chapter five

Geburah (Strength)

Astrology

Understanding the astrology of the Golden Dawn and how it applies to tarot will enrich your understanding of what symbols were chosen to populate the cards. It will also provide you a rich context for understanding and interpreting the cards. Readers who enjoy predictive tarot reading can use astrology to predict certain dates with each tarot card. Additionally, the astrological qualities assigned to each card can be added to the meaning of the assigned card. Astrology can feel confusing to the non-mathematical mindset. This is a pared-down, basic explanation of astrology using the Golden Dawn astrology system. Consider it a diving board off which you can spring into the mysteries of the celestial sphere.

Reading the Astrological Chart

To understand and apply tarot’s astrological associations, it is vital to grasp the basics of the astrological chart. The chart is a pie-shaped diagram reflecting the movement of the zodiac. The zodiac is the belt of heavens around the earth. It includes the sun, moon, principal planets, and the paths they trace as they spin, revolve, and move. The zodiac contains twelve constellations; therefore, there are twelve divisions, or signs, of the zodiac. It looks like twelve slices of pizza or pie. Everyone’s birthday falls under one of the twelve signs. My sister is a Libra, and my daughter is a Sagittarius. Which one are you?

Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable Signs

The astrological chart, or pie, is a perfect circle containing 360 degrees. There are four seasons in a single year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The four seasons are divided by three zodiac signs each. Each astrological sign contains 30 degrees of the zodiac circle.

Now that the pie is evenly sliced and named with its associated zodiac sign, we can assign qualities to each pie slice and sign. It is the same process as assigning meaning to a tarot card to provide depth and understanding. The difference is, instead of assigning a quality like “curious” to describe the pages of tarot, astrological signs are given something different. Their qualities come under one of three headings: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. Each court card quality is assigned an astrological heading except for pages. Pages serve as the throne, or seat of power, for the ace.

Cardinal Signs

Aries marks the beginning of the zodiac circle and is placed at spring equinox. Spring, the season of rebirth and renewal, is the starting point of the zodiac. What better place to begin? Directly across the pie from spring equinox, at 180 degrees, is the autumn equinox. Libra marks the beginning of autumn equinox.

Aries and Libra are referred to as cardinal signs. They are the hinges upon which the solar year rotates. The other two cardinal signs are Cancer (assigned to the summer solstice) and Capricorn (at the winter solstice).

Cardinal energy represents fresh, new, original thinking. Cardinal energy is like a burst of fresh air. To remember what a cardinal sign means, think of birds called cardinals. Birds fill daybreak with their bright and beautiful songs. It is exactly how cardinal signs begin the zodiac and each season. The essence of excitement infuses these signs.

Fixed Signs

A fixed sign follows fresh cardinal energy. A fixed sign is found in the center of a season, sandwiched between the cardinal and mutable signs. The fixed sign in spring is Taurus, while its opposite, the fixed sign of autumn, is Scorpio. Fixed is the energetic center of the season. The fixed sign of summer is Leo, and the fixed sign of winter is Aquarius.

Fixed energy is the least likely to change. Fixed signs stay true to their nature and are intense and unwavering. You can remember this by recalling the word fixed can mean a thing or object holding firm.

Mutable Signs

Mutable signs are like bookends marking the end of a season. Gemini ends spring, Virgo ends summer, Sagittarius ends fall, and Pisces ends winter. Mutable energy is bendy, like its title. It is flexible and about to change. Remember what a mutable sign means by recalling that mutable sounds like the word mutation, meaning “changing.”

Decans

A cardinal sign is followed by a fixed sign and then a mutable sign, followed by cardinal, fixed, and mutable again. The sequence keeps revolving like the Wheel of Fortune. Each individual sign is then divided into three intervals of 10 degrees each. These are called decans.

Temperament and Signs: Masculine and Feminine

The zodiac signs are given masculine and feminine character. Their temperament is directly related to the four elements. Masculine signs are associated with fire (wands) and air (swords). These masculine signs tend to be expansive and extroverted. These signs “man spread” across the zodiac. Standing in contrast are the feminine signs of earth (pentacles) and water (cups), which tend to be receptive and introverted. These signs are receptive across the zodiac. Use the classic masculine/feminine symbolism of the suits to recall their meaning. Sword and wand symbols are pointed, phallic, and extroverted, while the feminine suits of cups and pentacles are soft and receptive, like containers.

Triplicities: Earth (Pentacles), Air (Swords), Fire (Wands), and Water (Cups)

Each element corresponds with three signs; this is called the “triplicity of the element.” The triplicity of fire includes Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Aries is a fire force, which is either creative or destructive. The fire of Leo the Lion is an energy that is inexhaustible. The fire of Sagittarius is like a burning ember surviving all weather conditions, staying alight, burning eternally.

The triplicity of air includes Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Gemini is the air of emotion, like a refreshing breeze that clears away fleeting negativity. The air of Libra is the crisp, refreshing autumn wind that lets us know something marvelous is soon to arrive. The air of Aquarius is the gentle, still, crisp air of white winter.

The triplicity of earth includes Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. The earth of Taurus is warm, open, and fertile, like the tilled fields of spring. The earth of Virgo is hot and productive, springing forth the flowers and vegetables of summer. The earth of Capricorn is cold and frozen, yet it preserves precious items, goods, and ideas.

The triplicity of water encompasses Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Cancer is the thoughtful, placid water of a still pond. Scorpio is the churning, cloudy, dark and deep-running ocean waters. The water of Pisces is akin to streams of ideas, fantasies, and fancies, impossible to ever stop or slow.

Court Cards and Decans

Court cards rule over three decans; however, the signs overlap. Each court card rules over a third of a single sign and two thirds of the next. Each court card has two major arcana cards and three minor arcana cards assigned to it. The Golden Dawn assigns esoteric titles to each of the court cards. The reader can choose a significator card (a card describing the subject of the reading) using a birthday or specific date.

Queen of Wands

Knight of Pentacles

King of Swords

Queen of Cups

Knight of Wands

King of Pentacles

Queen of Swords

Knight of Cups

King of Wands

Queen of Pentacles

Knight of Swords

King of Cups

Page of Wands

Page of Cups

Page of Swords

Page of Pentacles

Golden Dawn Astrological Assignments

Uranus: Fool

Discovered in 1781, Uranus is named for the ancient Greek god of the heavens.

Astrologically, Uranus rules rebellion and revolution. Originality and individuality are its hallmarks; it loves to break with tradition. Uranus is a massive energy that provokes daring inventions and new technological breakthroughs.

Mercury: Magician

Mercury is the planet of communication. It is the winged messenger of the gods and is sometimes portrayed as a trickster. Mercury’s energy infuses everything it touches. It keeps things moving. Mercury represents the mind and how an individual perceives their life story.

In astrology Mercury acts as the messenger, ruling daily interpersonal correspondences. This includes writing, speech, media, emails, and contracts. Communication aspects of Mercury are perceived to go awry during a Mercury Retrograde, when the planet appears to reverse its path across the sky.

Moon: High Priestess

The moon is the closest celestial body to our earth. It is the nocturnal reflector of the sun’s light. The sun and moon are often paired together. The moon reflects the shadow self, dreams, and nighttime visions. Early man relished the moon, who would shed light in the foreboding darkness. The moon controls the tides of the oceans. Mankind has looked to the moon’s changing face for omens and portents of future events.

In astrology the moon is used to examine the depths of an individual’s psychology. The moon reflects personal habits that correspond to the moon’s own cyclical habits of waxing, growing full, waning, and becoming dark. The moon indicates unconscious needs that exert a gravitational pull in an individual’s life toward the things that they most desire.

Venus: Empress

Venus is known as the “evening star” due to its brilliance in the night sky. It is the planet of love, romance, and harmony. It relates to shared pleasure, how pleasure is offered, and how it is received. Physical delights and all aspects of beauty connect to Venus.

In astrology Venus rules over love and money. Professional tarot readers say love and finances are the two most popular topics of their readings, the top priorities of the clients who visit them. The Empress card is associated with Venus. Venus symbols are often found decorating the card in various decks. How does the astrological meaning of Venus’s pleasure qualities enhance or transform your understanding of the Empress’s traditional meanings of creativity, motherhood, and femininity?

Aries: Emperor

Aries is Latin for “the ram.” Rams and horns are often ingrained into the imagery of various Emperor cards. Aries is the sign of bravery, laser-like focus, and confidence. Aries reflects the pioneering spirit. Honest and passionate, Aries displays leadership qualities. American president Thomas Jefferson, financier J. P. Morgan, and author Maya Angelou were all born under this sign. Aries influences the first house of the self. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Emperor card.

Taurus: Hierophant

Taurus comes from the Greek Tauros, which means “bull” or “steer.” The symbol of Taurus can be found on various Hierophant cards. Dependable and stable qualities define the sign of Taurus. Taurus reflects a methodical and dedicated spirit. Consider the intersection of Taurus’s qualities along with the Hierophant’s meanings of tradition, order, and ritual. Taurus is also considered the most sensual sign of the zodiac and one who takes full command of the five senses. Pope John Paul II, William Shakespeare, and Sigmund Freud were all born under this sign. Taurus rules the house of money and possessions. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Hierophant card.

Gemini: Lovers

Gemini is the Latin word for “twins.” Gemini twins represent the yin and yang of life and all it encompasses. A couple is almost always placed on the image of the Lovers, representing opposites who come together. Geminis are fiercely intellectual, playful, and curious. Gemini reflects an adaptable and imaginative spirit. Delightful and flirtatious, Marilyn Monroe, Josephine Baker, and Harriet Beecher Stowe were all born under this sign. Gemini rules the house of communication, siblings, and elementary education. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Lovers card.

Cancer: Chariot

Cancer is the Latin word for “crab.” The crab is a crustacean who lives under an exoskeleton in and near water. The charioteer is often depicted inside a protective chariot. Cancers are considered moody and emotional, as their watery nature would suggest. They tend to be sensitive and intuitive, which are traits closely linked to the element of water. Malala Yousafzai, Frida Kahlo, and Helen Keller were all born under this sign. The fourth house of the zodiac reflects home life, family, and nurturing influences. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Chariot card.

Leo: Strength

Leo comes from the Latin word for “lion.” The archetype of lion has been associated with strength, agility, and royalty since the dawn of man. Creatures of such great power appear supernatural. Additionally, they contain feline associations, including stealth, cunning cleverness, and elegance. Qualities of Leo include great determination and bravery in the face of all obstacles. Leo is the epitome of the energetic spirit. The fierce and charismatic Julia Child, Madonna, and C. G. Jung were all born under the sign of Leo. Leo influences the fifth house of pleasure and creativity. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Strength card.

Virgo: Hermit

Virgo comes from the Latin word for “virgin.” Historically, the word virgin meant a woman who was not married and therefore not owned by any man. The archetype of the Hermit also implies a person (often depicted as male) who sequesters himself, avoiding all human contact, in order to concentrate on spiritual pursuits. Virgo traits include deep loyalty and aching kindness. They contain a hardworking and practical spirit. The profound Mother Theresa, Greta Garbo and Agatha Christie were all born under the sign of Virgo. The sixth house of health is influenced by Virgo. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Hermit card.

Libra: Justice

Libra derives from the Latin word for “balance.” Scales represent the tension between two opposing forces. The sign of Libra comes at the season of fall, and the figure can be understood as balancing light and darkness or day and night. Scales are the classic symbol of governmental justice. The qualities of Libra include a social and dynamic personality who is outgoing. The enigmatic John Lennon, Jesse Jackson, and Julie Andrews were all born under the sign of Libra. Harmony and peace are hallmarks of the Libra spirit. The seventh house rules partnerships and is influenced by Libra. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Justice card.

Scorpio: Death

Scorpio is Latin for “scorpion” and translated as the “creature with burning sting.” The scorpion archetype bears ancient roots. The oldest arachnid fossil is a scorpion. It is the quintessential symbol of transformation, negotiating darkness in their burrows and hunting under night’s darkness. Scorpio is legendary for its secretiveness and seduction. Resourceful and brave, Pablo Picasso, Martin Scorsese, and Theodore Roosevelt were all born under this sign. This is the place of endings and beginnings, the cycles of human life, and the nature of human sexuality. The eighth house reflects sex and death and is influenced by Scorpio. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Death card.

Sagittarius: Temperance

The word Sagittarius comes from Late Old English and from the Latin archer, meaning “pertaining to arrows,” and sagitta, meaning “arrow.” The archetype of the archer from early hunting man to the modern concept of a heart struck by love’s arrow reminds us of the hunting magic inherent in this symbol. Sagittarians are considered curious and energetic. They embody the adventurous spirit. Innovative Ludwig van Beethoven, Winston Churchill, and Walt Disney were all born under this sign. This is the place to examine an individual’s dreams and aspirations. It is also the integration of what is learned and expressed at higher levels. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Temperance card.

Capricorn: Devil

Capricorn is Late Old English, from Latin Capricornus, meaning “horned like a goat.” Goats are known to be feisty, temperamental, and independent creatures. These qualities all apply to the sign of Capricorn, who is known as determined and ambitious. J. R. R. Tolkien, Richard Nixon, and Joan of Arc were all born under this sign. Ancient mythologies assign sexual virility and potency to the goat, such as the Greek god Pan. The Judeo-Christian West turned the goat into a devil-like figure, creating a cloven-footed, bearded, horned man who is associated with sexual lust and black magic. This wicked figure is seen or implied on many a Devil tarot card. The tenth house reflects career and social status and is influenced by Capricorn. This house reflects the role we choose and how we inhabit it. It also indicates how our ego is massaged by others. It is also the house of the father figure. Consider how these qualities integrate with the Devil card.

Aquarius: Star

Like aquarium, meaning “pertaining to water,” Aquarius means “water carrier.” The Star card is almost always shown pouring water or next to a body of water. The sign of Aquarius is known for the qualities of truth and imagination. Affection and intelligence shine through the Aquarius spirit. Revolutionaries Virginia Woolf, Rosa Parks, and Abe Lincoln were all born under the sign. The eleventh house of social groups, causes, and technology is influenced by Aquarius. This is the house that reflects an individual’s tribal sense and the ideas that bind people together. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Star card.

Pisces: Moon

Pisces is the Latin word for “fishes.” The Moon card often depicts a water creature emerging from a dark pool to greet the moon’s rays. “Imaginative” and “creative” are often used to describe Pisces. Pisces reflects a spiritual and transformative soul. Nurturing and intuitive, Edgar Cayce, Auguste Renoir, and Elizabeth Taylor were all born under this sign. The twelfth house of secrets and desires is influenced by Pisces. It is the shadow self, deep nature, and hidden worlds. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Moon card.

Sun: Sun

The sun is life. It is the center of the solar system. The sun is the sustaining force of the physical world as we know it. Sun symbolism is found on everything from golden royal crowns to fruit cartons. Solar rays are seen as containing the magical properties of life, birth, and possibility. Ancient rituals celebrate the return of the sun each year as the days grow longer. The sun is the star that makes all life possible.

The sun, in astrology, reflects the ego and the self. The sun is the center of the solar system, just as we are the center of our own lives. People and events revolve around us as mini solar systems. This is why the sun represents the will to live and the creative forces at play in our life. Consider how the astrological meaning of the sun integrates with traditional meanings of the Sun card.

Pluto: Judgement

Science may have revoked Pluto’s planetary status but that doesn’t deter astrologers. They still count on this celestial body who rides on the far reaches of our solar system. When it was discovered in 1930, it was named after Greek mythology’s Pluto, who ruled the underworld. Pluto takes about 248 years to complete its orbit around the sun.

Pluto rules the subconscious in astrology. Renewal and rebirth are all aspected by this transformative planet. This means that Pluto is the place of deep energetic reserves and surprising resources that make all transformations possible. It is a subtle yet wildly powerful planet. Consider how the irreversible internal change of Pluto associates with the Judgement card.

Saturn: World

Saturn is often called the “jewel of the solar system” due to its thousands of gorgeous rings made of crystals, ice, and rock. It is named after the Roman god of agriculture.

In astrology Saturn can be seen in opposition to Jupiter. Where Jupiter reflects expansion, Saturn brings restrictions and boundaries. Metaphorically, the two planets hold each other in check or balance each other like the Temperance card balances energies. Rather than looking at Saturn’s restrictions as negative, recall that boundaries are required in life. They keep things from spinning out of control. One can also examine this from an artistic standpoint. An artist experiments, blurts, writes, rehearses, and plays with a variety of creative options. This is very Jupiter-like. Once the artist discovers what works and what doesn’t, Saturn energy is brought in through editing, refinement, and finishing touches. This is how the two energies work in tandem. Consider how the astrological association of Saturn enhances your understanding of the World card, whose traditional meanings include completion, success, and travel.

Aces

The aces in astrology are the birthplace or explosion of the element, just as they are the root or seed of the suit in tarot.

Ace of Wands is the Root of Fire

The Ace of Wands is the seed of fire. It is the explosion of the sustaining and destructive expansion of fire. It is the color of human blood. It is the warmth in our bones on cold winter nights. It is the instinct pointing us toward the things we want before we know we want them. It is the rush of animal attraction, the stirrings of sexuality. It is the nerves in your belly when standing up for something you believe in. Everything an individual feels passion, fire, and love for is found in fire and in the suit of wands.

Ace of Pentacles is the Root of Earth

The Ace of Pentacles is the seed containing everything that is manifested in the material reality of what an individual considers concrete words: bodies, houses, mud, dirt, mountains, furniture, cars, people, friends, family, foes, forests, books, computers, animals, cities, towns, entire continents. Everything an individual can touch, taste, see, and feel is found in earth and the suit of pentacles.

Ace of Swords is the Root of Air

The Ace of Swords is the seed that contains everything manifested in the world of thought, calculation, and mental acuity. The root of air contains the words spoken to other people and the narrative constructed inside an individual’s head. Events play out in life, we decide what they mean or we react, all due to the element of air. Communication forms here: letters, speeches, emails, books. Everything the individual thinks and expresses is found in air and the suit of swords.

Ace of Cups is the Root of Water

The Ace of Cups is the seed containing every feeling and emotion a human is capable of. The root of water is the transformative place of human imagination. It holds the individual’s capacity to dream, vision, and empathize. It is where we feel love and connection, anger and sadness, hope and joy, despair and boredom. Every emotional response is felt through the lens of water and the suit of cups.

Aries

Two of Wands—Mars in Aries—Lord of Dominion

Aggressive Mars meets assertive Aries and the Lord of Dominion is born. To dominate is to take control, exercise influence, and make oneself and one’s intentions clear. This card is often illustrated with an individual who is seen plotting and planning an enterprise.

Three of Wands—Sun in Aries—Lord of Established Strength

The explosive and nuclear energy of the sun meets independent Aries and the Lord of Established Strength is born. Established strength reflects an individual who has already proved themselves worthy and powerful. This theme is often seen in the Three of Wands, where a wealthy merchant sets his ships out into the world or, conversely, is waiting for his ships to return with his riches.

Four of Wands—Venus in Aries—Lord of Perfected Work

Beautiful Venus meets successful Aries and the Lord of Perfected Work is born. There is inherent symmetry, beauty, and charm in any form of work done to the best of an individual’s ability. The theme of perfected work is often seen in the Four of Wands, in the construction of four wands brought together in a celebratory canopy, or chuppah.

Taurus

Five of Pentacles—Mercury in Taurus—Lord of Material Trouble

Perceptive Mercury meets stubborn Taurus and the Lord of Material Trouble is born. Who and what we resist has a tendency to persist. The Five of Pentacles often portrays people who are fraught with peril or challenge.

Six of Pentacles—Moon in Taurus—Lord of Material Success

The intuitive moon meets pleasure-seeking Taurus and the Lord of Material Success is born. How does intuition foster advancement? How does pleasure serve us in our professional lives? Images of charity are often found on this card.

Seven of Pentacles—Saturn in Taurus—Lord of Success Unfulfilled

Restrictive Saturn meets down-to-earth Taurus and the Lord of Success Unfulfilled is born. How do boundaries restrict us? Being grounded and focused can sometimes distract us from seeing the big picture. The Seven of Pentacles often shows a successful individual who desires more.

Gemini

Eight of Swords—Jupiter in Gemini—Lord of Shortened Force

Expansive Jupiter meets dynamic Gemini and the Lord of Shortened Force is born. The electrifying energy radiating through this card means that it takes minimum effort for maximum effect. This card is often illustrated with an individual who is blindfolded and bound.

Nine of Swords—Mars in Gemini—Lord of Despair and Cruelty

Powerful Mars meets mischievous Gemini and the Lord of Despair and Cruelty is born. Omnipotent forces mingle with transgression, and the results are oftentimes disastrous, however fleeting. This card is often illustrated with late-night mental suffering.

Ten of Swords—Sun in Gemini—Lord of Ruin

The explosive sun meets double-sided Gemini and the Lord of Ruin is born. Duplicity often blows up when light is shined on it. This card is often illustrated with an individual who has been killed or stabbed, yet sometimes the card holds a secret clue or message revealing there is more to come.

Cancer

Two of Cups—Venus in Cancer—Lord of Love

Romantic Venus meets sensitive Cancer and the Lord of Love is born. Enchantment and fascination ensue when two open souls meet. This card is often depicted with a romantic pair coming together in mutual admiration.

Three of Cups—Mercury in Cancer—Lord of Abundance

Communicative Mercury and friendly Cancer meet and the Lord of Abundance is born. An expressive nature and openness is a recipe for growth, which spurs more of the same. This card is often illustrated with three people dancing, celebrating, and laughing.

Four of Cups—Moon in Cancer—Lord of Blended Pleasure

The moody moon meets empathetic Cancer and the Lord of Blended Pleasure is born. Cups dip into all sides of the emotional spectrum. This card is often illustrated with a person who is offered a cup or opportunity; however, they do not see it.

Leo

Five of Wands—Saturn in Leo—Lord of Strife

Laborious Saturn meets domineering Leo and the Lord of Strife is born. Powerful personalities and highly charged energy can provoke conflict or disagreement, yet these are the very challenges that push an idea forward into required evolution. The Five of Wands is often portrayed with five youths sparring.

Six of Wands—Jupiter in Leo—Lord of Victory

High-level-thinking Jupiter meets charismatic Leo and the Lord of Victory is born. Achievement and success take a combination of many elements. This card is often illustrated with a victory parade.

Seven of Wands—Mars in Leo—Lord of Valor

Dynamic Mars meets action-oriented Leo and the Lord of Valor is born. Courage lies dormant until it is called upon. We only know our strength when challenges test us. This card is often illustrated with an individual taking an offensive or defensive stance.

Virgo

Eight of Pentacles—Sun in Virgo—Lord of Prudence

The sustaining sun meets Virgo the leader and the Lord of Prudence is born. Sagacity and common sense infuse the word prudence, which is fueled by solar energy. This card is often illustrated with an individual deeply invested in work.

Nine of Pentacles—Venus in Virgo—Lord of Material Gain

Gorgeous Venus meets creative Virgo and the Lord of Material Gain is born. The gathering of material possessions is a pleasing pursuit when we do not fall under the spell convincing us that this is all there is. This card is often illustrated with an attractive woman lingering in a vineyard.

Ten of Pentacles—Mercury in Virgo—Lord of Wealth

Logical Mercury meets clever Virgo and the Lord of Wealth is born. The nature of wealth exceeds finance and includes the people, animals, and places we inhabit. This card is often illustrated with a multigenerational family.

Libra

Two of Swords—Moon in Libra—Lord of Peace Restored

The intuitive moon and peaceful Libra meet and the Lord of Peace Restored is born. A sensitive nature treated with care and respect will find its equilibrium, and clarity will ensue. This card is often illustrated with a person wearing a blindfold; however, it is not a prison but rather a gateway to inner peace.

Three of Swords—Saturn in Libra—Lord of Sorrow

Restrictive Saturn meets harmonious Libra and the Lord of Sorrow is born. The edge of harmony cuts like a knife. This card is often illustrated with a heart pierced by multiple swords.

Four of Swords—Jupiter in Libra—Lord of Rest from Strife

Fortunate Jupiter meets gracious Libra and the Lord of Rest from Strife is born. Peace often results from stillness. This card is often illustrated with a resting knight or knight’s effigy.

Scorpio

Five of Cups—Mars in Scorpio—Lord of Loss of Pleasure

Forceful Mars and hardcore Scorpio meet and the Lord of Loss of Pleasure is born. Can two equally powerful energies cancel each other out? This card is often illustrated with a forlorn figure.

Six of Cups—Sun in Scorpio—Lord of Pleasure

The glowing sun meets sexual Scorpio and the Lord of Pleasure is born. This combination magnifies the energy of the senses. This card is often illustrated with the giving of gifts.

Seven of Cups—Venus in Scorpio—Lord of Illusory Success

Enchanting Venus meets deeply imaginative Scorpio and the Lord of Illusory Success is born. Things that hypnotize us are not always what they seem. This card is often illustrated with cups floating in the air like a vision.

Sagittarius

Eight of Wands—Mercury in Sagittarius—Lord of Swiftness

Perceptive Mercury meets extroverted Sagittarius and the Lord of Swiftness is born. Speed of the mind and action of the heart make for great haste and the turning of events. This card is often illustrated with wands flying through the air toward an unknown destination.

Nine of Wands—Moon in Sagittarius—Lord of Great Strength

The subtle moon meets enthusiastic Sagittarius and the Lord of Great Strength is born. Energy bursting from unseen reserves can result in amazing feats. The card is often illustrated with the figure of a person moving through a gate.

Ten of Wands—Saturn in Sagittarius—Lord of Oppression

Authoritarian Saturn meets optimistic Sagittarius and the Lord of Oppression is born. A domineering personality can feel like death to a person who is open and free. This card is often illustrated with an individual who carries a very heavy load.

Capricorn

Two of Pentacles—Jupiter in Capricorn—Lord of Harmonious Change

Spiritual Jupiter and helpful Capricorn meet and the Lord of Harmonious Change is born. An effortless and pleasurable alteration is a joy to behold. This card is often illustrated with a juggler who balances two balls.

Three of Pentacles—Mars in Capricorn—Lord of Material Works

Driving Mars meets determined Capricorn and the Lord of Material Works is born. What type of effort is required to construct something in the material world? This card is usually expressed with three people collaborating.

Four of Pentacles—Sun in Capricorn—Lord of Earthly Power

Regenerative sun meets ambitious Capricorn and the Lord of Earthy Power is born. The power of earth lies in its ability to produce, nurture, and regenerate. The Four of Pentacles is often illustrated with a figure who grasps his belongings.

Aquarius

Five of Swords—Venus in Aquarius—Lord of Defeat

How does the meeting of stunning Venus and imaginative Aquarius spur the Lord of Defeat? The two are set in their ways. They refuse to budge and are so protective they become dangerous to themselves and others. This card is usually illustrated with a fight showing clear winners and losers.

Six of Swords—Mercury in Aquarius—Lord of Earned Success

Intellectual Mercury and innovative Aquarius meet and the Lord of Earned Success is born. How is earned success different from inherited success? Which is more valuable? This card is often illustrated with figures crossing a body of water in a boat.

Seven of Swords—Moon in Aquarius—Lord of Unstable Effort

The fickle moon meets eccentric Aquarius and the Lord of Unstable Effort is born. What makes an effort unstable? Is it lack of planning, bad luck, or a plan doomed from the beginning? This card is usually illustrated with a thieving figure.

Pisces

Eight of Cups—Saturn in Pisces—Lord of Abandoned Success

Authoritative Saturn meets gentle Pisces and the Lord of Abandoned Success is born. What does it mean to abandon personal success? Can leaving achievements behind be a good thing? This card is often illustrated as a person beginning an upward journey.

Nine of Cups—Jupiter in Pisces—Lord of Material Happiness

Lucky Jupiter meets generous Pisces and the Lord of Material Happiness is born. Luck and generosity meet delicious results. This card is often illustrated with a magic genie on the verge of granting a wish.

Ten of Cups—Mars in Pisces—Lord of Perfected Success

Instinctual Mars meets compassionate Pisces and the Lord of Perfected Success is born. Fire meets love with spectacular results. Usually the card is illustrated with a “happily ever after” ending.

The Golden Dawn Astrological Timing

Seasons

Aces: Wands

Summer

Cups

Autumn

Swords

Spring

Pentacles

Winter

Moon Cycles

Pentacles

New Moon

Swords

Waxing Moon

Wands

Full Moon

Cups

Waning Moon

Times of the Day

Pentacles

Midnight to Sunrise

Swords

Sunrise to Noon

Wands

Noon to Twilight

Cups

Twilight to Midnight

Major Arcana Timing

The Fool

Uranus/Aquarius

January 21–February 20

The Magician

Mercury/Gemini
and Virgo

May 21–June 20 and
August 21–September 20

The High Priestess

The Moon/Cancer

June 21–July 20

The Empress

Venus/Taurus
and Libra

April 21–May 20 and September 21–October 20

The Emperor

Aries

March 21–April 20

The Hierophant

Taurus

April 21–May 20

The Lovers

Gemini

May 21–June 20

The Chariot

Cancer

June 21–July 20

Strength

Leo

July 21–August 20

The Hermit

Virgo

August 21–September 20

The Wheel of Fortune

Sagittarius

November 21–December 20

Justice

Libra

September 21–October 20

The Hanged Man

Neptune/Pisces

February 21–March 20

Death

Scorpio

October 21–November 20

Temperance

Sagittarius

November 21–December 20

The Devil

Capricorn

December 21–January 20

The Tower

Mars/Aries

March 21–April 20

The Star

Aquarius

January 21–February 20

The Moon

Pisces

February 21–March 20

The Sun

The Sun/Leo

July 21–August 20

Judgement

Pluto/Scorpio

October 21–November 20

The World

Saturn/Capricorn

December 21–January 20

Minor Arcana Timing (approx. dates)

Two of Wands

March 21–30

Three of Wands

March 31–April 10

Four of Wands

April 11–20

Five of Pentacles

April 21–30

Six of Pentacles

May 1–10

Seven of Pentacles

May 11–20

Eight of Swords

May 21–31

Nine of Swords

June 1–10

Ten of Swords

June 11–20

Two of Cups

June 21–July 1

Three of Cups

July 2–11

Four of Cups

July 12–21

Five of Wands

July 22–August 1

Six of Wands

August 2–11

Seven of Wands

August 12–22

Eight of Pentacles

August 23–September 1

Nine of Pentacles

September 2–11

Ten of Pentacles

September 12–22

Two of Swords

September 23–October 2

Three of Swords

October 3–12

Four of Swords

October 13–22

Five of Cups

October 23–November 2

Six of Cups

November 3–12

Seven of Cups

November 13–22

Eight of Wands

November 23–December 2

Nine of Wands

December 3–12

Ten of Wands

December 13–21

Two of Pentacles

December 22–30

Three of Pentacles

December 31–January 9

Four of Pentacles

January 10–19

Five of Swords

January 20–29

Six of Swords

January 30–February 8

Seven of Swords

February 9–18

Eight of Cups

February 19–28

Nine of Cups

March 1–10

Ten of Cups

March 11–20

Timing Using the Court Cards

Queen of Wands

March 11–April 10

King of Pentacles

April 11–May 10

Knight of Swords

May 11–June 10

Queen of Cups

June 11–July 11

King of Wands

July 12–August 11

Knight of Pentacles

August 12–September 11

Queen of Swords

September 12–October 12

King of Cups

October 13–November 12

Knight of Wands

November 13–December 12

Queen of Pentacles

December 13–January 9

King of Swords

January 10–February 8

Knight of Cups

February 9–March 10

[contents]

cards