Sunflowers and Tarot Discovering Messages of Hope in Unlikely Places

Clytie was a beautiful water nymph from Greek Mythology who loved the sun god Apollo (Helios). Unfortunately, her love wasn't reciprocated, so she spent her days looking towards the Sun looking see Apollo riding through the Chariot in the sky,

‘Clytie’, Evelyn De Morgan (1885)

Pamela Colman Smith will have grown up as an artist herself being influenced by the well known artists of her day. It is no surprise that we see several Tarot cards of the Rider Waite Smith deck bearing the sunflower within the imagery.

Vincent Van Gogh painted the 'Sunflowers' in 1888, the painting received much interested and the painter himself reference the flowers as a symbol of happiness.

Christianity liked the sunflower to the faith in God, and the sunflower likened to the Soul, turning to the Sun ( God ) in blind faith.

The story of Clytie and Apollo is quite sad and yet maybe it is more about holding on to hope and seeing the light- which offers a way forward from the dark?

If we look to the Sunflowers on the Waite Smith Sun Tarot card, we see they are positioned on a stone wall. The sunflowers have flourished despite the stony earth bed and lack of an earthly foundation. The seeds are likely to have settled in the cracks in the stone and such is the hope that can be found even in the unlikely places. Such is the strength of the sun, the beauty of nature and birth of the new day.

This certainly reminds me of the Sun Tarot card but can you see an association with other Rider Waite cards?

If so, which ones and why?

Tarot card, the Sun by Pamela Coleman Smith 1909

Tarotscopes May/June 2025

House 1 Aries: The 5 of Pentacles

You are likely to be feeling a little despondent under the umbrella of this challenging energy. You may find that your usual confidence and assertiveness being impaired by an energy within your 'circle'. Whilst you may be feeling that you are in a rut right now, with little or no support, know that this is temporary and that you can and will get over this period.

Change is coming so gather your resources, be strong and seek the help when you need it

Our ego is our silent partner-too often with a controlling interest. (Cullen Hightower)

House 2 Taurus: The Ace of Swords

There is a good chance that the methodical and normally grounded Taurus may feel prompted to think more freely than usual. The question is, what will you do with this fresh initiative and how will it manifest for you?

Only you have the answer to this but why not take full advantage of this energy and in the spirit of new-age thinking, be a little adventurous!

You may find yourself enjoying the liberation both mentally and physically, a positive change from the usual routine!

House 3 Gemini: The Page of Swords

You are full of ideas that you want to examine and explore so the last thing that you will appreciate is any open opposition to these, especially when you have taken the trouble to share them in the first place.

This could result in you putting your mental prowess to useful purpose (in your opinion of course) and informing anyone, in no uncertain terms, that their opinion isn't required.

It may be worth sharing information with like minded individuals who you can bounce ideas off and consider some of their ideas too. Possibly a social group in your local area or even a social Facebook group or other on line social group?

House 4 Cancer: The 9 of Swords

During this upcoming period, you may be feeling the need to internalise your feelings rather than discuss them. The problem with this is that the feelings that you are experiencing may end up becoming a side issue, albeit an unresolved one, whilst your heightened anxiety comes to the forefront of your thoughts.

At this point there is a concern that overplaying this in your mind will lead to more negativity.

Look back to similar situations, how did they play out and what did you do or what could you have done to improve the situation for yourself?

If you can talk to someone you can trust, let them help you to rationalise this thought process and discuss your feelings or write down in a journal. This way you can look at options of support or strategies to help deal with the issue and lessen the weight of your worries.

House 5 Leo: The 8 of Pentacles

Leo, you are looking busy and that's because you are, you are also feeling energised these days and can see finally where you want to be heading!

You understand that at this time the projects or/and work that you are currently focused on are taking you away from doing the things that you truly love and enjoy.

You also understand that there is a time to play and a time to work and right now, your work is priority. The more you work, the more financial security you will have, it will help you to keep a good degree of order and balance in your life. This can this can then make way for the fun and enjoyment that will revitalise you and restore your energy.

House 6 Virgo: 4 of Swords

Focusing on your goals right now along with your talent of paying attention to detail will serve you well in the longer term. Jupiter will allow the opportunity for positive results whilst you consider the best way to navigate through projects and even relationships.

You are a natural perfectionist and are most at home when giving service to others but this can be draining at times. This is where the 4 of Swords will allow you to set a slower pace and recoup some of the energy that has been flagging of late.

Take a mental pause and take stock. The best learning is from your own experience; make use of this time to inject some self care into your life.

House 7 Libra: The Queen of Wands

As a Libran you are likely to be more actively motivated in your efforts to create harmonic relationships with others in general. There is an innate desire to maintain the status quo and you can lend your hand at finding creative ways to achieve this.

Of course, this is great, providing everything goes according to your plan and your efforts of achieving harmony are appreciated.

If you feel that your efforts are unappreciated, your anger may turn inwards, presenting an overly cool exterior while your ill temper bubbles below.

It may help situations if you open up a little and remember that this process is a two way street and not everyone will share your natural skill and desire for peaceful communications.

House 8 Scorpio: The 8 of Swords

Jupiter in Gemini (8 of Swords) gives Scorpio a new level of emotional sensitivity. Keeping in mind that the 8 of Swords is influencing your energy right now, this may be the ideal time to look below the surface. Look at this as an opportunity for you to bring yourself out of this negative feeling and empower yourself in true Scorpionic style.

What prompted this challenging mindset? Do you need to look deeper at any patterns that may be re-occurring?

Look and look again, the answer will be there within, you just need to shine a light ahead of you and you will soon see. The only challenge is thinking that you cannot see the woods for the trees but you know what the answer is for this? Time for some tree pruning!

House 9 Sagittarius: The 3 of Pentacles

The 3 of Pentacles brings a collaborative and motivating energy to Sagittarius. Now is the time to use this resourceful energy to set about creating and moving forward with some longer term goals. This is a great opportunity to venture and explore and gain some invaluable learning along the way.

Whether this be developing a broader outlook with travel or broadening the mind with higher learning or spiritual studies, the desire for growth and learning is at the core.

Whichever step you choose and in which direction, you will be well prepared, committed to the end and ready for success!

House 10 Capricorn: The 2 of Wands

Capricorn, steadfast, hardworking and enjoying the good things in life, is given a confidence boost drink with the 2 of Wands. Not that Capricorn needs it but an extra dose of fire can always be utilised.

What will you do with this energy?

One thing for sure is that it is entirely up to you, this is your time and your plans although the 2 of Wands can be suggesting that it is time to decide on the direction you want to take.

One way or another way, you can achieve your intended goal, the 2 of Wands is given a reliable platform with Capricorn so onwards and upwards!

House 11 Aquarius: The Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles is offered a unique opportunity with Aquarius to gently push their perimeter boundaries, whilst Aquarius is given the opportunity to develop new resources.

You may find yourself looking for a stepping stone that will help you to advance in an inspired area of your life.

This is most likely to lead to a higher purpose that requires the acquisition of necessary resources, whether that be financial or practical. The key is that it will provide the potential for you to be able to follow a path in the not too distant future that is closer to your heart and your ideals.

House 12 Pisces: The King of Pentacles

This is an interesting one: the dreamy Pisces with the King of Pentacles.

You are currently focused on practical matters with the grounding energy of the King of Pentacles platforming your incentives and motivation.

There is little time for daydreaming now since your work is priority with the overriding understanding that you have responsibilities that require your most focus.

Even so, you have a special ability to be able to wander in and out of the ethereal world without even realising and now will still be no exception.

To help you maintain balance between home and work, avoid excluding those who are close to you when you become engrossed in your many projects.

Your hard work is appreciated but remember that above all, its you and your quirky Pisces ways that they love!

Flying the Flag with the 6 of Wands

This is one card that I have come to an understanding with.

In general, it is seen as a positive but we should also realise the card's energy because there is so much more to the 6 of Wands than we see on face value.

Sure, we can bask in our moment of glory and enjoy it because one thing is for certain, it is not going to last as long as we would hope.

This quote...

“My opponent is my teacher, my ego is my enemy.”

Renzo Gracie

....is very true.

Whilst we may be driven by ego, our ego is not always our best guide and seldom offers us a stable and secure position in the long term. But It is also fair to say we do need ego, we need to be inspired and determined even though that inspiration may stem from an intrinsic position.

Admiration feels good, praise is rewarding but that feeling can only continue if we seek out the same.

Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery

Jupiter in Leo will allow the 6 of Wands the opportunity to bask in the Sun and have their moment of glory. Creative endeavours will bring success or promise success.

So what do we say to our querent when the card expresses such positivity?

Ideally we now want look at how we can turn the bite size successes and turn them into our longer term goals. Something with substance and longevity that will give us a solid foundation for these goals.

The Lovers can help us with this, the Waite Smith Lovers would suggest that we consider our highest good in the choices we make. This would see our focus shift towards success of a different kind that serves our higher self with a more reasoned and balanced outlook.

The Fire from the 6 of Wands and the Air from the Lovers will offer more energy and movement rather than the sole energy of the 6 of Wands which will fizzle out as quick as it came.

What are your thoughts?