Hyperallergic’s latest tarotscope merges tarot and astrology to offer a collective reading tailored for its readership, incorporating cards for major astrological signs, categorized by elemental associations. Developed by AX Mina, a contributor and producer for the Five and Nine podcast, these tarotscopes focus on the arts and creativity, aligning with each solstice and equinox to signify seasonal changes.
This spring equinox arrives amid unusual weather fluctuations in the Northeastern United States, home to Hyperallergic’s headquarters, transitioning unpredictably from sun to snow. This erratic climate serves as a metaphor for contemporary life’s rapid changes. Marking Eid al-Fitr today, with Qingming Festival and Easter approaching, the equinox brings both turmoil and the promise of longer days.
Drawing cards from the Mixed Signals Tarot by artist M Eilo, the reading was conducted on Moonlight’s tarot platform in the days leading up to the equinox, coinciding with the Wheel of Fortune Year in tarot and the Horse Year in East Asian lunar systems. This equinox uses the “Born To” / “Forced To” spread, where the first card reflects our inherent purpose and the possible necessity to adapt under current conditions.
The collective reading begins with the question: What should we hold dear as the year unfolds? As global closures persist, the earth’s orbit reminds us of the impermanence of light and darkness alike. The Five of Stones (or Pentacles) in the “Born To” position and the Six of Swords in the “Forced To” position both appear reversed, indicating blocked energies, akin to Brooklyn’s fitful spring weather.
The Five of Stones, representing earth or material concerns, suggests conflict and exclusion but also unity amid adversity. This aligns with the Buddha’s First Noble Truth of suffering. The Six of Swords, symbolizing air or intellect, evokes the Buddha’s Fourth Noble Truth, urging us to organize and embark on shared journeys, using art as a guiding light.
Guidance for zodiac signs follows, offering a “Choose To” card to navigate between intrinsic drives and situational demands. Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are encouraged to face creative blocks, Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) to harness their inner fire, Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) to invert perspectives, and Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) to reflect and celebrate their growth despite uncertainties.
