Elemental Spread—For Finding Your Place
It is dawn and you are in the courtyard. Four flags flutter lightly in the breeze of a new day, one to each quarter of the compass, emblazoned with the symbols of the four elements. You are prepared for your journey and yet hesitate to take the first step. How will you come to find your place in the world?
Soundtrack for the Journey
“Whatcha Waiting For?” (Gwen Stefani)
In this first gated spread we use just the four cards we have encountered so far, the pages. We describe these as the channelers of each of the four suits from whose family they come. The four suits are the families of tarot, and they live in the Palaces of the Four Elements, one at each quarter of the compass in the world of tarot:
- Pentacles: Earth
- Swords: Air
- Cups: Water
- Wands: Fire
The pages are the representatives of that family, for better or worse, like any child. The Page of Wands is born of fire; the Page of Cups is of the water family. The Page of Swords is a child of air, and the Page of Pentacles nothing more or less than the son or daughter of earth. These elemental characteristics are so basic you can probably work out a great deal from them even now:
- Which Page is likely to be found drunk under a table?
- Which Page is likely to get into a fight?
- Which Page is likely to invest money more carefully than any other?
- Which Page has a cutting wit?
Because you already know people, because you are surrounded by them all the time, even on television, you probably know more than you realise about the court cards already.
The thing with the pages is that they can all grow up. They all symbolise the possibility of that family to take their place in the world. So the Page of Cups represents the possibility of bringing culture and art to society, perhaps as a poet or designer. The Page of Swords is the chance of invention and ideas—and in a reading would mean potential for new insight.
So, we must now decide which is your family. When you have read the descriptions of the four pages, consider which you identify with most. Whilst we are always a mixture of the four elements, for now, choose the one which most clearly embodies most of your everyday character.
When you have decided on your card, which is now your significator—a card which represents the person asking the question—shuffle all four cards face-down and lay them out as follows:
1. Earth Position
2. Air Position
3. Water Position
4. Fire Position
This is the Outer Courtyard and a representation of your current position in terms of the elements. To continue to the next gate, you must make a better arrangement of these elements in your life so you can present yourself at the Clockwork Museum and gain entrance.
To fulfill this gate, notice firstly in which element your significator has been placed. If it is the same element of your suit, i.e., you are the Page of Wands and that card is placed in the Fire position, this means that you are being called to totally engage yourself in actions suited to your nature.
This element indicates your current position and strength. In the case that your card is not in its own element, your work of the week ahead is to balance that element with the other three by performing activities which engage the three other elements. The activities you can select include:
1. Earth: financial matters, organisation, management, gardening
2. Air: speaking, presenting, experimenting, discussion, contracts,
education, reading
3. Water: poetry, arts, culture, enjoyment, emotional satisfaction, luxury
4. Fire: Energetic actions, exercise, starting new things, spontaneity
If you would like to try the exercise with an optional extra rule, avoid doing any of the things associated with the element of your significator whilst you concentrate on the other three. These are not the only activities, of course; you can divide all human activity into these four general areas quite clearly in most cases.
Notice over the next seven days how you move in and out of your comfort zone and how acting in fundamental and elemental ways divides the world up into these four aspects. You will really experience the elements in daily life which will make you a great tarot card reader as you continue to build your skills and experience. In learning this way, every day teaches you more about tarot and tarot teaches you about your every day—and the days of others.
Finding Yourself at the Beginning (Returning) • A Place to Return
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Resonances Numerology: 78/6 Astrology: Kabbalah: Malkuth Sabian Symbol: |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: Every movement I make has a place in this world with the movement of the stars. Meditation: “Wealth and prosperity do not come cheaply.” |
The Lesson of the Ten of Pentacles
Applying the Tarot to Your Daily Experience
The Ten of Pentacles teaches us to be structured and keep the outcome in mind at all times as we work towards it. In our lessons ahead we will always try and bear the Ten of Pentacles in mind as we build a good, solid understanding of the cards.
For today, you should simply take time to go over the detail of this card in readings, and imagine the sorts of situations you are in during your daily life where the Ten of Pentacles would be a good image. We will start off with straightforward observations.
Make a note in your mind or record in your journal of the things in your life that are very “10P-ish.” It could be that you see a shop window full of family items, a poster that looks similar to your version(s) of the card—anything. It could even be the feeling after eating a good meal. You may even experience a strong and meaningful coincidence—
a synchronicity.
By engaging the powers of the cards in our daily life, we come to connect to the invisible knots that bind the universe with often magical results.
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates a good solid job-for-life situation, where everything is fixed and a status quo has been established. This is not always a good thing for the rebel or those with new ideas. It shows the importance of making good connections with the established order of things.
“Establish yourself in the existing structure and work within it; this is not a time to rock the boat.”
Healthwise this card indicates solid family support, the cycle of life, and structure. It is time to establish a regime and bow to the obvious. Everything is as it is, and the time is yours to see how one thing passes to another.
“Establish a good regime, no matter how traditional or boring. Reduce surprises and shocks.”
In Relationships this card indicates family, domesticity, and a completion. There are many relationships beyond the couple, from one generation to another. We must also note when this card appears that we may be carrying on old habits from our parents, or teaching them to our children.
“The Ten of Pentacles symbolises the wealth of a good family and bodes well in all things.”
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates family holidays, whether that is a traditional family or a family composed of like-minded friends. It can also indicate a cross-generational situation, where different ages are all involved in the travel, or in your life. Boundaries are suggested to ensure everyone gets their own requirements met.
“It is a time where different ages are all present in one big relationship, so get a good structure.”
In Education this card indicates structure, established wisdom, and tradition. It is a learning which is passed on from generation to generation. Learn to see the valuable role you play in passing on whatever you learn, and learning from those with more experience.
“With this card we are shown the importance of structure and relationships across time. All knowledge is passed through time, and when this card appears we are called to play a role in that transmission.”
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card shows the importance of structure and family in the most basic sense of security and support. It is a card which denotes that we must develop a firm basis and roots in the everyday world before aspiring to higher things.
“Take a good look at your life and ensure it is stable enough to support your highest aspirations.”
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Being miserly and not treating yourself to the finer things in life
2. Not working and cancelling important meetings
3. Not visiting close family and friends
4. Not dressing to impress
Connect to Your Card
Connect to your family, friends, or colleagues today. Have a gathering at your place.
The Ten of Pentacles Says
“Good fortune is all around you; after much work, you have arrived at a place of security. You have many friends who want to share this with you; you must take care that those are true friends. You need to slow down now and take it easy. Let others take more responsibility—you need to delegate now.”
Keywords
Industry, cohesion, developed, solid, security, the card of finding yourself settled, windfall, gaining, good dividend, good returns, stability, prestige, property, tradition, lineage, earthing, inheritance, wealth, riches, success, agreement, assignations, arrangements, inhabitation, economy, marketing, exchange, possessions, reaping, gain, organisation, family, community.
Expecting Trouble • An Examination of Ideas
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Resonances Numerology: 64/1 Astrology: Kabbalah: Malkuth Sabian Symbol: |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: I can take my time and my turn to decide whatever I need to decide. Meditation: “The shock of the final conflict brings with it a sense of calm.” |
The Lesson of the Ten of Swords
Reading Difficult or Negative Cards
Is this a card—the Ten of Swords—that immediately makes you go “oh”? Is it one that you think querents (those who come to your readings) will frown at and then spend the whole reading not listening to anything you are saying because they are fretting and waiting until you explain the “bad card”?
As a card in itself, we see this as the world of “thought” (swords) in the densest possible place (10). And thoughts don’t like to be there! A fixed mind not open to possibilities is not a happy mind. This is the end of the road and where you believe you can least be surprised, but—bang! There is a surprise! You get stabbed in the back.
It is a card of the “least expected.”
In Tarot Flip, we call this card “distress.” However, reversed it is “delight.” When you hold the card upside down, what sort of feeling does it generate for you?
Here are a couple of questions—what is the significance of the ten swords being arranged down the spine of the body, and what is with the hand gesture in the WST?
If your card differs in detail from another deck, would it still carry the theme of “fixed thoughts/rigid thinking” or does it show some other theme?
How do you explain this card to a querent? We usually refer to the trope of “At least everything is now known and out in the open. You know the ground when you’re face down in it.”
And who did it? Who killed him? And what was the killer’s motive?
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates a sudden end to whatever has gone before. A certain betrayal of your principles, ideas, and expectations. It is a dire card to receive during any project, as it means that the concept will be tested to its limits and may be declared obsolete.
“It is time to pin everything down and ensure there is no room for change.”
Healthwise this card indicates invasion and surgery. On a lighter note it can indicate the world’s worst acupuncture specialist. It is a warning to ensure clarity in everyone’s opinions and ideas about treatment or recovery. This card shows no remorse for confusion or uncertainty.
“Whilst this card appears most dire, it is a caution to ensure clarity and absolute certainty.”
In Relationships this card indicates that ideas about the relationship are not up-front and in the open. There are harsh words about the relationship, even if they remain unsaid. These will ultimately lead to the death of what stands at present.
“Ensure that in your relationship everything is up-front and stated in the open otherwise it will come to no good result.”
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates a rigidity of ideas and lack of adventure. You may need to be kick-started from your regular way of thinking and expectations and do something most unexpected to find release and freedom.
“With the Ten of Swords in the context of travel (or lifestyle), we see that you have become fixed by your own expectations. You are using the past to foresee your future and this should not be the case.”
In Education this card indicates an overwhelming set of ideas and concepts that keeps you from moving forwards. It may indicate the end of what you can usefully learn before starting again.
“It is time to move on and leave this study behind you.”
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card symbolises the manner in which our rational thinking can never be comprehensive or complete. Sometimes we allow our logic to limit and constrain us. This card shows that we must use thought on its own level whilst remaining open to inspiration, imagination, and the unconscious mind.
“You cannot think your way out of yourself. You must realise the conclusion of logic is the recognition of its own constraints.”
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Not looking on the bright side of life
2. Not aiming to succeed in everything you do
3. Not treating yourself to a healing remedial massage
4. Not recognising the joy of being a sentient being
Connect to Your Card
Settle an argument or put something away that is long overdue. Tidy. Sort. Settle. Rest.
The Ten of Swords Says
“There is no more battling to do; you have come to a point in your life where you have to concede your way of doing things has just not worked. However, you will find that from this state of acceptance comes a sense of relief, in that the worst is over. Now you have a fresh slate and can start afresh. It is time for a significant rethink! Look at how your words/thoughts have been destructive in your life. The wheel has rotated full circle!”
Keywords
Caught out, stuck, inevitability, grounding, distress, ruin, defeat, pain, tears, failure, emotionally cut off, devastation, desolation, delusion, reason divorced from reality, jealousy, affliction, karmic justice, karmic results, grief, sorrow, madness, catatonia, martyrdom, enlightenment.
Imagining Happiness • The Creation of Life
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Resonances Numerology: 50/5 Astrology: Mars in Pisces Kabbalah: Malkuth Sabian Symbol: |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: The joy of the world is limited only by my capacity to surrender to it. Meditation: “Joy can be yours, if you only look beyond the material and glimpse the light there.” |
The Lesson of the Ten of Cups
Meditating Yourself Deeper into the Tarot
For today, we will learn to drop ourselves into our tarot cards with a basic meditation. To perform the visualisation, we have provided one of many techniques that we use in Tarosophy which are from NLP. It is a visualisation exercise taking us into deep states of awareness where we can then enter the card itself.
Visualisation Method: Multiple Frames
This method is a quick relaxation technique that works with overload and the brain’s ability to nest stories.
You can have a lot of fun with this and see how many frames you can open and close again—or work with a partner to do the same by guiding them.
This technique takes about twenty minutes to perform and should be done whilst sitting comfortably.
The Method
With your eyes closed, visualize a mirror and see a scene inside the mirror which is one of perfect tranquility or calm. Many people have memories of holidays, of beaches, of a favourite place in their yard, or as a child.
Step inside the mirror and explore the scene in your imagination, seeing what you would see, hearing what you would hear, and feeling what you would feel.
Now imagine that you find a picture frame on the ground, or see it on a wall, within that scene, which has a picture painted within it of an even more peaceful, restful place. When you can see that scene, step into the painting and explore it a little further.
Now find a book on a table or other ledge within that scene, which is titled “PEACE,” and open it to find an illustration. Step inside that illustration.
You can keep going through frames for at least seven to nine scenes, relaxing deeper in each one. You can also choose the titles of the books or labels on the paintings for other states, such as “Concentration” or “Focus.”
At the point of deepest relaxation, picture the tarot card itself and enter into that. You may explore it, enter into dialogue with the figures, or just simply let it melt around you in a general sense of well-being. Explore the card or experience for several minutes, and allow yourself to bring out of it whatever you wish.
When you complete this method, you can find a mirror in the scene which takes you straight back out, or return through each frame and scene if you can recall them!
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates the harmony of an ideal work-life balance, where there is freedom to enjoy the fruits of your labour. It shows the benefits of working for a long-term goal, retirement, and security. In a predictive reading it is a good card to receive.
“All will be well in the choices ahead, and will lead to the best outcome for all involved.”
Healthwise this card indicates cause for celebration and the concentration of blessings from above. It indicates a peaceful and harmonious outcome for the good of the body and general health. In most circumstances it counsels a time of rest with the close family.
“It is important at this time to count your blessings and enjoy moments with the family.”
In Relationships this card indicates pure bliss and domestic happiness. All is achieved in perfect ease. There might be unexpected opportunities and a new life revealed when this card appears.
“All that you desire will become available, and celebration is ahead.”
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates open possibilities to enjoy a shared lifestyle or travel with others, in ease and without work or hardship. There is no need to strive; simply rest and enjoy the rewards that will be made abundant.
“Abundance breeds abundance.”
In Education this card indicates the deep passion and happiness that comes with satisfying study. It counsels that we must look to the long-term reward of study rather than anything material it may bring us. Often this card appears in a study reading as a card of an artist who has found his or her true calling. Whatever you are studying, this card means it will come to fruition and your desire will be met. Keep your thoughts on the big picture, and aspire to the highest heights.
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card indicates the beauty of a life well-lived. It shows a harmony of one’s inner life and outer world, and a perfect happiness of the soul. In living to one’s highest values, and manifesting them in every decision, this card illustrates the reward of spiritual integrity. As John Ruskin, founder of the Arts & Crafts movement, said, “only connect.” In connecting all aspects of your emotional world to your spiritual life and basing your decisions on this simple connection, only good will flow.
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Being miserable about everything and everyone, being a commitment-phobe
2. Wallowing in a state of discontent
3. Creating ill-feeling and finding fault with your home life
4. Falling out with those close to you
Connect to Your Card
Celebrate something that you have attained by taking a moment to enjoy it fully.
The Ten of Cups Says
“Enjoy and appreciate your life now. You are where you are supposed to be, and you deserve the happiness that is all around you. All is perfectly balanced in your life, and you have a solid foundation for the future!”
Keywords
Glee, pride, openness, welcome, ecstasy, happy family, lasting happiness, inspiration from above, joy, tranquility, bliss, rapport, unity, spiritual happiness, homecoming, peace, harmony, safe haven, family, contentment, satiety, friendship.
Working Towards the Goal • The Expression of Effort
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Resonances Numerology: 36/9 Astrology: Kabbalah: Malkuth Sabian Symbol: |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: I have in front of me all the resources I require to get where I am going. Meditation: “You will always be alone when you carry too much.” |
The Lesson of the Ten of Wands
Reading a Card in a Spread
Perhaps you already feel at the moment a little bit like the Ten of Wands—struggling to keep all your ideas together, manage your time and responsibilities, and generally push forwards in your studies even if you cannot see the end in sight? Well have no fear, for this card signifies an end will indeed be attained, because it is a ten card, and our values will be realised, because it is a wands card.
When we see a ten card, we always recall that the cards loop back on themselves, so the next card is an ace, a new beginning. The tens show us how to deal with the end so we can make a new beginning. In this card, we see that the figure should simply lay down his load (responsibilities), bind them all together in the same direction (align their values), and pick them up again. They will now be a single bundle—an ace!
At least the card signifies we are getting somewhere, even if it feels that we are not!
Here is your work for today’s card. We can divide questions into general categories, for which there are an infinite variation of questions; so how do we read this card in each of the categories below? We have done this already for every card; however, have a go yourself, to show how any card can be re-interpreted in any way for any category of question.
1. Relationship
2. Career
3. Travel
4. Lifestyle
5. Education
6. Family
7. Legal
8. Health
9. Spiritual
You don’t have to do all of them, or in detail, just something like:
- Ten of Wands/Lifestyle: “You are not looking at your work/life balance.”
Then compare your answers with those we have given below or for any other card.
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates overworking and a loss of focus. This card shows how we can take on too much and lose sight of what is most important to us. As an advisory card, it indicates that we should immediately take stock of our situation and divest ourselves of our load. Only then can we bring things together and carry our responsibilities with ease.
Healthwise this card indicates a depression and anxiety which comes from an overwhelming of one’s thoughts and feelings. In terms of physical health, it indicates that we have approached the limit of our capacity to recover in the present manner and must stop what we are doing and take a fresh approach.
In Relationships this card indicates that we have taken on the projections of another to our detriment. By seeing too much through other people—a problematic ploy in itself—we have allowed ourselves to be blinded to our own goals and ambitions. At worst, this card shows a total abandonment of our own values.
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates a journey made under difficult circumstances. The road ahead may not be clear and yet the card indicates progress towards the destination. In life this card often appears when we already know what must be left behind yet somehow are not quite ready to let go.
In Education this card indicates too many priorities and the need for clarity, particularly in revision and research. It is time to take a break and reevaluate the goals of the course upon which you are set. Often this card indicates progress faltering towards the end of a course of study.
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card signals a collapse of values is about to take place, resulting in new energy and initiation. It is the result of the work you have carried out so far, even though it may not be clear and due to the distress of the change you may not even see that it is for your own good and self-willed.
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Being lazy
2. Avoiding responsibilities
3. Saying no to projects and workload
4. Dropping tasks you do not like
Connect to Your Card
Take on every task offered. Move things onward. Move furniture. Go collect something.
The Ten of Wands Says
“You have shouldered too much responsibility and burden in your life. It is time to figure out a more efficient way of going about your work/responsibilities, and it is time to delegate and pass on some of your passion for the project on to others.”
Keywords
Possession, earnest, determined, work load, complete failure, work inter-related stress, responsibilities, pressure, over-extension, demand, burden, cover-time, overload, struggle, limitations, oppression, cruelty/malice, revenge, injustice, intrigues, duplicity.
The Dance of Life • Every Beginning, Every Ending
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Resonances Numerology: 21/3 Astrology: Saturn Kabbalah: |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: This world is as much mine as anyone else’s and I will give it a treat to remember. Meditation: “The only world we truly call our home is the one within.” |
The Lesson of the World
Reading a Spread’s Outcome
The World is our first major arcana card on the journey to the source of the tarot. We will today discuss the difference of majors and minors and also look at the card itself, which we consider close to everyone—it is the world itself.
We often describe to querents that the minors are like a still river, where one can paddle one’s canoe wherever one wants, and the majors are like a strong current where it is more advisable to go with the flow. A mixture of these cards in a reading is like white-water rafting! A large number of majors is a time when “the force is strong,” and a majority of minors is very much a “do as you will” time.
Now, the World. That’s sort of everything. In some decks it is called “the Universe.”
We say the WST image is like a mirror—a reflection of all things. This accords with its position on the Tree of Life, where this card is attributed to the path connecting Yesod, the foundation, (our own psyche) and Malkuth, the kingdom, the unknowable world of action which we only perceive through our senses and mental image of it. The World is an image of that interface—it appears to be the “world” but it isn’t at all, it’s our mental experience of an unknowable event.
Whilst that’s all very mystical, in a reading it can signify that the card is showing where the querent and the “event” are most closely linked, most projected and introjected—most is connected and at stake in that position in a reading. So if the World card shows up in the “others” position of a Celtic Cross for example, it’s showing that how the person sees “others” is most important in the whole situation.
We can also look at the WST image as an axis, in time and space—the symbol of a woman dancing, poised, is the axis of the universe, delicately balanced. The card symbolises in this regard a completion, a synthesis, a perfect equilibrium in events (as contrasted to the more abstract equilibrium in the Justice card).
So it is a card of completion, the all, the image reflecting reality, and everything!
What do you make of this card when it turns up, say, as an outcome in a reading?
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates a successful conclusion and new beginning of a career. It shows work coming together and a good team, project, or organisation working together. The World card indicates global responsibility and the need for an interconnected outlook, taking all aspects of the situation into consideration. It is a very earthy card symbolising success.
Healthwise this card indicates a whole body response to the present circumstances, and awareness that all things are connected, mental, psychological, physical, and environmental. You may be advised with this card in a reading to take a wider view of your circumstances and get a better balance in your life.
In Relationships this card indicates a realistic attitude and wholeness to the relationship. All things are for the good, and it is a relationship which has real connection. It can indicate in some positions that the relationship has become too mundane, and its advice would be to spice things up a bit!
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates a positive and successful journey with a new perspective. It can relate to a new way of seeing the world through your experiences and also the opportunity for those experiences to take place. If you remain open to the possibilities, this card indicates growth.
In Education this card indicates the need to be realistic about your studies and to apply them to real-life situations. Do not get carried away but keep your feet on the ground. There are novel ways in which you may benefit from your studies if you look about you.
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card shows that the world is indeed your oyster. There are new openings and opportunities ready for you if you, like the Fool, are willing to step into the world and take risks. The World is open to you and will respond accordingly at this time.
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Being narrow-minded and judgemental of people
2. Stopping yourself from doing what you want to do
3. Deliberately avoiding completing a task
4. Not cooperating with a team effort
Connect to Your Card
Go for a walk or learn something about the world you don’t yet know. Go to the zoo.
The World Says
“The time has come to venture forth and become one with me. Come and discover the diversity that I embody. I have great hospitality to offer if only you would venture forth and share in my great bounty.”
Keywords
Diversity, experience, example, beginning, triumph, fulfillment, reward, arrival, liberation, synthesis, culmination, completion, conclusion, ending, prize, wholeness, oneness. Integration, accomplishment, involvement, completion, success, victory, unity, understanding, realisation, achievement, creation, cycles. New beginnings, endings, perfection, voyage, route, permanency, triumph, freedom.
The Calling from Above • Awakening to a New Day
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Resonances Numerology: 20/2 Astrology: Pluto Kabbalah: |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: In every day I will only answer those calls which are to my very soul. Meditation: “You have to be listening keenly to hear sound of the call.” |
The Lesson of the Last Judgement
Interpreting a Card
Today we begin to look at how we interpret a card in a position in a reading. We will then explore different spreads beginning with simple three-card spreads before building up to the Celtic Cross and Opening of the Key methods to complete our seventy-eight-day exploration in tarot.
When we learn the Celtic Cross spread or many other spreads, we often have a position in the reading called the “outcome.” This is sometimes termed simply “what will happen.” We tend to see it as “what everything is currently moving towards given no other changes” (i.e., changes made in response to the reading).
So—let us consider that we have pulled Judgement for this position.
This is card XX (twenty) of the majors, and represents the following keywords: awakening, renewed energy, work well done, rebirth, end of an era, and resurrection.
It can also be equated with the symbol of the phoenix and in a deeper sense, a “calling.” It is an entirely relevant and powerful card to receive in the outcome position for a reading! It indicates a powerful revival of creative forces and—after doubts and fears are overcome—a vast potential to live up to one’s calling. Although somewhat daunting or challenging, this is such a great card to end any spread.
One interesting thing about this card in the WST is that the figures in the forefront of the card are positioned so they make signs of letter-shapes with their arms. They actually make (reading from right to left, as in Hebrew) L—V—X. This is the Latin LVX or lux, meaning “light,” and they are the three gestures used in a Golden Dawn ritual called the Rose-Cross. In fact, the LVX can be seen as a Rose Key to open the soul. As Pamela Colman Smith and A. E. Waite were both members of this Order and steeped in its rituals, it is of no surprise this—and many other secrets—are presented in this deck.
So any querent for which this card appears in a reading as an outcome will surely see the light. What other symbols do you see on this card in your deck that denote the conclusion of a reading for a querent as being positive?
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates an appointment or interview (or other calling) will lead to new opportunities—a total rebirth of your career. It is certainly time to consider your true calling and to align your purposes to what means most to you. Make new appointments and call up old friends—it is time to make those connections.
Healthwise this card indicates a complete resurrection of your situation. It may be that you receive new information with regard to your situation. This card also indicates the importance of family support and the influence of higher forces on mundane situations.
In Relationships this card indicates a situation where one person judges another and finds them wanting. It is important to recognise in this card that all relationships are part of a higher calling and can be redeemed with a little bit of effort.
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates new opportunities and a complete broadening of your horizons. It symbolises a complete reboot of your life if you take opportunity to take immediate action. It is a card of doing rather than being. When this card appears in your reading, it indicates the nature of action you must take as indicated by its position.
In Education this card indicates new impetus and an awakening to the higher purpose of your course of study. It shows that the work you have put in will result in a higher calling. This is an extremely positive card to receive in an education-based question, for it shows that your work has brought the attention of higher forces.
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card signifies rebirth and new awakening. This card is very powerful in a reading’s future or present position. It shows the light of the new day and a passing of all that has gone before.
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Succumbing to exhaustion, and not tackling your responsibilities and duties
2. Sticking to old habits that keep you where you are
3. Not heeding good advice
4. Not answering/responding to communications
Connect to Your Card
Call someone. Get out of bed early. Respond quickly to a message. Jump to it. Decide.
The Last Judgement Says
“The time has come for you to respond to my call. This is a time of endings and new purpose; it is the time for you to be receptive to change. You must embrace all the opportunities that will be coming your way.”
Keywords
Accountability, appraisal, summoning, renewed energy, work well done, rebirth, end of an era, resurrection, phoenix, calling, judgement, transportation, renewal, outcome, awakening, resolution, completion, confrontations, sentence, deliberations, rebirth, absolution, assessment, examination, perspective, aspirations, transformation, ascent, freedom, liberation, union.
All That Is Unknown • Steps in the Dark
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Resonances Numerology: 18/9 Astrology: Pisces Kabbalah: Netzach |
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Quick Connections Affirmation: I accept that everything I learn will take me safely into new landscapes. Meditation: “Let the light of your intuition light your way out of the dark.” |
The Lesson of the Moon
Creativity and the Tarot
In today’s lesson we consider the Moon card. As it is often associated with a range of meanings including reflection, fear, the unconscious, confusion, intuition, etc., we will feel our way into the card through storytelling. Here’s a piece that for us carries the Moon’s meaning.
The Discovery of Darkness
She had lived in this room since her eyes were opened and her voice gave forth words in which the room had found its description. It was a well-lit room, for which she was glad, and she made it so increasingly. There were many sources of light, it seemed, both within her control and not.
There were globes that spun lazily out of reach, with their dark green hue and random glimmers; candles whose flames burnt straight as hot spear-heads; lanterns and torches; bulbs that beckoned and beacons that bloomed; an array of incandescent shafts that cut through the still air. In such a room she came to be, and made her home. All in avoidance of shadows, which she feared and hated.
Oftentimes, should a source of light give up its fragile hold she would replace it with another. In this manner she came to understand that there could never be enough light in the room; once full, adding more light made no difference. In this there was revelation.
Finally, she came to see that the sources of light were never exhausted. Slowly, fearfully, she put out the lights, one by one; some by a mere whisper of her breath, and they fluttered out like bright butterflies; others took trials to reach and break. Others required subtle craft and trickery, puzzles in the making and breaking. Yet others went of their own accord, only to return later, renewed and resplendent.
So it came that there was only one solitary light left, one flame burning in the centre (perhaps, it was hard to tell in that final absence of other light) of the darkness. Surely she had made a mistake; the dark and the doubt assailed her. But she had come to a place of no choice; that light would surely not sustain her for long. She reached out and placed her hand on the flame, killing it before remorse or another sudden emotion could claim her. Once that last light was extinguished, it seemed as if her very life had gone with it. In that darkness was seen a light; a crack around a door. A door leading out.
What stories reflect upon the atmosphere of this card for you?
The Card in Your Life/Reading
Careerwise & Financially this card indicates the uncertainty of a difficult job ahead. You must come out of your shell further to take on the challenges and gain the rewards ahead. In a time of reflection it may be that there is competition baying at your heels—the only way forwards is to face your fears and make progress.
Healthwise this card indicates that turning inwards, a reflection upon the past, and all that follows. The fears of the night may soon be past; however, the journey will be long. This card can also signify a trusting of the natural instincts of the body itself.
In Relationships this card indicates the unconscious projections and fears onto another. When this card appears in a relationship reading, it may indicate that whatever is unknown and feared are in fact projections from your own unconscious. It is time to examine yourself, not others.
In Travel & Lifestyle this card indicates a journey into the unknown. There will be little support and it may be that you hesitate even before you have commenced. The moon will guide you if you trust your own instincts. In terms of lifestyle this card signifies a change which may be constant and will require vigilance.
In Education this card indicates deep and profound learning which may take some time. The moon is an uncertain teacher, constantly changing; however, the tidal flow of information can soon take us into new discoveries. This is a card of unusual learning and more may be going on than meets the eye. We can learn from our fears—it is how we make progress.
In Spiritual Awareness & Self-Development this card signifies a return to the deeper parts of yourself and trusting your own embodiment. It signifies the importance of dreams, the unconscious, and may also predict the appearance of the dweller on the threshold. This is a fearful experience that precedes most initiation.
You are blocking this card today by:
1. Doing a task that is very analytical, such as bookkeeping
2. Reading the Financial Times front to back
3. Not believing your horoscope in the newspaper
4. Joining the James Randi Educational Foundation
Connect to Your Card
Practice your tarot. Go for a swim. See the ocean. Have a bath. Go look at the moon.
The Moon Says
“Keep in synch with me, for I am the source of your emotional sustenance; I share with you my life force. I am all that is dreamy. Within my realms you learn secrets from beyond the veil.”
Keywords
Escape, dreams, mystery, astral projection, ignorance, deception, intuition, psychic instinct, tides, netherworld, animal, atavistic, fear, self deceit, illusion, uncertainty, fluctuation, danger, darkness, terror, error, imagination, denouncement, trickery, feelings, sentiments, ignorance, deceit, fraud, flux, emotions, fantasy, fear, confusion, lies, secrecy, distraction, enchantment, romance, flirting, seduction, bewilderment.