Amethyst Rose
January 24th, 2005, 06:37 PM
A little blurb before hand: This is a very long lesson. It has taken me.... *counts* about 4 hours to write, and my back is aching sore from this stupid chair, so if my descriptions get short near the end, you can understand why. Ideally I would have liked to take one card at a time, and work on one per day, but then it'd take us a month just do do the Major Arcana, so I just have to dump it all on you at once. Take your time with this, absorb it and think on it. If you want, compare my meanings and such to those in your LWB, to fine tune them to your specific deck. More on this in another thread. :)
Major Arcana
The major arcana is made of 22 cards also known as Trumps or Triumphs. These cards hold the most symbolism and meaning in a standard tarot deck. In earlier decks, the major arcana were the only cards that had pictures and symbolism to represent their meaning, while the minor arcana would have simple depictions, like 7 swords to represent the seven of swords. The purpose of the pictures and symbolism are highly archtypical and therefore help any reader to determine a meaning without having much knoweldge of the tarot. As such, major arcana card meanings are standard from deck to deck, where with the minor arcana meanings can change slightly. Further meaning can be found with more study and a deeper look into the cards. The one thing that does change, however, is the name of some cards as well as the position of some cards. I've already discussed the changing position of Justice, but I've also discovered through recent reseach that the Fool, numbered 0, can also change places in a deck, from being first card, last card or the middle card.
The standard order of the major arcana is as follows:
0 Fool
I Magus
II High Priestess
III Empress
IV Emperor
V Hierophant
VI Lovers
VII Chariot
VII Justice
IX Hermit
X Wheel of Fortune
XI Strength
XII Hanged Man
XIII Death
XIV Temperance
XV Devil
XVI Tower
XVII Star
XVIII Moon
XIX Sun
XX Judgement
XXI World
The sequence of the cards is important and can be viewe in many ways. It has been likened to the evolution of the soul. The Fools Journey tells the story of this evolution. In an effort to shorten this lesson, I'll direct you to the Fool's Journey on this site: http://www.learntarot.com/journey.htm. Please read through this and try to memorize it the best you can. It will help you to read the cards.
A word on card reversals: There are no real set reversed meanings for a card.... basically when a card is reversed it can mean that it doesn't have as much power or influence, or that the meaning is slighty skewed. When it comes to reversals I completely use my instincts on it's meaning. Any reversed meanings I give in this lesson are my interpretation when I do a reading...they can be completely different for you.
Card Meanings
I highly suggest that while you read through these meanings, you are also looking at your major arcana. It will help you relate the meaning to your card if you can see the card as well.
0 The Fool
- Description: The Fool is often depicted as a young man on a journey, looking straight ahead into the future, and about to step off a cliff. It shows his absolute trust in the world around him, and as a result his nievete. This is a card about spontenaity, surprize, adventure, wonder and personal growth. It reminds you to trust your natural instincts, believe in yourself and follow your heart, no matter how crazy or foolish your instincts seem. It also teaches you, however, to keep your head about yourself and watch where you're going in life.
- Meaning: a beginning, starting anew, a journey or adventure, the unknown, spontaneity, carefree, impulse, surprises, letting go, faith, joy, innocense, trust, pipe dreams, foolishness, ignorance.
- Reversed: possibly stagnation, reluctance to start a venture, nervousness, mistrust
I The Magician
- Description: Often depicted as a middle aged man at an altar covered in tools, working magick. The magician teaches us about your own personal power and ability to influence the world around you. The man is powerful and sure of himself and his abilities...he is a conduit for divine power and perfectly confident that he can work miracles. As such, this card tells you to have faith... that you can do anything you put our minds to. It tells you to understand exactly what it is you want and to go get it. To Act.
- Meaning: taking action, practice, talent, intelligence, focus, purpose, understanding, concentration, power, creativity, vitality, energy
- Reversed: positiblity for inaction, weakness, stupidity, lack of focus or concentration, powerlessness.
II The High Priestess
- Description: A middle aged woman sits on a throne. This card has also been called Popess or Female Pope. This card is the female equivilent and ballance to the Magician. As such, she represents the mysterious and unkown aspects of life. The High Priestess challenges you to look within yourself and see all that you are capable of. She can also represent a time of reflection, and waiting.... that now may not be the time to act on your goals, but rather to think on them and develop them.
- Meaning: inactive, waiting, passive, calm, withdrawn, intuition, inner voice, imagination, potential, possibilities, development, mystery, the unknown, secrets
- Reversed: possibilty for acting without thinking, secrets revealed, ignoring intuition
III The Empress
- Description: A woman lounges on a throne, surrounded by images of life. The Empress rounds out what the High Priestess started, and is the other representation of women in the deck. While the High Priestess represents all that is hidden in women, the Empress represents the woman's essential role in life. This card teaches you to be in touch with the feminine, life giving forces of the universe, to be grounded and connected with the natural world. She can also represent motherhood and all aspects of motherhood, and creation.
- Meaning: a mother, life giving, nourishing, tenderness, children, abundance, extravagance, luxury, reward, physical activity, beauty, pleasure, health, nature, connection to the earth.
- Reversed: being withdrawn, difficulties as a mother
IV The Emperor
- Description: A man sits on a throne surrounded by images of power, completely confident. The Emperor balances the lavishness of the Empress and therefore represents structure, order and authority. He can also represent the Father and as such a role as disciplinarian, protector, provider and guide.
- Meaning: fathering, protection and defence, guide, security, comfort, structure, authority, order, leadership, control, strength, law and order, strict behavior, following the rules, acting on principle.
- Reversed: lack of order, breaking the law, out of control
V The Hierophant
- Description: A religious figure in a church setting. The Hierophant represents official learning, understanding secret knowledge and structure through organization and ritual. It speaks of the the need for society and the groups within it, and the need to follow and develop a group identity. It's important to remember that while groups are important for our development, it is also important to learn how to be an individual.
- Meaning: education, knowledge, learning, studying, belief, tradition, ritual and ceremony, discipline, faith, conforming, adapting, fitting in, loyalty to others, team work
- Reversed: diverging from the crowd, being independant, withdrawn, loss of faith
VI The Lovers
- Description: Probably the easiest card of the Major Arcana to understand, the lovers are represented by two people, most often a man and a woman, embracing or otherwise being intimate in some manner. This card represents love and sex, the urge for union and connection with another person an an emotional and physical level. This card may also represent the force that brings two people together, not necessarily the people themselves. The lovers can also represent a moral or ethical dilema.
- Meaning: love, friendship, intimacy, union or marriage, sexuality, passion, physical attraction, energy, desire, standards, being true to yourself, values, morals, temptation
- Reverse: rejection, loss, lonliness, uncertainty in a relationship
VII The Chariot
- Description: Often shown as a person riding a chariot, the Chariot represents positive aspects of the ego, disipline, determination and assertiveness. The chariot often shows up in a reading when it is important for a person to gain control over a situation. While typically this card represents control, will, confidence and victory, I have found that in my own readings it chooses to represent moving forward and on ward to new challenges. Some research I did says that it is appropriate to think of the Chariot as a military image, because it stands for strenghts associated with combat. Perhaps that image will make it easier for you to remember the card's meaning.
- Meaning: victory, success, dominating, determination, intent, effort, assertion, ego, self-confidence, control over emotions and impulses, getting your way.
- Reversed: self-doubt, defeat, confusion, powerlessness
VIII Strength
- Description: Often represented as a man or woman with a Lion, this is one of my favorite cards in my deck. I always find the lion to be very expressive... it represents true stength...mental strength. This card represents patience and compassion, composure, courage and resolve. It teaches us to forgive others for their mistakes and to be patient with them.
- Meaning: strength, resolve, stamina, endurance, patience, composure, forebearance, compassion, tolerance, acceptance, kindness, forgiveness, the strength of love.
- Reverse: losing control, impatience, weakness
IX The Hermit
Description: Represented as an older man or woman alone in the world. This card represents all the feelings that go along with the desire to turn away from the world, and look within. In readings it offen represents a need to be alone for personal reflection, to seek out your own personal truths and determine what you need to be happy.
Meaning: looking within, being introspective, seeking understanding, seraching, a personal quest, receiving or giving guidance, solitude, withdrawing, seclusion
Reversed: the negative effects of being alone and withdrawing
X Wheel of Fortune
Description: This card has alot more of a symbolic meaning that a lot of cards. Traditionally it is an image of a wheel surrounded by the 3 fates. In my deck it is the image of a woman spinning a spiderweb. Either way, this card represents the part that fate plays with our lives, including unexpected encounters and twists. It is a card that teaches that you can't predict life, you can only be aware of what is around you at the moment. It also reminds us that fate can change at any time, and go in any direction, like the turn of a wheel.
Meaning: destiny, fate, opportunity, a turn of events, change in direction, change in fortune, movement, awareness, perspective, discovering your purpose
Reversed: no forward movement, uncertainty of the future
XI Justice
Description: The figure of Justice is often depected as woman sitting on a throne, holding a set of scales and a sword. She reminds us that while life is usually fair, sometimes you have to fight for what is right. In readings, she shows up in issues of right and wrong, to think such things through carefully, or to point out the consequence, whether good or bad, of an action. You can almost think of her as a tool of karma. She can also represent things that must be done, decistions to be made or responsibilities to be accountable for.
Meaning: justice, fairness, ethics, honesty, equality, responsibility, decision, karma
Reversed: irrisponsibility, dishonesty, unfairness
XII Hanged Man
Description: A man hangs by his feet (or one foot), on a tree. He isn't distressed by this, however, rather he seems comfortable. This card is one of the hardest cards in the deck to read and understand....it's because it's meaning is complex and often contradicting. This card teaches us that if we let ourselves go, we will find that we have control....or to win, we must surrender. That the most logical solution isn't always the right one.
Meaning: letting go, emotional release, acceptance, surrender, vulnerability, sacrifice, reflection, waiting, giving up control
Reversed: holding on, struggle, defiance, difficulty accepting the situation
XIII Death
Description: This card is often seen as the most disturbing of the deck. It is important to remember that it doesn't mean physical death...but often a spiritual rebirth, or a complete change of direction of a person's life. In my deck, this card is called Transition. Often represented by a skeletal figure, it is a card designed to make a person uneasy... I personally think that's to get their attention. It's a card that causes us to face the unknown, which can be very unsettleing. In readings, it often represents an end or a great change, which may be difficult to accept. Often it points towards something that is innevitable and forces you to trust fate and just ride the situation out.
Meaning: ending, transition, accepting the inevitable, trusting fate, the unavoidable, sweeping change, exliminating excess
Reversed: inability to change, holding on
XIV Temperance
Description: In many decks temperance is represented as an angelic type of figure, giving off a feeling of serenity and calmness, comforting, even. In readings, temperance represents the need for moderation, balance and cooperation. The calmnes of the card tells us to be calm in high stress situations, because often that is what is needed to regain control. Temperence is also a card of good physical, mental and emotional health and promises well being and vitality.
Meaning: temperate, compromise, moderation, balance, harmony, equilibrium, cooperation, health, energy, vigor, healing, well being, consolidating, synthesis
Reversed: disagreement, discord, ill-health, imbalance
XV The Devil
Description: Depicted in many decks as the steriotypical Satan figure, half man, half goat, and while this is a frightening aspect, the card itself shouldn't be frightening. This purpose of this card is to remind us of the balance in all things.... we can't have light without dark, nor good without bad. We must remember that recognize happiness, we must experience sadness. In a reading, this card lets you know that you're in an unproductive situation, you may only be concentrating on the negative of a situation, and are therefore ignorant of it. This card may show to you any negativity in your life that's holding you back, or show you that you are making mistakes.
Meaning: obsession, loss of independance, addiction, feeling tied down, forgetting the spiritual, caught up in the material, ignorance, being unaware, fear, hopelessness, despair, lack of faith, doubt, negativity
Reversed: seeing the light, conquering of feers, gaining control of an addiction
XVI The Tower
Description: The Tower is generally illustrated as a tower being struck by lightening, often with a person falling out of the tower. This card represents a major upheaval or change in a person's life, often completely unexpected, which makes it even more of a disturbing card, to some people. In a reading this card is trying to tell you that distruption happens because it is needed. It's what gets you out of a rut and starts you lilving again.
Meaning: sudden change, surpized, chaos, upheaval, disruption, release, emotional outburst, let down, humbled, revalation, insight
Reversed: stability, control, ability to remain calm in a difficult situation
XVII Star
Description: Generally in this card there will be a star somewhere. :) As stars have always been a wonder, and points of inspiration, in readings, the Star shows us the light at the end of the tunnel... it gives us joy where we thought there was none. It gives us hope and piece of mind. It reminds us to be generous and loving. While it tells us that we are on the right track towards our goals, it doesn't give us any more of an answer than that.
Meaning: hope, expectation, belief, light at the end of the tunnel, inspiration, motivation, inner stength, creating, generous, serene, peace of mind, relaxing, tranquil
Reversed: bothered, uninspired, unsettled
XVIII Moon
Description: Again, in most decks the moon can be found somewhere in the card. I have trouble remembering the meaning of this card, simply because I see the moon as the ultimate symbol of divine femininity....the goddess. That is not what this card stands for, and it can be confusing for me. Think of the night bathed by moonlight...the light makes it look surreal, unfamiliar, even frightening. That's what this card stands for. In a reading it speaks of fears, anxieties and illusions. It tells us that we are lost and must find our way back to the right path.
Meaning: fear, lack of courage, phobias, illusions, deceiving yourself, imagination, fantasy, dreams or visions, bewildering, disorianted, confused, distracted, lost
Reversed: understanding dreams, finding the right path, finding courage
XIX The Sun
Description: Once again, you'll find a picture of a sun on this card...offen accompanied by a child and sunflowers. This card speaks to me of joy and rapture. Think of how the sun makes you feel.... this card represents confidence, energy, health, success and joy.
Meaning: understanding, intellect, order through chaos, enlightening, greatness, brilliant, glory, vitality, enthusiasm, joy, invigoration, heath, assurance, freedom, forgiveness, confidence, self worth
Reversed: weariness, run down, self-conscious, inability to appreciate the good
XX Judgement
Description: The standard depiction of this card is that of judgement day, with people gathering to the call of an angel. This card brings up the question, can you have judgement and forgiveness? That is what this card represents. This card tells us that judgement is necessary and it is possible to judge someone without condemming them, as long as you don't lose sight of yourself in the process. It can also show you that your past and mistakes are behind you and renewal will soon come to you.
Meaning: judgement, taking a stand, hard choices, transforming, possibilities, renewed hope, impulse to act, inner conviction, new direction, absolution, cleansed, refreshed, free of guilt and sorrow, attonement
Reversed: regretting mistakes, guilt, unable to act
XXI: The World
Description: In my deck, the World is called The Universe, and is represented by...well, a whole lot of images...it's a busy deck. The one major thing that the World represents is wholeness, completeness, happiness. The journey of the fool ends here and so you get a feeling of having come full circle. In a reading, the world tells you that your hearts desire is within reach. But you must remember that it won't just come to you, you have to make it hapen.
Meaning: wholeness, balance, synthesis, unison, accomplisment, prospering, flourishing, heart's desire, healing contributing, being active, fullfillment, satisfaction, pleasure, blessings, peace of mind.
Reversed: withdrawl, lazyness, dissatisfaction, emptiness
Major Arcana
The major arcana is made of 22 cards also known as Trumps or Triumphs. These cards hold the most symbolism and meaning in a standard tarot deck. In earlier decks, the major arcana were the only cards that had pictures and symbolism to represent their meaning, while the minor arcana would have simple depictions, like 7 swords to represent the seven of swords. The purpose of the pictures and symbolism are highly archtypical and therefore help any reader to determine a meaning without having much knoweldge of the tarot. As such, major arcana card meanings are standard from deck to deck, where with the minor arcana meanings can change slightly. Further meaning can be found with more study and a deeper look into the cards. The one thing that does change, however, is the name of some cards as well as the position of some cards. I've already discussed the changing position of Justice, but I've also discovered through recent reseach that the Fool, numbered 0, can also change places in a deck, from being first card, last card or the middle card.
The standard order of the major arcana is as follows:
0 Fool
I Magus
II High Priestess
III Empress
IV Emperor
V Hierophant
VI Lovers
VII Chariot
VII Justice
IX Hermit
X Wheel of Fortune
XI Strength
XII Hanged Man
XIII Death
XIV Temperance
XV Devil
XVI Tower
XVII Star
XVIII Moon
XIX Sun
XX Judgement
XXI World
The sequence of the cards is important and can be viewe in many ways. It has been likened to the evolution of the soul. The Fools Journey tells the story of this evolution. In an effort to shorten this lesson, I'll direct you to the Fool's Journey on this site: http://www.learntarot.com/journey.htm. Please read through this and try to memorize it the best you can. It will help you to read the cards.
A word on card reversals: There are no real set reversed meanings for a card.... basically when a card is reversed it can mean that it doesn't have as much power or influence, or that the meaning is slighty skewed. When it comes to reversals I completely use my instincts on it's meaning. Any reversed meanings I give in this lesson are my interpretation when I do a reading...they can be completely different for you.
Card Meanings
I highly suggest that while you read through these meanings, you are also looking at your major arcana. It will help you relate the meaning to your card if you can see the card as well.
0 The Fool
- Description: The Fool is often depicted as a young man on a journey, looking straight ahead into the future, and about to step off a cliff. It shows his absolute trust in the world around him, and as a result his nievete. This is a card about spontenaity, surprize, adventure, wonder and personal growth. It reminds you to trust your natural instincts, believe in yourself and follow your heart, no matter how crazy or foolish your instincts seem. It also teaches you, however, to keep your head about yourself and watch where you're going in life.
- Meaning: a beginning, starting anew, a journey or adventure, the unknown, spontaneity, carefree, impulse, surprises, letting go, faith, joy, innocense, trust, pipe dreams, foolishness, ignorance.
- Reversed: possibly stagnation, reluctance to start a venture, nervousness, mistrust
I The Magician
- Description: Often depicted as a middle aged man at an altar covered in tools, working magick. The magician teaches us about your own personal power and ability to influence the world around you. The man is powerful and sure of himself and his abilities...he is a conduit for divine power and perfectly confident that he can work miracles. As such, this card tells you to have faith... that you can do anything you put our minds to. It tells you to understand exactly what it is you want and to go get it. To Act.
- Meaning: taking action, practice, talent, intelligence, focus, purpose, understanding, concentration, power, creativity, vitality, energy
- Reversed: positiblity for inaction, weakness, stupidity, lack of focus or concentration, powerlessness.
II The High Priestess
- Description: A middle aged woman sits on a throne. This card has also been called Popess or Female Pope. This card is the female equivilent and ballance to the Magician. As such, she represents the mysterious and unkown aspects of life. The High Priestess challenges you to look within yourself and see all that you are capable of. She can also represent a time of reflection, and waiting.... that now may not be the time to act on your goals, but rather to think on them and develop them.
- Meaning: inactive, waiting, passive, calm, withdrawn, intuition, inner voice, imagination, potential, possibilities, development, mystery, the unknown, secrets
- Reversed: possibilty for acting without thinking, secrets revealed, ignoring intuition
III The Empress
- Description: A woman lounges on a throne, surrounded by images of life. The Empress rounds out what the High Priestess started, and is the other representation of women in the deck. While the High Priestess represents all that is hidden in women, the Empress represents the woman's essential role in life. This card teaches you to be in touch with the feminine, life giving forces of the universe, to be grounded and connected with the natural world. She can also represent motherhood and all aspects of motherhood, and creation.
- Meaning: a mother, life giving, nourishing, tenderness, children, abundance, extravagance, luxury, reward, physical activity, beauty, pleasure, health, nature, connection to the earth.
- Reversed: being withdrawn, difficulties as a mother
IV The Emperor
- Description: A man sits on a throne surrounded by images of power, completely confident. The Emperor balances the lavishness of the Empress and therefore represents structure, order and authority. He can also represent the Father and as such a role as disciplinarian, protector, provider and guide.
- Meaning: fathering, protection and defence, guide, security, comfort, structure, authority, order, leadership, control, strength, law and order, strict behavior, following the rules, acting on principle.
- Reversed: lack of order, breaking the law, out of control
V The Hierophant
- Description: A religious figure in a church setting. The Hierophant represents official learning, understanding secret knowledge and structure through organization and ritual. It speaks of the the need for society and the groups within it, and the need to follow and develop a group identity. It's important to remember that while groups are important for our development, it is also important to learn how to be an individual.
- Meaning: education, knowledge, learning, studying, belief, tradition, ritual and ceremony, discipline, faith, conforming, adapting, fitting in, loyalty to others, team work
- Reversed: diverging from the crowd, being independant, withdrawn, loss of faith
VI The Lovers
- Description: Probably the easiest card of the Major Arcana to understand, the lovers are represented by two people, most often a man and a woman, embracing or otherwise being intimate in some manner. This card represents love and sex, the urge for union and connection with another person an an emotional and physical level. This card may also represent the force that brings two people together, not necessarily the people themselves. The lovers can also represent a moral or ethical dilema.
- Meaning: love, friendship, intimacy, union or marriage, sexuality, passion, physical attraction, energy, desire, standards, being true to yourself, values, morals, temptation
- Reverse: rejection, loss, lonliness, uncertainty in a relationship
VII The Chariot
- Description: Often shown as a person riding a chariot, the Chariot represents positive aspects of the ego, disipline, determination and assertiveness. The chariot often shows up in a reading when it is important for a person to gain control over a situation. While typically this card represents control, will, confidence and victory, I have found that in my own readings it chooses to represent moving forward and on ward to new challenges. Some research I did says that it is appropriate to think of the Chariot as a military image, because it stands for strenghts associated with combat. Perhaps that image will make it easier for you to remember the card's meaning.
- Meaning: victory, success, dominating, determination, intent, effort, assertion, ego, self-confidence, control over emotions and impulses, getting your way.
- Reversed: self-doubt, defeat, confusion, powerlessness
VIII Strength
- Description: Often represented as a man or woman with a Lion, this is one of my favorite cards in my deck. I always find the lion to be very expressive... it represents true stength...mental strength. This card represents patience and compassion, composure, courage and resolve. It teaches us to forgive others for their mistakes and to be patient with them.
- Meaning: strength, resolve, stamina, endurance, patience, composure, forebearance, compassion, tolerance, acceptance, kindness, forgiveness, the strength of love.
- Reverse: losing control, impatience, weakness
IX The Hermit
Description: Represented as an older man or woman alone in the world. This card represents all the feelings that go along with the desire to turn away from the world, and look within. In readings it offen represents a need to be alone for personal reflection, to seek out your own personal truths and determine what you need to be happy.
Meaning: looking within, being introspective, seeking understanding, seraching, a personal quest, receiving or giving guidance, solitude, withdrawing, seclusion
Reversed: the negative effects of being alone and withdrawing
X Wheel of Fortune
Description: This card has alot more of a symbolic meaning that a lot of cards. Traditionally it is an image of a wheel surrounded by the 3 fates. In my deck it is the image of a woman spinning a spiderweb. Either way, this card represents the part that fate plays with our lives, including unexpected encounters and twists. It is a card that teaches that you can't predict life, you can only be aware of what is around you at the moment. It also reminds us that fate can change at any time, and go in any direction, like the turn of a wheel.
Meaning: destiny, fate, opportunity, a turn of events, change in direction, change in fortune, movement, awareness, perspective, discovering your purpose
Reversed: no forward movement, uncertainty of the future
XI Justice
Description: The figure of Justice is often depected as woman sitting on a throne, holding a set of scales and a sword. She reminds us that while life is usually fair, sometimes you have to fight for what is right. In readings, she shows up in issues of right and wrong, to think such things through carefully, or to point out the consequence, whether good or bad, of an action. You can almost think of her as a tool of karma. She can also represent things that must be done, decistions to be made or responsibilities to be accountable for.
Meaning: justice, fairness, ethics, honesty, equality, responsibility, decision, karma
Reversed: irrisponsibility, dishonesty, unfairness
XII Hanged Man
Description: A man hangs by his feet (or one foot), on a tree. He isn't distressed by this, however, rather he seems comfortable. This card is one of the hardest cards in the deck to read and understand....it's because it's meaning is complex and often contradicting. This card teaches us that if we let ourselves go, we will find that we have control....or to win, we must surrender. That the most logical solution isn't always the right one.
Meaning: letting go, emotional release, acceptance, surrender, vulnerability, sacrifice, reflection, waiting, giving up control
Reversed: holding on, struggle, defiance, difficulty accepting the situation
XIII Death
Description: This card is often seen as the most disturbing of the deck. It is important to remember that it doesn't mean physical death...but often a spiritual rebirth, or a complete change of direction of a person's life. In my deck, this card is called Transition. Often represented by a skeletal figure, it is a card designed to make a person uneasy... I personally think that's to get their attention. It's a card that causes us to face the unknown, which can be very unsettleing. In readings, it often represents an end or a great change, which may be difficult to accept. Often it points towards something that is innevitable and forces you to trust fate and just ride the situation out.
Meaning: ending, transition, accepting the inevitable, trusting fate, the unavoidable, sweeping change, exliminating excess
Reversed: inability to change, holding on
XIV Temperance
Description: In many decks temperance is represented as an angelic type of figure, giving off a feeling of serenity and calmness, comforting, even. In readings, temperance represents the need for moderation, balance and cooperation. The calmnes of the card tells us to be calm in high stress situations, because often that is what is needed to regain control. Temperence is also a card of good physical, mental and emotional health and promises well being and vitality.
Meaning: temperate, compromise, moderation, balance, harmony, equilibrium, cooperation, health, energy, vigor, healing, well being, consolidating, synthesis
Reversed: disagreement, discord, ill-health, imbalance
XV The Devil
Description: Depicted in many decks as the steriotypical Satan figure, half man, half goat, and while this is a frightening aspect, the card itself shouldn't be frightening. This purpose of this card is to remind us of the balance in all things.... we can't have light without dark, nor good without bad. We must remember that recognize happiness, we must experience sadness. In a reading, this card lets you know that you're in an unproductive situation, you may only be concentrating on the negative of a situation, and are therefore ignorant of it. This card may show to you any negativity in your life that's holding you back, or show you that you are making mistakes.
Meaning: obsession, loss of independance, addiction, feeling tied down, forgetting the spiritual, caught up in the material, ignorance, being unaware, fear, hopelessness, despair, lack of faith, doubt, negativity
Reversed: seeing the light, conquering of feers, gaining control of an addiction
XVI The Tower
Description: The Tower is generally illustrated as a tower being struck by lightening, often with a person falling out of the tower. This card represents a major upheaval or change in a person's life, often completely unexpected, which makes it even more of a disturbing card, to some people. In a reading this card is trying to tell you that distruption happens because it is needed. It's what gets you out of a rut and starts you lilving again.
Meaning: sudden change, surpized, chaos, upheaval, disruption, release, emotional outburst, let down, humbled, revalation, insight
Reversed: stability, control, ability to remain calm in a difficult situation
XVII Star
Description: Generally in this card there will be a star somewhere. :) As stars have always been a wonder, and points of inspiration, in readings, the Star shows us the light at the end of the tunnel... it gives us joy where we thought there was none. It gives us hope and piece of mind. It reminds us to be generous and loving. While it tells us that we are on the right track towards our goals, it doesn't give us any more of an answer than that.
Meaning: hope, expectation, belief, light at the end of the tunnel, inspiration, motivation, inner stength, creating, generous, serene, peace of mind, relaxing, tranquil
Reversed: bothered, uninspired, unsettled
XVIII Moon
Description: Again, in most decks the moon can be found somewhere in the card. I have trouble remembering the meaning of this card, simply because I see the moon as the ultimate symbol of divine femininity....the goddess. That is not what this card stands for, and it can be confusing for me. Think of the night bathed by moonlight...the light makes it look surreal, unfamiliar, even frightening. That's what this card stands for. In a reading it speaks of fears, anxieties and illusions. It tells us that we are lost and must find our way back to the right path.
Meaning: fear, lack of courage, phobias, illusions, deceiving yourself, imagination, fantasy, dreams or visions, bewildering, disorianted, confused, distracted, lost
Reversed: understanding dreams, finding the right path, finding courage
XIX The Sun
Description: Once again, you'll find a picture of a sun on this card...offen accompanied by a child and sunflowers. This card speaks to me of joy and rapture. Think of how the sun makes you feel.... this card represents confidence, energy, health, success and joy.
Meaning: understanding, intellect, order through chaos, enlightening, greatness, brilliant, glory, vitality, enthusiasm, joy, invigoration, heath, assurance, freedom, forgiveness, confidence, self worth
Reversed: weariness, run down, self-conscious, inability to appreciate the good
XX Judgement
Description: The standard depiction of this card is that of judgement day, with people gathering to the call of an angel. This card brings up the question, can you have judgement and forgiveness? That is what this card represents. This card tells us that judgement is necessary and it is possible to judge someone without condemming them, as long as you don't lose sight of yourself in the process. It can also show you that your past and mistakes are behind you and renewal will soon come to you.
Meaning: judgement, taking a stand, hard choices, transforming, possibilities, renewed hope, impulse to act, inner conviction, new direction, absolution, cleansed, refreshed, free of guilt and sorrow, attonement
Reversed: regretting mistakes, guilt, unable to act
XXI: The World
Description: In my deck, the World is called The Universe, and is represented by...well, a whole lot of images...it's a busy deck. The one major thing that the World represents is wholeness, completeness, happiness. The journey of the fool ends here and so you get a feeling of having come full circle. In a reading, the world tells you that your hearts desire is within reach. But you must remember that it won't just come to you, you have to make it hapen.
Meaning: wholeness, balance, synthesis, unison, accomplisment, prospering, flourishing, heart's desire, healing contributing, being active, fullfillment, satisfaction, pleasure, blessings, peace of mind.
Reversed: withdrawl, lazyness, dissatisfaction, emptiness