Don’t let what you think this card is all about frighten you, because you couldn’t be farther from the truth behind it.  Yes, it’s about bondage … of a kind … but it’s more about a metaphoric or internal bondage of Spirit.  Look beyond superficial appearances and go deeper into the truth and meaning of a situation.  You also are asked to remember that when yo’re feeling restrained you nearly always hold the keys to your own freedom.  Don’t give up hope!  Remember that no matter what your situation, you always have options and choice.  Don’t allow others to tell you that your options are limited.  On the other hand, it’s another matter if you come to that perspective on your own.  Regardless, it will be crucial to remember that you can free yourself from whatever restrictions are holding you back … at any time you choose to do so.  You might not be feeling in control of your life as a result of not so much your actions, but rather as a byproduct of inaction.  Be proactive; take action, take whatever steps you can to give yourself the feeling, however, slight, of being in control.  Even if that is merely making a choice on what you are going to have for dinner.  Small moves are important.  Keeping a positive mindset is of the utmost importance right now.  Positive affirmations are important and will benefit you.  Take a look at who you surround yourself with.  Are there upbeat, positive people in your midst, or overly critical, fault-finding people who nitpick you to the point of depression?  Take stock, then take action.  Life is short and you’re burnin’ daylight, Partner.

Today’s messages are mainly about money and finance.  You are likely to finally receive news that you’ve been waiting on, and that news is likely to be good.  However, this is a “practical” kind of good, so no, it’s unlikely that you’ve won on the lottery.  Pay attention to the mundane and normal parts of your life.  A wise man once said to “take care of the little things and the big things will all fall into place.”  Look at how you are handling your affairs and ask yourself whether these matters are a grounding influence.  Now is not the time to suggest an overthrow of traditional ways of doing things.  You must work within existing systems and accomplish what people expect you to accomplish.  If you are looking for work, this can be a good omen that the position you need is forthcoming.  In your interviews, be sure to come across as dependable and even-keeled, as prospective employers are not looking for mavericks at this time.  Money will be coming in very soon and could come from anywhere … a raise, a lottery win, an inheritance … quite literally, anything from anywhere.  Regardless, keep your nose to the grindstone and don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.  You may find yourself spiritually overwhelmed, potentially with no obvious reason.  Try to break down these feelings into manageable chunks.  No need to tackle everything in one sitting.  You are in the midst of spiritual change when this happens:  see that you change for the better.

The Hermit is all about spirituality, and is related to institutions and large organizations … everything from a bank to an entire Christian Church.  The focus is Spirituality, even if you are an atheist:  it defines “spirit” in whatever sense it makes to you, even if that idea equates to “emotion”.  You might be trying hard to figure out what the truth is about someone (or some matter), but don’t feel that you have to do it all on your own.  Ask for help if you need to gain different perspectives, more information and the like.  Just like the Strength card, you may even more so be in the frame of mind that you need some time alone.  Don’t be afraid to take it.  Even if it’s just a five-minute walk around the house to clear your head.  The energies today are very much about trying very hard to do the right thing.  Just make sure that doing the right thing includes doing what is right for you personally, and not just worrying about the wants and needs of others.  (Remember the Queen of Pentacles message yesterday?)  It is very likely that a person will come into your life who is like a mentor or teacher, even if they do not “teach” you directly.  You will still learn from them on several levels.  Honor the need that you may be having to withdraw to a degree from ordinary life.  It won’t be forever.  Soon, you’ll feel more social again, so don’t push yourself now to be around a lot of people, unless it’s absolutely necessary.  You will likely emerge feeling refreshed and renewed after your spiritual respite.

This card might represent a woman with dark hair and dark eyes … and if not a literal woman, then an energy that is archtypically feminine, exuding feelings of hearth, home and motherhood.  You will be spending time, money and energy on your home, getting it to be more comfortable.  This is a good thing provided you don’t go overboard and overspend.  People will be looking to you for insight and/or advice.  You will be able to help them, if you are so inclined.  This is a time period when you can get a lot accomplished.  At work, you are likely to make great headway now.  A woman with dark hair and/or eyes may play a significant role in your working life.  If so, know that she is an ally for you.  If possible, bring items from your home life into your work situation.  This will help you to feel more “at home” at your workplace and will likely make you more effective.  This very feminine card points to strategy in love, particularly for those who are not currently involved with anyone.  This strategy to find love is the stereotypical feminine one.  Don’t chase it.  Make yourself available, but do not be desperate to bring someone new into your romantic life.  When the time is right, that will be made abundantly clear to you.  You won’t have to do anything.  Be upbeat and know that you have many things in you which are worth loving.  The Queen of Pentacles is an excellent omen when it comes to money.  Your prosperity level is very likely to be increasing.  Saving is important, but enjoying your life when you have the means to do so is also important.  Share what you have when you can.  With your health, however, you may need to create time and space to focus on yourself first in order for your health to improve.  If you are constantly putting everyone before you and before your needs, then your health may suffer as a result.  Balance in all things is important.  You are just as important as anyone else.  It is critical that you trust yourself.  You may not see things spiritually the way everyone else does, but your belief system works for you, and that’s most important.  If others don’t understand your decisions, that’s their problem.

This is a powerfully positive omen relating to love, happiness and affection.  Like all aces, it is about new beginnings.  Although this card usually means love, it can also indicate new beginnings in other areas of life.  Things are looking up!  Generally, people will respond to you with happiness, love and good will, and more so than usual in the near future.  Life feels good!  This is a great time to make new friends.  Financial possibilities abound in the context of encountering “something new” … a new job, a monetary gift like a bonus and the like.  There is a need for you to “give back” spiritually … giving back some of the love you’ve been blessed with in life and/or that you are experiencing now.  Your connection to the Divine is strong now.  Meditate on the idea that you are a beloved child of the Universe and feel the support that comes to you from the Other Side.  It’s always there:  all you need do is look for it.

Ah, the indolent days of Summer.  Feeling a little bored?  You may be tempted to say or do things to shake things and people up just for a little excitement.  Rethink this impulse and find a better use of your energy.  Excitement can be created.  You are in an excellent energy to support you when you have somewhat tedious work to get accomplished.  The Page can give you focus, backbone and the wherewithal to stick with a task that is not necessarily glamorous or fun.  Don’t try to sidestep efforts, or you will fall on your face.  At work, there’s more work to be done than time to do it.  Don’t despair.  Just roll up your sleeves and get busy.  The Page points to financial rewards for good, old-fashioned hard work.  This is not a time to gamble or to be unrealistic.  Put an honest appraisal on the value of your skills and efforts.  If you aren’t being fairly compensated, now might be the time to make a change.  Invest, don’t spend.  Choose traditional, safe investments for now.  Spiritually, now would be a good time to examine what excites you.  What do you enjoy?  What interests you?  What would you like to explore?  Get off the beaten path and try new things.  Create your own energy and enthusiasm.

The Emperor shows us that domination of the mind over the heart is sometimes not wanted, but in some cases, it is necessary and even welcomed.  When hard choices must be made, it’s important to maintain your concentration and focus.  This is something this time period will make easy for you to do.  Enjoy the assertiveness and confidence that this self-control and focus brings.  Forge ahead and do what you know is best.  If you can master yourself, then you ought to experience lesser problems mastering the world and all the things in it.  A kind, older gentleman may cross your path … a work colleague, Dad or a father-type figure.  Perhaps he is interested in you romantically.  If not, don’t rule him out because of his age.  This man feels like he rules with an iron fist, which can be frustrating at times.  But, his intention is to help you see that rules have their place and their reasons.  You will benefit from this guidance now.  Above all else, this man teaches, even unknowingly, the benefits of structure and logic ruling over the emotions and lesser desires.  Be sure to take time out for yourself to honor your need for spiritual growth.  Allow your Right Brain (intution) to have input in greater measure, rather than your usual Left Brain activities (logic, reason, order) … which is counterintuitive to the Emperor and a skill that requires greater discipline to master.