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History of the Tarot-From The Beginning: They are called the messengers of the Divine, the window to Universal Law and the sacred symbols of the higher consciousness. Whatever their auspicious synonym, the Tarot has been mentioned in ancient texts for 35,000 years. One such text, from the Hermetic Kaballah, tells of 108 stone tablets that lay beneath the ancient pyramids at Giza. 78 of these tablets are called the Exoteric Tarot, the remaining 30 are the ' Esoteric Tarot. This legend goes on to say, that one day these tablets will be uncovered and will explain the Universal Law and the soul's path through the cycle of rebirth. Even though there is evidence that the Tarot has existed for thousands of years, the first known decks come from 12th century India. In India spiritual symbols were placed on small tablets and tied together with string. These spiritual belts were worn by priests and were often referred to for advice or in service to a parishioner. The Tarot came to Europe during the Crusades. The Church strongly discouraged the use of these tools, and labeled anyone using them as a heretic. But soldiers of the crusades returned to Europe with these spiritual decks as trophies of war. It wasn't long until the modern European began creating their own versions of these religious decks, which were the forerunners to our modern playing cards. But unlike the spiritual symbols from India, the European decks depicted the current structure of their civilization, Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, and clergy were all part of these earlier decks. It wasn't until the 16th Century that the Tarot really began it's invasion through the traveling Gypsy caravans. Most of these Gypsy's came from Indo-European homelands, bringing the essence of the Tarot back to central Europe. From there, the tarot grew and their popularity spread through out the world. |
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No-one is sure of the 'true' origin of the Tarot. However, the Tarot became common in Europe about the same time as any other form of playing card, in the early/mid 1300's. It is closely related to the 'Mamluk' deck of the Islamic world, which had suits cups, coins, swords, and polo-sticks. The Tarot was originally used for a game called 'tarocchi' in Italy, which is sort of a distant cousin to Bridge. Tarocchi is still played in some parts of the world, not usually with the same decks the readers use. The game was quite popular for a time among the royalty in Italy, and sometimes a duke would commission an artist to create a really nice deck. Some of the earliest surviving Tarot decks come from this source. Plainer decks existed, but were not well made enough, or well thought-of enough, to survive the intervening 600 years. The Joker of 'standard' card decks is "not" related to the Fool of Tarot. The Joker was invented as a wild card for Euchre in the 1800's, in a part of the world where the Tarot was virtually or totally unknown. The first big popularise of the deck was a contemporary of de Gebelin, called Etteilla, who published the first 'revised and corrected' Tarot deck for divination. The idea was caught up by Eliphas Levi, Oswald Wirth, and Papus, among others. From Papus, the Tarot caught on with some English mystics, such as S.L. Mathers (whose mistranslation of Levi brought us the suit of pentacles), A.E. Waite, and A. Crowley. The Tarot received a lot of attention from these folks, and they created a fairly large body of writing on the use of Tarot. For the most part they thought that divination was a 'lower' use of the cards, that ideally it should be used to put you in touch with eternal verities, usually in conjunction with whatever magical order they happened to be involved with. But of course, divination was the most popular use for the cards. Most of the Tarot decks on the market were created this century, most of those in the last 20 years. |
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The Modern Tarot Once the Tarot returned to it's spiritual essence, modern artists began replicating the cards with their own spin or interpretation. These early decks have been associated with the artists that created them, or at least inspired them. One of the most renowned was called the Baldini- Mantegna, named after the artist Mantegna who inspired their creation. This deck separated itself from other "religious" interpretations and encompassed a universal theme. It grouped the cards into 10 classes, the first 5 being: - The Celestial (the planets)
- The Virtues (hope, justice, etc.)
- The Sciences (Theology, astrology, etc.)
- The Muses (Apollo, Clio, etc.)
- The Conditions of Life (The Pope, the King, the Beggar, etc.)
As travel became easier and more extensive, different experiences began to influence the Tarot into the many different decks we see today. The most popular in this Century has been the traditional Rider Waite deck, named after the famous occult scholar Dr. Edward Waite who produced the deck in 1910.
The Tarot Decks of Today: Modern Tarot decks typically contain 78 cards which are divided into two sections. The Major Arcana: Depicts the path or journey to enlightenment. These cards begin with the Fool, numbered 0 and end with the Universe numbered 22. The Minor Arcana: Depicts the fabric of life, the actions and values of existence. The Minor Arcana is separated into four groups, each group depicts an overall essence of life, physical or spiritual. The following are the most common groups in a tarot deck and how they relate to the modern playing deck. Many new artists are designing their own decks and some of these groups maybe substituted for other symbology. | WANDS = Clubs | Represent the essence of Enterprise, Inspiration, Distinction. | | CUPS = Hearts | Represent the essence of Emotions, Happiness, Abundance. | | SWORDS = Spades | Represent the essence of Strength, Struggle, Animosity. | | PENTACLES = Diamonds | Represent the essence of Finances, Money, Business Interests. |
In the view of the alchemists and mystics, the universal significance of such symbols as the Tarot presents and preserves was thought to spring from the anima mundi, or soul of the world, which was seen as a vast repository of knowledge, like a universal library, that was filled with the memories and wisdom of the entire human race-past, present, and future. Sometimes called the "Akashic records", this source of knowledge could be accessed by anyone willing to make the effort of deep contemplation. Within this collective pool are all the basic figures found in religions, myths, legends, and fairy tales. Taken together, these figures encapsulate a magical storehouse of profound esoteric knowledge. For example, The Empress symbolizes the essence of femininity as represented by the great mother Goddess of the world's most ancient religion. She can be seen as the representative of what Goethe called "the eternal feminine", in both myth and psychology. Thus does each figure of the Tarot call forth from the individual's unconscious a deep resonance. Contact with these images in a conscious, intentional way allows their hidden counterparts -- denizens of the deepest layer of human collectivity -- to surface and become integrated into a person's life. Properly conducted, a reading is a story -- the images on the cards meld into a meaningful pattern that can clarify the issues confronting the person for whom the reading is held. In a profound sense, if taken rightly, a reading can act like a vivid, enlightening dream or a moment of the flash of inspiration-the "Ah-ha" experience. "So, that's how it goes!" Tarot cards are wonderful for meditation, as well as for divination, or the answering of questions. They act to stimulate the intuition, which is the key to the gateway of the unconscious. They act to illuminate the hidden factors in a person's life that bear on the situation at hand. Often, the person him- or herself may be unaware of these inner issues that are secretly shaping the course of his or her life. The Tarot, by contacting what is inside the person, reveals them
Meditation with the Tarot Other than the obvious benefits of meditating with the Tarot, you can learn more about the cards by experiencing their individual energies, as well as, pull the positive qualities of each card into your own life. Each card contains a landscape, an event and objects to be interacted with. By focusing on one card and pulling that image into your meditation, you can learn and experience the sights, sounds and smells of that card. In your meditation, examine the positive message the card represents. Does your life incorporate the qualities of that card? If not, try to feel the positive energy of that quality. Visualize your life with this quality in it. How would this quality change your life? Pull those images back with you from that meditation and consciously try to live them.
History & Mystery of Tarot by M. J. Abadie The Tarot has experienced a resurgence in the past two decades and has become especially popular recently, with newly minted modern Tarot decks coming out frequently. There are now dozens of decks from which to choose, representing themes from Egyptian and Celtic to Native American and Feminist. Over time, the Tarot cards have had their ups and downs, falling from popular interest only to be once more resurrected by those in search of the deeper meanings behind their complex symbolism. As the saying goes, "Truth will always out." The earliest known "book" of Tarot cards still in existence are those from 1840-42, of which seventeen remain. The first entire deck still in existence was painted by the Italian Bonifacio Bembo for the Duke of Milan. Many theories exist about the origins of the Tarot. During different periods of history, occult (the word means "hidden") studies were either freely available to all or deeply secret, depending upon the prevailing authorities of the culture's attitude toward occult knowledge. One theory is that in the great library of Alexandria in Egypt, whose female librarian Hypatia was world-renowned for her wisdom and learning, there existed scrolls (which was how books were made in those days) containing all of the wisdom of the ancient world. One of these "books" was supposedly based on the legendary Book of Thoth, derived from the mystery schools of Egypt. The allegorical illustrations on the Tarot cards are said to contain these secret teachings, which in the Major Arcana represent a course in personal development. The esoteric teachings were hidden in the seemingly innocent pictures. Gypsies are said to have carried the cards to Europe and "gypsy" is considered a corrupt form of "Egyptian." Considered by the Church to be "the devil's picture book", the cards were quickly condemned by the Catholic Church as heretical. Just to possess them was a dangerous act. There seems no doubt that the cards were a means for preservation of ancient knowledge that the Church considered dangerous, or heretical, at a time when it was literally a danger to your life to believe anything other than the established Church dogma. Though we can only speculate on its origins, the Tarot images are inextricably linked to ancient beliefs, mythologies, and religious systems such as the Hebrew Cabala. Others, notably Pythagoras, believed that letters and numbers are in themselves divine beings possessing extraordinary powers; the Greek neo-Pythagorean school taught these ideas. No matter the origin of the Tarot, it is clear that its motifs refer directly to fundamental human psychological and spiritual experiences. The more one studies them and practices their use, the deeper one's understanding becomes, and the more they resonate to the inner life, as well as to events in the outer life. They are primarily meant to be used for enlightenment, for discovery of the authentic Self. Number cards are believed to have been added at a later date, around the time of the first known deck in the fourteenth century. This theory suggests that they derive from an Italian card game known as tarrochi. Though we will never know their true history, that needn't prevent us from using their wisdom, for the Tarot cards do indeed tell a powerful story: the story of the development of human life. It is an adventure story, like the hero's journey, filled with challenges, obstacles to be overcome, lessons to be learned, reconciliations to be achieved, honor to be protected, goals to be formulated and reached. In this universal story, each of us undertakes his or her own Way, following whatever symbolism speaks to us at the moment of a reading. It is this amazing flexibility that has allowed the Tarot and its marvelous symbols to endure through long and tumultuous centuries in order to come down to us today. |
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Here are the features you will find on the card pages: The name of the card with a small picture of its image from the Rider-Waite deck. Keywords are 3-5 words or phrases that capture the main themes of a card. Actions are phrases describing how the energy of each keyword manifests. Two sample actions for the High Priestess are "looking beyond the obvious" and "sensing the secret and hidden." These are ways to experience mystery. The active form is used to emphasize how a card represents dynamic energy. An opposing pair consists of two cards with meanings that can be opposites. Some cards are listed that might form an opposing pair with the given card under some circumstances. These are only some of the possibilities. A reinforcing pair consists of two cards with meanings that can be similar. Some cards are listed that might form a reinforcing pair with the given card under certain circumstances. These are only some of the possibilities. Court cards form natural pairs because of their distinctive personalities. Compare the ranks and suits of the two cards to understand the interaction. An Ace-Ace pair does not show an opposition, but a unique chance to grow in a new direction that taps the energy of both suits. The description consists of a few paragraphs of extra information about a card and what it implies in a reading. The major arcana descriptions tend to be general and philosophical. The minor arcana descriptions are more concrete and everyday. There are no separate explanations for reversed cards. The meaning of a reversed card depends on what the card would mean if upright. A reversed card shows that a card's energy is present, but at a lower level. For some reason, the energy cannot express freely, normally or completely. It may be: - still in its early stages
- losing force and power
- blocked or restricted
- incomplete
- inappropriate
- being denied
- only present in appearance
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The Fool's Journey The Fool's Journey is a metaphor for the journey through life. Each major arcana card stands for a stage on that journey - an experience that a person must incorporate to realize his wholeness. These 22 descriptions are based on the keywords for each major arcana card. The keywords are highlighted in the text. A card's number is in parentheses. The FoolWe begin with the Fool (0), a card of beginnings. The Fool stands for each of us as we begin our journey of life. He is a fool because only a simple soul has the innocent faith to undertake such a journey with all its hazards and pain. ![[picture of Card 0]](uselessfact.msnw-action=edit_list&viewtype=2&row=54&sortstring=) At the start of his trip, the Fool is a newborn - fresh, open and spontaneous. The figure on Card 0 has his arms flung wide, and his head held high. He is ready to embrace whatever comes his way, but he is also oblivious to the cliff edge he is about to cross. The Fool is unaware of the hardships he will face as he ventures out to learn the lessons of the world.
The Fool stands somewhat outside the rest of the major arcana. Zero is an unusual number. It rests in the exact middle of the number system - poised between the positive and negative. At birth, the Fool is set in the middle of his own individual universe. He is strangely empty (as is zero), but imbued with a desire to go forth and learn. This undertaking would seem to be folly, but is it? The Magician and the High PriestessOn setting out, the Fool immediately encounters the Magician (1) and the High Priestess (2) - the great balancing forces that make up the perceived world. It is a feature of the material universe that as soon as we name some aspect of experience, we automatically evoke its opposite. The Magician is the positive side. He represents the active, masculine power of creative impulse. He is also our conscious awareness. The Magician is the force that allows us to impact the world through a concentration of individual will and power. The High Priestess is the negative side. She is the mysterious unconscious. She provides the fertile ground in which creative events occur. The High Priestess is our unrealized potential waiting for an active principle to bring it to expression. The terms positive and negative do not imply "good" and "bad." These are human distinctions that do not apply in the tarot. The Magician and the High Priestess are absolutely equal in value and importance. Each is necessary for balance. We may view the negative as our Shadow, but without shadows, we cannot see the light, and without a ground of potential, we cannot create. The EmpressAs he grows, the Fool becomes more and more aware of his surroundings. As with most babies, he first recognizes his Mother - the warm, loving woman who nourishes and cares for him. He also comes to know Mother Earth, who nurtures him in a larger sense. The Empress (3) represents the world of nature and sensation. A baby delights in exploring everything he touches, tastes and smells. He cannot get enough of the sights and sounds that enchant his senses. It is natural to delight in the abundant goodness of Mother Earth who surrounds us with her support. The EmperorThe next person the Fool encounters is the Father in the figure of the Emperor (4). He is the representative of structure and authority. As a baby leaves his mother's arms, he learns that there are patterns to his world. Objects respond in predictable ways that can be explored. The child experiences a new kind of pleasure that comes from discovering order. The Fool also encounters rules. He learns that his will is not always paramount and there are certain behaviors necessary for his well-being. There are people in authority who will enforce such guidelines. These restrictions can be frustrating, but, through the patient direction of the Father, the Fool begins to understand their purpose. The HierophantEventually, the Fool ventures out of his home into the wider world. He is exposed to the beliefs and traditions of his culture and begins his formal education. The Hierophant (5) represents the organized belief systems that begin to surround and inform the growing child. ![[picture of Card 5]](uselessfact-49.msnw) A Hierophant is someone who interprets arcane knowledge and mysteries. On Card 5 we see a religious figure blessing two acolytes. Perhaps he is inducting them into church membership. Although this image is religious, it is really a symbol for initiations of all kinds.
The child is trained in all the practices of his society and becomes part of a particular culture and worldview. He learns to identify with a group and discovers a sense of belonging. He enjoys learning the customs of his society and showing how well he can conform to them. The LoversEventually, the Fool faces two new challenges. He experiences the powerful urge for sexual union with another person. Before, he was mainly self-centered. Now he feels the balancing tendency, pictured in the Lovers (6), to reach out and become half of a loving partnership. He yearns for relationship. The Fool also needs to decide upon his own beliefs. It is well enough to conform while he learns and grows, but at some point, he must determine his own values if he is to be true to himself. He must start to question received opinion. The Chariot![[picture of Card 7]](prayerrequest1-7.msnw) By the time the Fool becomes an adult, he has a strong identity and a certain mastery over himself. Through discipline and will-power, he has developed an inner control which allows him to triumph over his environment. The Chariot (7) represents the vigorous ego that is the Fool's crowning achievement so far. On Card 7, we see a proud, commanding figure riding victoriously through his world. He is in visible control of himself and all he surveys. For the moment, the Fool's assertive success is all he might wish, and he feels a certain self-satisfaction. His is the assured confidence of youth.
StrengthOver time, life presents the Fool with new challenges, some that cause suffering and disillusionment. He has many occasions to draw on the quality of Strength (8). He is pressed to develop his courage and resolve and find the heart to keep going despite setbacks. The Fool also discovers the quiet attributes of patience and tolerance. He realizes the willful command of the Chariot must be tempered by kindliness and the softer power of a loving approach. At times, intense passions surface, just when the Fool thought he had everything, including himself, under control. Sooner or later, the Fool is led to ask himself the age-old question "Why?" He becomes absorbed with the search for answers, not from an idle curiosity, but out of a deeply felt need to find out why people live, if only to suffer and die. The Hermit (9) represents the need to find deeper truth. The Fool begins to look inward, trying to understand his feelings and motivations. The sensual world holds less attraction for him, and he seeks moments of solitude away from the frantic activity of society. In time he may seek a teacher or guide who can give him advice and direction. Wheel of FortuneAfter much soul-searching, the Fool begins to see how everything connects. He has a vision of the world's wondrous design; its intricate patterns and cycles. The Wheel of Fortune (10) is a symbol of the mysterious universe whose parts work together in harmony. When the Fool glimpses the beauty and order of the world, if only briefly, he finds some of the answers he is seeking. Sometimes his experiences seem to be the work of fate. A chance encounter or miraculous occurrence begins the process of change. The Fool may recognize his destiny in the sequence of events that led him to this turning point. Having been solitary, he feels ready for movement and action again. His perspective is wider, and he sees himself within the grander scheme of a universal plan. His sense of purpose is restored. JusticeThe Fool must now decide what this vision means to him personally. He looks back over his life to trace the cause and effect relationships that have brought him to this point. He takes responsibility for his past actions so he can make amends and ensure a more honest course for the future. The demands of Justice (11) must be served so that he can wipe the slate clean. This is a time of decision for the Fool. He is making important choices. Will he remain true to his insights, or will he slip back into an easier, more unaware existence that closes off further growth? Hanged ManUndaunted, the Fool pushes on. He is determined to realize his vision, but he finds life is not so easily tamed. Sooner or later, he encounters his personal cross - an experience that seems too difficult to endure. This overwhelming challenge humbles him until he has no choice but to give up and let go. At first, the Fool feels defeated and lost. He believes he has sacrificed everything, but from the depths he learns an amazing truth. He finds that when he relinquishes his struggle for control, everything begins to work as it should. By becoming open and vulnerable, the Fool discovers the miraculous support of his Inner Self. He learns to surrender to his experiences, rather than fighting them. He feels a surprising joy and begins to flow with life. The Fool feels suspended in a timeless moment, free of urgency and pressure. In truth, his world has been turned upside-down. The Fool is the Hanged Man (12), apparently martyred, but actually serene and at peace. DeathThe Fool now begins to eliminate old habits and tired approaches. He cuts out nonessentials because he appreciates the basics of life. He goes through endings as he puts the outgrown aspects of his life behind him. He process may seem like dying because it is the death (13) of his familiar self to allow for the growth of a new one. At times this inexorable change seems to be crushing the Fool, but eventually he rises up to discover that death is not a permanent state. It is simply a transition to a new, more fulfilling way of life. Temperance Since embracing the Hermit, the Fool has swung wildly back and forth on an emotional pendulum. Now, he realizes the balancing stability of temperance (14). He discovers true poise and equilibrium. By experiencing the extremes, he has come to appreciate moderation. The Fool has combined all aspects of himself into a centered whole that glows with health and well-being. How graceful and soft is the angel on Card 14 compared to the powerful but rigid ruler in the Chariot (Card 7)? [Note] The Fool has come a long way in realizing the harmonious life.
DevilThe Fool has his health, peace of mind and a graceful composure. What more could he need? On everyday terms, not much, but the Fool is courageous and continues to pursue the deepest levels of his being. He soon comes face to face with the Devil (15). ![[picture of Card 15]](uselessfact.msnw-action=edit_list&viewtype=2&row=58&sortstring=) ![[picture of Card 6]](fwclasslist.msnw-&openpopup=1&posturl=fwclasslist-1.msnw) The Devil is not an evil, sinister figure residing outside of us. He is the knot of ignorance and hopelessness lodged within each of us at some level. The seductive attractions of the material bind us so compellingly that we often do not even realize our slavery to them.
We live in a limited range of experience, unaware of the glorious world that is our true heritage. The couple on Card 15 are chained, but acquiescent. They could so easily free themselves, but they do not even apprehend their bondage. [Note] They look like the Lovers, but are unaware that their love is circumscribed within a narrow range. The price of this ignorance is an inner core of despair. Tower![[picture of Card 16]](fi000554.1&rn=oxjs4ucx&tpf=833b1bc697707e843655f32379bd0f97) How can the Fool free himself from the Devil? Can he root out his influence? The Fool may only find release through the sudden change represented by the Tower (16). The Tower is the ego fortress each of us has built around his beautiful inner core. Gray, cold and rock-hard, this fortress seems to protect but is really a prison. Sometimes only a monumental crisis can generate enough power to smash the walls of the Tower. On Card 16 we see an enlightening bolt striking this building. It has ejected the occupants who seem to be tumbling to their deaths. The crown indicates they were once proud rulers; now they are humbled by a force stronger than they. The Fool may need such a severe shakeup if he is to free himself, but the resulting revelation makes the painful experience worthwhile. The dark despair is blasted away in an instant, and the light of truth is free to shine down. Star![[picture of Card 17]](fi000581.1&rn=u!owjwef&tpf=f2a08f10fe7381ff5c7239f752f6737a) The Fool is suffused with a serene calm. The beautiful images on the Star (17) attest to this tranquility. The woman pictured on Card 17 is naked, her soul no longer hidden behind any disguise. Radiant stars shine in a cloudless sky serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration. The Fool is blessed with a trust that completely replaces the negative energies of the Devil. His faith in himself and the future is restored. He is filled with joy and his one wish is to share it generously with the rest of the world. His heart is open, and his love pours out freely. This peace after the storm is a magical moment for the Fool. MoonWhat effect could spoil this perfect calm? Is there another challenge for the Fool? In fact, it is his bliss that makes him vulnerable to the illusions of the Moon (18). The Fool's joy is a feeling state. His positive emotions are not yet subject to mental clarity. In his dreamy condition, the Fool is susceptible to fantasy, distortion and a false picture of the truth. The Moon stimulates the creative imagination. It opens the way for bizarre and beautiful thoughts to bubble up from the unconscious, but deep-seated fears and anxieties also arise. These experiences may cause the Fool to feel lost and bewildered. Sun![[picture of Card 19]](fi000582.1&rn=yob7yfra&tpf=106b13e8a9a88273f1d5bfd4c99ba24f) It is the lucid clarity of the Sun (19) that directs the Fool's imagination. The Sun's illumination shines in all the hidden places. It dispels the clouds of confusion and fear. It enlightens, so the Fool both feels and understands the goodness of the world. Now, he enjoys a vibrant energy and enthusiasm. The Star's openness has solidified into an expansive assurance. The Fool is the naked babe pictured on Card 19, riding out joyously to face a new day. No challenge is too daunting. The Fool feels a radiant vitality. He becomes involved in grand undertakings as he draws to himself everything he needs. He is able to realize his greatness. JudgementThe Fool has been reborn. His false, ego-self has been shed, allowing his radiant, true self to manifest. He has discovered that joy, not fear, is at life's center. The Fool feels absolved. He forgives himself and others, knowing that his real self is pure and good. He may regret past mistakes, but he knows they were due to his ignorance of his true nature. He feels cleansed and refreshed, ready to start anew. ![[picture of Card 20]](general-170.msnw) It is time for the Fool to make a deeper Judgement (20) about his life. His own personal day of reckoning has arrived. Since he now sees himself truly, he can make the necessary decisions about the future. He can choose wisely which values to cherish, and which to discard.
The angel on Card 20 is the Fool's Higher Self calling him to rise up and fulfill his promise. He discovers his true vocation - his reason for entering this life. Doubts and hesitations vanish, and he is ready to follow his dream. WorldThe Fool reenters the World (21), but this time with a more complete understanding. He has integrated all the disparate parts of himself and achieved wholeness. He has reached a new level of happiness and fulfillment. The Fool experiences life as full and meaningful. The future is filled with infinite promise. In line with his personal calling, he becomes actively involved in the world. He renders service by sharing his unique gifts and talents and finds that he prospers at whatever he attempts. Because he acts from inner certainty, the whole world conspires to see that his efforts are rewarded. His accomplishments are many. So the Fool's Journey was not so foolish after all. Through perseverance and honesty, he reestablished the spontaneous courage that first impelled him on his search for Self, but now he is fully aware of his place in the world. This cycle is over, but, the Fool will never stop growing. Soon he will be ready to begin a new journey that will lead him to ever greater levels of understanding. | |
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The Major Arcana The standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two sections, the major and minor arcanas. The word arcana is the plural of arcanum which means "profound secret." To the alchemists of the Middle Ages, the arcanum was the secret of nature. The tarot cards are therefore a collection of the "secrets" that underlie and explain our universe. The 22 cards of the major arcana are the heart of the deck. Each of these cards symbolizes some universal aspect of human experience. They represent the archetypes - consistent, directing patterns of influence that are an inherent part of human nature. Each card in the major arcana has a name and number. Some names convey a card's meaning directly, such as Strength, Justice and Temperance. Other cards are individuals who personify a particular approach to life, such as the Magician or the Hermit. There are also cards with astronomical names, such as the Star Sun and Moon. They represent the elusive forces associated with these heavenly bodies. The major arcana cards are special because they draw out deep and complex reactions. The images on the Rider-Waite deck are evocative because they combine esoteric symbolism with recognizable figures and situations. The symbolism is subtle, but effective. A major arcana card is always given extra weight in a reading. When one of these cards appears, you know the issues at stake are not mundane or temporary. They represent your most basic concerns - your major feelings and motivations. In later lessons, I show in more detail how you can recognize and interpret the themes of the major arcana in a reading. The major arcana is often considered as a unit. Different schemes have been developed to show how the cards form patterns that cast light on the human condition. Numerology, astrology and other esoteric sciences often play a role in these schemes. Many interpreters view the major arcana as showing the different stages on an individual's journey of inner growth - what some call the Fool's Journey. In these systems, each card stands for some quality or experience that we must incorporate before we can realize our wholeness. We all travel this road to self-actualization, though our trips more often involve detours, backups and restarts than smooth progression! Our specific paths are unique, but our milestones are universal. The 22 major arcana cards are markers on the path of inner development leading from earliest awareness (card 0) to integration and fulfillment (card 21). The Fool's journey seems to move smoothly from one order of experience to the next, but our learning adventures are usually not so tidy. We make mistakes, skip lessons and fail to realize our potential. Sometimes we lack the courage and insight to discover our deepest levels. Some never feel the call of the Hermit to look inward or never experience the crisis of the Tower that might free them from their ego defenses. Many times we try to overcome our difficulties, but fail repeatedly. The lesson of the Hanged Man - to let go and surrender to experience - is one that is particularly hard and may need to be faced over and over before it is fully incorporated. Often we experience lessons out of order. A person may absorb the qualities of Strength early in life due to a difficult childhood, but only later develop the Chariot's mastery and control. Someone may overcome the attraction of the Devil's materialism through a life of seclusion, but then need to learn about relationships and sexuality - a lesson of the Lovers - at a later time. The major arcana contains many levels and models of experience. These cards hold all the patterns of growth, whether they occur within one segment of a life or a whole life span. We could even say that an entire lifetime is really just one growth episode within the larger saga of our soul's development. No matter what our pattern of self-discovery, the major arcana shows us that wholeness and fulfillment are our destiny. If we keep this promise as our polestar, we will eventually realize our true nature and gain the World.
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ACTIONS - beginning
- entering a new phase
striking out on a new path
expanding horizons
starting something new
beginning an adventure
going on a journey
heading into the unknown - being spontaneous
- living in the moment
letting go of expectations
doing the unexpected
acting on impulse
feeling uninhibited
surprising someone
feeling carefree - having faith
- trusting the flow
staying open
letting go of worry and fear
feeling protected and loved
living in joy
recapturing innocence
believing - embracing folly
- accepting your choices
taking the "foolish" path
pursuing a pipe dream
being true to yourself
taking a "crazy" chance
trusting your heart's desire
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Hierophant - following convention, routine
- Death - ending, closing down
- Devil - feeling cynical, lacking faith
- Two of Swords - blocking off experience, feeling tense, holding back
- Four of Pentacles - order and regularity
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities - Hanged Man - having faith in what is, going with the flow
- Star - innocence, faith, trust
- Judgement - rebirth, new starts
- Three of Wands - expanding horizons, going into unexplored territory
DESCRIPTION
As Card 0, the Fool lies at the beginning of the major arcana, but also somewhat apart from the other cards. In medieval courts, the court jester was someone who was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense with this card that anything goes - nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation. The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction - one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.
ACTIONS - taking action
- doing what needs to be done
realizing your potential
making what's possible real
practicing what you preach
carrying out plans
producing magical results
using your talents - acting consciously
- knowing what you are doing and why
acknowledging your motivations
understanding your intentions
examining the known situation - concentrating
- having singleness of purpose
being totally committed
applying the force of your will
feeling centered
setting aside distractions
focusing on a goal - experiencing power
- making a strong impact
having vitality
creating miracles
becoming energized
feeling vigorous
being creative
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- High Priestess - nonaction, intuition, accessing the unconscious
- Hanged Man - suspending action, not doing
- Seven of Cups - lacking focus and commitment
- Four of Swords - resting quietly, storing energy
- Eight of Swords - confused and uncertain, powerless
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities - Chariot - focusing, concentrating, being forceful
- Two of Wands - personal power, wielding a strong force
- Eight of Wands - quick action, making your move
- Eight of Pentacles - focus and concentration
DESCRIPTION
The Magician is the archetype of the active, masculine principle - the ultimate achiever. He symbolizes the power to tap universal forces and use them for creative purposes. Note his stance in the picture. He acts as a lightening rod - one arm extended up into the Divine for inspiration, the other pointing toward Earth to ground this potent energy. His abilities appear magical at times because his will helps him achieve what seem to be miracles. What makes the Magician so powerful? First, he is not afraid to act. He believes in himself and is willing to put that belief on the line. He also knows what he intends to do and why. He doesn't hesitate because he understands his situation exactly. The Magician can focus with single-minded determination. As long as he remembers the divine source of his power, the Magician remains the perfect conduit for miracles. In a reading, the Magician implies that the primal forces of creativity are yours if you can claim your power and act with awareness and concentration. This card is a signal to act and act now, provided you understand exactly what you want and are committed to getting it.
ACTIONS - staying nonactive
- withdrawing from involvement
allowing events to proceed without intervention
being receptive to influence
becoming calm
being passive
waiting patiently - accessing the unconscious
- using your intuition
seeking guidance from within
trusting your inner voice
opening to dreams and the imagination
being aware of a larger reality - seeing the potential
- understanding the possibilities
opening to what could be
seeing your hidden talents
allowing development
letting what is there flower - sensing the mystery
- looking beyond the obvious
approaching a closed off area
opening to the unknown
remembering something important
sensing the secret and hidden
seeking what is concealed
acknowledging the Shadow
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Magician - acting consciously, thinking, the known and obvious
- Two of Wands - acting boldly
- Seven of Wands - being aggressive
- Eight of Wands - putting plans into action
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Hermit - looking inward, withdrawing, seeking guidance
- Hanged Man- suspending activity, waiting
- Four of Swords - resting quietly, contemplating
DESCRIPTION
The High Priestess is the guardian of the unconscious. She sits in front of the thin veil of unawareness which is all that separates us from our inner landscape. She contains within herself the secrets of these realms and offers us the silent invitation, "Be still and know that I am God." The High Priestess is the feminine principle that balances the masculine force of the Magician. The feminine archetype in the tarot is split between the High Priestess and the Empress. The High Priestess is the mysterious unknown that women often represent, especially in cultures that focus on the tangible and known. The Empress represents woman's role as the crucible of life. In readings, the High Priestess poses a challenge to you to go deeper - to look beyond the obvious, surface situation to what is hidden and obscure. She also asks you to recall the vastness of your potential and to remember the unlimited possibilities you hold within yourself. The High Priestess can represent a time of waiting and allowing. It is not always necessary to act to achieve your goals. Sometimes they can be realized through a stillness that gives desire a chance to flower within the fullness of time.
ACTIONS - mothering
- giving birth
nourishing life
nurturing and caring for others
cherishing the world
expressing tenderness
working with children - welcoming abundance
- enjoying extravagance
receiving lavish reward
luxuriating in plenty
having more than enough
feeling rich - experiencing the senses
- giving and receiving pleasure
focusing on the body
appreciating beauty
feeling vibrantly healthy
being earthy
doing physical activity - responding to Nature
- relating to plants and animals
embracing the natural
feeling connected to the Earth
going outdoors
harmonizing with natural rhythms
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Emperor - fathering, order and discipline, regularity
- Death - principle of stagnation
- Four of Pentacles - miserly possessiveness
- Nine of Pentacles - refinement, sophistication
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Lovers - sexual fulfillment, pleasure
- Star - generosity, free-flowing love
- Nine of Cups - enjoying the senses
- Seven of Pentacles - material reward
- Ten of Pentacles - affluence, luxury, physical comfort
DESCRIPTION
The Empress and the High Priestess are the two halves of the female archetype in the major arcana. The Empress represents the fertile, life-giving Mother who reigns over the bounty of nature and the rhythms of the Earth. From her comes all the pleasures and joys of the senses and the abundance of new life in all its forms. The Empress encourages you to strengthen your connections with the natural world which is the ground of our being. Too often false sophistications and pleasures take us far from our roots. Let the Empress remind you to keep your feet firmly planted in the Earth. In readings the Empress can refer to any aspect of Motherhood. She can be an individual mother, but as a major arcana card, she also goes beyond the specifics of mothering to its essence - the creation of life and its sustenance through loving care and attention. The Empress can also represent lavish abundance of all kinds. She offers a cornucopia of delights, especially those of the senses - food, pleasure and beauty. She can suggest material reward, but only with the understanding that riches go with a generous and open spirit. The Empress asks you to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness.
ACTIONS - fathering
- establishing a family line
setting direction and tone
protecting and defending
guiding growth
bringing security and comfort
offering explanations - emphasizing structure
- creating order out of chaos
categorizing
being systematic
providing shape and form
being organized
applying reason
coordinating
sticking to a plan - exercising authority
- taking a leadership role
commanding
exerting control
representing the establishment
being in a position of strength
coming in contact with officials
setting direction - regulating
- establishing law and order
operating from sound principles
applying rules or guidelines
working within the legal system
setting standards of behavior
following a regimen
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Empress - mothering, free-flowing abundance
- Seven of Cups - dissipation, lack of order
- Five of Swords - bending the rules, breaking the law
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Hierophant - conforming to rules
- Justice - concerns of justice and legality
- Two of Wands - having authority
- Three of Wands - assuming leadership
- Four of Pentacles - control, structure, order
DESCRIPTION
The figure of the Emperor says much about the essential qualities of this card. We see a stern, commanding figure seated on a stone-slab throne. His back is straight, and his eyes meet ours directly. He is confident of his complete authority to rule. The Emperor represents structure, order and regulation - forces to balance the free-flowing, lavish abundance of the Empress. He advocates a four-square world where trains are on time, games are played by rules, and commanding officers are respected. In chaotic situations, the Emperor can indicate the need for organization. Loose ends should be tied up, and wayward elements, harnessed. In situations that are already over-controlled, he suggests the confining effect of those constraints. The Emperor can represent an encounter with authority or the assumption of power and control. As the regulator, he is often associated with legal matters, disciplinary actions, and officialdom in all its forms. He can also stand for an individual father or archetypal Father in his role as guide, protector and provider. |
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ACTIONS - getting an education
- pursuing knowledge
becoming informed
increasing understanding
studying and learning
seeking a deeper meaning
finding out more - having a belief system
- sharing a cultural heritage
learning a religious tradition
honoring ritual and ceremony
identifying a world view
following a discipline
knowing where to put your faith - conforming
- following the rules
taking an orthodox approach
staying within conventional bounds
adapting to the system
fitting in
going along with the program
doing what's expected
being part of the Establishment - identifying with a group
- being committed to a cause
devoting energy to a group
joining an organization
working as part of a team
feeling loyal to others
being in an institutionalized setting
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Fool - being "crazy" and unorthodox
- Lovers - personal beliefs
- Two of Wands - diverging from the crowd, being a pioneer
- Seven of Swords - being a lone wolf
- Two of Pentacles - being flexible, changing with the times
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Emperor - following rules
- Three of Cups - focusing on the group
- Three of Pentacles - working in a team or group
- Eight of Pentacles - learning, studying
- Ten of Pentacles - conforming, following rules, conservative
DESCRIPTION
Except in rare cases, every human grows and develops within a culture. We learn by living with others. The Hierophant represents such official learning, especially in groups. A Hierophant is someone who interprets secret knowledge. On Card 5 we see a religious figure in a formal church setting. He is wearing the elaborate vestments of his office. His task is to bring the two initiates into the church so they can take up their appointed roles. Besides churches, there are schools, clubs, teams, companies, and societies. The Hierophant represents all of these because his realm is structured groups with rules and assigned roles. Such environments emphasize belief systems - facts, rules, procedures, and ritual. Members are rewarded for following conventions. They develop a group identity. The Hierophant is one of three cards that focuses on the group. (The 3 of Cups and the 3 of Pentacles are the others.) In readings, the Hierophant often represents learning with experts or knowledgeable teachers. This card also stands for institutions and their values. The Hierophant is a symbol of the need to conform to rules or fixed situations. His appearance in a reading can show that you are struggling with a force that is not innovative, free-spirited or individual. Groups can be enriching or stifling, depending on circumstances. Sometimes we need to follow a program or embrace tradition, other times, we need to trust ourselves.
ACTIONS - relating to others
- establishing bonds
feeling love
forming a union or marriage
acknowledging kinship
sympathizing with another
getting closer
making a connection
being intimate - being sexual
- seeking union
experiencing desire
making love
opening to another
responding with passion
feeling a physical attraction
tapping inner energy - establishing personal beliefs
- questioning received opinions
figuring out where you stand
staying true to yourself
setting your own philosophy
going by your own standards
making up your own mind - determining values
- struggling with temptation
choosing between right and wrong
facing an ethical or moral choice
refusing to let ends justify means
finding out what you care about
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Hierophant - established beliefs
- Hermit - being alone, not relating, less sexuality
- Five of Cups - loss in relationships
- Three of Swords - rejection, separation
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Empress - sexual fulfillment, pleasure
- Two of Cups - union, marriage, connection
- Nine of Cups - sexual pleasure
- Ten of Cups - family relationships, bonding
- Ten of Pentacles - permanent unions, family ties
DESCRIPTION
The Lovers is one card that is easy to remember. Love and sex are riveting subjects, and, as you'd expect, this card represents both. The urge for union is powerful, and, in its highest form, takes us beyond ourselves. That is why an angel is blessing the bond between the man and woman on this card. In readings, Card 6 often refers to a relationship that is based on deep love - the strongest force of all. The relationship may not be sexual, although it often is or could be. More generally, the Lovers can represent the attractive force that draws any two entities together in a relationship - whether people, ideas, events, movements or groups. Card 6 can also stand for tough value choices and the questioning that goes with them. In some decks, the Lovers shows a man torn between two women - a virgin and a temptress. This rather old-fashioned triangle symbolizes the larger dilemmas we face when we are tempted between right and wrong. The Lovers can indicate a moral or ethical crossroads - a decision point where you must choose between the high road or the low road. This card can also represent your personal beliefs because to make such a decision you must know where you stand. Following your own path can mean going against those who are urging you in a direction that is wrong for you.
ACTIONS - achieving victory
- reaching your goal
winning
being successful
dominating
coming out on top
beating the competition - using your will
- being determined to succeed
focusing your intent
rising above temptation
letting nothing distract you
sustaining an effort
concentrating your energies
fixing on a goal - asserting yourself
- being ego-focused
establishing an identify
knowing who you are
feeling self-confident
having faith in yourself
looking out for your interests - achieving hard control
- mastering emotions
curbing impulses
maintaining discipline
holding in anger
getting your way
assuming the reins of power
showing authority
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Strength - soft control
- Hanged Man - accepting God's will, putting others first
- Tower - defeat, humbling experience
- Eight of Swords - confusion, self-doubt
- Ten of Swords - powerless, in the pits, putting others first
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Magician - using your will, concentrating
- Two of Wands - being in authority, dominating
- Six of Wands - triumph, self-confidence
- Four of Pentacles - control
- Nine of Pentacles - self-control, discipline
DESCRIPTION
Picture Julius Caesar riding his chariot triumphantly into Rome. He has defeated his enemies and conquered vast, new lands. This is the spirit of the Chariot. Card 7 represents the victories that are possible through willpower and self-mastery. A military image is appropriate for the Chariot because this card stands for the strengths associated with combat - discipline, grit, determination and assertiveness. The Chariot represents the positive aspects of the ego. A healthy ego is one that is strong and self-assured. It knows what it wants and how to get it. We can get annoyed at someone whose ego is too healthy, but we often turn to that person to lead us through difficult moments. We know he or she won't be wishy-washy. In readings, the Chariot often appears when hard control is or could be in evidence. At its best, hard control is not brutal, but firm and direct. It is backed up by a strong will and great confidence. The Chariot can mean self-control or control of the environment. This card also represents victory. There are many types of wins; the Chariot's is of the win-lose type. Your success comes from beating the competition to become number one. Such moments are glorious in the right circumstances.
ACTIONS - showing strength
- knowing you can endure
having a gallant spirit
feeling an unshakable resolve
taking heart despite setbacks
having stamina
being a rock - being patient
- dealing calmly with frustration
accepting others
taking time
maintaining composure
refusing to get angry
showing forbearance - being compassionate
- giving others lots of space
tolerating
understanding what others are feeling
accepting
forgiving imperfection
being kind - achieving soft control
- persuading
working with
guiding indirectly
being able to influence
tempering force with benevolence
demonstrating the strength of love
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Chariot - hard control
- Eight of Cups - weariness, lack of strength
- Six of Swords - being listless, lacking heart
- Five of Pentacles - ill-health, weakness
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Hanged Man- taking time, patience
- Nine of Wands - stamina, strength to endure
DESCRIPTION
Usually we think of strength in physical terms - big arms, powerful legs - but there is also inner strength. Inner strength comes from an exercise of the heart muscle. It is perseverance, courage, resolve and composure - qualities that help us endure when times are tough. In the past, a person with inner strength was commonly said to have character; he or she could be counted on in the darkest moments. Card 8 represents this energy of quiet determination. Strength is not a flashy card, but one that is solid and reliable. Card 8 also represents patience and compassion. Getting angry is easy when events turn sour, but dealing calmly with frustration takes great strength. So does accepting others and forgiving mistakes. We need strength to mold situations softly. The Chariot controls through mastery and authority. Card 8 is more subtle, even loving. Notice how the lion (itself a symbol of strength) is being guided and tamed by the woman's gentle hands. Card 8 will appear in a reading when its qualities are needed. It can be a reminder not to despair or give up. You have the inner strength to endure and triumph. If you are pushing too hard, you need to withdraw for the moment and be patient. If other people or circumstances are driving you crazy, remember the strength that comes with love and forbearance. These will see you through the hardest moments.
ACTIONS - being introspective
- thinking things over
focusing inward
concentrating less on the senses
quieting yourself
looking for answers within
needing to understand - searching
- seeking greater understanding
looking for something
wanting the truth at all costs
going on a personal quest
needing more
desiring a new direction - receiving/giving guidance
- going to/being a mentor
accepting/offering wise counsel
learning from/being a guru
turning to/being a trusted teacher
being helped/helping - seeking solitude
- needing to be alone
desiring stillness
withdrawing from the world
experiencing seclusion
giving up distractions
retreating into a private world
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Lovers - being in a relationship, sexuality
- World - involvement with the world
- Two of Cups - making connections, partnerships
- Three of Cups - being in a group, being with others
- Nine of Cups - sensual pleasure
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- High Priestess - looking inward, withdrawing
- Four of Cups - withdrawing, being introverted
- Eight of Cups - searching for deeper meaning
- Four of Swords - contemplating, being quiet
- Seven of Swords - being alone, staying away from others
DESCRIPTION
The traditional hermit is a crusty, bearded character who has withdrawn from the company of men to live a life of seclusion and hardship. Card 9 supports this understanding. The Hermit represents the desire to turn away from the getting and spending of society to focus on the inner world. He seeks answers within and knows that they will come only with quiet and solitude. . There comes a point in life when we begin to question the obvious. We sense that there is a deeper reality and begin to search for it. This is mainly a solitary quest because answers do not lie in the external world, but in ourselves. The hermit on Card 9 reminds us of Diogenes, the Greek ascetic who is said to have gone out with a lantern in hand to search for an honest man. Diogenes is a symbol of the search for truth that the Hermit hopes to uncover by stripping away all diversions. In readings, the Hermit often suggests a need for time alone - a period of reflection when distractions are limited. In times of action and high energy, he stands for the still center that must be created for balance. He can also indicate that withdrawal or retreat is advised for the moment. In addition, the Hermit can represent seeking of all kinds, especially for deeper understanding or the truth of a situation. "Seek, and ye shall find," we have been told, and so the Hermit stands for guidance as well. We can receive help from wise teachers, and, in turn, help others as we progress. |
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ACTIONS - feeling a sense of destiny
- using what chance offers
seeing life's threads weave together
finding opportunity in an accident
opening to luck
sensing the action of fate
witnessing miracles - being at a turning point
- reversing
moving in a different direction
turning things around
having a change in fortune
altering the present course
being surprised at a turn of events - feeling movement
- experiencing change
having the tempo of life speed up
being swept up in new developments
rejoining the world of activity
getting involved - having a personal vision
- seeing how everything connects
becoming more aware
uncovering patterns and cycles
expanding your outlook
gaining greater perspective
discovering your role and purpose
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Two of Swords - being stuck, at an impasse
- Four of Swords - rest, quiet, slow pace
- Four of Pentacles - blocked change, no movement
- Seven of Pentacles - assessment before direction change
REINFORCING CARDS...some possibilities
- Eight of Wands - rapid pace, quick developments
DESCRIPTION
In Greek mythology, there are three women known as the Fates. They are responsible for spinning the destiny of each person at his or her birth. It is not surprising that the Fates are spinners because the wheel of fortune is an apt image for the elusive turns of a man's fate. This is the theme of Card 10. The Wheel of Fortune is one of the few cards in the major arcana that does not have a human figure as a focal point. This is because its center is above the realm of man - in the higher levels (clouds) where the destinies of all are woven together in the tapestry of life. The tarot recognizes that each person sets his own path in life, but is also subject to the larger cycles that include him. We experience chance events that appear to be accidents although they are part of the great plan. In readings, the Wheel of Fortune can indicate a vision or realization that strikes with great force. If you've been struggling with a problem or tough situation, this card can signal that you will find the answer if you stand back and view everything from a larger perspective. The Wheel of Fortune also represents unexpected encounters and twists of fate. You can't predict surprises; you can only be aware when one is circling around. Indeed, Card 10 often suggests wheel-like actions - changes in direction, repeating cycles and rapid movement. When the energy of the Wheel arrives, you will feel life speed up. You are caught in a cyclone that may deposit you anywhere. "Round and round and round she goes, and where she stops, nobody knows."
ACTIONS - respecting justice
- insisting on fairness
acting on ethical principles
being involved in legal concerns
committing to honesty
seeking equality
being impartial
trying to do what is right - assuming responsibility
- settling old accounts and debts
being accountable
acknowledging the truth
admitting involvement
handling the situation
doing what has to be done - preparing for a decision
- weighing all sides of an issue
setting a course for the future
balancing all factors
determining right action
choosing with full awareness - understanding cause and effect
- accepting the results you created
seeing how you chose your situation
recognizing the action of karma
knowing that what is makes sense
making connections between events
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Two of Swords - avoiding the truth, disavowing your role
- Five of Swords - lack of integrity, not doing what is right
- Seven of Swords - shirking responsibility
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Emperor - justice, regulations, legal issues
- Judgement - deciding, accepting past actions/mistakes
- Ten of Wands - accepting responsibility, being accountable
- Nine of Swords - guilt over the past, acknowledging mistakes
- Seven of Pentacles - assessing where you are, deciding a future course
DESCRIPTION
On Card 11 we see the familiar figure of Justice. She has the scales of equality and impartial judgment in one hand, and the sword of decision in the other. In the tarot, Justice represents the understanding that life is ultimately fair and just. Even though the vagaries of day-to-day life tend to make us doubt this fact, Justice reminds us that there is divine balance. Notice the similarity between the Emperor and Justice. Both cards stand for universal order; the Emperor in its underlying structure, Justice, in the action of karma - cause and effect. There is a serious feel to Card 11 - the tone of the courtroom. This card refers to legal matters of all kinds, but is not restricted to them. The courts are where judgments are made and decisions rendered. Our legal system is the official arena in which we explore the principles of Justice - fairness, impartiality and the quest for truth. In readings, Justice often appears when you are concerned with doing what is right or making sure you receive your due. This card can also appear when you are feeling the impact of a past mistake or good deed. The cause you set in motion at one time is now returning to you as an effect. Sometimes Justice is a signal to do what needs to be done. A time comes when responsibilities must be accepted, and accounts settled. The past will continue to haunt you if you do not recognize your mistakes and make amends for them. You will need to weigh matters carefully and perhaps make important decisions about your future course |
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ACTIONS - letting go
- having an emotional release
accepting what is
surrendering to experience
ending the struggle
being vulnerable and open
giving up control
accepting God's will - reversing
- turning the world around
changing your mind
overturning old priorities
seeing from a new angle
upending the old order
doing an about-face - suspending action
- pausing to reflect
feeling outside of time
taking time to just be
giving up urgency
living in the moment
waiting for the best opportunity - sacrificing
- being a martyr
renouncing a claim
putting self-interest aside
going one step back to go two steps forward
giving up for a higher cause
putting others first
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Magician - acting, doing
- Chariot - self-assertion
- Seven of Wands - defiance, struggling against
- Ten of Wands - struggle
- Four of Pentacles - holding on, control
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Fool - faith in what is, going with the flow
- High Priestess - suspending activity, waiting
- Strength - patience, taking time
- Four of Swords - rest, suspended activity
- Ten of Swords - sacrifice, martyrdom
DESCRIPTION
The Hanged Man is one of the most mysterious cards in the tarot deck. It is simple, but complex. It attracts, but also disturbs. It contradicts itself in countless ways. The Hanged Man is unsettling because it symbolizes the action of paradox in our lives. A paradox is something that appears contradictory, and yet is true. The Hanged Man presents to us certain truths, but they are hidden in their opposites. The main lesson of the Hanged Man is that we "control" by letting go - we "win" by surrendering. The figure on Card 12 has made the ultimate surrender - to die on the cross of his own travails - yet he shines with the glory of divine understanding. He has sacrificed himself, but he emerges the victor. The Hanged Man also tells us that we can "move forward" by standing still. By suspending time, we can have all the time in the world. In readings, the Hanged Man reminds us that the best approach to a problem is not always the most obvious. When we most want to force our will on someone, that is when we should release. When we most want to have our own way, that is when we should sacrifice. When we most want to act, that is when we should wait. The irony is that by making these contradictory moves, we find what we are looking for.
ACTIONS - ending
- closing one door to open another
bringing something to a close
completing a chapter
concluding unfinished business
putting the past behind you
having a parting of the ways - going through transition
- changing status
moving from the known to the unknown
being cast adrift
waiting in an in-between state
being in the middle - eliminating excess
- cutting out what isn't necessary
shedding old attitudes
getting down to bare bones
concentrating on essentials
getting back to basics - experiencing inexorable forces
- being in the path of sweeping change
being caught in the inescapable
going through what cannot be avoided
being part of a powerful movement
riding your fate
accepting the inevitable
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Fool - beginning
- Empress - birth
- Judgement - rebirth, fresh start
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Tower - sweeping impact, powerful forces
- Eight of Wands - conclusion, ending
- Five of Cups - loss, good-byes
- Eight of Cups - moving on, finishing up
DESCRIPTION
Death! A powerful energy indeed. Who can look at the dark, skeletal figure on Card 13 and not feel uneasy? Here we see the face of our deepest fear - our greatest unknown. We recoil from Death because we think of it as annihilation. In the tarot (and in life I would suggest) Death is not a permanent end, but a transition into a new state. Life is eternal in its essence, if not in its form. To grow, to move, to live - we must "die" to the old to give birth to the new. It is a truism in tarot work that Card 13 rarely has anything to do with physical death. A responsible card reader never interprets Card 13 in this way because this view is too limiting. Death is not something that happens once to our bodies. It happens continually, at many levels and not just in the physical. Each moment we die to the present so the future can unfold. In readings, Death often represents an important ending that will initiate great change. It signals the end of an era; a moment when a door is closing. At such times, there may be sadness and reluctance, but also relief and a sense of completion. Death also suggests getting down to basics. Dying has a way of making you concentrate on what's important. This card reminds you to cut out the unnecessary. Death can also mean you will experience an inexorable force. Death is inevitable, and sometimes there are events that are inescapable as well. When these moments occur, the best approach is to ride your fate and see where it takes you.
ACTIONS - being temperate
- finding the middle ground
showing moderation
avoiding excess
mitigating a harsh position
looking for the golden mean
reaching a compromise
offsetting an extreme - maintaining balance
- experiencing harmony
achieving equilibrium
bringing together opposites
recognizing all sides
fostering cooperation
feeling centered and secure - experiencing health
- renewing energy and vigor
healing
enjoying well-being
recovering
flourishing - combining forces
- gathering together what is needed
joining with others
consolidating
finding the right mix
creating synthesis
getting it all together
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Tower - extremes, exploding apart
- Five of Wands - disagreement, competition, imbalance
- Seven of Cups - excess, overindulgence
- Five of Swords - discord, lack of harmony
- Five of Pentacles - ill-health
REINFORCING CARDSA: Some Possibilities
- World - integration, synthesis, combination
- Two of Cups - connection, working together
- Three of Cups - joining forces, working together
- Two of Pentacles - balance, finding the right mix
- Three of Pentacles - teamwork, combining
DESCRIPTION
There are certain people who exude a kind of quiet composure. They may not say much, but they go about their business with an air of calm deliberation. Their presence is comforting because they are so centered. For me, this is the energy of Temperance. To be temperate is to show moderation and self-restraint. In a world full of enticing indulgences, it is often necessary to find the middle ground. Sensible, maybe, but also a bit boring? The energy of Temperance may seem unexciting on the surface, but it is the calm of a hurricane's eye. All around are swirling winds, but in the center is a still point that brings everything into balance. In readings, Temperance can represent a need for moderation, especially when extreme cards are present (such as the Knights). This card can also indicate a need for balance. In conflict situations, Temperance suggests that compromise and cooperation are vital. Look for any opportunity to bring opposing parties together. In fact, to temper can mean to modify by adding a new component. By combining and recombining, we come up with the ideal mixture or solution. Temperance is the card of good health in all areas - physical, mental and emotional. When illness or dis-ease is a concern, Temperance holds out the promise of vitality and well-being.
ACTIONS - experiencing bondage
- accepting an unwanted situation
being obsessed
feeling tied down against your will
losing independence
allowing yourself to be controlled
being addicted and enslaved
submitting to another - focusing on the material
- being caught up in appearances
believing only in the physical
forgetting the spiritual
getting and spending
overindulging the senses - staying in ignorance
- being unaware
operating within a narrow range
experiencing limitation
choosing to stay in the dark
fearing the unknown
being taken in by appearances - feeling hopeless
- believing the worst
despairing
lacking faith
seeing a cold world
thinking negatively
foreseeing a bleak future
doubting
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Fool - having faith, believing
- Star - hope, faith, optimism
- Four of Wands - freedom, release
- Six of Cups - good will, innocence, simple joys
- Ten of Cups - joy, peace, blessings
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Seven of Cups - overindulgence, dissipation
- Eight of Swords - confusion, restriction
- Nine of Swords - despair, lack of joy
DESCRIPTION
Lucifer. Mephistopheles. Satan. The Prince of Darkness. No matter what we call him, the Devil is our symbol for what is bad and undesirable. From our human perspective, we see the world as a struggle between light and dark. We want to vanquish the bad so the good can prevail. In fact, good and bad cannot be separated, just as you cannot separate a shadow from its source. Darkness is simply the absence of light, and it is caused by errors that hide the truth. Card 15 shows us these errors. First is ignorance - not knowing the truth and not realizing that we do not know. Second is materialism - the belief that there is nothing but the physical. As spiritual beings, we long for the Divine, but we lose contact with this source of truth if we trust only our senses. There is also hopelessness, which robs us of our joy and movement toward the light. Traditionally the Devil stands for evil, but it does not have this rather frightening meaning in a reading. This card lets you know that you are caught in an unhealthy, unproductive situation. You may be in the dark about something - ignorant of the truth and its implications. You may be obsessed by a person, idea, substance or pattern that you know is bad for you (or maybe you don't!). Sometimes this card reflects back the negativity that has made you doubt yourself and your future. We are prone to many errors in life. Card 15 lets us know when they are serious enough to require attention. When you see the Devil, examine your assumptions carefully. Make sure you are not working from a false picture of yourself and the situation. Hold fast to the highest vision of who you are. |
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ACTIONS - going through sudden change
- experiencing upheaval
having plans disrupted
being surprised
undergoing a crisis
having routines shaken up
being in chaos - releasing
- exploding
having an emotional outburst
erupting in anger
crashing through ego defenses
breaking through pretense
letting everything go - falling down
- being humbled
experiencing a crash
toppling from the heights
having a downturn in fortune
suffering a blow to the ego - having a revelation
- suddenly realizing the truth
exposing what was hidden
having a burst of insight
seeing through illusions
getting the answer
seeing everything in a flash
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Chariot - victory, control
- Temperance - middle ground, staying together, contained
- Star - serenity, calm
- Six of Wands - acclaim, pride
- Ten of Cups - peace, serenity
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Death - sweeping impact, powerful forces
- Sun - enlightenment, revelation
- Five of Pentacles - hard times
DESCRIPTION
The Tower is an unsettling card. Fire, lightning, falling on jagged rocks - definitely looks like trouble! Card 16 will not be welcomed by those who dislike change. It represents a sudden, dramatic upheaval or reversal in fortune. Usually change is gradual, giving us time to adapt, but sometimes it is quick and explosive. This is the action of the Tower. In films, the hero sometimes slaps someone who is groggy or babbling. Having tried everything else, he finally resorts to a sharp sting to snap him out of it. Sudden crises are life's way of telling you to wake up. Something's wrong, and you're not responding. Are you too full of pride? Expect a blow to your ego. Are you holding back your anger? Expect the dam to burst. Are you stuck in a rut? Expect a surprise. How you respond to the Tower's change makes all the difference in how uncomfortable the experience will be. Recognize that the disruption occurred because it was needed. Perhaps embracing the change is too much to ask, but try to find the positive in it. In fact, you may feel tremendous release that you have finally been forced in a new direction. You may have a burst of insight about your situation and reach a new level of understanding about it.
ACTIONS - regaining hope
- having faith in the future
thinking positively
believing
counting your blessings
seeing the light at the end of the tunnel
feeling great expectation
looking forward to success - being inspired
- regaining motivation
realizing an inner strength
seeing the way clear
being stimulated to a higher level
creating
receiving the answer - being generous
- wanting to give or share
spreading the wealth
opening your heart
giving back what you have received
letting love flow freely
offering with no reservations
holding nothing back - feeling serene
- experiencing peace of mind
relaxing
finding your still center
remaining untroubled
savoring perfect calm
being tranquil amid trouble
enjoying harmony
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Devil - hopelessness, lack of faith, pessimism
- Tower - upheaval, chaos
- Moon - being troubled, disturbed, anxious
- Two of Swords - blocked flow of feelings
- Nine of Swords - guilt, anguish
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Fool - innocence, faith, trust
- Empress- generosity, free-flowing love
- Six of Cups - good will, sharing
- Ten of Cups - joy, positive feelings, blessings
DESCRIPTION
People have always looked to the stars as a source of inspiration and hope. There is something about their twinkling light that draws us out of ourselves and up into a higher plane. When we turn our eyes heavenward, we no longer feel the distress of earth. The Star reminds me of the clear, high voice of a soprano. There is something otherworldly about it. All the harshness and density of everyday life has been refined away leaving only the purest essence. After being exposed to the Star, we feel uplifted and blessed. In readings, the Star is most welcome when grief and despair have overwhelmed us. In our darkest moments, we need to know that there is hope,that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Star is the opposite of the Devil who strips us of our faith in the future. Card 17 holds out the promise that we can eventually find peace of mind. The Star also reminds us to open our heart and release our fears and doubt. If you have been holding back in any way, now is the time to give generously. It is important to remember that the Star is inspiring, but it is not a card of practical solutions or final answers. Truly without hope we can accomplish nothing, but hope is only a beginning. When you see Card 17, know that you are on the right track. Your goals and your aspirations are blessed, but to realize them, you must take positive action. Use the light of the Star to guide you in your efforts.
ACTIONS - feeling fear
- releasing inner demons
feeling a nameless apprehension
suffering from phobias
giving in to the shadow self
lacking courage
being overcome by anxieties - believing illusions
- accepting a false picture
deceiving yourself
having unrealistic ideas
misapprehending the truth
experiencing distortions
chasing after a fantasy - stimulating the imagination
- having vivid dreams or visions
opening to fantasy
plumbing the unconscious
entertaining unusual thoughts
being outlandish and bizarre - feeling bewildered
- losing direction and purpose
having trouble thinking clearly
becoming confused
being easily distracted
feeling disoriented
wandering aimlessly
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Star - being serene, untroubled, at peace
- Sun - assurance, clarity, enlightenment
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Seven of Cups - illusions, unrealistic ideas, fantasy
- Two of Swords - self-deception, not seeing the truth
- Eight of Swords - confusion, lack of clarity
DESCRIPTION
If you look around the room right now, you will (probably!) see people and objects that are comforting in their familiarity. Everything is exactly as you expect it to be. You know that if you closed your eyes and opened them, the room would be the same. But...have you ever lost the familiar to find, in its place, a world so extraordinary you can't even grasp it? This is the experience of the Moon. Most of the time we live in a tiny pocket of normality that we wrap around us like a security blanket. We turn our backs on the mysterious universe that waits outside. From time to time we may sneak a peak with our imagination, or venture out through fantasy or expanded awareness. We can be thrust out there unprepared through drugs, madness or intense experiences such as battle. The Moon is the light of this realm - the world of shadow and night. Although this place is awesome, it does not have to be frightening. In the right circumstances, the Moon inspires and enchants. It holds out the promise that all you imagine can be yours. The Moon guides you to the unknown so you can allow the unusual into your life. Sadly, we are usually afraid of the Moon. In readings, this card often stands for fears and anxieties - the ones that come in the darkest part of the night. Card 18 also stands for illusions. It is easy to lose our way in the moonlight. Be careful not to let deceptions and false ideas lead you astray. Sometimes the Moon is a signal that you are lost and wandering aimlessly. You must find your way back to the path and your clarity of purpose.
ACTIONS - becoming enlightened
- understanding
finding the sense behind the chaos
attaining a new level of insight
having an intellectual breakthrough
getting to the heart of the matter
realizing the truth - experiencing greatness
- achieving prominence
being singled out for notice
having a personal moment of glory
setting an outstanding example
shining forth brilliantly
demonstrating distinction
becoming the center of attention - feeling vitality
- becoming radiantly energized
bursting with enthusiasm
experiencing joy
feeling invigorated
getting charged up
enjoying great health - having assurance
- feeling free and expansive
honoring your true self
knowing you can succeed
being confident
believing in your worth
trusting your abilities
forgiving yourself
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Moon - confusion, disorientation, illusion
- Eight of Cups - weariness
- Six of Swords - depressed, listless
- Five of Pentacles - being rundown, tired
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Tower - enlightenment, revelation
- World - accomplishment, great achievement
- Two of Wands- personal power, vitality, brilliance
- Six of Wands - acclaim, prominence
DESCRIPTION
Brilliant. Radiant. Sparkling. So many of our words reflect (!) the power and glory of light. When we turn on the light in a room, we illuminate it so that all the dark corners are visible. When we turn on the light in our minds, we are enlightened. We see clearly and understand the truth. Both within and without, the energy of light expands our limits and makes us shine. Throughout history, people have honored the Sun as the source of light and warmth. In the myths of many cultures, the Sun is a prominent god - full of vigor and courage. He is the vital energy center that makes life on earth possible. In the tarot the Sun also symbolizes vitality and splendor. The Sun is definitely not a meek and retiring card. In readings, you will understand Card 19 if you imagine yourself to be a Sun God. How do you think and feel? You have total confidence in yourself. You are not cocky, but profoundly sure of your power. You have unlimited energy and glow with health. You have a greatness about you and stand out brilliantly. Finally, you see and understand all that is happening within your sphere. When you see this card, know that you will be successful at all you undertake. Now is the time to let your light shine.
ACTIONS - making a judgment
- having a day of reckoning
separating the wheat from the chaff
making an honest appraisal
getting off the fence
using critical faculties
taking a stand
making hard choices - feeling reborn
- awakening to possibilities
transforming
enjoying renewed hope
making a fresh start
seeing everything in a new light
discovering joy - hearing a call
- recognizing your true vocation
feeling inner conviction
feeling an impulse to act
deciding to make a difference
feeling drawn in a new direction
knowing what you must do
answering a need - finding absolution
- feeling cleansed and refreshed
releasing guilts and sorrows
forgiving yourself and others
atoning for past mistakes
unburdening yourself
feeling sins washed away
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Death - death, endings
- Five of Cups - regret, mistakes
- Nine of Swords - guilt, blame, feelings of sinfulness
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Fool - rebirth, new starts
- Justice - deciding, accepting past mistakes/actions
- Seven of Pentacles - decision point
DESCRIPTION
On Card 20, we see people rising up at the call of an angel. It is Judgment Day, when the faithful are brought to heaven, but what about those who are not saved? Have they been judged and found wanting? For their sins, will they be denied the presence of God? It is this aspect of judgment that is unsettling. How can judgment be reconciled with forgiveness? In fact, judgment comes in two forms. The hurtful kind says, "What you did is wrong, and you are bad and worthless for having done it." This type of judgment separates and leaves no room for redemption. It is possible to judge without condemning. We assess the matter, weigh all sides and try to discern the truth. We recognize the need to choose and hope for the courage to do so wisely - but without blame. In readings, Card 20 can be a reminder that judgments are necessary; sometimes you must decide. At such moments, it is best to consider the matter carefully and then commit yourself without censure. If you are being judged yourself, learn from the process. Take what is of value, correct what needs correcting, but never lose sight of your worth. Card 20 also stands for the feelings that come with salvation. When the angel calls, you are reborn - cleansed of all guilts and burdens. The past and its mistakes are behind you, and you are ready to begin anew. You may even feel a calling - a personal conviction of what you are meant to do. If you are in a low period, in need of hope and absolution, Judgement can show you that renewal is at hand. |
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ACTIONS - integrating
- experiencing wholeness
bringing parts together
achieving dynamic balance
combining
creating synthesis
joining together
working in unison - accomplishing
- realizing your goals
prospering
achieving your heart's desire
seeing dreams come true
flourishing
finding a beautiful solution - becoming involved
- contributing
healing
rendering a service
using a gift or talent
sharing what you have
giving of yourself
feeling engaged
being active - feeling fulfilled
- savoring the present
taking pleasure in life
enjoying peace of mind
getting satisfaction
finding contentment
counting your blessings
OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Hermit - isolation
- Four of Cups - lack of involvement, apathy, withdrawal
- Five of Wands - working at cross-purposes, lack of integration
REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities
- Temperance - integration, synthesis, combination
- Sun - accomplishment, achievements
- Nine of Cups - achieving your heart's desire
- Ten of Cups - happiness, emotional fulfillment
- Ten of Pentacles - affluence, material fulfillment
DESCRIPTION
It's Thanksgiving Day. You've just finished a delicious meal, and there's a hot mug of coffee in your hand. Friends and family are arguing about the latest fiasco, the baby's cooing at you from across the table, and your feet are rubbing the belly of a devoted mutt. You're happy, fulfilled and truly thankful (at least until you have to start the dishes!). For this moment, the World and everything in it is yours. We all recognize this feeling. It can come at any time or place and is always welcome. We can feel it at home raking the leaves or on the world stage accepting the Nobel Prize. It can seem quiet and simple, or wild and glorious. What is this feeling, and where does it come from? Card 21 can help us find out. A major element of happiness is wholeness - the sense that everything is working together in harmony. Not in a static way, but with dynamic balance. Involvement is also important. To be happy, we must feel connected - engaged with what is around us. There is also accomplishment - knowing that we have goals and are moving toward them successfully. When all these elements come together, we feel fulfilled and blessed. The World represents these moments and all that goes into them. In readings, it is a very positive sign that you are in a position to realize your heart's desire. What that is for you depends on the situation, but it will always feel great. Remember, though, that Card 21 is a symbol of active contribution and service. To hold the World in our hands, we must give of ourselves to it. That is the source of true happiness.
The Major Arcana The standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two sections, the major and minor arcanas. The word arcana is the plural of arcanum which means "profound secret." To the alchemists of the Middle Ages, the arcanum was the secret of nature. The tarot cards are therefore a collection of the "secrets" that underlie and explain our universe. The 22 cards of the major arcana are the heart of the deck. Each of these cards symbolizes some universal aspect of human experience. They represent the archetypes - consistent, directing patterns of influence that are an inherent part of human nature. MAJOR ARCANA  
    
    
    
    
TAROT KEYWORDS
MAJOR ARCANA | FOOL (0) | MAGICIAN (1) | HIGH PRIESTESS (2) | EMPRESS (3) | Beginning
Spontaneity
Faith
Apparent Folly | Action
Conscious Awareness
Concentration
Power | NonAction
Unconscious Awareness
Potential
Mystery | Motherhood
Abundance
Senses
Nature | | EMPEROR (4) | HIEROPHANT (5) | LOVERS (6) | CHARIOT (7) | Fatherhood
Structure
Authority
Regulation | Education
Belief Systems
Conformity
Group Identification | Relationship
Sexuality
Personal Beliefs
Values | Victory
Will
Self-Assertion
Hard Control | | STRENGTH (8) | HERMIT (9) | WHEEL OF FORTUNE (10) | JUSTICE (11) | Strength
Patience
Compassion
Soft Control | Introspection
Searching
Guidance
Solitude | Destiny
Turning Point
Movement
Personal Vision | Justice
Responsibility
Decision
Cause and Effect | | HANGED MAN (12) | DEATH (13) | TEMPERANCE (14) | DEVIL (15) | Letting Go
Reversal
Suspension
Sacrifice | Ending
Transition
Elimination
Inexorable Forces | Temperance
Balance
Health
Combination | Bondage
Materialism
Ignorance
Hopelessness | | TOWER (16) | STAR (17) | MOON (18) | SUN (19) | Sudden Change
Release
Downfall
Revelation | Hope
Inspiration
Generosity
Serenity | Fear
Illusion
Imagination
Bewilderment | Enlightenment
Greatness
Vitality
Assurance | | JUDGEMENT (20) | WORLD (21) | | | Judgment
Rebirth
Inner Calling
Absolution | Integration
Accomplishment
Involvement
Fulfillment | |
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Major Arcana Keywords - upright Fool
Beginning, innocence, spontaneity, carefree Magician
Power, skill, concentration, action High Priestess
Intuition, Higher power, mystery Empress
Feminity, nurture, Mother Earth, nature, birth, fertility Emperor
Authority, father-figure, structure, regulation, solid foundation Hierophant
Group identification, conformity, tradition, religion Lovers
Love, union, bonds, alignment, relationships Chariot
Control, will power, victory, assertion Strength
Strength, courage, patience, soft control Hermit
Soul-searching, introspection, being alone, guidance Wheel of Fortune
Luck, karma, destiny, turning point Justice
Justice, fairness, karma, cause and effect Hanged Man
Suspension, letting go, sacrifice, martyrdom Death
Endings, beginnings, life cycle, transition Temperance
Balance, moderation, patience Devil
Bondage, addiction, sexuality, materialism Tower
Disaster, shaken foundations, sudden change, revelation Star
Hope, spirituality, renewal, inspiration Moon
Illusion, fear, insecurity, mystery Sun
Fun, warmth, love, positivity, enlightenment, vitality Judgment
Judgment, rebirth, inner calling World
Completion, integration, accomplishments
Major Arcana Keywords-Reversed save these till you need them 00. Fool...
01. Magician...
02. High Priestess...
03. Empress...
04. Emperor...
05. Hierophant...
06. Lovers...
07. Chariot...
08. Strength...
09. Hermit...
10. Wheel of Fortune...
11. Justice...
12. Hanged Man...
13. Death...
14. Temperance...
15. Devil...
16. Tower...
17. Star...
18. Moon...
19. Sun...
20. Judgement...
21. World... | lost opportunity
weak willed
ignorance
sterility
character flawed
dogmatic
indecisive
loss of control
physical strength
closed minded
fate
prejudice
selfishness
stagnation
extremes
spiritual
stagnation
disappointment
psychism
delayed achievement
regret
incomplete | |
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DIV 3; Lesson 2/ History and Tradition of the Tarot</INPUT> Homework 1. The first known decks came? 2.The tarot came to Europe during? 3.Modern tarot decks are divided into two sections, they are? 4.They typically have how many cards? 5.A proper reading is a? 6.In your meditation, examine the what? 7.The earliest known "book" of tarot cards still in existance are? |
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