The Planets in the Signs
The mechanics of the Minor Arcana might seem technical and dry, but the assignments make it possible for all the correspondences to come to life in the imagery of the cards.
Picturing the Planets
You’ve already met the planets and signs, back in the section on the Major Arcana cards. Now, as you move through the Minor Arcana cards, you’ll meet them again.
Here the planets and signs take human form, just as they did in the Major Arcana. We first met Venus, for example, in the guise of the Empress—the goddess of love, beauty, and attraction. Normally, she’s focused on the attributes of her own sign, Libra, which measures social grace and balance. But when the Empresslike Venus finds herself as the planetary subruler of another sign, as she does in the fiery third decan of Aries, she also tries to work her magic there.
Naturally, some planets are more comfortable with some signs than others. Venus loves being in Libra, the sign that she rules. But send her to Aries, 180 degrees from her usual home, and she feels like a stranger in a strange land. She’s forced to work with elements, energies, and an environment that are completely different from her own—which means she’s at a distinct disadvantage.
Astrologers use a system of essential dignities to clarify how the planets will feel—and function—in the various signs of the zodiac. You might want to keep it in mind or refer to this chart as you try to picture the cards moving around the Wheel, visiting foreign lands and houses that aren’t their own.1
Dignities and Debilities
|
Planet |
Dignity (Domicile) |
Exaltation |
Detriment |
Fall |
|
Sun |
Leo |
Aries |
Aquarius |
Libra |
|
Moon |
Cancer |
Taurus |
Capricorn |
Scorpio |
|
Mercury |
Gemini/Virgo |
Virgo |
Sagittarius |
Pisces |
|
Venus |
Taurus/Libra |
Pisces |
Aries |
Virgo |
|
Mars |
Aries/Scorpio |
Capricorn |
Libra |
Cancer |
|
Jupiter |
Sagittarius/Pisces |
Cancer |
Gemini |
Capricorn |
|
Saturn |
Capricorn/Aquarius |
Libra |
Cancer |
Aries |
Dignity (Domicile) Planets feel at home in their domiciles, the signs they rule. The Sun is at home in Leo, for example, while the Moon is at home in Cancer. A planet in its own home is said to be in its highest form of dignity.
Detriment Planets that find themselves 180 degrees from their usual placement are as far from home as they can go. They’re forced to function in a land of opposites. They’re weak; the placement is a detriment.
Exaltation Each of the seven traditional planets has its exaltation in one zodiac sign, where their energy is compatible. Planets in exaltation are honored guests in another planet’s home. According to some astrologers, the exaltations were the original domiciles of the planets, before Adam and Eve’s fall from grace in the Garden of Eden.
Fall On the other hand, planets in fall are in a sign 180 degrees from their exaltation. Rather than being honored guests, they’re unwelcome visitors—humbled, dejected, and at their absolute weakest.
Planetary Powers
No matter what sign they land in, you’ll notice some common, recurring themes among the planets as they travel through the signs of the zodiac.
- The Sun, the central focus of cosmic energy and identity, highlights and personalizes everything it touches.
- The Moon, the orb of reflection and intuition, adds emotional depth and compassion.
- Mercury, the planet of speed and communication, adds a note of reason, logic, and intellectual understanding to all of its placements.
- Venus, the planet of love, attraction, and beauty, graces everything she touches with affection and benefic gifts.
- Mars, the warrior planet of aggression and assertion, powers its contact points with intensity, energy, and drive.
- Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, brings expansion and good fortune to everything in its path.
- Saturn, the ringed planet of limitations, boundaries, and restrictions, constricts everything it touches. While ancient astrologers thought of Saturn as a malefic planet, its influence isn’t always a negative. Saturn also offers structure and discipline to those he meets along his path.
Cosmic Connection:
Minor Arcana Correspondences and You
As you survey the Minor Arcana cards, you might notice that some of them describe the placement of planets in your birth chart. You might have Venus in Aries, for example. Does that mean you’re destined for a life of ballroom dancing, like the couple pictured on the Four of Wands?
Probably not. The Minor Arcana correspondences relate to the natural zodiac. They don’t really correspond to individual birth charts. In fact, any similarities they share with other planets and signs in a real-life chart are merely coincidental.
What’s more, the decans only address 36 possible combinations, so the odds are that none of the planets and signs described in the Minor Arcana cards will share the same placement as any of the planets and signs in your actual birth chart.
One of the Minor Arcana cards will correspond to your birth chart, though—based on your Sun sign. One of them will describe a significant facet of your personality or depict a theme in your life story.
To find the card that has the most significance for you, look at your birth chart and check the Sun’s position. The degree and minute should be clearly labeled. If your Sun is positioned between 0° and 10° of a sign, you were born during the first decan of the sign. If the Sun is positioned between 10° and 20° of a sign, you were born during the second decan. And if the Sun is positioned between 20° and 30° of a sign, you were born during the third decan. The card that corresponds to your decan should have some personal significance for you.
The Three Decans of Aries
Cardinal Fire: The Two, Three,
and Four of Wands
We’ll start our tour of the Minor Arcana with the cards that correspond to the three decanate divisions of Aries: the Two, Three, and Four of Wands.
Because Aries is a fire sign, the cards come from the fiery suit of Wands. And since it’s a cardinal sign, symbolic of new beginnings, the cards are the first three numbered cards of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Aries, the first in the zodiac, is the sign of leadership, authority, and beginnings. All three cards in Aries depict leaders and authority figures.
- Mode/Quality: Aries is also a cardinal sign. Just as cardinal signs usher in a change of seasons, the characters in the cards that belong to Aries initiate change. They’re decisive, quick, and energetic.
- Element: Aries is a fire sign, assigned to the suit of Wands. Both the element and the suit are impulsive, driven, courageous, direct, energetic, enthusiastic, and spontaneous.
- Duality: Fire signs are masculine: active, assertive, confident, direct, and energetic. They move in a linear fashion, from point A to point B.
- Corresponding Majors: Aries corresponds to the Emperor, and its ruling planet, Mars, corresponds to the Tower.
With that in mind, let’s look at the first decan of the first sign, and the first numbered card of the Minor Arcana.
Cosmic Connection: Honorary Titles
The Golden Dawn designers of the Minor Arcana cards gave honorary titles to the planets, to describe their powers as the subrulers of each sign.
While those archaic titles can be charming, they can also seem confusing and arcane. Just remember that the titles are meant to personalize the planets, so we can remember the roles they play.
The Six of Wands, for example, depicts Jupiter in Leo. No matter where it travels, Jupiter is a benefic planet—but when Jupiter moves through Leo, the sign of courage and strength, it rewards the bravery and daring that Leo can inspire. As a result, the Golden Dawn deck designers called Jupiter in Leo the “Lord of Victory,” because it dispenses victory as a reward for valor.
Lord of Dominion
We first met Mars and Aries in the Tower and the Emperor cards. Now the planet and the sign make a repeat appearance in the Two of Wands, where we see Mars as the master of his own domain.
The character in the card is a younger version of the Emperor, the Major Arcana card that corresponds to Aries. He’s bold, fierce, resolute, and shameless.
He’s seated comfortably on a battlement, a low wall of the Tower. In tarot, the Tower card corresponds to Mars, Aries’ ruling planet.
Like the Emperor, he holds a scale model of the universe in his hands—but in this case, the symbol of his power and control is a fireball, true to his fiery Aries nature, that he controls with the power of his mind.
The first decan of Aries depicts that energy in its initial, formative stages. The young man in the card has taken a spark from the Ace of Wands, and he’s shaped and molded it into a ball of fire.
Mars, the red planet, is the natural ruler of Aries. When Mars is in his own sign, he’s the king of the castle and the master of his realm. After all, he’s in his own element, in his own sign, in his own house. He’s the lord of all he surveys. In fact, the Golden Dawn designers of this card called it “Lord of Dominion” because it depicts Mars in its dignity—and dominion means governing authority and control of a territory.
In the Two of Wands, however, Mars isn’t just the ruler of sign; it’s the ruler of the first decan, too. That gives the Two of Wands an extra dose of powerful Mars energy. In fact, that’s the reason Mars rules the first decan: its fiery drive jump-starts the zodiac and pushes the Wheel of the Year into motion.2
Mars is the planet of energy, action, aggression, and defense. It symbolizes protection and self-preservation, along with self-assertion, courage, daring, fearlessness, spontaneity, passion, adventure, and violence. It rules competition and combat.
Qabalistically, the Two of Wands depicts the second sphere of wisdom, Chokmah. It’s positioned in Atziluth, the fiery world of inspiration. The young Emperor is actively engaged in conscious creation, reflection, and comparison.
In a tarot reading, the Two of Wands often symbolizes the establishment of a new business or enterprise.
The first decan of Aries usually falls between March 21 and 30, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Aries.
Lord of Established Strength
Who is that radiant young woman shining at the top of a hill? She’s a fiery ruler—another young version of the Aries Emperor—and with the Sun shining on her and her realm, she’s imbued with an endless supply of confidence, courage, and optimism. She also embodies her fair share of pride, nobility, and rulership.
The Sun is the source of heat and light, the center of our solar system, and the giver of life. In tarot, it symbolizes energy, enthusiasm, and enlightenment. From an astrological perspective, the Sun represents the ego, will, and self.
The Sun is exalted in Aries, where it serves as the subruler of the sign. It’s a visiting dignitary and an honored guest. Here, more than anywhere else in the zodiac, the Sun is recognized as a potent source of strength, wisdom, and enlightenment.
Aries, of course, is the first sign of the zodiac. It signifies leadership and initiation—and the Sun’s energy feeds Aries’ need to direct and control events.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card referred to the Sun in Aries as the “Lord of Established Strength.” The title describes the sheer power and force of the Sun—especially when its light shines on those in positions of power. In history and myth, the world’s most influential leaders were said to be crowned with the glory and radiance of the Sun; that’s one reason so many monarchs have worn gold headdresses as a sign of their divine right to rule.
As the picture of the Sun in Aries, the young woman in the Three of Wands has every reason to believe that she’s in a position of power, and that she is the master of her own destiny. She stands at the crest of a hill, high above the rest of the world.
The “Three” cards symbolize creativity, and in this case, the young woman’s creative powers have reached a certain height, just as Aries’ strength reaches a peak here at the height of its power in the second decan of the sign.
While the pinnacle of the hill does represent a high level of command and control, the Three of Wands is a still Minor Arcana card—so we can assume that she’s not particularly experienced, and that her strength hasn’t been fully tested. Even so, while she waits for her ship to come in, she knows that she’s made good decisions, and she seems confident that her hopes are about to be realized.
Qabalistically, the Three of Wands depicts Binah, the third sphere of understanding. It’s positioned in Atziluth, the fiery world of inspiration. The third sphere corresponds to Saturn, the planet of structure and form. The young woman in the card is coming to understand her place in that world.
In a tarot reading, the Three of Wands often symbolizes the creative drive that underlies the growth of a business or enterprise.
The second decan of Aries usually falls between March 31 and April 10, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Aries.
Lord of Perfected Work
Venus, the planet of love and affection, has to travel a long way to her assignment in the third decan of Aries. In fact, Venus is in her detriment here: she’s 180 degrees away from her own home on the other side of the zodiac, and Aries’ fiery energy is completely different than her airy Libra élan. To picture it in tarot terms, just imagine the Venusian Empress leaving her lush and fertile arboretum to visit the Emperor in his desert-like, Aries-influenced office.
Happily, Venus is always a beneficial planet, and her grace and charm bless every sign she touches. The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Venus in Aries the “Lord of Perfected Work,” because it illustrates the subtle beauty, style, and refinement that Venus brings to brash Aries.
The Four of Wands is the card of the dance. It’s a metaphor for collaboration and cooperation. In a tarot reading, the Four of Wands often symbolizes a marriage or a partnership.
That’s something that the young man from the Two of Wands and the young woman from the Three of Wands can take to heart, as they practice their dance steps and learn to work in concert with each other. As emperors in training, they’ll need to learn how to synchronize their movements.
Venus is the planet of pleasure, music, dance, creativity, and the arts. It’s the planet of beauty and attraction, and the resulting friendships and romances that result. Venus—which also rules the fixed earth sign of Taurus—also enjoys the comfort and stability that love and partnership can bring.
Let’s not forget, either, that Venus corresponds to the Empress card. She’s a natural match for the Emperor, the Major Arcana card that corresponds to this sign. Here in the Four of Wands, Venus aligns herself with the purpose-driven energy of Aries, and she teaches it to dance. So even though Venus is in its detriment in Aries, forced to join forces and work with a warrior mentality, the planet still manages to cast a romantic glow over an otherwise single-minded sign.
The Four of Wands could also reflect a young emperor’s determination and desire to find an empress who can help him rule his empire.
Qabalistically, the Four of Wands depicts Chesed, the fourth sphere of mercy. It’s positioned in Atziluth, the fiery world of inspiration. The fourth sphere corresponds to Jupiter, the planet of expansion. The young couple is solidifying their relationship and learning to reach out and grow with one another.
The third decan of Aries usually falls between April 11 and 20, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Aries.
The Three Decans of Taurus
Fixed Earth: The Five, Six,
and Seven of Pentacles
We’ll continue our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Taurus: the Five, Six, and Seven of Pentacles.
Because Taurus is an earth sign, the cards come from the earthy suit of pentacles. And since it’s a fixed sign, well-established and firmly set in place, the cards come from the middle of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, is the sign of possessions, wealth, and spiritual treasures. All three cards in Taurus depict people dealing with issues that relate to money and values.
- Mode/Quality: Taurus is a fixed sign, stationed securely in the middle month of spring. The corresponding cards from the middle of the suit embody a stable, persistent energy.
- Element: Taurus is an earth sign, so it corresponds with the suit of pentacles. Both the element and the suit are solid, reliable, responsible, practical, physical, and enduring.
- Duality: Earth signs are feminine. They are receptive, reactive, magnetic, responsive, and patient, and their energy flows in a circular pattern.
- Corresponding Majors: The Hierophant corresponds to the sign of Taurus, while the Empress corresponds to Taurus’ ruling planet, Venus.
Five of Pentacles:
Mercury in Taurus
Lord of Material Trouble
When Mercury, the Magician, finds himself in Taurus, his focus shifts. Normally, he’s busy on the intellectual plane—a role that corresponds to his rulership over Gemini, the sign of communication, and Virgo, the sign of work and service to others. Here in the Five of Pentacles, however, mental Mercury is suddenly thrust into a cold, cruel world where he has to fight for physical survival.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Mercury in Taurus the “Lord of Material Trouble,” because high-flying Mercury is weighed down here by the limits of physical existence. In earthy Taurus, Mercury is earthbound. He’s trapped in human form, weighed down by the limits of physical existence—but he can transcend the physical world by turning to the spiritual realm of spiritual teaching and tradition.
Like all the cards in Taurus, the Five of Pentacles is connected to the Hierophant—and here, the pontiff is close at hand, just inside the cathedral. The light shining through the windows symbolizes the illuminated wisdom that the teacher of tradition has to offer.
Much of that wisdom focuses on the earthly realities of life on this planet, where we find our spiritual selves embodied in human form. If we’re not careful, we can forget that our physical forms don’t define our existence.
Like all the cards in the suit of pentacles, Taurus is associated with structure and stability, material security, and spiritual values. While Aries, the preceding sign, was focused on consciousness and self-awareness, Taurus is concerned with material and physical well-being.
It’s a natural progression. Anyone who can comprehend his own existence will also recognize his mortality—and when safety and security aren’t assured, most people don’t have time for high-minded philosophy and spiritual ruminations. Survival is every living creature’s first order of business.
That’s one reason Taurus puts such emphasis on material possessions. Tangible goods represent physical security, along with a conditional guarantee that one’s earthly existence will continue.
Qabalistically, the Five of Pentacles depicts Geburah, the fifth sphere of power, strength, and severity. It corresponds to Mars, the planet of war. The outcasts are wandering through Assiah, the material world, and they’re facing the challenges of physical existence.
In a tarot reading, the Five of Pentacles often symbolizes a spiritual refuge and a haven from physical discomfort.
The first decan of Taurus usually falls between April 21 and 30, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Taurus.
Six of Pentacles:
Moon in Taurus
Lord of Material Success
The Moon, like her counterpart the High Priestess, is exalted in Taurus. When she visits the sign, she’s an honored guest—and she brings housewarming gifts.
Her presence explains the charitable giving shown in the card.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called the Moon in Taurus the “Lord of Material Success,” because it depicts the blessings of comfort and security that the silvery Moon bestows in Taurus, the sign of material and spiritual treasure.
It’s not often that we associate wealth with the silvery orb of reflection—but money, like the Moon, often comes and goes in cycles. Income and expenses can ebb and flow like the tides. A silver coin in your hand can catch and reflect light like the Moon—and money, even in theory, can be just as mesmerizing as the silent guardian of the night. Both money and the Moon can symbolize the cyclical nature of life, passages, and transitions, and nurturing feminine energy.
In the Six of Pentacles, the benefactor with coins to share is a younger version of the Hierophant, showering his acolytes with blessings. The coins represent wisdom, charity, or karmic reward. The scales of Libra make an appearance in this card, too, since Taurus and Libra are both ruled by Venus.
Qabalistically, the Six of Pentacles depicts Tipareth, the sixth sphere of beauty. It corresponds to the Sun, a symbol of radiance and enlightenment. It’s positioned in Assiah, the material world, and the three people in the card are discovering the pleasure of sharing their wealth.
In a tarot reading, the Six of Pentacles often represents prosperity, power, and influence, and the charitable giving that can stem from business success. The card can represent either the giver or the receiver.
The second decan of Taurus usually falls between May 1 and 10, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Taurus.
Seven of Pentacles:
Saturn in Taurus
Lord of Success Unfulfilled
Saturn, the ringed planet of limitations and restrictions, imposes structure and discipline on everything it touches. When Saturn lands in Taurus, a sign of growth and fertility, it enforces a waiting period before harvest and reward.
When we first met Saturn in the World card, crowned with the laurel wreath of victory, completion and success seemed like a sure thing. Saturn’s presence in the Seven of Pentacles, however, reminds us that real victory demands a long-term investment of physical endurance and spiritual strength. In this case, Saturn serves as a patient taskmaster, teaching the value of determination and perseverance.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Saturn in Taurus the “Lord of Success Unfulfilled,” because he delays gratification and reward until they’ve been earned.
Like Kronos, the god of time, Saturn forces us to learn self-discipline, to manage our time wisely, and to allow nature—and life—to run its natural course. Saturn reminds us that the world is bigger than any one individual, and that others will eventually impose their will on us if we can’t control ourselves.
Like all the Minor Arcana cards of Taurus, the Seven of Pentacles is connected to the Hierophant and the Empress. The Hierophant—the embodiment of Taurus—knows that our possessions reflect our values. The Hierophant’s ruler, the Venusian Empress, can take that message a step further: we value things more when we wait for them. Every woman who has ever given birth—like the Empress, who is perpetually pregnant—can tell you that the last few months of pregnancy seem to stretch on far beyond their actual measure. She can also tell you that anticipation makes the final reward sweeter.
Qabalistically, the Seven of Pentacles depicts Netzach, the seventh sphere of beauty. It corresponds to Venus, the planet of love and attraction. It’s positioned in Assiah, the material world, and the young gardener is contemplating the beauty of physical growth and development.
In a tarot reading, the Seven of Pentacles often symbolizes patience and reward, obstacles and delays, and worries about expected outcomes.
The third decan of Taurus usually falls between May 11 and 20, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Taurus.
The Three Decans of Gemini
Mutable Air: The Eight, Nine, and Ten of Swords
We’ll continue our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Gemini: the Eight, Nine, and Ten of Swords.
Because Gemini is an air sign, the cards come from the airy suit of Swords. And since it’s a mutable sign, symbolic of endings and transitions, the cards are the last three numbered cards of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac, is the sign of intellect and communication. All three cards in Gemini depict intellectual concerns.
- Mode/Quality: Gemini is a mutable sign, transitioning from the last month of spring to the first month of summer. The corresponding cards from the end of the suit depict a versatile, flexible energy.
- Element: Gemini is an air sign, so it corresponds with the suit of Swords. Both the element and the suit are intellectual, communicative, social, changeable, curious, and versatile.
- Duality: Air signs are masculine. They are active, assertive, confident, direct, and energetic. They move in a linear fashion, from point A to point B.
- Corresponding Majors: Gemini is connected to the Lovers, and to the Magician, which corresponds to its ruling planet, Mercury.
Eight of Swords:
Jupiter in Gemini
Lord of Shortened Force
The first decan of Gemini is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion. Normally, you’d probably think that would be a good thing. In theory, Jupiter could give airy, intellectual Gemini all the room it needs to let its mind roam free.
Gemini, however, doesn’t need any help coming up with new ideas. In fact, Gemini already has more interests than he could ever fully explore—and multiplying those options won’t make life any easier.
If you’ve ever seen a Gemini surrounded by a half-dozen half-done projects, unable to focus long enough to finish one before moving on to the next, you’ll understand. An endless array of openings and opportunities isn’t necessarily liberating.
The Eight of Swords illustrates the problem. The woman in the card is paralyzed by possibility. She’s surrounded by a multitude of options, but she can’t see the forest for the trees. She’s trapped in a mental prison of her own making; she is stuck in the middle of Jupiter’s Wheel of Fortune. She’s alone, too. She’s separated from her companion on the Lovers card, and she doesn’t have her Gemini soulmate along to keep her company.
As it turns out, Jupiter is in its detriment in Gemini. The planet is 180 degrees from its natural home in the zodiac, so it’s forced to work with energies that are radically different from its own.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Jupiter in Gemini the “Lord of Shortened Force,” because it illustrates the crippling effect of too much of a good thing.
Qabalistically, the Eight of Swords depicts the eighth sphere of splendor, Hod. It corresponds to Mercury, the planet of thought and communication. It’s positioned in Yetzirah, the airy realm of thought. The Swords that surround the young woman in the card exist solely in her mind, and her bondage will be short-lived.
In a tarot reading, the Eight of Swords often represents entrapment. It can also symbolize the process of initiation, and the recognition and reawakening that occur when you’re forced to assess your situation and focus on your goals.
The first decan of Gemini usually falls between May 21 and 31, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Gemini.
Nine of Swords:
Mars in Gemini
Lord of Despair and Cruelty
Mars, the planet of energy and aggression, doesn’t tone down his warlike nature when he travels through the signs. In fact, when he steps in as the ruler of Gemini’s second decan, he finds a whole arsenal of mental weaponry at his disposal. In Gemini, Mars doesn’t play war games—he plays mind games.
Fully armed with verbal and intellectual ammunition, Mars bombards his adversaries with a full battle array. He imprisons them in a tower of despair. He launches insults and criticism, harsh words and wicked thoughts. He plants seeds of doubt in a trusting mind, and unleashes stealth attacks in the form of nightmares and unconscious fears. He’ll try every tactic in turn, in an unrelenting assault on the opponent of his choosing.
In the Nine of Swords, Mars’ hapless target happens to be a young woman. She sits upright in bed and tries to clear her mind, but she can’t sleep while her thoughts race through enemy territory.
There’s a fine line between love and hate, and this card’s link to the Gemini Lovers reminds us that former friends and confidants make the cruelest opponents. They know our weaknesses, and they’re willing to exploit them. The Nine of Swords’ connection to the Magician card also reminds us of Mercury’s shadow side, in which the trickster god took a perverse pleasure in undermining those who trusted him.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Mars in Gemini the “Lord of Despair and Cruelty,” because it illustrates the brutal effect of a mental assault under the cover of darkness.
Qabalistically, the Nine of Swords depicts Yesod, the ninth sphere of foundation. It corresponds to the Moon, the orb of reflection. It’s positioned in Yetzirah, the airy realm of thought. The young woman’s worries are merely shadows in the night; her concerns have no basis in reality.
In a tarot reading, the Nine of Swords often represents restless nights, anxious dreams, insomnia, and panic attacks.
The second decan of Gemini usually falls between June 1 and 10, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Gemini.
Lord of Ruin
The third and last decan of Gemini is ruled by the Sun, the fiery orb of consciousness and enlightenment.
The Sun usually seems like a benevolent force: always shining, always beaming, always radiating light and life. Too much Sun, however, can burn—especially when it reveals the truth.
Gemini is a talkative sign. Unfortunately, talk often leads to backstabbing, gossip, slander, libel, and vicious personal attacks. Even when Gemini’s intellectual energy is self-contained, it can pierce our confidence with pains of self-doubt.
When the Sun passes by, however, it clears away clouds and illuminates shadows, exposing the truth in the bright light of day.
Sadly, sometimes the truth hurts—especially when the Sun reveals the politics of personal destruction.
If the Nine of Swords showed the woman from the Lovers, the Ten of Swords shows the man. Both have been wounded by the trickster aspect of their ruling planet, and the young man’s wounds aren’t the kind that heal well.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called the Sun in Gemini the “Lord of Ruin,” because it reveals the unavoidable truth of an untenable situation.
While the illustration looks cruel, it also represents full consciousness and release. Nothing is hidden anymore. The Sun in Gemini delivers a coup de grâce—a final, freeing blow. The suffering ends. The soul is liberated by complete and total enlightenment. The mind is free to roam, unburdened by physical form and unhindered by gravity. At last, a higher consciousness is possible, and ruin can be followed by rebuilding.
Qabalistically, the Ten of Swords depicts Malkuth, the tenth sphere of earthly reality. It’s positioned in Yetzirah, the airy plane of thought. The young man is pinned to the ground by verbal and intellectual attacks that are every bit as debilitating as physical assaults.
In a tarot reading, the Ten of Swords often represents overkill, death and rebirth, and the cycle of endings and beginnings.
The third decan of Gemini usually falls between June 11 and 20, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Gemini.
The Three Decans of Cancer
Cardinal Water: The Two, Three, and Four of Cups
We’ll leave the spring months of Aries, Taurus, and Gemini behind and continue our tour of the decans with Cancer—the first sign of summer.
Because Cancer is a water sign, the cards come from the watery suit of Cups. And since it’s a cardinal sign, symbolic of new beginnings, the cards are the first three numbered cards of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is the sign of home and family life. All three cards in Cancer depict people dealing with emotional or relationship issues.
- Mode/Quality: Cancer is also a cardinal sign. Just as cardinal signs usher in a change of seasons, the characters in the cards that belong to Cancer initiate change. They are decisive, quick, and energetic.
- Element: Cancer is a water sign, so it corresponds to the watery suit of Cups. Both the element and the suit are emotional, changeable, subtle, intuitive, and flowing.
- Duality: Water signs are feminine. They are receptive, reactive, magnetic, responsive, and patient, and their energy flows in a circular pattern.
- Corresponding Majors: Cancer is associated with the Chariot, and its ruling planet, the Moon, with the High Priestess.
Lord of Love
If the young lovers in the Two of Cups seem a little starstruck, it’s no accident: powerful forces have drawn them together. Venus, the planet of love and romance, has made her way into the nurturing sign of Cancer—and she’s been playing matchmaker. The young couple in the card could very well be an adolescent version of a Charioteer in training and the girl who will someday assume the Empress’ throne.
Venus is the planet of pleasure and attraction. Her counterpart in the tarot is the Empress, a loving mother who’s naturally attuned to the energy of Cancer, as well as the fourth house of home and family life.
Venus rules the fixed earth sign of Taurus, so she enjoys the comfort and stability that true love and partnership can bring. When she steps in as the ruler of Cancer’s first decan, she simply lights a few candles, plays love songs in the background, and lets nature take its course.
The young lovers in the Two of Cups are depicted in the first blush of romance. Here in the first decan of what is arguably the most sentimental sign, their affection for each other seems especially wholesome and pure, innocent and uncorrupted by time or experience. They are opposites, but opposites attract. They meet in the middle.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Venus in Cancer the “Lord of Love,” because it illustrates the sweetness and purity of true love.
This Minor Arcana cards of Cancer corresponds to the Chariot and its ruling planet, the lunar High Priestess. That connection tells us that, for now, the young couple is protected by a mother’s love—but that safeguard won’t last forever. Over time, they’ll gain wisdom and experience as their affection for each other is tested, and both people grow and mature. Most of us learn along the way that experience comes at a cost, and early relationships often leave us sadder, but wiser.
Qabalistically, the Two of Cups depicts Chokmah, the second sphere of wisdom. It’s positioned in Briah, the watery world of fertility and creation. The young couple in the card is starting to create a life together, and they’ll learn from their shared experiences.
In a tarot reading, the Two of Cups often represents love—especially between childhood sweethearts, kindred spirits, and soul mates. It symbolizes equal partnership and the attraction of opposites.
The first decan of Cancer usually falls between June 21 and July 1, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Cancer.
Three of Cups:
Mercury in Cancer
Lord of Abundance
It’s been a good year, and after a mild spring and a temperate summer, three women have gathered to celebrate a bountiful harvest. After a glass or two of wine, they’ll also divide the yield—all in the spirit of Mercury, the god of commerce and exchange.
Here in the second decan of Cancer, Mercury reveals a side of himself that’s been largely overlooked. While Mercury is the god of speed and communication, he’s also the god of marketing and trade. He’s used to the exchange of ideas—but he’s also an expert in the exchange of goods.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Mercury in Cancer the “Lord of Abundance,” because the planetary energy is focused on material exchanges and stockpiles.
Mercury is the natural ruler of Gemini and Virgo, which benefit from his expertise in business communication. Cancer welcomes that expertise, too. Cancer is the sign of home and family life, and the maternal figures that rule the sign—the Cancerian Charioteer and her ruling planet, the Moon—recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy store of provisions for the long, cold months of winter.
The Moon’s influence is subtly reinforced in the imagery of the card. Most versions of the Three of Cups feature three women. The trio is easy to identify as the three faces of the goddess—maiden, mother, and crone—who are reflected in the ever-changing face of the Moon. Every month, the Moon itself embodies the three stages of womanhood as it cycles from waxing, to full, to waning.
Some tarot readers compare the three women in the card to the three fates, the mystic sisters who know every man and woman’s destiny from the moment of their birth. Mercury does rule sibling relationships, and he could certainly have a hand in the three sisters’ celebration.
There’s also a side of Mercury that loves to party, and the celebration here takes on an almost Dionysian quality. That could be related to Cancer’s watery influence: those who submerge themselves in the world of emotion might occasionally find themselves submerged in a few drinks, too. Mercury, the great communicator and the playful trickster, celebrating good fortune and toasting success. Cancer, the sign of homemaking and nurturing, happy to be secure in a harvest bounty sure to last through the coming winter months.
Qabalistically, the Three of Cups depicts Binah, the third sphere of understanding. It corresponds to Saturn, the planet of structure. It’s positioned in Briah, the watery world of fertility and creation. The three young women in the card are kindred spirits, with a deep emotional connection to one another, and a shared investment in their physical well-being.
In a tarot reading, the Three of Cups often represents a successful harvest, a celebration, a reward for effort and hard work, and prosperity to last through the winter months.
The second decan of Cancer usually falls between July 2 and 11, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Cancer.
Lord of Blended Pleasure
The Moon is the natural ruler of Cancer, so the High Priestess is in her dignity here. You might want to give her some space, though: as both the ruler and the subruler of the sign, the Four of Cups gets a double dose of lunar energy.
At least once a month, the Moon needs to go into hiding, to decompress and shake off the emotions she’s picked up in her travels around the zodiac. As the High Priestess, a natural psychic and empath, she spends most of her time reflecting—and absorbing—energy and emotions from everyone around her. In Cancer, the sign of sensitivity and self-protection, the Moon can rebuild her strength, recharge her battery, tend to any cracks in her crab shell, and re-attune herself to the rhythms and cycles of the natural world. She can resume her circuitous route as a guiding light for the traveling Charioteer.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called the Moon in Cancer the “Lord of Blended Pleasure,” because it illustrates the quickly changing moods of the Moon in her own sign. Give Cancer some time, and she’ll eventually put on a happy face.
Qabalistically, the Four of Cups depicts Chesed, the fourth sphere of mercy. It corresponds to Jupiter, the planet of expansion. It’s positioned in Briah, the watery world of fertility and creation. The young man in the card is experiencing an outpouring of emotion—but in the process, he’s being offered a generous gift of awareness and strength.
In a tarot reading, the Four of Cups often represents disappointment, disillusionment, and disenchantment—often despite an abundance of resources. Sometimes, that abundance is the very cause of the sadness: possessions, in and of themselves, are rarely a source of pleasure. In other words, money can’t buy happiness.
The third decan of Cancer usually falls between July 12 and 21, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Cancer.
The Three Decans of Leo
Fixed Fire: The Five, Six, and Seven of Wands
We’ll continue our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Leo: the Five, Six, and Seven of Wands.
Because it’s a fire sign, the cards come from the fiery suit of Wands. And since it’s a fixed sign, illustrating established principles, the cards come from the middle of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac, is the sign of creativity, recreation, and procreation. All three cards in Leo depict people dealing with creativity issues.
- Mode/Quality: Leo is a fixed sign that reigns over the middle month of summer. The corresponding cards from the middle of the suit embody a stable, persistent energy.
- Element: Leo is a fire sign, so it corresponds to the suit of Wands. Both the element and the suit are impulsive, driven, courageous, direct, energetic, enthusiastic, and spontaneous.
- Duality: Fire signs are masculine. They are active, assertive, confident, direct, and energetic. They move in a linear fashion, from point A to point B.
- Corresponding Majors: The Strength card corresponds to Leo and the Sun card corresponds to Leo’s ruling planet, the Sun.
Lord of Strife
The first decan of Leo is ruled by Saturn, the ringed planet of boundaries, limitations, and restrictions. You might think that sounds oppressive, but take another look at the card. Here, five solitary practitioners are trying to join forces—and a few guidelines are definitely in order.
Leo can be self-centered, which is what got the five free and independent spirits in the card each going her own way. Normally, Leo is the star of the show. It’s also a sign of courage and fortitude, as seen on the corresponding Strength card. The sign is ruled by the Sun—the center of the universe—so Leo is used to being the center of attention. In the worst-case scenario, the astrological influence can even lead to boldness, cruelty, lust, and violence.
If the young magicians want to accomplish anything as part of a group, they’ll need the discipline and structure that Saturn, the planet of framework, can bring.
Of course, rivalries could ensue—but in this case, Saturn will direct their energy through regulated channels. The resulting competition will help their skills improve faster and more efficiently than even the most dutiful, self-motivated student could master on her own. In the end, they’ll be masters of both the physical and spiritual world—as seen on the World card itself.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Saturn in Leo the “Lord of Strife.” While unfriendly competition is our modern understanding of the word, strife used to refer to a strenuous or earnest effort, too. It’s related to the concept of striving for improvement.
Qabalistically, the Five of Wands depicts Geburah, the fifth sphere of power and severity. It corresponds to Mars, the planet of war. It’s positioned in Atziluth, the fiery world of inspiration. The group of young practitioners in the card must come to terms with each other before they can make magic together.
In a tarot reading, the Five of Wands often represents a mock battle, adolescent conflict, effort, and opposition.
The first decan of Leo usually falls between July 22 and August 1, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Leo.
Lord of Victory
If you’re looking for a guarantee of honor and acclaim, you’ve found it in the Six of Wands. Here, in the second decan of Leo, Jupiter puts Leo in the spotlight, and hands the sign all the praise and adulation it craves.
This is where Leo is at its best, shining at the height of its thirty-day reign on the Wheel of the Year. Leo is being heralded as a conquering hero, the star of the show, the center of attention, and the man of the hour—which is why the Golden Dawn designers of this card called Jupiter in Leo the “Lord of Victory.”
Like a lion, Leo’s signature creature, the hero of the Six of Wands can overcome quarreling, ignorance, and pretenders—and step into the spotlight as a confident, optimistic, and inspiring leader. Jupiter, the great Benefic that spins the Wheel of Fortune, gives the young hero of the Strength card a forum for leadership and acclaim.
Qabalistically, the Six of Wands depicts Tipareth, the sixth sphere of beauty and harmony. It corresponds to the Sun, a symbol of enlightenment and recognition. It’s positioned in Atziluth, the fiery world of inspiration. The young hero who sets herself apart from the crowd is learning how to harmonize her vision of the future with a group of enthusiastic believers and followers.
In a tarot reading, the Six of Wands often symbolizes success, admiration, and a position at the head of the crowd. Many renditions of the card feature a triumphal parade, born of a courageous conquest and victory in battle.
The card also serves as a reminder, though, that leaders are more than just a face in the crowd. Leadership also comes with responsibility and a certain noblesse oblige.
The second decan of Leo usually falls between August 2 and 11, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Leo.
Lord of Valor
Whatever Mars touches, he imbues with a warrior’s spirit. In the last decan of Leo, Mars gives a final boost to the natural courage and drive of the sign. He turns an ordinary mortal into a being of superhuman strength and ability.
Leo—which rules the heart—is all heart, and Mars gives Leo the will and determination it needs to fight for his heart’s desire.
War is just as often fought defensively as offensively, and always in support of one’s principles and beliefs. In this case, Mars inspires Leo to stand his ground, to face his opponents with bravery and skill.
The encroaching Wands aren’t necessarily those of antagonistic forces: you could read the card as an illustration of leadership and courage, too. The young man at the top of the hill could be rallying his troops, and leading his followers into battle or forward into new adventures and experiences. The Martian warrior could be leading an assault, and storming an enemy’s Tower or fortress.
In either case, he’s the king of the hill. He holds the higher moral ground. The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Mars in Leo the “Lord of Valor.” Valor, of course, is another word for courage.
Qabalistically, the Seven of Wands depicts Netzach, the seventh sphere of victory. It corresponds to Venus, the planet of love and attraction. It’s positioned in Atziluth, the fiery world of inspiration. The young man in the card has the drive and desire to defend his dreams.
In a tarot reading, the Seven of Wands often symbolizes the courage to take a stand in the face of obstacles, opposition, and overwhelming odds. It’s the picture of assertiveness, self-defense, and determination.
The third decan of Leo usually falls between August 12 and 22, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Leo.
The Three Decans of Virgo
Mutable Earth: The Eight, Nine, and Ten of Pentacles
We’ll continue our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Virgo, the Eight, Nine, and Ten of Pentacles.
Because it’s an earth sign, the cards come from the earthy suit of Pentacles. And since it’s a mutable sign, illustrating conclusions and the corresponding transition to new beginnings, the cards come from the end of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac, is the sign of work, duty, and responsibility to others. All three cards in Virgo depict people dealing with service issues; they’ll either be in service to others, or on the receiving end of services from others.
- Mode/Quality: Virgo is a mutable sign, transitioning from the last month of summer to the first month of fall. The corresponding cards from the end of the suit depict a versatile, flexible energy.
- Element: Virgo is an earth sign, so it corresponds with the suit of pentacles. Both the element and the suit are solid, reliable, responsible, practical, physical, and enduring.
- Duality: Earth signs are feminine. They are receptive, reactive, magnetic, responsive, and patient, and their energy flows in a circular pattern.
- Corresponding Majors: The Hermit corresponds to Virgo and the Magician corresponds to Virgo’s ruling planet, Mercury.
Eight of Pentacles:
Sun in Virgo
Lord of Prudence
The Sun enlightens everything it shines upon, including the Virgo stonemason at his workbench. Like the Hermit, its Major Arcana counterpart, Virgo is diligent and persevering, devoted to his craft, dedicated to perfection, and true to his word.
The Sun enhances all of those qualities. It makes the apprentice even more conscientious, detail-minded, and meticulous. In short, the Sun’s appearance provides a cosmic boost and influx of energy, opportunity, enlightenment, and optimism.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called the Sun in Virgo the “Lord of Prudence,” because it depicts the virtue of dedication, sound judgment, and appropriate behavior.
Prudence is the one cardinal virtue missing from the tarot’s Major Arcana. Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude all have their place in the deck—even if Fortitude does go by the name of Strength. Cardinal virtues are developed through practice. Symbolically speaking, the young man in the Eight of Pentacles isn’t just developing a trade or a skill. By working diligently at his craft, he’s also refining his character.
Qabalistically, the Eight of Pentacles depicts Hod, the eighth sphere of splendor and glory. It corresponds to Mercury, the planet of thought and communication. It’s positioned in Assiah, the material world of earthly existence. It’s a card of success and achievement in the physical world—especially when accomplishments are based on creative plans and ideas.
In a tarot reading, the Eight of Pentacles often represents a high-level apprenticeship, the ability to sell one’s services, and an opportunity grow and develop through work and service. The young man in the card is literally making money.
The first decan of Virgo usually falls between August 23 and September 1, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Virgo.
Nine of Pentacles:
Venus in Virgo
Lord of Material Gain
Here we see Venus, the Empress, given rulership over part of the Hermit’s realm. Even in isolation, she surrounds herself with objects of beauty and comfort, symmetry, and balance.
When Venus visits the second decan of Virgo, she’s in her fall—180 degrees from her exaltation in Pisces. Normally, planets in fall are like unwelcome visitors—humbled, dejected, and at their absolute weakest.
Venus, however, is always a benefic planet, so even when she seems to have fallen from grace, she manages to transform her environment into a place of pleasure and contentment. She has tamed the plants that grow there, just as she has tamed the falcon on her gloved hand. She is calm and placid, and knows that even in the slumber and solitude of winter, she can commune with the beauty of nature.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Venus in Virgo the “Lord of Material Gain,” because Venus comes bearing gifts of prosperity and possessions. In fact, the card occasionally symbolizes money from an inheritance or a bequest.
Qabalistically, the Nine of Pentacles depicts Yesod, the ninth sphere of foundation. It corresponds to the Moon, the orb of reflection. It’s positioned in Assiah, the material world of earthly existence. The young woman in the Nine of Pentacles is reflecting on her physical surroundings.
In a tarot reading, the Nine of Pentacles often represents time spent in peaceful solitude. It suggests a measure of comfort and security, as well as protection from the harsh realities of the outside world.
The second decan of Virgo usually falls between September 2 and 11, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Virgo.
Ten of Pentacles:
Mercury in Virgo
Lord of Wealth
Mercury is exalted in Virgo, which means the messenger planet is an honored guest in the Hermit’s home. He comes bearing messages from the outside world. He unites brothers, sisters, and extended family members: aunts, uncles, and cousins. He has an affectionate pat for the dog; the care and feeding of pets is a sixth-house Virgo concern. Most importantly, Mercury maintains his role as god of prosperity.
Wealth isn’t just monetary. True wealth refers to several forms of currency: happy family relationships, healthy boundaries, a comfortable, organized, and efficient home, and money for both needs and wants. Each generation has its own space, delineated by clearly defined boundaries in the card. The walls and arched doorways symbolize a certain recognition of each person’s need for privacy and respect. It’s interesting to note that two dogs play a prominent role in the illustration. The sixth house is the house of pets, because caring for pets is a duty and responsibility that must be managed on a daily basis.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Mercury in Virgo the “Lord of Wealth,” because it illustrates the fullness and richness of a life well lived. Qabalistically, the Ten of Pentacles depicts Malkuth, the tenth sphere of our earthly reality. It’s positioned in Assiah, the material world of earthly existence. The three generations in the card are enjoying the fruits of physical existence.
In a tarot reading, the Ten of Pentacles often represents wealth, business success, inheritance, and multigenerational family relationships. The people in the card enjoy each other’s company—in part because they recognize and respect each other’s differences. They are prosperous, not just in material terms, but also spiritually and emotionally. The third decan of Virgo usually falls between September 12 and 22, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Virgo.
The Three Decans of Libra
Cardinal Air: The Two, Three, and Four of Swords
We’ll continue our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Libra: the Two, Three, and Four of Swords.
Because Libra is an air sign, the cards come from the airy suit of Swords. And since it’s a cardinal sign, illustrating initiation and new beginnings, the cards come from the beginning of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac, is the sign of relationships and intimate partnerships. All three cards in Libra depict people dealing with relationship issues.
- Mode/Quality: Libra is also a cardinal sign. Just as cardinal signs usher in a change of seasons, the characters in the cards that belong to Libra initiate change. They’re decisive, quick, and energetic.
- Element: Libra is an air sign, so it corresponds with the suit of Swords. Both are intellectual, communicative, social, changeable, curious, and versatile.
- Duality: Air signs are masculine. They are active, assertive, confident, direct, and energetic. They move in a linear fashion, from point A to point B.
- Corresponding Majors: Justice is associated with the sign of Libra, and the Empress is assigned to Libra’s ruling planet, Venus.
Lord of Peace Restored
Two lunar goddesses merge in the Two of Swords, a card of deep reflection, contemplation, and intuition.
We first met the Moon in the guise of the High Priestess—a lunar goddess and a guide to hidden mysteries. When she steps in to serve as subruler of Libra, she merges with Justice, the archetypal goddess assigned to the sign of balance and equanimity.
Most renditions of this card feature a young woman seated alone on a shoreline, contemplating a difficult choice between two extremes. During the first ten days of the month, Libra is ruled by the Moon—the heavenly orb of intuition, not reason. So while the woman in the card is focused on a rational and balanced discernment, she’s blindfolded and forced to rely on her intuition in order to come to a decision.
Visually speaking, the illustration is an echo of the Justice card. In this case, the woman in the card resembles a younger version of the goddess of Justice—but she herself is the scale, weighing both sides of an issue.
Libra is an air sign; without the influence of the Moon, she might seem detached from the watery, emotional side of the issue. The Moon, however, connects her to the emotional realm.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called the Moon in Libra the “Lord of Peace Restored,” because the Moon graces Libra with the gift of reflection, acceptance, and understanding.
The card itself is balanced at the halfway point of the wheel of the year. Libra is a cardinal sign, and when the Sun enters the sign each September, the season of fall begins.
She might be torn between two lovers. Libra rules the seventh house of relationships, which suggests that the young woman’s concerns originate in the realm of partnerships and attractions. Because the Two of Swords is a Minor Arcana card—and because it’s positioned in the early, first decan of Libra—it’s not unrealistic to imagine that the woman in the card is young and inexperienced in affairs of the heart.
It’s also possible that she’s discovering a foundational truth in the book of love: we have to know and accept ourselves before we can be truly intimate with others. The symbolism of the blindfold does suggest a search for inner peace and understanding.
It might also hint at an initiation; some secret societies blindfold their newest members during their swearing-in.
Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and affection. In tarot, Venus corresponds to the Empress card. Like any loving mother, the young woman in the card doesn’t see external appearances. Instead, she’s attuned to inner beauty—even if the object of her affection has a face only a mother could love.
Qabalistically, the Two of Swords depicts Chokmah, the second sphere of wisdom. It’s positioned in Yetzirah, the airy plane of thought. That makes it a card of carefully considered decision-making and discrimination.
In a tarot reading, the Two of Swords often symbolizes a difficult decision or a choice between two paths.
The first decan of Libra usually falls between September 23 and October 2, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Libra.
Three of Swords:
Saturn in Libra
Lord of Sorrow
Most versions of theThree of Swords feature blood-filled, beating heart, pinned to a backdrop of rain and clouds by three silver swords.
The second decan of Libra is ruled by Saturn—the ringed planet of boundaries and limitations—and at this point, Libra is forced to recognize its restrictions all too well.
That explains the grief and sorrow associated with the Three of Swords. Despite the fact that Libra is at the height of its power and potential, it’s not free to float among the clouds as its airy, intellectual nature would like. Instead, Libra is weighed down by the wordly restrictions that Saturn imposes.
Some of those impediments are simply the result of being human. On earth, our time is limited, and our physical, spiritual, and emotional energy is closely tied to our bodies and our surroundings. In Roman mythology, Saturn was the Titan god who consumed his own children. The Greeks knew Saturn as Kronos, the god of time. Those ancient myths illustrate the fact that no one lives forever, and that time will eventually take us and all our creations, too.
Libra’s emphasis on relationships also generates its own fair share of sorrow. While we tend to idealize seventh-house issues of love, romance, marriage, and partnerships, it’s a sad fact of life that affairs of the heart almost never come without a price. Even the best relationships demand to be constantly weighed, balanced, and adjusted.
That’s where the iconography of the Justice card comes into play. Justice is the card that’s assigned to the entire month of Libra, and the imagery of the Three of Swords is vaguely reminiscent of the scales of Justice. The Swords might be gruesome, but the illustration itself is perfectly balanced, with two Swords on either side of a central pivot point—like two scales, on either side of a fulcrum. In that sense, the card illustrates mental anguish, as Libra struggles to come to terms with two seemingly irreconcilable differences or points of view. Both extremes are piercing, but the sword in the middle demonstrates that a painful compromise is usually possible.
The Major Arcana connections don’t end there, either. Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and devotion. In tarot, Venus is assigned to the Empress card. The Christian mystics who designed tarot decks often had the Virgin Mary in mind when they depicted the Empress—and the Virgin Mary is commonly depicted with her heart exposed and pierced with Swords.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Saturn in Libra the “Lord of Sorrow,” because Saturn dispenses a fair measure of misery in its travels through the sign.
Saturn is exalted in Libra: it loves the finely honed sense of balance and precision it can find in the sign.
Qabalistically, the Three of Swords depicts Binah, the third sphere of wisdom. It corresponds to Saturn, the planet of structure. It’s positioned in in Yetzirah, the airy plane of thought. The wisdom and understanding that are born from painful experience might seem like mortal wounds—but whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.
In a tarot reading, the Three of Swords often symbolizes hearts that have been broken by infidelity, divorce, or miscarriage.
The second decan of Libra usually falls between October 3 and October 12, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Libra.
Four of Swords:
Jupiter in Libra
Lord of Rest from Strife
The third and last decan of Libra is ruled by Jupiter, the Greater Benefic. That gives our young friend depicted in the Four of Swords a chance to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Libra is an air sign, and its intellectual focus is clearly symbolized by the four swords in the card. Three swords are suspended in midair, and one is carved into the young man’s bench, like an additional framework or support.
Clearly, he’s been thinking and studying, analyzing and judging, and obsessing about intellectual issues. But like a kindly uncle, Jupiter has come into the card, and he has slowed the Wheel of Fortune enough to give Libra a break from its usual worries and concerns.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Jupiter in Libra the “Lord of Rest from Strife,” because it depicts a much-needed period of rest and recuperation—a gift from the Great Benefic in an otherwise troubled time of anxiety and turmoil.
Even so, the imagery of Libra’s Major Arcana counterpart, the Justice card, is still in play. Justice is assigned to the entire month of Libra, and the three Swords above the young man look like a pair of scales in the process of balancing.
Other versions of this card often depict the young man as a knight in effigy, like a sculpture on a tomb. Effigies are usually carved and displayed in a place of honor, like churches and mausoleums. In that sense, the imagery serves as a reminder that all soldiers in the battle of life are waiting for their ultimate reward. It suggests that resurrection and new life await everyone who fights the good fight.
Qabalistically, the Four of Swords depicts Chesed, the fourth sphere of mercy. It corresponds to Jupiter, the planet of expansion. It’s positioned in Yetzirah, the airy plane of thought. The gentle giant Jupiter truly does take mercy on those who need rest and recuperation from the trials of the mind.
In a tarot reading, the Four of Swords often represents a temporary reprieve from problems, a stay of execution, a retreat, or a recovery period.
The third decan of Libra usually falls between October 13 and 22, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Libra.
The Three Decans of Scorpio
Fixed Water: The Five, Six, and Seven of Cups
We’ll continue our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Scorpio: the Five, Six, and Seven of Cups.
Because it’s a water sign, the cards come from the watery suit of Cups. And since it’s a fixed sign, illustrating established principles, the cards come from the middle of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac, is the sign of sex, death, transformation, and other people’s money. All three cards in Scorpio depict people dealing with intense issues.
- Mode/Quality: Scorpio is also a fixed sign, stationed securely in the middle month of fall. The corresponding cards from the middle of the suit embody a stable, persistent energy.
- Element: Scorpio is water sign, so it corresponds to the watery suit of Cups. Both the element and the suit are emotional, changeable, subtle, intuitive, and flowing.
- Duality: Water signs are feminine. They are receptive, reactive, magnetic, responsive, and patient, and their energy flows in a circular pattern.
- Corresponding Majors: The Death card is assigned to Scorpio, and Judgment is assigned to Scorpio’s ruling planet, Pluto.
Lord of Loss of Pleasure
It’s no coincidence that Halloween falls during the first decan of Scorpio. On Halloween, the veil between the worlds is said to be at its thinnest, and the souls of the dead can slip effortlessly back and forth from the other side to Earth.
Scorpio is well acquainted with the dark mysteries of life. To most people, those mysteries seem melancholic; the young woman in the card, however, seems to have come to terms with them.
The young woman in the card is already familiar with Death, the Major Arcana card that corresponds to Scorpio. Because the woman in the card is young, part of the Minor Arcana, and positioned in the first decan of the sign, she might not have much firsthand experience with death. Even so, there’s an understanding here that seems natural and innate.
Her familiarity is strengthened by the fact that the first decan of Scorpio is ruled by Mars, the warrior planet—and by the fact that Mars is also the natural ruler of the entire sign of Scorpio.
Every warrior—and every surgeon, who also fall under Mars’ towering shadow—knows that death is a natural consequence of life. Sometimes it’s even brought about by our insistence that the life we want to live is worth preserving and fighting for. Like the young woman’s cloak, our bodies are easily shed, cast off, thrown aside. Compare the Five of Cups to the Death card, its counterpart in the Major Arcana, and you’ll notice that both cards depict the process of loss, transformation, and change.
The Golden Dawn occultists called the Five of Cups “Loss of Pleasure” for a reason: in life, pleasure is fleeting and transitory. Spilled water, spilled blood … they’re both the same. They are the river of life and time, and they flow inevitably to one inescapable conclusion.
Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, which corresponds to the Devil card in the Major Arcana. Many of our contemporary ideas about the devil are based in the mythology of Pluto, lord of the Underworld. Scorpio rules the eighth house of sex, death, and other people’s money—often gained through inheritance.
Qabalistically, the Five of Cups depicts Geburah, the fifth sphere of strength, power, and severity. It corresponds to Mars, the planet of war. It’s positioned in Briah, the watery world of fertility and creation. For the moment, the young woman pictured in the card is seeing her dreams washed away—but she’ll become more cautious, focused, determined, and powerful as a result.
In a tarot reading, the Five of Cups often represents sadness, loss, and regret.
The first decan of Scorpio usually falls between October 23 and November 2, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Scorpio.
Lord of Pleasure
The Sun illuminates even the darkest corners of the zodiac. When the Sun becomes the subruler of Scorpio, it burns away the shadows of grief and loss, and brings a bright reminder of happier days.
Scorpio is the fixed water sign of the zodiac. That makes it intensely emotional and unwavering in its beliefs about life and love.
Scorpio does have a tendency to obsess silently over emotional relationships, as well as unquenched desires and unrequited love. Given enough time—and sunshine—someone in the throes of the second decan of Scorpio could even convince themselves that the past was always perfect.
And while Scorpio can be intensely sad, diving to the depths of despair when relationships fail, the sign can also rise to corresponding heights of happiness and joy. In fact, the Golden Dawn designers of this card called the Sun in Scorpio the “Lord of Pleasure,” because it depicts the harmony of friendship and connection.
Qabalistically, the Six of Cups depicts Tipareth, the sixth sphere of beauty. It corresponds to the Sun, a symbol of light and recognition. It’s positioned in Briah, the watery world of fertility and creation. That explains the beauty and sensitivity of the card: it depicts an overtly sentimental scene, filled with emotional attachments to both people and places.
In a tarot reading, the Six of Cups often represents nostalgia, happy childhood memories, lasting connections with siblings, and reunions with lifelong friends. It can symbolize a reconciliation after an insult, an argument, or a separation.
The second decan of Scorpio usually falls between November 3 and 12, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Scorpio.
Seven of Cups:
Venus in Scorpio
Lord of Illusionary Success
When Venus, the benefactor, visits the third and last decan of Scorpio, she offers a tantalizing array of possibilities, including beauty, power, wealth, and happiness.
Unfortunately, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Venus, like the Empress, wants to make dreams come true. She wants to give her children every chance at success. She can present any number of options—but Venus is the planet of romantic illusion, and her promises can’t be fulfilled without effort and time.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Venus in Scorpio the “Lord of Illusory Success,” because it hints at a tantalizing array of possibilities, but it doesn’t offer any guarantees of completion.
In fact, the card poses more questions than it answers: which path should the young man pursue? Which option is most likely to pay off in the end? For now, the card seems filled with empty promises. Talk is cheap—which is why actions always speak louder than words.
Qabalistically, the Seven of Cups depicts Netzach, the seventh sphere of victory. It corresponds to Venus, the planet of love and affection. It’s positioned in Briah, the watery world of fertility and creation.
At the moment, the seven Cups are still in the process of manifestation. Their shape and structure hasn’t yet materialized. For the time being, they offer nothing but promise and possibility—along with the tantalizing options of perfect happiness and joy. Think of them as unborn children: when women are pregnant, they dream of all the love and success they’ll share. Before those infants actually emerge, squalling and demanding to be fed, those children are perfect and unblemished little people.
In a tarot reading, the Seven of Cups often represents fantasy, illusion, dreams, and a tendency to lose oneself in revelry and thought. It could symbolize dream lovers, fantasy romances, and imaginary relationship. The card could even depict an embarrassment of riches—but it could also suggest a tendency toward drunkenness, which could lead to promiscuity or violence.
If you’re particularly mystical, the card’s connection to Scorpio—the sign of sex, death, and other people’s money—might even remind you of our connection to the spirit world. The seven Cups might symbolize the souls of the dead, lining up for their chance to connect with loved ones through a medium.
The third decan of Scorpio usually falls between November 13 and 22, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Scorpio.
Cosmic Connection: Seventh Heaven
Several intriguing layers of meaning are woven into the Seven of Cups. The seven vessels in the card correspond to the seven ancient planets, as well as their corresponding Major Arcana cards. Look closely and you’ll recognize the symbols from those cards.
- Mercury—the Magician’s lemniscate (In other decks, the lemniscate may be portrayed as a snake. Both are symbols of infinity; the Ouroborus is the serpent that bites its own tail in a symbolic depiction of eternity.)
- Venus—the head of the Empress
- Mars—the Tower
- Jupiter—the Wheel of Fortune (In other decks, the fortune is often depicted as a collection of gleaming jewels and treasure.)
- Saturn—the World’s wreathlike crown
- The Moon—the High Priestess (In other decks, she appears as a veiled woman.)
- The Sun—Apollo’s white horse (In other decks, it may be portrayed as a winged dragon, another symbol of solar movement and power.)
The Three Decans of Sagittarius
Mutable Fire: The Eight, Nine, and Ten of Wands
We’ll continue our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Sagittarius: the Eight, Nine, and Ten of Wands.
Because it’s a fire sign, the cards come from the fiery suit of Wands. And since it’s a mutable sign, illustrating conclusions and the corresponding transition to new beginnings, the cards come from the end of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac, is the sign of long-distance travel, higher education, and philosophy. All three cards in Sagittarius depict people who are expanding their world view and broadening their vision.
- Mode: Sagittarius is a mutable sign, transitioning the move from the last month of fall to the first month of winter. The corresponding cards from the end of the suit depict a versatile, flexible energy.
- Element: Sagittarius is a fire sign, so it corresponds to the suit of Wands. Both the element and the suit are impulsive, driven, courageous, direct, energetic, enthusiastic, and spontaneous.
- Duality: Fire signs are masculine. They are active, assertive, confident, direct, and energetic. They move in a linear fashion, from point A to point B.
- Corresponding Majors: Temperance is assigned to Sagittarius, and the Wheel of Fortune is assigned to Sagittarius’s ruling planet, Jupiter.
Eight of Wands:
Mercury in Sagittarius
Lord of Swiftness
The Eight of Wands card combines the most familiar attributes of Mercury, the messenger, with Sagittarius, the sign of long-distance travel, philosophy, and higher education.
Mercury was the messenger of the gods. He moved at the speed of light—and thought—ferrying messages and communications across great distances in time and space. Like the Magician, his tarot-card counterpart, Mercury could transcend the limits and bonds of earthly existence, and transform the physical world into a sphere of mental activity.
Here in the Eight of Wands, he’s traveling through the philosophical realm of high-minded Sagittarius—a sign that’s happy to broadcast messages and communication to the world at large. In fact, the ninth house of Sagittarius is the natural home of publishing. The card that corresponds to Sagittarius, Temperance, symbolizes a bridge between two worlds—just as the written word bridges the divide between writers and readers.
While Wands cards usually convey a spiritual message, the eight missives in the card also conform to the laws of physics. They fly in formation, and gravity will eventually compel them to land.
At the moment, however, it’s not clear whether the Wands are taking off or arriving at their destination, or whether they’ll reach their target or miss their mark.
It’s also not clear if anyone sees them overhead. Who sent them? Is anyone expecting their arrival? Since there are no people in the card, the Wands may simply be carrying a message from the universe at large.
Qabalistically, the Eight of Wands depicts Hod, the eighth sphere of splendor and glory. It corresponds to Mercury, the planet of thought and communication. It’s positioned in Atziluth, the fiery world of inspiration. The soaring Wands in the card are bearing messages of creativity and drive; they’re an undeniable call to action.
In a tarot reading, the Eight of Wands often symbolizes electronic communication—sailing across the airwaves, soaring through the stratosphere, bouncing off satellites, and crashing to a halt on your desktop or a device in the palm of your hand.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Mercury in Sagittarius the “Lord of Swiftness,” because it depicted a hail of messages and communication flying through the air, soaring like the archer’s arrows, connecting people and places to one another.
The first decan of Sagittarius usually falls between November 23 and December 2, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Sagittarius.
Nine of Wands:
Moon in Sagittarius
Lord of Great Strength
Sagittarius is an explorer and an adventurer—but here, under the meditative influence of the Moon, a soldier of fortune takes time to reflect on past missions and formulate plans for the next round of battle—as well as the next cycle of experience. In fact, you might want to think of her as a guarded version of the Moon’s high priestess, tempered by time and experience in the darker realms of life. Sagittarius’ journeys don’t always confine themselves to bright and happy places, and the corresponding Temperance archetype often demands a balance between light and shadow.
In the card, the young warrior’s posture is defensive: she’s an experienced fighter, and she has allied herself with a spiritual force that’s strong and organized enough to stand up to any onslaught.
Even so, she remains guarded and watchful. She knows that a surprise attack could come at any moment, and she doesn’t dare let down her shield. While her back is against the wall, her body is angled, so that she can respond to a threat from any direction.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called the Moon in Sagittarius the “Lord of Great Strength,” because the calming power of the Moon gives Sagittarius the deep philosophical underpinnings he craves—especially when it comes to spiritual battles. That Sagittarian and lunar blend of emotion and reason can help us build a fortress of strength, resolve, and self-reliance.
Qabalistically, the Nine of Wands depicts Yesod, the ninth sphere of foundation. It corresponds to the Moon, the orb of reflection. It’s positioned in Atziluth, the fiery world of inspiration. It’s a reminder that no reward comes without patience. Just as a mother must wait months for the birth of a child, the wounded warrior must release the past in order to move forward.
In a tarot reading, the Nine of Wands often represents a wounded warrior—one who might have lost the battle, but plans to win the war.
The second decan of Sagittarius usually falls between December 3 and December 12, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Sagittarius.
Ten of Wands:
Saturn in Sagittarius
Lord of Oppression
Saturn, the ringed planet of limitations and restrictions, reins in everything it touches. Here it burdens happy-go-lucky Sagittarius with baggage that’s bound to weigh him down and slow his forward motion and progress.
Like Sisyphus, the young man in the card seems condemned to roll a boulder uphill for all eternity—or, in this case, to carry an armload of burning branches across an open field.
Sagittarius is normally footloose and fancy-free. The adventurous horseman likes nothing better than to ride off into the sunset in search of new lands, new people, and new philosophies to explore.
Saturn is also the planet of gravity. When Saturn assumes the rulership of Sagittarius’ third decan, he brings the weight of the world along with him. It tempers his dreams and hopes, and limits his travels.
The young man might be carrying the burden of manifesting his dreams and ideas. Unfulfilled hopes weigh heavily on anyone’s soul. He might also be struggling with guilt for past wrongdoings, like Marley’s ghost, perpetually wrapped in a chain he forged link by link.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Jupiter in Saturn the “Lord of Oppression.” For anyone who’s unfamiliar with Saturn’s limits and restrictions, the weight of responsibility can certainly seem oppressive.
Qabalistically, the Ten of Wands depicts Malkuth, our earthly realm. It’s positioned in Atziluth, the fiery world of inspiration. It depicts the earthly realities of our dreams and ideas; sometimes, they take a lot of work to organize and manifest.
In a tarot reading, the Ten of Wands often represents overwork and disorganization.
The third decan of Sagittarius usually falls between December 13 and 21, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Sagittarius.
The Three Decans of Capricorn
Cardinal Earth: The Two, Three, and Four of Pentacles
We’ll continue our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Capricorn: the Two, Three, and Four of Pentacles.
Because it’s an earth sign, the cards come from the earthy suit of pentacles. And since it’s a cardinal sign, illustrating initiation and new beginnings, the cards come from the beginning of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac, is the sign of career and social status. All three cards in Capricorn depict issues of finance and worldly power.
- Mode/Quality: Capricorn is also a cardinal sign. Just as cardinal signs usher in a change of seasons, the characters in the cards that belong to Capricorn initiate change. They’re decisive, quick, and energetic.
- Element: Capricorn is an earth sign, so it corresponds with the suit of pentacles. Both the element and the suit are solid, reliable, responsible, practical, physical, and enduring.
- Duality: Earth signs are feminine. They are receptive, reactive, magnetic, responsive, and patient, and their energy flows in a circular pattern.
- Corresponding Majors: Capricorn is associated with the Devil, while its ruling planet, Saturn, is associated with the World.
Two of Pentacles:
Jupiter in Capricorn
Lord of Harmonious Change
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy—but Jupiter’s going to make sure that no one gets bored. When Jupiter visits the first decan of Capricorn, it shakes up the structure of the Saturnine World, and provides a welcome diversion from rules and regulations.
Jupiter, of course, is the happy-go-lucky Wheel of Fortune. Here in the Devil’s tenth house of career and social service, the Greater Benefic seems a little out of place. In fact, Jupiter is in its fall in Capricorn—something of an unwelcome guest. He has a lot of work to do to get Capricorn to lighten up. Given the resistance he faces, the best he can do is to get Capricorn to jingle the coins in his pocket, try a little sleight of hand, and practice juggling his resources. Ultimately, Jupiter might even be able to bring out the devil-may-care aspect of Capricorn’s otherwise serious personality.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Jupiter in Capricorn the “Lord of Harmonious Change,” because the benefic Jupiter makes changes and material improvements happen smoothly and unobtrusively. The young man might need to spend money with one hand, but Jupiter will ensure that he can make money with the other.
Qabalistically, the Two of Pentacles depicts Chokmah, the second sphere of wisdom. It’s positioned in Assiah, our earthly world. The young man in the card is learning to unite the forces of mind and body, and bring balance to his physical and spiritual existence.
In a tarot reading, the Two of Pentacles often represents a balancing act—the constant struggle to balance time and money, work and pleasure, and personal and professional obligations. His act may be time consuming, but sometimes, it’s also performed for the benefit of an audience—who may or not be appreciative of his time, talent, or trouble.
The first decan of Capricorn usually falls between December 22 and 30, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Capricorn.
Three of Pentacles:
Mars in Capricorn
Lord of Material Works
Mars, the warrior planet, puts on a suit and goes to work when he takes over as subruler of Capricorn’s second decan.
Mars is exalted in Capricorn. He’s an honored guest, and he’s received with all the respect his station affords him.
Mars loves to get down to business, to establish goals and objectives, and execute a battle plan—or a business plan. He’s more than willing to give the Devil his due, in exchange for a corner suite in an office tower. From that vantage point, high in the chart and high in the sky, Mars can see the world—and the world can see him at work, too. The tenth house describes career and social status. It’s a prominent, visible position in a chart.
In fact, the earthy tenth house is the perfect home for Mars’ Tower-like energy. Rather than wreaking havoc and destruction, however, Mars’ lightning flashes of inspiration are grounded here—and that can lead to practical, profitable results. Simply picture the young man in the card as an aggressive captain of industry, with the full faith and credit of the investors and board of directors that are backing him.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Mars in Capricorn the “Lord of Material Works,” because here Mars has the resources—and the savvy—to take action, make money, and create the change he wants in the world.
Qabalistically, the Three of Pentacles depicts Binah, the third sphere of understanding. It corresponds to Saturn, the planet of structure. It’s positioned in Assiah, the earthly world of physical manifestation. The young man in the card is learning how to find his place in the hierarchy of business, as well as how to understand and structure the time he invests with others.
In a tarot reading, the Three of Pentacles often represents the creative work of building a business through partnership, investment, and commercial enterprise.
The second decan of Capricorn usually falls between December 31 and January 9, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Capricorn.
Four of Pentacles:
Sun in Capricorn
Lord of Earthly Power
The Sun illuminates everything it touches. In this case, it emphasizes Capricorn’s natural tendency to acquire money, power, and influence.
Most versions of the card feature a king on his throne, guarding four pentacles that symbolize his spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional realms.
He seems to have the Midas touch—but if you remember the classic myth, you’ll realize that it’s not necessarily a good thing. The ancient king turned everything he touched into gold—including his loved ones, who lost their lives when he embraced them. In this case, the figure in the Four of Pentacles is cut off from friends, family, and neighbors while he single-mindedly works to manage and control his investments of money, time, and energy. You could even think of him as a more humanized version of the Capricorn Devil, embracing the riches, rewards, and temptations of life in the physical world.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called the Sun in Capricorn the “Lord of Earthly Power,” because it highlights the sign’s obsession with material resources—not only the acquiring of money for its own sake, but also for the power and protection it affords.
Qabalistically, the Four of Pentacles depicts Chesed, the fourth sphere of mercy. It corresponds to Jupiter, the planet of expansion. It’s positioned in Assiah, the earthly world of physical existence. By isolating himself and guarding his resources, the young man in the card might actually be conserving and growing his wealth to share with future generations.
In a tarot reading, the Four of Pentacles often represents a keen business mind, control of material and spiritual resources, a tendency to hoard because of past injuries or insults, and the need to protect oneself against an uncertain future in an unfeeling world.
The third decan of Capricorn usually falls between January 10 and 19, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Capricorn.
The Three Decans of Aquarius
Fixed Air: The Five, Six, and Seven of Swords
We’ll continue our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Aquarius: the Five, Six, and Seven of Swords.
Because it’s an air sign, the cards come from the airy suit of Swords. And since it’s a fixed sign, illustrating established principles, the cards come from the middle of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Aquarius, the eleventh sign of the zodiac, is the sign of futuristic thinking, idealism, and social groups and causes. All three cards in Aquarius depict people dealing with utopian visions.
- Mode/Quality: Aquarius is a fixed sign, stationed securely in the middle month of winter. The corresponding cards from the middle of the suit embody a stable, persistent energy.
- Element: Aquarius is an air sign, so it corresponds with the suit of Swords. Both the element and the sign are intellectual, communicative, social, changeable, curious, and versatile.
- Duality: Air signs are masculine. They are active, assertive, confident, direct, and energetic. They move in a linear fashion, from point A to point B.
- Corresponding Majors: Aquarius is connected to the Star, and its ruling planet, Uranus, is connected to the Fool.
Five of Swords:
Venus in Aquarius
Lord of Defeat
Like the Empress, Venus is a lover, not a fighter. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily a good fit for Aquarius, who loves social groups and causes just as much as people—and he’s willing to fight for them.
That’s the Aquarius we meet in the Five of Swords. He’s a visionary crusader, and a firm believer in struggle and insurrection. Aquarius doesn’t hesitate to pick up a sword of righteousness and fight for its own idea of justice. After all, Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the planet of revolution and rebellion.
In the process of fighting for its favorite cause, Aquarius can sometimes forget—or conveniently ignore—the humanity of its opposition. Unlike Venus, this sign has a tendency to love humanity as a whole, but its easily annoyed by individual representatives of the group.
Like the Empress, Venus wants all of her children to get along. When she steps in to help manage starry-eyed Aquarius, her first order of business is to put an end to the squabbling and restore a sense of order and control.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Venus in Aquarius the “Lord of Defeat,” because it depicts the aftermath of a skirmish, in which two of those on the losing side are walking away, dejected and humiliated by their defeat. Even the victor, collecting his spoils, realizes that his success wasn’t necessarily a clean win. He’s left to pick up the pieces and rebuild the utopia he wanted in the first place. Happily, the benefic Venus will be there to give him a hand.
Qabalistically, the Five of Swords depicts Geburah, the fifth sphere of strength, power, and severity. It corresponds to Mars, the planet of war. It’s positioned in Yetzirah, the airy plane of thought. Perhaps the victor in the card is teaching his opponents a much-needed lesson about choosing one’s battles.
In a tarot reading, the Five of Swords often symbolizes poor sportsmanship. It depicts the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat—and the disparity between winners and losers.
The first decan of Aquarius usually falls between January 20 and 29, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Aquarius.
Six of Swords:
Mercury in Aquarius
Lord of Earned Success
We don’t normally think of quick trips to be life-changing—but when they take us across the River Styx, guided by a specterlike Mercury, they can be the start of a whole new existence.
Mercury was the god of short journeys. He was also a psychopomp—an escort and a conductor of souls. The spirits of the dead would board his ferry, and he would shepherd them across the river into the Underworld.
Mercury himself could come and go as he pleased: he was one of the few gods who could enter and leave Hades at will.
Aquarius is the futuristic sign of social groups and causes. When Mercury steps in as ruler of the second decan of Aquarius, he maintains the broad perspective of the sign. Like the Star, the card that corresponds to the sign, Mercury understands long-term visions and goals. And like the Uranian Fool, Aquarius’ ruling planet, Mercury is unafraid of death and rebirth.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Mercury in Aquarius the “Lord of Earned Success”—perhaps because it illustrates the final reward that awaits all of us at the end of our days.
Qabalistically, the Six of Swords depicts Tipareth, the sixth sphere of beauty. It corresponds to the Sun, the symbol of light and recognition. It’s positioned in Yetzirah, the airy plane of thought. If the souls in Mercury’s boat are those of the dead, their transition is a peaceful one.
In a tarot reading, the Six of Swords often represents travel, particularly on or over water. It symbolizes short, life-changing journeys, boundary crossing, and divine guidance from one phase of life to the next.
The second decan of Aquarius usually falls between January 30 and February 8, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Aquarius.
Seven of Swords:
Moon in Aquarius
Lord of Unstable Effort
Shielded in shadows and obscurity, the Moon slips into Aquarius under the cover of night.
We normally see the Moon as a glowing High Priestess; here, in the third decan of Aquarius, she shows us her dark side, and her presence stirs primal fears of mystery and deception.
Aquarius, the sign of social groups and causes, isn’t generally prone to reflection. The sign prefers starlight to moonlight—and its ruling planet, Uranus, often wants to mount rebellions and insurrections simply for the sake of revolution. The Seven of Swords depicts one of its agents of change: a spy, a thief in the night, an infiltrator in an enemy camp.
That thief could be an unwelcome opponent, collecting weapons to weaken, intimidate, or humiliate his opposition. He could be the rightful owner of the swords, reclaiming property that was unjustly taken from his own army of fighters. He might even be a commander, testing the readiness of his own troops.
In either case, the Seven of Swords illustrates the dark side of the Moon, and its corresponding landscape of loss and confusion.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called the Moon in Aquarius the “Lord of Unstable Effort,” because it illustrates the shifting world of shadows and gloom. The card could portray the death of a dream—or the difficult process of establishing a new reality.
Qabalistically, the Seven of Swords depicts Netzach, the seventh sphere of victory. It corresponds to Venus, the planet of love and affection. It’s positioned in Yetzirah, the airy plane of thought. In that sense, the Seven of Swords might depict the brave warrior who dares to face his darkest fears for the sake of those whom he loves.
In a tarot reading, the Seven of Swords often represents an untrustworthy associate, a former friend bent on revenge, or the surreptitious recovery of stolen property.
The third decan of Aquarius usually falls between February 9 and 18, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Aquarius.
The Three Decans of Pisces
Mutable Water: The Eight, Nine, and Ten of Cups
We’ll conclude our tour of the Minor Arcana with the three cards that correspond to the three decans of Pisces: the Eight, Nine, and Ten of Cups.
Because it’s a water sign, the cards come from the watery suit of Cups. And since it’s a mutable sign, illustrating conclusions and the corresponding transition to new beginnings, the cards come from the end of the suit.
As we study the cards, and the characters in the cards, remember that they’ll all share the same attributes of the sign.
- Sign: Pisces, the twelfth sign of the zodiac, is the sign of secrets and hidden places. All three cards in Pisces depict people dealing with emotional issues.
- Mode/Quality: Pisces is a mutable sign, transitioning the move from the last month of winter to the first month of spring. The corresponding cards from the end of the suit depict a versatile, flexible energy.
- Element: Pisces is water sign, so it corresponds to the watery suit of Cups. Both the element and the suit are emotional, changeable, subtle, intuitive, and flowing.
- Duality: Water signs are feminine. They are receptive, reactive, magnetic, responsive, and patient, and their energy flows in a circular pattern.
- Corresponding Majors: Pisces is associated with the Moon, while its ruler, Neptune, is associated with the Hanged Man.
Eight of Cups:
Saturn in Pisces
Lord of Abandoned Success
Like a cosmic disciplinarian, Saturn has certain expectations. He demands order and control wherever he travels—and when Saturn rules a decan, he puts a quick end to poorly planned ideas and flawed executions.
In this case, the loose organization of the Eight of Cups wasn’t compelling enough to win Saturn’s approval—but Saturn didn’t have to work too hard to convince the young man in the card to walk away, either. Like a young Father Time—one of Saturn’s secret identities—the man in the Eight of Cups has turned his back on a precarious arrangement of silver chalices.
That’s because Pisces is a mutable sign, easily swayed, and readily persuaded to change course. It’s reactive, not proactive. It’s a watery sign, keyed to the fluid world of moods and emotions. While it can go with the flow, it’s also easily diverted. It takes the shape of its container.
Pisces’ ruling planet is Neptune, which corresponds to the Hanged Man. Other dreams and visions will rise to take the place of this one.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Saturn in Pisces the “Lord of Abandoned Success,” because it illustrates the act of deserting a dream.
Qabalistically, the Eight of Cups depicts Hod, the eighth sphere of splendor and glory. It corresponds to Mercury, the planet of speed and communication. It’s positioned in Briah, the watery world of fertility and creation. The young man in the card is off to find a message that will satisfy him emotionally.
In a tarot reading, the Eight of Cups often represents regret, abandonment, or a spiritual quest for completion and fulfillment.
The first decan of Pisces usually falls between February 19 and 28, when the Sun is between 0 and 10 degrees Pisces.
Nine of Cups:
Jupiter in Pisces
Lord of Material Happiness
When Jupiter steps into the second decan of Pisces, he lives up to his reputation as the Greater Benefic and god of good fortune. He sets a bountiful table and invites everyone to have a seat.
The young High Priestess in the card is herself the picture of contentment as she prepares to welcome friends for an evening of socializing. Together, they’ll raise their glasses to the blessings of health, wealth, and success—all the gifts they’re sure to receive when Jupiter spins the wheel of fortune.
They’ll share their joys and celebrations—and even if their reminiscences turn to less prosperous times, the Cups will serve as a barrier against sadness, and their contents will offer a buffer against the aches and pains of disappointment.
It’s interesting to note that in classical astrology, Jupiter wasn’t just the ruler of Sagittarius, as it is now. Jupiter also ruled Pisces, which means that Jupiter is in its dignity here. He’s not just visiting: he’s come home, to his own sign and its own house. That makes Jupiter’s connection to the Nine of Cups even stronger. Study the illustration, and you’ll see that Jupiter does lend a certain appeal to the Piscean principles of wine, women, and song.
Even so, Pisces people are usually cautioned about the risk of alcohol and drug abuse as an escape route from painful realities. That’s augmented by the Nine of Cups’ connection to the Moon, the Major Arcana card that corresponds to Pisces. The Moon rules the night, where dark shadows take on a life of their own and truth can be obscured. The Nine of Cups’ relationship to Neptune is also cause for reflection. Neptune is the modern ruler of Pisces and corresponds to the Hanged Man, who lives in a state of altered consciousness.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Jupiter in Pisces the “Lord of Material Happiness,” because Jupiter brings plenty and prosperity to everything it touches.
Qabalistically, the Nine of Cups depicts Yesod, the ninth sphere of foundation. It corresponds to the Moon, the orb of reflection. It’s positioned in Briah, the watery world of fertility and creation. The young woman in the card recognizes that people need to bond together socially in order to create a happy life together.
In a tarot reading, the Nine of Cups typically represents happiness and celebration, large gatherings, and social functions hosted by a warm and welcoming organizer.
The second decan of Pisces usually falls between March 1 and 10, when the Sun is between 10 and 20 degrees Pisces.
Lord of Perfected Success
Mars, the planet of energy and aggression, goes after everything it wants. In the Ten of Cups, we see that Mars’ passionate pursuits apply to family life, too.
Here, in a twilight tableau, a model family gathers under a crescent Moon of emotional satisfaction and contentment. They seem happy: the mother and father embrace each other and keep both their children close at hand.
The four family members don’t simply represent a close-knit bond among kindred spirits, however. They also represent earth, air, fire, and water—symbols of physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional existence. Together, as a family unit, they symbolize individual and personal wholeness. In that sense, they resemble the four members of each royal family in the Court Cards.
Obviously, the family on the card is idealized. Pisces has a tendency to deny reality—and in the twelfth house of secrets and mystery, Pisces won’t just deny his unhappy memories. He’ll repress them, forget them, and lock them away like monsters in a closet.
The Minor Arcana cards of Pisces are connected to the Moon and the Hanged Man. Both contribute to the dreamlike nature of the card, as memories, dreams, and reflections lend an air of unreality to the image.
The card’s placement on the horizon line of a horoscope, however, also seems to suggest that personal integration and family happiness is the birthright of every child. The card’s position in the last decan of the horoscope wheel: a happy home life, surrounded by loved ones, is the ultimate proof of a life well lived.
Qabalistically, the Ten of Cups depicts Malkuth, the tenth sphere of our earthly reality. It’s positioned in Briah, the watery world of fertility and creation. The card serves as a reminder that for most of us, there truly is no place like home.
In traditional tarot readings, the Ten of Cups often represents a happy marriage, beautiful children, and a comfortable home and family life.
The Golden Dawn designers of this card called Mars in Pisces the “Lord of Perfected Success,” because Mars’ determined energy has the power to turn dreams into reality.
The third and final decan of Pisces usually falls between March 11 and 20, when the Sun is between 20 and 30 degrees Pisces.
Astrology in Action: The Past, Present,
and Future Decan Spread
A basic past, present, and future spread is familiar to most tarot readers. The cards take on a whole new layer of significance, however, when you associate them with astrological correspondences.
In this case, the astrological correspondences are based on both the client’s birth date and the date he posed the question—much like a traditional horary reading, in which an astrologer bases his answer on the exact time that a question was asked.
Sample Reading: The Security Specialist
John specializes in security technology, and he’s negotiating for a contract at a major university. How can he get the job?
Past: First, let’s explore the experience that John brings to the question by looking at the cards that correspond to his birthday, December 20. (All of the correspondences are listed on page 220.)
John has a Sagittarius Sun, which corresponds to the Temperance card. Like most Sagittarians, he has a fiery interest in philosophical discussion and debate. He’s honest, optimistic, and open-minded. He’s good-natured and generous, and he likes to travel, because he has a burning desire to meet new people and see new places. Like the alchemist in the Wizards Tarot card, he’s not afraid to mix things up.
Further, John was born during the last 10 days of Sagittarius, when the Sun was between 20 and 30 degrees of the sign. The Minor Arcana card assigned to that decan is the Ten of Wands, which symbolizes the oppression of Saturn in Sagittarius. While John might be a born adventurer, Saturn’s influence also means that his dreams and visions have limits, as he’s forced to reconcile them with the weight and responsibilities of the real world.
That theme comes up again with the Court Card assigned to his birth date, the Queen of Pentacles. As we learned previously, she’s actually the guardian of the next sign, Capricorn. She is stationed here because it’s her responsibility to reach back on the zodiac’s Wheel of the Year and pull the tail end of Sagittarius forward into her sign. Capricorn is earthy and worldly, concerned with the practicalities of life and the importance of career and social status.
All told, John brings an interesting blend of skills and talents to any prospective client. He’s a philosophical thinker, but he’s grounded in the earthly realities of physical existence. It’s no coincidence that he wants to use his gifts and talents to enhance the safety and security of an institute of higher education.
Present: Now let’s look at the current state of John’s contract negotiations by borrowing a technique from horary astrology. We’ll interpret his question based on the date he asked it—January 11.
The Major, Minor, and Court cards that correspond to January 11
On that date, the Sun was in Capricorn, which corresponds to the Devil card. That fits perfectly. John isn’t asking about a deeply spiritual or philosophical question. Instead, he’s hoping to advance his career and social status. He’s bedeviled by issues of money, power, and control.
January 11 falls in the third decan of Capricorn, corresponding to the Four of Pentacles. The Four of Pentacles, in turn, corresponds to the Sun in Capricorn. It tells us that those who are in positions of power are jealously guarding their domains; those with their hands on the purse strings are holding on to every penny they can.
The Court Card for this time period is the King of Swords. Like the Queen of Pentacles in the previous sample reading, he’s also the guardian of the next sign—in this case, Aquarius—and he has reached back, too, to move the issue forward. That’s actually a good sign. The answer John wants isn’t in limbo; there’s a steady push toward progress and decision-making.
The influence of future-oriented Aquarius further suggests that the decision makers are focusing on the long-term ramifications of their decision. The King of Swords also hints at the legalities involved. There may be a written contract in the works.
Future: Finally, let’s address the specifics of John’s question. How can he get the job? What actions should he take next? For the answer, we’ll pull a single card at random from the deck.
A response comes in the form of the Magician—the powerful Major Arcana card that corresponds to Mercury, the god of orators and salesmen. The answer seems clear: John needs to keep talking! He needs to keep going with his sales pitch. He’s already had several meetings and exchanges with the decision makers, but the deal is not yet closed. He should remember that he’s performing a magic act before an audience that wants to be amazed. He needs to put on a show and astound them with the tools and tricks of his trade—his own credentials, experience, and initiative—and convince them to offer him the position.
1. Essential dignities are based on classical astrology, which refers only to the seven planets that are visible to the naked eye. The modern planets—Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—aren’t included in the system. Luckily, that’s not a problem for us, because the Minor Arcana assignments are based on ancient astrology, too.
2. In Book T, one of the Golden Dawn’s deck designers wrote, “There being thirty-six Decans and seven Planets, it follows that one of the latter must rule over one more Decan than the others. This is the Planet Mars, to which are allotted the last Decan of Pisces, and the first of Aries, because the long cold of the winter requires a great energy to overcome it, and initiate spring.”