By: Patricia Darrow, Astrologer

darrowmp@gte.net

Above graphic designed by:

Lynn Rosskamp

http://www.ThreeCatsDesigns.com

The history of the tarot dates to the days of the Pharaohs. The sole relic of the ancient Egyptians' superb libraries is a book of 78 leaves or pictures, divided into five classes, each representing subjects as varied as they are colorful and interesting. According to scholars, this book is the origin of tarot.

From ancient Egypt, the practice of card reading spread to Europe and was adopted by followers of the occult for fortune telling. During the Middle Ages, tarot reached its peak in the Mediterranean regions. It became a daily event to consult the cards in matters of business, finance, travel or even battle. Those who relied on the assistance of the cards included Columbus, Shakespeare, Leonardo Da Vinci and Napoleon.

Decorated with colorful and exotic figures, the tarot deck is composed of 78 cards and four suits. The cards themselves are divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. In the 22 Major Arcana, the most important aspects of human life are portrayed.

The explanation of the working of the cards varies in complexity according to the number of cards used, the layout and the influence of one card upon the other. For a beginner, its best to stick to a simple sequence, such as the Celtic Cross, which uses only 10 cards, a daily card of the day or a three card spread, past, present and future. Any deck of tarot you purchase will contain illustrations in a booklet that explain the various card presentations. Below are my guidelines for the 78 cards, however the best interpretations for your readings will be your own meanings. Have fun and explore the depths of your psyche!

THE SUITS/ELEMENTS:

Wands - (Clubs) Fire - skills and talents

Cups - (Hearts) Water - feelings and emotions

Swords - (Spades) Air - conflicts, mental energy, communications; (I think swords represent the tongue as there is nothing that can cut and quarter another person more then the tongue!)

Pentacles - (Diamonds) Earth - values, money and the physical

COURT CARDS:

Court cards - the stages of an adventure

Page - Beginning of a wave

Knight - The height of a wave

Queen - The brake or crest of a wave

King - The breaking and rolling of a wave

Page - Someone embarking on an adventure, the child, the start of something, new beginnings, messages, etc. In addition to representing a child or immature adult, it can represent all types of messages like telephones, the mail, e-mail, paging systems, etc.

Knight - Person who has reached physical maturity but who lacks seasoned wisdom.

Similar to someone going through their first Saturn Return. Knights are action-oriented and pure energy. It could also represent an event such as a move or relocation.

Queen - Examination of foundations, recapitulation, backing up and probing. Similar to a mid life crisis, represents inner mastery, feminine power, the nurturer.

King - Full wisdom and maturity, person who has reached a peak, power, in control. Authority figure, status. Deeper testing going on; someone facing their own mortality.

NUMBER CARDS:

Aces - Triumph; new beginnings, first impulse.

2's - polarity, balance, divergence, relationships

3's - aesthetic activity, creativity, beauty

4's - foundations, laying the ground work, stability

5's - self-expression, changes, conflicts, tests

6's - healing and service or lead, control and direct, sharing

7's - knowledge of structures, discipline, introspection

8's - power, facilitation and balance

9's - higher understanding, luck, fulfillment

10's - cycles, responsibility, endings and beginnings

SYMBOL INTERPRETATIONS:

Snake - wisdom and knowledge

Mountains - Man's aspirations

Mountains (snow capped) - God's aspirations for man

Pyramids - That which is eternal

Yods - Blessings, small sparks of fire, leaves or droplets of water

Fish - symbol of ordination of dedication to spiritual service, creativity, pregnancy

Birds - Animal symbol of Air, ideas, messages

Water - reflection, receptivity and the subconscious

Right side of the body - male, out going, future, aware, conscious mind

Left side of the body - female, receptive, past, subconscious mind

Shoes - one's understanding

Wreath - Victory or success, acquired wisdom

Ships at sea - that which is beyond our control, lessons in faith

Plants and flowers

Holly - Christmas - birth

Palm - Easter - resurrection - severity

Olive - peace - mercy

Rose - red-physical desires; white - purity and peace within

Lily - Purified thoughts and spiritual unfoldment

Moon phases -

1^st phase - into a new cycle or beginning

last phase - end of a cycle; clear up old ideas

COLORS:

Red - Desire, energy, aggression

Orange - Strength, energy, social

Yellow - Mind, thought, expanded perspective

Green - Balance, harmony, healing, prosperity

Blue - Faith, peace, serenity, patience

Purple - Spirituality, penitence, and forgiveness

White - Purity, light of perfect wisdom, light of God

Black - unknown, shadow, mysterious, protection

Grey - Reconciliation of opposites; neutral; uncertainty

Aurabora - Enlightenment, purity of thought, promise of peace

The interpretations below are based off of the Rider-Waite Deck.

Reading a card in a reversed position is a personal preference; I choose to do so. I feel it gives the interpretation more depth, meaning and nuances to the reading.

I would like to share some of my experience with the reversed cards, in general.

They can be read like an astrological planet in retrograde. Many times a reversed card is a past life kicking in and the challenges presented, called forth. In many cases, it is the opposite meaning of the card right side up. Different key words for the card in reverse are delays, procrastination, struggles, obstacles, lingering, slowness, and a hindrance. It could also be something that is repressed, or excessive. If its a reversed major arcana card, it could indicate that the person is on a reverse travel on the tree of life.

0. THE FOOL - The soul in the beginning of its journey. He is about to step off the precipice into the material world. The eyes are high. Person should be encouraged to take the leap of faith, to take a chance. Nothing ventured; nothing gained. A person who is naivete. This card can denote a genius at work. Sometimes you can expect the unexpected! Think of free flowing electrons. This is the card of God. Some key words for this card are surprises, beginnings and new adventures. An archetype for this card is eternal youth.

I. MAGICIAN - Represents the conscious mind, masculine, active power. This is a position of tremendous power. The magician thinks of himself as a channel, he lets power flow through him. "As above; so below". Everything that a person needs is right in front of him. He must choose the right tool for the task. His task is discrimination.

A key word for this card is new beginnings. An archetype for this card is the shaman.

II . THE HIGH PRIESTESS - Feminine passive principle, polarities. Wisdom gained through silence. Broadening of knowledge through insights gained in silence. The answer lies within yourself, contemplation, meditation, retreat into self, recognizing the wholeness that is made up of partialities. Stop running around looking whatever outside yourself and look inside. Through sincere effort and concentration, you can remove the barrier between your inner and outer being. "Be still and know". This card can denote a counselor. Key words for this card are self-knowledge and gestation. An archetype for this card is the virgin.

III. THE EMPRESS - Feminine active principle. The life giving force. The person who works with what she has. The rounding out, perfecting, completing stage. Get busy, get active in the world, start producing. By the world, for the world, in the world, and of the world. The Empress produces! She is the Great Mother surrounded by love, beauty and growth. Key words for this card are activity and growth. This card is the Mother archetype.

IV. THE EMPEROR - Masculine passive principle. This card puts a check on the activities of the Empress. The establisher of laws, rules and regulations. The right to authority in the material world. Preparedness to defend the empire. The necessity for the two-step decision, both equally final. The lesson of the right use of power. In the Rider-Waite deck the emperor holds the ANKH symbol of life and death. Attained position by proper planning. This card also represents reason in the social world, he orders our thoughts and energies. A time of stability in one's life. Key word is foundation. Father archetype.

V. THE HIEROPHANT - The visible face of God. The papal figure, the figure of ultimate power. He receives the word from above. The authority which the heavens have bestowed to spread the word. The seasoned judgement or wisdom. The peak of authorized self-expression. Encouragement of ultimate creativity. Encouraged to say the word. He is a bridge between man and god. He rules from his heart rather than by his will. Dominion over the worlds of spirit, body and soul. The pope holds the keys to the holy mysteries. Key words for this card are self-expression, a bridge, and communication. An archetype for this card is the high priest.

VI. THE LOVERS - Man - Woman - Heaven. Spiritual growth through expression of man's feminine nature. Symbolic of a loving relationship. A beneficent, blessing relationship. Affirmation of positive relationship. A karmic tie. Sometimes this card can represent team building. The basic message of this card is choice.

VII. THE CHARIOT - A person trying to make opposites unite through sheer willpower. The person is straining with the effort. He thinks he must rely on the structure to carry him. He doesn't have feet of his own. The radiating square on his chest; his own inner integrity developing. The person doesn't need the structure he thought he needed to accomplish something. In the Rider-Waite card, he has no reins; he uses the will. It is the hero archetype.

VIII. STRENGTH - The person must find a balance between their spiritual, higher level and their passionate, animal nature. Through the force of reason, we can give articulation to our animal tendencies. Competition and survival begin to move toward unification and further development. She holds no wand, her power is in her hands which grasp the lion's jaws. She is not closing the lion's mouth, but controlling it, knowing when to be quiet and when to roar! Her dominion over the lion is through gentle and spiritual power rather than by brute force. One catches more flies with honey! Some key words for this card are power, responsibility and balance. An archetype for this card is the female magician.

IX. THE HERMIT - This person has reached his first plateau of awareness. Absorbing some lessons through silence. The struggle to reach one's peak and holding his light to illuminate the path for others. The realization of separateness and loneliness, a time of both sadness and quiet joy. He hopes by the example he can help others. One can only show the way, never carry, allow the person to make their own way. Help them to find a lamp of their own! Some key words for this card are leadership, test and compassion. A good archetype for this card if ageless wisdom.

X. THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE - This card can mean that there are many different perspectives on the same matter. You can come in at an point in the cycle and still get it to add up to something. In beginning a new cycle you should develop a new perspective. Free yourself up and don't always begin the cycle at the same point. You will be working with the same concepts, but you can look at them in the different ways. The wheel links birth and death in a continual cycle. Key word for this card is new beginnings. The archetype for this card is free will and cause and effect.

XI. JUSTICE - by accepting responsibility for ourselves we free ourselves from the past. Otherwise we repeat our behavior. One meaning of the word innocent is ignorant - only ignorance imagines that it's guiltless. The understanding puts a double weight to carry with each new bite of the Apple of Knowledge. Maintain your calm, your compassion and your breadth of view. Wait until the situation comes to you and asks your opinion before you judge. The scales symbolize perfect balance between the past and the future. An archetype for this card could be responsibility.

XII. THE HANGED MAN - The first water of the Divine Power, water was the first mirror. Reflection is always upside down. The person is able to understand something that was previously incomprehensible to him. You need to take 180 degree turn in your perspective on something. You learn from your hang-ups. The prison is in the mind and so is the freedom. There are no specific initiation rites, so young people have difficulty in making this transition. Growing out of materialism. A key word for this card is a pendulum at rest. Another key word is angles. This is a card of sacrifice. One makes a sacrifice every time they make a decision. Regarding business, this could be a card of the opportunity cost! An archetype for this card is the crucifixion.

XIII. DEATH - Regeneration. Let go in order to re-grasp. You can't escape the inevitable. We need to let go of something when the form has outlasted the function. Birth and Death are the twin poles upon which life rests. To accept Death like birth, as part of life is to become truly alive. Through Death we feel the radiant power of life. Death leads to resurrection. A key word for this card is change. Archetypes for this card are the enemy and/or transformation.

XIV. TEMPERANCE - A true and proper response to all situations as they arise is moderation. This card combines the elements of the personality so that the person and the outer world will flow together naturally. The light force that is under our own control. Everything is in our hands. The angelic figure is at home in tow worlds. We bring our problems on ourselves. The person has usually been through a lot. What lesson did I want to learn from that experience? Once the lesson is learned, you won't have to experience it again. Some key words for this card are sustenance, verification and appetites. Archetypes for this card are balance and moderation.

XV. THE DEVIL - Voluntary bondage. The person has forged his chains himself, he is where he wants to be. Relationship of an addict. Evil only half understood. The main illusion is materialism - nothing exists beyond the world of the senses. The devil's power

Rests in this illusion. In the palm of his hand is the sign of Saturn. The open palm indicates nothing exists beyond the obvious. The life work of Capricorn is to raise the Kundalini, then teach others. The Devil is de evil (the evil) and evil is just live back to front. EVIL -- LIVE. Some key words for this card are discernment and indecision.

The archetype for this card is bondage.

XVI. THE TOWER - The Tower is said to be the materialist conception of the universe, care must be taken that we do not construct our own Tower by the way we use religious, psychological, or philosophical systems to elevate ourselves above the mass of human kind. Pictured are people learning all their lessons in free fall. They have built something for the wrong reasons, and it will be destroyed. They will have a second change to build it again, this time for the right reasons. An important key word for this card if awakenings. The archetype for this card if security.

XVII. THE STAR - Ray of hope, the quiet time after a great shock. Take your time to regain your bearings and try to understand what you can gain from this lesson that is around you. The tendency to want everything to be ordered and predictable. It reminds us of the value of that which seems to be out of sync. Revelation comes through meditation. Ask yourself a question and seek the answer with calm expectancy. Some key words for this card are meditation, assistance and consciousness. The archetypes for this card are hope and peace.

XVIII. THE MOON - This is a very haunting card! Its usually depicted as dark and brooding. It is a card of cycles and evolution. You can have different purpose within the same level of evolution. We must keep evolving beyond our immediate capacities. The person feels he is caught in a circle and is back where he started from, but he is really growing and evolving. The moon is the representation of the "Dark Night of the Soul". It is illusion and sleep. The shellfish symbolize lower form of existence from the subconscious. The narrow path symbolizes concentration is necessary. It goes up and down, but always rises higher at the next step. Spiritual unfoldment does not come all at once. I had this card come out for pregnancy also. Some key words for this card are caution, dreams and impressions. The archetype for this card is the dark night of the Soul.

XIX. THE SUN - To become as a child again, trusting and naïve. The necessity of being vulnerable, which will elicit protection from others. You know what you are about and must follow the path no matter what anyone else does. Whatever anyone else does -- it is on their heads. The child symbolizes the naked truth and understanding of things as they really are. Success and achievement against all odds. Triumph of the innovator. Some key words for this card are new beginnings, success and rewards. The archetype of this card is golden understanding.

XX. JUDGEMENT - The person has developed the ability to summon that which is eternal in others. Through summoning the best in oneself, one can bring out the best in others. If you want the best in others, you must go through the best in yourself. Better look back on what you have built. We must experience pain and growth before we can become our best self. Some key words for this card are adaptability and reconstruction. The archetype for this card is resurrection.

XXI. THE WORLD - An entire united soul who has experienced both sides of himself. All lessons have been learned to free the individual. Hermaphrodite. We don't establish our freedom without staying in a framework and living within limits. Blessings or affirmations to go ahead with what one wants to do. Freedom comes from within. At this point, we have gained control over ourselves and our environment. Right decisions are now natural. Key words for this card are success, rewards and fulfillment. She has two wands - her power of creation is balanced and complete. She represents a unity of opposites. She stands on air (levitation), power of will over material gravity. She is the dancer of life! The archetype of this card is the cosmic egg.

WANDS - The essence of this suit is creativity

ACE OF WANDS - Triumph of skill. From out of a cloud of confusion comes the hand of god offering a living wand, reminding us that we have the inherent talents and His Grace to provide our needs. The wand dispenses creative energy to all areas of life. Choose one skill (your strongest) and use it firmly and definitely. The time is right for development of this skill. Follow your own intuition and do what you feel is right. It is pure invention, creativity and conceptions of ideas. This card indicates the beginning of something new, the launching of fresh enterprises. Believe in yourself and be true to yourself! A foundation of future success. Blessings derived from the use of the skill. A key phrase is spiritual strength.

TWO OF WANDS - Debating a question and is caught between two choices: what I should do and what I want to do. Take a chance on the unknown, go with your wants rather than restrict yourself. The world is in his right hand indicating unlimited opportunity for achievement in any line. Crossed roses and lilies show physical desire and spiritual unfoldment are balanced. Looking over water, signifies the recognition of subconscious powers. The garden in the background shows work done in past lives. Some keys words are contradictions and unusual events.

THREE OF WANDS - Detached activity, the person is between activities. He has put a great deal of effort into something which is finished (symbolized by the boats moving away) and is having difficulty letting go. The empty nest syndrome. The shifting gears card - the person must turn his attention to something closer at hand and allow the boats to go their own way. Develop other skills, turn away from one idea and contemplate a new plan. The background is barren showing that much cultivation is needed. He keeps hold of one wand as security. The wand stands for spiritual power, the person is facing away from the power. He should reverse his thought and make the power available. May be a lateral move. A key phase could be learning period.

FOUR OF WANDS - An exercise of faith, the secure person is willing to live outside himself. The lesson of vulnerability. Security comes from within oneself and not behind sturdy walls. Symbolic house, trust in yourself and not in what you can build around yourself. Trust in your new skills, move out from behind the castle walls. The two figures denote the union of two minds. Garland of flowers and fruit mean prized work accomplished and hung aloft in triumph. The red roofed towers show desires realized. Key words for this care are celebration and freedom.

FIVE OF WANDS - Someone wishing to join a group, a newcomer to an ongoing situation. Don't be hesitant about joining; you can bring something worthwhile to the group with your freshness and with your uniqueness. The boy in the middle may be defending his position against the hostility of others. Encouragement to maintain individuality. Determination gains respect. A natural fighter competing for what you want and believe. If cooperation were the rule, if they joined forces, they could accomplish a great deal. Regaining balance is the lesson depicted in this card. Some keys words are competition, obstacles and settlements.

SIX OF WANDS - Leadership of a skill. Someone who has achieved a victory for a group. He is learning the lesson of good leadership. He has risen from the ranks. He is also learning lessons of good fellowship, giving support to his followers and allowing the group to express themselves. Not a pushy kind of control. This is a card of victory of the will. The mounted horse symbolizes a mastery over the animal nature. Controlled spiritual energy and champions duty and responsibility. Key words are good news and victory.

SEVEN OF WANDS - The person has been able to get to the top or to a position of prominence, but is struggling to fend off outsiders. He is very defensive, resists outside help. Take another look at the intentions of those around you. Misunderstanding of someone who tried to help, or other people offering their help. Two different types of shoes, two different understandings. Self-sacrifice and determination to serve humanity are his goals. Can be a martyr's card. From time to time evaluate what it is you are struggling to maintain or defend. "He who would conquer the world must first conquer himself". This card is telling you not to give up the ship! A card of courage. Key words are struggles and defensive.

EIGHT OF WANDS - The card of timing. The message is soon. You will begin getting results of your efforts very fast. The person should prepare for action. The waiting is over. The three parts of the mind (the 3 groups) are united with the four elements. There is orderly growth with much cosmic help. Indicates a coming completion, wheels are in motion and travel is likely. Two keys words are haste and travel.

NINE OF WANDS - The wands behind him can represent his resources in life, his problems looming up behind him, or a defensive barricade. He has been wounded and turned his back on his resources, opened his protection and exposed himself to another attack. He has chosen the one skill which will make him more vulnerable to attack and may have over looked a better possibility. He should try using another or many other skills. His attitude of fear and conflict could be his undoing. This card warns of caution and reassessment. Key words for this card are independent, impulsive, forceful, strength, preparedness and health.

TEN OF WANDS - The person may be hiding behind his skills or caught in a net of endless responsibilities and can't see more than a foot ahead. "Can't see the woods for the trees". May be using skill or problems to block understanding. Lack of confidence, displaying his skills rather than using them to best advantage. He should regroup his skills to use in a more marketable way. If the line of vision is clear and the skills are placed in a pattern to be called on when needed will results in the use of ones energy. Need to take another look at original goal to see if still on course. This card represents the binding of one's forces to preserve and protect them. A spiritual fence between the person and the realities of the world. Indicates an oppressive burden, physically and mentally. This could also be the card of the workaholic. Key words for this card are obstacles and determination.

PAGE OF WANDS - Moment of dedication and commitment. Taking measure of his power, he feels his inner strength, but has yet to test or prove it on the open plain before him. He inspects the working of divine power in his Wand, and dedicates his service to God. The salamander robe is protection. You must use energy to get energy. The flame on his cap signifies the desire to get on with things. Pages also represent communications and messages. Key words for this card are karma, power and dedication.

KNIGHT OF WANDS - Person who defines himself through crisis. Represents living in the present, excitement, activity creates crisis for self-definition.

1 - Don't rush in rein in the horse, think before you act.

2 - Let the horse have his head, get on with what needs to be done.

Could be a search for truth, because his weapon is the Wand of Divine Power. Like nature, in the Spring, you gain strength through mastering obstacles. Must learn patience and profit by past experiences. Knights represent movement and action. Key phrase is to charge.

QUEEN OF WANDS - "Façade card". Take a closer look at the situation, it may not be what it appears to be. There is an issue which needs closer attention. A magnetic personality and power of suggestion. Her dominion over the animal nature is through gentle and spiritual power rather than by brute force. Her right hand holds the wand of live fire energy, and her left hand holds the sunflower which always faces the Sun, symbol of spiritual power. She is the subconscious mind controlling body functions and directing the amounts of vital force that the body receives. The black cat signifies clairvoyant powers, the three peaks in the background depict attainment on three planes of consciousness. Some key words are family matters and love.

KING OF WANDS - Person has reached the peak in the development of a skill. Energetic - would be more comfortable in action rather than just sitting. Relax and feel comfortable about that which you rule and have control over and don't worry about the dominions which aren't yours. The king and the salamander rule separate kingdoms and are comfortable together. Don't be threatened by authority of others which doesn't directly affect you. The lion, emblem of Leo and the mundane. The salamander represents spirit living in the element of fire, the spiritual. The King can control the fire of the self and nature. He is holding a living Wand of spiritual power. Some key words are power, protection and influence.

CUPS - The essence of this suit is emotion

ACE OF CUPS - Triumph in an emotional realm through open handedness , open heartedness and generosity. The open hand of god holding the Holy Grail from which cosmic inspiration flows. The beginning of a new relationship. Above the Grail a white dove, a symbol of peace, drops the Seal of Jehovah into the Cup. Five streams of water spring from the cup, symbols of the five senses, and flow into the pool representative of the subconscious. Spontaneity, water to water, source returning to source, continuous flow. Inspiration comes through receptivity and reflection. Developing new spiritual insight and sensitivity will allow the inner self to expand finding purpose and balance.

Key words are abundance, fertility and relationships.

TWO OF CUPS - The equal, healing of a relationship between peers. The male and female polarity. The moment of dedication between two people. Individuals can help each other evolve spiritually through their equal give and take. Level ground symbolizes equality. The winged lion (Hermes) symbolizes healing, protectiveness. Desire to help others. Blending of minds. Misunderstanding may cause loss of balance in a close relationship. It does not matter who makes the first move to start the healing. Her red shoes show desire for understanding. Exchanging cups, law of give and take, duality of creation. Key words are contracts, agreement and harmony.

THREE OF CUPS - The celebration card. The message is for the "workaholic". Stop for a moment, enjoy the fruits of your harvest, enjoy what you have earned. Three maidens jubilantly toast the happy outcome of their work. Our life, environment, sexuality and religion should be a celebration. Sharing the wonder of life in bad times as well as good. This is also a card of social gatherings. Key words are abundance, healing and rejoicing.

FOUR OF CUPS - the person is in a position of having to make a choice, has three realistic, apparent choices right in front of him and another hazier, less tangible alternative. He does not want to commit himself, does not want to pursue any of these alternatives. He does not feel strongly enough about any one thing to make a choice. Can't turn his dream into something productive. The person may not be able to break his habit patterns so that he can move freely, emotional inertia. Life up your eyes to the cloud; there may be another alternative. Guard against too deep a desire for fame and possessions. Bored by what life has given him he does not recognize the new opportunities being offered to him by the 4^th cup, like the ace, it suggests that the new possibilities can lead to happiness and satisfaction. Key words are karma and re-evaluation.

FIVE OF CUPS - Temporary loss. "Don't cry over spilt milk". The person is so focused on his loss that he can't see the good that remains. The person has the resources to replenish his loss if he wants. It is only his mood that is causing the problem, he brought it on himself. Don't waste energy regretting past mistakes, learn from them and then move on to a new experience. Conflict between emotion and common sense. Don't cling to old ways. There will be help from a friend or spiritual source. Key words are sensitive, mystical and conflict.

SIX OF CUPS - The deceit card. Romance or affair which isn't quite sincere. Escapism in a relationship. The glove on the girl's hand, figures bundled up. One person may be too self-protective and not totally giving and sincere; not a whole relationship. The figure in the background; something is going behind someone's back. Healing in the form of recreation of child's play. Message is to let the child in you express itself. Glove hand - handle the situation with "kid gloves". Four flower in front (are the 4 elements). Flowers - showing fruition, 5 pointed star shape indicates human emotions purified and turned into compassionate love. The cross: St. Andrew's Cross, the cross of humility. Child in the fools cap recalls the Fool Card. A lot of nostalgia and feelings with the past are tied up in this card. An old acquaintance may re-surface. Key words for this card are new opportunities, enthusiasm and memories.

SEVEN OF CUPS - The person has the potential to achieve any of these, and if chooses wisely, he could choose development of the spirit. The only lasting and real choice, after all the other choices have been sought and claimed -- the spirit still waits. There is always enough time - there is no time in the world of spirit. "Seek Ye first the Kingdom of Heaven".

1 the head - perfection of body

2 - the castle - worldly power

3 - jewels - wealth

4 - wreath - fame (skull - fame after death).

5 - dragon - power through the black arts.

6 - snake - wisdom, knowledge

7 - veiled fortune 0- development of the Spirit, potential for profound realization.

All the nebulous (floating on clouds) they represent what the worldly person imagines are desirable, but as they are attained it is realized that they do not bring happiness or any real value in life. Key word - discrimination

EIGHT OF CUPS - Going off in search of a missing element in his life. Frivolous quality beginning to go out of life and he is questioning its meaning. He's going to climb the mountain of knowledge in search of wisdom. He cannot continue to build until he find the missing element. It won't be a quick discovery; he must spend some time searching.

3 cups - three parts of the consciousness.

5 cups - five senses (under control, all upright).

Red robe - desire for further understanding.

Under the guidance of the Sun and Moon (eclipse), he is responding to his inner urge for something higher, to penetrate the mysteries (searching for himself). I've also had this card come out for someone in a dysfunctional relationship and contemplating on leaving. Key word is success abandoned.

NINE OF CUPS - A craftsman or merchant with tings for sale, or a person ready to give a party. The person who has accumulated many riches, he has everything he needs. HOW is he going to use his wealth? Open his arms and give it away freely, or hoard it and be protective. Could be to do with knowledge, there is no sin in gaining knowledge,

The sin is not sharing it. Card indicates the compromises we make with life, at times especially after troubles or long hard work. Nothing is better than a simple good time. His cups are full and he is protected by the blue curtain of the creative mind. A balance of emotion and mind always bring material success. Excellent cycle for business matters.

His cockscomb hat represents supreme self-confidence. This card is also known as the wish card. Your wish will probably come true! Key words for this card are satisfaction, intuition and business.

TEN OF CUPS - The "happy ever after card". A new cycle enriched by what has been learned and experienced in the past. The adult and child in oneself must both be allowed to be expressed. Lasting success. Cups: Rainbow of happiness fulfilled. Water and the house - permanence of achievement. Love has been raised to the plane of compassion. Happiness comes only after being a child at heart! This card has always known to represent a marriage or a birth of a child. Key words are happy changes, love and recognition.

PAGE OF CUPS - Aplomb, poise, balance, presence, adaptability in the emotional realm. Beginning of a venture which will have some surprises. Maintain your balance by keeping at a distance. Don't get to close. Lotus decorated tunic of red and blue which indicates that the conscious and the subconscious have made the wearer sure of eternal life. The lotus is a self renewing plant. It has both male and female elements. The cup contains the fish, symbol of the Divine, therefore, love and passion have been turned into love and compassion for humanity. This card can represent the birth of a child or the beginning of a new, creative or artistic endeavor. The fish can also symbolize psychic talents. The key words for this card are peacemaker, building, and messages.

KNIGHT OF CUPS - The "tin man card". He is afraid to take an emotional risk, thinks too much, can't get in touch with his feelings. Message: take the plunge, have faith that the cup will be replenished if you spill some. He has not learned to direct his imagination into the world. Dreams dominate this card. The cup is a symbol of imagination, true imagination feeds on action rather than fantasy. If we do nothing with our dreams, they remain vague and unrelated to the rest of our lives. Only a narrow river flows through a parched land. He is emotionally closed. His robe is decorated with the Divine fish. This card has also known to be a "karmic tie" card. Key words for this card are love, relaxation, and idealistic.

QUEEN OF CUPS - This is the "pandora's box card". The person is facing a relationship situation and is afraid to lift the lid and probe the depths. Stagnant situation. Lift the lid and see what's under there, or put the cup down. Do something or get off the pot, get moving. The queen symbolizes the family for both men and women. She joins consciousness to feelings. The cup portrays the divine gift of reflective clairvoyance. Red and blue robe symbolizes a blending of the conscious with the subconscious. Cherubs symbolize guardianship of the divine beings who protect and guide her.

Key phrase is gift of vision.

KING OF CUPS - The person is in command of his emotions and really knows what's happening. Can transmute emotions into spiritual form. Can be a little too rigid (sitting on stone, afraid to get his feet wet). The person is being safely carried along and will reach his destination. The king carries both the scepter of power and the upright cup of controlled emotion. His throne floating on water is that his subconscious sustains him. The fish on the left side and on his chain show involvement in spirituality and creativity and suggest ordination. The ship symbolizes involvement in commerce. The imagery suggest one who has dammed up their emotions and imagination. Key words for this card are partnerships and emotional security.

AIR - The essence of this suit is intellect

ACE OF SWORDS - The hand of god holds the upright Sword of discrimination. The Sword pointing straight up for true perception piercing the crown of the material world. The crown is the honor for those who use their mental power wisely. Intellect alone without intuition will only lead to more illusion. "No Cross, No Crown". Wisdom leads us beyond illusions and limitations to the spiritual truth contained in life. Laurels of success. The mountains: rules of existence, man's aspirations. Six yods: the continuous cycle of reincarnation. Olive branch: mercy. Palm branch: severity. The sword symbolizes justice, which maintains order, the equilibrium of mercy and severity. A balanced sense of reality. Key words for this card are honor, leadership and birth.

TWO OF SWORDS - The person is trying to protect herself against an imagined foe. She is over-prepared and divided within herself. Blindfold and calm night suggest fears are imagined. She has no insight or perspective. Message: put down your Swords, take of the blindfold. You've created your own danger. The two swords represent FEAR and ANGER. Anger wants to strike out and fear wants to hide. The person remains tensed between them. Crossed arms: closed off heart, blocked emotions. A defensive attitude makes us prone to outbursts of anger. Some key words for this card are balance, self-control and decisions.

THREE OF SWORDS - Three issues that are very painful to you (interrelated incidents out of the past). There was growth and unification through the pain. Retrace the history of each hurt (slowly, one at a time) to erase the pain. The Sword came through blunted (pain has purified the heart). Be careful, don't proceed quickly or impetuously. We must not push the pain away, but somehow take it deep inside until it is transformed by courage and love. Acceptance and love can turn pain into joyful memory, an embracing of life. The three crosses of Calvary: without the pain there can be no resurrection or growth. Key words are separation, delays, and growth.

FOUR OF SWORDS - "The Sleeping Prince Card". The person is living in a dream world, afraid to take action. He feels by staying asleep he can escape the conflicts. He dreams about an unequal relationship where one person is totally giving and the other receiving. This fantasy will cause him to stay asleep until he alters his way of thinking to something more realistic. He should begin with a more healthful fantasy, then get up and act. Stabilization or retreat, the image shows withdrawal not death. Stained glass is his perception of reality (his dream) or the conscious mind (male) is still slave to the subconscious mind (female). Key words for this card are retreat, solitude and rest.

FIVE OF SWORDS - This is the lesson of the graceful winner. If you gloat over your victory after the game is over, you won't have anyone to play with. The person that own must find a way to heal the wound of the defeated ones and invite them back into the game. The jagged sky and choppy water - humiliation and weakness with defeat. Key words are impulsive and change.

SIX OF SWORDS - "Don't rock the boat", it will be a smooth journey if you don't bear down too hard on the points of conflict. Don't push the issue right now. Don't open up the wounds any further at this time, let it ride awhile , wait for a better time. A quite passage through a difficult time. Waite says, "The freight is light and the swords don't weigh down the boat". It can refer to an immediate problem or a situation that has gone on for years. Looking deeper we see long-term sorrow. Black pole suggests potentiality , all things remain possible. Pole: Wand, one's skills in hand. Woman and child: one's immediate responsibilities. This card could also represent a getaway cruise. Key words for this card are passage, wisdom and justice.

SEVEN OF SWORDS - "The mission impossible card". Shrewdness, planning in advance as resolution to a conflict situation. Two swords in the right hand means there are two issues which are important and must be dealt with immediately. Three swords in the left hand means 3 issues which you should be aware of and keep in mind, but aren't quite as urgent. Two swords in the ground mean remaining issues which can be left behind and don't need to be handled right now. Taking action against problems, trying to disarm a situation. This is also a theft card - can cover any kind of cheating, lying or stealing. Keys words are completion and achievement.

EIGHT OF SWORDS - A conflict situation where the person feels hemmed in and trapped. Shrug your shoulders (stop feeling so uptight) and free yourself of the bonds (the bonds are loose). Relax a little. Take the blindfold off. Walk out of the situation (the feed are free). The person may be divided between "shoulds and wants". You have bound yourself by your own feelings and thoughts. The need to free feelings from bondage and then act.

Establish priorities:

1 - feelings

2 - thoughts

3 - actions

Castle symbolizes authority. Mud symbolizes humiliation and shame. Blindfold symbolizes confusion and oppressive ideas. Key words are restriction, stalemate and impasse.

NINE OF SWORDS - The timing card "not yet". This is not the time to deal with the conflict. There are cycles in the tides of human events for action and rest. Life's experiences can bring sorrow only if we allow them to impel us. Understanding that our problems are lessons for growth, pain can be lessened, and courage replaces frustration and sorrow is turned into wisdom. Shows a mind that takes on itself the sorrow of the world. The quilt symbolizes comfort. The roses symbolize passion. The zodiac symbols represent life's experiences. Key words are reformer, struggles and worry.

TEN OF SWORDS - The darkness is lifting. The person came into a situation with good intentions and tried to help, but was looked at as an intruder and a threat. He was hit from behind - stabbed in the back. The lesson is to allow for consideration of other factors. Check to see if people want our help before you go offering your assistance. Ten swords in the body, even one in the man's ear, suggests hysteria and adolescent attitude that no one has ever suffered so much as me, my life is over. The situation is not as bad as it seems, the worst is over. Identify each of the conflicts and remove them with forgiveness. Key words are awareness, fortitude and tests.

PAGE OF SWORDS - A testing of oneself. The person with a swirl of ideas, (birds mean ideas). The person moving out of one phase into another. The person waiting to meet a challenge. He needs to prove himself in something. A moment of testing

In order to affirm something to oneself. There are no shortcuts, no easy way out, go to the heart of the matter. The court cards show the mind's ability to take us into the high air of wisdom, away from fiery passion, watery emotion and earthly material corruption.

This is also known as the "spy card". Key words are vigilance and messages.

KNIGHT OF SWORDS - Pure activity. The person rushing off to something.

1 - Rein in your horse and be a little slower and more cautious. Read the fine print.

2 - Plunge in and become involved, utilize yourself and your energy more fully. Encouragement to get moving and extend the self.

He is riding into a head wind, whatever it is that is being done it will be a bit more effort than anticipated. The Sword is used to separate the truth from falsehood. Some key words for this card are fast and furious. Also - courage and discrimination.

QUEEN OF SWORDS - Ambivalence. She has one hand held out in invitation and the other is holding a sword. Metamorphosis, the person is in a cocoon stage. Struggle out of your cocoon and allow yourself to find out who you are. The tassel from the left wrist (the side of experience) resembles the cut rope of VIII of Swords. She used the sword of her intellect to free herself from confusion, doubt and fear. Although she frowns at the world, she opens her hand to it. Her head remains above the clouds in the clear air of truth. One birds means purity of her wisdom, single minded purpose. Her sword points straight up like the Justice card and the Ace of Swords for discrimination. Key words for this care are noble, separation and solitude.

KING OF SWORDS - Authority, the right to parent. It is your responsibility in this situation to wield your authority. Say, "this is how it is going to be" and bring the sword down. The father figure, restriction. The sword tilted to the side for action. He takes mental energy of the air and uses it to rule with keenness of mind and force of personality. We can call the king an emperor in the real world. Two birds mean balance between the material and spiritual laws and how to apply evenly in a material world. The yellow crown means mental energy. The purple mantel means wisdom. The butterflies symbolize the recurring life and circumstances of waxing and wining moons - ever changing ideas and opinions. Key words are authority, justice and perceptive.

PENTACLES - the essence of this suit is value.

ACE OF PENTACLES - Triumph of a gift of insight. The hand of god hold forth the gift of the Earth, nature, wealth, security and a joyful life. Spiritual work leads to recognizing the magic in normal things, in both nature and civilization, and then go beyond them to the greater knowledge symbolized by the mountains. The exit from the garden forms an arch similar to the victory wreath that surrounds the World card. The gate is always open to the truth. The lilies symbolize purified desires and spiritual unfoldment. The roses symbolize energetic drive behind the desires of the flesh. Twin mountains of attainment, seen through the arch of roses, indicate the goal is in sight although still in the distance. Key words for this card are contentment and self-expression.

TWO OF PENTACLES -The person is juggling two value systems. The victim of "either-or" thinking. Move your thinking away from "either-or" to "both-and". You can maintain both equally at the same time. Make up your mind beforehand, don't wait until the issue is at hand. Leminscate means infinity, here it signifies a desire for balance and continuous activity rather than struggle and strain in attaining ambitions. The ships seem to be skillfully piloted on a very high sea, means success in ventures. Clothes made of leather, desire for lasting qualities. Best use of the animal kingdoms. Key words are diplomacy and partnership.

THREE OF PENTACLES - This card tends to come up in vocational questions. Work within a structure according to a plan, in some kind of organizational framework. Be creative in the security of an institution. Psychic development should occur in mundane

Pentacles rather than in the exotic images of the other suits. Together the three figures signify that the best work combines both technical skill (air) and spiritual understanding (water) with energy and desire(fire). Key words are opportunity and advancement.

FOUR OF PENTACLES - This is someone who knows what he thinks by the star on his head, what he feels by the star on his chest and where he stands by the stars under his feet. The person is afraid to risk what he thinks he has, he needs encouragement to contribute his values to others and stop holding onto them so tightly. Image of a miser: afraid to give materially or emotionally. Can not protect your back, we are always vulnerable to life no mater how self-centered we try to make ourselves. He uses his values to close off emotionally. This card could also represent to invest in mutual funds. Key words are analytical, conviction and ambition.

FIVE OF PENTACLES - "The poor me card". People with poor self-image and people lacking a sense of freedom. Restricted self-expression. The person is so caught up in the "poor me syndrome" that they don't even see each other let alone a possible source of aid (the stained glass window). The person overlooking help which is right next to them. So involved in their hardship they can't see help or opportunities for change. This could also be an unemployment card.

Key words are preoccupation, self-start and recharge.

SIX OF PENTACLES - Distribute your wealth to others in accordance to their ability to use it, which has nothing to do with outer appearances. Also, always hold something in reserve for yourself. There must be some detachment in giving if you are to do good. Weight and measure that which you give out. Some force holds together or reconciles the opposites of life. Here nothing becomes truly reconciled, but the situation maintains the balance and keeps going. The balanced scales indicate the giver does not give spontaneously. But rather measures out what he feels he can afford- also the Justice card. This card emotionally symbolizes people who relate easily to others, but hold back their deepest feelings. Key words are sharing, gifts and grace.

SEVEN OF PENTACLES - The person is given to looking backward into the past. The person is dwelling on past accomplishments. The person should start living in the present. Cultivate something new. Something has reached the point where it can stand on its own and a person can step back without it collapsing. The key words are patience and perseverance.

EIGHT OF PENTACLES - A vocational situation. The person who is a loner, working hard to develop a skill. He is driven by something inward. Follow your dream and go out and do your own things, you don't need the structure and organization, you will do fine on your own. Work cannot succeed if the person thinks only of the end result. The warning is if you just want riches or fame you will never succeed. Work needs to be related to the outside world. The work that is done lacks meaning if it does not serve the community, hence the city in the background. The yellow road means mental action. This card could also mean the potential to turn a hobby into making some money. Key words are training, ability and dedication.

NINE OF PENTACLES - Awareness is one of the cards basic meanings. "Success" here means not so much worldly achievement as success in creating ourselves out of the material given us by the circumstances and conditions of our lives. You have been reared to a certain standard. Your inner integrity will depend upon your sticking to these principals. All that you do must be consistent with your sense of values. Living up to your inner integrity. The woman stands alone in her garden, she has given up normal companionship. This means a call for self-reliance and a certain loneliness in pursuits of goals. Clearly she has turned away from the sun, which suggests a sacrifice to achieve what she has. The falcon symbolizes the highly disciplined energy. The snail symbolizes the law - you get back what you send out, cause and effect. Sometimes this card can symbolize retirement. Key words for this card are prudence and fruitfulness.

TEN OF PENTACLES - Two opposite points of view. The man is looking one way, and the woman another. Two people not communicating on the same level. One person needs to make a turn in his sense of values so he can understand where the persons point of view. The dogs symbolize loyalty and fidelity. The gate opens to hidden experience in ordinary things. Family doesn't notice the magic all around them. The ten of Pentacles form the Cabalistic Tree of Life. This doesn’t appear anywhere else in the deck. The scales symbolize the Justice and balance that keep the every day world from chaos. The old man could mean that God comes disguised and a beggar - and the dogs are the ones who recognized him. This card can also symbolize family values and the possibility of a legacy coming up. Key words for this card are self-confidence and perseverance.

PAGE OF PENTACLES - A plan at a very early stage. When you are following your dream, check the setting from time to time. Don't plow fields unless you intend to plant seeds. Don't sow seeds unless you intend to cultivate and harvest them. The page represents the student lost in his studies, feeling little concern for anything outside them. The flowers in the foreground show that attention is on the immediate future. The mountains of attainment are in the background. Key words for this card are new paths, education and ideals.

KNIGHT OF PENTACLES - "the lone ranger card". Portable values. One who travels the countryside, shedding light. Wherever he goes he illuminates the setting. The defender of what is right and true. He is a lover of practical virtues rather than abstract principles. He flows a high code of honor based on conventional standards. The helmet and the bridle of his horse, decorated with grape leaves, fruitfulness. Key worlds are patience, firmness and trustworthy.

QUEEN OF PENTACLES - Someone contemplating her sense of values. The person is too preoccupied with developing her sense of values to feel love and be real. You become real through expressing your love, and just giving of yourself. The "velveteen rabbit card". The hare in the card represents fertility and productiveness. Key words are idealistic, practical and productive.

KING OF PENTACLES - A person who can handle both his outward pursuits and his inner longings, he can keep both in balance. Combining one's own yearnings in the workday world. His success has justified his life allowing him to relax and enjoy it. The wreath of roses symbolizes that elevated desires have been or will be fulfilled. Key words for this card are maturity, abundance and promotion.