MAJOR ARCANA INDEX The major arcana holds the wisdom for our spiritual journey and the key to our lessons as we travel through life, seeking to understand, learn, and gain knowledge from our experiences, in an attempt to achieve wholeness and harmony of our inner and outer realities. All the cards in a spread are important and form part of the story to complete the picture, but if there's a large proportion of majors it usually points to a significant event. 0 The Fool Correspondences: Astrology: Associated Associated with Uranus Element: Air (or Spirit) Keywords & phrases: A new and unexpected opportunity opportunity leaping in from out the blue. New and unknown; unfamiliar. Surprise! Surprise! Fool Tarot Card Meanings: The Fool Tarot card carries the number zero, filled with unlimite d potential of the moment before creation, as such it shows us that in this moment anything is possible. Sometimes termed as the ‘wild card,’ it carries an unknown factor and element of surprise.
When The Fool card appears in a Tarot reading it shows something completely new and unexpected leaping in from out the blue. Expect the unexpected with this card because The Fool is full of surprises, usually of the positive variety but always look for the card that follows to see where the new beginning may lead. A major choice is often needed with with the arrival arrival of this card; card; will you follow where it leads? The The Fool will take you into unknown territory and new adventures, outside of your comfort zone and familiar path. There’s a sense of childlike innocence and and spontaneity, so you’ll need to stay open-minded open-minded to the fresh possibilities possibilities and take a leap of faith. The Fool is usually an exciting card when he lands on your horizon, filled with unknown potential. Traditionally this card was associated with folly or foolishness, although generally the meaning has evolved over time it may still be considered in this context if bad ly aspected (surrounded by negative cards). If reversed, The Fool may signify being immature or behaving inappropriately, making bad choices through rash decisions, or avoiding risk and becoming stuck in routine due to apathy. Associations: Similar and supporting cards: Watch for Aces, which also signify new beginnings and strengthen the meaning. If all four Aces appear with The Fool (Life Spread and Anchor) it shows a completely new lifestyle - all new beginnings across the board. Opposing or contradictory cards: Death (endings) Hierophant (structure and convention). The Fool Tarot Card Combinations When The Fool precedes another card try inserting “new and unexpected” before the interpretation of the following card as you start to explore the ‘flavour’ and atmosphere of possible meanings. The Fool is normally normally experienced with with an element of surprise. > The Empress: an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy. > Ace of Cups (or The Lovers): A new relationship that lands as if from nowhere, (often someone completely new and previously unknown to you) > Three of Cups: a surprise party or celebration. > Seven of Cups: Look for the n ext following card on the end to complete this as it could go one of two ways – it – it may show being foolish and unrealistic – unrealistic – or or – – it it may show something new that leads to many options, the final card would decide. > Nine of Cups: Your wish will be fulfilled in a completely unexpected way. > Six of Pentacles: unanticipated gift or act of generosity. > Six of Wands: An unexpected work promotion. > The Devil: Look before you leap, this could lead you into problems you’d have difficulty extracting yourself from. > Five of Pentacles: Unexpected bill that leaves a hole in your pocket, don’t be naïve and too trusting with finance or investments. > Ten of Swords: Don’t take the risk it leads to a disappointing ending. > Death: A storm in a teacup, over over before it’s really begun. A new beginning that goes nowhere or won’t materialise. materialise. If The Fool and High Priestess appear together in a reading you may have trouble moving forwards with definite information, as they can take you round in a circle (due to the nature of the card meanings; the unknown factor). I The Magician Correspondences: Astrology: Mercury Mercury Element: Air Keywords & Phrases: Mastery and skill. Directing will with confidence. Magician Tarot Card Meanings: The Magician suspends all the elements in the a ir by focusing the power and will of his mind. Each element represents the four suits of the minor arcana and we can see we’re in the presence of a master as The Magician manifests energy into matter.
This is the card of transferring thoughts into action, a time to use your initiative and apply concentrated will to manifest your aims. The four elements he offers before you indicate you already already have all the tools you need within your skills and ability, but now you must have confidence in yourself to make it happen.
When The Magician appears in your Tarot reading it’s time it’s time step up to the plate, you have the potential to succeed but you must believe in yourself and your your ability. Whilst The Fool may hold infinite possibilities The Magician Magician reminds you of what you can achieve when you take that potential and make it manifest. The Magician Tarot card informs you of the great power you inwardly possess and encourages you to actively manifest your intentions. This is a powerful powerful card if you take take the energy he offers and work with it. You will need to apply apply concentrated thought and focus your will; th ink creatively, use all the resources at your disposal, and you can achieve your goals. It may also suggest good communication skills in writing and speaking. Traditionally The Magician was sometimes associated with a cunning trickster, or a smooth talking conman, and this may be the case if the card is badly aspected or reversed. As a reversed card it can also indicate misuse of ability, lack of confid ence and will power. Associations: Similar and supporting cards: The Chariot also represents applying concentrated focus. The Ace of Wands holds all the potential of active and creative energy; most Aces would be relevant with The Magician, as he offers the potentiality contained within each suit, Three of Pentacles (mastery and skill) Two of Pentacles (dexterity). Opposing or contradictory cards: The Devil acts as blocked energy, The Hanging Man suggests life in suspension, or non-movement, and the Two of Swords indicates being in two minds leading to deadlock. Magician Tarot Card Combinations: The Magician > Wheel of Fortune: creating or making your own ‘luck,’ that will open new doors and opportunities. > Nine of Cups: Manifesting your wish, this will come about through your own actions. > Three of Pentacles: Mastery at work through concentrated effort and utilising skills. Two of Swords > The Magician > Eight of Swords: Indecision creates restriction and the inability to manifest desires. Creative ideas are blocked (writer’s block). > The Devil: Watch for manipulation or abuse of power. > Five of Swords: Someone is not to be trusted (cunning trickster). II The High Priestess Correspondences: Astrology: Moon Moon Element: Water Keywords & Phrases: Secrets becoming known to you that will be to your advantage. “Aha!” moment. Intuition. High Priestess Tarot Card Meanings: The High Priestess holds the secrets and mysteries of the Universe but she doesn’t give them up easily. She guards the the veil between the worlds of the known and the unknown and encourages us to look beyond the ordinary and mundane to the deeper core of our unexplored potential.
The High Priestess Tarot card represents instinct and intuition and she asks you to be still so you’ll hear her when she whispers in your ear. This is a card of quiet reflection as we ponder the mysteries of the Universe or those matters as yet unknown to us. If we’re patient the truth will be revealed to us at just the right moment, but in her own time, not ours. We often have to work for the knowledge The High Priestess holds, we earn her respect and trust through developing our inner processes and in turn she unfolds the the path before us. Her domain rests in the deeper side of life, the complex aspects of higher thought and knowledge found within spiritual or esoteric matters, and she provides the ability to awaken your unexplored potential. When this card appears it represents a good time to study spiritual matters and for those who work in this field it can represent your work. If the High Priestess appears in the the final outcome position of your Tarot reading you probably won’t get beyond her, she’s letting you know that she will reveal what you you need to know when you need to know it. It may be that the situation is still developing behind the scenes but I’ve found that found that if you try to move past her she takes you round in a circle! Be patient and alert, listen to your instincts and intuition, The High Priestess will make sure the information reaches you, and it often comes from something you hear or are told in passing. It’s often like a missing piece in the jigsaw and suddenly something makes sense. If reversed, it may indicate blocked energy, misuse of spiritual gifts, false teachers or superficial knowledge, not seeing t he bigger picture, or emerging after a period of Associations: Similar or opposing cards: The High Priestess has an enigmatic quality so is similar, yet different, to a number of cards, perhaps because of her mysterious complexity the nature is experienced slightly differently, so she’s quite difficult quite difficult to pin down, for instance, quiet reflection and contemplation brings wisdom from The The Hermit. The Hierophant is also a wise teacher, yet dispenses guidance and information openly. The unknown unknown factor of The Fool. The Moon, Devil, and Five of Swords, all have aspects of secrecy, but are experienced differently. Tarot Card Combinations: In free flow readings (or i mmediate future to outcome position) the card that follows her will be illuminating. For instance, if she she appears before other secrecy secrecy cards she may help shed light on a situation that’s brewing in the background of which you’re unaware. If The Fool and High Priestess appear together in a reading you may have trouble moving forwards with definite information, as they can take you round in a circle (due to the nature of the card meanings; the unknown factor). III The Empress Correspondences: Astrology: Venus Element: Earth
Keywords & Phrases: Motherhood. Fertility. Fruitfulness. Nurturing something to fruition. Potential fulfilled. Empress Tarot Card Meanings: The Empress Tarot card represents the female archetype, the power of the divine feminine and the source from which life springs. Motherhood or mothering, in all its guises, is usually found with this card, and it may represent represent a mother or mother figure in your life. This is an excellent card with regard to fertility matters and can represent pregnancy or birth.
The Empress in the Gilded Tarot nurses the sign of Venus and stands encircled by the twelve signs of the zodiac to which she can produce the physical physical form. (This card is often found set in the lush abundance abundance of Mother Earth.) Aligned to the planet Venus, love relationships can be strengthened, indicating a strong and supportive relationship, or happy marriage. The essence of the mother is, for me, the strongest association association I find with this card. In work or creative matters, it tends to show the metaphorical side of ‘mothering;’ something that requires constant nurturing in order to achieve it’s full potential, but with the right combinations it promises abundant rewards and fruitful conclusion. In relation to self it can show the need for self-care, self-care, some pampering and ‘nice-to‘nice-to-me’ me’ time, nourishing the soul and body, healthy eating, beautiful surroundings, The Arts, etc. When connected to a male (King) I’ve found it can sometimes show a strong mothering tendency, but can also indicate a mother influence in their life – life – as as always, read in context with the nature of the reading, position, etc., a lone parent, fo r instance, would require these qualities. Usually, it suggests using the nurturing concept of the card. Wherever this card appears indicates a good deal of care and attention in order to bring around the results found in the card following. In most of the combinations I use The Empress completes the group or pairing, so you’ll find these listed with the relevant cards. If reversed, it may suggest fertility or reproduction problems, difficulty with mother figures, the repressed feminine, or accomplishments accomplishments are delayed. Associations: Similar and supporting cards: Seven of Pentacles (gathering in your harvest) Ten of Pentacles (home and family). Strengthens indications when appearing with other marriage cards. Opposing or contradictory cards: The Emperor is the male yang to The Empress female yin, where the opposite forces of duality complement one another. Four of Pentacles (withholding) The Devil (creates blocks) The Empress Tarot Card Combinations: When The Empress precedes another card try adding, “nurturing” before the interpretation of the following card as you start to explore possible meanings. When The Empress completes a grouping it tends to indicate the abundance and satisfaction of a successful harvest (metaphorically speaking). The Empress >Ace of Wands >Ace of Cups: Pregnancy with these three alongside in any combination, but most notably Ace of Wands >The Empress for pregnancy, Ace of Cups > The Empress: birth (in either order of combination) may also be joined by Page of Cups. > any Page: Mother and child (see Pages for child description).. > The Emperor: (Venus and Mars) Parents; sometimes a strong influential couple. > The Lovers : There may be a constant need to ‘mother’ this relationship; the partner partner may require continuous attention to bring it about. > The Devil: Careful with this one! A number of possible indications (depending upon situation): creative expression is blocked - or difficulty difficulty conceiving - or it it might suggest domestic abuse. In the case of the latter, The Devil could just as easily represent stifling; The Devil isn’t usually healthy, one way or another. >The World: Great success but achieved through consistent nurturing of all aspects leading to the conclusion. IV The Emperor Correspondences: Astrology: Aries Element: Fire Keywords & Phrases: Leadership. Ambition. Authority. Stability. Emperor Tarot Card Meanings: The Emperor in the Tarot represents those qualities traditionally associated with the male archetype. When this card appears in your Tarot reading it may signal the need for you to adopt similar qualities.
The Emperor rules his domain with leadership and authority and will rise to the challenge with strong reasoning to do what needs to be done. It may signal the need to step into his shoes to take control of a situation from a strong position, setting aside emotion in favour of calm rationale. There are times in life when we need to assume a strong role to see us through, dealing with facts and logic rather than allowing emotions to get the upper hand. The Emperor is not the hearts and flowers type of guy, think more along the lines of the mythic warrior king, leading his people from the front with conviction; a strong protector striving to bring order and stability. This card is associated associated with Aries, which is ruled by Mars. The Emperor is an excellent card for matters connected to work and business and can bring emotional and financial stability. In relationship readings it may not be the time for w wearing earing your heart on your sleeve but dealing with things in a non-emotional way. It may represent a powerful male influence, or the father or father figure. I generally prefer to view the Court cards as people, rather than the majors, but sometimes it may represent a man of powerful force, usually an individual rather than organisation, but one considered at the top of the tree; the ruler, an alpha male.
If reversed, or badly aspected, it may signify a bully or something of a tyrant, conversely it may also point to a sense of l ost masculinity, loss of power, lack of strength, failed leadership, inability to realize goals, instability, weak character, or problems with father or authority figures. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Justice (logic and reason) Hierophant (conformity and structure) Ace of Swords (force of strength and power) Opposing or contradictory cards: The Emperor is the male yang to The Empress female yin, where the opposite forces of duality complement one another. The Emperor Tarot Card Combinations: > Hierophant > Justice: These three together (in any combination) indicate a situation dealing with higher authorities, government, law of the land, etc. > The Empress: (Mars and Venus) Parents; sometimes a strong influential couple. > Six of Pentacles > Two of Wands: Angel investor, or possible silent partner (may also be shown by a King of Queen instead of Emperor) Six of Wands > Emperor: promotion to a senior position. Seven of Wands > The Emperor: may suggest coming up against authority, but could also strengthen your position (depending upon context) whereas, The Emperor > Seven of Wands: more aligned to asserting your position and adds clout. V The Hierophant Correspondences: Astrology: Associated Associated with Taurus Element: Earth Keywords & phrases: Tradition and convention, conformity, conservative, institutions. Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings: Traditionally this card was known as The Pope (Le Pape.) The English Oxford dictionary defines hierophant as, “A person, especially a priest, who interprets sacred mysteries or esoter ic ic principles,” which broadens the brushstroke slightly. (I’m always asked about the name.) Whichever title, the image is u sually consistent to the appearance of a religious leader.
The Hierophant Tarot card indicates following a conventional conventional path and the traditional values of our culture or society. It can also represent the traditional family unit, or marriage, particularly when appearing with other marriage cards. This is a card of conforming to certain standards and an accepted set of structures, principles, principles, and expectations; it’s usually conservative in nature. ‘The Establishment,’ large institutions or organisations that have set systems or ways of do ing things that are not easily open to change are often indicated by this card: the church, educational establishments, government, charities, hospitals, even large corporations. The Hierophant may also suggest a wise teacher or mentor, someone we hold in high regard that can provide guidance and knowledge. With the Hierophant we follow the path and work within within the rules, tow the line, and do what is expected from us us within guiding morals and principles. If reversed or badly aspected it may show feeling restricted by structure or a dogmatic approach, lacking moral fibre or principles, unorthodox behaviour or rejecting conformity, losing faith, or corrupt officials. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The wisdom of The Hermit, sometimes the structure of The Emperor. Marriage and family cards would strengthen that association. Opposing or contradictory cards: The Fool (free spirit and adventurous) The Hanging Man (thinking outside the box, unconventional) The Devil (excess, not following moral codes). Hierophant Tarot Card Combinations: When appearing together with other marriage card s it would strengthen the association, such as: Ten of Cups, The Lovers, Two of Cups, Four of Wands, Three of Cups, The Empress. The Ten of Pentacles, Ace of Pentacles (sometimes Justice), may also be included as supportive for what they represent, (but not in isolation). There are quite a lot of different combinations that can indicate marriage but the ordering or flow of the cards is usually the important factor, when reading in a simple line from left to right. Four of Wands > The Hierophant > Three of Cups: Church wedding, or religious ceremony of marriage, (see above for other cards supporting marriage). Eight of Pentacles > The Hermit > The Hierophant: Place of study, knowledge knowledge and wisdom, University or education establishment. > Temperance > Four of Swords: May indicate hospital. > Ten of Pentacles: Traditional home and family unit, in reverse order may feel duty bound to do the right thing for family obligations. > King of Queen of Pentacles > : (before or after) bank manager or official > King or Queen of Swords >: (before or after) Government official > Emperor > Justice: These three together (in any combination) indicate a situation dealing with higher authorities, government, law of the land, etc. VI The Lovers Correspondences: Astrology: Gemini Gemini Element: Air Keywords & phrases: A love relationship, interest or attraction. Lovers Tarot Card Meanings:
Traditionally The Lovers was the triumph card of love but the depiction has appeared in various guises and with differing interpretations, so other meanings may apply (depending upon the deck you’re using) involving a choice between two paths (temptation and virtue) or sometimes a love choice between two people. The Lovers in the Gilded only contains two people and appears as idealised love. My view is, perhaps, slightly different in the way I apply it because for me it always relates to a love relationship in the romantic sense. For instance, some may apply The Lovers to work as a love of work, whereas I would view it as a love connection in the work place in some way, or a love relationship that comes in through work – depending upon surrounding cards. Since this works accurately for me I tend not to change it, although you may interpret it differently depending upon your inclination, how the image in your deck speaks to you, and your personal reading experiences with the card. For a single person, it can suggest an attraction, a love interest, or a potential relationship, but look for other cards to suggest a deeper commitment. When reading for someone already attached it usually indicates choices the couple need to make together, as their lives are entwined and they don’t tend to operate i ndependently, since what affects one affects them both. If reversed or badly aspected it may suggest various types of relationship problems or frustrations, including thwarted love or unreciprocated feelings, infidelity, lack of harmony. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Relationship cards are relevant, also when in combination with marriage/ commitment cards (see full explanation under The Hierophant) Two of Cups (close loving union). Opposing or contradictory cards: The Hermit usually signifies a sense of aloneness. For some the Nine of Pentacles also indicates this, although it can represent financial independence or an independent person, rather than being alone. The Lovers Tarot Card Combinations: For a love triangle I’d normally look for secrecy cards in close proximity, plus the addition of a King or Queen Court card (outside the couple in question) may also point to third party involvement, although it can sometimes be outside interference, not always an actual affair etc. The Lovers is an easy card to apply to combinations; try using “love relationship” in application to cards before or after, for instance: Ace of Cups to Lovers would show the start of a new relationship, for a married couple it may show a new beginning that brings happiness to the relationship. As you would expect, lots of Cups combinations… > Two of Cups: relationship developing into a deeper bond. > Hierophant > Three of C ups: Marriage/wedding, also… > Ten of Cups: potential for commitment, marriage etc. Popular marriage combinations include Lovers with: Ace of Cups and Ten of Pentacles – or with Ace of Pentacles and Ten of Cups. > Four of Cups: stale relationship, lack of interest or becoming fed-up with circumstances. > Five of Cups: tears and disappointment but fives can be temporary so check card following. > Seven of Cups: may signify more than one option but check surrounding cards too as it could suggest daydreaming or being unrealistic about a relationship. > Two of Pentacles: may be balancing more than one relationship > Three of Swords: can show stormy emotions, upsets and quarrels but also distance relationships (people separated by distance, particularly if the Three precedes The Lovers). Similar to the Five of Cups, it’s a ‘small’ card so check the card following to clarify where it’s going. > Four of Swords: a sense of withdrawal or pu lling back from the relationship, The Hermit may also indicate needing time to think or pull back. > Ten of Pentacles: setting up home and moving in together. > Judgement: relationship revived or resurrected. (Refer to The Lover Returns article.) > The Moon: uncertainty over a relationship, fluctuating emotions or not sure where you stand. > The Devil: may show a destructive or unhealthy relationship but can also indicate an obsession, or fling. *When in full combination with The Moon, The Devil, and Five of Swords, something is definitely amiss! > Death: (or Ten of Swords) relationship ending. VII The Chariot Correspondences: Astrology: Cancer Element: Water Keywords & phrases: Triumph over obstacles, strong will with self-discipline. Journey. Chariot Tarot Card Meanings: The Chariot is a success card but often indicates that it will be achieved through exerting a strong will, self-discipline, and focus. Triumph over obstacles, tends to indicate there may be a few en-route so it could require some effort.
If you consider the control and driving force needed to harness the energy of two animals to steer the chariot forward, it provides an indication of what’s required; if they’re pulling in different directions then the chariot won’t go anywhere. The two animals (usually shown as sphinxes or horses) are black and white, demonstrating the need to harmonise opposing forces, echoing a theme of duality and polarity often found within the symbolism of Tarot. When The Chariot card appears in your reading it may show that you need to stay focused and not allow your energy to become scattered in different directions in order to achieve your aims. It is a card of drive, exerting a strong will but harnessed with self-discipline so it can be controlled. Travel is often associated with this card and this is strengthened if it appears with other journey cards (as outlined below), on a more mundane or daily level it may be connected to a vehicle, travel by land, car or rail. If reversed or badly aspected, it may bring defeat or failure of plans, spreading yourself too thin and losing focus on the t ask at hand, standing still, disruption t o travel arrangements or vehicle problems.
Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Ace of Swords (triumph over adversity) and any of the success cards would be relevant (The World, etc) The Magician (focused thought), The Emperor (taking control) Opposing or contradictory cards: Any cards indicating defeat or failure. Hanging Man and Two of Swords (non-movement). Four of Cups (apathy). Strength is similar, but the element o f control is expressed differently, these two often appear together to reinforce the message but Strength indicates a gentler approach. (Similar yet different, in the same way we find with The Emperor and Empress.) The Chariot Tarot Card Combinations: Other cards that also indicate travel (Six of Swords, Eight of Wands, Knight of Wands ) would reinforce this meaning through association. Nine of Wands > The Chariot: powering through, strong determination will pay off. > The Chariot > Ace of Swords: inner and outer resolve in order to o vercome setbacks, an unstoppable force. > Ace of Pentacles: travel or vehicle documents. > Justice: may indicate a parking ticket or traffic offence. Eight of Pentacles > The Chariot: learning to drive (followed by Six of Wands, passing driving test) VIII Strength Correspondences: Astrology: Leo Element: Fire Keywords & phrases: Inner strength, gentleness with quiet determination. Courage and endurance. Strength Tarot Card Meanings: Depending upon which Tarot deck you’re using, for some people card VIII is Justice. I started with Tarot de Marseilles style deck so card XI was La Force, sometimes also known as Fortitude, Strength, or Lust in the Thoth deck. The Order of the Golden Dawn made the switch in order to accommodate the astrological sequence they adopted. Arthur Edward Waite was a member and, since most decks are styled after the Rider-Waite tradition, Strength is usually found as the card numbered VIII. (I receive quite a few emails asking about this so hope it provides at least a very brief explanation).
Although the card depicts a lion, which many associate with courage, the animal walks subdued at the woman’s side without aggressive action on her part. Although the card may be called Strength it refers to inner strength, which could be argued as a more powerful and effective quality than brute force. For some, it demonstrates the ability to conquer the nature of the inner beast. When the Strength card appears in your Tarot reading it suggests the need to call upon your inner courage, to have grace under pressure with the strength to endure. It’s a time of quiet determination, to keep your head down and keep going - I often think, “Keep calm and carry on,” with this card, as it’s one of true grit! The ability to deal with matters in a calm and gentle manner, using diplomacy, tact and persuasion, but with a resolute will, fits well with the tag of ‘fortitude.’ Strength would be similar to the iron fist in a velvet glove, more powerful than it appears, proving that it’s not what you do but more how you go about it that secures the desired result. I’ve found that people normally achieve success with this card, if they heed the message of Strength and go about things in the right way. For a woman in connection to relationship questions, this card can also indicate a certain magnetic quality and charm that makes her attractive to the opposite sex. If reversed or badly aspected it can show weakened strength or resolve, not claiming your inner power, being hesitant and backing off, losing heart. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: In the Life Spread, the Nine of Wands is often found nearby to reinforce the message of pulling on inner reserves. Temperance (patience and balance). Opposing or contradictory cards: The Chariot is similar but expressed more outwardly so slightly different, (Similar yet different, in the same way we find with The Empress and The Emperor). Strength Tarot Card Combinations: Five of Cups > Strength: endurance after a difficult situation, picking yourself back up regardless and soldiering on. Nine of Wands > Strength > Knight of Pentacles: in for the long haul, perseverance and courage will finally pay off but could take time. > Eight of Cups: gathering resolve to leave a situation. > The Chariot > Ace of Swords: inner and outer resolve in order to o vercome setbacks, an unstoppable force. Seven of Swords > Strength: using tact and diplomacy to accomplish aims, charming the birds out the trees… IX The Hermit Correspondences: Astrology: Virgo Element: Earth Keywords & phrases: Deep thought and contemplation. Wisdom. Hermit Tarot Card Meanings: The Hermit walks a solitary path, yet finds wisdom and solace within the silence of private thought. In the Visconti Tarot from the 15th century, this card resembled Father Time, with the wise old man carrying an hourglass to signify maturity and wisdom gained through time. Andy Boroveshengra (http://boroveshengra.com) suggests this card may have been depicted as Chronos (Father Time) during the Renaissance period, whilst Rachel Pollack (http://www.rachelpollack.com/bio) notes the significance of this interpretation when you consider the placement coming before the Wheel of Fortune turns. Over time (no pun intended) the Old Man became the sage or hermit, with the hourglass replaced by the lantern we recognise today.
When The Hermit appears in your Tarot reading it can suggest withdrawal for deep thought and contemplation, a time of quiet introspection to reflect and meditate in order to find the answer that lies within you. The Hermit holds his lantern aloft to illuminate the path ah ead; he shows us that we can find our way to inner truth if we follow his example with maturity and wisdom. It can suggest being prudent, taking time, and keeping your own counsel. Studying and gathering knowledge are also well aspected with this card. For some, it represents a teacher and guide, or the slow moving element of age and time. As a solitary figure, in relationship readings it may indicate alone time or pulling back to think things through; The Hermit withdraws from the throng and travels alone. If reversed or badly aspected, lack of maturity, acting hastily, (although some view it as over caution), problems with an older person. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Four of Swords (withdrawal) The High Priestess (deeper knowledge) The Hierophant (teacher or guide) Four of Pentacles (caution) Opposing or contradictory cards: The Fool (carefree spirit of adventure) Two of Wands (partnerships and working with others) Two of Cups (close union) Three of Cups, or any cards suggesting group activity. The Hermit Tarot Card Combinations: The slow moving element suggested in this card can be emphasised or reinforced when others are present, such as, the Knight of Pentacles, Strength, etc. > The High Priestess: The search for deeper meaning and mysteries of life. > The Empress or Emperor: in a literal sense can be grandparents, (particularly if Ten of Pentacles present) or taking advice from an older relative, similarly… > Kings or Queens: Alongside, may indicate an older p erson. > Hierophant: Strengthens the association of a wise teacher. Together (in any combination) with Eight of Pentacles can indicate learning and studying; gathering wisdom in an educational setting. > The World: Success achieved slowly, over time. > Four of Swords: Withdrawal, time out, a retreat. Four of Pentacles > The Hermit: being prudent with finances, careful and wise saver. Wheel of Fortune Correspondences: Astrology: Jupiter Element: Fire Keywords & phrases: Fate and destiny. Change of luck and fortune. Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meanings: The Wheel of Fortune brings change and usually of a positive nature unless surrounded or immediately followed by less favourable cards. The wheel suggests the cyclical nature and inevitability of change, what’s down must at some point go back up, and vice-versa.
Circumstances rarely stay the same but the Wheel introduces the element of luck, indicating that it’s a matter of chance, where fate and destiny step into play. When the wheel turns everything can turn around in the blink of an eye. The hand of fate turns the wheel of life and Lady Luck smiles upon us. In earlier Tarot de Marseille style decks La Roue de Fortune is depicted with figures rising and falling upon the wheel, whilst the image in the Swiss IJJ deck shows the goddess Fortuna blindly turning the wheel of their fate. When the Wheel of Fortune appears i n your reading it represents a new cycle commencing when luck is riding on your side and gains can be made, so it’s important to make the most of opportunities as you never know when the wheel will turn again. If reversed or ill-dignified, the Wheel of Fortune may suggest your luck has run out and things are not working in your favour. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Together with multiple sevens in the reading indicates a cycle change. Similar characteristics, although different meanings, are found with Death and The Tower as they all bring an element of change of an external nature (usually outside of our control). Opposing or contradictory cards: Hanging Man and Two of Swords (no movement) Four of Pentacles (risk-averse, caution) Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Combinations: The order of the cards would be important when reading in a simple line, for instanceThe Tower to Wheel of Fortune could show a turnaround in circumstances such as a blessing in disguise or bounce back from something initially perceived as a catastrophe. However, luck wouldn’t be running on your side if this order were switched (Wheel to The Tower). With marriage cards it may show a ‘fortunate’ match, or the changing fortunes and circumstances in the lives of those involved due to the pairing. Death > Wheel of Fortune > Fool : complete and absolute change from one path to another. > The Devil : possible gambling addiction > Five of Pentacles : risky venture that results in loss, whereas followed by a positive Pentacle card would show gains (such as Nine of Pentacles etc). > The Sun > The World : These three together (in any combination) bring fortune and success of a larger degree than the client’s usual experience. If The Star is also included it may put you in the spotlight (fame of some description). Four of Cups > Wheel of Fortune > Four of Pentacles: may warn of a missed opportunity and being careful not to dismiss something out of hand.
Ace of Pentacles > Wheel of Fortune > Six of Pentacles : Lucky ticket. A new venture that brings financial gain. XI Justice Correspondences: Astrology: Libra Element: Air Keywords & phrases: Balanced thought, the law/legal matters. Justice Tarot Card Meanings: In the Tarot de Marseille Justice is numbered eight, and Strength eleven, as also explained previously in Strength, with reference to the Order of the Golden Dawn and A E Waite making the switch.
The image usually depicts a figure balancing the scales of justice, in the Gilded Tarot she is blindfolded to emphasise impartiality. Justice weighs the scales with impartiality to find the balance in favour of a ruling that is right and fair to all, she does not take sides but simply balances the facts and evidence to come to the truth. (Some readers associate this card with karma, although personally I relate that to the Judgement card.) The Justice Tarot card can be literal in representing the law and legal matters around you, so any form of legal documents and contracts would also be relevant. When this card appears in your reading it may suggest that you need to take a clear and logical view to a matter, to be impartial but fair and honest in your dealings. If reversed or ill-dignified, it may suggest imbalance, unfair dealings, false accusations, or complications with a legal matter. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Ace of Pentacles (contracts with material connection) The Emperor (rational and practical) The Hermit (deep thought and contemplation) Temperance (balanced emotions) King or Queen of Swords (lawyers, police, men/women with legal connections) Two of Pentacles (maintaining balance) Opposing or contradictory cards: Five of Wands (imbalance) Two of Swords (indecision, two minds) Five of Swords (dishonest) Justice Tarot Card Combinations: Due to the legal implications of Justice there are l ots of possible combinations, however, always check the defined meanings you normally use and follow progressions carefully to avoid misinterpretation or jumping to conclusions. I tend to look for a number of reinforcing cards when less favourable indications are present; these a re more evident when using the Life Spread and Anchor. In legal matters you would hope to find a favourable card immediately following Justice to show a good ou tcome and happy resolution (The World, The Sun, Three of Cups, Six of Wands, etc). > The Devil: may indicate corruption, if surrounded (either side) or if followed by Eight of Swords and The Devil can sometimes indicate prison, or imprisoned. > Hierophant > Emperor: These three together (in any combination) indicate a situation dealing with higher authorities, government, law of the land, etc. > Judgement: Sometimes literal. > Ace of Pentacles > Ten of Pentacles: Will or inheritance, or property purchase. If the Knight of Wands included would indicate property transaction and home move (purchase, lease, etc) > Ten of Wands: Weighed down by official rules and regulations, red tape. Eight of Pentacles > Justice: New employment contract > Eight of Wands > The Chariot > Justice: on a mundane level, possible speeding ticket, without the Eight it may signify legal documentation connected to a vehicle. Ten of Pentacles > Justice >Three of Swords: could indicate a legal dispute with family. Three of Swords > Five of Cups > Ten of Swords > Justice: various combinations for divorce proceedings but exercise care and read the progression as the order is important. Justice > Ace of Pentacles > Five of Pentacles: liquidation, filing for bankruptcy, or losing a legal case that may prove costly. Supports all and any marriage cards (marriage certificate). XII The Hanging Man Correspondences: Astrology: Neptune Element: Water Keywords & phrases: Suspension, life in limbo. Alternative view. Self-sacrifice. Hanged Man Tarot Card Meanings: Perhaps it is the title, but people often feel u ncomfortable and expect the worst when confronted by this card but, generally , I find it creates delays, a sense of being in limbo, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to forge ahead. Although, this is the point of The Hanging Man, so he seems something of a conundrum, yet within itself, the card also offers a message of advice on how to proceed.
The Hanging Man’s position is voluntary and provides a unique perspective, an alternative view that sees the world through a different lens, so when this card appears it may be time to look at things from a different angle, engage lateral thinking, and ‘think outside the box.’ This may sound easier said than done, for however open-minded we like to think ourselves to be, when we set off down a track we often become blinkered or blinded by our view of it, to really see it from another perspective may require stepping into others’ shoes and viewing it from different angles. From this new viewpoint a resolution may be found but could also
require a certain amount of self-sacrifice, if only to relinquish our ‘ ideal.’ A period o f reassessment may be needed in order to find a new way forward and release those events currently suspended. The image of the Hanging Man is often likened to the story of the Norse God, Odin, who voluntarily hung upside down from the world tree for nine days and nights without sustenance, sacrificing himself to receive enlightenment; the ritual death and rebirth a shaman undertakes, and in return perceived the mystery of the runes. Some readers relate this card to the sign of a traitor, as in Renaissance Italy these were punished in a pose similar to an inverted crucifixion known as pittura infamante, ( meaning, defaming portrait). If reversed or badly aspected, being selfish or unwilling to sacrifice, narrow minded or a locked perspective (blinkered) Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Hanging Man is often found together with the Two of Swords (stalemate, non-movement) Page of Swords (delay) when emphasising this context. The Hermit (wisdom and contemplation, but also a slow moving card in terms of time) The Fool (also unconventional and free thi nking). Opposing or contradictory cards: The Hierophant (conventional) Eight of W ands, Knight of Swords (both bring speed into play) Hanging Man Tarot Card Combinations: I mainly tend to find this card creates delays and usually prolongs the wait for an outcome to any matter under question. Therefore, as an ‘outcome’ card it would imply no movement without reassessment. In a string, or simple line, the card following would be most important to show how the situation is released, although normally it can still delay events quite significantly. XIII Death Correspondences: Astrology: Scorpio Element: Water Keywords & phrases: An ending that brings major change. Death Tarot Card Meanings Death is probably one of the most familiar images of the Tarot, not least perhaps, due to the media; if Tarot cards appear in the script you can almost guarantee the Death card will be shown and suitably dramatised!
Generally, the Death card signifies something coming to an end and is rarely seen or used as a predictive c ard for physical death by most responsible readers. The depiction and title often provokes a strong response, so it’s important to handle this card sensitively. In view of interpretation, it’s probably the most decisive card we can easily relate to, as Death suggests finality, indicating a definite ending to something. Whereas the Ten of Swords may show an ending that brings some feelings of disappointment, the Death card usually signifies an ending that’s accompanied by a major change in life. Our biggest challenge with this card is that most of us tend to resist change; we like to feel a sense of continuity and find security in the familiar, yet in the timeline of our lives we will transition through a number of major changes and some are welcome – so it’s not always bad news. Ending one career to start another, the end of a single life for someone getting married, etc. Clients going through a difficult time are often relieved if this card comes up as it means they can finally close the door on something and move on at last! Death is like drawing a line in the sand as we transition from one way of life to another. If reversed it doesn’t tend to indicate an opposite meaning but instead can represent a prolonged ending, dragging something out, or stagnation. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Ten of Swords (ending) Wheel of Fortune (change) and also multiple sevens indicate a cycle change. Opposing or contradictory cards: The Aces and The Fool, i ndicate new beginnings. Death Tarot Card Combinations: Due to the meaning this is one of the easiest cards to read in combinations, so there are too many to list here. When reading a simple line, or string of cards in a progression, the card preceding Death would show what is coming to an end. Look to the following cards to see where it leads, in particular, watch for the new beginnings the Aces would bring. > Wheel of Fortune > Fool : complete change from one path to another and usually fortunate. > Ten of Pentacles: inheritance, particularly if Six of Pentacles also included. XIV Temperance Correspondences: Astrology: Sagittarius Element: Fire Keywords & phrases: Patience, harmony, emotional balance, healing and renewal. Temperance Tarot Card Meanings: The Temperance angel carefully blends the contents of two opposite elements, fire and water, and integrates energy from opposing forces. In the dictionary, temperance means moderation and this card often encourages a middle ground, the ability to find compromise and balance.
Although the esoteric correspondences place this card under the element of fire, I tend to find this is one of the slower moving cards, particularly in relation to the meaning of a need for patience. If you’re in a hurry for something to happen and Temperance comes up in your reading then you may have to be patient because it will take time. Temperance is calm and unhurried, gentle and patient, showing moderation in all things.
If there have been difficulties in relationships then Temperance may indicate healing and renewal, the need for cooperation, diplomacy, and compromise in order to achieve and integrate balance. It often shows for couples that share a very close and harmonious bond too, similar to the Two of Cups, so it’s not unusual to find these two cards in a spread together. If reversed we usually find a lack of harmony and balance, people in opposition or not cooperating together if not openly hostile, intolerance and impatience. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Star (healing) Judgement (renewal) Justice (is a balanced mind as Temperance is balanced emotions) Two of Pentacles (maintaining balance) Two of Cups (harmonious bond) Six of Swords (calm). Cards that represent a slow moving timeframe, such as The Hermit, etc. Opposing or contradictory cards: The Devil (excess) The Tower (sudden change, shocks and surprises) Five of Wands (competition) Knight of Swords (very fast moving pace) Temperance Tarot Card Combinations: Six of Cups > Temperance > Judgement: Renewal and reconciliation. > Hierophant > Four of Sw ords: may indicate hospital. > The Star > Four of Swords: healing and convalescence. > The Devil: ‘falling off the wagon,’ vice versa may show abstaining from an addiction. Three of Swords > Temperance: healing of rifts and bad feelings but will require patience and compromise on both sides. XV The Devil Correspondences: Astrology: Capricorn Element: Earth Keywords and phrases: Addiction, obsession, manipulation, secrecy, self-enslavement. Devil Tarot Card Meanings: All cards need to be considered in context but The Devil comes in many guises although, generally speaking, it often points to an unhealthy situation on some level as it tends to bring out the shadow side.
In its simplest terms, The Devil can appear when someone is feeling completely bogged down by a situation to the point where they feel helpless to change it. The Devil can point to hedonistic tendencies, the enjoyment of food, drink, sex, material pleasures, but it often suggests over-indulgence or excessive behaviour, such as addictions. If you’re familiar with The Anchor Spread I use (alongside the Life Spread) if The Devil appears in the relationship area it usually suggests a problem, such as: partner with an addiction, abusive or manipulative behaviour, someone sneaking around, or an obsession. However, always look for back-up information in The Life Spread to throw more light and reinforce the context. If it appears in the wishes and desires position of The Anchor it usually means the p erson has secret plans and they’re keeping their cards close to their chest. The Devil seems to soak up or even ta int those cards closest to it, so it’s easier to interpret in groups. If you wonder where the problem lies look for what it follows, the card that precedes it will show the nature of the problem, but handle what you find with care and sensitivity as the situatio n is often masked. Sometimes The Devil will be present when someone’s developing an idea that n eeds to remain under wraps or hidden from public view for the time being, and this isn’t unusual in career, the corporate or entertainment world, so the aspect of secrecy isn’t always sneaky or sinister. If reversed, The Devil may bring about release from an oppressive situation, facing the shadow self, accepting and moving beyond it through spiritual understanding. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Ten of Wands (feeling weighed down) Nine of Swords (stress and anxiety) Eight of Swords (feeling trapped and restricted) all the secrecy cards (Moon, Five of Swords, High Priestess) Opposing or contradictory cards: Temperance (moderation) The Star (hope and optimism) The Devil Tarot Card Combinations: Watch for the cards that surround The Devil, the clearest indication of what the problem concerns usually comes from the card that precedes it. In simple lines or small groups, watch for Five of Swords and The Devil, or The Devil and The Moon, surrounding and either side of another card as it’s usually a sign of deception and dishonesty – the central card would indicate the area of concern. There are too many combinations to list here but those below provide a small flavour of possibilities... > Temperance: may show abstaining from an addiction, vice versa ‘falling off the wagon.’ > Eight of Swords: Confinement, sometimes prison, particularly if Hierophant (The Establishment) Justice (legal system) The Emperor (authority) or King of Swords, (government officials, men in uniform) are a lso included. Six of Cups > The Devil: may show an obsession with an old love. The Hierophant > The Devil: Corrupt organisation (particularly if Five of Swords included) Also… The Devil > Four of Pentacles > Five of Swords: Possible embezzlement, with other appropriate Pentacle card central may simply show theft (mainly Five of Pentacles central). Ace of Pentacles > The Devil: Forgery, forged document. Five of Pentacles > The Devil: Excessive debt, overspending. The Magician > The Devil: manipulation, a trickster or con artist. Nine of Cups > The Devil: Perhaps too much of a good thing! (Be careful what you wish for.) The Tower > The Devil: possible violence or abuse The Moon > The Lovers > The Devil: clandestine relationship (also Five of Swords instead, or as well as, The Moon)
The Moon > The Devil: hallucinations, being under the influence of an addictive substance. > Eight of Pentacles (or Ace of Wands): Secret plans being made to start a new job or career. If The Devil is followed by: The Star, The Sun, Four of Swords, or Six of Swords: recovery from a difficult situation, most of the positive cards following would show release. XVI The Tower Correspondences: Astrology: Mars Element: Fire Keywords and phrases: Shocks and surprises, shakes things up, unexpected upheaval. Tower Tarot Card Meanings: Most people are familiar with the image of The Tower and most of us prefer not to see it in our readings. Just as we never know exactly where lightning is going to strike, the upheaval this card can bring is usually sudden and unexpected. The Tower tends to bring a bit of a shake-up and, just as the man plunges headlong from the building, it tends to release us from something we would otherwise cling to, perhaps through a false sense of security or philosophy. The Tower breaks through false illusions, leaving no option but to let go and move forward.
The Tower heralds sudden and unexpected change, whether through incident or news that reaches you. As with all the cards though, there are varying degrees in how it may be experienced, which may be easier to see with larger spreads, for instance, with the Life Spread and Anchor you can see the extent of the disruption, or whether it appears as an isolated event, therefore not affecting other areas of life. That’s not to say it will not b e felt at all, but the impact may be morelimited or confined in how it affects someone. Often, people see The Tower and consider it to represent complete ruin or destruction to an entire way of life, but it’s usually o ne event with reverberating shockwaves that tends to rock the boat. The card is associated with Mars, planet of war, violence, accidents or destruction. I tend to think of this card similar to the effects felt from an eclipse, as it often releases us from something we’d otherwise hang onto, regardless of whether or not it’s good for us. A house built on unsound foundations will sooner or later collapse but then it can be rebuilt on solid ground. At the very least, The Tower tends to clear out the clutter but it may shake your core beliefs about something in the process. When ill-dignified or for those who read reversals, the effects of The Tower are usually to a lesser degree, though still not necessarily pleasant. Some readers view it as a personal revelation. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: For me, The Tower is in a class of it’s own on this one! However, Death and the Ten of Swords add the sort of tension we usually wish to avoid in a reading. Opposing or contradictory cards: The Sun takes things from extreme to the other. The Star and Temperance (calm and healing) Tower Tarot Card Combinations: When reading in simple lines (or Life Spread) The Tower is more damaging when it comes at the end, since whatever sits before it will come crashing down, or can add impetus to an already difficult situation. The best scenario is to see a very positive card following, indicating a quick recovery or complete turnaround of events, such as: The Tower to The Sun , where something that initially appears to be a disaster turns out surprisingly well and for the best. XVII The Star Correspondences: Astrology: Aquarius Element: Air Keywords and phrases: Hope for the future, optimism, healing. Star Tarot Card Meanings: The Star brightens a darkened sky, with the promise of a better tomorrow and brighter times waiting on the horizon; it’s the perfect card to follow The Tower, offering hope and optimism for the future.
If times have been tough then The Star tells you to have faith, to believe in yourself and the times that lie ahead. This card can bring healing to a situation, whether i llness, or if there have been rifts with another. Depending upon placement, it usual ly indicates better times further down the road, improving circumstances rather than immediate. If you’ve experienced hurt in love or relationships then The Star encourages you to have confidence in the future, it may be time to leave the past behind and to have faith that something better is destined. The gentle and uplifting atmosphere this card generates is extremely good when it falls alongside positive relationship cards, or a new relationship, as it’s blessed with shared harmony and portends to a good future. For those who work in the pu blic arena the message of this card may be literal, or lead you to provide inspiration to others. Plans and goals hold the promise of bright prospects under the light of The Star. If reversed or badly aspected, it can suggest feeling discouraged, lacking hope, unfulfilled desires or expectations, false hopes. Associations: Similar and reinforcing cards: Temperance (healing and renewal) Six of Swords (calm after storm) Opposite or opposing cards: The Devil (bogged down), The Tower (chaos), Nine of Swords (worry and anxiety) The Star Tarot Card Combinations: Following and alongside a new relationship or marriage cards, adds blessings and prospects for a bright future, (i.e., Ace, Two, Three, Ten of Cups, etc). The Star > Wheel of Fortune > The S un > The World: In any combination but as a straight group, can indicate a high level of success and recognition in some way (usually an event outside normal circumstances or usual experience)
> Six of Wands: Public recognition (also when order vice versa). > Four of Swords: healing and convalescence. The Star > Temperance: healing and renewal (also of relationship, depending upon the root card leading to these two; Three of Swords/Five of Cups may show mending a broken heart). XVIII The Moon Correspondences: Astrology: Pisces Element: Water Keywords and phrases: Uncertainty and fluctuating emotions, secrecy, illusion. Moon Tarot Card Meanings: In folklore and tradition, the moon can be associated with moon madness, and it’s a good way to remember the card, for nothing may be as it really seems at this time. The full moon holds us spellbound in its presence, momentarily captured in its hypnotic light.
When The Moon appears in a Tarot reading it can indicate uncertainty, feeling as though you’re standing on shifting sands, and emotions fluctuating back and forth. By the light of the moon nothing may appear as it really is, creating illusionary situations, so it’s best not to jump to conclusions. Events have a habit of culminating and coming to the surface around the time of a full moon, just as the crayfish in the image is half submerged in the water pool of the subconscious, it often shows situations that are still developing, so not all the facts may be available at this time but they will emerge in due course. There can also be a hint of secrecy or deception, particularly if accompanied by other cards that reinforce the message to strengthen that association. Heightened dreams, intuition, and psychic ability, can be highlighted by this card, although more frequently it muddies the waters, suggesting clouded thinking and not seeing matters clearly; taken to extreme it can create a sense of paranoia. The best advice with The Moon is to be watchful and wait until all the facts are available before making important decisions. The Moon often makes an appearance for those seeking a reading when they feel completely confused over a situation, to the point where they don’t feel they can think straight about it anymore. They’ve often looked at the situation from every angle and feel they’re sinking in uncertainty; this is most apparent when it appears in the base position of The Anchor, which reveals the current atmosphere and circumstances surrounding the client at the time of the reading. If reversed or badly aspected, usually similar but with a lesser effect than the upright meaning. Associations: Similar and reinforcing cards: Seven of Cups (can cloud realistic thinking) Two of Swords (indecision, in two minds) Nine of Swords (anxiety). Watch for The Devil, Five of Swords, and High Priestess to reinforce aspects of secrecy or possible deceptions. Opposite or opposing cards: The Emperor (stability, logic and rationale) Justice (balanced mind) The Moon Tarot Card Combinations: The Moon isn’t usually a positive companion, as it tends to muddy the waters and create instability. Watch for a positive card following to release the situation and bring clarity to the matter. > High Priestess: Generally, what is hidden will be revealed and usually to your benefit, but can also be a good sign of developing psychic ability. > The Devil: Heavy duty! Can indicate hallucinations or paranoia, more commonly suggests secrecy connected to root card in a simple line, or if either side of a card may indicate what is being concealed. Seven of Cups > The Moon: unrealistic fantasies, if followed by The Devil can indicate developing into an unhealthy obsession. > Five of Swords: Deception and dishonesty behind the scenes, watch your back. XIX The Sun Correspondences: Astrology: Sun Element: Fire Keywords & Phrases: Happiness, success and contentment. Sun Tarot Card Meanings: There seems to be little The Sun can’t accomplish in bringing good cheer to the table, which makes it one of the most favourable cards of the Tarot! Finances prosper, relationships are filled with happiness and contentment, career matters are successful, and health is filled with energy and vitality. The Sun seems to hold it all in abundance, for it not only brings success but happiness along with it. The Rider-Waite depicts a naked child on a white horse, Marseille style decks are often illustrated with a young boy and girl, here in the Gilded Tarot Ciro Marchetti portrays the sun in planetary order, but in all images the sun usually dominates the scene. In ancient times people worshipped the sun for it’s life-giving properties, life and activities revolved around it. In today’s world we’re usually cheered and everyone’s mood brightens when the sun comes out, (that’s certainly the case here in England)! An easy way to remember the card i s the association of joy we feel when the sun shines. Of all the cards, this is the one we’re most likely hoping to see as the outcome and answer to our question in a reading. Reversed or ill-dignified meanings between readers can vary, some see it as such a positive card that it merely lessens the effect, whilst others may read it as an almost total reversal to the upright meaning, to signal unhappiness, broken arrangements, lack of clarity, and the possible need to keep the ego i n check. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Nine of Cups (wish card) The World (success and achievement) Opposing or contradictory cards: The Tower ( Nine of Swords (worry and anxiety) Four of Cups (apathy and discontent).
The Sun Tarot Card Combinations: In simple line formation The Sun can turn almost any situation into a positive when it trumps as the last card. Whilst it can still be overruled when followed by cards such as The Tower or Ten of Swords, cards of a lesser negative degree surrounding it may overshadow and reduce the effect although not completely obliterate all the good vibes The Sun radiates. The Sun adds blessings and abundance and can boost other positive surrounding cards but may have diffic ulty manifesting fully when hemmed in by minor difficult cards. In positional spreads, the placement title would be the most relevant factor. The Star > Wheel of Fortune > The Sun > The World: In any combination but as a straight group, can indicate a high level of success and recognition in some way (usually an event outside normal circumstances or usual experience) > The Tower: short-lived happiness or success (similarly, Death or Ten of Swords) whereas, The Tower to The Sun , can show something that initially appears to be a disaster turns out surprisingly well and for the best. Six of Wands > The Star > The Sun: Public recognition and acclaim, in the spotlight, possibly fame (in context). Three of Cups > The Sun: Brings great joy to celebrations Two of Cups > The Sun: Fortunate pairing, happy and harmonious bond, serious plans for the future. Ten of Cups > The Sun: Happy marriage Ten of Pentacles > The Sun: happy and contented stable family life, many blessings. > Five of Pentacles: Reversal of fortunes > Four of Cups: not seeing the bigger picture, may not appreciate their blessings or good circumstance. XX Judgement C orrespondences: Astrology: Pluto Element: Fire Keywords & Phrases: Resurrection and revival, roots in the past. Judgement Tarot Card Meanings: The Judgement card brings a past situation back into being and breathes new life into it, so something is revived and resurrected. The image in the card is often likened to Judgement Day but the t heme is not one of being judged, i t’s more in keeping with an awakening of the soul released from the past and born anew. There can also be a sense of karma, in reaping what you have previously sown.
In relationships, this is the main card I look for with regard to reconciliation or revival of a relationship from the past, a frequently asked question by clients from the Tarot. (An article covering more about relationship reconciliation can be found here.) When Judgement appears there’s always a past connection to the matter in question in some way, as revival would suggest. In career matters it could indicate somewhere you’ve previously worked or a past association that will be relevant in some way, connected to house moves it could suggest an old stomping ground you previously called home. As always, surrounding cards would provide the context but with Judgement it is something resurrected and coming back round, (death and rebirth) re-doing, rather than something completely new. Aside from resurrection and revival, words with the re- prefix (means again, or to go back, return) helps to remember the concept too, such as: reawaken, rekindle, regenerate, renew, restore, redo… lots of re-‘s! If reversed it can indicate procrastinating in moving forward, postponements or delays, being stuck in the past and refusing to see facts or what is creating a holding pattern, going back around in a circle with the same result. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Six of Cups (past aspects) Temperance (renewal) Opposing or contradictory cards: The Fool (new and unknown) The Aces (new begi nnings) Judgement Tarot Card Combinations: Judgement is generally quite easy in combination situations, as before a card is shows a past connection that leads to… or following a card may resurrect it, so either can work. As mentioned above, if any of the opposing cards are paired with Judgement it can amplify something from the past that leads to a new beginning (if it comes before) or a new beginning that resurrects something as a result (when following). For me, Judgement almost always takes you back to something. Aside from this… Wheel of Fortune > Judgement: Karmic cycle, going round in a circle. Eight of Pentacles > Judgement: may be redoing or re-sitting an exam. > Ten of Cups: a past relationship revived that leads to permanency, whereas in reverse order (Ten of Cups > Judgement) could be marriage reconciliation. > The Lovers: Resurrection of an old love relationship/interest. Death > Judgement: boomerang effect, Lazarus, this one bounces back into li fe. When paired with alternating cards, such as: Three of Swords > Temperance > Five of Cups > Judgement: can show an on off type relationship (I’ve seen this in numerous readings). Six of Cups > Ten of Pentacles > Judgement: returning to childhood home, or Knight of Wands > Judgement > Ten of Pentacles: Moving to somewhere you’ve previously lived or have a strong past connection with. XXI The World Correspondences: Astrology: Saturn Element: Earth Keywords & Phrases: Attainment, success with fulfilment, triumph, acclaim. World Tarot Card Meanings: Throughout the deck, explanations of Tarot imagery and symbolism often relate to the recurring theme of duality in some way, the nature of opposing forces and energy as we try to reconcile both sides and find balance, finally, in The World, we
achieve integration, a sense of wholeness and perfect synthesis; the triumphant moment. In The World we find unity, the perfected state of oneness with the uni verse. Whilst we all like to see positive cards, such as the Nine of Cups or The Sun as our outcome card, The World is like ‘The Big One,’ hitting the jackpot, or the happy ending, because it doesn’t get much better than successfully realising your goal to the point of feeling a sense of perfection and fulfilment. The balance and harmony pulls all the successive threads from the deck together idealised into one card. Heady stuff! The World brings successful completion with a sense of fulfilment. My personal view, perhaps influenced by the planetary association of Saturn (the astrological taskmaster), also tends to favour the accomplishment of something that has probably been worked toward over time, rathe r than an in stant success variety. All the same, it heralds success, which in context with the cards symbolic references almost sounds mundane by comparison. The World is like all the pieces of your plan successfully coming together to bring well -deserved accomplishment. If reversed or ill-dignified, perfection becomes imperfect, instead of integration and wholeness we find the end result incomplete or scattered energy, possibly stagnating or becoming stuck. Success may be difficult to achieve. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The World is like the combination of all the positive cards, such as: The Sun (success and happiness) Nine of Cups (wish fulfilled) The Chariot (triumph over obstacles) Ace of Swords (triumph over adversity) etc, so similar cards reinforce these aspects. Opposing or contradictory cards: The Tower, Death, Ten of Swords (generally endings) Hanging Man and Two of Swords (stuck, non-movement) Five of Cups (sadness and disappointment) The World Tarot Card Combinations: The ideal placement for The World is the outcome card, or the final card in a simple line. The Star > Wheel of Fortune > The Sun > The World: In any combination but as a straight group, can indicate a high level of success and recognition (usually an event outside normal circumstances or usual experience). The Sun and World side by side is also pretty big news of the successful variety! MINOR ARCANA INDEX The minor arcana consists of four suits and deals with the many details and nuances of everyday life. Suit of Wands Wands represent the element of fire and indicate action and enterprise, often connected with work and business. Fire is an active, male energy, usually surrounded by excitement and swift movement.
If you find there's a large proportion of Wand cards in the spread it tends to indicate there will be lots of activity and plenty going on, it may also point to work matters. The court cards of this suit may represent someone with a zodiac sign from the fire element of Aries, Leo, or Sagit tarius, or may suggest similar qualities to those signs. Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Card Timing: Fire corresponds to season of summer: June, July, August. Keywords and Phrases: New career or project, a whole new way of life. Ace of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: The Aces are like the powerhouses of the element represented by each suit, so the Ace of Wands holds all the dynamic potentiality contained within the element of fire. Fire tends to gets things moving; consider how quickly fire catches and spreads once a flame is lit, the Ace of Wands is like the initial spark that sets the fire in motion.
The Ace of Wands brings a new beginning that’s surrounded by plenty of excitement and enthusiasm. This card often signals new work or ventures and projects, as it tends to lead to creating something new. In relationship readings the Ace of Wands can suggest the start of a passionate relationship, but it also represents new life, pregnancy, or virility – as always, read in context with surrounding cards. Reversed, or ill-dignified, it can show a false start, something failing to ignite, fizzling out, an unrealised goal or failure to initiate, impotency. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: All the Aces indicate new beginnings, The Fool. Opposing or contradictory cards: Death and Ten of Swords (endings). Ace of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: In larger spreads (such as the Life Spread) multiple Aces indicate lots of new beginnings afoot that will impact various areas of life. If endings are present, look for the Aces to indicate a new beginning to follow. In simple line, or free-flow spreads, look to the card following to see where the new beginning may lead. If an unfavourable card immediately follows it can show a false start, or something new that would not materialise as it should and usually best avoided. Multiple Aces indicate conditions that bring lots of new beginnings and fresh starts. > The Empress: Usually conception and pregnancy but sometimes birth (in either combination) may also be joined by Ace of Cups (usually for birth) Page of Cups. > Eight of Pentacles: new job > Ten of Swords : This will not work out as you hoped, brief and over almost before it’s begun. Also…
> Death: Similar to above but a dead end. > Ten of Wands: Think carefully before you take this on as it could prove too much and weigh you down (similarly sometimes, The Devil) Knight of Wands > Ace of Wands > Ten of Pentacles: Move to a new home, lots of excitement with this combination as it brings a whole new way of life for the family. > The Lovers: the start of a passionate love affair – look for something solid following to anchor it and show it will last, rather than fizzle out. *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Business partnership, initial progress. Two of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: Just as the Ace begins something, the Two follows and leads to a sense of continuity. The Two of Wands can show that you’re starting to make initial progress, usually with something in the early stages of development.
The Two of Wands is the main card I look for to indicate a business partnership, although this doesn’t always need to be in a formal (contractual) sense; the two brings a second energy into play and this can be negotiations or working with others, collaborating together as you combine your energy and talents towards a goal. A number of Tarot readers see the Three of Wands as the card of partnership or working with others. The Two naturally evolved into this meaning for me through the experience of studying results from readings. In the Gilded Tarot the forked path often makes people consider the meaning to be connected to a choice, although I usually see that as within the progress as someone moves forward, rather than the primary meaning. The two Wands are fixed into the ground as the man moves toward them, representing the idea or new beginning from the Ace starting to take root and become established. If reversed or ill-dignified, the Two of W ands stalls plans, or could indicate a troublesome working relationship with (an)others. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Two of Pentacles (balancing more than one energy) Temperance (cooperation) Opposing or contradictory cards: Two of Swords (stalemate) Hanging Man (non-movement, Three of Swords (separation) Five of W ands (rivalry, obstacles) Two of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: As the card can suggest working with others, watch for Kings or Queens in close proximity to indicate the personality type of the other(s) involved. > Five of Wands: difficulty in working partnership with opposing views, working against each other. Two of Cups > Two of Wands: ‘mom and pop’ business, partnership in love and work. > Three of Swords: Quarrels and upheavals in a business partnership. Emperor > Six of Pentacles > Two of Wands: Angel investor, or possible silent partner (may also be shown by a King of Queen instead of Emperor) > Five of Swords: Working partner that can’t be trusted, devious. *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Small success, initial goals realised. Three of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: Notice how the same man from the Two has progressed into the well-dressed merchant we find in the Three of Wands. The two wands now stand behind him to represent the work he has accomplished and he holds the third forward, as he looks out to his ship on the horizon. The Three of Wands brings good progress where initial goals have now been realised, the duality of the Two creates the third force of energy now made manifest. For some, this card suggests the involvement of others but I use the Two to i ndicate collaboration and business partnership, although the Three of W ands can represent trade and commerce. Although the Three is a good card it is still quite a l ow number and so it generally bringssmall success, it’s not in the same league as The World, for instance, but still, “great oaks from little acorns grow.” Plans start to gain traction and momentum with this card and the first steps of success create the enthusiasm and excitement to b uild upon further goals for the future; a card of enterprise and forward planning. If reversed or ill-dignified, similar to the Two, it can indicate setbacks or difficulty manifesting your goals, problems with trade agreements. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: A number of threes generally add to the mood, although more by way of supporting than similar: Three of Cups (celebrating) Three of Pentacles (mastery) The Empress (fruitful success) The World is more the end result, with the Three of W ands a smaller stepping stone. Opposing or contradictory cards: Four of Cups (apathy), Eight of Cups (abandoning plans) Death and Ten of Swords would bring a halt to progress. Three of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: > The World: Larger scale success follows quickly. > Six of Wands: progress with recognition, possibly promotion. > Seven of Cups: small success brings choices but make future goals realistic or else they could dissip ate.
> Hanging Man: initial progress may be difficult to build upon, suggests a lengthy wait following a good start. > The Hermit: consider your next steps very carefully, take your time. > Ten of Wands: What starts out well could become a burden or over ambitious, particularly when accompanied with The Emperor central (Three of Wands > Emperor > Ten of Wands ) Two of P entacles > Ace of Pentacles > Six of Pentacles: stock market, stocks and shares, currency investing, precious metals, etc. ( T he Magician, Justice, Hierophant, or The Emperor may also feature with the stock market). Depending upon the interpretation you use, Three of Wands (trade and commerce). *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Sense of stability, enjoyment of reward after effort, (secondary, making wedding plans). Four of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: The scene depicted in the Gilded Tarot is slightly different to that found within the RWS, which appears more celebratory. The family in this card are dressed in simple country attire, appearing relaxed and contented, i n the midst of four wands that form the structure and stability of a square.
The scene is more reminiscent to the Harvest Home, which is an easy way to recall the card, a time when people would gather to feast together to celebrate and give thanks, after their hard labour from gathering in the season crops. The Four of Wands brings a sense of stability to the work that has gone before, which allows time to rest and relax with those you love, a short pause in activity to take your foot off the pedal. It provides the contentment of enjoying the moment for a job completed and well done. As we’re still dealing with low numbers, the Four normally brings stability and suggests simple pleasures, possibly short breaks, and a general sense of well-being. The garland of flowers atop the wands can suggest someone making wedding plans, although normally applied as a secondary meaning when strengthened by other cards indicating marriage. The Four of Wands often remains unchanged if reversed although some see it as a sense of insecurity, or the same as upright but to a lesser degree. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Emperor (stability) Seven of Pentacles (reward from effort) supports marriage card combinations, such as: The Hierophant, Three of Cups, Ten of Cups, The Lovers, Two of Cups, etc. Opposing or contradictory cards: Five of Wands (discord) Four of Cups (dissatisfied). Four of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: Generally, a straightforward card in simple lines or combinations, bringing a sense of well-being and a settled quality. For the secondary meaning of wedding plans, to apply it would normally support other cards representing marriage (as above). Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Petty obstacles, competition, differences. Five of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: The Fives are the midway point of the numbered cards from Ace to Ten, so they can act like a pivotal tipping point where events can easily go one way or another, making them unstable and often of a temporary nature.
After the smooth sailing progression of events from Ace through Four, we now meet with opposing forces. The Five of Wands can indicate competition in work or business, internal rivalry and power struggles. This card can also indicate discord, so it may be difficult for people to find agreement as everyone seems to hold differing views. The Five of Wands usually suggests petty obstacles where it feels as though it’s just one thing after another, but wearing rather than insurmountable. It can be a frustrating card to show that things won’t run smoothly or as easily as you would like, with situations of minor disruption and annoyances. If reversed or ill-dignified, some accounts see a more serious turn to the above situations whilst others regard it as a breakthrough. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Three of Swords (conflicts), to some degree the Seven of Wands (standing your ground) although it tends to reflect scattered energy Opposing or contradictory cards: Temperance (compromise) Five of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: Collectively, multiple Fives in a spread show instability. Fives can be temporary, so look for the following card to see how it plays out. > Temperance: mediation to solve di fferences through compromise. > The Star: problems or differences resolved. > Hanging Man: can delay things but tends to suggest an alternative approach needed to move forward. > Two of Swords: differences stop play, standoff with no change. > Seven of Swords > Ace of Swords: if you handle the situation/people carefully you can triumph. > The Tower: situation could get out of hand and lead to violent clashes, (may show riots and unrest on a larger scale against established authority if The Emperor/Hierophant present, Justice and King of Swords can also involve police, uniforms, etc. > Ten of Pentacles > Three of Swords: family disputes leading to upheavals and upset.
> Eight of Pentacles (or Ace of Wands) > Five of Wands: can show stiff competition for a new post when before, or if it follows you meet with resistance once you start. Five of Wands > Two of Cups > Two of Swords: relationship differences where no one is relenting, resulting in no movement or progress. *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Accolade, others applauding your efforts, important news. Six of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: The meaning of this card is easy to relate to the image found in the Gilded Tarot. The rider carries a wand topped with a small laurel wreath, symbol of the victor, as banners fly a nd crowds cheer in his presence.
The Six of Wands appears when others are applauding your efforts; it can represent a promotion at work, an achievement or award, or simply that others ha ve reason to sing your praises. It brings the satisfaction and reward of a job well done with approval and recognition. You’re riding high! Waite also likens this card to the King’s messenger, and so it may herald the arrival of important news. If reversed or ill-dignified this card thwarts effort to accomplish plans, which may be abandoned or fail. For some this card represents internal treachery. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The World (though success of a greater degree) The Star (recognition) The Chariot (victory through effort) Three of Pentacles (recognised mastery) Pages or Eight of Wands (messages arriving). Opposing or contradictory cards: Five of Cups (disappointment) Eight of Cups (abandoning a path) Six of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: The Pages as messengers strengthen the association of the secondary meaning, but the Six of Wands would add weight to the news arriving (similarly, Eight of Wands). The most popular combinations are often found with work related matters involving advancement, the Three of Pentacles can often be alongside and included... > Six of Pentacles: promotion and pay increase. > The Emperor: promotion to a senior or leadership position. Eight of Pentacles > Six of Wands: new job with swift advancement (similarly, Ace of Wands). > The Star: public recognition that puts you in the spotlight (enhanced further if The World and/or The Sun also present). > Ace of Pentacles: can signify an important award. Five of Wands > Six of Wands: winning out over the competition. *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Being assertive, defending personal values, standing firm. Seven of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: At first glance there’s the feeling of a threatening atmosphere in the image of this card; the man stands in readiness against six other wands that point toward him, bu t if you look closely you’ll notice tha t he stands firm and looks calm. The door behind him is slightly ajar but beyond we catch a glimpse of a night landscape, which could represent his inner world, the seat of his ideals and beliefs, which he d efends. The Seven of Wands indicates standing up for yourself or something you believe in that’s important to you. You may feel challenged or need to assert your position regarding a situation or point of principle. It’s time to stand your ground but this card is more about being assertive whilst holding your own, rather than taking an aggressive stance. Stay calm, remain confident, but be resolute and have the courage o f your convictions, because if you can do so you have the ability to win through despite challenges or opposition. You can be successful so long as you stay true to your integrity , but if surrounded by negative cards it may suggest examining your motives or reasons for feeling defensive. If reversed or ill-dignified, may indicate wavering or being indecisive, alternately it could suggest being fixed and fail to see alternatives, weakening your position. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Chariot (strength of will) Strength (inner courage), Ace of Swords (clarity of purpose) to some degree, Nine of Wands (perseverance). Opposing or contradictory cards: Four of Pentacles (holding back) Four of Cups (blasé) The Moon (uncertainty) Two of Swords (indecision) Seven of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: Multiple sevens in the spread can also indicate a cycle change. If reading in a simple line, look to the following cards to see the result. For instance, > Ace of Swords: triumph (equally, other cards representing success) > Two of Swords: no change > Ten of Swords: failure, fighting something you ultimately can’t win. > Hanging Man: re-evaluate the situation and your position, if surrounded with Two of Swords > Seven of Wands > Hanging Man: may be up against a brick wall similarly… Nine of Wands > Seven of Wands > Ten of Wands > The Moon: fighting fog, you could also jump in too soon without all the facts to hand yet, t ake time before asserting position.
> The Emperor: may suggest coming up against authority, but could a lso strengthen your position (depending upon context) whereas, The Emperor > Seven of Wands: more aligned to asserting your position and adds clout. Five of Wands > Seven of Wands > Five of Swords: be careful you’re not being set up, others providing bullets for you to fire. > Five of Cups: disappointment. Seven of Swords > Seven of Wands > Temperance: diplomacy and careful handling recommended, compromise may be needed to restore harmony. *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: News coming in quickly, swift movement, travel by air. Eight of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: Eight Wands fly through the air against the peaceful backdrop of a pastoral scene. The Eight of Wands indicates news and messages coming in very quickly, it often tends to mean now, to day, tomorrow, or very soon, unless the placement follows delay cards, in which case once things start to move they do so at speed. If there have been delays this one gets things moving!
News received is usually positive, unless surrounded by less favourable cards, and carries the enthusiasm and excitement of the fire element found in Wands, so it often creates action and activity in response. The news and messages coming in can be in any form, including word of mouth. The Eight of Wands can be very helpful in relation to timing. On a secondary level, the Eight of Wands can indicate travel, sometimes by air, but most particularly when other cards symbolising travel are also present to reinforce the meaning. Reversed or ill-dignified, the Eight of W ands can suggest miscommunications, disputes, or lost information. It can also stall things and bring cancellation etc. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Knight of Swords (chaotic speed) aspects of travel found in: Knight of W ands, Six of Swords, The Chariot. The Pages as messages, Six of Wands (important news). Opposing or contradictory cards: Page of Swords (delayed news) Two of Swords (deadlock) Hanging Man (suspension) Knight of Pentacles (takes time…) Eight of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: One of the simplest cards to read in combinations, pairs or triplets (see above) and possibly needs little by way of e xplanation. Following delay cards can release the log -jam. *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Perseverance, nearly there… Nine of Wands Tarot Ca rd Meanings: The image in the Gilded Tarot has a slightly different tone to that found in the traditional Rider-Waite.You’ll notice a repeated theme here, with the eight wands in the ground behind the man, representing what he’s worked for and achieved to date. Against the backdrop of a moody sky, his dress and stance suggests he’s battle weary yet holds onto the ninth wand, determined to see things through and not prepared to throw in the towel, even though he seems to have been through the wars already. Nine is the penultimate number of the suit also suggesting that you’re almost there The Nine of Wands is a card of per severance in readiness for the final hurdle. It may feel as though you’re at the end of your tether or have nothing left to give, yet this isn’t the time to quit but to see things through and push forward. It’s similar to climbing a mountain when you’re close to the top, the last part of the journey seems to take the last of your strength and you can’t see anything except the mountain, but you’re almost at the pinnacle where you’ll finally be able to stand and admire the view and look back upon how far you’ve come, the hardest part of the climb is near the end. Keep on keeping on… you’re nearly there! If reversed or ill-dignified, th is card can present obstacles to thwart efforts, or prolonged resistance that may ultimately defeat you. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Strength (endurance) Seven of Wands (standing firm) The Chariot (will power) Opposing or contradictory cards: Eight of Cups (abandoning a path) Nine of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: If the Nine of Wands appears as the outcome to your question it may show you’re in for a long haul and the end result will require continued effort. In simple l ines and free flow methods, the easiest position is where this card ‘bridges,’ so the card following it shows to what extent the perseverance is successful. Other cards suggesting stressful conditions tend to reinforce that aspect of the Nine of Wands if they also appear in a larger spread, particularly… Eight of Swords, Nine of Swords, Ten of Wands, The Devil. Also, should any of these cards directly follow the Nine of Wands it shows the situation dragging them down furthe r. Ideally, we wish to see a positive result, so the more favourable the card following the better, for instance: Six of Wands, Three of Cups, Nine of Cups, Ace of Swords, The Chariot, The Sun, The World, etc. *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy
Keywords and Phrases: Overburdened, overwhelmed, under pressure. Ten of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: The Ten of Wands image in the Gilded Tarot shows a man struggling on through the night under the weight of ten wands. He seems determined but the load he carries appears awkward.
The Ten of Wands can indicate feeli ng under pressure and this may be from taking on too much or feeling that you have too many responsibilities on your shoulders. The card signifies carrying a heavy load that has become a burden, so in future positions it may serve as a warning. For instance, in work situations try to delegate, so you’re not left struggling, or if you have a deadline and extra work seems unavoidable try to plan ahead to alleviate the strain. In relationship readings it may suggest heavy going where things are becoming a bit one-sided or you feel you’re carrying more than your share. For couples it may indicate additional responsibilities that can become cumbersome to the relationship. The effects of the Ten of Wands can often be avoided so its presence in a reading can help as a forewarning, but when appearing in present positions it can identify when the client may feel as though they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. If reversed or ill-dignified, for some this card represents a worsened situation to the above, but others sometimes see it as a release of same. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Devil (weighed down) Eight of Swords (restriction) Five of Pentacles (tough times) Nine of Swords (worries) Opposing or contradictory cards: Four of Swords (rest) Six of Swords (recovery) Ten of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: In combination look for the root, or previous card, to identify the cause of the burden, for instance: Five of Pentacles > Ten of Wands : financial burdens, money worries increasing, overwhelmed by debts. Justice > Ten of Wands: feeling the weight of the law, legal situation dragging you down, read the small print on contracts. Three of Pentacles > Ten of Wands: overworking, pressure through work. Similarly, Ten of Wands > Three of Pentacles > The Devil: in short, workaholic. Ace of Cups > Ten of Wands: relationship may have difficulty getting off the ground or run into problems, however, could also warn what lies ahead in this involvement. Nine of Wands > Ten of Wands: dogged determination that doesn’t pay off. Six of Wands > Ten of Wands: promotion that brings heavy responsibilities; is this what you want? (In reverse order hard work pays off) Nine of Cups > Ten of Wands: careful what you wish for. Instead, and ideally, a favourable card following the Ten of Wands shows the release and resolution to the problem. *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Messages concerning work, an outgoing child. Page of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: An easy way to remember the Pages is to consider the Royal Courts of old, where children served as Pages, running errands and delivering messages between courtiers. For clarity in readings, the Pages are the only Courts I use that have the possibility of two meanings, either to represent messages coming in, or as children. As Wands are usually associated with enterprise, the Page of Wands represents news or messages coming in concerning work matters. This is usually news of a positive nature, unless surrounded or followed by less favourable cards. If the Page represents a child, the personality description would be active and outgoing, usually quite confident. They can be cheerful bubbly types, adventurous and unafraid to jump into things with great enthusiasm, sometimes without much thought to the consequences, but they’re not afraid to ‘have a go.’ Some readers use the Courts as facets of a personality, so in this respect, the Pages suggest the newness of childhood, such as when you take up the fragile beginnings of entering a new field, you enter with a childlike state. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: As messages, all the Pages, Eight of Wands, Six of Wands. Opposing or contradictory cards: Page of Swords (delayed news, or minor disappointment) Page of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: As messages coming in, in simple lines follow the progression of events, so look to the card following to see if this is favourable or what occurs as a consequence; the card preceding would show where the message originates. *********** Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Change of residence, journey. Knight of Wands Tarot Card Mea nings: All the Knights represent an action or event of some description. Remembering our Royal Court, the bold Knights were action-orientated, serving the Kings and Queens to defend the realm or sent on quests and crusades.
The Knights can represent adolescence, although in readings I find it’s easier to focus upon the Pages as minors, then Kings and Queens as mature adults. The Knight of Wands is the main card I look for to indicate someone moving home or changing address, which can be a very helpful indicator in relation to questions concerning house sales, and the like. However, sometimes it can indicate home renovations, although not too frequently. An interesting twist is that if this card appears in the work area of the Life Spread it has usually shown where the person changes office within their existing organisation, it shows a change of location where they do they normal work, although not a change of job, (this would be Eight of Pentacles or Ace of Wands.) The Knight of Wands is also a card to represent a long journey or travelling, sometimes it can be both rolled into one, representing emigration. For those that read the Courts as facets of character, the Knight of W ands can be headstrong, exciting but dashes into things without much thought Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Ten of Pentacles (property matters) other cards representing travel (Eight of Wands, Six of Swords, The Chariot) Opposing or contradictory cards: Stagnating or slow cards, since all the Knights bring plenty of action. Knight of Wands Tarot Card Combinations: When you have multiple Knights it shows plenty of action and lots happening, usually with speed. Watch for the reinforcement of other travel cards (as indicated a bove). In relation to house moves I usually look for the following to strengthen the association and interpretation: -Ten of Pentacles (home, property) Knight of Cups (the offer) Ace of Pentacles (contracts with money and the new beginning) Justice (contracts) King of Swords (legal man, or Queen for lady) King of Pentacles (finance man, or Queen for lady) Six of Pentacles (money exchange). The World > Knight of Wands > Ten of Pentacles : adds to the international flavour of emigration and moving abroad. > Six of Cups: moving back to somewhere connected to your past. Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Outgoing, cheerful lady, always busy. Queen of Wands Tarot Card M eanings: The Kings and Queens can be very useful in a reading to indicate the personality description of a mature man or woman appearing in a situation, it can help you to be quite clear in your interpretation. Everyone tends to have a mixture of all the cards, similar to our astrology chart, we all h ave a balance of the elements, but we also tend to h ave dominant factors, which is what we look for. In daily life and conversation, we often stereotype people when describing to others and this approach is similar.
Some readers like to use the Kings and Queens to represent a facet of your personality, but I use them to identify specific people of a particular gender, so the Queens would always be women and the Kings always men (regardless of sexual orientation). In terms of astrological signs, I usually only use astrology sun signs to identify people in email readings, since we don’t have the advantage of a two-way conversation in a normal reading situation. Wands would be fire signs, Aries Leo, Sagittarius. As with all the Court Wands, the Queen of Wands is usually warm and cheerful, often bubbly with a certain charisma that attracts people. They’re confident and outgoing, not afraid to jump in or laugh at themselves if it goes wrong. With the fire element, the Queen of Wands is always busy, sometimes too much so, as they have a tendency to take on too much and then drop the ball, so on the downside they can be disorganised or not great with details. Wands are doers, rather than listeners, so if you have a problem she’d rather do something practical to help, rather than sit around talking about it. Their lives can appear quite chaotic but they are great fun! Tarot Card Combinations: All the Kings and Queens have positive and negative traits so within the reading the individual meaning is neutral, depicting a particular person, and relying on surrounding cards to see how they impact the seeker. In future positions it may describe someone you don’t know yet but who will be important to a situation coming up. Suit Element: Fire, male active energy Keywords and Phrases: Bold and dynamic, can be impulsive. King of Wands Tarot Card Meanings: The Kings and Queens can be very useful in a reading to indicate the personality description of a mature man or woman appearing in a situation, it can help you to be quite clear in your interpretation. Everyone tends to have a mixture of all the cards, similar to our astrology chart, we all have a balance of the elements, but we also te nd to have dominant factors, which is what we look for. In daily life and conversation, we often stereotype people when describing to others and this approach is similar.
Some readers like to use the Kings and Queens to represent a facet of your personality, but I use them to identify specific
people of a particular gender, so the Queens would always be women and the Kings always men (regardless of sexual orientation). In terms of astrological signs, I usually only use astrology sun signs to identify people in email readings, since we don’t have the advantage of a two-way conversation in a normal reading situation. Wands would be fire signs, Aries Leo, Sagittarius. The King of Wands is quite dynamic but sometimes something of a risk taker because they like to push the boundaries and rules. They like the freedom to be able to operate unfettered, like plenty of variety and may get bored easily. Confident and self-assured, their natural charisma tends to attract others, although they’re not unknown to use this to their advantage as they rally people round to their way of thinking. The King of Wands is an initiator, full of big bold ideas as he leads from the front, but there’s usually a whole army of people behind him, organising the details and picking up the pieces. They can be impulsive, patience is not their strong point, they see opportunity but conveniently forget failures along the way. On the downside, they can be rash, fiery, not good with detai ls, and tend to think everything revolves around them, but they’re usually quite popular (a lovable rogue) and they make things happen. Tarot Card Combinations: All the Kings and Queens have positive and negative traits so within the reading the individual meaning is neutral, depicting a particular person, and relying on surrounding cards to see how they impact the seeker. In future positions it may describe someone you don’t know yet but who will be important to a situation coming up. Suit of Cups Cups represent the element of water, symbolizing our emotions and often connected to love and relationships. Water is a female, passive energy. If there's a large proportion of Cup cards in the spread then it tends to suggest emotional matters are in the frame.
With the court cards many of the attributes of the zodiac signs connected to the water element are often evident in the characteristics (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Card Timing: Water corresponds to season of spring: March, April, May. Keywords and Phrases: Beginning of love and happiness. Ace of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: Water represents the emotions, so Cups is often the suit people mainly look for in their readings in connection with love and relationships, and it all starts with the Ace of Cups. For th ose who are single, the Ace of Cups is the main indicator I look for to show the start of a new love relationship.
For those who are attached, this Ace indicates a whole new beginning that brings happiness, usually to home and family. With the relevant combinations it may suggest the birth of a new family member, the beginning of married life, a new home, or some lovely new start that brings emotional happiness to those concerned. The Ace of Cups brings many blessings to the heart department and an outpouring of love! If reversed or ill-dignified, ‘the empty cup,’ unrequited l ove, sterile or infertile, emotionally drained, blocks happiness. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: All the Aces indicate new beginnings, The Fool, The Lovers (love) Opposing or contradictory cards: Death and Ten of Swords (endings) Five of Cups (sadness) Ace of Cups Tarot Ca rd Combinations: Many combinations in connection with relationships and quite easy to link but, as with all combinations, read in context with surrounding cards. When showing the beginning of married life, the Ace of Cups would be part of marriage card combinations to support it, similarly, birth may be surrounded by o ther cards representing family, etc. The combinations shown below only offer a small sample of possibilities, as this i s quite an easy card to work with. > Two of Cups: new relationship progressing smoothly into something deeper. > Four of Cups : may become disenchanted with a new relationship quite quickly. Five of Swords > Ace of Cups > The Devil: the start of clandestine relationship (The Moon may also feature). > Ten of Wands: new relationship may prove heavy going or burdensome. > Death: Could be flash-in-the-pan, over before it’s begun (similarly, Ten of Swords brings a disappointing ending) >The Lovers: start of a new rel ationship (also when order is reversed) > The Empress: birth (in either order of combination) may also be joined by Page of Cups. ****** Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Loving union and close bond. Two of Cups Tarot Card M eanings: As the Ace of Cups shows the start of a new relationship so the Two of Cups indicates a deepening bond and progression in a relationship, taking things to the next stage. For those dating it may lead to engagement or marriage. When appearing in a spread for a longstanding couple it normally shows a strong meaningful relationship, where the couple share a deep bond, friends and lovers, almost inseparable. For singles: an interesting twist with this card is when the Two of Cups appears before the Ace of Cups, often indicating a friendship blossoming into romance, where the two people are already known to one another and very attuned - with the absence of the Ace the potential for relationship exists.
If reversed or ill-dignified, problems to an existing relationship, can show division. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Lovers (love relationship) all supporting marriage cards, Temperance (harmonious bond) Opposing or contradictory cards: Three of Swords (quarrels and upheaval) Five of Cups (let down or betrayal). Two of Cups Tarot Card Combinations: For many readers, this is the card of engagement or marriage, although I prefer the Ten of Cups (but this is personal preference, as many see the Ten as happy home life, covered in later section). With the number two I see it as ‘continuation of,’ a progression, but in combination with other marriage cards would form part of that progression and association. Knight of Cups > Ace of Pentacles > Two of Cups: marriage proposal and engagement (proposal, ring, engagement) > Two of Wands: ‘mom and pop’ business, partnership in love and work. > Ten of Pentacles: setting up home together (also, Knight of Wands > Two of Cups > Ten of Pentacles) > Ace of Wands > The Empress > Ace of Cups: “We’ve got news!” A new addition t o the family, expanding your brood. > Three of Swords > Death: the end of the affair, usually permanent split (unless immediately followed by Judgement). The Moon > Two of Cups > The Devil: partner keeping secrets, (if Five of Swords then someone’s taking advantage, devious) > Hierophant > Three of C ups: marriage and wedding celebrations (also strengthened with Lovers, Ten of Cups). ********** Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Celebration, emotional happiness and joy. Three of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: Everyone loves the Three of Cups and it’s easy to almost feel the sense of enjoyment within this card. Although it’s often a good sign of weddings and celebrations it can sometimes just show reason to rejoice with your own personal happy dance! This card often appears when someone has reason to celebrate something that makes them feel happy and fulfilled on a personal level. I’ve seen this card following others to represent selling their home, getting a new job, receive a promotion etc., so it doesn’t always necessarily mean formal partying, although internally you may feel that way. The Three of Cups brings reasons to be cheerful and make merry. Dust off your gladrags and find your dancing shoes, even if only figuratively speaking, it’s time to let down your hair and celebrate with friends and family. If reversed or ill-dignified: cancelled or postponed event, emotional emptiness, feeling alienated or left out in the cold. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Sun (happiness) Wheel of Fortune (good fortune) Opposing or contradictory cards: Five of Cups (sadness, let down) Five of Wands (everyone at odds) Four of Cups (apathy) Nine of Swords (worry) Three of Cups Tarot Card Combinations: Mainly, look for the Three of Cups following other cards to see the reason for what is being celebrated, such as: job, money, house, award, etc. Particularly found surrounded and with other cards representing weddings – in the run-up to my daughter’s wedding all of those cards regularly appeared in her readings together, so they tend to leave little doubt when marriage is on the cards! > Hierophant > Three of Cups: marriage and wedding celebrations (also strengthened with Lovers, Ten of Cups, Four of Wands, etc). > The Devil: Too much Christmas spirit? You could overdo it with this one ;) A pretty wild night out, but you may regret it later. Ten of Pentacles > Three of Cups: Gathering of the clan, family get together. Wheel of Fortune > Three of Cups: a lucky break, you could be celebrating good fortune with thi s one, (if preceded by Ace of Pentacles may be through a lottery ticket, or similar). > Five of Swords: sour grapes, jealousy from others. Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Apathy, boredom, discontent, indifference. Four of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: The image in the Gilded Tarot shows a well-dressed youth surrounded by lush countryside with three golden upright cups by his side. From outward appearances he appears to be in a good position yet seems disinterested in the fourth cup being offered to him from the he avens.
The Four of Cups is like the Monday morning feeling, nothing’s really wrong but nothing fee sl right either, like walking around under a cloud. The structure and stability found in the four becomes stale in Cups. This card can indicate boredom and discontent, generally feeling weary, fed -up, or disinterested in events going on around you. The Four of Cups reveals a mood of dissatisfaction but it can also be a warning not to look a proverbial gift horse in the mouth, so be careful you don’t dismiss something out of hand or miss an opportunity due to a pathy. The Four of Cups may leave you feeling uninspired! If reversed or ill-dignified, it may bring fresh possibility, a break in the clouds, renewed enthusiasm. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Hermit and Four of Swords (withdrawal) Hanging Man (life in limbo)
Opposing or contradictory cards: The Star (hope) The Sun (happiness and contentment) Three of Cups (joyful) Ace of Wands (excitement and passion for something new) Four of Cups Tarot Card Combinations: In a simple line or following other cards it can show dissatisfaction with the card that precedes it and tends to dampen the mood - something to watch for if it follows positive cards, often meaning something isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. However, if positive cards follow it can represent a breakthrough. If all other indications are good with lovely cards surrounding it can sometimes warn of not ap preciating fortunate circumstances. For example, Ace of Cups > Four of Cups : may become disenchanted with a new relationship quite q uickly. Two of Cups > Four of Cups: bored or dissatisfied with a relationship, stale emotions. Three of Cups > Four of Cups: (party pooper) boring event or one you don’t enjoy and didn’t wish to attend, a let down, party loses its fizz Nine of Cups > Four of Cups: be careful what you wish for, not happy with something once you get it, not all you dreamed it would be. The Sun > Four of Cups: may not appreciate the bl essings that surround you – in opposite order, complete turnaround. Four of Swords > Four of Cups > The Hermit: feeling out of sorts and withdrawal, wrapped up in your own world. Also… >The Moon > Eight of Swords: downward spiral, becoming locked-in, perhaps time to talk to someone or take action to avoid things escalating (The Devil and/or Nine of Swords may also feature). > Wheel of Fortune: don’t miss this opportunity (in a line of three we’d be looking for another positive card following the Wheel). Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Sadness, disappointment, sense of loss, regrets. Five of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: The image in the Five of Cups displays a moody sky as the knight grieves for the spilt tarnished cups beside him, representing disappointment. Something is lost yet something still remains, shown by the two golden and upright cups that he currently fails to see behind him.
The Five of Cups brings a sense of sadness and loss; things may not have gone as you hoped leaving you disappointed. It can suggest feeling let down or sometimes a betrayal but, in whichever way it applies, it brings disenchantment and regrets. In relationship readings there could be disappointment and tears, though not always permanent (see Tarot Card Combinations section below), someone may not live up to your expectations but, emotionally, something is lost along the way. If reversed or ill-dignified it provides a more hopeful view and recovery of sorts, though not usually a complete reversal of the meaning. It can help to heal hurts or to move on but wounds are still present. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Three of Swords (upheaval and upset) Ten of Swords (disappointing ending) Eight of Cups (disillusion) Nine of Swords (worry) Opposing or contradictory cards: The Sun (happiness) Three of Cups (joyful) Ten of Cups (emotional contentment) Five of Cups Tarot Card Combinations: As with all the fives, it takes us to the midway point, like a set of scales that can tip either way, so they often have a temporary nature. As always, other factors would need to be considered concerning the position in the spread, for instance, it may not bode well as a final outcome card to a question. In a simple line or three-card spread the Five of Cups is most insightful if it falls in the central position, as the first card shows where the problem stems from and the last card as to how matters progress. Multiple fives in a reading show instability. Three of Swords > Five of Cups: fairly traditional for heartbreak and tears. > Temperance > Judgment: healing and renewal, reconciliation. I’ve seen on and off type relationships often displayed with these four cards (or similar) in leap-frog or roller-coaster progression, such as: Three of Swords > Temperance > Five of Cups > Judgement. > Four of Swords: retreating to lick wounds and recover. Page of Swords > Five of Swords > Five of Cups: can be gossip and slander, jealousy, betrayal of friendships (false friends) causing the upset. > The Star: in close proximity such as this usually brings quick recovery from the situation. > The Sun: complete turnaround in events, short-lived upset may be internal or unfounded emotional fears. > Ten of Swords > Eight of Cups: time to move on and call it a day. Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: ‘blast from the past,’ nostalgia. Six of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: The focus of the card is the children playing in the meadow, a reflection of days gone by, filling cups with the flowers of h appy memories.
The Six of Cups represents past influences, so people or places from the past will feature or make a reappearance. In whatever context, there’s always a past connection with this card. For instance, depending upon surrounding cards it may show a place you’ve previously worked, somewhere you used to live - an old stomping ground, an old friend reappearing, or a past love coming back onto your radar.
You can expect a past aspect to make an entrance, but if surrounded by certain cards it may show nostalgia, or longing for things that used to be, although generally this is a happy card. If reversed or ill-dignified the focus is more upon the here and now, the future, and brings new possibilities. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Judgement (resurrection, roots in the past) Temperance (renewal) Opposing or contradictory cards: The Fool and the Aces bring new beginnings, rather than past aspects. Six of Cups Tarot Card Combinations: For reconciliation situations look for the presence of Judgement and Temperance to support, but most particularly Judgement. In other situations, the surrounding cards will show what the past aspect is associated to. For example: > Ace of Wands (or Eight of Pentacles): it may be a new job but you there are previous connections to it, either worked there previously, or an old associate leads you to it. Knight of Wands > Six of Cups: moving back to somewhere connected to your past. > Seven of Cups: dreaming of past times, nostalgia, (if The Moon also present or surrounding then possibly not very realistic). Six of Cups > The Devil: may show an obsession with an old love, can’t let go. > Ace of Cups: New relationship with someone from your past, already known, perhaps an old love or childhood sweetheart. > Ten of Pentacles: childhood home > Three of Cups: reunion with old friends. > Temperance > Judgement: resurrection and reconciliation (strongest indicator). Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Choices, daydreaming. Seven of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: Seven Cups present intriguing choices but they float in the air and skim the water, suggesting they may not all be real, are they a figment of your imagination? There can be a temptation to get carried away with your thoughts or build castles in the air, so a good dollop of realism doesn’t go amiss when confronted with the options and choices this card may present.
This can be a helpful card to have when it’s surrounded by those more practical, at least indicating that choices will be open to you or by bringing options to the table, but care is always needed to ensure you take a realistic and practical approach. When faced with the Seven of Cups make your choices firmly based on facts, not assumptions, or the possibilities you may envisage developing further down the line – there’s a warning here that you could get carried away otherwise. If reversed or ill-dignified, brings a more determined and practical approach with clear focus. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Moon (illusionary) Two of Swords (indecision) to some degree Two of Pentacles (balancing more than one thing). Opposing or contradictory cards: The Emperor (practical reasoning) Justice (balanced thoughts) The Hermit (wisdom). Seven of Cups Tarot Card Combinations: Surrounding cards will indicate if the choices brought are due to favourable circumstances, or if the seeker could get lost in their dreams and realms of imagination. Multiple sevens in a reading indicate a cycle change. Six of Cups > Seven of Cups: dreaming of past times, nostalgia, (if The Moon also present or surrounding then possibly not very realistic) and… The Moon > Seven of Cups: unrealistic expectations. Two of Swords > Seven of Cups > Hanging Man: dithering, nothing’s going anywhere here; indecision creates a logjam. Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Abandoning a path, walking away. Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: The eight tarnished cups behind the man look as though they were previously stacked neatly but are now in disarray as he turns his back to walk away from them. As Cups represent emotions this card indicates a situation where you’ve emotionally invested yourself into but now decide to call it a day and move on, and this may be in any area of life.
There’s usually a sense of disillusionment, perhaps for the time, energy, or devotion already invested but, realising it isn’t going where you hoped, it’s time to abandon the path in search of a new direction. It’s usually a personal decision to walk away from the situation although this can be for good or bad reasons, often it’s something that has long since passed its sell-by-date but finally, the penny drops. If reversed or ill-dignified, may show that continued efforts bring good result and h appiness. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Six of Swords (moving on) Death (final ending, closing the door) Opposing or contradictory cards: Nine of Wands (perseverance) Strength (endurance) The Star (hope) Eight of Cups Tarot Card C ombinations: This is quite a self-explanatory card to work with, just look to the preceding card to see what the seeker is walking away from, particularly if working with a simple line, or free flow spread. Ideally, we’d like to see a positive card following to show a
smooth transition to something more favourable. If a negative card follo ws, then the seeker could make the situation worse and its worth reconsidering options at this time. For example, Two of Cups > Four of Cups > Eight of Cups: walking away from a relationship that has become stale or wearisome. Five of Swords > Eight of Cups: leaving a situation unexpectedly without consideration to others, may be viewed selfishly. > Ten of Wands: “out of the frying pan…” possibly not a wise move at this time, but in reverse order (Ten of Wands > Eight of Cups) a good one – moving on from something that felt heavy-duty and put you under pressure. Two of Wands > Eight of Cups: leaving a business partnership or group venture. > The Fool: leaving an old path to explore a ne w one that seems more exciting, similarly Aces represent pastures new. Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Wishes fulfilled, satisfaction, emotional well-being, abundance. Nine of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: The Nine of Cups represents a wish fulfilled, so it rarely fails to bring a smile to someone’s face when it appears as the outcome card. Appearing in other positions it can indicate what is being wished for, with the following or surrounding cards showing to what extent this is realised. The Nine of Cups brings abundance and good cheer, material satisfaction, emotional fulfilment, and a contented sense of physical well-being. Whilst this is a lovely card in its own right and greatly enhances others, in relationship readings it doesn’t quite have the settled permanency of the Ten, since it’s the penultimate number of the suit. If reversed or ill-dignified, hopes dashed, unfulfilled wish, fly-in-the-ointment scenario, something flawed, for some readers it shows a sense of emptiness with material or ph ysical pleasures, releasing superficial aspects of life. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Sun (happiness and contentment) Three of Cups (‘happy dance’) The World (success with fulfilment) - most cards representing happiness and contentment. Opposing or contradictory cards: Four of Cups (dissatisfied) Five of Cups (sadness) Nine of Cups Tarot Card Combinations: If the Nine of Cups immediately follows one of the less favourable cards it can show an interesting twist to a situation and, despite first appearances, what seems a bad situation turns our surprisingly well; a blessing in disguise. One of the easiest cards in combinations and probably needs little explanation. > Four of Cups: be careful what you wish for, not happy with something once you get it, not all you dreamed it would be, something of a let down. Amplified further if the Nine immediately followed by a negative card, such as Ten of Swords, etc, could be very short-lived! > The Sun: …and your cup runneth over… you could be explodingwith happiness with this combination! > The Devil > Three of Cups: hedonistic pursuits and wild times, serious partying! Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Marriage, happy family life, commitment and permanency. Ten of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: The Ten of Cups brings emotional happiness and contentment in the heart department with commitment and permanency. In the image in the Gilded Tarot there’s an emotional sense of ‘coming home’, the warm embrace of being surrounded by those we love and family life. Ten golden cups suspended upon a rainbow, all we desire in the realms of the heart.
As Cups are the suit of emotions the Ten points to completion from the potential of where the Ace began. For a single person in a relationship reading, when the Ten appears with no evidence of build-up to events, it can indicate the type of relationship that has the potential to become serious and committed quite quickly. For those settled, it points to happiness within the family unit. I tend to view the Ten of Pentacles as the more practical side to home and family, with the Ten of Cups as emotional fulfilment, the ultimate goal that most people hope to find in matters of the heart, sincere and lasting love that brings joy and contentment. If reversed or ill-dignifed, it can point to problems within the close family unit, relationship or marital discord, an emptiness of love as the contents of the ten cups are poured away. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: other marriage cards would strengthen tha t association (see below), Ten of Pentacles (home and family) The Hierophant can also suggest the traditional family unit, Temperance (emotional harmony and balance). Opposing or contradictory cards: Three of Swords (family upheavals) Four of Cups (dissatisfied) Five of Cups (sadness) Five of Wands (lack of harmony) Ten of Cups Tarot Card Combinations: Numerous combinations are possible with regard to serious relationships and marriage so only a few are given below. Some people find it confusing if the Ten of Cups appears in an area they’re not expecting, such as the work area in the Life Spread, but it normally means there will be a connection between the two in some way, or when different areas of life are impacting one another. Multiple Tens , as the ultimate and final number of the suits, multiple Tens in a Tarot reading signify completion of a cycle. > Hierophant > Three of Cups: marriage and wedding celebrations (also strengthened with The Lovers, Two of Cups, Four of Wands, etc – Justice or Ace of Pentacles add the official documents). > Ten of Pentacles: happy heart, happy home, this combination suggests stability in emotional and material matters surrounding the home life. It can represent ‘marital bliss’ and often turns up in readings for couples settling down together. Suit Element:
Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Messages of an emotional nature, a sensitive child. Page of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: An easy way to remember the Pages is to consider the Royal Courts of old, when children served as Pages, running errands and delivering messages between courtiers. For clarity in readings, the Pages are the only Courts I use that have the possibility of two meanings, either to represent messages coming in, or as children. The Page of Cups represents news or messages of an emotional n ature, not necessarily concerning love and romance but news that will be felt on an emotional level. This is usually news of a positive nature, unless surrounded or followed by less favourable cards. As the personality description for a child, the Page of Cups would be thoughtful, caring, gentle, sensitive (sometimes overly so) and feel things deeply, they don’t tend to be as carefree or rough-and-tumble as the Page of Wands, for example. Not having achieved the maturity of their element as yet, they can be shy or unsure of themselves, so tend to hang back or can be a little clingy. Usually polite, quite sweet, and well-behaved, they like to please and not cause offence. Some readers use the Courts as facets of a personality, so in this respect, the Pages suggest the newness of childhood, such as when you take up the fragile beginnings of entering a new field, you enter with a childlike state. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: As messages, all the Pages, Eight of Wands, Six of Wands. Opposing or contradictory cards: Page of Swords (delayed news, or minor disappointment) Tarot Card Combinations: As messages coming in , in simple lines follow the progression of events, so look to the card following to see if this is favourable or what occurs as a consequence; the card preceding would show where the message originates. Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Offers, proposals, and invitations. Knight of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: All the Knights represent an action or event of some description. Remembering our Royal Court, the bold Knights were action-orientated, serving the Kings and Queens to defend the realm or sent on quests and crusades.
The Knights can represent adolescence, although in readings I find it’s easier to focus upon the Pages as minors, then Kings and Queens as mature adults. Traditionally, the Knight of Cups brings offers of marriage and with the rig ht cards or context it can indicate someone asking you on a date, to have a relationship with them, or a proposal of marriage. I find that this card brings in all kinds of offers and proposals, so is not just limited to affairs of the heart, such as, someone making an offer to buy your house, the offer of a new job, etc. For those that read the Courts as facets of character, the Knight of Cups is dreamy and romantic, though somewhat idealistic so not always very realistic. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Connects mainly to cards of movement and emotions. Opposing or contradictory cards: Stagnating or slow cards, since all the Knights bring plenty of action. Knight of Cups Tarot Card Combinations: In simple lines look for the card following the Knight of Cups to see what is being offered or proposed, plenty of possibilities, for instance… > Eight of Pentacles: offer of new work or a study placement. > The Lovers or Ace of Cups: romantic proposal to become involved > Three of Cups: party invitation > Ace of Pentacles > Two of Cups: marriage proposal and engagement (proposal, ring, engagement). Similarly, Ten of Cups instead of the Two, marriage proposal. > Two of Wands: business proposition working with others, partnership, collaboration, etc > Two of Swords: offer leaves you undecided > Four of Cups: not as good as you hoped, leaves you dissatisfied. > Justice: (or Ace of P entacles) contract being offered, usually more formal – for house negotiations also look for: Knight of Wands, Ten of Pentacles (sometimes King/Queen of Pentacles and King/Queen of Swords, bank representative and lawyer) > The Devil: perhaps one to avoid! > Hanging Man : whatever is being offered doesn’t take off, going nowhere at this point. > Eight of Cups: refusal, or walking away from the offer. Multiple Knights show plenty of action and lots happening, usually with speed. Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Kind and sensitive lady, passive.
Queen of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: The Kings and Queens can be very useful in a reading to indicate the personality description of a mature man or woman appearing in a situation, it can help you to be quite clear in your interpretation. Everyone tends to have a mixture of all the cards, similar to our astrology chart, we all have a balance of the elements, but we also te nd to have dominant factors, which is what we look for. In daily life and conversation, we often stereotype people when describing to others and this approach is similar.
Some readers like to use the Kings and Queens to represent a facet of your personality but I like to use them to identify specific people of a particular gender, so the Queens would always be women and the Kings always men (regardless of sexual orientation). In terms of astrological signs, I usually only use astrology sun signs to identify people in email readings, since we don’t have the advantage of a two-way conversation in a normal reading situation. Cups would be water signs, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. Kind, caring and thoughtful, most people like to think they have these attributes and they’re not completely limited to those of the Cups suit, but the Queen of Cups tends to have a very sensitive nature. Whilst most people dislike confrontation or dealing with unpleasant situations, the Queen of Cups will go out of her way to avoid them, which in itself can sometimes cause problems. They are lovely people and very easy to be around but they can also be worriers and not usual ly good with self-assertion or letting you know if they disagree. At whatever age they have a wonderful childlike quality but it can also lean to the downside of sulking, passive-aggressive, or being overly dependent on others. On the plus side, they are deeply caring and will notice if you’re not quite yourself and happily sympathise with your problems for hours! Tarot Card Combinations: All the Kings and Queens have positive and negative traits so within the reading the individual meaning is neutral, depicting a particular person, and relying on surrounding cards to see how they impact the seeker. In future positions it may describe someone you don’t know yet but who will be important to a situation coming up. Multiple Kings and Queens can indicate that lots of people are involved in a situation. Suit Element: Water, female, passive energy – emotions Keywords and Phrases: Easy-going, thoughtful and considerate. King of Cups Tarot Card Meanings: The Kings and Queens are helpful in readings when used to indicate the personality description of a mature man or woman appearing in a situation, as it can help you to be quite specific and clear in your interpretation. Everyone tends to have a mixture of all the cards, similar to our astrology chart we all have a balance of the elements, but we also tend to have dominant factors, which is what we look for. In daily life and conversation, we often stereotype people when describing to others and this approach is similar.
Some readers like to use the Kings and Queens to represent a facet of your personality but I like to use them to identify specific people of a particular gender, so the Queens would always be women and the Kings always men (regardless of sexual orientation). In terms of astrological signs, I usually only use astrology sun signs to identify people in email readings, since we don’t have the advantage of a two-way conversation in a normal reading situation. Wands would be fire signs, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. The King of Cups is easy going and gentle-natured, they usually get along with most people and don’t tend to rock the boat. They feel things deeply but sometimes give the impression of ‘anything for a quiet life’ as they can be quite passive – the King of Cups would rather chew off his right a rm than have to confront something unpleasant head on. Sometimes this can be one of their telltale signs, as they curiously seem to go missing or are conveniently unavailable, leaving someone else has to take care of it. The water element sits happily with deeper issues, they really listen to you and make you feel understood and empathise with problems, but they don’t deal with conflict or anger very well as it feels alien and overwhelms them. Instead of channelling it in a productive way if they do lose their temper it tends to be a build up of frustration that explodes as exasperated anger, almost as if they don’t know what to do with it. They’re one of the nicest guys you could meet but they’re not very strong. On the downside they can be sulky, passive-aggressive, or manipulative by using emotional guilt. Tarot Card Combinations: All the Kings and Queens have positive and negative traits so within the reading the individual meaning is neutral, depicting a particular person, and relying on surrounding cards to see how they impact the seeker. In future positions it may describe someone you don’t know yet but who will be important to a situation coming up. Multiple Kings and Queens can indicate that lots of people are involved in a situation. Suit of Swords Swords represent the air element, symbolizing the i ntellect, analytical and logical thought, discrimination may be needed to cut through confusion and achieve clarity. Struggle and conflict are often indicated as we battle with the mind. Air is a male energy.
When there are a large number of Swords in the spread it can suggest challenges. This is a suit that many people can feel concerned about but there is a balance of helpful cards within Swords too! The court cards often display characteristics associated with the astrological signs connected to the element of air, (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges.
Card Timing: Season of autumn: September, October, November. Keywords and Phrases: Victory over adversity. Ace of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: The Ace of Swords offers the ability to cut through confusion with clarity of thought and strength of purpose. It reminds me of a magic sword given to the hero of a mythical story that provides a powerful force, so no matter what the situation they come through in the end. The Ace of Swords is like an ace up your sleeve and provides a hidden advantage, if you use it wisely and to your best ability.
Many people worr y about seeing Sword cards in their reading and, although it is the sui t of challenges, there’s two sides to every coin in all the suits, and so it is with Swords. If the reading is dominated by Swords it can show that the person is surrounded by, or heading into, challenging times, but there are savings graces within these cards too, and the Ace of Swords is one of them. This card informs you that you probably have more power at your disposal than you realise, gather your inner resources, think clearly, act with singleness of purpose, and you can overcome any difficulties on your path. If life serves you lemons, you can make lemonade with this card! If reversed, or ill-dignifed, it may give a sense of the sword of Damocles hanging over you, clouded thinking, aggression, failure, self-defeat. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Chariot (triumph over obstacles) many others reinforce varying aspects, such as, The Emperor (taking control) Strength (fortitude and courage) The Hermit (wisdom) Justice (logical and just thinking) The World (success) Seven of Wands (conviction). Opposing or contradictory cards: The Moon (clouded thinking) Two of Swords (indecision) Eight of Swords (fear paralysis) Ten of Swords (disappointing end). Ace of Swords Tarot Ca rd Combinations: Due to the nature of the meaning, this is one of those cards that you love to see in the final position if the seeker is going through a tough time. Look to the preceding cards to see what i s being overcome; for example, Five of Pentacles > Ace of Swords: overcoming a financial problem. Five of Wands > Ace of Swords: winning over the competition or opposition. Five of Swords > Ace of Swords: defeating underhandedness, triumph over t roublemakers or someone trying to discredit you. Two of Swords > Ace of Swords: cutting through confusion and grasping the nettle to break the deadlock. Justice > Ace of Swords: legal ruling in your favour. The Lovers > Ace of Swords: perhaps love conquers all, but keep a clear head. > The Tower: consider actions carefully, unexpected consequences, “out of the frying pan into the fire.” Multiple Aces indicate lots of new beginnings. Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Deadlock, stalemate, in two minds. Two of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: The theme of continuity found in the two becomes blocked in the Two of Swords. The suit of Swords represents the realm of the mind, clarity of thought and di scernment, but also the flip side of how we can let t he fears of our thoughts sometimes get the better of us.
In this image the woman’s head is disconnected from her body as it floats in a cloudy sky, with a metal band covering her eyes and two swords crossed before her. It can be quite literal, meaning being in two minds with clouded thinking due to conflicting thoughts, which also prevents anything happening as the two identical swords of clarity sit poised and waiting. In readings, the Two of Swords indicates a gridlock or stalemate situation, everything is stuck and nothing is moving. In relationship readings it can sometimes appear when the couple are both sitting on the fence and neither is prepared to cross the invisible line, and so it continues (noticeable when minor tiffs are also evident). If reversed or ill-dignified, can point to duplicity, disloyalty, or can represent making a breakthrough depending upon context. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Hanging Man (suspension) The Moon (uncertainty) Eight of Swords (feeling trapped) to some degree the Seven of Cups (choices and imagination). Opposing or contradictory cards: Justice (balanced thought and logic) The Magician (pro -active) The Emperor (initiative and leadership) The Chariot (focussed thought and will) Two of Swords Tarot Card Combinations: Similar in some ways to The Hanging Man, when reading in combinations the Two of Swords can suddenly bring matters that appear to be progressing well to a standstill, so it’s not unusual to find both of these cards present in the same r eading to reinforce one another. In most cases your interest would be in the card following, to see how or if it will be broken. Seven of Cups > Hanging Man: dithering, nothing’s going anywhere here; indecision creates a logjam Knight of Cups > Two of Swords: offer leaves you undecided Two of Cups > Three of Swords > Two of Swords: quarrels or upsets in a close relationship leads to a standoff, no one prepared to make a move. > Ace of Swords: cutting through confusion and grasping the nettle to break the deadlock. > The Hanging Man: nothing is moving here and needs a complete reassessment in order to progress.
> Temperance: indicates compromise will be needed and could take time. Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Upsets, upheavals, quarrels, divided opinions, separation through distance. Three of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: The Three of Swords can indicate upsets and quarrels, as the three swords pierce the heart it can be an expression of painful emotions, the hurting heart. The stormy sky in the background of the image provides an indication of the tension and atmospheric conditions surrounding a challenging situation.
For some readers this is the card that brings separation and spli ts, although for me, not so much (depending upon context). The Three of Swords is the main card that I find appears for those in distance relationships, or people separated through distance, so it doesn’t necessarily imply an ending but the sense of unhappiness through being apart. Although within context, it isn’t the card we’d wish to find as the outcome in a positional spread but in non-positional spreads, or free flow, I would check the card following to see how matters progress – for endings I prefer the clarity of the Ten of Swords, or the Death card. The Three of Swords can bring upheavals, crossed swords and sharp words that bring pain, general but troubling disagreements and divided opinions, ranging from family fallouts, to upsets with work colleagues, lovers or friends. Upset with others is always evident in some way but as it is a small numbered card, if it appears in a future position of the reading, we can advise caution to prevent matters escalating into something more serious. The sense of division can be painful but need not be permanent. If reversed or ill-dignified, can suggest being in denial over differences, a lack of compatibility with someone (or others), disorder. For some, it is seen as a reversal of the upright meaning and brings healing to difficulties. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Five of Wands (squabbling and differences) Five of Cups (sorrow and tears) Nine of Swords (worry and anxiety) Opposing or contradictory cards: Temperance (harmony and balance) Three of Cups (celebrating with others) Ten of Cups (happy heart) Three of Swords Tarot Card Combinations: In simple lines, check the card before to see where the upset originates from (such as, work, home, love, money, etc) and the card following to see how the situation will progress. > Five of Cups: fairly traditional for heartbreak and tears > Ten of Swords: fall out leads to a disappointing ending. Two of Cups > Three of Swords > Death: the end of the affair; quarrels in a loving relationship that leads to separation with sense of finality (unless immediately followed by Judgement) > Temperance: solutions to disagreements found through compromise but patience required, may take time. > The Star > Temperance: healing and renewal (also of relationship, depending upon the root card leading to these two; Three of Swords and Five of Cups may show mending a broken heart). Two of Wands > Three of Swords: Quarrels and upheavals in a business partnership, an uncomfortable working relationship. Similarly, Three of Pentacles > Three of Swords: quarrels and upsets at work. Five of Wands > Ten of Pentacles > Three of Swords: family disputes leading to upheavals and upset. Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Rest and recovery, withdrawal, consolidation. Four of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: The knight in the image of the Gilded Tarot has removed his armour and lays to rest, the three swords on the wall beside him symbolise the battles he has already fought, but the fourth sword is close to hand, in readiness for the journey ahead once he has regained and gathered strength.
The Four of Swords indicates rest and recovery after strain, which I generally tend to see in a positive light, suggesting that you’ve come through the worst after struggle or a stressful situation and are now entering a period of recovery. In general, it’s time to regroup, pull energy together, and rejuvenate. In relationship readings it may suggest the need for ‘time-out,’ or a period of withdrawal to fi nd retreat. In business or financial matters, it can indicate the need to gather together resources and consolidate your position to make it stronger. If reversed or ill-dignified, resuming activities usually following delays. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Six of Swords (moving into calmer times) The Hermit (solitude) The Star and Temperance (healing aspect) Strength (pulling on inner strength) Opposing or contradictory cards: Three of Cups (party time!) The Sun (happiness and vitality) Eight of Wands (swift movement, enthusiasm) Four of Swords Tarot Card Combinations: The Star > Four of Swords: healing and convalescence, also… Temperance > Hierophant > Four of Swords: may indicate a hospital stay to recover and heal. The Devil > Four of Swords > Eight of Swords: Confinement, sometimes prison, particularly if Justice (legal system) or King of Swords, (government officials, men in uniform) are also included.
> Four of Pentacles: consolidating finances or material co ncerns, replenishing stock and exercising caution with what you have (also if these cards preceded by the Fi ve of Pentacles). > Three of Swords > Four of Swords: Time out, period of withdrawal after a conflicting situation. > Four of Cups > The Hermit: feeling out of sorts and withdrawal, wrapped up in your own world, isolated retreat inward and the need for solitude. Five of Cups > Four of Swords: retreating to l ick wounds and recover. > Ace of Swords: recovery to advance in a stronger position. Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Underhandedness, hidden agenda, dishonour, deceit. Five of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: Against the backdrop of a moody sky the man at the forefront of the image seems somewhat smug in victory pose, with his sword held high and four others under his arm. In the background people lay injured and dying and it becomes apparent this is where his trophy swords have come from, his gain has b een to their cost.
The Five of Swords is the ‘sneaky’ card, it represents deviousness, people trying to ta ke advantage by underhanded means, hidden agendas, deceit, or theft. In most cases it is usually actions taken against the seeker, although there are occasions when it can represent actions of the seeker I’ve found this to be far less frequent and quite rare. On a brighter note, The Five of Swords can act as a warning if it appears in a future position, and if the seeker pays attention to what is happening around them by raising their awareness, not being complacent or taking things for granted, it isn’t usually difficult to discover what is happening, sufficient to be able to prevent it from manifesting. For a number of readers this is the card of selfish victory, and often short-lived, that leads to dishonour and humiliation. If reversed or ill-dignified, still remains a fairly treacherous card, defeat and loss. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Differing aspects of secrecy can be found with The Devil (not usually very healthy by most regards) or The Moon (deceptions). The High Priestess has a secrecy aspect but normally beneficial. Opposing or contradictory cards: Ace of Swords and The Chariot (triumph over adversity and difficulties) Hierophant (morals, doing the righ t thing) Justice (fair and balanced) Five of Swords Tarot Card Combinations: Surrounding cards should help provide further information for the root of the problem, in some cases a King or Queen preceding may provide clear identification of a person involved that can’t be trusted. Ideally, you want to see a positive card following to show it comes to nought or is overcome. Multiple fives in a reading suggest instability. > Eight of Cups: leaving a situation unexpectedly without consideration to others, may be viewed selfishly. The Magician > Five of Swords: cunning trickster, someone is not to be trusted, (also watch for a King or Queen preceding the Five, for an accurate personality description). > The Lovers > The Devil: clandestine relationship (The Moon may also feature). Three of Cups > Five of Swords: sour grapes, jealousy from others. Page of Swords > Five of Swords > Five of Cups: can be gossip and slander, jealousy, betrayal of friendships (false friends) causing the upset. Two of Wands > Five of Swords: Working partner that can’t be trusted, devious. Five of Wands > Seven of Wands > Five of Swords: be careful you’re not being set up, others providing bullets for you to fire. Three of Pentacles > Five of Swords: professional jealousy, watch your back! The Devil > Four of Pentacles > Five of Swords: Possible embezzlement, with other appropriate Pentacle card central may simply show theft (mainly Five of Pentacles central). > High Priestess > Ace of Swords: information becoming known to you that works to your advantage and triumph, outfoxing the fox. > Justice: justice prevails, unless both followed by further negative card in which case it may show injustice, or perverting the course of justice if order switched (Justice > Five of Swords ) Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Moving into calmer times, recovery, journey over water. Six of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: The Six of Swords represents moving away from difficulties and is usually seen as a positive card, indicating that the worst is behind you now and life will become calmer.
The image still holds an essence of melancholy, perhaps for the difficulties that have been experienced in the process, shown by the six swords that still accompany the woman on her voyage. The passage becomes smoother now as she travels on smooth waters and she has come through the other side of stormy times. This card can also represent travel, sometimes over water, but the interpretation is often a metaphor of the inner journey towards recovery after trying times.
If reversed it may show a sense of stalemate where nothing is moving and difficulties remain unresolved. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Four of Swords (rest and recovery after strain) Temperance (harmony and balance) The Star (brighter times) other cards representing travel reinforce this aspect (The Chariot, Knight of W ands, Eight of Wands) Opposing or contradictory cards: Three of Cups (celebrations) The Sun (happiness and vitality) Six of Swords Tarot Card Combinations: If there are difficult or stressful cards look for the Six of Swords following to show recovery from the situation. Reinforces travel when similar cards present (see above). The Six of Swords is one of the simpler cards in combination and probably needs little by way of example. Strength > Six of Swords: keep your head down and keep going, endurance will see you come through (similarly,Nine of Wands) > The Star: a sure sign of improvement, rest assured that life will gradually improve to a brighter position. If followed by a challenging card: be careful that you don’t move away from one problem straight into another, check your bearings to avoid inadvertently drifting into this. Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Caution, handle with care, an unexpected twist, dubious activity. Seven of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: There are varying definitions linked to the Seven of Swords, but the im age in the Rider-Waite deck reflects dubious activity and an element of stealth, although the Gilded appears slightly different. Over time, with use and tracking results, my meaning for this particular card has changed slightly. In some ways, the more traditional interpretation of the Seven overlapped with the Five, yet I found this card would halt and disrupt my flow in a reading, because I wasn't connecting with the given meaning.
If using the RWS I’d probably revert, due to the image. For some, the Seven of Swords represents dubious activities that aren’t above board, acting in a way that is dishonourable, sneaking around, trying to get away with something, probably something you shouldn’t. It can also show someone has designs on something but their motives aren’t good and the plan could fail. With the Gilded Tarot I leave the Five of Swords as the ‘sneaky’ card, but the Seven of Swords has been most reliable to represent a situation where you feel you’re having to tiptoe around someone, as if steppingon eggshells, or having to handle something with a kid-gloves approach. It may be that you have such a situation, or person, that requires very careful handling in order for progress to be made. The Seven of Swords can also suggest an unexpected twist, particularly if it appears as the last card of the reading. If reversed, danger averted, advice that can’t be trusted, or possibly arguments. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Strength and Temperance (the diplomatic aspect of such) the caution of the Four of Pentacles, in a positive aspect. Opposing or contradictory cards: To some degree, The Chariot and The Emperor indicate a more forthright or open approach. Seven of Swords Tarot Card Combinations: Due to the nature of the Seven of Swords it comes in very useful for highlighting those areas that require a softly-softly approach. In simple lines, pay particular attention to what precedes and follows to see what needs to be handled with care and what the outcome would be. As an easy example… Five of Pentacles > Seven of Sw ords > Two of Pentacles: a difficult financial situation that needs to be handled carefully but by doing so results in maintaining harmonious balance. Multiple Sevens in a reading suggest a change of cycle. The Magician > Seven of Swords: a skilful manipulator The Emperor > Seven of Swords: exercise care and caution with authority fi gures Nine of Cups > Seven of Swords: your wish comes with an unexpected twist! In the opposite order, taking great care in order to manifest your wishes. Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Feeling trapped or restricted, paralysed by fear. Analysis paralysis. Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: As Swords represent our challenges, and the suit of air the intellect and thoughts, so we see the eight swords surrounding a bound woman trapped by her fears. They hold and keep her within their sphere, such is the power of our thoughts, sufficient to render us feeling p owerless against what we face. Although the eight swords may be nothing more than mental monsters, to the person experiencing them they feel very real.
The Eight of Swords can indicate feeling trapped by a situation, as if there is no way out. It can highlight restrictions, some of which may be real but could be imagined, creating a prison within their own mind. There are usually options but sometimes the alternatives of what needs to h appen to break free of i t seem more uncomfortable than remaining where they are. Calm and clarity are needed to find suitable solutions and fears faced in order to make progress. It can also be a sign of analysis paralysis, so it could be warning you not to overthink something to the point where action becomes frozen. If reversed, overcoming fears, releasing obstacles, breaking free.
Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Two of Swords (stalemate) Hanging Man (suspension) The Devil (entrapment). Opposing or contradictory cards: Justice (balanced thought and logic) The Chariot (focussed t hought and exerting will) Eight of Swords Tarot Card Combinations: Depending upon position, see what this card is linked with and the order they’re presented, ideally we look for a card following to show what could release the situation. Usually the card preceding will show the root of the problem The Devil > Four of Swords > Eight of Swords: Confinement, sometimes prison, particularly if Justice (legal system) or King of Swords, (government officials, men in uniform) are also included. > Three of Pentacles: feeling restricted within your role at work, (if order reversed Three of Pentacles > Eight of Swords: work that you’re good at but may feel like a dead end job). The Hierophant > Eight of Swords: feeling bound by duty. Also… > Ten of Wands: trapped by responsibilities that leave you overwhelmed (could also apply in reverse order). Two of Cups > Eight of Swords: feeling trapped in a relationship, or a situation surrounding it. Five of Pentacles > Eight of Swords: finance or debt problem, an unexpected bill could leave you in a fix. > The Fool: an unexpected opportunity will present itself but you need to be ready to make the most of it when it appears. > The Magician: you need to have confidence in yourself as you have the ability to move forward. Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Anxiety, worry, worst fears. Nine of Swords Tarot Card Me anings: The Nine of Swords indicates worry and anxiety, and the thoughts that keep you awake at night. The woman sits up in bed, her head bowed and arms wrapped round herself for comfort, as nine swords bar the open window. The Nine tends to bring suffering through inner torment, the progression from conditions in the Eight of Swords if left unchecked.
Most of us have experienced the Nine of Swords at some point in our lives, laying awake battling our worst fears that gnaw at peaceful sleep. The Nine of Swords is when we allow those thoughts to get the better of us and we suffer with worry, anxiety, or pervading sense of gloom and despair. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your worst fears are realised though, Swords are of the mind so the fear of something may be far greater than the reality. Although someone suffering unhappy circumstances often have this card accompanying others in the spread. If reversed, some see this card as a recovery from the conditions found in the upright meanings, whilst others still view it as a card of struggles, doubt, or damaging gossip. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Ten of Wands and The Devil (carrying a burden) Five of Cups (sadness and regret) Eight of Swords (trapped by fear) Opposing or contradictory cards: The Star (inspiring) Temperance (balanced emotions) Three of Cups (emotional happiness) The Sun (happiness and contentment). Nine of Swords Tarot Card Combinations: Other cards suggesting stressful conditions would reinforce the worries found in the Nine of Swords if th ey also appear in a larger spread, such as, Eight of Swords, Nine of Wands, Ten of Wands, The Devil. Ideally, we wish to see a positive result, so the more favourable the card following the better. Look to surrounding cards to see what is causing the concern. The Sun > Nine of Swords > The World: may show a fear of failure, but when the Nine is surrounded by positive cards it can be worry for worry’s sake – looking for something to go wrong, feeling it’s too good to be true, etc. The Devil > Nine of Swords > Eight of Swords: feeling locked-in or trapped by despair, take action to avoid things escalating (The Devil, Five of Cups, and The Moon may also feature). Two of Cups > Nine of Swords: anxious concerning a close relationship. Five of Pentacles > Nine of Swords: money worries. ****** Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Disappointing ending, failed plans. Ten of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: The Ten of Swords concludes the numbered pips from the suit of challenges, culminating in an ending with a sense of disappointment. Plans may fail to materialise or become ruined and the emotional compass is not set to happy mode. There can be a temptation to try to dress up the less positive cards in a reading, possibly to make the seeker feel better or because we don’t like to be the bearer of less than joyful tidings, but life is made up of a whole spectrum of colours across the scale, and the Ten of Swords sits in the darker section. Not everything in l ife is set to succeed or ha ve the happy outcome we hope for when we first set off. In future positions the Ten of Swords can warn in advance and provides the opportunity to alter course or avoid a particular situation that is destined to fail. The Ten of Swords brings an ending and closes a cycle but if you’re looking for thenew beginning look for the Aces, or The Fool, to see where a new one begins. If reversed, temporary gains or improvement, a passing advantage, recovery, although it may bring some immediate relief use the opportunity wisely as it will be fleeting Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Death (final ending) The Tower (ruin, though usually more unexpected) Opposing or contradictory cards: The Sun (happiness) The World (success) all the Aces (and The Fool) represent new beginnings. Ten of Swords Tarot Card Combinations:
In simple lines the Ten is easiest to read in the central position, as the first card shows what is coming to an end and the card following to show how matters move forward afterwards. Multiple Tens in a reading indicate completion. > Eight of Cups: time to move on and call it a day. Ace of Cups > Ten of Swords : over almost before it’s had time to begin. The Fool > Ten of Swords: Don’t take the risk it leads to a disappointing ending. Ace of Wands > Ten of Swords : This will not work out as you hoped, despite high excitement this could burn out quickly and end in disappointment. Seven of Wands > Ten of Swords: failure, fighting something you ultimately can’t win. Nine of Pentacles > Ten of Swords > Five of Pentacles: loss of financial position, could be substantial, take preventative measures, financial misfortunes. > The Star: things will improve with time and something better is waiting on the h orizon. Three of Swords > Ten of Swords: escalating problem, serious quarrel that leads to separation and brings matters to a close. > The Sun: consider whatever ends as a blessing in disguise as matters turn around quickly, the silver lining. ****** Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: Messages delayed or slightly disappointing, a serious child. Page of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: An easy way to remember the Pages is to consider the Royal Courts of old, when children served as Pages, running errands and delivering messages between courtiers. For clarity in readings, the Pages are the only Courts I use that have the possibility of two meanings, either to represent messages coming in, or as children. If you’re waiting for news then the Page of Swords can show it will be delayed, or messages received will be slightly disappointing, as the card depicts a child i t can represent minor delays, or minor disappointments. As the personality description for a child, the Page of Swords is perceptive, quite analytical, and mental ly agile. They often appear serious as they spend a good deal of time locked in their thoughts, constantly analysing and processing information. They may seem mature for their years and take responsibilities, and life, rather seriously, follow rules, and dislike unfairness. Sometimes the Page of Swords can indicate a problem surrounding or concerning a child. Traditionally, this card also indicated a gossips or troublemaker, but generally I would look for more indications to support this side of the meaning (an example shown below). Some readers use the Courts as facets of a personality, so in this respect, the Pages suggest the newness of childhood, such as when you take up the fragile beginnings of entering a new field, you enter with a childlike state. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: For delays, Two of Swords and The Hanging Man, as gossips and troublemakers with Five of Swords Opposing or contradictory cards: Generally, the other Pages, Eight of Wands (good news coming in quickly) Six of Wands (bearer of great news), indicate good news of some description. Tarot Card Combinations: As messages coming in, in simple lines follow the progression of events, so look to the card following to see if this is favourable or what occurs as a consequence; the card preceding would show where the message originates. Page of Swords > Five of Swords > Five of Cups: can be gossip and slander, jealousy, betrayal of friendships (false friends) causing the upset. ****** Suit Element: Air, analytical thought and intellect. Suit of challenges. Keywords and Phrases: whirlwind of action, chaotic speed. Knight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: All the Knights represent an action or event of some description. Remembering our Royal Court, the bold Knights were action-orientated, serving the Kings and Queens to defend the realm or sent on quests and crusades. The Knights can represent adolescence, although in readings I find it’s easier to focus upon the Pages as minors, then Kings and Queens as mature adults. As an event the Knight of Swords represents the fearless knight, b old and courageous he comes rushing in but with such speed it holds quite a chaotic quality, as though everyone else hasn’t quite caught up yet. Whatever situation lands, it will feel as though everyone wants everything by yesterday. With the Knight of Swords, the situation will sweep in like a whirlwind, a tornado of air energy, so have your running shoes on standby. For those that read the Courts as facets of character, the Knight of Swords is decisive and assertive, bold and fearless but can be slightly headstrong. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Eight of Wands (swift movement)
Opposing or contradictory cards: Knight of Pentacles (slow and steady, by comparison). Knight of Swords Tarot Card Combinations: The Knight of Swords is very helpful to show things happening at great speed or with a sense of urgency, so once it lands matters will really pick up the pace. Multiple Knights show plenty of action and lots happening, usually with speed. > The Hanging Man: this combination is like running straight into a brick wall, speed comes to nought as everything falls into a holding pattern (the Two of Swords is similar). In reverse order, it’s a matter of relief as situations spring into action after a brief pause. Suit of Pentacles Pentacles represent the element of earth, symbolizing our physical world and the material aspects. Earth is a female energy with a stabilizing and grounding i nfluence.
When you have a number Pentacle cards in a spread it often highlights financial matters, but may also show that a steady and methodical approach is required. With the court cards the characteristics, or personality traits, often associated with the astrological signs connected to ea rth may be more dominant (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn). Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Card Timing: Season of winter: December, January, February. Keywords and Phrases: ‘Gifts of gold,’ seeds of prosperity, financial contracts of material concern. Ace of Pentacles Tarot Card Mea nings: Earth represents material concerns, so the suit of Pentacles usually signifies stability, finances, and material possessions.
As all the Aces represent new beginnings, so the Ace of Pentacles indicates the potential for the beginning of wealth and prosperity, a promising sign for new endeavours. Traditionally, this card meant gifts of gold, so sometimes it can indicate a ring or jewellery. The large gold coin i s symbolic but in today’s world financial transactions are often paper and contractual by nature, so the Ace of Pentacles can represent all types of documents of material significance, property paperwork, employment or business contract, educational award, or marriage contract. If reversed, financial problems and financial instability, misappropriation or misuse of funds, corruption, backhanders, money wasted, money or material goods that don’t bring happiness. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: All the Aces indicate new beginnings, and The Fool. Justice would reinforce legal contracts. Opposing or contradictory cards: Death and Ten of Swords (endings) Five of Pentacles (material loss) Ace of Pentacles Tarot Card Combinations: Ace of Wands > Ace of Pentacles: new endeavour that holds good promise to do well financially, or new work with employment contract. Six of Wands > Ace of Pentacles: recognition through receiving an important award, can also represent promotion. > Ten of Pentacles > Knight of Wa nds: property purchase or home move (other indications may also include Justice (legal) King or Queen of Swords (lawyers) King or Queen of Pentacles (finance managers). Knight of Cups > Ace of Pentacles > Two of Cups: marriage proposal, engagement ring. (proposal, ring, engagement). Similarly, Ten of Cups instead of the Two, marriage proposal. Lovers > Ace of Pentacles > Ten of Cups: marriage contract. Two of Pentacles > Ace of Pentacles > Six of Pentacles: stock market, stocks and shares, currency investing, precious metals, etc. The Magician (Internet and communication), Justice (legal instruments), Hierophant, or The Emperor may also feature with the stock market. Depending upon the interpretation you use, Three of Wands (merchants, trade and commerce) Six of Pentacles > Ace of Pentacles: a generous gift, may involve gold or jewellery but also financial. Eight of Pentacles > Hierophant > Ace of Pentacles: educational award, but also could be new work with a large establishment. > Wheel of Fortune > Six of Pentacles : Lucky ticket. A new venture that brings f inancial gain. Death > Ten of Pentacles > Ace of Pentacles: family inheritance, legacy. Also… > Justice: a legal trust or testament (usually family with Ten of Pentacles) Justice > Ace of Pentacles > Five of Pentacles: liquidation, filing for bankruptcy, or losing a legal case that may prove costly. Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: maintaining balance, balancing act. Two of Pentacles Tarot Card M eanings: In the Gilded Tarot image of the Two of Pentacles a man juggles two coins through a rainbow, but everything around him appears calm, from the surroundings to the expression on his face, and rainbows are always seen as a sign of hope.
The Two of Pentacles represents successfully maintaining balance, whether with finances, or having to juggle different aspects of life. Juggling requires concentration so the balancing act may require some effort but is still attainable.
This card can suggest multiples, or more than one thing in play, such as someone balancing two jobs, juggling a number of different projects, and sometimes, with the relevant cards, more than one relationship. In financial matters, care may be needed to balance the books. If reversed, dropping the ball, difficulty maintaining the status quo, lack of concentration causes problems, lost in the loop, beyond capabilities. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Temperance (maintaining balance) The Magician (dexterity and skill) Seven of Cups (can also show multiples) Opposing or contradictory cards: Two of Swords (deadlock) Two of Pentacles Tarot Card Combinations: In combinations look to the surrounding cards to see what is being balanced or multiplied. If followed by a negative card, such as Ten of Swords, Death, Five of Cups, etc, balance will be lost and effort to no avail. > Ten of Wands: feeling as though you’re spinning plates, overload ahead… The Lovers > Two of Pentacles: may be balancing more than one relationship, look for other supporting cards, if followed by The Moon, The Devil, or Five of Swords it isn’t usually above board, double trouble. Five of Pentacles > Seven of Sw ords > Two of Pentacles: a difficult financial situation that needs to be handled carefully but by doing so results in maintaining harmonious balance. > Three of Pentacles: may be more than one job, multi-tasking at work. Seven of Swords > Two of Pentacles > Four of Pentacles: may be a careful or savvy investor, taking care to hold onto what you have to make it l ast. > Nine of Pentacles: financially pulling a rabbit out the hat! Justice > Ace of Pentacles > Five of Pentacles: liquidation, filing for bankruptcy, or losing a legal case that may prove costly. > Ace of Pentacles > Six of Pentacles: stock market, stocks and shares, currency investing, precious metals, etc. May also feature, The Magician (Internet and communication), Justice (legal instruments), The Hierophant, or The Emperor, with the stock market. Depending upon the interpretation you use, Three of Wands (merchants, trade and commerce). Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: Master craftsman, work you’re good and enjoy and are recognised as such, industry. Three of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: The man in the image appears to be a skilled craftsman; surrounded by the tools of his trade he inspects his handiwork with an expression of pride and satisfaction.
When the Three of Pentacles appears in a reading it usually shows work that you’re good at and enjoy and others recognise your ability within this. Unlike the apprentice learning their skill in the Eight of Pentacles, the Three shows a master craftsman who has served his time and perfected his art. It’s normally work that you’re already skilled at doing, so it doesn’t normally represent new work but something you’re already accomplished in, a familiar field, or have previous experience to a good degree. The Three of Pentacles is always a card of work for me, so i f relationship cards appear alongside it suggests there is always a link between the two i n some way, rather than a l ove of work (examples shown below). If reversed, poor workmanship, frustrated efforts at work, not being recognised for talents, dissatisfied with position or accomplishments. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Magician (mastery and skill) Opposing or contradictory cards: Eight of Pentacles (apprentice) Three of Pentacles Tarot Card Combinations: As the card of skilled work there are many possibilities that can apply to this card. Ace of Wands > Three of Pentacles: new work or job but in an area you’re already experienced in, or known to be good at. > Six of Wands: receiving an award at work or for your work, if The Emperor follows may show a promotion to senior position. > Ten of Wands: overworking, pressure through work. Similarly, Ten of Wands > Three of Pentacles > The Devil: may indicate a workaholic. > Six of Cups: going back to work for a past employer or work from your past, Judgement would also show resurrection but can be the revival of a previous profession. > Three of Swords: quarrels and upsets at work. > Five of Swords: professional jealousy, watch your back! Eight of Swords > Three of Pentacles: feeling restricted within your role at work, (if order reversed Three of Pentacles > Eight of Swords: work that you’re good at but may feel like a dead end job). The Magician > Three of Pentacles: Mastery at work through concentrated effort and utilising skills, an artisan. > The Fool: applying what you know in new and innovative ways in unknown territory. > The Lovers: potential of a love interest that comes through work. Also… > Ace of Cups, if single this can represent a new relationship found through the workplace, or in some way connected. If the order is reversed… The Lovers or Two of Cups > Three of Pentacles: can indicate that comes to you through connections of your partner. Also… Two of Cups > Two of Wands > Three of Pentacles: partnership in love and work.
Two of Pentacles > Three of Pentacles: may be more than one job, multi-tasking at work. Ten of Pentacles > Three of Pentacles: family business, working from home, sometimes property business or trades. Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: over-cautious, holding back, material ambitions, miserly. Four of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: The wealthy merchant in the Four of Pentacles appears to have all he needs, being well dressed and in comfortable surroundings, yet he holds his gold close to his chest, as though he fears losing it or doesn’t wish to part with it. Material concerns may be at the forefront of your mind, although this is the classic card of being miserly or materialistic, there are also times in life when money may be in short supply and you have to be careful with what you have to try to make it last. The Four of Pentacles can also appear if someone is working hard towards a financial goal. In general, it usually suggests there’s an element of being cautious and holding back in some way and this can apply to any area of life, so surrounding cards and context is important.
In relationship readings the Four of Pentacles can show that you’re holding back emotionally, perhaps feeling cautious about becoming involved or with some aspect of the relationship. Sometimes it can also be a warning that you’re clinging too tightly or perhaps being a bi t possessive. If reversed, material matters are stuck or hit obstacles and setbacks, for some readers this card suggests release. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Two of Swords (stalemate) Hanging Man (non-movement) The Hermit (prudent) Temperance (moderation) Opposing or contradictory cards: Six of Pentacles (sharing) The Fool (carefree) Four of Pentacles Tarot Card Combinations: Check surrounding cards to find the context of what creates the reason of the Four, bu t as a root card (start of a chain) check to see what follows to release it or the progression. As always, there are many possibilities… > The Fool: throwing caution to the wind and stepping out. In reverse order, (The Fool > Four of Pentacles ) holding back from a new opportunity, afraid to let go. The Empress > Four of Pentacles: possibly a possessive mother figure who doesn’t want to let go, smother love. > The Lovers: holding back emotionally, perhaps cautious about becoming involved in a relationship. > The Hermit: wise and prudent saver, canny and shrewd investor. > Two of Pentacles: being careful with finances to keep the flow going, balancing the books and keeping a check on finances. Four of Swords > Four of Pentacles: consolidating finances or material concerns, replenishing stock and exercising caution with what you have (also if these cards preceded by the Five of Pentacles). The Devil > Four of Pentacles > Five of Swords: Possible embezzlement, with other appropriate Pentacle card central may simply show theft (mainly Five of Pentacles central). Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: financial hardship or loss, material problem, tough times. Five of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: The Five of Pentacles is a card of lack, it can represent financial diffi culties, possible hardship or loss with material matters but, as fives are the p ivotal point and unstable element that can tip either way, it’s often temporary circumstances.
The Five of Pentacles can bring unexpected bills or expenses at the least opportune time, like the exhaust falling off your car when you need it for work, the boiler giving up the ghost in the middle of winter, and so on, it creates extra expenditure and leaves a hole in your pocket because it’s something that can’t wait and must be dealt with. All forms of financial affairs are highlighted, the cheque you were relying upon that doesn’t arrive, paid work that dries up or hits a quiet period, your account in the red, being turned down for a loan or financial assistance, or on a lesser level being short-changed. The Five of Pentacles warns of temporary hardship when money will be thin on the ground. In most cases it acts as a warning, so if it appears in a future position try to squirrel some funds away ready for a rainy day, or take action to avert a situation that can lead to loss. Unless followed by particularly negative cards, such as The Tower, it isn’t usually catastrophic, just inconvenient or not what we would wish for. In relationship readings the Five of Pentacles can point to finances creating problems in the partnership. On a personal basis it can suggest a sense of desolation, a feeling that loss has been experienced on every level, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, including loss of hope. The beggars in the image focus upon their fate, yet they stand beneath the pentacles in the stained glass window of the church that could provide shelter, so there can be a warning not to miss an opportunity that may help you, If reversed, it may bring a reversal of fortunes, a narrow escape, slowly regaining p osition, or emerging from a loss. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Five of Cups (sense of loss) The Four of Cups also contains the warning of not missing a valid opportunity. Opposing or contradictory cards: Nine of Pentacles (financial comfort), Ten of Pentacles (stability), The Star (hope and inspiration), The Sun (abundant blessings). Five of Pentacles Tarot Card Combinations:
With all the fives pay particular atten tion to the card that immediately follows, as this will show how the m atter will progress and if it is temporary. The card preceding the five often shows where the problem stems from. Multiple Fives in a reading indicate instability. Six of Pentacles > Five of Pentacles: money in, money out. > Ten of Wands : financial burdens, money worries increasing, overwhelmed by debts. > Ace of Swords: overcoming a financial problem. > Seven of Swords > Two of Pentacles: a difficult financial situation that needs to be handled carefully but by doing so results in maintaining harmonious balance. > Eight of Swords: finance or debt problem, an unexpected bill could leave you in a fix. > Nine of Swords: money worries. Eight of Pentacles > Five of Pentacles: taking a new job but with a drop in salary, may be for less money initially or less than you hoped for. Nine of Pentacles > Ten of Swords > Five of Pentacles: loss of financial position, could be substantial, take preventative measures, financial misfortunes. Justice > Ace of Pentacles > Five of Pentacles: liquidation, filing for bankruptcy, or losing a legal case that may prove costly. Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: Generosity, gifts, sharing. Six of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: A well-dressed merchant balances gold upon the scales as he dispenses gold coins to the outstretched hands of others below.
The Six of Pentacles brings gifts and sharing. It can signify someone being generous to you through a present received, a pay increase at work, or a charitable gift. Sometimes it represents the flow of money, both in giving and receiving, money being paid or shared out, but generally it tends to bring about improvement in financial circumstances. In certain circumstances it may show that you are the one being generous to others, although usually it represents a ‘gift’ you receive. If reversed, it may represent being selfish or uncharitable, debts o r obligations not being met. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Ace of Pentacles (gifts of gold) Opposing or contradictory cards: Four of Pentacles (withholding) Five of Pentacles (financial lack) Six of Pentacles Tarot Card C ombinations: There are five cards that can all represent an increase in finance, so in large spreads (such as the Life Spread) watch for the appearance of the Ace of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles, Seven of Pentacles, Nine of Pentacles and Ten of Pentacles , the more that appear the more the message is reinforced and intensified. > Ace of Pentacles: a generous gift, may involve gold or jewellery but also financial. > Five of Pentacles: money in money out, it can also show money you’re expecting to be repaid doesn’t arrive. Six of Wands > Six of Pentacles: promotion and pay increase, financial bonus through recognition at work. The Hierophant > Six of Pentacles: may indicate charity or charitable organisation, a generous benefactor. Also…The Hierophant > Three of Cups > Six of Pentacles: may be a charitable fundraiser, although with other marriage cards can represent wedding gifts. Ace of Pentacles > Wheel of Fortune > Six of Pentacles : Lucky ticket, a new venture that brings financial gain. Two of Pentacles > Ace of Pentacles > Six of Pentacles: stock market, stocks and shares, currency investing, precious metals, etc. May also feature, The Magician (Internet and communication), Justice (legal instruments), The Hierophant, or The Emperor, with the stock market. Depending upon the interpretation you use, Three of Wands (merchants, trade and commerce). The Emperor > Six of Pentacles > Two of W ands: Angel investor, or possible silent partner (may also be shown by a King of Queen instead of Emperor) In relation to house moves I usually look for the following to strengthen the association and interpretation: Ten of Pentacles (home, property) Knight of Cups (the offer) Ace of Pentacles (contracts with money and the new beginning) Justice (contracts) King of Swords (legal man, or Queen for lady) King of Pentacles (finance man, or Queen for lady) Six of Pentacles (money exchange). Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: Gathering in your harvest, financial improvement. Seven of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: The Seven of Pentacles represents gathering in your harvest and the result of your efforts, we reap and sow, we plant and harvest. This may also be on a more metaphorical level, although generally there’s usually a financial connection.
If we consider the process in farming, first the farmer must prepare the soil, plant the crop and tend to it over a period of time, if the weather works in their favour and conditions are good they finally reach the point of collecting the crop. It’s only at this point that they can receive payment for their effort, so the harvest bears fruit in more ways than one, but then the cycle must be repeated in readiness for the following harvest. The Seven of Pentacles suggests something that has been diligently and methodically worked upon, and now comes to the
moment when efforts are rewarded. This card especially resonates with the theme found with multiple sevens of a cycle change. The Seven of Pentacles can bring financial improvement and is also a good card for loans and negotiations, although as the theme suggests it’s normally worked toward over a period of time, so it’s quite an industrious card. A successful outcome showing growth achieved through hard work. If reversed, imprudent, output exceeds input with li ttle return for efforts Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Empress (fruitful harvest) Four of Wands (harvest home) Knight of Pentacles (results finally forthcoming) to some extent the Four of Pentacles (prepared to work hard towards a material goal). Opposing or contradictory cards: The Four of Cups (apathy) Four of Swords (inactivity) Five of Pentacles (financial lack) Seven of Pentacles Tarot Card C ombinations: There are five cards that can all represent an increase in finance, so in large spreads (such as the Life Spread) watch for the appearance of the Ace of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles, Seven of Pentacles, Nine of Pentacles and Ten of Pentacles , the more that appear the more the message is reinforced and intensified. Multiple Sevens in a reading indicate a change of cycle. > Three of Wands: working hard pays dividends and leads to small success > Four of Wands: enjoyment of leisure after hard work. In certain circumstances can represent farming, with Ten of Pentacles and Empress could represent a farming family. > Four of Pentacles > Nine of Pentacles: working hard and saving, with success. King of Pentacles > Seven of Pentacles > Six of Pentacles: successfully negotiating a loan with the bank manager (or similar financial position) Ten of Pentacles > Seven of Pentacles > Ace of Pentacles: can represent a property loan – withThe Chariot instead of the Ten, car loan. Nine of Wands > Seven of Pentacles > Knight of Pentacles: perseverance pays off, in for the long haul but results achieved. Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: learning and studying, apprentice, new work. Eight of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: The Eight of Pentacles is known as the card of the apprentice, so it represents learning and studying, polishing and honing your skills, or taking new employment. Even if you’re fairly skilled at what you do, when you start a new post it takes a few weeks to find your bearings and learn the systems of the new employer.
In the image of the Gilded Tarot, the young apprentice sits at his desk as the light fades and his candle burns long into the night, diligently studying the Pentacles before him. Formal education could be relevant, but also informal or experiential courses that require methodical application to acquire a new skill or perfect existing ones. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Ace of Wands (for new work) Seven of Pentacles (application, prepared to put in the effort) Opposing or contradictory cards: The Magician and Three of Pentacles for skill and mastery. Eight of Pentacles Tarot Card Combinations: The Eight of Pentacles is one of the main indicators to look for to indicate new employment. Ace of Wands > Eight of Pentacles: a new job or new work. > Eight of Pentacles (or Ace of Wands) > Five of Wands: can show stiff competition for a new post when before, or if it follows you meet with resistance once you start. > Six of Wands: new job with swift a dvancement (similarly, Ace of Wands). Knight of Cups > Eight of Pentacles: an offer of new work or a study placement. The Hermit > Eight of Pentacles > The Hierophant: Place of study, knowledge and wisdom, University or education establishment. > Hierophant > Ace of Pentacles: educational award, (Six of Wands may also feature for recognition), but also could be new work with a large establishment. > Eight of Cups: abandoning a course without completion, or not staying long in new employment. > Three of Pentacles: good progression from apprentice to mastery of a skill, if the order is reversed it shows new work in a field where you’r e already experienced. Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: Material comforts, financially independent, card of plenty. Nine of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: A woman stands alone, beautifully dressed in a bountiful garden that flourishes around her as she observes the falcon upon her arm. Falcons were something of a status symbol in medieval times and initially a preserve of nobility and hobby of the wealthy in England and Europe. The lone woman suggests self-reliance.
As the card of plenty and abundance, the Nine of Pentacles brings financial comfort and the enjoyment of material pleasures, or at least an improvement in finances sufficient to allow some creature comforts. This card often turns up in readings for people who are financially independent, can stand on their own and pay their own way in life, so doesn’t necessarily represent being without relationships, although for some readers it is a sign of solitude.
If reversed, can represent a lack of principles or roguish behaviour, projects that come to nothing, excessive spending or unrestrained indulgence. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Ten of Pentacles (riches) The Empress (fruitful harvest) Opposing or contradictory cards: Five of Pentacles (financial lack) Nine of Pentacles Tarot Card Combinations: There are five cards that can all represent an increase in finance, so in large spreads (such as the Life Spread) watch for the appearance of the Ace of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles, Seven of Pentacles, Nine of Pentacles and Ten of Pentacles , the more that appear the more the message is reinforced. Multiple Nines in a Tarot reading highlight the ‘nearly there’ aspect, tying up loose ends and heading toward conclusion. Two of Pentacles > Nine of Pentacles: financially pulling the rabbit out the hat after careful jiggling! Five of Pentacles > Nine of Pentacles: rags to riches, the famine and the feast, swift turnaround in financial affairs. Six of Pentacles > Nine of Pentacles: can indicate a substantial financial gift. Wheel of Fortune > Nine of Pentacles: a fortuitous opportunity, one that pays off. Seven of Pentacles > Nine of Pentacles: beavering to create your own money tree, financial abundance through your own efforts. Seven of Pentacles > Four of Pentacles > Nine of Pentacles: working hard and saving with successful outcome. > Five of Swords: guard against theft or being conned. > Ten of Swords > Five of Pentacles: loss of financial position, could be substantial, take preventative measures, financial misfortunes. Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: Material stability, home and family, property. Ten of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: Whilst the Nine suggests financial bounty the Ten of Pentacles is more established and firmly rooted, providing material security and family stability. It connects to family affairs, the hearth and home, family clan, the family property, inheritance and legacy passed down through generations.
The RWS depicts three generations in the card, whereas the Gilded Tarot shows a solid wooden trunk filled to overflowing with golden Pentacles. Family treasures were often stored away and passed to future generations to establish their home but it can also represent wealth, or the stability that money can bring. The Ten of Cups may bring emotional happiness and permanence but the Ten of Pentacles provides the material stability of the family, the place you call home, so it often features in combinations concerning property moves too. If reversed, it can indicate family problems, risks and loss, uncertain times and instability, or feeling honour bound. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: The Hierophant (traditional values) The Emperor and Four of Wands (stability) Nine of Pentacles (material comfort) Opposing or contradictory cards: Five of Pentacles (financial instability) Ten of Pentacles Tarot Card Combinations: There are five cards that can all represent an increase in finance, so in large spreads (such as the Life Spread) watch for the appearance of the Ace of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles, Seven of Pentacles, Nine of Pentacles and Ten of Pentacles , the more that appear the more the message is reinforced. Multiple Tens in a Tarot reading suggest a period of completion. Five of Wands > Ten of Pentacles > Three of Swords: family disputes leading to upheavals and upset. Knight of Wands > Ace of Wands > Ten of Pentacles: Move to a new home, lots of excitement with this combination as it brings a whole new way of life for the family. Six of Cups > Ten of Pentacles: childhood home, people or places connected to your old stomping ground and where you grew up. Ten of Cups > Ten of Pentacles: happy heart, happy home, this combination suggests stability in emotional and material matters surrounding the home life. It can represent ‘marital bliss’ and often turns up in readings for couples settling down together. Also…Two of Cups > Ten of Pentacles: for nesting couples about to move in together and set up home. > Three of Cups: Gathering of the clan, family get together. > Ace of Pentacles: important document connected to the home with material relevance. > Three of Pentacles: family business, working from home, sometimes property business. Ace of Pentacles > Ten of Pentacles > Knight of Wands: property purchase or home move (other indications may also include Justice (legal) King or Queen of Swords (lawyers) King or Queen of Pentacles (finance managers). Death > Ten of Pentacles > Ace of Pentacles: family inheritance, legacy. Also… > Justice: a legal trust or testament (usually family with Ten of Pentacles) The World > Knight of Wands > Ten of Pentacles : adds to the international flavour of emigration and moving abroad. Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: Messages regarding material matters, reliable child. Page of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: An easy way to remember the Pages is to consider the Royal Courts of old, when children served as Pages, running errands and delivering messages between courtiers.
For clarity in readings, the Pages are the only Courts I use that have the possibility of two meanings, either to represent messages coming in, or as children. The Page of Pentacles brings news or messages concerning material matters but can also connect to education and study. As a personality description for a child, the Page of Pentacles is steady and reliable, methodical in their approach and quite often practical or good with their hands. They may be studious or academic and prefer order with a set routine, they tend to work steadily and patiently and are often hardworking, helpful, and well behaved. Some readers use the Courts as facets of personality, so in this respect, the Pages suggest the newness of childhood, such as when you take up the fragile beginnings of entering a new field, you enter with a childlike state. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: As messages, all the Pages, Eight of Wands, Six of Wands. Opposing or contradictory cards: Page of Swords (delayed news, or minor disappointment) Tarot Card Combinations: As messages coming in , in simple lines follow the progression of events, so look to the card following to see if this is favourable or what occurs as a consequence; the card preceding would show where the message originates. Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: results finally forthcoming, slow and steady… Knight of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: All the Knights represent an action or event of some description. Remembering our Royal Court, the bold Knights were action-orientated, serving the Kings and Queens to defend the realm or sent on quests and crusades.
The Knights can represent adolescence, although in readings I find it’s easier to focus upon the Pages as minors, then Kings and Queens as mature adults. The Knight of Pentacles appears to be stood still with the grass growing around the horse’s feet, suggesting slow movement. The r abbit in the corner of the image reminds me of the children’s story of the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race. It represents a situation that has gone on for a long while but his arrival in a reading also indicates that result s are finally forthcoming, although this can be for good or bad, depending upon surrounding cards. For those that read the Courts as facets of character, the Knight of Pentacles is dependable, works through things thoroughly and doesn’t cut corners along the way. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: All the Knights represent action and movement, although the Knight of Pentacles is a much slower energy, in this regard, slow moving cards such as, The Hermit, The Hanging Man, Two of Swords. Opposing or contradictory cards: Knight of Swords (chaotic speed), Eight of Wands (swift movement, news arriving quickly). Tarot Card Combinations: Useful in terms of timing as this card doesn’t move things along quickly, but also in identifying a long-standing ongoing situation. Multiple Knights show plenty of action and lots happening, usually with speed. Suit Element: Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: capable and practical lady, orderly, finance managers. Queen of Pentacles Tarot Card Mea nings: The Kings and Queens can be very useful in a reading to indicate the personality description of a mature man or woman appearing in a situation, it can help you to be quite clear in your interpretation. Everyone tends to have a mixture of all the cards, similar to our astrology chart, we all have a balance of the elements, but we also te nd to have dominant factors, which is what we look for. In daily life and conversation, we often stereotype people when describing to others and this approach is similar.
Some readers like to use the Kings and Queens to represent a facet of your personality, but I use them to identify specific people of a particular gender, so the Queens would always be women and the Kings always men (regardless of sexual orientation). In terms of astrological signs, I usually only use astrology sun signs to identify the seeker in email readings, since we don’t have the advantage of a two-way conversation in a normal reading situation. Pentacles can be earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn. The Queen of Pentacles likes order, always reads the instructions, makes ‘to do’ lists, and files everything away neat and tidy where it belongs. Relevant to the suit and earth element, Pentacles are practical and methodical, working thoroughly from start to conclusion; they bring sense and order to chaos and like to keep it that way! On the downside they can become too rigid or set in their ways, stubborn, or sometimes need to lighten up a bit There are two sides to the Pentacle coin, they can represent moneyed people, or have down-to-earth qualities of those that work in practical (or earth related) industries. We often find them in readings to represent female bank managers, accountants, or financial advisors, along with King or Queen of Swords (lawyers) with house sales and moves, inheritances or money matters.
Tarot Card Combinations: All the Kings and Queens have positive and negative traits so within the reading the individual meaning is neutral, depicting a particular person, and relying on surrounding cards to see how they impact the seeker. In future positions it may describe someone you don’t know yet but who will be important to a situation coming up. Multiple Kings and Queens can indicate that lots of people are involved in a situation. Suit Element: Earth: grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns. Keywords and Phrases: reliable and steadfast man, astute with money. King of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings: The Kings and Queens can be very useful in a reading to indicate the personality description of a mature man or woman appearing in a situation, it can help you to be quite clear in your interpretation. Everyone tends to have a mixture of all the cards, similar to our astrology chart we all have a balance of the elements, but we also te nd to have dominant factors, which is what we look for. In daily life and conversation, we often stereotype people when describing to others and this approach is similar.
Some readers like to use the Kings and Queens to represent a facet of your personality, but I use them to identify specific people of a particular gender, so the Queens would always be women and the Kings always men (regardless of sexual orientation). In terms of astrological signs, I usually only use astrology sun signs to identify people in email readings, since we don’t have the advantage of a two-way conversation in a normal reading situation. Pentacles would be earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn. The King of Pentacles is usually solid, calm and dependable, they’re hardworking and have the ability to work tirelessly from beginning to end on projects. They’re usually quite canny with the pennies too; shrewd and astute they dislike waste and have a good eye for a bargain. The King of Pentacles is a planner and researches things thoroughly. On the downside they can become set in their ways, be blunt, stubborn, or overly concerned about material matters. There are two sides to the Pentacle coin, they can represent moneyed people and landowners, or have down-to-earth qualities of those that work in practical or earth related trades, builders, tradesmen, agriculture, food, etc. We often find them in readings to represent bank managers, accountants, or financial advisors, along with King or Queen of Swords (lawyers) with house sales and moves, inheritances or money matters. Tarot Card Combinations: All the Kings and Queens have positive and negative traits so within the reading the individual meaning is neutral, depicting a particular person, and relying on surrounding cards to see how they impact the seeker. In future positions it may describe someone you don’t know yet but who will be important to a situation coming up. Multiple Kings and Queens can indicate that lots of people are involved in a situation.
Simplified meanings of the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot according to Philippe Camoin Note: many of the interpretations below differ fundamentally from the interpretations which have been taught before by readers and teachers of tarot. It is thanks to the Secret Codes of Tarot that Philippe Camoin was able to discover the first meanings of the Major Arcana of the Tarot de Marseille. This is how he was able to demonstrate that the balls in The House of God are in fact coins falling from the sky, and that this card is not at all negative as was believed by tarotists as a whole. Quite the contrary: "La Maison Dieu" is a card full of rewarding opportunities for those who know to say "yes" to God. Similarly, Le Mat is not at all a "fool", but a spiritual pilg rim… LE MAT Pilgrim on a spiritual quest, in movement. Represents the Tarot itself, as well as the human soul, the search for self. for something, change of residence, freedom, movement, quest, voyage. REVERSED : Folly, regression, refusal to move forward, the person wants to turn back or is afraid to go toward the future, is going back on a decision. THE JUGGLER Represents work, hyperactivity. New project, start of a new cycle. Beginning of a never-ending task without knowing where it will lead. Magician, illusionist working with raw materials, wants to accomplish his mission. Manual labor. Employee. REVERSED : a trick, clever manipulation, using one’s power to mislead others. THE POPESS Receptivity and passivity, she symbolises accumulation of knowledge from other places : learning things that others have done. The book is wisdom, connection to the world of the soul. Her veil suggests secrets. The white face relates to the moon, to purity. Evokes the mother. Training, studies. Writing. REVERSED : Refusal to learn or to receive. THE EMPRESS Represents the world of ideas before they are actualized. Activity in the abstract. She awakens the eagle, symbol of the mental which is put into activity with her own ideas. The font shows that she is one who purifies, from "limpératrice" (limpid, pure). Creativity, artist who sees the fruits of her imagination. REVERSED : At a loss for ideas, lack of creativity. THE EMPEROR Representes one who makes projects a reality. A builder who puts the ideas of the Empress into action. He is jovial (his legs crossed in the shape of a 4 are a Jupiterian symbol), courageous. He commands : He is the ideal enlightened leader, makes potential actual. REVERSED : Tyrannical person, obstacles to realization or action, fear of taking action. THE POPE Represents one who transmits, who teaches. He is a visionary, looking toward the future. A benefactor who will help. The scepter he holds is an antenna for receiving signals from the "beyond". He must transmit in order to be able to receive. Possesses learning. Suggests the father. The theatre. REVERSED : Blockage or refusal to transmit, thus also to receive. THE LOVER Inspiration, choice, communication between human beings. Sacred union between man and woman. Love is the fundamental experience for mastery of the earth plane. Suggests a love dilemma, also speaks of a good choice, guided by Heaven which whispers its thoughts. Magnetism. REVERSED : Problem with adultery, with a choice or with communication. THE CHARIOT Victory in the material plane, success in the human world. At the end of a "battlefield", he is crowned and stripped of doubts and chance : He has finished his initiation as a human being. A winner who knows what will happen. Someone with power, who can help others. Symbol of a voyage. Suggests the son. REVERSED : Refusal of or obstacle to success. JUSTICE Financial, emotional, mental, or physical equilibrium. Represents the tightrope walker who walks on the wire of his existence, weighing whether he does good or evil. Karmic balance, the person is learning to master their karma. Justice has a third eye. The rope of detachment around her neck, the sword of divine justice in hand. REVERSED : Loss of balance, karmic problem. THE HERMIT A shift in consciousness, an initiation: inner conflict, solitude, emotional or economic crisis well handled. Represents someone who is a beacon for others and for himself: produces his own light. Holds the staff of power, a very patient magician. Symbol of immortality. REVERSED : Inner conflict, badly handled crisis. THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE Master of one’s destiny, one who listens to the inner voice to escape the wheel, like the crowned sphinx, who has integrated the 4 elements/planes of existence. Implies a transformation due to th e immense energies released by this work on oneself. Destiny will act favorably. Creating one’s own reality. Change. REVERSED: Refusal to take charge of life, misfortune resulting. STRENGTH A miracle which will bring salvation, removing a problem that seemed unsolvable. The need to control one’s energies, and an unexpected solution appears. The concept of infinity (hat in shape of an 8, like the Juggler). Can suggest the mother -inlaw. Mastery of the personality by one’s higher self. Health and vigor. REVERSED : Not open to a miracle. The personality gets the upper hand. W eakness. THE HANGED MAN Immobility well handled, a waiting period, stop, internalisation, meditation to master the strength that has just appeared. Cut off from the energies of the zodiac (the 12 cut branches). Illusion of attachment, but can free himself. Sees the world upside down. Trapped in matter. Laziness. Masochism. Unemployment. REVERSED : Blockage badly handled, powerlessness, depression.
