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The heart of the Matter
This first card
allows you to go beyond your question. It tells you what you are experiencing
in regard to the question. The vibrations surrounding the condition are revealed
in this first card. If a Court Card turns up here, it indicates that another person
is involved in your query.
The Chariot
Major Arcana - Heart of the Deck
Each of these suits represents some universal aspect of human experience.
Picture Julius Caesar riding his chariot triumphantly into Rome. He has defeated his enemies and conquered vast, new lands. This is the spirit of the Chariot. Card 7 represents the victories that are possible through willpower and self-mastery. A military image is appropriate for the Chariot because this card stands for the strengths associated with combat - discipline, grit, determination and assertiveness.
The Chariot represents the positive aspects of the ego. A healthy ego is one that is strong and self-assured. It knows what it wants and how to get it. We can get annoyed at someone whose ego is too healthy, but we often turn to that person to lead us through difficult moments. We know he or she won't be wishy-washy.
In readings, the Chariot often appears when hard control is or could be in evidence. At its best, hard control is not brutal, but firm and direct. It is backed up by a strong will and great confidence. The Chariot can mean self-control or control of the environment. This card also represents victory. There are many types of wins; the Chariot's is of the win-lose type. Your success comes from beating the competition to become number one. Such moments are glorious in the right circumstances.
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This is what crosses you for good or bad.
Whatever this card represents can be determined in the light of the remaining
spread. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable depends upon the card itself and
your question. For example, if the question has to do with the success of a new
business enterprise, and the Ace of Wands turns up in this second placement, we
can assume that it crosses the first card favorably. However, it is always better
to scrutinize the entire spread carefully before offering an interpretation.
Temperance
Major Arcana - Heart of the Deck
Each of these suits represents some universal aspect of human experience.
There are certain people who exude a kind of quiet composure. They may not say much, but they go about their business with an air of calm deliberation. Their presence is comforting because they are so centred. For me, this is the energy of Temperance.
To be temperate is to show moderation and self-restraint. In a world full of enticing indulgences, it is often necessary to find the middle ground. Sensible, maybe, but also a bit boring? The energy of Temperance may seem unexciting on the surface, but it is the calm of a hurricane's eye. All around are swirling winds, but in the centre is a still point that brings everything into balance.
In readings, Temperance can represent a need for moderation, especially when extreme cards are present (such as the Knights). This card can also indicate a need for balance. In conflict situations, Temperance suggests that compromise and co-operation are vital. Look for any opportunity to bring opposing parties together. In fact, to temper can mean to modify by adding a new component. By combining and recombining, we come up with the ideal mixture or solution. Temperance is the card of good health in all areas - physical, mental and emotional. When illness or dis-ease is a concern, Temperance holds out the promise of vitality and well-being.
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This is the basis of the situation.
This
card reveals the real origin of your question. The written query usually does
not indicate the whole situation, so you should pay special attention to this
card. If, for example, a woman asks whether a certain man will contact her, you
may find that the third card reveals a quarrel in your past or a long journey
of separation.
There could be many reasons for your question, and this card
will tend to reveal them to you if you are perceptive and intuitive. The third
card will help you considerably in your overall divination.
The Lovers
Major Arcana - Heart of the Deck
Each of these suits represents some universal aspect of human experience.
The Lovers is one card that is easy to remember. Love and sex are riveting subjects, and, as you'd expect, this card represents both. The urge for union is powerful, and, in its highest form, takes us beyond ourselves. That is why an angel is blessing the bond between the man and woman on this card.
In readings, Card 6 often refers to a relationship that is based on deep love - the strongest force of all. The relationship may not be sexual, although it often is or could be. More generally, the Lovers can represent the attractive force that draws any two entities together in a relationship - whether people, ideas, events, movements or groups.
Card 6 can also stand for tough value choices and the questioning that goes with them. In some decks, the Lovers shows a man torn between two women - a virgin and a temptress. This rather old-fashioned triangle symbolises the larger dilemmas we face when we are tempted between right and wrong.
The Lovers can indicate a moral or ethical crossroads - a decision point where you must choose between the high road or the low road. This card can also represent your personal beliefs because to make such a decision you must know where you stand. Following your own path can mean going against those who are urging you in a direction that is wrong for you.
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This is behind you, or in the process of leaving.
From this card you can see the immediate background of psychic vibrations experienced
by you. Depending on your attitude, the condition indicated may still be with
you. If this condition is an undesirable one, a word of encouragement to you may
help to dispel the situation, for the fourth card indicates that it is in the
process of leaving or clearing up. If the card is favorable, the remaining cards
will indicate this
8 of Wands
This suit is generally associated with spirituality and personal growth.
Key Words:
acceleration, movement, news, progress
In readings, the Eight of Wands is often a sign that now is the time to declare yourself. All the elements are ready and will work for you as long as you don't hesitate. The iron is hot - so strike! If events are in motion, they will proceed rapidly. You may feel caught in a whirlwind, but soon the dust will settle, and you see how your plans have fared.
The Eight of Wands also stands for the arrival of news or information. You may see or hear something important. The news could show up in a disguised form, so stay alert. Pay attention to everything that comes your way for a while.
This card also signifies endings. Sooner or later all activities run their course. The eight wands on this card not only symbolise putting events into motion, but also bringing them to a close. They appear to be ending their flight by coming down to earth. If you see the Eight of Wands in a reading, it may be time to conclude whatever you have been doing. Celebrate the past, but prepare to move on to something new.
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This is what crowns you and could come into being.
The fifth card relates to situations not yet materialized and so is extremely
helpful in advising you. With this card you can see a possible and often probable
course of future events.
The Moon
Major Arcana - Heart of the Deck
Each of these suits represents some universal aspect of human experience.
If you look around the room right now, you will (probably!) see people and objects that are comforting in their familiarity. Everything is exactly as you expect it to be. You know that if you closed your eyes and opened them, the room would be the same. But...have you ever lost the familiar to find, in its place, a world so extraordinary you can't even grasp it? This is the experience of the Moon.
The Moon is the light of this realm - the world of shadow and night. Although this place is awesome, it does not have to be frightening. In the right circumstances, the Moon inspires and enchants. It holds out the promise that all you imagine can be yours. The Moon guides you to the unknown so you can allow the unusual into your life.
Sadly, we are usually afraid of the Moon. In readings, this card often stands for fears and anxieties - the ones that come in the darkest part of the night. Card 18 also stands for illusions. It is easy to lose our way in the moonlight. Be careful not to let deceptions and false ideas lead you astray. Sometimes the Moon is a signal that you are lost and wandering aimlessly. You must find your way back to the path and your clarity of purpose.
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This is before you.
In the process of interpreting
this card, you should consider the tenth and final card also. These two cards
have a positive relationship and are connected in the final interpretation: one
leads to the other, and both deal with a future situation that is taking shape
as a result of past and present circumstances.
2 of Wands
This suit is generally associated with spirituality and personal growth.
Key Words:
courage, greatness, power, achievement
In readings, the Two of Wands indicates that power is a major issue in the situation. You or someone else has it or wants it. When you see this card, look carefully at your goals and activities to make sure you are using power wisely. Don't support power for its own sake, but enjoy it when it serves your worthwhile purposes. Take this gift and use it to mold your environment in positive ways.
The Two of Wands can also stand for an extra dose of daring and inventiveness. When you see this card, trust that the time is right for the bold, creative move that will knock their socks off. Forget subtlety and old, tired approaches. Allow yourself free rein and you'll be amazed at the results.
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This represents your own negative feelings.
I have known students to be very confused about this card. What happens if a positive,
promising card turns up in this position? It simply means that you have a negative
attitude towards this situation and cannot appreciate or accept the beneficial
circumstances indicated.
It can be of great assistance to you when reading
this card; it can offer guidance and often relieve you of your anxieties regarding
the situation, so that you can come to accept whatever benefits are in store.
Also, together with the third card, this seventh card can help you to see deeply
into the true emotions surrounding your original question.
9 of Wands
This suit is generally associated with spirituality and personal growth.
Key Words:
discretion, control, ability to persevere
The figure on the Nine of Wands has definitely been through tough times. His head and arm are bandaged, and he's leaning on a "crutch." This fighter has seen some battles, but he's still standing! He's hurt, but he's not down. When we have had a bad experience, we feel weary and battle-scarred. Even if we aren't hurt physically, our psyches are wounded. Our openness, innocence and trust are gone, replaced by wary defensiveness.
In readings, the Nine of Wands can be a warning that you must proceed carefully. Keep a watchful eye because there is the possibility that you will be hurt. If you have already been burned, you know what this man is feeling. Life's lessons can be hard sometimes, especially when hopes have been dashed. It is natural to feel defensive at such times, but try to avoid becoming bitter. Your experience has wounded you, but it has strengthened you as well.
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This represents the feelings of others around you.
If you have asked a question involving another person, this card will help you
to see the other person's point of view. However, if the question relates only
to your activities, the eighth card provides insight into how other people feel
regarding you and this situation.
6 of Swords
This suit generally represents anything forceful -- arguments, going after something, etc.
Key Words:
dull - listless - stillness - travel - recovery
In a more positive vein, the Six of Swords can indicate recovery. This is especially true when you have just experienced a tough time or psychological blow. During the crisis, you felt numb and disconnected; nothing mattered at all. Now you are beginning to heal and pick up the pieces of your life. The travellers in our boat are at least moving forward. They are headed toward a new place, even if they are not yet ready to eagerly embrace those shores.
In fact, the Six of Swords can indicate travel and moves of all kinds. This could mean an actual change of scene, relocation or trip, but not necessarily. A journey can also take place on the inner planes as we move from one frame of mind to another.
When you see this card, know that even though the situation is not ideal, you are moving toward a more positive place. Change is in the air, and new, more hopeful conditions lie ahead.
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This represents your own positive feelings.
Often a person thinks one thing, but through fear or inhibition says another.
The ninth card will help you determine how you really feel about the matter in
question. If you are apprehensive, it can guide you toward the solution to your
dilemma through the wisdom of the Tarot
5 of Swords
This suit generally represents anything forceful -- arguments, going after something, etc.
Key Words:
self-interest
In readings, the Five of Swords can mean that you or someone else is forgetting this larger view of self. You are defining your interests too narrowly. If you try to get ahead in isolation, your actions will come back to haunt you later, one way or the other.
Sometimes this card implies a need to put your own interests first. If you are being abused or taken advantage of, you must get free. If you are worn out by demands, take care of yourself. If it is your turn, step forward and claim your due. Just be aware that if you hurt others in the process, your victory will not feel complete.
The Five of Swords also represents hostility - from a cross word to warfare. When the cords that bind us are broken, we experience dis-cord. This card can signify dishonours that are fairly open. Cheats, lies, tricks, deceits, even crimes. You may be on the receiving end, or be the perpetrator. Either way, hold to a larger view of who you are. Find the solution that is best for everyone...including yourself.
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The outcome.
The tenth and final card indicates
the outcome of the situation. Its interpretation depends upon the people and circumstances
involved in your question and upon the nine preceding cards. All the other cards
lead up to this card and must be read accordingly. You must first arrive at a
conclusion, based on the totality of these factors and your own intuition, then
you must decide what action to take, based on your thorough understanding of the
spread in relation to your question.
8 of Pentacles
This suit usually represents financial matters, or anything in a material sense.
Key Words:
detail, work, diligence, focus, effort, productive
The Eight of Pentacles represents moments when you must give 110%. Just buckle down and do it. Fortunately, this kind of work is invigorating and leads to superb results. The labour of the Eight of Pentacles is deeply satisfying and .
The Eight of Pentacles can also symbolise the impulse to learn - to broaden horizons (to use an old-fashioned term). Sometimes we need to develop new skills. We do research, dig out facts or search for expertise. The man on the Eight of Pentacles seeks external knowledge - the how and why of the material world.
This card can also show the need for meticulous attention. People who are painstaking are often dismissed as nit-pickers, but their extra effort ensures everything is as it should be. It's a matter of caring - taking the time to check the little details. Now is not the time to be slipshod or casual. Look for errors, and tie up loose ends. The key to success is an extraordinary effort. Whatever your task, the Eight of Pentacles tells you to give it your all in every way.
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