MAJOR ARCANA.pdf

All of the 78 Tarot card meanings are relevant and necessary for a full understanding of the entire Tarot system. However, the Major Arcana cards are the first keys to our initial understanding. Tarot card meanings of the Major Arcana (Latin meaning “big secret”) deal with the human condition. Each card represents the joys and sorrows every man and woman can experience in a lifetime. The human drama illustrated in 22 cards. Amazing, isn’t it? As an interpreter, the Tarot card meanings aren’t always straight forward in a reading. Even when we are reading the cards for our own personal enlightenment, we know the cards are a reflection of our lives, but often what we see in a spread, is not as simple as

identifying “happy” or “sad” circumstances in our lives. If it were that easy, everyone would be devoted to the Tarot for guidance. That is why learning the nuances of the Tarot card meanings is essential to our full development, and we begin our learning journey with the Major Arcana. It is much more than merely placing a bet on the outcomes of your future.

0 - THE FOOL Key Words: Innocence Beginning Simplicity Fresh Start Blind Faith Introduction: The Fool Tarot card meaning deals with that youthful exhuberance we feel when starting out on a new adventure or taking a journey of faith. We feel anticipation, butterflies flutter in our stomach, and our skin prickles with excitement...our journey is underway - we’re unstoppable! However, along with this passion comes impetuousness. The Fool makes no

plans, or gives no thought to possible complications along the way. Happy to be doing something different, the Fool blindly sets out where all else may fear to tread. When contemplating the Fool Tarot card meaning, I think of Joseph Campbell’s landslide statement: “Follow your bliss.” We can see this attitude in this card, which is wonderful. But, we must also note the lack of care about consequences - blind faith is the Fool’s only guide. Key Symbols: The Dog: Dogs typically represent loyalty and faithfulness. In this case, the dog symbolizes our reward when we express true faith on our path. As we continue to step out in faith, and blindly follow our bliss we shall gain the loyalty and

recognition from people, places and events in our lives. Other Tarot decks depict the dog loyaly tugging at the Fools robes, preventing his fall into the chasm below. Yet another confirmation that when the Fool continues on his mission of passion, protection is available, and the details miraculously fall into place. Knap Sack: How long do you think the contents of the little knap are going to sustain our hearty fool? Exactly, here again, the Fool is taking little time to consider the practical matters of his journey. However, what if the knap sack contains something far greater than consumables. Look closely at the image. Some say it resembles testicles, and these represent the seed of the Fool’s philosophical offspring. In short, as the Fool sows, so too shall he reap.

This depiction is a reminder of personal responsibility. We all carry the seed of consequence upon our own journey. The Rose: Again, hitting home that balance of the two messages this card represents: Blind, beautiful faith is equal to the beauty of the rose and a caution to heed the voice of reason/ practicality are evidenced in its thorns. The rose is the driving force - the desired goal for which the Fool strives. The color indicates it is a worthy goal for which to strive - white, the color of purity assures us the adventure is worth every step. More on Tarot rose symbolism here. Key Questions: Am I following my dreams? Am I honoring my prime passion? What would the Fool do in my situation?

What do I value most...my beliefs or my image? Do I fear adventure or do I fear practicality? If my life is my message...what kind of message am I sending?

I - THE MAGICIAN Key Words: Power Action Awareness Application Resourcefulness Introduction: Close your eyes for a moment and picture your ideal image of the Magician. Odds are your imagination conjured up a regal figure, powerful, graceful, and confident

- able to make things happen, and even move mountains. The Magician Tarot card meaning deals with the ability to utilize every resource we have available to us. When we think of the Magician, we must understand that there is no question of power. The Magician has absolute power over all circumstances. Simply put, the Magician is in control of his own thoughts, and therefore the ruler of reality. When we pull the Magician cards for ourselves or for a querent, it is an indication that we have more power than we realize to change our circumstances. It is a card that reminds us of our unlimited potential.

Key Symbols: Lemniscate: Also known as the infinity symbol, the Lemniscate symbolizes the endless, infinite nature of energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, and the Magician is intimate with this knowledge. The infinity symbol above the Magician’s head illustrates that he understands the energy of his thoughts always lead to infinite consequence. Some decks depict an additional Lemniscate at the Magician’s throat - this symbolizes the infinite power of the spoken word. Uroboros: The serpent swallowing its own tail is symbolic of cycles, and is another message of the infinite nature of energy. The Magician tarot card meaning here, as with the Lemniscate, is that energy is endless, and our ability to manipulate

energy is key. The Uroborus further signifies the concept of rebirth and regeneration. The Magician understands that rebirth occurs in each moment hence another source of his power. Most importantly, it is a symbol that stands for the maxim “one is all” which is the highest philosophy for the Magician. All the elements: The Magician is keenly aware that we are all born perfectly prepared to live our lives. We each have all the tools and resources within us to use at our whim. This is indicated by all the symbols of the suit shown within the Magicians grasp. The Magician realizes that he is the master of these tools, they are not his master. The Magician reminds us that everything we need to live our best life is available to us as long as we master the

gifts of potential, and not become slaves to our circumstances. Key Questions: Am I aware of my own power? Am I recognizing my fullest potential? Am I playing the role of victim or victor? Am I using my power for good or abusing it? Am I connecting to my higher source of energy? Am I applying myself effectively and beneficially? What action can I take to move into a better direction? What resources are available to me, and how do I tap into them?

II - THE HIGH PRIESTESS Key Words: Knowing Psychic Oracle Secretive Influential Introduction: Take a good look at the High Priestess card and you will receive a great deal of messages she conveys. Foremost, she conveys a message of understanding. Even her posture indicates she is established in a position of knowledge. Her scroll holds esoteric knowledge. She determines the manner in which the knowledge should be expressed, and only she decides to whom, and how much knowledge is extolled.

Much like the Magician, the High Priestess is unquestioning of her knowledge and power. There is no question of source or validity - her knowledge simply “is.” She is aware of the motions of nature, the movement of spiritual matters, and she has accute awareness of the stirrings of the mind. She is vitally tapped into the flow of ancient knowledge. She instinctively understands the innerworkings and connections between nature, philosophy, science and religion. When we pull the High Priestess card for ourselves or for a querent, it is an indication that we are in communication with the unseen forces. We must realize these unseen forces are greater than ourselves, and our ability to access this

energy is a great responsibility. We must understand that we are all psychic, just as the Priestess. However, only those who respect the gift of psychic awareness and utilize the gifts and the knowledge beneficially that acquire the noble presence and demeanor of the Priestess. As you may have guessed, the Priestess Tarot card meanings are not straightforward. As she is somewhat of a mystery herself, she requires all those who come to her to be worthy of her meaning, and earn the honor of understanding her. Trust that when you pull the High Priestess card there are undercurrents working within you that will blossom into intense and beautiful experiences. All that is requested of you to experience this blossoming is an awareness of and respect for the higher

forces at work in the universe and within you. Key Symbols: Cross: The ancient Greeks created this symbol with all legs of equal length and size. One of the simplest symbols, and used since ancient times, it represents several things to different cultures. In ancient Greece it is an emblem of the four elements. In the ancient Middle East, the symbol represents the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds. Even the ancient Aztecs used this symbol to represent the meeting place of god (at the cross-section). The High Priestess bares this symbol at her heart meaning that at the heart of her very being she is intimate with the ways of nature, knowledge, and God. The unfolding

mystery of life is the core of her knowledge. Moon: The moon lays at her feet - her foundation is the fluxtuating night emblem that symbolizes motion, illumination, fertility, and even lunacy. Many decks even depict the moon illustrated upon the Priestess forehead. At her head and at her feet are the attributes of the moon - her thoughts are illuminated by the secret power of the moon, and her her path is guided by the pull of the moon. The moon is all about intuition, psychic force, unseen energy. When we have hunches, ideas, or impressions that “come from nowhere” this is “moon power” at work. The moon lives in the darkest of places so she must be triple clear in her messages through the night. The moon brings of clarity of mind, heart and spirit - but there is a price

if we are not careful. Being too swayed by the power of the moon can lead to erratic behavior or even pyschotic episodes. This is why the High Priestess is such a strong figure - because she not only heeds the message of the moon - she also harnesses its power. Scroll: Everybody wants to know what is written in the scroll the High Priestess craddles closely to her womb, but only she knows, and it’s not likely that she’ll give up the information. The fact is the scroll contains information that she protects. It contains knowedge of esoteric, occult, philosphical revelations that if placed in the hands of one who has no understanding or respect for what he/she is holding - tremendous damage would be done. This is why she holds it so close to

her - she knows that knowledge is both a killer and a savior. There are some theories that the scroll is the Akashic records which contain the records of all-that-has-everbeen for every soul in existence. Whatever the actual contents, be sure that the Priestess is forever on guard - keeping the secrets in tact until our minds are ripe for the opportunity to receive the knowledge she commands. Further Note on the Priestess Tarot Card Meanings: Many deck renditions depict two columns at either side of the High Priestess. On her right is a black column with the letter “B” imprinted on it. On her left a white column with the letter “J” imprinted. These represent the pillars that stand at entrance of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. The words are Hebrew: Boaz

means “in strength” and Jachin means “he establishes.” These pillars are symbolic of the balance and reverence of higher power the High Priestess represents. Key Questions: Am I listening to my inner voice? What secrets are being kept from me? Am I connected with my higher power? What secrets am I keeping from others, and why? How can I more clearly understand my life and purpose?

III - THE EMPRESS Key Words: Promise Femininity Abundance

Creativity Assurance Introduction: The mother figure of the Tarot deck, the Empress Tarot card meanings are all about love, abundance, nurturing, and pleasure. When we observe the card we see elements of nature - all exploding on the card - the Empress brings about the flood of growth and is the epitome of abundance. She reminds us that there is always enough for everyone to enjoy. There is no shortage. Many decks depict the Empress as pregnant. This is very symbolic, and when pulled, this card conveys a message that the situation is pregnant with promise - full of opportunity. Along with the symbolism

of pregnancy holding promise, comes the waiting period. Just as there is an incubation time until the child comes forth, so too is there a time of waiting until our desires become manifest. Venus is the astral ruler of the Empress card. As such, this card expresses love, beauty, art, and pleasure. When we pull the Empress card it is a clear indication that we’re on the right track with our artistic endeavors and should be encouraged to participate in the activities that instills love in our hearts, and creativity in our souls. The Tarot card meanings associated with the Empress are strongly linked with motherhood. When we pull this card for ourselves or for others it is often a message to a mother or from a mother. Keep this in

mind as you are conducting your readings. Key Symbols: Shield: The Empress abides by one motto: “From love I do come, from love I do go” and her shield is a testiment to this creed. The Empress knows (as we all should) that when we enter all situations with the shield of love, we are always protected. When we envelope ourselves with a forcefield of love, there is no need for fear. The shield is a paradox - we think of protection - yet the emblem of love (Venus, a heart) is pictured on the shield. The paradox is that where there is love there is instant protection, yet to love also requires our vulnerability. Waterfall: Water is a universal sign of motion, emotion, abudance, and also

gives the reader a concept of abundance as it is usually depicted on the card in the form of a waterfall. This symbol expresses the ability of the Empress to open up her intuitive resources and allow abundance to flow through her freely. Consider the exhilerating rush of a waterfall - expansive and powerful - even a little frightening as it crashes against the rocks. The waterfall is a reminder that with tranquility also comes extreme force - we must be mindful of our capacity to love and create - as well as our ability to hate and destroy. Wheat: Wheat is a universal sign for nourishment. With it comes the association of harvest. This symbol is a profound expression of the Empress in her nurturing glory. She assures that all the elements are in place so that growth

occurs, and bounty is harvested. She also reminds us that the seeds we sow are in direct relation to the harvest we shall reap. The wheat is also a symbol of a process - a time to sow, a time to grow and a time to pick the fruits of our labor. The Empress is keenly aware of time and the part it plays in manifesting our desires. Let the wheat be a symbol to us that our desires are not usually on “microwave time” (press a button & it’s done). In short, it takes time to see the process of our desire unfold into our reality. Key Questions: How can I nurture myself more? Am I connecting enough to mother nature? Am I respecting the process of unfolding my desires? What does being a mother/having a

mother mean to me? What role does love play in my life - is it foremost in my existence?

IV - THE EMPEROR Key Words: Strategy Rulership Authority Masculinity Practicality Introduction: The father figure of the Tarot deck, the Emperor Tarot card meanings are all about advice, widsom, authority, and grounding. Take a moment to observe the Emperor card. It becomes apparent that this is a character who has been there, done that,

and has the battle armor to prove it. The Emperor has obtained his wisdom through experience. He’s been through the wars, he’s ruled his people wisely, and he’s experienced all life can throw at him. What better source for advice than a battletested, thoughtful, strategic ruler? Look more closely at the card, and you will detect a scrutinous quality in his eyes. When you’ve seen everything the Emperor has seen, you would have cause to be a bit skeptical too. This contributes to the Emperor being the perfect authority figure. He is as wise as his years because caution has served as the better part of valor in his life. This makes him an excellent source of wisdom and advice. He does not become carried away by fad or fancy - he sees through the most clever of disguises and

nothing slips by his scrutiny. When we pull this card in a reading we get an instant “grounding effect.” In areas of business, we are encouraged to consider all the facts, revisit our strategic plans, reconsider our partnerships and re-evaluate our allegiances. When we are unsure of circumstances, the Emperor reminds us that sometimes “doing” is the only method we have for “knowing.” Another tip - the Emperor is a master of his own making, and when he shows up in a reading, we would do well to realize our own inner strength and motivation is what makes us a leader. Key Symbols: Beard: As mentioned earlier, the Emperor has “been there, done that” and the

beard is a symbol of his experience. As an archetype, we commonly see masculine figures of authority or father figures with long white beards. It reassures us that this man has acquired years of wisdom and experience - he is worthy of listening to because he’s seen first hand the effects of his own actions. He offers us the gift of his own life example - a short-cut, because when we heed the advice of our elders we can often avoide repeating the same mistakes. Ram: Featured prominently in most decks, the head of the ram is a symbol of determination, action, initiative, and leadership. The ram is also a symbol of Aries, which is the astral ruler of the Emperor. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, further reinforcing attributes of

leadership, authority, and other forefathertype characteristics. Staff: In this rendition, the cross is at the top of his staff. This is a symbol of balance, and each arm of the cross represents balance amongst the four directions, four winds, and/or the four elements. As a ruler, it is imperative to understand the interconnectedness of things, and to be able to balance the elements of nature appropriately. Other decks depict the Egyptian ank upon the Emperor’s staff this is a symbol of balance and life. Key Questions: Am I leading by example? What kind of ruler am I? Am I being inflexible? Too practical? Do I need some advice on this situtation?

Upon what resources am I calling in order to be the best leader? What’s my strategy to accomplish these goals and are they realistic?

IV - THE HIEROPHANT Key Words: Law Holy Respect Ceremony Knowledge Tradition Conformity Introduction: The Hierophant can be a tricky card to interpret as there are many different layers of meanings being presented at

once. Foremost, the Hierophant (link to the definition of hierophant) is a vehicle for religious knowledge. Historically, the Hierophant has spent his entire life (chosen as a child for religious purpose) studying the texts of many or a chosen branch of organized religion. Although he is a keeper of religious knowledge, he differs from theHigh Priestess. Where she is the holder of esoteric knowledge for the sake of holding - the Hierophant is the keeper of religious content for the sake of presentation. The Hierophant has an enormous responsibility because he stands as a religious icon to the people. Just as a priest or the Pope is the image of his religion, so too is the Hierophant.

The Hierophant is certainly a master of esoteric wisdom - incredibly wellversed and educated in the ways of spirit. However, he is bound by tradition, ceremony, and committed to presenting himself in a manner that is suitable to the ideals of the people to which he preaches. The Hierophant is the leader of religious order - he guides the masses in instruction and serves as a liasion between man and God. As such, he weilds great power and is ever in-check not to abuse this power. He is consistently conscious of his responsibility to the people, and his mission to present the word of God in an honest, true, accurate manner to the people. He knows he must not mislead the people, for to do so would mislead himself, and all he has

learned of God. When we pull the Hierophant Tarot card, our attention is focused on our convictions. The occurance of this card is a message for us to examine our belief systems, how we operate with these beliefs, and how they effect our lives. Key Symbols: Hand: The Hierophant’s right hand held up in such a manner is a sign of benediction. This position (mudra) symbolizes a blessing of love and spiritual well-being. His position is also pointing heavenwards, which reinforces the spiritual blessing. As the people come to the Hierophant, this hand blessing is sought out by them - it is an assuring motion and grants the people assurance that all of their spiritual needs

are met. Keys: What do keys do? They unlock doors. The keys of the Hierophant card symbolize the keys to spiritual knowledge, and wisdom. The ancient Greeks depicted keys as a symbols for knowledge and life. This specific card symbol: A gold & silver key crossed is a papal emblem of authority and translates to mean the “keys to the kingdom of heaven.” As such, the Hierophant is seen to be an authority, and the holder of the kingdom keys - again, an intermediary figure or translator between God and man. Staff: This is the symbol of the triple cross and is one of the symbols used in the office of the Pope, who is the global head of the Roman Catholic church. Each mark is

symbolic level of devotion - meaning: 1)the Father, 2)the Son, 3)the Holy Ghost. This staff is another sign of the Hierophant’s authority and his supreme status. This symbol reinforces the Hierophant’s responsiblity of the spiritual well-being of the people. The staff, (as well as the keys, and the hand blessing) are all external signs that the Hierophant is more than qualified to extoll spiritual advice and leadership to the people. Key Questions: Is my religion serving me? Am I called to do religious work? Am I an effective spiritual leader? Are my beliefs helping or hindering me? What are my views on organized religion? Do I have the conviction to back my faith? Do I need approval for my spiritual beliefs?

When was the last time I examined my belief system? Am I disciplined and committed to spiritual development? What is my responsibility in religious/ spiritual growth? Who do I look up to or who is my mentor in spiritual matters Do people look to me for spiritual advice, and am I properly meeting their needs?

VI - LOVERS Key Words: Sex Love Health Union Trust Passion

Temptation Vulnerability Communication Introduction: Absolutely, this is Tarot card meaning is all about love and everything it entails. Without a doubt, this is one of the more straight-forward card meanings in the deck. The aspects of our lives that deal with passion, infatuation, sex, arousal, and all those things that heat us up - these are what attracts the Lovers card into our readings. This card comes up when we are contemplating a new romance, when we’re obsessed with another person, or when we are in more than one amorous relationship. On a lesser scale, card also comes up when we are developing a partnership in business. It may also

indicate matters regarding friendship and family. When we talk about the subject of lovers, there are other factors that come into play. Such as issues relating to trust, respect, devotion, commitment, compatibility and compassion. In fact, any time we enter a new relationship, whether it be for love or friendship, we are in a give and take position. Relationships require an awareness that it takes two to tango - and we most give as much as we take from the relationship. The Lovers card is a reminder that balance is essential. Although the heightened experience of whirlwind passion is incredibly delicious - deep inside we know that this experience alone doesn’t

make a solid foundation. This is where temptation makes its appearance. We’re tempted by the trappings of certain things in a relationship (sex, money, prestige) but at its core, the Lovers card represents “the package deal,” and this card reminds us that we are all capable of having that whole package deal in a relationship. Other decks depict this card as an “Adam & Eve” illustration - another reinforcement of temptation. Other renditions of this card depict the archangel Rapheal behind the lovers with open arms - an expression of blessing and healing. Rapheal is often associated with health and the healing arts, and this is where the card gains its healing attribute. In this version (Morgan-Greer, permission and rights for educational use listed on the

home page) the pervasive coloring of green in the card also points to health issues as green is a health-related color. It is also the color of the heart chakra. Key Symbols: Eye Contact: Their eyes locked and looking deeply indicates an unspoken form of communication. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and when we are in a relationship we open our souls to each other. Eye contact is all about subtle expression and communication. This version of the Lovers card clearly expresses the importance of communication on all levels of a loving relationship. Lily: Identified as a symbol of purity, innocence and fertility. The lily also symbolizes vulnerability, and the freedom

to be ourselves, as well as allowing our partner to be as he/she is too. With no restraints or expectations, relationships take on a more natural development. The lily is also a symbolic flower of health and provision. Nudity: No need to be bashful about it nudity is the ultimate form of expression and the ultimate letting off of our guard. After the clothes are off - there’s nothing more to hide. It is an external expression of complete trust and vulnerability. Nudity is a powerful expression - it gets the point across that something very profound (trust, love, self) is being shared here. The tenderness pictured in this card really gets its point across that love and being loved is a very sacred thing.

Key Questions: How do I feel about trusting others? How do I feel about my relationships? Am I being honest about my relationships? Do I need to pay closer attention to my health? What relationships in my life do I need to re-examine? Am I always on my guard or can I allow myself to be vulnerable? What will it take for me to have a passionate, loving, trusting relationship?

VI - LOVERS Key Words: Tact Skill Action Control

Focused Driven Motion Balance Physicality Introduction: If you’ve done a little research on the art of chariot battle, you’ve observed that it takes a lot of skill, determination and control to manuever a chariot - particularly in the heat of battle. Imagine for a moment controlling two 1,000 pound horses while navigating direction all in the midst of the commotion, noise, and fervor of battle. It makes the head spin. Needless to say the Chariot represents tremendous focus and drive in order to accomplish the goal and win the battle.

An often over-looked item of chariot-battle is that the best plan of attack in a chariot is from the side. This was a common tactic for ancient chariot warriors and is mentioned here for its symbolic meaning. Coming upon our problems from the side - or a different angle will often give us the perspective we need to overcome the obstacle, or give us a different plan of attack for success. Close your eyes and let your imagination wander to the days of when chariots were the ultimate form of transportation. Consider the skill, focus, balance and determination it would take for one to control that chariot. One false move at a high speed, and the chariot would easily topple. It was not a mode of transportation for the light-hearted. These are the

attributes the Chariot card brings to a reading. Often, the Chariot card shows up when there is an obsession about work, a question about goals, or an issue of overachieving. When a person is obsessed with climbing the ladder of success - the Charioteer is the one cracking the whip behind the scenes. The Chariot also embodies motion. Often we pull this card when we are traveling physically, or moving in an emotional direction. It’s usually a fast motion too. If we want to get somewhere fast, or a quick change of pace is coming - most assuredly the Chariot will appear in the reading.

Key Symbols: Crown: This deck version shows a crown of five pointed stars. These pentacles are symbolic of perfection and also indicate our Charioteer is at his physical peek of perfection. That he is wearing these stars as a crown indicates his thoughts are primarily upon the elements required to get the task at hand accomplished. His thoughts dwell upon his ability to perform to a high level in order to achieve his goals. Horse: The horse is another symbol of physicality and vitality. The horse is linked with elemental and instinctual powers. They symbolize speed of thought, speed of deed, and speed of action. This horse symbol brings further attention on aspects of motion, transportion, and “reaching the destination” to the Tarot card meanings of

the Chariot. Moons: Moons also deal with motion, influence and development. This card depcts slivered moons on the Charioteer’s shoulder and at that top of his staff. These are symbols that indicate we are often driven by unseen forces in matters of obtaining goals or striving for success. Although the Charioteer is very aware of elemental matters and matters of the soul - these moons indicate that more investigation must be made on his motives. Key Questions: What drives you? What is your motiviation? Are your goals reasonable? Obtainable? What are you trying to control, and why?

Do you have the skills you need to succeed? Can you try a different approach to reaching your goals? What would you do if you had a sudden change in direction or location?

VIII - STRENGTH Key Words: Balance Strength Courage Patience Compassion Understanding Introduction: This is another Major Arcana card that doesn’t beat around the bush - it’s

meaning is quite clear in both illustration and title. Looking at the card we see a great deal of strength - but what kind of strength? Is the young maiden exterting physical strength to subdue the lion? Her face looks serene, her posture is calm - she doesn’t appear to be struggling. Yes, the Tarot card meaning here is that of strength - but not purely physical. The young maiden in white (a symbol of purity) subdues the lion through a strength that is internal. Through compassion, love, patience, and cunning, she is able to calm the lion into retreating into a behavior that is more manageable. As with all allegories, the story of this Strength card is more than what meets the eye. The deeper meaning deals with having

the compassion and understanding to sooth the savage beast within us in more effective ways than brute strength. Simply put, the lion is our inner beast - that part of ourselves that “needs to feed.” This beast is always needing more money, more recognition, or it needs more food, alcohol or drugs to feel at ease. The pure maiden represents that part of ourselves that has the ability to nurture, calm and exhibit self-love. Only she can allay the ravenous “need beast.” When we pull the Strength card it is certainly a message that strength is required for some challenges ahead. It’s also a sign that we absolutely have the strength that is required of us. But on a subtle level, this card is a signal that we are

already complete and self-love is the key to meeting our needs. Key Symbols: Lion: As mentioned above, the lion is a symbol for the primal urges - the physical needs and cravings we all, as humans want met. The lion is also a symbol of fire which burns within us - representing our wants and desires with a intense blaze. This is not to say that the lion all it represents is negative. On the contrary, many of us use our needs as motivators for achieving great things in our lives and reaching our goals. The key is to know thyself and temper our primal (ego) urges with our more divine, spiritual nature. Mountains: Mountains symbolize aspiration, achievement, courage and

accomplishment. In this case we can liken the mountain to challenges we face in our lives. As we look upon the Strength card and see the mountains in the distance we are aware that we will always be met with challenges in our lives. However, what makes climbing the mountain difficult or easy is the way we approach it. Wreath: Wreaths symbolize completion and infinity (circle). A wreath or crown around the maiden’s head is a symbol of victory. In this case, the wreath indicates victory can be claimed in the battle against banal or primal urges that do not serve us. There is hope and understanding when we realize we can achieve harmony in our hearts, and balance can be won.

Key Questions: How do you define strength? In what way do your physical urges motivate you? How can you approach the “need to feed” syndrome? How do you exhibit self-love and compassion towards yourself? What are your internal battles and how can you reach a balance? What area in your life requires you to have the most strength and what different kinds of strength can you apply here?

IX - HERMIT Key Words: Wisdom Humility Solitude Searching Detachment Deliberate Observation Introduction: In our fast-paced, harried world of today, we would all do well to do as the hermit does. The Hermit’s stride is slow but sure. He takes each step with a deliberate, conscious approach - knowing that each step of the journey is a small imprint upon the larger picture of his path. He does everything in this manner - each breath he

takes, each word he speaks, every decision he makes is a deliberate act. This is one prime source of the Hermit’s wisdom. In recognizing that each of our thoughts and actions is a brick we use to build our lives, we partake in the creation of our own reality. The Hermit has had to learn this lesson by means of distancing himself from the regular, routine world. By removing himself from the “normal” stream of societal thought, the Hermit is able to listen to the inner stirrings of his own intuition and act upon it. In much the same way, by turning off our telephones, switching off our televisions, and removing ourselves from the barrage of external chatter - we are able to finally hear the small voice from within that leads

us to higher ground. The Hermit walks a fine line. By purposefully choosing to remove himself from society he also runs the risk of being misunderstood and labeled inappropriate. These labels do not concern him as his path of spiritual knowing and higher wisdom are his prime concerns. The path of the Hermit is certainly not for everyone, but we all have parts of ourselves that need a little quiet time at the least. When the Hermit shows up in a reading it often refers to a need to be still, contemplate, meditate, observe what is going on before any further action is taken. Key Symbols: Staff: Appearing as an attribute amongst

pilgrims, saints and even priests, the staff is an emblem of power and authority. The staff is in the Hermit’s left hand, representing the hand of higher awareness (subconscious mind). In this case the staff represents the Hermit’s ability to use his isolation and the knowledge he has gained as a tool upon his path to even higher levels of awareness. Stance: The Hermit stands upon the precipice of an icy mountain. This symbolizes the heights of his journey, and further intensifies the feeling of his isolation. Mountains typically symbolize achievement, growth, and accomplishment. The symbolism in this case is the Hermit has achieved his goal and he is continuing the path he has chosen, committed to his endeavor of

ultimate awareness. Star: The star of David shines brightly within his lantern. Biblically, David is means “beloved of God” and so the light from the star symbolizes the light of God. Further inspection of the star reveals that it is comprised of two triangles, one inverted, the other erect. This is a common symbol for male & female, or opposing/balancing energies. In the context of the Hermit, this symbol represents balance, and using the energies together for the purpose of spiritual advancement. Key Questions: Have you taken the time to simply “be?” Are you able to be still? If not, why? What is your level of awareness at this moment?

Are you receiving the guidance you need on your path? If not, why? Are you able to be quite and listen to the still small voice within? Is the current path you are on still as meaningful as when you first set out? When was the last time you stopped to take a break from the hussle-bustle of your life?

X - WHEEL OF FORTUNE Key Words: Luck Chance Change Destiny Revolution Consequence

Introduction: As a whole, the Tarot system focuses on personal responsibility. Meaning, the underlying persuasion of each card places the responsibility of life events squarely on the individual. We’re in charge of our lives, and the consequences of our thoughts and deeds shape our lives. With that said, even the most ancient of philosophies have to admit sometimes “things just happen” and there’s no way to trace back a cause. Sometimes things take place in our lives that appear to be pure happenstance...”dumb luck” some people call it. The Wheel of Fortune card represents those events in our lives that come out of nowhere. They come in the form of unexpected surprises, a promotion we weren’t needing/wanting/requesting

- an inheritance from a relative you didn’t even know you had or a surprise visit from a friend you haven’t thought about in years. The Wheel of Fortune is a very auspicious card. When pulled in a reading it generally indicates a happy, unexpected event is in the works. However, take a look at the card, and you see an unfortunate fellow falling off the side. As is the nature of fate, sometimes surprises aren’t so happy. It is important to note here that what is “good” or “bad” is all in our interpretation. When what may appear as an unsavory event showing up unexpectedly in our lives we must try our best to recognize some potential good from the situation. We may not see any benefit in the tragedy - but down the line (when the Wheel

turns again) circumstances from that tragedy may lead to amazing and positive influences. The Wheel of Fortune is also about consequence. Although we’ve recognize that sometimes “stuff happens” this card also addresses the cyclical nature of life. Simply put, this card is a message that says “what goes around, comes around.” When this card appears in a reading, it may mean that we should consider our actions and how they are affecting ourselves and others around us. This is in line with the concept of Karma which is a philosophy that proposes every action we take affects everything else - what we sow, so shall we reap - for every action there is an equal reaction.

This is an important concept to grasp when we contemplating this Tarot card meaning. When we approach our lives with this in mind, we tend to invest more quality time in our thoughts and actions. If we took just a few moments considering the effects of our thoughts and actions, we might reap more benefits for ourselves. Key Symbols: Clouds: Clouds are typically a symbol of “that which is higher” - higher thought, higher energy, etc. In this case, the clouds are a symbol of a higher power at work in the events of our lives. As mentioned earlier - sometimes things just happen and the symbol of the clouds represents events “coming out of the ether” and moving our lives in an unexpected direction.

Falling Off: It’s inevitable, as the wheel turns, a few things are going to fly off to make room for new things. It’s the nature of evolution and revolution. As already mentioned, it’s important to consider our approach to loss. If we view loss as a bad thing - this is exactly what it will be. If, however, we observe a removal as being an opportunity, we broaden our persective and allow for positive change. The illustration of “falling off” is also representative of beliefs and ideas. As we have new ways of thinking about things, our old ways of thinking must drop off. It’s simply the way life works. Wheel: As the central star player on this card, it’s important to take a close look at the symbolism of the Wheel. Since ancient man, the Wheel has been a symbol for

mobility, revolution, and cycles. Used in work, the wheel has enabled man to perform more efficiently. Used in ritual, the Wheel is symbolic of the natural flow of energy. When we consider the ease of the Wheel turning and flowing in motion, we are reminded of how our own lives move in much the same manner. Although we have old and new events - the hub of the wheel (symbolic of ourselves - our core nature) remains the same. Key Questions: Do you feel lucky? Why? How do you handle change? How do you feel about chance or luck? If you consider change “bad” consider why you think this way? Do you take the time to consider the consequences of your thoughts & actions?

XI - JUSTICE Key Words: Truth Balance Justice Equality Congruence Admission Examination Introduction: Benjamin Disraeli, a British Prime Minister and Novelist once said “Justice is truth in action.” This is a perfect summary for the Justice card. When we observe this card, we see our lady Justice means business. Her posture and demeanor express a nononsense aura - she takes no prisoners - there are no excuses - no wishy washy

stuff with her. She is here to expose the truth and bring to light those issues which require our attention. The Justice card’s prime message is that of accountability. Justice appears to us when we know we should do something and we’re not doing it. Maybe it’s as simple as knowing we ought not to have that third doughnut - perhaps it’s as serious as returning something that was stolen back to its rightful owner. Whatever the case, Justice serves as a loud message from our conscience. Remember Jiminy Cricket in the cartoon Pinocchio? The Justice card is to a reading as Jiminy Cricket is to Pinocchio - a little (sometimes nagging) voice that lets us know we should do the right thing.

Justice in a reading is a call to examine what we’ve done in the past, contemplate future actions - balance the equation - take responsibility and be sure in all matters we remain as even-minded as possible in our endeavors. Keep in mind the Justice card is staight-forward and to the point. There is no hiding, no making excuses, no procrastination. Lady Justice cuts down all illusions and exposes the heart of the matter for what it is. The Justice card can help you take a look at your responsibilities and obligations and see that you’ve been falling short of the mark. This is not a negative experience. There is no judgment or disapproval here. Justice simply exposes the facts as they are with no bias.

On a more banal level, pulling the Justice card can also indicate legal matters, legal paperwork that needs to be sorted out, a court case or a settling of disputes in a rational, formalized manner. Key Symbols: Crown: Just as we would expect, the crown is a symbol of authority, command, and royalty. We can also gather that Justice is the “crowning feature” of this card. Lady Justice wearing a crown indicates that she is in a position to calmly and rationally detect what is true and fair. She is experienced in the matters of balance, truth, and equality. Scale: The scale is a symbol of equality and balance. It is a perfect visual measure when something is “out of whack.” The

scale in all its precision shows us which part of our life is out of balance - when the scale is tipped more to one side we know we need to take some corrective action. Sword: In the Justice card the sword represents double-edged action of 1) right-thought and 2) right-action. The blade cuts through and questions or foggy notions we may have about a situation. By cutting through the fluff we are able to clearly identify the areas of our lives that need closer examination. The sword also indicates that self-examination may be uncomfortable - but the clearing is for the best and as we cut away the clutter we will inevitably benefit. Key Questions: Is my life out of balance?

What can I do to be more balanced? Am I being honest with myself? Am I taking healthy responsibility for my actions? Where do I place blame for my actions and my life’s circumstances? Have I been neglecting some of my obligations and commitments? Do I need to take some time to re-examine my life because I’m out of balance? Can I keep a proper equalibrium - do I have an even temper & even mind?

XII - HANGED MAN Key Words: Yield Suspend Surrender Sacrifice Non-Action Submission In-Between Introduction: Just the term “Hanged Man” can be offsetting, and has a tendency to put us ill at ease. However, take a moment to look at our hanged fellow - he shows no sign of struggle on his face. In fact, the whole scene of the card is rather serene with hues of blue covering the card. The Hanged Man’s expression is one of complete calm

and assurance - not what one would expect at the gallows. This is precisely the point. There is no expectation with this card. All expectations, along with all actions have been suspended. The Hanged Man is in a state of purposeful, complete surrender, yielding his mind and body to the Universal flow. When we pull the Hanged Man card it is an indication that we may be “hung up” in our own distracting thoughts, we’re complicating things, or we need to step away from something. This card delivers a message that now is the time to ease off from “doing” and simply be for awhile. When we withhold action for awhile, and just take in the events as they happen we

allow things to flow more simply. If, on the other hand, we struggle, fight, and insist on control - we are met with restriction and road-blocks every step of the way. You might’ve noticed that keyword up there: “sacrifice.” This strikes some fear into many hearts, but there is no reason for fear. The sacrifice the Hanged Man asks us to make is in the form of giving up things in our lives that do not serve us. By suspending ourselves (thoughts, actions, emotions) we can gain perspective in order to identify the habits we cling to that hinder our progress. Sometimes in a reading the Hanged Man can be a message that we should set aside our own needs for the needs of others around us too.

Key Symbols: Legs: The Hanged man is dangling by his left leg - our left appendages are symbols of higher awareness. We also see the man’s legs cross in an odd formation one leg straight and the other crossed at a right angle. This is a symbol of a cross-roads that our thoughts have bubbled up to a jumble that has got us stuck - we are at a cross-roads and at a loss for decision. This ties in with the Hanged Man’s advice to take no action. Rather, calm yourself, be still, and yield to the situation - answers will come when we take the time to be still. Head: As mentioned earlier, there is no expression of struggle or discomfort on the Hanged Man’s face. This is a process of voluntary surrender, and he knows the outcome will lead to benefit. Further, we

see a halo at his crown - this is a symbol of enlightenment, and gaining higher awareness and insight. Ropes: Ropes have long been a symbol of binding or imprisonment. We’ve all gotten knots in our shoelaces, and we all know what happens when we frustratedly tug and shake at those knots in an effort to loosen their hold. Never works. However, when we take a deep breath, and take the time to slowly pick away and loosen the knot we are finally able to get that knot free. This is the message - the more we struggle and rage against our circumstances, the tighter our knots will be. Key Questions: Are you investing time to relax?

Are you willing to sacrifice your expectations? Are you struggling with a decision or problem? Can you let it go? Are you over-extending yourself and need to take a “time-out” break? Should you wait a bit to make that decision you’ve been worried about? What activities in your life can you give up in order to allow more benefits? What beliefs and thoughts do have that hinder your progress? Can you give them up? Are there things/people in your life you are trying to control? Can you let go of that need to control?

XIII - DEATH Key Words: Change Exposure Transition Termination Inevitability Introduction: All of us stop and shift in our seats when we come upon the grim reaper. Many of us equate death as an ending, like getting called out of the game of life. Thankfully, that is not what this card is about. The Death card speaks of a major conclusion in an area of our lives. Often when this card shows up in a reading it means the querent has had, or will have

a change that is monumental - an ending of circumstances that were dragging on for far too long and the only way to make a clean break is to have a sharp ending. The key point to remember here is that where there is an ending, there is also a beginning. The Death card also exposes us to the inevitabilities in our lives. Everyone has heard the old adage “the only thing you can count on is death and taxes.” The quote left out one other inevitable occurance: Change. We can alway count on change. No matter how long we’ve been at our jobs, how long we’ve been married, or how long we’ve lived in one location - fact of the matter is that everything changes. We may remain in the same house all of our lives, but our lives will always change.

Life is in constant motion and this is the irony of the Death card. Death is never the end - it is simply a motion in a different direction. Please note: The historical nature of the Tarot is steeped in allegory. As such, this occurance of this card rarely indicates actual physical death. Key Symbols: Skull: Long seen as a symbol of humanity’s mortality - the skull is a symbol that all things change and transition. Some cultures see the skull as the seat of the mind - the home of our thoughts. In this case, we can translate the skull to mean the death of unwanted thoughts. Sun: More irony with this card! The sun is a

symbol of life and growth. The sun in this case serves as a symbolic reminder that where there is an ending, there is always a new beginning. The sun will rise again, and tomorrow is another day. Rose: A long-standing symbol of purity, promise, and beauty. In the case of the Death card, this rose represents the promise of new beginnings. We must also take the thorns into consideration - with the promise of new hope, we may have to endure a few stinging thorns (painful ordeals) along the way. Such is the way of life. Flag: When we consider the cards on which the flag is featured (Death, Sun & Judgment) we get a good concept of its symbol meanings. The flag is an

announcement to change - something has shifted and a flag makes the world aware of this shift. It is a bright, bold obvious sign that a new day is dawning. This is not about subtle shifts - the flag is about “inyour-face” transformation; an event to announce to all who will hear. Key Questions: How do you handle change? What can you do to prepare yourself for change? Is there something in your life that is due for a change? Should you wait a bit to make that decision you’ve been worried about? How do you feel about endings? Do you recognize they are followed by beginnings? Are you being honest with yourself in exposing areas of your life that need

transition?

XIV - TEMPERANCE Key Words: Merging Balance Healing Blending Connection Chemistry Fluidity Moderation Introduction: So many of the Tarot cards (seemingly all of them to one extent or another), deal with balance and its importance in our lives. Yes, certainly the Temperance Tarot card meanings are about balance. But

there’s more to it than that. We have to be thoughtful in our appproach to this card because its meaning won’t hit us over the head like a ton of bricks. Rather, it’s a subtle card that whispers in our ear “come closer.” As we lean in closer to hear with our spiritual ears exactly what Temperance has to say - we find we aren’t listening for words at all. What we hear is the tranquil waters running through our spirits. These are cleansing rivers that run through our energies, providing us with peace and healing. Imagine you are diving into the these crystal clear waters. Diving in is an act of connecting to our source and by connecting we find rejuvination in the rhythmic flow of healing waters moving

through us. Mesmorizing, isn’t it? There is a lot of power in this card, and the “flow” is the source of that power. The Temperance card is a call for us to recognize the flow in our own lives, and observe the nature of energy. When we pull this card in a reading it is an indication that a healing is in need or is taking place. It is also a sign that subtle shifts are or need to take place in order to gain that peaceful scene we see pictured in this card. When we quietly and objectively investigate our life’s path we begin to see patterns. Temperance encourages us to take these patterns and find a good balance in our lives. Envision the flowing waters of this card and see all the imbalance drifting away in your life.

When moderation is put into play, and we connect with a natural flow, then healing begins to occur at all levels. The keyword chemistry is included here because Temperance deals with mixing the right ingredients in our lives in order to flow easily upon the path of our choosing. It takes a little time to balance the load just right, but once we do we experience some tremendous breakthroughs in our progress. On a more day-to-day level the Temperance card often indicates a commitment to sobriety, a healing taking place, a need for emotional stability, and a need for self-love. Very often spiritual seekers will pull this card as a promise of new growth after they’ve experienced

spiritual “drought.” Key Symbols: Cups: The cups transferring the waters here are a symbol of finding the right mix, keeping in motion, and going with the flow. The cups and the water have also been thought as a biblical symbol reminiscent of Christ turning water into wine. The symbolism here is that we are able to transform any situation into something different by our tempering our thoughts and actions in such a way as to bring about the results we desire. Feet: Feet are symbolic of a pilgrimage, and make reference to our spiritual walk. The right foot (consciousness) is dipped into the water which is symbolic of the subconscious. This is a signal that our

analytical minds need to be hushed for a bit. The left foot (unconsciousness) is settled on land which is a signal to ground ourselves. Again - this card is all about balance. As we align our mind, body and spirit we begin to see amazing results in our lives. Triangle: In Ancient Egypt the Triangle was seen as a symbol of intelligence and indicated the capacity for love. The Buddhists utilze this geometric pattern in the Sri Yantra mandala as a tool to invoke the energy of love. The triangle also deals with the love represented in the mother, father, child union as well as the holy trinity. As mentioned earlier, as a graphic representation of an inverted triangle, it symbolizes a vessel in which love is poured or carried. Additionally, this symbol has

long been recognized as a sign of balance and creativity. Key Questions: Do you go with the flow, or do you struggle with change? What can you do to create more peace and balance in your life? Are you on a life path that forks in the road? Are you torn between two paths? What thoughts, beliefs or actions can you merge together to create harmony in your life? What would it take for you to get just the right mix or find a happy-medium in your life? Are you concerned about your health? If so, what steps can you take to strike a healthy balance?

XV - DEVIL Key Words: Ego Loss Error Addiction Illusion Disruption Introduction: The image of the Baphoment is a shock to many. In a primarily suppressed society, topics relating to the devil are not openly discussed and illicit intense discomfort. However, if we approach this card in an open-minded, mature manner, we can glean a mass of insight. Before exploring this card further, take a

moment to consider the laws of nature. When we observe the trees, the sky, the grass, the birds, and other phenomenon of nature, do we see the presence of a devil? Do we see bondage amongst bobcats? Selfishness amongst seagulls? Tyranny amongst Tiger Lillies? Absolutely not. The thought is ludicrous. This is big consideration when contemplating the Devil Tarot card. Out of all life that exists on this planet only one creature can identify that which is “devil.” That creature is of course, the human. Only humans can classify what is “devil” and what is “angel.” So what does a human have that the rest of the natural world doesn’t? What makes a human able to create, define, or interpret

the personification of the devil? A mind. And with a human mind comes the human ego running along beside it. The ego is the key to understanding the Devil card. Ego tells us we’re better than the other guy, or we’re not good enough for the glee club. Ego tells us we need external stimuli (drugs, alcohol, food) to be acceptable to society, or feel comfortable in our own skins. Ego tells us we need a new car to get respect or we need to put our spouse in his/her place so we are “on top.” When we pull the Devil card in a reading we’ve got some serious examining to do. We need to consider who or what is in charge of our lives. The Devil is a very loud message stating that we’re in danger of

giving up our control to our base nature. Or, it’s a message that we’ve already dropped to a level of functioning that is beneath us. We are designed for greatness, yet when we stoop to the level of ego-thinking we’re blind to our own beauty. This is not to say the ego is all bad. We all need our ego’s to function. Ego is a problem only when we allow it to run through our thoughts unchecked. An uncontrolled mind is an ego-driven mind. An ego-driven mind is one that operates under the illusion that love and acceptance must be obtained at all cost. The truth is that love and acceptance can never be gained because they are always

ours - they are at the core of our being at all times. Special note: this card rendition (MorganGreer, permission and rights of use listed on home page) of the Devil Tarot card meanings depicts green as the predominant color. Consequently the reader may be intuitively lead to suggest health issues in a reading as the color green (corresponding to the heart chakra) is considered a color relating to health. Key Symbols: Fly: The fly is a symbol of very primitive, base energy states. Its nature is pesky and irritating. It happily feeds on rot and waste. We can liken these qualities in ourselves; when we are duped into thinking we are unworthy or we are feeding on filthy

thoughts. Our addictions can be as nagging and pesky as the fly. Our “little selves” (the one whose voice cries me, me, me) express the lowest level of energy and it turns like a maggot in our minds. Flame: The flame is a symbol of illumination. In this case it serves as a symbol of hope that we can all overcome the not-so-savory urges and characteristics the Devil card represents. The flame also reminds us that there is no darkness - there is only an absence of light. When we carry the light in our hearts and minds, lower level energy will always be dispelled. Inverted Five-Pointed Star: Simply put, the inverted (up-side-down) five-pointed star is the opposite of its original meaning. The five-pointed star, or pentagram is a symbol

of harmony amongst all the elements. Therefore inverted, this symbol means disharmony, error, and maligned thought. Chains: In conjunction with the Devil card we get the sense of being bound to habits, thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors that enslave our spirits. The Devil is nothing more than a metaphor for living a base/banal and substandard existence. Key Questions: Am I feeding an addiction? What do I gain by letting my ego control my life? Do I think I’m unworthy of love? Happiness? Peace? Why? Do I always feel like I need to answer to someone? Why? What is pestering me all the time? What

can I do about it? Do I feel like I never have enough, can never be enough? Why? How can I lift myself out of these lower levels of thoughts and feelings?

XVI - TOWER Key Words: Change Eruption Upheaval Exposure Cataclysm Blind-sided Sudden Shift Introduction: One look at this card and we know something is afoot, and it doesn’t look

good. The Tower Tarot card is all about change; usually very sudden, not-sopleasant change. Changes in life are typically gradual. This allows our minds to accommodate change, or for us to become accustomed to different shifts in our lives. When a sudden, cataclysmic change occurs, such as what the Tower card suggests, it is an anomaly of sorts. Such a drastic upheaval means the Universe trying to wake us up from our zombie-like state. This wake-up call comes in the form of an event that blind-sides us and shakes us out of the fog we’ve been living in. When we are so entrenched in one single way of life, or one inflexible way of thinking we sometimes need to get a little rattled to

get out of our daze. This is exactly what the Tower card represents. It’s as if we we’ve been comatose and the Universe comes along with those electric paddles to jolt our hearts back to life. An interesting observation about this card, particularly in this rendition (Morgan-Greer, permission and rights for use detailed on the home page.) is its movement. Clouds are rushing, fire is thrashing, waves are crashing, people are falling, everything is at high-speed motion except for the tower. This symbolizes that the signs have been all around us. However, we continued to sit in our “ivory tower” or continued to construct our lives based on errant thinking, all the while the storm is brewing,

and a fire is blazing right in front of our eyes. So in actuality, the changes foretold in the Tower card aren’t so sudden, we were just too blind to the signs. We refused to admit the problems. We simply turned away. The presence of the Tower card in a reading is nothing to sneeze at. If you’ve gone through a traumatic shift already, nurture yourself as best you can and learn the lessons that came with the event corresponding with the card. If this card is in your future position take heed of the warning and examine your life. By identifying your ivory tower of illusion, you may save yourself a lot of grief in the future.

Key Symbols: Falling: Falling is a befitting way to convey absolute loss of control. There is no railing and no net to save us. When we’re freefalling there’s not one thing that can be done but fall and hope for the best when we land. Most decks depict two figures falling: A male who represents conscious thought/action, and a female who represents unconscious thought/ action. In this case, this is a symbol of duality and opposition. The two figures represnt conflicting thoughts and actions, inevitably leading to an eruption. This concept is at the crux of all the Tower Tarot card meanings. Fire: Fire is typically an agressive symbol. It obliterates everything in its path, leaving little semblance of the original landscape.

This is further indication that the Tower card means serious business, and when change comes it will significantly alter the landscape of our lives. It’s also worth mentioning that the fire in the card burns from the top down. This indicates that change is long overdue, and that we may be “at the top of our game” when a shift comes. Lightening: Lightening has long been seen by ancient peoples to be a direct signal from God. Some Native Americans thought lightening was brought about by a wink from the Thunderbird who was considered the Great Creator. In India, lightening was considered a flash from the third eye of Shiva, symbolizing the light of truth and enlightenment. Lightening is a powerful message of truth emanating from our

highest source forcing us to conduct a reality check. Key Questions: What am I pretending about? Have I built my life on false or unhealthy values? Am I stuck in an unhealthy rut? What can I do to change it? Am I lying to myself about something going on under my nose? Am I living in an ivory tower of illusion? Living under false pretenses? Am I ignoring some tell-tale signs that I’m not being treated with the respect and love I deserve?

XVII - STAR Key Words: Hope Promise Healing Guidance Cleansing Assurance Ascencion Rejuvination Introduction: Since as long as we have had eyes to see we have lifted them upwards to the stars for assurance and guidance. Winking back at us, the stars signal comfort to us. By their very design they instill wonder in the deepest parts of our hearts, and allow hope to spring forth.

The Star Tarot card holds that same twinkly hope and promise we see when we look up at the stars in the night sky. Everything about the card suggests serenity, assurance, and hope. It is a message for us to take heart, be at peace and know that all is well. The waters running from the maiden’s pitchers are never-ending. There is an abundant supply of love and the cycles of life run smoothly along the currents of peace. The sky is clear with a hue of blue, which is a symbol of inspiration, creativity and aspiration. We also see a predominance of green which is a symbol of healing. Our maiden intensifies the feeling of blissful peace as she is among the fertile

gardens in her most natural state. It is as if she is in an oasis of creative, inspiration that serves as a place of healing and renewal. The lushness of her surroundings is compounded by the tranquility of her demeaner and it all puts us instantly at rest. She is nude which is a symbol of her ease - nothing to hide or fear, she is completely natural in her own skin as well as her surroundings. We see the water she pours out is a part of a cleansing process. She pours out healing waters in dimensions of time: pouring out a pool in the present time, and pouring out a healing river that runs through our future days as well (see the pitcher symbolism below). If we allow our imaginations to step into

the card, we become surrounded by the beauty and warmth that delivers a promise that “all is well.” We are surrounded by elements of faith that let us know our needs are always met. This is a very spiritual card, as it rings out messages of renewal, purification, and assurance that each of our days are saturated with the promise of joy, truth and love. When the Star appears in a reading it indicates that the querent may have been through a rough time and is now entering a time of rejuvination. This card is a message that a time of relaxation is here. Think “spa for the soul.” Think breath of fresh air. Also, if the querent has been worried about a situation, this card indicates that he/she is on the right path, and that all things will work out to a happy end. The Star Tarot

card meanings ar all about the promise of a better day. Key Symbols: Bird: By their very nature birds are symbols of aspiration, illumination, and higher vibration. They live in the realm of the skies and this makes them symbolic of higher places in thought, body and mind. When we contemplate the bird we are lifted above the mundane, lifted of our burdens, and our souls are set free to fly above the restrictions we’ve placed upon ourselves. Pitchers: Pitchers are symbolic of vessels containing the nectar of life, the healing waters of peace. They pour out an endless supply of crystal clear, cleansing waters. In this rendition (Morgan-Greer. See permissions for use on home page) the

blue pitcher represents the water element which deals with motion, emotion and fluidity - it comes from her right hand which deals with consciousness. This is a symbol that we pour from ourselves the energies that we are aware of, and we should be mindful of this process. In her left hand (symbolizing unconsciousness) she pours waters (emotions) from a red pitcher which is the element of fire (passion). This is symbolic that we must be face emotions that we may be burrying in an effort to view how these supressed emotions are effecting our environment. Star: As mentioned earlier, the star has long been a symbol of guidance. From the wise men being led to the Christ child, to star-eyes of Mithras that when open, served as windows to the cosmos, the star

is an ancient oracle. The star is just over our maiden’s crown, from this we can intuit that guidance is her crowning glory, and that her own higher-consciousness is her ultimate guide. Note that there are seven stars surrounding the centre star which is the number of prime chakras, which is thought to be symbolic of perfectly balanced health. It is also interesting to note the seven-pointed star is a common emblem among the Gnostics. The eightpointed star is a symbol of Venus as the evening star, and thus reinforcing this Tarot card meanings of love, peace and hope. Key Questions: Do I allow my higher source to be my guide? How can I nuture myself and those around

me more? Do I emit a presence of peace and harmony to others? What can I do to allow more tranquility into my day? Am I allowing peace and relaxation to flow through my life? What can I do to be more at ease with myself and my surroundings?

XVIII - THE MOON Key Words: Cycles Emotion Intensity Reflection Confusion Influence Emergence

Perplexity Introduction: No one is immune to the influence of the moon. She is the mirror, reflecting back the light that shines upon her. She is a timepiece to the ancient movements of our galaxy. She is the music that prompts the ocean to dance. She is the illuminator of our creative powers. Pretty intense, no? This kind of intensity laces all of the Moon Tarot card meanings. This is one of the few cards that is a story in-and-of-itself, and tells it from start to finish in one flash. The story of this card begins with the lobster (crawfish, or crab in other deck renditions) which represents us and our greatness or higher purpose/calling.

Emerging from our primordial ignorance (this is not derogatory - we are simply unknowing of our divine potential), to start our journey of higher purpose, we are met with all manner of influences. The symbolic crab also links to the astrological aspects of Cancer with moon as its ruling celestial influence. Yapping dogs, gnarling wolves, winding paths, the lure of empty promises...it’s a wonder we can get any where with all these influences pulling at our attention. What’s more, we are attempting to find our way and higher purpose in the midst of the darkest of night. We see the Moon, forever our illusive guide through all the distractions. But is she a help or a hindrance? When she is in

her growth we feel ourselves expand in confidence with her. We can even become pregnant with our own importance when she is in her prime fullness. When she is waning, we feel ourselves shrink into the abyss of darkness, we grow unsure of our path and purpose. We may find ourselves confused at every turn. The key to this card (and the moral of its story) is influence. We must constantly be aware of what is influencing our lives, our decisions, our actions. We must unravel the perplexity of our thoughts and see clear to that which is causing us to move in a certain direction. And when it comes to our higher purpose, we must have the highest intensity of diligence to stay the course and persue the path that leads to expressing our highest selves.

We must also keep in mind that we have the power to use the pull of the Moon to our advantage too. She holds immense power available for us to use if only we hone in on it; focus and direct its energy. Further, the Moon is a luminary - which reminds us her reflective light can serve as a source of intuitive clarity. Effectually, when we pull this card in a reading it often indicates we’re torn between many influences. From the TV that stays turned on for too long to the boss that calls us during dinner - we are distracted by external influences that have taken us away from our core path. This card is a message that we need to reflect upon our life and use our intuitive abilities to determine what best thoughts and

actions to take to correct our course. Key Symbols: Dog and Wolf: The dog is a symbol of our tamed mind which is loyal to our bidding. The wolf is a symbol of our primal urges and bears its teeth at our every attempt to be conventional. Neither beast is all bad nor all good - but they both war with each other in our minds. Hence each is on either side of our path. One yapping at us to “do the right thing” the other growling at us to “break out and go wild.” All the while the Moon has her own ideas about what we should be doing. The key here is to tap into our inner wisdom and gain the ground by our own internal navigational faith system. Lobster: Also depicted as a crayfish or a crab in other deck renditions, crustaceous

creatures are a symbol of hidden psychic power. These creatures live in water (which is a symbol of the subconscious) and when they emerge from the depths of the water it is an expression of coming out of the dark or coming out of hiding. Further, these creatures are usually equipped with a hard exoskeleton which is a symbol of armor which protects the tender, beauty we all carry inside our souls. As mentioned in the introduction above, the lobster is a representation of us on our pilgrimage to carry out our higher (most often hidden) divine purpose. Additionally, it’s worthwhile to investigate the astrological aspects of Cancer as the moon is its ruler. Towers: Apart from being phallic symbols and thus appealing to our base (primitive) natures, the towers also represent the

trappings of an easy life. One either side of the path stands the promise of treasure, stability, safety, and comfort. Although these are appealing qualities, they are often illusions when we are on the path of our higher purpose. In the case of this card the towers represent stagnation, or lure us into settling for something when we could have the divine gifts that are our birthright. The towers also remind us that if we build our lives upon false illusions, or settle for something leser, they will inevitably come crashing down upon us. Key Questions: What am I allowing to distract me? How can I see clear to my higher ideals? Do I have clarity of thought, purpose and deed? What is taking me away from my highest

achievements? What am I allowing to sway my judgment are influence my decisions? Have I strayed from my divine path? What do I need to do to get back on track? What steps can I take to silence those yapping (nagging) thoughts that distract me from my joy?

XIX - THE SUN Key Words: Life Energy Growth Clarity Vibrancy Understanding Illumination

New Beginings Breaking Through Introduction: Where the Moon may portray a subtle, undercurrent of influence, there is no subtlety with the Sun Tarot card. The sun is pervasive in its power, blazing with its message of vitality, and its presence in our lives equates to life-giving energy. The Sun is inevitable. We can always count on it to rise each morning. Even if we’ve had the most dark and dispairing night we are able to derive confidence that this too shall pass when we see the sun lifting over the horizon. Cultures have worshipped the sun over the ages because it gives life. It allows crops to

grow, it allows productivity during the day, and it illumines the world so that we may see things clearly without the symbolic undertones of darkness overshadowing our judgment. When we pull the Sun card in a reading it is a very good sign. It means we’ve “struck gold.” We’ve come to the other side of a long period of grief, mourning, or confusion. We’ve come to a point of clarity and understanding. We’re seeing that promotion in our jobs. We’re relocating to the house and neighborhood in which we’ve always wanted to live. We’re receiving that opportunity that we’ve been dreaming about for such a long time. Other deck renditions depict a nude child riding a white horse on the Sun card. This

is a symbol of freedom from doubt and fear. The horse represents mobility in a new direction which we are able to do because of the clarity and brilliance the sun (new understanding) shines upon our lives. The child is also a symbol new beginnings and total trust that our way is always illuminated by the sun-energy, and we have no need to fear the darkness. This is a break through card. So often we go through the motions of our lives, wondering if we’ll come out of the dark, curious if all our hard work is ever going to pay off. The Sun card is a clear message, that yes, indeed the proverbial flowers in the garden of life that we’ve painstakingly cared for are about to come in full bloom. When the vibrancy of the Sun card shines in a reading, everything is coming up roses.

Key Symbols: Nudity: We’ve seen nudity in the other cards, and it always symbolizes freedom, letting our guard down and allowing our true nature to come forth. Nudity is the ultimate form of expression. When we drop our defenses, we make a way for all the wonderful gifts the Universe has to offer us. Nudity is a symbol of being able to communicate our true nature without fear. This further embodies the meaning of this tarot card because it works hand-inhand with the vitality and clarity the sun represents. Flower: “As the sunflower turns its face to the light of the sun, so too does the face of humanity turn to the light of Truth.” This is an adaptation of the motto held by the science, philosophy and religion of

Spiritualism. This is a perfect summation of what the sunflower represents. If you’ve ever observed the sunflower you will see that they stretch and move their faces to meet and greet the sun. We should all do the same: Reach further and extend to greater lengths to meet the face of truth, clarity, and spiritual illumination. Wall: Walls are symbolic of holding back, separating, or keeping something from experiencing the natural flow of energy. It is represented in this card for two reasons: 1) to remind us that all the growth, rejuvination and clarity the life-giving sun energy has to offer will never be ours as long as we are closed to it. We must never build walls agains the illumination that rightfully belongs to us as divine creatures. 2) the wall represents a break through. It

indicates that no matter how bleak our situation seems, or how bitter and blocked we have become, there is always an opportunity to break through the walls we may have built around our hearts. Flag: When we consider the cards on which the flag is featured (Death, Sun & Judgment) we get a good concept of its symbol meanings. The flag is an announcement to change - something has shifted and a flag makes the world aware of this shift. It is a bright, bold obvious sign that a new day is dawning. This is not about subtle shifts - the flag is about “inyour-face” transformation; an event to announce to all who will hear. Key Questions: How do I begin remove blockages in my

life? Is there an area in my life I need clarification? Have I built some walls around my heart or against others? Am I allowing the highest and best energy to flow through to me? What would it take for me to expose my true self and the beauty I represent? Do I turn my face to things of truth, beauty and vitality or do I mire in the mud?

XX - JUDGEMENT Key Words: Faith Honesty Judgment Resurrection Transformation

Heeding a Call Introduction: For many, the word “judgment” evokes some very unsavory thoughts and images. It’s no wonder the term makes some people cringe. For eons this term has been associated with religious misunderstanding and intolerance. Wars are waged in the name of religion, and Judgement is the battlefield. Ironically, the reason for a religious war can be skinned down to one man’s judgment against another man’s religion. Further pared, it could be said that one man has judged that the other man should have his religion, not another’s. In the Christian faith, Judgment is

associated with the “Judgment day.” That day, according to Biblical text, in which all souls will be called and each soul is measured and marked according to virtue and obedience to God. Religion aside, Judgment plays a part in every life in every day. We make judgment calls about how to raise our children. We use good judgment about how we manage our finances. We need judgment to determine what career we want to have. Now that we’ve covered the various types of Judgment, let’s take a hard look at the card. There is no evidence of fear in the card, and no conveyance of scolding or negativity. This is because the Judgment Tarot card meanings are not about judging against others. It has nothing to do with

negative judgments made against our actions or against other people. This card deals with honesty. Nancy Lopez, one of the most accomplished women of the professional golf scene, made a fine point when she said: “Doubt yourself and you doubt everything you see. Judge yourself and you see judges everywhere. But if you listen to the sound of your own voice, you can rise above doubt and judgment. And you can see forever.” This is the prime message of the Judgment card. When we put a negative spin on this card, it becomes confusing, confounding and seemingly irrlevant to a reading. However, when we understand that judgment is a natural, God-given gift that we can use in order answer our highest calling - it takes

on an entirely new meaning. The Judgment card comes up in a reading when it is time to heed our highest calling. When we are at a crossroads, and it is time to lift ourselves us and transform our lives. It comes at a pivotal time when we must be honest with ourselves, judge what best action should be taken and rise up to the challenges to embrace our best life. This is an inspiring card. It indicates that higher energies are in motion to assist us in living a new, fresh, wonderful life. Just as the Christ was resurrected to a new phase of life, so too can we transform ourselves and move into a new way of living. Other deck renditions show the angel Gabriel blowing his horn to call up the

souls to their higher understanding. This is precisely the message this card bears. It is time to heed the call of resurrection. Now is the time to make a positive difference in our lives and in the lives of others. Key Symbols: Arms: The figures in this card are accepting higher knowledge with open arms. When we observe our lives with love and honesty, we are fully prepared to except a final judgment. We are willing to take this declaration and move to a higher level. By openly embracing the newfound knowlege of our life direction we are able to more effectively move into a new direction. Knowledge is power when we take it in with open arms, we become powerful ourselves.

Cross: The ancient Greeks created this symbol with all legs of equal length and size. One of the simplest symbols, and used since ancient times, it represents several things to different cultures. In ancient Greece it is an emblem of the four elements. In the ancient Middle East, the symbol represents the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds. Even the ancient Aztecs used this symbol to represent the meeting place of god (at the cross-section). The cross in this card indicates that an even-mind (sound judgment) is of foremost importance in our personal development. Horn: The horn is the symbol of the angel Gabriel. It is an audible calling to us to rise out of our complacency and heed the call to live profound, invigorating lives.

The horn is also a symbol of clarity and divine intervention. The horn sounds from God and our own higher selves. When we hear the horn blow it is time to make a better change in our lives. The horn is also a symbol of our inner calling. When we’ve been stuck in a situation that does not serve us we hear the horn of our inner voice urging us to move in a direction more fulfilling to our soul purpose. Flag (in Rider-Waite): The flag is an announcement to change - something has shifted and a flag makes the world aware of this shift. It is a bright, bold obvious sign that a new day is dawning. This is not about subtle shifts - the flag is about “inyour-face” transformation; an event to announce to all who will hear.

Key Questions: What is my highest calling? Is it time for a transformation in my life Am I judging others or myself too harshly? How can I raise myself out of a gloomy situation? Am I being honest about the way I’m living my life? Am I listening to to my higher self and my higher power? Am I making sound judgment in this a situation that’s been on my mind lately?

XXI - THE WORLD Key Words: Value Success Achievement Fulfillment Enrichment Satisfaction Introduction: There’s a joke that goes something like: “when you play a country and western record backwards, what happens? Your dog comes back, your lover comes back, your money comes back and you live happily ever after.” This is the theme of the World Tarot card. The World is the last card in the Major

Arcana. As such, it embodies the completion of a long, sometimes difficult journey. The World represents all elements coming together in order for us to receive the satisfaction and success for which we’ve been striving. It goes beyond getting the car we want or getting that promotion at work. The World is an indication of such heady success that we could win the lottery and give it away because we’ve achieved a level of joy much higher and greater than the lottery. We’ve achieved enrichment and soul-fulfillment. Absolute contentment. The figures in the four corners of the card represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac, Leo, Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius. This is symbolic of all the stars coming into

alignment on our behalf and all things coinciding for our ultimate reward. When we look closely at this rendition of the card, we can see the symbol of the yin yang (note the formation of the purple ribbon around the female figure). This is an ancient symbol for balance and unity. It indicates that we can work our opposites and differences to their advantage and all things can come to work together as one. Further observation of the card shows us a lemniscate, or an infinity symbol (the red ribbon at the crown of the female figure). This assures us that we are infinately rewarded for the positive efforts we take to improve ourselves and those around us. The two batons in the female’s hand are another symbol of balance. They’ve also

been noted as sacred scrolls of knowledge. Within the laurel wreath are stars of light indicating attainment of enlightement or cosmic consciousness. In a reading this card is highly auspicious. It means that the project you’ve been working on will receieve the highest acclaim. The counseling you’ve been undergoing with your lover will lead to a happy conclusion. The rehabilitation you’ve been going through will have a profound and healthy outcome. The World is a promise of success, and a reminder that the highest value in life is the condition of your own soul. Key Symbols: Legs: The leg formation here: one leg straight and the other crossed at a right

angle is symbolic of a cross-roads that we all reach, and our ability to choose what we desire for ourselves. This leg positioning is also seen in the Hanged Man card. Where the Hanged Man uses for suspension to uncross (or yeilding to the dilemma), the World card is its opposite. The crossing indicates that we have used our diversity (even our peculiarities and quirks) to our advantage. We are at the cross roads and we are complete. There is no need to suspend ourselves, we may now take action knowing we have already achieved our ultimate desires. Lemniscate: Also known as the infinity symbol, the Lemniscate symbolizes the endless, infinite nature of energy. It symbolizes the knowledge that energy cannot be created or destroyed. This

symbol in this card refers to the infinite nature of humanity. We are forever immortal, and our spirit only progresses into ever increasingly higher levels of transformation. It is also an emblem refering to the infinite nature of our thoughts and what we think leaves an impression on the Universe. We are all connected, we are all infinite. Wreath: This is a laurel wreath, and has been a symbol of victory since the first ancient games upon mount Olympus where the victor was crowned in laurels. A sweet smelling laurel is also a symbol of protection, peace and purification and is associated with the god Apollo. It is a message that the favor of the Gods is upon us, and that we shall be the victor in this stage of our lives.

Key Questions: What is my ultimate desire? Do I believe that now is my time for glory? Am I ready to accept my highest achievement? How will I receive the accolades for my hard work? Can I envision the upcoming reward for my toiling? Do I have faith that all things are coming together for my highest and best good?