April Tarot

April begins today and I’m using a six-card spread to determine the overall outlook for the month. The breakdown of the spread follows:

1. The Issue – 5 of Wands
2. Supportive Influence – 6 of Wands
3. Challenging Influence – King of Cups
4. Option A – Ace of Swords
5. Option B – The Emperor
6. Outcome – 4 of Wands

We have a preponderance of Wands which suggests energy that motivates you to achieve with The Emperor card in reinforcement. The expression of ideas is present with the Ace of Swords, and there is an influence from a man in authority factoring in as well. The overall numerology of the reading is two, suggesting balance, collaboration, harmony, and assistance.

April’s overall issue is expressed by the 5 of Wands depicted by five young boys, each one with a staff in his hand, appearing to have some sort of willful interaction. While no one seems to be striking anyone else, it doesn’t appear that anyone is connecting with anyone else either. The 5 of Wands, a card of the Fire element, describes competition, gain, and creative conflict suggesting that the month of April may bring opportunity, but possibly in competition with others. There may be many ideas in play and if collaborating with others, all ideas need to be expressed.

The 6 of Wands describes the supportive influence for April with a shared victory apparent. A man rides on a horse wearing a wreath on his head with another wreath affixed to the end of his staff. His horse is draped in a green cloth suggesting the victory may be financial in nature. Other individuals carrying their own staffs walk alongside the man in support. This suggests that collaboration with others on a shared path will have a positive impact on the outcome of any opportunity you embrace.

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The challenge faced over the month is depicted by the King of Cups, a man in authority who is generous, but may be somewhat passive aggressive in his responses, especially if he doesn’t get to control the situation. The King of Cups sits on his throne in choppy water, a ship visible in the background. He holds a scepter in his left hand and a golden chalice in his right, suggesting that emotions dominate his experiences. His eyes look to the viewer’s right, as if lost in thought. A card of Elemental Water, although the King may have difficulty with commitment and impulsivity at times, he’s generally spiritual, loving, and wise. With this King depicting the challenging influence for the month, it may be signaling that an authority figure may not be as supportive as you might like or need, or who may want more control over your process when you would prefer a more independent focus.

The Ace of Swords and The Emperor provide options to consider over the month that can lead to success. The Ace of Swords illustrates a hand reaching out from darkened clouds holding a silver sword that is piercing a crown with a garland. It suggests the expression of new ideas and viewing opportunities with clarity. It counsels the need to cut through illusion and focus on identifiable truth. So, a typical approach may be less valuable than one that embraces new ideas.

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The Emperor sits on his throne, rams heads adorning all four corners. He holds a golden orb in his left hand while holding a scepter in his right. What appears to be either large rocks or mountains rise behind him, one gold and the other brown in color. He has a long, white beard and wears a jeweled, golden crown. A red cloak covers battle armor with his armored boots visible below. The Emperor looks directly at the viewer, his gaze strong and intense. This card suggests that while new ideas are important, it’s just as important to stand for what you believe in, especially when expressing yourself to someone in authority. It also suggests a pragmatic, disciplined approach while still expressing ambition and resolve.

In the outcome position of the reading, the 4 of Wands depicts a wedding with a couple holding their bouquets high. Four staffs or poles, two on each side provide support for two garlands with fruit attached signifying abundance. A castle rises in the background with an arched bridge providing the revelers access. The dual poles could possibly suggest a blending of options presented by the Ace of Swords and The Emperor, with the elaborate garlands signaling success. The poles also suggest balanced interplay or collaboration, something that wasn’t all that evident in the 5 of Wands.

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So, over the month, as you embrace new opportunities potentially with others, you overcome authority that may or may not have your best interests at heart, proceeding on with integrity and determination on your road to success. All of this is reinforced by the two numerology for the reading.

With April comes Spring and new beginnings. This reading suggests the same.

Blessings!