sometimes called “Victory.” The First Quarter Phase is a square aspect that calls for adaptation. In this case, the earthy New Moon of Taurus was steadying, conforming, and security-conscious. The fiery First Quarter is expansive, adventurous, and isn’t afraid of taking risks.

Taurus Lunation 2017
First Quarter Phase
May 2nd, 10:47pm – May 6, 5:16pm EDT
12°52 Leo – 01°31 Libra

Card 1, The Current Circumstances: This is the card of the Sagittarius decan of Leo. It has the confidence of the Sun and the optimism of Jupiter. One thing missing in this version of the Victory card that I really appreciate in the Rider-Waite version is the crowd that supports the victor. Would he have fared as well without them? Some questions to consider as you think about adapting your New Moon goals might be:

If you knew you couldn’t fail, how would you change your goals for this lunation?
Are you going it alone or do you have a support group to keep your spirits high as you pursue your dream?

Card 2, The Guide: I always find The Queen of Wands to be an inspirational presence. I would like a little more fire in my chart and more of her spunk. I live with 4 planets in this Taurus/Leo square in my own chart and really understand the Leo desire of wanting to branch out but also needing the security that Taurus offers. It can be really hard to reconcile. The Queen of Wands doesn’t have that problem. She has the courage of her convictions. As your guide, this Queen might ask you:

What, if anything, needs adapting so that your confidence increases?
What are you waiting for?

Card 3, The Hidden Factor: Temperance/The Guide is the card of Sagittarius and gives additional support to the optimistic, adventurous Jupiterian influence in the 6 of Wands. The card is a blending of forces, very appropriate for the First Quarter phase which may need adaptation to succeed. Put your alchemist skills to work in this phase.

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Next Up: The Gibbous Phase begins May 6th at 01°31 Libra.

How the Cards are Selected

The cards for phase readings are not drawn randomly. Each phase is represented by three cards associated with the degree of the zodiac that begins each phase. The first card is the minor arcana card associated with the beginning degree of the phase. It gives a look at the current circumstances. The second card is the Court Card associated with the sign of that degree and acts as a person who can guide us through the phase. Cardinal signs are represented by the Kings, fixed signs by the Queens, and mutable signs by the Knights. The third card is a Major Arcana card that is associated with a 2½ degree span of the sign, called a dwaad. This card represents a hidden factor and an unacknowledged driving force.

The featured deck for the Taurus Lunation is Tarot of the Old Path with artwork by Sylvia Gainsford, published by U.S. Games in 1992. It is available in English and Spanish at Amazon and other bookstores.