*If you enjoy my Tarotscopes, why not sign up to have them delivered free to your e-mail in-box directly every week? All you need to do is send a blank e-mail to me, elise@star-tarot.net, with the word TAROTSCOPE in the subject field.*

A Tarotscope is a blend of horoscope and a one-card Tarot reading, using the Astrological Tarot Spread. This week I’ve gone back to my beloved Thoth Tarot, conceived by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris.

Aries – Position 11 – Art

Position 11 is the place of higher perceptions and friendships that enhance your life, and this week, Aries, your card is Art–AKA Temperance–which is a card of the consummate master at work. It takes eight hours’ of practice a day to become a concert pianist or a Kung Fu master, and this is the card that symbolises that sustained effort. This week, you are indeed going to a higher place, by dint of your equanimity and skill.

Taurus – Position 2 – 7 of Wands

Normally, you like this position, Taureans, as it’s all about the money and the practicalities of life. You are naturally business minded and can remember details and juggle figures like a child prodigy because of your methodical approach. This week, however, you score the 7 of Wands, which is a card of challenge and no small amount of difficulty. But don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone, “I just cleaned up in here!” is actually your favourite thing to say…

Gemini – Position 5 – Knight of Disks

In other decks, this hardy individual is the King of Pentacles. He loves to make sure that his subjects live in comfort and he is generous, but not a pushover. This is a card of luxury within limits, like a beautiful enclosed garden or a trust fund that nonetheless needs careful management. You are this week in the position of play and enjoyment, Geminis, so you can look forward to some serious fun–but within limits.

Cancer – Position 4 – The Sun

The Sun is a card of great personal success, after a long struggle. You have good reason to pat yourself on the back this week, and it’s all centred around the home and hearth–where you run for shelter, your haven. Now is the time to break out of your usual confines and limitations and celebrate your happiness, and as all Cancerians know, sharing the love is part of the experience, so don’t hold back.

Leo – Position 1 – The Star

The Star is a lovely card of hope after deeply troubled times. It’s a message that dawn is just ahead, and to keep on in the direction you have chosen, as you are on the right track. You’re not out of the woods yet, but you can relax in the knowledge that whatever you’re doing, it’s worth the effort. This week you are in position 1, Leos, and that’s the position of your health, beauty, and fitness, so whatever beauty or health-enhancing regimen you have in place, positive results are just around the corner.

Virgo – Position 12 – The Fool

Some major changes took place last week in your relationship–or it could be that your partner themselves radically changed their strategy–and this week the craziness and deep change continue as you have the Fool card. This is the card of brand new beginnings and incarnations, and it’s in your area of traps and ambushes, of hidden agendas. You may be starting a new phase in your life, but for now it’s ultra hush-hush.

Libra – Position 8 – Queen of Swords

She may appear cold and calculating on the surface, and that’s because underneath it all she really is. There has been some deep suffering in her past, and her analytical mind won’t let it go. She’s a woman who relishes mental challenges–a consultant, financier or university professor–and this week she’s in your area of unmentionables: whatever you don’t want to face or make known to the world. Just keep your wits sharp and your ever-balancing Libran mind focused and she’ll be the best ally you ever had.

Scorpio – Position 10 – The Lovers

The significant other in your life comes out of the shadows and you introduce him or her to your buddies for the first time this week. This is what I’m reading from your Tarotscope, Scorpios: with The Lovers as your card and the position of public image as your spot, this relationship is out in the open, whether ye will or no.

Sagittarius – Position 6 – 6 of Wands You’re all set for a week of praises and congratulations at work, Sagittarians, as this is the card of victory after battle and you’re in the position of work and social responsibility. The “trap” of this card is, however, that you may feel like you earned it but others might not. Be sure to claim your just rewards, whether it’s a hard-earned bonus or a friendly pat on the back, because you sure ’nuff earned it.

Capricorn – Position 7 – 2 of Cups

If you’ve been living in a romantic desert recently, Capricorns, it’s time to buy some new outfits and get ye hence to the hairdresser’s as the 2 of Cups is the card of new romance. Not only that but it’s in the position of relationships with the one significant person in your life. If you’re already in a steady relationship, it could be that new fire is felt by your both. This is a deeply lovely combination, and you are set to have one loved-up week.

Aquarius – Position 9 – The Universe

I’m not sure how you do it, but you usually end up with the most Aquarian-esque Tarotscopes, Aquarians. I guess this must be a universe of attraction after all: this week you have the card of ultimate, unmitigated success and it’s in your area of higher perceptions and spiritual expansion. The Universe card is just that: everything that you ever could want is delivered to your doorstep, or in this case, somewhere where only your fine Aquarian mind can reach. The rest of us can only wonder.

Pisces – Position 3 – Prince of Wands

You’re in the same position as last week, the place of intercommunication and learning, but now you have the Page of Wands to rocket-fuel you through to the other side. Whether it’s a course or an ongoing negotiation that you’re currently involved with, it all gets a turbo charge this week, either metaphorically, or in reality, by a young firebrand who loves to learn through his or her impulses and actions. He or she may exhaust you, but remember that we all need a boost at times.

If you enjoyed and benefited from this Tarotscope, sign up for a Tarot reading here. Have a great week, Elise, Tarot Professional.

Geisha of Gion is an autobiographical account of one of the most intimate aspects of Japanese society. Written to tell her story, the reader is taken on a journey through Mineko Iwasaki’s life from childhood to geisha and ultimately to her retirement. Iwasaki wrote Geisha of Gion with clear goals in mind. She wanted to tell the story of her life as arguably the most successful geisha of her generation, who lived in a world which is seldom exposed. Iwasaki decided to document her life as a geisha in direct response to the famous novel Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden.

In researching his novel, Golden interviewed Iwasaki, amongst other geisha and acknowledged her in Memoirs of a Geisha. Iwasaki maintains that she advised Golden not to acknowledge her input, and that Golden had misled readers in many ways regarding true geisha life. The principle cause of insult was the description in Memoirs of a Geisha of the mizuage ceremony, which Golden depicts as an auction for a geisha’s virginity. According to Iwasaki, this is complete fiction and mizuage simply refers to the gross earnings of a geisha. As a result of her being acknowledged in a novel which presented such ideas, Iwasaki received much criticism in Japan and she thus felt the need to regain the honour lost. A lawsuit ensued, which was settled out of court. Suffice it to say, her own book Geisha of Gion had a lot to prove.

Geisha of Gion provides an insight into a very secretive and introspective world. Geisha are historically discouraged from talking openly about their profession. The exposure of this secret world in this book is particularly enchanting. Iwasaki details how geisha are “bound by the robes of tradition and the sanctity of our calling,” and her story takes the audience on a journey of highs and lows that leads to her retirement. As we read, we are told of the intricate and fascinating training involved in becoming a geisha, including the duties performed and how extraordinarily successful Iwasaki was at this life. Historical and cultural elements accounted in the book give the reader enough information to make sense of some of the how’s and why’s of geisha life.  For example, a maiko in full costume is designed to look like the ideal beauty prized in Japanese society; “she has the classic looks of a Heian princess, as though she might have stepped out of an eleventh century scroll painting.”

The book does certainly make for a beautiful and somewhat educational read, however one of Iwasaki’s pitfalls in Geisha of Gion is that she does tend to focus too much on refuting the image of the geisha world depicted by Golden. There will inevitably be bias from Iwasaki in her trying to honour her previous profession, however this can come across as self important in parts of the book.

Geisha of Gion tells Mineko Iwasaki’s enchanting story in such a wonderful manner. The audience is involved throughout the book and is enthralled by the extraordinary events of Iwasaki’s life.  Even though the book seems a little rushed towards its close, Iwasaki does her story justice by telling the audience what it was like to live in a “world where everyone–your friends, your sisters and even your mother- is your rival.” The life of a geisha is presented largely in an unbiased manner. The book achieves its goals; the reader comes away knowing how life is for a geisha in Gion Kobu at the time when Iwasaki was at the top of the profession. It also exposes the image presented in Memoirs of a Geisha as false, even though it never explicitly mentions the novel itself. This beautifully written, inspiring book is worth a read to follow Iwasaki on her journey from the stubborn child to the elegant, successful geiko.

Geisha of Gion: The memoir of Mineko Iwasaki is available on amazon.co.jp

BY ELISE AT STAR TAROT

*If you enjoy my Tarotscopes, why not sign up to have them delivered free to your e-mail in-box directly every week? All you need to do is send a blank e-mail to me, elise@star-tarot.net, with the word TAROTSCOPE in the subject field.*

A Tarotscope is a blend of horoscope and a one-card Tarot reading, using the Astrological Tarot Spread. This week I’ve used the Steampunk Tarot by Aly Fell and Barbara Moore, which I borrowed from my very son, who owns this deck.

Aries – Position 6 – The Emperor:

The Emperor is the card that represents Aries in the Tarot, which means that this week will be particularly significant for you. He’s the controller, the judge, The Man, and he’s in your realm of work. You might run into some important conversations with your boss, or possibly you are the boss this week, in which case, headstrong Aries, just remember that you are here to serve the people, not the other way around.

Taurus – Position 12 – Page of Cups:

He’s a young man or woman who has a job to do, and this particular job is to listen to his intuition. It’s a job, alright, because the intuition speaks through him, and he’s the one who has to spread the word, which is usually a thankless task. This week, a sensitive and intuitive youth needs to be listened to by you, very carefully, as this is Position 12, the area of deceptions, false trails and subterfuges.

Gemini – Position 2 – King of Swords:

He’s a lot like the Emperor of the Minor Arcana (see this week’s Aries reading above) in that he rules with assurance but not always compassion. Geminis, the time for skill with that analytical mind of yours has come because he’s present in your area of money and possessions. It could be that he’s a real, physical presence in your life, like a bank manager or financial advisor, or that there is some skilful and ruthless accounting to be done this week.

Cancer – Position 11 – 6 of Wands:

We say that the sixes are the perfection of their suit. Here, we see the valiant warrior coming back from battle, bloodied but unbowed, reaping the praise and admiration he deserves. This is you, this week, you’ve worked hard now enjoy the praise of your friends and the awards due to you from your spiritual endeavours.

Leo – Position 10 – 6 of Cups:

Position 10 is where you are reflected in the world, the impression you make, how others see you. As it’s at the top of the spread, it’s how you appear from on high, that is: how your superiors see you. And it’s looking good, Leos: the 6 of Cups is a great card of giving and receiving love without attachment. Either your boss and you are enjoying a love-fest this week, or they think you are one compassionate soul.

Virgo – Position 7 – The Tower:

Oh, no! Not the dreaded Tower?! And to cap it all, it’s in your area of relationships with that special person. Dust off that meditation cushion and put it to use, re-read Men Are From Mars… and above all remember: from the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success. Because whatever happens this week, however terrible it might be, you will have a clean slate to work from in the future. But it might not be the easiest week you’ve ever had.

Libra – Position 1 – 8 of Pentacles:

This young person works hard day and night making piece-work for The Man. But in his or her heart, they are striving to achieve perfection. Because although this may be difficult, repetitive work, they find a way to put everything into it, knowing that as an apprentice, they are on the road to mastery. This week it appears in your area of physicality, health, and appearance. Whatever fitness, health, or beauty plan you have in place, keep on keeping on because you are on the road to success.

Scorpio – Position 9 – 7 of Wands:

She may look like she’s having a tough time, standing on top of that hill with those other 6 wands trying to get her, but the secret is that she’s in full control, and she’s in her element. This is what she has been trained to do, she’s the professional soldier, at the top of her game. This is you, Scorpios, this week, striving for that Higher Plane. If you’re finding it tough, then remember that the challenge makes the victory all the sweeter.

Sagittarius – Position 6 – 8 of Swords:

A strange bind you’ve got yourself into this week, Sagittarians. Here you are in the position of fun times and enjoyment, but you’re all strung out about it somehow. This is very unlike you, as you’re normally not hung up or paranoid. Ask yourself: why are you feeling sorry for yourself? What’s preventing you from having a good time? It’s possibly some mental knot you’ve tied yourself up in, so loosen up, already.

Capricorn – Position 4 – 9 of Wands:

The 9 of Wands is a lot like the 6 and 7 of Wands, (see Cancer and Scorpio’s readings this week) in that we see a person who has struggled a lot but he’s feeling a bit battle-worn. Here we see him taking a well-earned break from it all, but the war isn’t over and he knows it. This is all taking place in your area of home and hearth, so whatever embattlements you have faced recently, you’re now in the eye of the storm. Take care of yourself and don’t be shy to ask for help.

Aquarius – Position 8 – 3 of Cups:

I would love to know what you know this week, Aquarius. Here you are in the snug with your two best mates, enjoying a good old chin-wag, and looky-here, if this isn’t Position 8, the position of sex, death, and taboo? Looks to me like you are hearing the juiciest of gossip. Or could it be that you are doing the things that engender the juiciest gossip…

Pisces – Position 3 – 3 of Pentacles:

One is the craftsman, one is the architect, and one is the intuitive card reader (Hello! That’s me!) and together they are making a beautiful archway above a door. The Tarot is Metaphor Central, so what this means in “real” terms is that you are working with your intuition, your skill, and your mind to make a passageway to another place, a better place, for yourself. This occurs in your area of intercommunication and learning. What you say and what you learn this week could well take you to the next step, so stand by!

If you enjoyed and benefited from this Tarotscope, sign up for a Tarot reading at: http://star-tarot.net/readings.

Elise M has been reading Tarot for 25 years, and can be contacted for professional, accurate and insightful Tarot readings, in person or via e-mail. She is a British national, and currently lives in Yokosuka.

In order to make time for these visits school gets out a couple of hours early for about two weeks. It is frustrating that so much school time is lost for these visits when the teacher could just call the parents like some teachers do in the States. My daughter’s school has fewer students than most so I can imagine how long this process takes with a bigger school. The students are separated into neighborhoods, and the teacher makes his/her rounds for each area.

We are all told by the teacher and the school to simply allow the teacher to come into the doorway and that the meeting will be held there in an informal way. We are also asked not to provide snacks or drink for the teacher because there is no time and it will make things hard for the teacher to have to eat and drink everything he/she is served.

Of course this is Japan, so asking people to not be polite and hospitable is pointless. All of the parents ignore these requests and welcome the teacher into their home and have at least tea waiting. I know I did. Cold green tea though, so that the teacher wouldn’t feel awkward slamming some hot coffee.

My husband works from home, so he there for the meeting. That is unusual as fathers are often at the office during the time of the teacher visit. I know this surprised my daughter’s teacher as she only made eye contact with him and spoke mostly to him.

The discussion about our daughter couldn’t be very long. The teacher had only just met my daughter a week or two ago as school had just started. She had nice things to say, which was great. She asked if my daughter walks to school. This is the main question discussed every year by each teacher. The school really wants to encourage kids to walk to school. We live up on a hill and there are no sidewalks for most of the way, so I drive her down the hill to where the sidewalk begins and she walks from there. The teacher found that acceptable.

This year’s teacher made us laugh because she then spent the rest of her meeting talking about how well my daughter speaks Japanese. I found this funny but annoying. My daughter was born in Japan and has attending school here since pre-school, of course she speaks Japanese. It is a little like when people ooh and ah over me using chopsticks, but in that case at least I can understand that at first sight people don’t know how long I have lived here. My daughter is Japanese. True, she is also American, but my husband and I couldn’t stop laughing over the teacher’s constant praise of our daughter’s Japanese. I wonder what fun experiences await us in this fourth year of elementary school in Japan.

Heather has recently completed her first book, The True Stories of Dream Fairies–Bloom. It is now available in ebook format through popular online retailers. Click here to learn more.

*Got a question for the Tarot? Get a FREE one-card sample Tarot reading from me. It’s easy, fun and quick! http://star-tarot.net/readings.*

*If you enjoy my Tarotscopes, why not sign up to have them delivered free to your e-mail in-box directly every week? All you need to do is send a blank e-mail to me, elise@star-tarot.net, with the word TAROTSCOPE in the subject field.*

A Tarotscope is a blend of horoscope and a one-card Tarot reading, using the Astrological Tarot Spread. This week I’ve used the mini version of the Secret Tarot, created by Marco Nizzoli and published by Lo Scarbeo in Italy.

Aries. Position 1. Queen of Swords

This beautiful lady is not here to negotiate, so unless you have a mind as sharp as hers and a past as sad, you’ll not be brooking any quarter with her. She’s here in your area of physicality, so that could be your health, appearance, or fitness level, perhaps as a healthcare consultant, or as a need you have to get some clarity on your body’s situation.

Taurus. Position 2. 4 of Swords

Taureans everywhere heave a collective sigh of relief: THAT week that was is finally over. And not only is the fear and loathing done with, but your card is the becalming, Alka-Seltzer-esque 4 of Swords, oh so lovely and cooling, and even better, it’s easing your mental agony over your financial situation. A giant Taurean “phew!” resounds the world over.

Gemini. Position 5. 5 of Swords

Yikes, Geminis, the 5 of Swords is a card of people who don’t play fair. So either that means that it’s you that’s being creative with the rules, or you feel that the Monopoly set has been tampered with by another. As you are in position 5 this week, where fun and games rule, be careful who you play with this week, and be sure to set the rules of engagement straight before the first die is thrown.

Cancer. Position 12. The Moon

The Moon is a complex card of hidden things, secrets, and the unconscious. The light of the moon is not its own, and what we see by moonlight is indistinct. Not only that, but this week you are in position 12, where ambushes, traps, and subterfuge are the name of the game. Looks like you’ve wandered into a labyrinth of mirrors, Cancerians.

Leo. Position 8. King of Cups

He’s the kind of monarch who would rather be composing poetry and practicing calligraphy than ruling a country, but rule he does, and with a big heart. His motto is: Let Love Rule, and he’s in your area of sex and death. Don’t fight it: your heart and intuition take the reins this week, Leos.

Virgo. Position 9. 8 of Cups

I told you last week to get some self-examination done, and it looks like you’ve take me to heart, Virgos. The 8 of Cups is the card we see when we have some inner journey to undertake, and this week you are in the position of travel, either to real or inner places. You might have had a tough week last week, and need a bit of alone time to sort your thoughts and emotions out. Don’t be shy about locking the door and hanging up the “Do Not Disturb” sign; occasionally solitude is a necessity, not a luxury.

Libra. Position 6. Page of Wands.

He’s a young man or woman who learns through his or her passions and his impulses, and they are in your life this week, either as a real person or as a youthful exuberant feeling. Your work has a new vitality, a Springtime-feeling that you just can’t resist. All systems go!

Scorpio. Position 10. Ace of Wands.

Just where you were a few weeks ago, back in position 10, the place of public image and what your peers and “superiors” think about you, and goodness me, they love you! The Ace of Cups is a card of great fulfilment, joy and letting the cup of love run over. Be careful now, as it’s the seed of love, so keep it growing carefully and you’ll be reaping love’s rewards.

Sagittarius. Position 7. Queen of Cups.

So lovely, the Queen of Cups, also known as the bridge between the Major and Minor Arcana, she is the loving mother, creative and intuitive and spiritual. She’s in your area of partnerships with the significant other in your life. Expect a week of love and beauty, Sagittarians.

Capricorn. Position 3. Strength.

You pretty much own the position of learning and intercommunication, Capricorns, and whereas last week you had the unbeatable Sun in position 3, this week you’re riding the Tiger of your inner strength. This kind of passion cannot be ruled by cruelty, but by kindness. Whatever it is that fires your rockets, good or bad, make friends with it this week and watch yourself fly though negotiations of all kinds.

Aquarius. Position 4. The Page of Swords.

You’re at home with the spirit of enquiry this week, Aquarians, which in many ways is how you like it, but the Page of Swords can be a little too persistent with his ceaseless questioning. You are in Position 4, which is the home and rootedness, so either a young person with an active and questioning mind comes to visit, or there will be some thorough investigation into your concept of where your place of refuge is.

Pisces. Position 11. The High Priestess.

I always feel that Pisceans are magical and just downright deep, and this week the esoteric side of your being comes up to just under the surface. The High Priestess is the card of the things we learn that cannot be explained in words: how it feels to fall in love, or to have your heart broken, for example, and here she is in your position of higher perceptions and spiritual pursuits. There may be some forfeit to pay for this initiation, but by next week, you’ll be an even more magical, deeper being.

If you enjoyed and benefited from this Tarotscope, sign up for a Tarot reading at: http://star-tarot.net/readings.

Elise M has been reading Tarot for 25 years, and can be contacted for professional, accurate and insightful Tarot readings, in person or via e-mail. She is a British national, and currently lives in Yokosuka.

One of the biggest challenges for us when my daughter started elementary school was being asked to join kodomokai. This is like a neighbourhood kids’ club that is very common in Japan. Few things are required in Japan for your child, but so many things are very strongly encouraged. One of these was this club. They get you to think you have to join because you pay for school lunch through this club. The club parents take turns to be the one whose job it is to drive around the neighbourhood and collect the monthly fee for school lunch. The school offered this as the only way to pay for lunch and gave no other explanation for how to pay, so I assumed we had to join the club.

Another benefit of this club is that your child can meet up with her classmates and those kids that are older from the club to walk to school together. This is especially nice when your child is in first-grade and you are nervous about your child getting to school. The problem was that in our neighbourhood there was only one other kid that was my daughter’s classmate and he was nothing but trouble. The entire area knew him because he was crazy and always walking in the street. Not really someone we wanted my daughter to walk to school with. The only other thing that I knew about this club was that they usually did something during the summer, a kind of BBQ party and also had days when the kids could swim at the school pool because one of the club parents was watching the pool for the kids.

One day a gentleman came to our house and asked for the entrance fee to this club. He didn’t explain anything or even ask, it was more a given that we would join. The entrance fee was not that much, but we wanted an idea of what the club would do and what our job would be if we joined. My husband asked the gentleman and he seemed really annoyed. His job was a rotating position. He had been chosen this year to be the leader of our area club. I am sure our request was frustrating since most people hand over the money and move along with their day. He left and called later explaining briefly what the year for the club was like. There were not activities at all except for the BBQ party. Our entire monthly fee was clearly going to be used just for that event. It seemed a little much. I went to the first meeting for this club and I was told by one of the mother’s I knew from kindergarten that I should bring something to drink. I bought a bottle of juice and thought it would be a good contribution. Turns out I was supposed to bring either some alcohol for the upper members of the club or a large case of juice to be used at future meetings. The meeting adjourned and I went home. I then got a call from one of the other members of the club telling me that as a new member we had to pay double our fee because numbers were low this year and with so few people we wouldn’t have enough money from the membership to cover the costs of the BBQ. This was clearly ridiculous and we said ‘no, thank you’ and that we didn’t want to join.

Luckily for me, I am a foreigner and so when I choose to do something a little different than everyone else not many people care. Had I been a regular Japanese mother I would have been talked about for weeks after choosing not to join the club. Because I didn’t join I do have to personally take my cash payment for school lunch to the school on the set payment day every month. I imagine for other mothers in bigger cities this would be very embarrassing having to walk into the school to pay for just their kids’ lunch. It is times like these when I am so happy that I am a gaijin.

*Got a question for the Tarot? Get a FREE one-card sample Tarot reading from me. Simply go to my readings page and fill in the form. It’s easy, fun and quick! http://star-tarot.net/readings.*

*If you enjoy my Tarotscopes, why not sign up to have them delivered free to your e-mail in-box directly every week? All you need to do is send a blank email to me, elise@star-tarot.net, with the word TAROTSCOPE in the subject field.*

A Tarotscope is a blend of horoscope and a one-card Tarot reading, using the Astrological Tarot Spread. This week I’ve used Walter Wegmuller’s Gipsy Tarot Tsigane, published by AGMULLER.

Aries. Position 4. 5 of Swords.

Whichever way you slice it, the 5 of Swords is a card of strife and bitterness, either caused by you, or you are feeling the sting from someone else’s blade. This is all taking place in your home this week, I’m afraid to say. Analyse your motivations before you act, and don’t forget that forgiveness means releasing the transgressors from their negative karma.

Taurus. Position 12. Justice.

Whatever you did last week, Taurus, you are feeling the long arm of the law bearing down on you now. Still in position 12, of transgressions and general naughtiness, either perpetrated by you or upon you, this week somebody gets their karmic come-uppance.

Gemini. Position 11. The Hanged Man.

The Hanged Man is an uncomfortable moment of having your world turned upside down with nothing that you can do about it but go with the flow. For mutable Geminis, who have to move constantly, this is a kind of agony. Position 11 is the place of higher perceptions. Just remember that the small stream wears away the large boulder in the end, and that non-action, or wu-wei, is the best course of action.

Cancer. Position 2. 4 of Wands.

What a delightful week you’re having this week, Cancerians. This sweet little card is the card of stability in passion, or loving friendships and good times, and all of this takes place in your area of money and material possessions. Perhaps a party that someone else is paying for? Lovely Jubbly.

Leo. Position 7. Queen of Swords.

This beautiful lady is highly intelligent, but holds a past sorrow in her heart. She loves the responsibility of creating an environment of learning and erudition all around her, but her sadness and intellect can make her come over as a little cold. If this describes you, take care around the people you love this week, and don’t be freezing them out, now. They need your leonine love and cuddliness.

Virgo. Position 8. Page of Cups.

The Pages in the Tarot can be either young men or women, either way, they are people with a lovely youthful outlook on life. Here is this intuitive and sensitive young thing in your area of, sex, taboos and hidden agendas. Seriously, now, Virgos, you’ve got some self-examining to do.

Libra. Position 10. 7 of Cups.

Trapped in a hinterland of indecision you are this week, Librans. You find it hard enough to make your minds up over two things, but this week there are no less than seven tantalising options for you to choose from. Take care now, as this is the position of your public image, so whatever you do decide on in the end, everyone will know. No pressure, now!

Scorpio. Position 1. 7 of Wands.

Remember a couple of weeks ago, when you were in Position 1 but with the Tower? This week you are back in the same spot, but you have the 7 of Wands as your card. This is assuredly not as bad as the Tower, but there is a strong element of you struggling against some aspect of your physicality this week, either your appearance, or your health, or even your physical fitness. The 7 of Wands shows that you are in a good position to win out, so don’t give up.

Sagittarius. Position 5. 8 of Swords.

You are still in position 5, the same as last week, but this week you have the card of mental interference, the 8 of Swords. Actually, it’s not so very different from the 7 of Cups, in that your focus is being disturbed by something, but whereas last week you were deluged with delightful options, this week things get serious–you have a bee in your bonnet about something, and it’s preventing your enjoyment from flowing forth. Relax, because the suit of Swords means it’s all in your mind.

Capricorn. Position 3. The Sun.

How lovely to be you this week, Capricorn. Whatever you say, and whatever anyone says to you, will be pure sunshine and roses. Not only that, but your studies will be successful, too. Took an exam recently? Stock up on the champers now, because you’ve passed!

Aquarius. Position 9. The 2 of Wands.

The 2 of Wands is the rocket fuel of the Tarot. It’s the ‘don’t look back, just go, go, go!’ card. Nothing and no one can resist this impulse to move forward, like a visceral need. This week it’s in your area of travel, either the real, grab your case and head to the airport type, or the sit in the lotus position and contact your Spirit Guides type. This suits you so well, Aquarians, you’re set to have a great week.

Pisces. Position 6. 9 of Pentacles.

Position 6 is all about the work: your office, your career, your business, and this week you get to display just what a master you are at what you do. This is the card of the person who has spent years perfecting their craft, and can righteously be called a master. But for one thing. Even though doing what you do is a walk in the park, somewhere you long to break out from your limitations, whatever they are, and let your spirit fly. The Tarot is all about self-empowerment, so just how are you going to set about doing that?

If you enjoyed and benefited from this Tarotscope,  sign up for a Tarot reading by visiting my Readings page at: http://star-tarot.net/readings.

Elise M has been reading Tarot for 25 years, and can be contacted for professional, accurate and insightful Tarot readings, in person or via e-mail. She is a British national, and currently lives in Yokosuka.

(Image to left: Kimberly Hughes, Members of Tokyo’s international lesbian community)

It’s shaping up to be a pretty busy year for LGBT folk in the metropolis. Since my last piece highlighting lesbian happenings in Tokyo and beyond, which was written two years ago, so much has gone on that I hardly know where to begin. May as well start, then, with the most exciting event in the lineup: Tokyo Rainbow Pride—make that, in fact, Tokyo Rainbow Week—scheduled for April 27–May 6, 2013. Actually, I just counted, and that is nearly a whole fortnight chock-full of events celebrating LGBT culture: film screenings, family picnics, foreign embassy receptions, talk sessions on various social problems continuing to face seku-mai (sexual minorities), and even an outdoor run—right here in our own city. Who said we couldn’t keep up with other gay world capitals? “Events will be focused around the following three main topics: Knowing, connecting and having fun,” explains the event website. “We aim to convey this message not only around Tokyo, but hope to have our message of the importance of accepting and respecting diverse lifestyles reach and extend throughout Japan, Asia, and the rest of the world.”

TRW follows on the heels of several additional initiatives recently spearheaded to help make the lives of LGBT individuals in Japan a bit easier by encouraging more social acceptance. Haato wo tsunagou gakkou (the ‘Connecting Hearts School’ project), following the long-running NHK television series of the same name, was launched as a sort of resource clearinghouse for LGBT individuals seeking to find information. Similar to the “It Gets Better” Project begun in the United States to prevent queer* youth suicide, the Japanese website features numerous video messages from seku-mai and straight allies alike (including a number of famous individuals, as well as just plain everyday folks), who all speak on a variation of the same theme: You are not alone—and there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. A great explanation of the project in English, along with links to several of the videos, may be found on this blog post from the Stonewall AJET website.

Toby Siguenza, a California native who teaches in Shizuoka and authored the blog post above, noted that Tokyo Rainbow Pride is becoming steadily more global in its overall outlook as compared with past years. “Their team is certainly open and friendly to working with the international community,” she told me. “I casually went to a couple of their meetings last year to help Stonewall Japan connect with the Japanese LGBT community, and soon we were collaborating together on international efforts such as ‘The World Supports You’ Embassy project.” Additional initiatives providing support for LGBT individuals and communities include Nijiiro Diversity, which helps educate companies and fight against workplace discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender; Good Aging Yells, which spearheads LGBT-related projects such as shared housing and support for older individuals; Collabo, whose “lesbian life support” offers resources including study groups and a telephone hotline; and the “Koyuki Café” event series, put on by lesbian activist (and former Takarazuka Revue actor) Koyuki Higashi to discuss various issues relating to LGBT life.

Koyuki (L) and Hiroko (R) at their recent wedding ceremony reception Credit: Tatsunari Ueno

Koyuki and her partner Hiroko—who appear in one of the Connecting Hearts videos profiled in the Stonewall blog—recently made headlines around the country (and the world) as the first same-sex couple to hold a public wedding ceremony in the Tokyo Disneyland theme park. Although Japanese law presently offers no legal recognition, protection, or benefits to non-heterosexual couples, the ceremony made news headlines around the country, including an in-depth program that aired on Fuji TV, which covered the pair’s wedding story from both personal and social angles. “To have been able to hold a wedding ceremony with my partner just made me so incredibly happy,” Hiroko said in an e-mail interview. “Many LGBT individuals in Japan continue to have a hard time, because we tend to remain invisible within society, and also continue to face numerous barriers. And while more and more countries around the world are offering legal protections to same-sex couples, we have not even reached the stage in Japan of beginning to discuss this issue publicly.

“In Japan, (homosexuality) is not objected to on religious grounds; people are discriminated against instead if they diverge from what is considered as ‘normal’,” she continued. “But I think that many people may simply have never been exposed to sexual minorities, and so I intend to continue speaking out about this matter as much as I can.”

One event that has continued to help bridge mainstream and queer communities over the years is the Tokyo International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, which screens films from around the world that provide a glimpse into various facets of LGBT life, and whose 22nd run will take place in two Tokyo venues this July. Similarly, the smaller and yet steadily growing Asian Queer Film Festival, scheduled for the end of May in the capital’s Roppongi district, is another grassroots festival that promises to encourage deeper understanding regarding the lives of sexual minorities in Japan and elsewhere in Asia. Indeed, it does appear that Japan’s cultural and artistic spheres may be far ahead of the government in terms of nudging the country onward in the direction of social acceptance for seku-mai communities.

In addition to niche magazines such as the lesbian Novia Novia and the gay male Badi.jp, certain heterosexual publications are beginning to venture into queer territory as well. The fashion-oriented Tokyo Graffiti was recently looking for a lesbian couple to appear alongside several heterosexual pairs in a forthcoming feature issue titled My History of Love, and while my partner and I were originally scheduled for the interview, I decided at the last moment that a Japanese couple should be featured instead. I had very mixed feelings about this, as my partner is Japanese-Brazilian and I am a long-term resident of Japan myself—and I strongly believe that we are all part of this country, regardless of ethnic background or nationality. Given the persisting (mis)perception that homosexuality is somehow a “foreign” problem, however—on top of the social invisibility of lesbians here as mentioned by Hiroko above—I feel that my decision was the best one under the circumstances.

Lest you think Tokyo’s culinary establishments are being left out of all this rainbow action: think again. A new addition to the artsy Omotesando district is Gossip, a café/bar that doubles as a small library of queer-themed books and magazines, and also hosts the Koyuki Café events listed above, as well as additional monthly gatherings for queer women. (For more information, join the Box Social group on Facebook). Meanwhile, over in the heart of the Shinjuku 2-chome gayborhood, Rainbow Burritos—run by beloved community bedrock Chubabe and sandwiched between lesbian lounge Bar Goldfinger and cozy activist hangout Café Lavanderia—offers authentic, mouthwatering Mexican burritos while also collaborating with both establishments for various events.

And so Japan’s rainbow community in Tokyo and beyond will continue to do its thing—quietly reaching out to its isolated members and building community—while waiting for the rest of the country to inch slowly forward in the direction of full acceptance for its LGBT members. Meanwhile, you can be sure that they will be having a pretty good time while they’re at it.

Kimberly Hughes is a freelance translator, writer and community activist based in Tokyo. She may be reached at kimmie.hughes@gmail.com or http://kimmiesunshine.wordpress.com/.

*A word originally carrying derogatory connotations, “queer” (kuiia) has been reclaimed with pride to serve as an umbrella term for those outside of the mainstream with respect to sexuality and/or gender (often used similarly to ‘LGBT’, the abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans(gender)(sexual)).

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A Tarotscope is a blend of horoscope and a one-card Tarot reading, using the Astrological Tarot Spread. This week I’ve used Marie White’s Mary-el Tarot.

Copyright: Gipsy Tarot Tsigane, Walter Wegmuller, printed by AGMMULLER, Switzerland.

Aries. Position 11. The Knight of Wands:

Make new friends and be influenced by all the right people this week, Aries. You are in the position of friends, spirituality, and higher perceptions, and your card for the week is that legendary hot man, the Knight of Wands. He’s on a mission to go out and conquer with his passion, his will, and his fiery energy, so wherever you go this week, remember to bring some flame-retardant clothes as this dude does not have a stop button!

Taurus. Position 12. 5 of Wands:

Ouch, Taurus, be careful what you’re doing with those 5 Wands! This is the card of people who have too much energy and free time and resort to pettiness and squabbling, but take care with that, as wars start this way. Whammy number two is the fact that you are in position 12, the position of secrets, lies, ambushes, and betrayals. Sounds like a tough week–remember to see the bigger picture and be the better person, Taurus!

Gemini. Position 9. Ace of Cups:

Like a tiny spring of cool, fresh water that you discover deep in the mountains, this card is the seed of the element of water. It signifies going with the flow, allowing the processes at work to take their own course naturally, and letting your emotions spill over. Nurture that flow, and ride the course of this process, as you are in the position of travel, be it of the pack-your-bags-and-go variety, or the journey-to-a-higher-realm type. Bon voya-age!

Cancer. Position 4. Queen of Wands:

This lovely lady is the popular girl in the school, the prom queen, or the captain of the county netball squad. She’s the one that’s involved in all the committees that count, because she’s not only beautiful but she’s passionate. This can all be a bit much for your sensitive, watery personality, Cancer, especially as this lady rules your roost this week, position 4 being the home zone. You may find yourself taking more than a few deep, cooling breaths.

Leo. Position 8. 2 of Cups:

You’ve found a new playmate, Leos, a friend to play hide and seek with, as you have the 2 of Cups, the card of new relationships or friends, and you are in the area of sex, death, and taboo. Just be careful about how much, exactly, you want to reveal to this new friend, and as this is a Water element card and you are a Fire sign, which could get you into some hot water and steamy situations,  be sure you lay down the rules firmly before the action starts.

Virgo. Position 6. 7 of Swords:

Oh, dear, that old 7 of Swords rears its lonesome head again. It’s the card of the person who feels more than a little bit sorry for themselves, doing all the messy, dangerous jobs out there–all alone and unappreciated…And this all takes place in your area of work. This week you’re living the line: “I thought I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, but it was just my boss opening the door to throw more work in.”

Libra. Position 7. The Stars:

In your area of relationships and romance, it has been a long, cold, lonely winter for you, Librans, but hello, the sun is coming up, as you have the card of hope at the end of struggle, the lovely Stars. This is a promise that all your work is due to bear fruit, and your loneliness is at an end. Bask in the starlight, Librans, you deserve it.

Scorpio. Position 10. The Page of Wands:

You had a difficult week last week, Scorpios, with the Terrible Tower in your body and physicality area, but this week you rise again. The Page of Wands is a young man or woman, who is very impulsive and energetic, and who occupies your zone of public recognition. This could be the praise you receive for excellent parenting, or your young, sprightly boss shines the light of his or her approval on you.

Sagittarius. Position 5. 7 of Cups:

Like a big chocolate box, the options for having fun and playing this week are tantalisingly spread out for you. With your centaur’s bow and arrow, you would like to hit just one, but you are having the hardest time making your mind up. Each of the 7 cups contains something lovely and irresistible. What’s it going to be? Just be sure that you don’t get stuck in a hinterland of indecision. Your list of options for how to party may look spectacular, but the 7 of Cups is the venus flytrap card, a warning against addiction and procrastination, so clear your head and be sure to aim right.

Capricorn. Position 1. The Chariot:

The charioteer in this card can steer the dark and the light animals to take his ride on a smooth, straight path. How about you, Capricorns? Do you have what it takes to balance your life, your dark impulses against your higher qualities? You may need to do some reining in this week, as you are in the positions of the body and physicality. Be sure you balance your diet, exercise and habits right, so as not to let the cart topple over.

Aquarius. Position 3. The King of Wands:

He walks into the room, and instantly all conversations stop. A seat appears for him, and even though he doesn’t raise his voice, everyone pays attention to what the King of Wands says and what he wants. Here he is in your area of intercommunication and learning. He could be a charismatic lecturer at university asking about your essay, or the CEO calls you into his office for a quick chat. Just remember to speak clearly and use short sentences. I know: he can be a bit too much of a presence.

Pisces. Position 2. The World:

Woo-hoo! Break out the champers and caviar, Pisces, as you score the World card in your area of money and material possessions. The World is the card of ultimate satisfaction, where everything falls into place after a long, difficult struggle. It’s the success that can’t be measured as it includes so much more than just what you can perceive. That’s one special week you’re having, Pisces.

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