The Lovers (6)

“This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is sort of a Divine accident.” ~ Horace Walpole

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a man and woman standing nude beneath a great winged figure hovering above them. Behind the man is the Tree of Life bearing twelve leaves. Behind the woman is the Tree of Knowledge, which enables one to distinguish between Good and Evil; the serpent is entwined around the tree’s trunk.

Symbols:

Man and Woman: Masculine and feminine, metaphor for opposites

Nudity: Honesty, openness

Angel: Higher Self

Tree of Life: Creation, completion

Tree of Knowledge: Discernment, free will, the secret of mortality

Serpent: Wisdom, knowledge of self

Key Words:

Relationships, Sexuality, Personal Beliefs, Values, Choices

Fool’s Journey:

The Fool continues his journey with growing energy, confidence, and purpose. Coming to a crossroad, he encounters a woman there who awakens within him a sense of sexuality and the desire for a loving relationship. The Fool is now faced with a choice. He must decide if he would like to continue on his original path alone or embark on a new path with the woman. He must examine his personal beliefs and values to make the right decision. After much thought, he chooses her, and for a while they create a new future together.

The Lesson:

To learn how to love ourselves and others unconditionally, while maintaining our values and personal beliefs.

Meaning:

We can learn a great deal about ourselves through other people. In close relationships we are given the unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of who we are. The parts of ourselves that we deny or repress, or are simply unaware exist, are often mirrored in our partners. When these unknown aspects of our nature are reflected back to us, we are able to increase our self-awareness. Such exploration can help us reinforce or recreate our values and personal beliefs.

The Lovers card can appear when our choices are about to be put to the test. It can foretell a poignant adventure that may require an emotional trial or crucial decision. Sometimes we must leave something equally important behind to achieve our hearts desire. In such instances, careful consideration of what one stands to gain and lose is required before reaching a conclusion.

In readings, the Lovers card can also signify a powerful relationship based on love, attraction, commitment, and/or sexual passion. In its highest form, deep emotional connections can take us beyond ourselves into new and exciting frontiers. Likewise, this same type of union can be experienced in nonsexual relationships, taking its form in people, ideas, events, actions, and groups.

The couple is hidden by the garden that seems to have a life of its own. The Divas of nature are only one step away from us, in an Otherworld that is visible sometimes to humans.
Robins that are symbols of the Spring and the morning fly in union. They hold and bring in the Elements together.
The Spider represents networking and Divine inspiration. The Caterpillar represents Spring and the never ending cycle of Life. The Butterfly represents transformation and change.
The insects are hidden within the beauty of the Flowers growing all around the duo as they embrace one another.
Find the Virtue and Integrity within yourself and others in a commonplace reality and in addition to other dimensions.
This is a time for building a solid foundation for the future just as the Spring is new for planting seeds.
This is a card of trade and cooperation in business, you are encouraged to accept support that is being offered.
It is time to bring your Mind, Body and Spirit together to operate and perform with one another.
By aligning your Heart, Mind and Loins together it is possible to find yourself entering a new doorstep of a personal Partnership.
Doing all things from a place of Harmony, with Texture and Agreement. You will soon find that your design will begin to unfold in a positive way.
The Partnership card may point to Strengthening an already established Partnership just by Sharing Familiar Interests.
The key words to remember are: Association, Cooperation, Connection and Unity.

THE THREE OF WANDS

A calm, dignified individual, with his back turned to the world.
Standing at a cliff’s edge the man watches as the ships sail by on the open Sea.
Three staves are firmly planted into the ground, while he slightly leans on one.
Those are his ships transporting commodities which he is observes as they sail over the horizon.
The card can also signify ~ A successful business in operation.
The Prince can look at you from his side even while he views his merchandise maneuver near yours.
He can help you with a new enterprise.
The key words to remember are: Established Strength, Effort, Trade, Discovery and Financial Transactions.

The Hierophant (5)

“To be successful, we absolutely, positively have to find people who have already paid the price to learn the things that we need to learn to achieve our goals.”  ~Brian Tracy

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a spiritual leader, seated on a throne residing between two stone pillars, imparting his blessing upon two acolytes. At his feet are two crossed keys. A three-layered gold crown rests upon his head, and the decorative trim of his robes bears the markings of three vertical crosses. In one hand he holds a scepter crowned with a triple cross.

Symbols:

Keys: Knowledge, wisdom, spiritual realm, inner sanctum of the world’s mysteries

Catholic Associations: Tradition

Pillars: Balance

Index & Middle Fingers Extended (ecclesiastical sign): Secret knowledge

Acolytes: Attendant, follower

Triple Cross: Intellectual and physical worlds, divine, generative power

Key Words:

Conformity, Erudition, Belief Systems, Group Identification, Spiritual Authority

Fool’s Journey:

Having created a solid foundation on which to build his future, the Fool next visits the Hierophant, a wise teacher and spiritual authority who offers the Fool a wealth of pragmatic advise. Through the Hierophant’s  teachings, the Fool learns how belief systems are formed and the importance of gaining spiritual and worldly knowledge through erudition. He also discovers the concept of conformity and the knowledge that group identification can bring a sense of belonging and well-being. Having now been enlightened, the Fool leaves the Hierophant’s sanctuary to face the world’s challenges once again.

The Lesson:

To learn how to see everything and everyone around us as a teacher or student with spiritual and academic wisdom to share.

Meaning:

The Hierophant (also known as the Pope or High Priest) is the ruling power of external religion and higher learning. On a positive front, he can be depicted as the wise mentor who is concerned with spirituality, organized belief systems, education, and group identification. He can remind us what it means to be a good and beloved teacher or spiritual authority.

In readings, the Hierophant can represent learning or teaching in official groups, such as churches, schools, clubs, teams, companies, and societies with structured laws and assigned roles. Emphasis on beliefs, procedures, and rituals in groups can create a sense of cohesive group identity. This type of environment requires conformity to rules or fixed situations, which can provide a sense of security or oppression, depending upon the circumstances.

This card can also stand for opportunities to obtain valuable knowledge through experts or informed teachers — those who offer good, practical advise or information of useful importance. He can also represent a spiritual guide or religious teacher bringing divine answers to Earth.

On the negative side, the Hierophant can symbolize society  / government / religious oppression.  He can point toward a struggle with forces that are not innovative, free-spirited, or individual. Sometimes following a program or embracing a tradition can enrich our lives; other times we need to follow the beat of our own drummer.

Next issue, we will examine ‘The Lovers.’ Until then, may the Tarot be with you!

The Empress (3)

“Nature never did betray the heart that loved her.” ~ William Wordsworth

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a woman seated on luxurious cushions. Her gown is decorated with pomegranates. A crown of stars rests upon her head, and she holds a scepter in her hand. The landscape around her is lush and fertile; a river flows nearby, while growing wheat ripens at her feet. A heart-shaped seal bearing a female symbol resides next to her seat.

Symbols:

Scepter: Sovereignty

Pomegranates: Fertility

Cushions: Appreciation of luxury

Female Symbol: Femininity, female sexuality

Heart-Shaped Shield: Universal love

River: Flow of life

Key Words:

Mothering, Fruitfulness, Abundance, Senses, Nature

Fool’s Journey:

Having been enlightened by the wisdom of the High Priestess, the Fool next meets the Empress. With a motherly smile, she sits upon her throne surrounded by the lush abundance of Nature. She teaches the Fool how to use his senses and to delight in the goodness of the natural world. Through his experiences, the Fool learns that creation, like a newly planted seed, is fragile. It requires fertile soil, patience, nurturing, and attention to bring it to fruition. Understanding at last that his future will take time to build and grow, the Fool thanks the Empress and continues on his way.

The Lesson:

To learn how to give life to our ideas and projects, and to enjoy our natural existence.

Meaning:

The Empress is life’s womb, where creation may gestate and grow until it is ready to be born. Whether the creation is the conception of new life, love, or the formation of a project or idea it must be sustained through careful attention and care. In this sense, the Empress symbolizes the essence of Motherhood in all of its divine forms.

The Empress can also represent the bounty of nature and the inherent rhythms of the Earth. From her comes all the innate pleasures and joys of physical life. The Empress encourages us to strengthen our connections with the natural world, which is the root of our existence; she asks us to set aside the intricacies of our lives to enjoy the simplicities of Mother Earth.

The Empress can also symbolize lavish abundance of all kinds — food, pleasure, beauty — the kind that nourish our senses with delight. A passionate and deep love of life is reflected in the Empress, instilling within us all the desire to embrace life’s bountiful goodness.

“To know that you know, and to know that you don’t know – that is the real wisdom.” ~Confucius

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a High Priestess seated on a throne between two pillars, which displays the letters ‘B’ and ‘J’. The crown of Isis rests upon her head, and the waxing crescent moon lies beneath her feet. The symbol of an equal sided cross is displayed on her robes.  In her arms is a scroll containing the word ‘Tora’.

Symbols:

Crown of Isis: Knowledge, understanding

Pillars: Balance

Letters B and J: (Hebrew symbols for the entrance to the temple of Solomon) Holy place

Waxing Crescent Moon: Women’s mysteries, secrecy

Equal Armed Cross: The four elements — water, air, fire, earth

Tora: Hebrew word for ‘teaching’

Key Words:

Non-action, Unconscious Awareness, Wisdom, Mystery, Hidden Knowledge

Fool’s Journey:

The Fool next encounters a wise and mysterious woman. Majestically seated upon a throne between two pillars, her quintessential presence portrays her sense of  hidden knowledge and unconscious awareness. She seems to be the opposite of the Magician, exchanging creative masculine action for feminine non-action and wisdom. She teaches the Fool the meaning of the tools the Magician has given him, and helps him determine how he can best use them.  Although the Fool suspects that the High Priestess has more secrets she could reveal, for now he has the knowledge needed to continue his journey.

Lesson:

To learn how to use our intuition, and to find the inner wisdom and hidden knowledge in each of us.

Meaning:

As card number two, the High Priestess represents the feminine powers of the unconscious mind. She symbolizes the female passive principle, and the instinctual knowledge and intuition that each of us possesses. Many Tarot readers see the High Priestess as being the opposite counterpart of the Magician; both active and passive energies are required to achieve balance.

In readings, the High Priestess might ask us to look beneath the surface for hidden knowledge. Sometimes we overlook our innermost feelings and the messages of our internal voice, thereby missing valuable counsel in the process. Reflection, meditation, and communion with our Higher-Selves is necessary to illuminate the answers we seek.

The High Priestess can also represent a time of waiting and allowing. It is not always necessary to act to achieve our goals. Sometimes our purpose can be realized through a stillness which allows our aspirations to bloom within the fullness of time.

“Action is the product of the qualities inherent in Nature.” ~Bhagavad Gita

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a magus dressed in flowing robes. Belted around his waist is a serpent swallowing its own tail; floating above his head is the symbol of infinity. On a table before him lie the tools of his trade — a chalice, pentacle, staff, and sword (the four suits of the Tarot). One arm is lifted to the heavens and the other is lowered, finger pointing toward the earth.  In his raised hand he holds a wand.

Symbols:

One Arm Raised & One Arm Lowered : Drawing energy into yourself and turning energy into matter

Chalice: The element of water representing emotions

Sword: The element of air representing intellect and reason

Wand: The element of fire representing inspiration and action

Pentacle: The element of earth representing the body or senses

Lemniscate (infinity symbol): Infinity, endless possibility

Key Words:

Action, Conscious Awareness, Will, Concentration, Forces of Creativity.

The Fool’s Journey:

In his travels, the Fool first encounters the Magician, a skillful, confident magus capable of employing the power of concentration to turn will into action. Raising his wand to the heavens, the Magician calls upon the forces of creativity to provide the Fool with all the tools he will need for his journey: the cool Sword of intellect and thought, the fiery Staff of inspiration and action, the overflowing Chalice of love and emotions, the solid Pentacle of the earth, body, and senses. Now consciously aware of the resources available to him, the Fool is better equipped to continue his journey.

Lesson:

To learn how to use our will and resources to create results through action.

Meaning:

As card number one, the Magician represents the male powers of creation through willpower and action. He symbolizes the ability to tap universal forces and to use this power for innovative purposes. The four tools of the Magician remind us of the four suits of the Tarot, and represents their raw, undeveloped, undirected energy ready for use.

In readings, the Magician can imply that the primal forces of creativity are available to us.  If we simply convert our awareness, concentration, and willpower into action, we can change our world. The Magician sometimes serves as a signal to act, providing we understand exactly what we want and we are committed to acquiring it. By directing our energy on the task / goal at hand, we can use the tools of the Magician to turn our hopes and dreams into solid reality.

The Magician card can encourage us to identify our strengths and existing resources. When we are aware of the tools available to us, we can take the necessary actions to use them to their best advantage.

Next issue, we will examine ‘The High Priestess.’ Until then, may the Tarot be with you!

One of the most popular methods of divination today is the use of tarot cards.  Commonly linked with witches and gypsies in the popular imagination, tarot has a fascinating history that some groups say can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt.  Though their exact origin is debated most tarot decks can be shown to incorporate a wealth of symbolism in their artwork that gives depth and variety to their possible interpretations in a reading.  The standard Rider/Waite deck was developed by members of the Golden Dawn in the early 20th century, and it intentionally makes heavy use of Qabalistic and astrological themes.  Other newer decks range in subject from pagan deities to angels to basic archetypes.

While modern tarot decks vary greatly in artwork and content, most tend to keep the same basic structure of 22 trump cards, called the Major Arcana, and 56 suited cards, called the Minor Arcana.  The Major Arcana are a pictorial representation of the deck’s theme, usually a variation on the soul’s journey to enlightenment.  Below are a couple of examples of the most common first trump, referred to as The Fool:

In the Rider/Waite and other decks derived from the Golden Dawn symbol system each trump card is associated with a particular path on the Qabalistic Tree of Life and an astrological sign, planet, or element that gives it an added layer of meaning.  The Minor Arcana cards also relate to the elements via the four suits of wands (fire), cups (water), swords (air), and pentacles (earth).  These cards number from 1 to 10 with the addition of the king, queen, knight, and page cards.  Some versions amend the knight to a prince or the page to a princess.  Each of the minor cards then has their own significance as related to the Tree of Life!  Knowing the added symbolism of each card isn’t necessary to enjoying and using the tarot, but it can be a great aid to the reader in attempting to interpret spreads that might otherwise seem confusing.

To conduct a reading with the tarot the reader shuffles the deck and lays out the cards in what is termed a “spread”.  The most commonly known is referred to as the Celtic Cross, which has the reader turn over a total of 10 cards in a specific order and relation to the others.  Each card is meant to reveal a particular aspect of the question at hand.  For instance the first card, the significator, reveals the general influences surrounding the matter, while the tenth card reveals the predicted outcome.  As each card is turned the reader interprets its meaning within the reading, tapping the subconscious but also using knowledge of what each cards symbolizes to understand the picture being presented.  Tarot readings, as with other forms of divination, offer a glimpse into the current state of influences affecting the matter concerned.  A reading doesn’t need to be taken as a future set in stone, but rather more information to be considered before proceeding on a particular path.  Each card can act as a mirror, reflecting back and revealing meanings specific to the person concerned.  In this way tarot helps us to explore both our future paths and our subconscious for greater understanding of our lives.

Until next month, blessed be! )O(

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~Chinese Proverb

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a young traveler dressed in colorful motley clothes. Tied to his staff is a nap-sack; in his free hand is a single rose. The sun, in all its glory, shines behind him, and a small, lively dog follows his heels. Walking toward the edge of an impending cliff, the Fool seems blissfully unaware of the fall awaiting him.

Symbols:

Young Person (Youth): Naivety, innocence

Single White Rose: Purity, nonsexual love

Sunrise: New beginnings

Staff: Active creativity

Cliff: ‘The Fall’ into worldly experience

Hills/Mountains: Struggles, adversity

Motley Dress: Foolishness, idiocy

Key Words:

New Beginning, Journey, Spontaneity, Innocence, Apparent Folly

The Fool’s Journey:

Carrying all of his worldly possessions in a nap-sack, the Fool sets out on a journey of a new beginning.  Having just begun his trip, the Fool is still newly born — fresh, open, and overflowing with a sense of spontaneity. Innocent and carefree, he travels to an unknown destination, his mind filled with visions and daydreams of the experiences awaiting him. However, he seems naively unaware of the cliff looming ahead. At his heel, a small dog hurries him (or attempts to warn him of a possible misstep).  Regardless of any hardships or folly he might face, the Fool is ready to embrace all that life has to offer.

Lesson:

To learn how to open ourselves to new experiences and adventures, while utilizing an appropriate degree of caution.

Meaning:

As card 0, the Fool is the first card of the Major Arcana.  It seems no accident the number zero was chosen to represent this card.  In numerology, zero is the number of nothingness and potentiality. Zero symbolizes boundlessness, pure possibility, and limitless freedom.

In readings, the Fool can represent a brand new beginning or a new phase of existence. Unexpected opportunities in life can suddenly appear and ask us to make decisions, which can lead us down new paths. When the world becomes suddenly new, a sense of spontaneity and innocent wonder can ensue, making us feel carefree.

However, the Fool can sometimes remind us of the resulting folly that can occur when we throw caution to the wind for the exhilaration of living in the moment.  Impulsive decisions and unwise choices have a unique way of catching up with us later. Taking risks can be refreshing, but exercising an appropriate degree of caution is always in our best interest. Remember to watch your step, lest you fall and look like a fool!

Next issue, we will examine ‘The Magician.’  Until then, may the Tarot be with you!