I am often asked what is the difference between a relationship-centered Tarot reading and an astrological session focused on relationships (using what astrologers call the synastry and composite chart techniques).
While there are similarities, there are also important differences.
Contrary to an astrological relationship session which focuses on the built-in potential issues that might develop between two individuals (synastry technique) as well as the goals and blocks the entity of the relationship itself will encounter because of the psychological make-up of the individuals involved set at birth (composite chart technique), a Tarot love-life centered reading can open a dialogue on different facets of the relationship as experienced in the moment, much like a coaching session. Because of its emphasis on the quality of the moment, a Tarot reading offers more opportunities to get your love life or relationship back on track in the present.
The Tarot puts emphasis on the quality of the moment and offers more opportunities to get your love life or relationship back on track in the present.
An astrological perspective focuses on the long-term, ingrained quality of the relationship because of the individuals' life-purposes, their personal needs and beliefs about relationships, their parental issues and so forth as set by the time and location at birth. The astrological philosophy is based on the idea that we are born with a set of beliefs and expectations about relationships that we have inherited or that we require to learn certain life lessons about relationships. Astrology is also based on cycles. We face the same opportunities and obstacles in different guises over and over in our lives until we learn, grow and move on. The mechanics behind an astrological and tarot session differ greatly. Astrology works with the law of correspondance between celestial movements and objects and their terrestrial counterparts as well as with the meaning of the time as expressed by synchronistic events and the symbolic meanings attributed to the planets. The Tarot works with synchronicity, intuition and the meaning attributed to the different cards and their layouts.
The Tarot works with synchronicity, intuition and the meaning attributed to the different cards and their layouts.
However both disciplines are concerned with increasing your awareness to the inner and outer expressions of your psychological needs and complexes pertaining to relationships. They are meant to help you express yourself and find your own answers with regards to this matter.
Whether we use the symbolic language of the stars or the meanings attributed to the Tarot cards, we are engaging in a dialogue for self-exploration and growth.
I usually suggest a person interested in their love life to begin with a Tarot session and if major issues present themselves in the reading, an astrological session can zero in on the precise psychological dynamics within the individuals involved that are undermining the relationship or confirm whether the blocks are due to external influences. If they are external, we can look at the archetypal quality of the planets involved (what they require in terms of adjustments and lessons for the relationship), the duration of their influences and how to best navigate during the time they are positioned in a manner that reflects the difficulties experienced by the partners and the relationship itself.