LoveScope for the Week of November 30, 2016

Is it hot in here or is it just you? Our confidence surges and we are ready for anything. Go for the gusto. The time is ripe for change and we are just the ones to do it.

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Travel is the keynote this now, Aries, so plan a much needed vacation. You can relax or make it as adventuresome as you want. The most important thing is to see the world from an entirely new angle. Perhaps in a champagne bath...?

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Taureans have a bit of oomph which piques their sexual appetite. Merging on deep levels with a special someone is important to your well being and personal happiness now. Don’t try and woo with cheap talk. In fact, don’t say a word.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Concentrate on relationships this week, Gemini. You can be fairly independent and flirtatious but now you can find the balance between independence and togetherness and can enjoy both. No future plans for now. Just let the good times roll.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Your job seems to improve now, Cancer. Try to postpone intensive, detailed projects until you can find someone else to help you complete them. You will be able to eat your cake and have it too. But avoid very long coffee breaks while the others work!

LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
Party hearty Leo. Surround yourself with good time pals and let the good times roll. But don’t overdo the festivities too much - you will want to conserve some of your energy for the upcoming holiday season. It’s amazing where you can hang tinsel...

VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Virgos should center their activities close to or right at home since heart, mind and complete sense of well being centers there now. Unresolved family issues take a turn for the better. Good! Now tell them what you really feel... diplomatically!

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Libras are apt to speak first and think about the fallout later this week. But you have that special charm and charisma that makes even a harsh message not sound too terrible. Pour on your sugar and see if you can get exactly what you want from others.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
If life makes dollars and sense, cash it all in now. But Scorpios may be enticed into taking excessive financial risks that may not pan out the way you think. Invest wisely. It would be a shame to squander your ample resources on a foggy promise.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
Sagittarians are chomping at the bit for attention. Personal magnetism soars and it is an excellent time to forge new friendships and charm the pants off ‘em. Will your actions speak louder than your words? Then stop whispering!

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Achieve some major karmic points by volunteering for a worthy cause now, Capricorn. You will have impact to make real change and improvements. Will you take your personal cause to the next big step? Just watch out for the potholes!

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
We need a strong circle of friends who reaffirm our sense of self. And it helps if they also provide bodacious good times. That is all possible now Aquarius. Use the week to expand your friendships but don’t get into big discussions until after the beer.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Pisces concentrate on their career now. All signs point to continued success climbing up the corporate ladder. But don’t reveal your complete corporate game plan until you are sure of its success. Takeovers should be quietly plotted - not announced.

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2016 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 8th printing and available as an eBook   

 

The Unsung Woman Artist Behind Your Tarot Cards

Allison Meier writes for Hyperallergic about Pamela Colman Smith who in 1909 collaborated with occultist A. E. Waite on the most popular tarot deck of the 20th century.The Rider Tarot Deck

The Hermit with his cloak and lantern, the Hanged Man suspended from one foot, the High Priestess seated between two columns — these are all familiar figures to those who practice divination. The most widely used tarot cards, and the first to be mass-marketed in English with original art, are the ones comprising the Rider-Waite tarot deck, first issued in 1909. The 78 illustrations on the cards cemented certain visuals in modern tarot, and accompanying each you’ll find a small monogram of a “P” crossed with a looping “C” and “S.” The letters stand for Pamela Colman Smith, the unsung artist of popular tarot.

Born in England in 1878 to a merchant from Brooklyn, Smith spent time in New York City, London, and Kingston, Jamaica. Nicknamed Pixie, she was an early-20th-century illustrator inspired as much by 19th-century symbolists as Art Nouveau. When Alfred Stieglitz staged the first non-photography exhibition at his Little Galleries of the Photo-Secession (later called 291), in 1907, he chose Smith’s work. At different points in her life, you could call her an illustrator, a children’s book author, a storyteller, a set designer, and an active member of the 20th-century occult movement. She collaborated with Jack Yeats, younger brother of W. B., on a series of 1902–03 broadsheets with colored prints (you can find a collection of them online at the University of Pittsburgh) and published collected and illustrated Jamaican stories in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In Retrievals, his 2014 book on underrecognized cultural figures, Garrett Caples writes that while at Pratt Institute, Smith learned about synesthesia from artist Arthur Wesley Dow, and much of her work “depicted imagery spontaneously brought to her mind while listening to music by the likes of Beethoven, Bach, and Schumann: ‘what I see when I hear music-thoughts loosened and set free from the spell of sound,’ as she wrote in a 1908 article.” In a 1907 watercolor — “Overture. ‘Egmont’ Beethoven” at the Smithsonian American Art Museum — the head of a woman becomes a cliff on which figures stand against a fluid background. A similar, undulating use of line and color informs an undated watercolor at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, in which purple and gray waves merge with female forms, while ships sail in the distance.

“The fool” in the Rider-Waite tarot deck (via Wikimedia)

Tarot was not always concerned with divination: back in the medieval era, it was a trick-taking game. But by the time British occultist A. E. Waite collaborated with Smith on the deck, issued by the Rider company, it had become a tool for spiritual guidance. Both Waite and Smith (along with a cast of curious characters, from Aleister Crowley to Bram Stoker) were members of the Order of the Golden Dawn, which influenced contemporary interpretations of the occult. Peter Bebergal wrote in The New Yorker that Waite “saw magic not as a means to power but as a path toward a higher consciousness.” Smith also brought her own research to the symbolism of the cards.

Smith’s life as a career artist contributed in some ways to the obscurity that followed her 1951 death; steady illustration work and the fact that she dabbled in a wealth of fields have made her legacy difficult to pin down. Recently her name has been revived somewhat, as with the 100th anniversary of the Rider-Waite Deck, a Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set; issued by U.S. Games Systems, it comes complete with a biography of the artist by Stuart R. Kaplan. More importantly, though, her art remains alive every time a card is drawn from the Rider-Waite deck, which should rightfully be called the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Each ominous specter of death on a horse or trepidatious wheel of fortune, as depicted by Smith, offers personal guidance through direct, captivating imagery.

Horoscope for the Week of November 28, 2016

Toss off your Thanksgiving turkey and get your ho, ho, hos together. Plan for a jolly December which starts this week. Jupiter in luscious Libra trines lovely Venus and expands our capacity of delicious opportunities. Have you been naughty or nice? Does it really matter?

(Justin Bieber has Jupiter in Libra)

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2016 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 10th printing and available as an eBook

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Relationships are the be all and end all now. If two hearts happen to meet under the mistletoe, two worlds could possibly collide. For Aries, that can mean a more meaningful and deeper connection with your current partner or it can mean falling a head over heels in a new relationship. Hold onto your heart and see who tries to grab it. How grabby do you want it??

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
You wow them at work Taurus. Will you spend your professional currency on moving your career forward, making new and powerful connections or stoking the wave of the adoration? Try a combination of all three while your stock price is high. Of course anything can happen along the way to success but if you play it right, you could float on the love until retirement.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
This may the time to hitch a ride on Santa’s sleigh and see where life takes you. Geminis are up for fun and adventure at this time. A little change of scenery will open your eyes to new possibilities. Travel to new places that might challenge your world view or inspire you. It’s time to see the world with fresh eyes. And maybe get a little fresh yourself.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Plan a series of home based holiday parties now, Cancer. They can be as large and noteworthy or as small and intimate as you like. You have a lot of festive ideas and will attract a luminous crowd to any event you plan. Maybe it is because of the great food and drink, or the jovial atmosphere or the attractive crowd .. or maybe it’s that mistletoe hat.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
You not only have the gift of gab, you also know just where to spread your good word so it has the greatest benefical impact. Use this time to reach compromise between warring parties or create a union of like minded people. Leos are able to forge new influential and emotionally binding relationships now. Can you put in a good word with Santa for me?

VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Check out the great gifts under the tree, Virgo. You seem to get whatever you want now. Think carefully about what you really want. If you remain generous and share all that you receive it will also help you feel content and happy. It is the season of giving and receiving but you will find that the more you give, the better you will feel. Ah sure....

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
You are the one to know, as your party calendar fills to overflowing. Will you be able to accept every invitation? Probably not so try to be choosey without being aloof. Those who you meet now will figure prominently in the months ahead. Have a great idea that needs a benefactor? This is the time to show it to the world .. or to a select few merry elves.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
There are good and lucky vibes swirling in the background which bodes well for any of your more behind the scenes ventures or projects. Scorpios are in their secretive element now and can successfully work undetected. Will you reveal your ultimate plans to close family members or a certain special someone? They would have to be especially close and special!

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
Friends want to get into your act and you are happy to oblige, Sagittarius. Get involved and help in a greater group effort or set yourself up to lead a large group of like-minded people. You have leadership capabilites and a need to take charge now. And why not? The end result will be a festive get together that celebrates the season. Heck, any excuse will do!

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
You can climb the corporate ladder as high as you want or able to now, Capricorn. And that is because all of the hard work and political seeds you have planted begin to sprout. (You have been working hard, haven’t you?) Take advantage of any opportunity, including a select office holiday party. You enver know whose eggnog you will fill. And let’s hope it is spiked!

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
The world is your oyster, Aquarius. Will you have the adoring crowd come to you or will you venture forth and discover new adventures? The temptation will be for you to stay out and have the world to come to you. But think of what you might be missing. You have extra charisma now and don’t have to do much to draw a crowd. Maybe its the Santa suit...?

PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Your secret admirer makes their big sexy move now, Pisces. Oh will you be surprised! (And hopefully happily about it.) Look your best and be prepared to be impressed and flattered. Expect the unexpected as delightful surprises festoon your holiday season. It will be a time of lucky breaks, fun and frolic. Some people have all the luck!

 

 

Lucky Numbers for the Week of November 25, 2016

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of wealth.

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of November 25- December 1, 2016:

2, 17, 28, 40, 55, 59, 61, 65

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this mont

LoveScope for the Week of November 23, 2016

Feelings of love could turn practical this week as we ask “What is in it for me?” But watch for karma - You can get as good as you give.

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
How much charisma can you muster for certain people now? Aries may have to swallow their bile as they charm the big bosses with their oily moves. But where will that really get you in the long term? Hmm, if you do it right, then pretty far!

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Taureans have the capability to bring warring parties to the peace table now. Somehow, some way, you discern the inner motives of others and can reach a palatable compromise. Don’t waste this talent on nonsense. Make a world of difference.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Every light and flirty Geminis have a powerful passionate impact on others now. So what will you do with this power of persuasion? Will you use it for the good of all or just for your own selfish purposes and motivations. Hmm, let’s just guess.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Are you in a relationship that needs a bit of spicing up, Cancer? If so add the spice now. It will tantalize the tastebuds and ramp up the romance. For those looking for a connection, send out the signals and see who lights up. I see lots of lights!

LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
Don’t be lazy now, Leo. Not only can you accomplish a lot in a a short amount of time, you can also enlist the help of others to make things go more smoothly. Maybe that is because you are a smooth operator? Or maybe you raised the minimum wage?

VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Go out and have some fun, Virgo. You have been too quiet and staid lately. You can easily plug into party central and become the party hound. But take everything in small doses. You don’t want to poop out just when things begin to get interesting.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
This is a great time to arrange some home based parties or social events. Not only are you able to convince the top A-list of guests to come, you will also know just what tot do to make everyone from A to Z feel comfortable.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
Scorpios are often very politic and now not only can you make your case in a compelling way, you can also grow a following. Plan your strategic next big move and use your oratory to get you there. Who knows where your reality show will take you?

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
Cash in on your good looks, charm and ability to rubadub with the rich and famous, Sagittarius. Reach out into new social groups. You can make your fortune now as long as you can maintain your aplomb and grace. Uh oh...

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
If your heart takes a few leaps and skips a beat this week, chalk it up to love at first sight or love with fresh eyes. Capricorns are usually practical but you just can’t help yourself now. Where will it all lead? It all depends on who is holding the leash. Grrr.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
You have a mysterious admirer Aquarius. Do you have any idea who it is? I think you do. But take your time and continue the charade of innocence. It will make the reveal all the more fun and romantic. So be a bit mysterious yourself.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Friends are planning all sorts of fun and even romantic events for you, Pisces. So enjoy the adventure this week and use the time to fill up your social schedule for the upcoming holiday season. It is never too early to begin your plans.

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2016 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 8th printing and available as an eBook