Shadow Spread—For Facing Fears
All light casts a shadow when something is placed in its path. You have journeyed far from the Mountain of the Sun and now come upon an ancient coliseum, a place of old battles, scarred with age. The ruins hold your memories and history and the ghosts of the past. It offers you a choice—dare you continue even if you will lose everything in the journey, or will you simply return to the Mountain of the Sun to forever bask in its beauty?
Soundtrack for the Journey
“Understanding (Wash It All Away)” (Evanescence)
At this stage of the journey, you have learnt the most recent lessons of the cards of Justice, the Lovers, Emperor, and Hermit. The story of these cards might be considered as: aligning yourself to the cosmic scales, making the choice to take the path, claiming your own will, and living to your own standards. It is usually at this point in the journey that our fears and insecurities come to haunt us, and we must face them in order to proceed. It is also a crucial landmark in the spiritual journey because we can turn back at this point and return to the Mountain of the Sun. If you have experienced the energy of these gated spreads in your life so far, you may wish to consider whether you are ready to proceed—this gate is a trial.
Remove the Justice, Lovers, Emperor, and Hermit cards. Lay them in a row.
Leave a gap between each card for another card to be placed.
Take your significator card and place it to the left of this row.
Take the tens, nines, eights, sevens, and sixes. Shuffle this mini-deck of twenty cards.
Consider the question, what do I now fear?
Select out three cards and place the first between Justice and the Lovers, the second between the Lovers and the Emperor, and the third between the Emperor and the Hermit.
Over the coming week, consider how these cards represent your fears in the following ways:
Card between Justice/Lovers: Fear of making the right choices/Fear of being open.
Card between Lovers/Emperor: Fear of standing up for yourself/Fear of claiming your own power.
Card between Emperor/Hermit: Fear of others/Fear of self.
As you move through the week, move your significator along the row of cards as you believe you face, experience, or consider these fears in your life. Do not move the significator unless you truly understand the lesson of the cards. You may be surprised how observing these fears calls them into your life and gives you the opportunity to meet these trials and challenges.
When your significator has cleared the final pair of cards and is placed on the right side of the row, you have passed through the pillars and gates of the ancient coliseum and can move on, fortified by your ordeal.
You are now a tarot knight rather than a page—your progress continues!
Proving Your Capability • Demonstrating Commitment
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Resonances Numerology: 67/4 Astrology: Kabbalah: Tiphareth (Beauty) Elemental: Air of Earth Perfume: Asafoetida Timing: Taurus |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: Moving patiently I pan for the gold in every moment of today. Meditation: “Security is jeopardised with the weight of responsibility and the fear of not being able to maintain it.” |
The Lesson of the Knight of Pentacles
Four-Card Spread (Split Spread, Court Cards Only)
In today’s lesson, we look at a neat way of reading a situation with just court cards (much like the “All the World’s a Stage” method we use elsewhere in this workbook).
Take the sixteen court cards and shuffle whilst thinking about a “dynamic situation” in your life, one which is currently undergoing a lot of basic change. As this is an “elemental” reading, the more earthy, fiery, airy, or watery the situation is—the better!
Take the deck and lay out four cards in a cross in any fashion, knowing each position is an element as follows:
1. Earth
2. Water
3. Air
4. Fire
Now look at the balance and mix of elements between the cards (as below) and their positions:
- Pentacles: Earth
- Cups: Water
- Swords: Air
- Wands: Fire
So for example, if we lay out the four court cards we have covered so far in our lessons, we would get:
- Earth: Knight of Wands (Fire)
- Water: King of Swords (Air)
- Air: Page of Wands (Fire)
- Fire: Queen of Wands (Fire)
Now we can interpret the dynamics (or dignities) of those combinations—or read intuitively what this mixture might mean—is it cement or dynamite?! We can see in the reading we have above, that it’s all on fire, other than the Water, which is being “cooled” by the King of Swords (Air).
If we’d asked a question about a relationship going through lots of uncertain change, these cards in those positions above might be interpreted as too much male energy, the situation is way too “driven” and the King of Swords is “too much in his head” with the emotional aspects of the relationship.
We can also look at the levels of energy (such as the queen being the most “enduring”) and see where they feature, to figure out where the stability can be gained, for example. Perhaps we can look at a page in a reading and see where a “spark” might be found in an otherwise dull situation, etc.
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates steady progress and gradual gain in your affairs. So long as you adopt a slow and serious approach to your work, you will see rewards. You may be tempted to rush into things; this is not advised at this time.
Healthwise this card indicates a solid basis from which to make a recovery or improve your health. It indicates the importance of attention to detail and sticking to a long-term plan. Even if you cannot see the way ahead, do whatever is at hand with all the energy you can muster at the moment.
In Relationships this card indicates a very practical outlook and a solid basis from which to build the relationship. You may have to be more patient than you feel and wait for the other person to fully open themselves to you. Their approach may sometimes annoy you, yet they complete a part of you that is lacking.
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates a good plan executed seriously and persistently. It is important at all times that you stick to the plan and make steady progress. Whilst your ambitions may not be immediately realised and life is not as exciting as you thought, you are building something for the future.
In Education this card indicates good solid work that will be rewarded in the future. You will be proven capable and trustworthy and as such be given further responsibilities. There is a slight warning to pay attention to details and ensure you present yourself as fully as possible.
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card indicates the energy of the alchemical process of calcination—a slow, steadily burning fire. It is this fire of energised enthusiasm that must be maintained for a long period of time in order to cause the changes desired.
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Being disorganised, not thinking things through
2. Behaving in an irresponsible way
3. Behaving in a rash manner
4. Giving up partway through an important task
Connect to Your Card
Ensure something gets finished today. Check over something with detail. Collect money.
The Knight of Pentacles Says
“I am reliable and dependable, and you could certainly rely on me in a practical emergency. My shortcomings are that in affairs of the heart I only go the extra mile … if it is in the opposite direction; I am quite commitment phobic!”
Keywords
Insurance, loyalty, capability, methodical, trustworthiness, laborious, steady progress, industry, diligence, seriousness, duty, practicality, patient, trustworthy, utility, responsibility, responsible, hardworking, persistent, realistic.
Proving Your Agility • Demonstrating Responsiveness
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Resonances Numerology: 53/8 Astrology: Kabbalah: Elemental: Air of Air Perfume: Galbanum Timing: Aquarius |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: Moving swiftly I cut through all hindrance with speed. Meditation: “You think a little and unwisely speak too much, so think more wisely and say little.” |
The Lesson of the Knight of Swords
Today we meet the Knight of Swords. We also thought we would share a little tip about court cards from our experiences. Sometimes people have difficulties knowing whether to interpret a court card as a person, influence, aspect of a project, timing, etc. In fact there are at least eleven ways of interpreting a court card.
Here’s a simple rule: because the court cards embody four levels of energy in four worlds, how they manifest can be determined in practice by how many cards there are in a (for example) ten-card reading:
- If there is only one court card, it is likely referring to a person
- If there are two or three court cards, they are likely referring to aspects of
the situation - If there are four or more court cards, they are likely referring to parts of
the querent
So if the Knight of Swords is the only court card in an eight-to-fifteen-card spread, I would read it as a person, someone who has this Knight’s qualities in his or her personality. If he was one of two or three court cards, I would read it as “the situation requires a new energy of forward-thinking and impetus.” If the reading was awash with four or more court cards, I would describe this Knight’s appearance as a part of the querent which is intellectual and on which he or she must draw.
Looking back through the court cards we have covered thus far with this in mind, you will see that it is fairly easy to read all court cards; they provide essential “energy spots” within any spread.
Let’s say we read the Knight of Swords in the future position, the Knight of Pentacles from yesterday in the past position of that same spread, and these were the only two court cards. How would you read them if the question is “How do I break out of my current situation at home?”
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates an urgency to skillfully press your case and pursue your goal. This card shows that you must throw yourself into battle and consider the consequences later. You may feel as if you are burning bridges; however, this card shows success will come from jumping into things immediately. The trick is having the energy to make rapid progress and to keep accelerating from a standing start.
Healthwise this card indicates a requirement for stimulation and excitement in your activities. It is time to shake off the cobwebs and make rapid changes in your life. This is a card that shows you must be more impetuous and spontaneous. It can suggest you will need courage to face the challenges ahead but have the resources to do so.
In Relationships this card indicates a lively situation, particularly if one is pursuing another. Whilst it can be very exciting, you are cautioned that the chase may be more thrilling than the catch. It can also indicate arguments or disagreements ahead, so be sure you know the lay of the land before being caught in such discussions.
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates a likely acceleration of your plans and sudden forward movement. You will be given a new impetus and should seize the moment, taking advantage of the new current in your life. This is not the time to hesitate!
In Education this card indicates skill and intellectual stimulation. This is the perfect card for all students and indicates success in the learning ahead. If you are waiting for news of a course, this card is very positive. It also shows the importance of throwing yourself entirely into your studies.
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card indicates the power of the mind to cut through the realms of illusion by clear thinking. There is a place for active thought, and this card symbolises that such mental effort must be used at this time. It is time to think clearly rather than trust to your intuition or heart.
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Being a total wimp/pushover
2. Being clumsy
3. Behaving like a total fool
4. Being slow to respond to verbal attacks
Connect to Your Card
Debate or discuss something. Sign a petition or set one up. Make a statement.
The Knight of Swords Says
“Always be alert and ready to defend yourself against those who disagree with you. Never take things at face value, always check out a situation well, and when you do make a move, do it swiftly. Take no prisoners. Be direct and speak your mind.”
Keywords
Rash, deft, responsiveness, engaged, pursuit, strong, brave, courage, skill, cleverness, impulse, assertiveness, rapidity, stimulation, active, clever, subtle, enmity, wrath, fierce, pushing, antagonistic, ready for a fight, skillfulness, avenging, defence, self–assured, assertive, incisive, impetuous, indiscreet, impatient, tactless, brusque, intellectual.
Proving Your Depth • Demonstrating Creativity
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Resonances Numerology: 39/3 Astrology: Kabbalah: Elemental: Air of Water Perfume: Camphor Timing: Scorpio (October 24–November 22) |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: Moving gently, I hold true to my heart. Meditation: “Quick to anger, quick to love, quick to leave when the going gets tough.” |
The Lesson of the Knight of Cups
Getting to Know the Court a Little More
We find ourselves today with the Knight of Cups. When this signifies a person, it will be someone on a quest to fulfill his or her emotional desires. Though they are passionate, they can sometimes be self-absorbed. When this refers to a situation (see guidance in previous lessons), it can indicate that we have got lost in the emotional content of the event and may not be seeing it clearly.
So, idealistic dreamer or narcissistic seducer?
Crowley certainly captures the negative qualities of this character; I agree with Lon Milo DuQuette that Crowley must have had a bad experience with someone similar, although I also think that he may have been projecting his own qualities … “the moral characteristics of the person pictured in this card are subtlety, secret violence, and craft. He is intensely secret, an artist in all his ways. He is thus completely without conscience in the ordinary sense of the word, and is therefore usually distrusted by his neighbours. They feel they do not, and can never, understand him … Thus he inspires unreasonable fear. He is in fact perfectly ruthless. He cares intensely for power, wisdom, and his own aims. He feels no responsibility to others, and although his abilities are so immense, he cannot be relied upon to work in harness.” (Crowley, The Book of Thoth.Weiser, 1985.)
That actually sounds a lot like Crowley himself, to me! It may be interesting to go through your favourite tarot book and work out if there is a particular court card the author does not like themselves!
On another level, it is interesting this card in the WST really shows the Knight with the Grail, because authors such as Mary K. Greer suggest that A. E. Waite put a lot of the “Grail Myth” into this tarot deck. What other cards might suggest elements from the romances and tales of Arthur?
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates a proposition that whilst attractive will also require careful thought and a realistic attitude before acceptance. It can indicate progress in the arts and other creative fields. Though this card is not entirely positive for finances, it does indicate you can find contentment in your present situation.
Healthwise this card might be taken to symbolise dependency on influences outside your own body. As the search you might interpret this card as telling you that you have the power of healing within as well as without.
In Relationships this card indicates seduction and romance—an entirely heady blend. The Knight of Cups brings a welcome tide of emotion into your life and opens up deep feelings. You should advance positively in the fulfilling of your desires at this time.
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates a search for new experience that is emotionally gratifying. It is also an openness to new suggestions and opportunities no matter how fanciful they may at first appear. However, one is cautioned to avoid complete self-satisfaction at the expense of others.
In Education this card indicates refinement, art, and idealism. It might also symbolise the need for you to present your work with more depth and feeling. The Knight of Cups also symbolises an emotional connection to your studies that might be presently lacking. When this card appears, you should consider what first attracted you to your present course of study.
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card shows how we must take our inner feelings as a calling and a quest. It is the card of the Grail Knight who has embarked on a journey. This will lead to adventure and new experiences, as is the case when we follow our true vision.
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Being sensible and not letting your heart rule your head
2. Showing your affections for your loved one by shopping, cleaning,
and making dinner
3. Looking beyond the superficial
4. Spending some time working in the garden
Connect to Your Card
Do something unusual for you. Write a love letter. Go the extra mile to make someone smile.
The Knight of Cups Says
“Do not hold back with your emotions. If you feel strongly about someone or something in your life, do something about it—express your love, hate, and frustrations. ‘Get outside what is inside of you.’”
Keywords
Extravagant, passionate, spontaneous, flighty, exhibition, romantic dreamer, dancer, proposal, seduction, new experience, narcissism, idealistic, idealisation, temperamental,
romantic, fanciful, refined, dreams, art, love, approach, lover, rival, seducer, message, offering, proposition, advance, vision, occultism, desire, short, intoxicants.
Proving your Passion • Demonstrating Vision
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Resonances Numerology: 25/7 Astrology: Kabbalah: Elemental: Air of Fire Perfume: Lign Aloes Timing: Leo |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: Moving energetically, I draw the powers of the whole world to my cause. Meditation: “Great flair comes from the flames of enthusiasm, and without it, you may be the first to be fired!” |
The Lesson of the Knight of Wands
Using the Correspondences
We’d like to introduce here the elemental correspondences as well as correspondences in general. When something corresponds to something else, that thing becomes illuminated between the two systems. Thus, if you know the human body—that you have to eat, that some foods are better than others, and that regular eating is essential—you can learn about a vehicle.
In a correspondence between a body and a vehicle, the stomach is the fuel tank. The food is the fuel, and then we can ask, well, what does the exhaust pipe on the vehicle correspond to in the human body … ? No answers necessary—this is an imagination exercise only! This is the idea of correspondence. We can make correspondence (how we learn, for example, that the word “dog” corresponds to some things and not others) on an arbitrary system, such as language, or a “likeness” system such as corresponding sunflowers to the sun, because they look like the sun.
In our systems, the Knight of Swords corresponds to the Airy part of Fire. He is the Air of Fire. Crowley also makes a correspondence between this card and the I-Ching, where the Hexagram of the Air of Fire is Yi, Hexagram 42. This signifies in that system “with sincere heart seeking to benefit all below” (from Legge’s translation). Can we see how the Knight of Swords is someone or symbolic of the energy of “benefitting all below”?
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates the fiery pursuit of our own ambitions and sudden advancement. It is a card showing rapid breakthrough of any current situation. However, the choice is still yours and you must release the energy to make this progress. Do not hold on to anything that is not serving your purpose.
Healthwise this card indicates an energetic fight to secure your health. The burning passion of the Knight of wands is a positive symbol of the struggle to gain the ideal health situation. Sometimes it may indicate the need to take matters into your own hands for a time. It may also be the other people need prompting and reminding of your needs.
In Relationships this card indicates passion and adventure. It is always an indicator of new excitement in your life which will fulfill your vision. However, you must be careful that this passion does not burn out too soon lest you become entirely consumed by it.
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates travel, pilgrimage, and adventure. It is a positive and energetic card for all travel-and-lifestyle-related questions. The only caution is that you do not burn yourself out too quickly.
In Education this card indicates the passion for the subject which must be present, particularly at the beginning of any course of study. If you are applying for a course, then it symbolises the energy which you must show and enthusiasm required in order to gain entry. In education questions this card also shows that you must stand your ground and in fact make a proactive attack if you are opposed by others.
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card is the card of the pilgrim who follows their ambition and drive in a creative manner. It symbolises the need to bring your enthusiasm to mundane matters powered by a spiritual sensibility. It also shows the power and energy of those who live their life according to their own values and steer their course by following their passion.
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Being slow to anger
2. Being laid back
3. Being tolerant
4. Not taking any risks
Connect to Your Card
Get a move on. Speed the process up. Don’t hold back.
The Knight of Wands Says
“You need me to get things started; I am the one who as all the good ideas and enthusiasm. However, I have to be in charge and everyone has to know it! I have a tendency to get carried away with myself and lose interest towards the end. I am not much of a team player; I tend to be self-employed.”
Keywords
Fiery, brash, argumentative, hot-headed, advancement, sudden, impetuous, hasty, journey, coming and going, departure from custom, challenge, enthusiasm, vigour, impetuous, daring, impatient, passionate, impulsiveness, pride, traveller, fighter, protection, pilgrim, charming, adventurous, hot-tempered, cocky, daring.
We will later see how we can use astrology and tarot correspondences to deepen our readings and also work with the enigmatic and powerful Sabian Symbols, an astrological oracle which was clairvoyantly received by Elsie Wheeler for Marc Edmund Jones in 1925. In our brief wayside lesson here, we will provide a list of the decans, tarot cards, and another set of esoteric Keywords (in the form of card titles) for the minor cards, twos through tens.
The Decans are the thirty-six divisions of ten-degree increments of the 360 degrees of the zodiacal circle. The twelve signs of the zodiac are then placed over these divisions, resulting in each sign spanning three decans. Thus, Aries covers decans 1, 2, and 3 (called Aries I, II, and III); Taurus follows with decans 4, 5, 6 (called Taurus I, II, and III); and so on.
The thirty-six decans are then corresponded to the thirty-six tarot cards of each suit, two to ten. The aces, court cards, and major cards are not included (as this would mean more than thirty-six cards for one thing), as they have separate elemental, planetary, and zodiacal correspondences elsewhere in the system.
Devised by the Golden Dawn and used by its students (including Crowley), this system is an established method of making correspondence between astrology and tarot. In the table below you will see a list of the decans, the corresponding minor card, and its title given by the Golden Dawn.
|
Decan |
Minor Card |
Golden Dawn Title |
|
Aries I |
2 of Wands |
Dominion |
|
Aries II |
3 of Wands |
Established Strength |
|
Aries III |
4 of Wands |
Perfected Work |
|
Taurus I |
5 of Pentacles |
Material Trouble |
|
Taurus II |
6 of Pentacles |
Material Success |
|
Taurus III |
7 of Pentacles |
Success Unfulfilled |
|
Gemini I |
8 of Swords |
Shortened Force |
|
Gemini II |
9 of Swords |
Despair and Cruelty |
|
Gemini III |
10 of Swords |
Ruin |
|
Cancer I |
2 of Cups |
Love |
|
Cancer II |
3 of Cups |
Abundance |
|
Cancer III |
4 of Cups |
Blended Pleasure |
|
Leo I |
5 of Wands |
Strife |
|
Leo II |
6 of Wands |
Victory |
|
Leo III |
7 of Wands |
Valour |
|
Virgo I |
8 of Pentacles |
Prudence |
|
Virgo II |
9 of Pentacles |
Material Gain |
|
Virgo III |
10 of Pentacles |
Wealth |
|
Libra I |
2 of Swords |
Peace Restored |
|
Libra II |
3 of Swords |
Sorrow |
|
Libra III |
4 of Swords |
Rest from Strife |
|
Scorpio I |
5 of Cups |
Loss in Pleasure |
|
Scorpio II |
6 of Cups |
Pleasure |
|
Scorpio III |
7 of Cups |
Illusionary Success |
|
Sagittarius I |
8 of Wands |
Swiftness |
|
Sagittarius II |
9 of Wands |
Great Strength |
|
Sagittarius III |
10 of Wands |
Oppression |
|
Capricorn I |
2 of Pentacles |
Harmonious Change |
|
Capricorn II |
3 of Pentacles |
Material Works |
|
Capricorn III |
4 of Pentacles |
Earthly Power |
|
Aquarius I |
5 of Swords |
Defeat |
|
Aquarius II |
6 of Swords |
Earned Success |
|
Aquarius III |
7 of Swords |
Unstable Effort |
|
Pisces I |
8 of Cups |
Abandoned Success |
|
Pisces II |
9 of Cups |
Material Happiness |
|
Pisces III |
10 of Cups |
Perfected Success |