Greek myths portray Artemis as Apollos sister, but other legends tell a different story: of a goddess older than all the rest, and one who never really fit into male-centered Greek mythology. Because she wasnt Greek. And she damned sure wasnt part of the patriarchy. She was the Great Mother of the Neolithic, who is bringing you fertility, growth and abundance now.

A symposium in the modern world is a meeting of scholars to discuss new research. In ancient Greece, where the term originates, it was a meeting of scholars to drink until they puked. And to hang out with pretty flute girls (and boys). Modern day symposiums could learn a few things from the ancient Greeks! Likewise, you could be a little less serious about something today.

Justice reversed represents injustice, inequality and a lack of mercy or understanding. Or like Athena up there, the goddess of justice, who wasnt above bribing the hell out of the Athenians to get them to worship her rather than Poseidon. Justice reversed says watch your back; someone isnt playing fair.

The four of wands is such a positive card, that its a good draw even in reverse. It means a celebration, although, in this case, possibly a brief one.

Aphrodite had promised Paris that Helen of Sparta would be his bride, but how to get them together? She solved the problem by sending Paris to Sparta as an envoy, at a time when Helens husband was away. And then sent Himeros (god of desire) to seal the deal. Likewise, you can reach a desired end more easily through diplomacy than force today.

The emperor card stands for strength, assertiveness and all around macho-like-behavior. Like Zeus, king of the gods, who was accused of a lot of things, but being a shrinking violet was never one of them. But, you know what? Sometimes, macho isnt so bad. If you don’t take charge of your own life, someone else will do it for you -- and you may not like where you end up.

Bellerophon killed a monster, married a princess, and seemed set for happily ever after. Except that all that wasnt enough. He started to think that his true place was among the gods. And since he happened to have a magical flying horse, he took off for Olympus . . . and was promptly thrown back to earth for his hubris. Beware arrogance and rash decisions now.

Ares is our King of Wands. At his best, he is a forceful leader that is passionate, dramatic, exciting and bold. He gets results by taking risks, and he gets them fast. In the ancient world, hed be Alexander the Great, conquering through revolutionary military tactics; in the modern, hed be Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Hes telling you to take a risk and innovate.

Karen Chance