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Self: Nine of
Cups
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
You can revel in a bounty of
psychic and personal rewards; your heart is full.
The card in the
Self position is about you -- your needs and feelings, as well as your
hopes and motivations.
When the Nine of Cups comes up in this
position, you are finally where you had hoped and dreamed to be. You may
savoring a sense of fulfillment, peace, joy, and self-healing from having
achieved your goal. Now you can also look forward to a window of relief
from worry, anxiety and fear.
This card indicates healing, great
pleasure and a sense of vindication. It feels as if you are a wanted child
in an opportune and abundant universe. It's well worth whatever labors you
had to go through to enjoy this feeling of satisfaction. Your heart is
full of gratitude.
GENERAL MEANING
The Nine of this suit is sometimes titled
Happiness, but it is also known as Victory. The image on several versions
of this card often shows an innkeeper doing a brisk business and feeling
very happy about it all.
The rewards of high achievement are not
all monetary, however. This happiness also refers to the feelings of
fulfillment that come from good service to the community and support of
one's family, as well as gratitude for all the blessings in one's
life.
MEANING of POSITION
The card in the Self position is about
you -- your needs and feelings, as well as your hopes and motivations.
The Self position points to an aspect of your inner identity, your
basic individuality -- without regard for how others might see you.. In
this context, who you are hinges on current attitudes you hold toward
yourself and the care of your body, heart and mind..
Your attitude
is of primary importance here because, more than anything, it can
contributes to a healthy psyche or to psychic damage.
How do you
perceive yourself? What aspect of yourself is in need of nurture, care or
help? Does this card point to attitudes that may be in need of changing?
Take a look at this card again at the end of the spread to see how you
might want to change some aspect of yourself.
Consider the meaning
of the card that lands here in light of your inner experience, your
personal perspective, and the issues you bring to your life journey. What
are you feeling? What do you want? It's not always easy to know yourself.
Clarity about values and roles is essential for skillful behavior. Values
evolve, but don't be too attached to the roles you play -- they can
change.
Situation: Six of
Staves
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Satisfy your inner ambitions and
derive personal benefit from the new trends arising around you.
The
Situation position refers to your general environment, the set of
influences that surround you and affect your relationship with yourself.
When the Six of Wands is in this position, the situation may call
for a different side of you to come out. There could be a courageous
pioneer spirit within you that can stir up your imagination and inspire
long-term change. You may or may not be the one called to spearhead the
new movement or project, but you do have an important role to play.
If you pay attention, you will see the way that your personal,
spiritual, and healing needs could be fulfilled by the momentum of the
group phenomena. Step forward and be part of the winning team.
GENERAL MEANING
This suit, most often called "Wands" and
sometimes called "Rods" or "Staves," represents initiative, ambition,
drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.
The Six of this suit points to the respect and acknowledgment due
to you for your efforts to solve the problems of your community. The image
is usually that of a victory parade, after the celebrated leader has
helped the troops win a pivotal battle.
It took the whole tribe to
win the victory, of course, but it was the leader's heroism and clarity
under pressure that inspired them to overcome. The team is thrilled that
the leader led them to victory. This card points to a time to let everyone
relax and celebrate -- if you are the leader, even let them lionize you
for awhile. They are seeing reflected in you their own better selves -- a
victory indeed!
MEANING of POSITION
The Situation position refers to your
general environment, the set of influences that surround you and affect
your relationship with yourself.
The Situation position refers to
your general environment, the set of influences that surround you and
affect your relationship with yourself. Take a look at how you have been
going about the cultivation of your personal path.
There may be
one particular aspect that needs attention. This could be an attitude, an
unconscious habit, or some element of the environment that is impacting
the way you take care of your highest personal priorities. This card is
about your ongoing relationship to the spiritual situation you have
created for yourself.
If just one crucial factor is referred to
here, this card can be very helpful to your understanding. Your inner
experience is naturally affected by the environment, the ups and downs of
relationships and other life cycles. Perhaps this card will offer clues as
to skillful adjustments you could make. Consider the meaning of this card
in light of the way you relate to your spiritual self. What has been
"normal" for you? This position is also can point to what has been your
truth from the start -- i.e. the hand you have been dealt.
Advice: The
Empress
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Don't be so tough on yourself for
having imperfections. Instead, know that your influence has made a
positive difference in events so far.
The card in the Advice
position offers guidance regarding how you relate to your personal path of
healing and spiritual development.
The Empress in this position
advises you to trust in the good sense you have shown up to this point.
Recognize your good intentions in compassionately carrying out your
responsibilities. You are capable of demonstrating the finest aspects of
human nature -- caring actions, a forgiving and generous attitude, and a
wise understanding of others' needs and struggles.
Trust the
intrinsic goodness of your nature. Most importantly, give yourself credit
for the supportive part you play.
GENERAL MEANING
Traditionally entitled "Empress," this major
arcana or "trump" card portrays the energy of the Great Mother. She is
Nature, around us but also within us, the ever-unfolding Source of
life-giving power. She is often pictured as a pre-Christian Goddess, as
the one whom the High Priestess is channeling down to earth for the rest
of us.
In medieval Europe, the Empress card was painted to
represent whatever Queen currently ruled the land, probably to satisfy the
Inquisitors. But the scholars of the Renaissance and beyond had no doubt
of her true identity, although she could not be fully revealed on Tarot
cards as the "woman clothed with the sun" until after the French
Revolution.
This supreme archetype of femininity also symbolizes
fertility. It is She who provides us nourishment and security. She is also
sometimes seen as delighting us with flowers and fruit. A potentially
terrifying aspect of this archetype manifests itself whenever karmic mood
swings wipe out our plans, like a storm that has come upon us. Whatever
happens, the Empress is the Source of our Embodiment and of Natural Law.
She might even be called "the Great Recycler."
MEANING of POSITION
The card in the Advice position offers
guidance regarding how you relate to your personal path of healing and
spiritual development.
The card in the Advice position may present
a new option or direction, based on a different perspective on what could
be helpful in your spiritual evolution. There may be a resource you have
not accessed or a new point of view that opens your eyes to an approach or
solution you hadn't considered before. This may be referring to some
particular area that could use your attention now. This could be an
attitude, an unconscious habit, or other element of the environment that
is impacting the way you relate to your spiritual destiny. Or this card
may simply reaffirm something that you are already doing or planning. By
adjusting your next move to take this card into consideration, you are
more likely to achieve the best possible results. Yet there are times when
even the concept of "doing" is too much. Contemplate this card from the
viewpoint of possible avenues for action. Then let yourself flow gently
along those lines.
Higher Power: The
Emperor
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Step into a leadership role with
confidence; you are the right person for the endeavor.
The card in
the Higher Power position represents your highest intention and ideals
with respect to spiritual development.
When the Emperor comes up
in this position, you are being called to leadership. Put shyness and
inhibitions aside, because there simply is no one else who can better
organize others to accomplish an important task right now.
The
Emperor is interested in action and achievement. He wants to activate
change; he wants to see results. You are being called upon to serve as an
authority, a leader. Be assured that this is not a mistake -- you are the
right person at the right time. Accept this as fact, take up the reins of
responsibility and get to work!
GENERAL MEANING
In the most practical terms, what has
traditionally been called the Emperor card represents the highest
leadership, a head of state or the most exemplary and powerful person in
the realm. This archetypal ruler is responsible for the positive working
out of affairs of a society or community, which are directly proportional
to his well being and happiness.
The more enlightenment and cosmic
perspective this energy brings, the better life is for all. The Emperor
archetype masters the world of matter and physical manifestation. When you
apply this card to your situation, acknowledge your potentials for
mastery. Reinforce a sense of sovereignty within yourself, despite any
self-limiting beliefs, habits or appearances to the contrary.
MEANING of POSITION
The card in the Higher Power position
represents your highest intention and ideals with respect to spiritual
development.
The Higher Power position points to your larger Self,
beyond personality and roles, which knows and holds your best intentions
for self-development, as well as your aspirations and goals. This position
gives you a soaring bird's eye view, serving as a reminder of the
essential meaning of the particular path of self-development or healing
that you have undertaken. Enjoy this moment to savor the larger view of
your struggles and their worth and significance on your path. The Higher
Power card reflects your conscience, the part of you that needs to see you
living up to what you know is right, and holding others to that as well.
This is the influence of your better nature, your inner wisdom -- call it
"the Oversoul or Guardian Angel," if you like. Your self-respect depends
upon keeping a good relationship with this Mature Self, the Witness Who Is
Not Fooled. In general, this card is trying to trying to stimulate a
broader perspective on your life -- by referencing the spiritual aspects.
Savor the larger view of your struggles and their value for your ultimate
well-being.
Challenges/ Opportunities: Wheel of Fortune
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Be attentive to the rhythms of
life and join in the dance.
The card in the
Challenges/Opportunities position reflects how you can use creativity and
skill to turn spiritual challenges into growth opportunities.
The
Wheel of Fortune in this position challenges you to ride it with
composure. Learn to see change coming, to track the ebb and flow of
circumstances. Learn the rhythms of Nature and synchronize with her.
Recall the cyclic continuity of past events. Recognize, however, that
there is always an unpredictable element, a wild card.
GENERAL MEANING
The central theme of what is traditionally
called the Wheel of Fortune card is cyclical change. The Wheel keeps on
rolling, churning events in a ceaseless progression of ups and downs,
either way freeing us from the past. No one can escape its cyclical
action, which can feel somewhat terrifying -- no matter whether we are
rising or falling. When one is balanced on top there is a moment of
crystal clarity, but the only part of the Wheel not going up and down is
the hub, which is your eternal Self, the Source of Freedom.
Every
one of us will occupy all the points on the wheel at one point or another.
The cycle of the wheel is its lesson -- and we can learn to take comfort
in it (as we do when we celebrate our birthday). If you don't like the
look of things right now, just wait -- things will change. Of course, if
you do like the look of things right now, enjoy it while it lasts, because
that will change too!
MEANING of POSITION
The card in the Challenges/Opportunities
position reflects how you can use creativity and skill to turn spiritual
challenges into growth opportunities.
The Challenges/Opportunities
position points to possible patterns in terms of challenges you have faced
on your path, or opportunities that may be presenting themselves to you
now. Perhaps you can see how the situation is full of potential, while
noticing how it contains hidden pitfalls too. Do you notice any recurring
themes here? Unskillful patterns? If so, try to recall how you have
reacted in the past. Perhaps you can see new potentials, while noticing
the hidden pitfalls too. Can you imagine a different way of approaching
your spiritual path? Whatever the case, try to view this card as pointing
to a more positive future, even if it stimulates some trepidation. This
card can help you turn surprises into strengths, blind spots into windows
of insight. Bring your creativity and flexibility to your personal path,
and it will become an inspiring source of loving fulfillment.
Personal Issues: Five
of Pentacles
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Some relationship or enterprise
lacks harmony and balance.
The card in the Personal Issues position
reflects unresolved issues that could cause you to unconsciously undermine
your personal growth.
When the Five of Coins falls in this
position, you are experiencing inequity in some situation or relationship.
Respect is not flowing freely back and forth. One person's agenda may be
dominating another's. It's important to examine this trend before the
situation becomes more unbalanced. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or
annoyed, prepare to question these relationships, both within yourself and
with significant others.
Note: In the English decks, like the
Rider-Waite, the sickly poor freezing outside a well-lit church warn of
the painful outcomes of bad choices, rather than focusing on the dynamic
tension of the choosing itself, as in the traditional Continental
decks.
GENERAL MEANING
This suit, most often named "Coins" or
"Pentacles", is a symbol for a magical talisman that represented wealth or
potential. This suit represents something supportive that is available to
you -- whether it be health, some kind of talent, a material or financial
resource.
The Five of this suit is the card of desire and
gratification, expressed in classical tradition as flattery and false
promises. This card represents both the seducer and the one seduced. There
is undeniable excitement in the attraction of opposites; we have all had
delightful moments of magnetism with a stranger. However, if promises are
only spoken to achieve short-term gratification with no intent of
follow-through, or the attraction appears as competition to more
fulfilling relationships, the long-term result won't be worth the thrill
of the chase.
The appearance of a viable relationship does not
always bear out, so don't put anything of real value at risk over an
infatuation. Since the suit here is Coins, this is as likely to be related
to business as to pleasure. Try to remove the influence of glamour from
your thinking.
Note: In the English decks, like the Rider-Waite,
the sickly poor freezing outside a well lit church warn of the painful
outcomes of bad choices, rather than focusing on the dynamic tension of
the choosing itself, as in the traditional Continental decks.
MEANING of POSITION
The card in the Personal Issues position
reflects unresolved issues that could cause you to unconsciously undermine
your personal growth.
The Personal Issues position helps you be
aware of the tapes you play in your head that may be perpetuating
obstacles to harmony. What kinds of negative messages, self-doubt or
paranoid fantasies descend upon you? Don't let them undermine your ability
to love yourself and those around you.
Examine these thought-forms
and give them a name, so you can identity them as separate from you
(imagining them as demons can help). This will increase your dominion over
them.
The Personal Issues position can point to a blind spot, some
gap in your vision that has prevented you from achieving harmony within
yourself. If there is a problem, this card would point to it. Look closely
at this card to allow it to reveal the "shadow" that requires illumination
now.
It's too easy to blame God for frustrations which are really
limitations we have put upon ourselves.
Family Patterns: Prince of Pentacles
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
You have inherited the skills and
confidence necessary to carry out what needs to be done.
The card
in the Family Patterns position points to an inherited talent or resource
you can draw upon for your personal development.
The Knight of
Coins (in some decks, The Prince) in this position suggests that you have
studied with or been apprenticed to people of practical experience who
have been in charge of significant enterprises. Having such a background
helps you come to your enterprises mentally ready and fully empowered to
do what is necessary, to take care of business.
This heritage is a
great advantage and provides you with inspiration you can wear like an
invisible armor through the difficult passages. You have a right to feel
confident that wherever you apply your attention, both your money and your
sweat will earn you a good return. This faith helps you to be consistent
through the ups and the downs, and helps you follow through with a
successful business plan. Others will wonder how you do it.
GENERAL MEANING
This card is usually called the Knight, but
in some modern decks appears as the Prince. Traditionally, this card in
this suit pictures an overseer of fertility and growth. His period of
ascendancy is during the quiet years between conflicts, when everybody can
collaborate in raising the collective standard of living. His horse is
usually huge and thickset, more suitable to pulling a plow than riding
swiftly into battle. His temperament is easygoing and relaxed, he's moving
at the rate of the flow, because he knows that you can't hurry time.
Seeing the bigger picture, like a farmer planning for the future,
he doesn't allow momentary fads or fancies to distract him, and he doesn't
take seriously those who do. One can feel his stability and dedication --
he is totally responsible and even somewhat predictable when it comes to
his projects. He is earthy and gentle, as simple and deep as the soil he
tills and the flowers he loves.
MEANING of POSITION
The card in the Family Patterns position
points to an inherited talent or resource you can draw upon for your
personal development.
For all of us, patterns ingrained in us from
the lineage of our families of origin, continue to work beneath the
surface to influence the way we relate to our self and our life. This
position elucidates a crucial element in your early development (or which
may currently being played out now) that needs your attention and
understanding for you to progress in your own spiritual and personal
development.
This card points to your roots -- your family group's
history, belief systems, or some other sort of inheritance. A review of
how things have evolved will help you gain clarity and perspective. In any
upbringing, we learn to make certain assumptions about roles, identity and
authority that can influence our attitudes about ourselves for years.
Sometimes these inherited lessons are functional and healthy,
supporting and encouraging you to be all you can be. Sometimes these
structures are too constrictive to the point of becoming deadening and cry
out for change. Let this card inspire you to view your personal
development situation from a historical perspective. A new way of looking
at things may result.
Lesson: Queen of
Swords
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Give priority to your own dignity
and self respect without guilt or regret. Self-sacrifice is not
suitable.
The card in the Lesson position points to a possible
sacrifice you might have to make for the sake of your spiritual life.
The Queen of Swords in this position requires that you give up the
need to be seen as a nice person, stop being attached to whether others
like you or not, and let go of caring about the opinions of others. This
doesn't mean you throw relationships away -- it's just imperative to not
get mired in the opposite direction.
It may be costing you more
than it is worth to keep the peace by mollifying others. If you continue
to give your power away, sooner or later you are bound to be angry,
resentful and blaming. It's important to get your own needs met. Before
the situation becomes drastic and you are filled with anger about all the
injustice that you endure, you must get in charge of your destiny. Reclaim
the power that comes from your center and allow it to guide you. You may
have to sacrifice superficial popularity, but you will be recovering your
dignity and self respect.
GENERAL MEANING
Representing the energy of a Queen, this
feminine power was traditionally known as a widow, crone or divorcee. In
modern times, she can be viewed as a model of self-sufficiency,
independence and intelligence. She often has extremely high standards due
to her subtle sensitivities, which can be perceived by those around her as
being critical or hard to please. Her true motive is to refine the world,
to upgrade peoples' understanding -- so that everyone can have the space
they need to become fully themselves.
She is not interested in
conforming. She is too intelligent to be confined to the role of housewife
or nursemaid, although she is perfectly competent in those areas. She
chooses her associations (or her solitude), and is seldom caught up in
dependent relationships -- at least not for long. Her intelligence is not
always the most comfortable to be around, but she can be counted on to see
through superficiality and point to the truth of a situation.
MEANING of POSITION
The card in the Lesson position points
to a possible sacrifice you might have to make for the sake of your
spiritual life.
You have come a long way, gleaning some
understanding and wisdom from the events and patterns of your path through
life. The card in the Lesson position points to a personal or spiritual
issue that holds some educational value for you, or to some sacrifice you
are called upon to make. You may have to let go of something you hold
dear, in order to be true to your highest values.
Stubbornness or
selfishness in this regard could cost you dearly now. It is crucial to
acknowledge the value of this experience for your own growth and
development. No matter how difficult it may be, make sure to honor what
you are currently learning as you do you reaffirm your commitment to your
personal path.
Developments: Justice
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Be grateful for the intimate
assessment you are about to receive.
The card in the Developments
position shows which way your relationship with yourself seems to be
headed. By making skillful choices, you can improve on or neutralize
unwanted tendencies.
When Justice is in this position, you will
have an opportunity to see something you identify with critiqued, possibly
a situation or event. You may recognize which parts of your approach have
substance and which are undeveloped. Insights you would never have thought
of may emerge. The penetrating intelligence of your adjudicator will show
you how closely your personal vision matches community standards of
balance and harmony.
The judge on this card is the grandmother of
humanity in whose mind resides tribal law. When you come before her with
your big ideas and visions, she cuts to the quick and reveals the
imbalances and blind spots. Be humble and receptive when you come before
Justice. Do not resort to denial if she reveals your unfinished
business.
GENERAL MEANING
Traditionally, what has been known as the
Justice card has to do with moral sensitivity and that which gives rise to
empathy, compassion and a sense of fairness. Since the time of Solomon,
this image has represented a standard for the humane and fair-minded
treatment of other beings.
Often including the image of a fulcrum
which helps to balance competing needs against the greater good, and a
two-edged sword to symbolize the precision needed to make clear judgments,
this card reminds us to be careful to attend to important details. It's a
mistake to overlook or minimize anything where this card is concerned. The
law of Karma is represented here -- what goes around comes around.
MEANING of POSITION
The card in the Developments position
shows which way your relationship with yourself seems to be headed. By
making skillful choices, you can improve on or neutralize unwanted
tendencies.
The Developments position points ahead to the natural
consequences of actions you are taking, or will soon take. This card can
give you some sense of which direction the wind is blowing with regard to
your personal life. It may refer to some particular aspect of spiritual
development that is front and center for you right now. Remember --
despite what this card might indicated, you still have it in your power to
make changes! This is about what could happen soon, following the dynamics
of your style of relating to yourself and your life. Nevertheless, if you
follow the Advice card, you can improve on or neutralize difficult
probabilities that may be unfolding.
Potential: Three of
Swords
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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Recognize the part you play in
your own setbacks.
The card in the Long-Term position gives a hint
of your healing potential. This is not cast in concrete. If indications
are less than desirable, you can change directions by exercising
compassion with yourself, careful decision-making and good timing.
With the Three of Swords in this position, it may take a season or
two to assimilate the implications of all that has happened, before you
can again feel safe to welcome new relationships. Study the pattern of
unfortunate events as they unfolded before -- review how you drew the
situation into your life, how you let yourself be swept along, how you
were drawn toward a familiar, inevitable failure.
Examine your
relationship pattern closely to see how you continue it. Until you fathom
your tendency to invite such events into your life, you will not be free
of this particular pain. Get ready to study these issues for a while;
examining them closely with an eye to your own responsibility.
GENERAL MEANING
Traditionally, the Three of Swords signified
separation or the breakup of a significant relationship, including the
tragic emotions that come along with such an event. Some cards show the
horizon filled with storm clouds and flashing lightning.
The
positive side of this card would be the ending of draining or frustrating
associations, to become free again. One message this card brings is to cut
some things loose. In spite of sentimental memories and emotional
attachments, we need to let go of relationships that either cannot live up
to their promise or have outlived the pleasure and support we once found
in them.
MEANING of POSITION
The card in the Long-Term position gives
a hint of your healing potential. This is not cast in concrete. If
indications are less than desirable, you can change directions by
exercising compassion with yourself, careful decision-making and good
timing.
The Potential position gives you insight into the
long-term potentials available to you in the area of self-development.
This could be a grand vision or simply the outcome of how well you are
coming to love yourself.
Does this card intimate where you want to
go? If so, continue with your current regimen, adding the new insights you
have gained. If not, give some serious consideration to problematic
aspects revealed by the spread -- especially the Challenges position.
The Potential position denotes the possible long-term results of
current choices you are making with regard to your personal health and
development. Because it is the far future, this necessarily involves
unknown factors still taking shape. This card can give clues as to the
nature of these factors and the long-term results of your efforts. It can
also reveal a "wild card" still to be played before all is said and done.
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