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This material is aimed at preparing the novice
Tarot reader for working with the Tarot cards, but hopefully everyone,
from beginner to adept, will find some insights here.
The
Tarot card discussion that follows covers ways of discovering your
own personal meanings for each of the Tarot cards, including suggested
methods for dealing with the difficult topics of court cards and
reversed cards. There is a section on how to phrase a question for
a reading most effectively, and one that presents an overview of
three-card spreads, which are the basis of all but one of the readings
in this book. One section shows how to pull all of this information
together to create a meaningful Tarot reading, and the final section
covers ethical considerations of doing Tarot readings.
Numerological
and Elemental Associations
A most basic feature of the Tarot cards is that each is defined
by its number and suit. For example, the Ten of Cups is both a Ten
and a Cups card. In addition, each suit can be associated with one
of the basic elements: earth, air, water, and fire, while the major
arcana cards are related to the quintessential fifth element, spirit.
Thus, an examination of a card's numerological and elemental associations
is a powerful way to explore its meaning more deeply. In support
of such a quest for understanding, this section will discuss various
meanings for numbers and elements, and it will show how to apply
such interpretations to an understanding of the seventy-eight Tarot
cards. Let us begin by considering numerological meanings.
Numerological
Associations
One is the number we start with when we count, and so it represents
beginnings, the start of something new, and a seed taking root.
It also indicates unity, as in the phrase, "All for one, and
one for all." But one is the proverbial loneliest number, so
it also stands for the self and the ego. Two represents duality,
such as hot and cold, in and out, above and below, pro and con.
As a result of such dualities, we have a choice, so the number two
is about decisions as well. Two teams or armies can come into conflict,
which lends another meaning to this number. But as we can see when
we visualize a scale, two can represent balance as well. Thus, it
may signify the resolution of conflict.
When
two things are joined together, their union creates something new,
a third entity. For example, two people may come together to form
a relationship or a partnership, or even a child if the union is
sexual. Similarly, when we mix two colors we get a new color. Consequently,
three represents creation, integration, and reproduction. If we
integrate our intention with action, we make progress, which implies
that this number also can be about growth and expansion.
When
we think about what we have four of, the following examples come
to mind: directions on a map, seasons, walls of a typical room,
and legs on a table or chair. This implies that four is the number
of structure, stability, and boundaries. Since these qualities also
allow us to rest and to consolidate the growth indicated by the
number three, four can relate to rest, recuperation, and consolidation
as well.
An
inherent risk in the structure and stability symbolized by the number
four is getting hidebound, stodgy, or stuck in a rut. Thus, five
represents the change and conflict that can disrupt that complacency
or that is necessary in order to grow beyond it. Five is about crisis,
strife, and struggle, especially when we consider that it is also
the number that represents humanity: we have five-fingered hands,
five senses, and five extremities (one head, two arms, and two legs).
Indeed, our lives are defined by the challenges we face and by how
we meet and overcome them, or succumb to them, whichever the case
may be. The number five, therefore, represents difficult experiences
and the learning opportunities they bring us. Ironically, since
the fifth element is that of spirit, five is also the number associated
with our soul. Consequently, this number represents the soulful
work that is possible through our physical manifestation.
After
the disruption represented by the number five, a new balance is
needed. Thus, six indicates the choices we make as we search for
such a readjustment. These choices are not of the simple "this
or that" type indicated by the number two, however. Rather,
they are the difficult ones necessary to resolve the strife of the
number five. The readjustments we make are often the result of establishing
reciprocal relationships with our environment or with the people
around us. We also gain a sense of appreciation, peace, and harmony
when that new equilibrium has been struck.
However,
the number six is still far from the completion of the numerical
sequence. The eternal ebb and flow of life shows up next in the
tests that challenge us to prove what we have learned through the
chaos represented by the number five and the effort to resolve and
rebalance that chaos, as seen in the number six. While the challenges
of the number five may be called the homework assignments of life,
the number seven represents life's midterm and final exams. They
are the tests wherein we either prove our level of mastery, and
thereby attain victory, or we are forced to reassess how far we
have come and how far we have yet to go.
Eight
follows the tests and challenges of the number seven, and so it
is concerned with regeneration, progress, and moving on with our
lives. Another path to understanding this number begins by considering
how the pace of a movie generally accelerates dramatically as the
climax nears. Eight, which is the second to last single-digit number,
represents the acceleration that leads up to a finale. Hence, this
number is about movement, strength, and power-or the need for those
things.
Nine,
the final single-digit number, represents the end of a cycle, the
completion of a task or project (for better or for worse). It is
the climax and the finale. The frenetic activity of the number eight
has led to the accomplishment and consequences symbolized by nine.
So
what comes after the completion of something? Ten represents the
result of that completion-that is, an epilog to it. Ten also reduces
to the number one when we add its digits (1 + 0 = 1), so it indicates
the beginning of a new cycle, a rebirth. Also, being a transcendent
version of the number one, which represents the individual self,
ten represents community, the collective self. On the other hand,
coming after the completion indicated by the number nine, ten can
indicate going too far. In that case, it indicates overkill or the
last straw.
Any
number higher than ten can be interpreted using the preceding numerological
discussion in one of two ways: reduction or transcendence. Reduction
is the process of adding the digits of a number to arrive at a new
number of fewer digits. Thus, for example, 19 reduces to 10 (1 +
9 = 10), which can be reduced further to 1 (1 + 0 = 1). Transcendence,
on the other hand, is the interpretation of a two-digit number as
a higher order-or transcendent value-of its final (i.e., rightmost)
digit.
As
an example, 15 may be considered a higher order of the number 5,
consequently representing harder problems than those indicated by
the number 5, or signifying a crisis on a higher (i.e., less mundane)
level. We now have covered every number with the exception of the
number zero. I have saved this number for last because only one
card in the Tarot deck bears it: the Fool. We never count with this
number, and indeed some ancient cultures do not use it at all, lacking
even the concept of zero. Similarly, centuries ago the Fool was
considered to be in a class by itself, not really one of the trump
(major arcana) cards at all. Zero signifies null, nothing, a void.
It is emptiness, and thus a longing for manifestation. Just as many
creation myths begin with a great cosmic void, zero represents the
unlimited potential of a vast creative energy. The symbol for this
number, 0, is the eternal circle, which is without beginning and
without end. Consequently, some people consider the Fool card, which
is assigned the number zero, to represent our divine potential.
The
preceding discussion of numerological meanings can shed light on
the numbered Tarot cards, but what about the court cards, which
have no numbers explicitly assigned to them? We can consider these
cards to be numbered implicitly instead, and in one of several possible
ways. If we consider them to be an extension of the sequence running
from the Ace through the Ten, then the Page can be assigned the
number 11, the Knight would then be 12, the Queen 13, and the King
14. These two-digit numbers then can be interpreted using either
reduction or transcendence. We also can think of the court cards
as being in a class of their own, in which case they may be numbered
one through four, either beginning with the Page or with the King,
depending upon your preference. Since these cards are not explicitly
numbered, their numerical associations are left up to us, and I
have seen each of the preceding methods used reasonably and to good
effect.
The
numerological meanings presented here are, of course, suggestions,
not edicts. Use them as you will, taking whatever makes sense to
you and ignoring the rest-at least for the time being. If you care
to explore these numerological meanings further in order to come
to your own understanding of them, especially as to how they may
work best with your particular deck, try the following exercise.
Start
by laying out all the Aces of your deck side by side in order to
see what concepts relevant to the number one may be common to them.
What keywords for this number are suggested by contemplation of
these cards? Repeat this process for the Twos, and continue on up
to the Tens. If you want to add even more depth to this process,
you can include the relevant court cards (however it is that you
assign numbers to them) and major arcana cards as well. Thus, for
example, you might include the Pages and the Magician along with
the Aces in your consideration of the number one.
Based
on the preceding discussion of numerological meanings, the following
is a summarized list of suggested keywords for the numbers zero
through ten.
Zero.
Void, emptiness, unrestricted potential, creative energy.
One. Beginnings, seeds, unity, self, ego.
Two. Duality, choices, decision, relationships, balance, resolution.
Three. Creativity, integration, reproduction, progress, growth,
expansion.
Four. Structure, stability, boundaries, rest, consolidation.
Five. Change, conflict, strife, crisis, struggle, learning opportunities,
soul.
Six. Readjustment, difficult choices, reciprocal relationships,
appreciation, peace, harmony.
Seven. Tests, mastery, success, victory, reassessment.
Eight. Acceleration, movement, strength, power, regeneration, progress.
Nine. Endings, completion, climax, accomplishment.
Ten. Results, epilog, rebirth, a new cycle, community, overkill,
the last straw.
Let
us now turn our attention to the Tarot suits' elemental associations.
Elemental
Associations
Centuries ago, the world was considered to be composed of four elements:
earth, air, water, and fire.(There was also thought to be a fifth
element, spirit, from which the others were created and with which
they were invested.) Today, we categorize the components of the
physical world by atomic structure, classifying them into a multitude
of elements such as oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Nevertheless,
the ancient concept is still useful in a philosophical and metaphysical
sense, and characteristics that have been assigned to each of the
four elements can, by extension, be associated with the four Tarot
suits as well. Although some Tarot decks use different methods,
the most common way to associate these elements with the Tarot suits
is as follows:
Wands-Fire
Cups-Water
Swords-Air
Pentacles-Earth
This
scheme is quite widespread. It is the one used with the almost ubiquitous
Waite Smith (WS) deck and with the many decks based on that deck.
Thus, this system is the one that will be discussed in this chapter.
Let
us now explore the characteristics of each suit using its elemental
association to aid our understanding of it. Some of the meanings
attributed to the suits will be intuitively obvious based on the
suit's emblem and on its elemental association, while others that
may seem less obvious can be attributed to tradition and common
convention. In either case, what follows are suggestions for your
consideration. Take from them what you will.
Wands
are made of wood, and their suit is associated with fire. Thus,
this suit is characterized by growth and energy. As an aspect of
our being, this suit corresponds to the flame of life that burns
within us. Consequently, it also is associated with our will, passion,
and libido. As an aspect of a project or endeavor, the suit of Wands
relates to the spark of desire and inspiration that initiated it
and to the burning enthusiasm that drives it.
Cups
are receptacles, and their suit is associated with water, which
flows, nourishes, and refreshes. Also, water's surface can be reflective
like a mirror. On the other hand, an ocean's depths are profound
and virtually fathomless. This suit, then, is associated with the
deep, unknowable subconscious mind, and with the ever-flowing feelings
that both arise from and return to those depths. As an aspect of
our being, it corresponds to our emotions and our relationships,
as well as to our imagination. As an aspect of a project or endeavor,
the suit of Cups relates to an emotional response to the original
idea or impetus for the venture, and it relates to our vision for
the endeavor. Note that it is our vision that begins to give form
to a project, just as a cup gives form to the fluid poured into
it.
Swords,
with their sharp edges, can be either weapons or useful tools, and
the element of their suit is air. A mind can be sharp as well, and
it, too, can be either a weapon or a tool, depending on how it is
used. This suit typically is associated with mental activity such
as logic, reason, and communication. Considering some of the ways
in which a sword can be used, this suit also is associated with
action, conflict, and cruelty. The airy aspect of the suit of Swords
calls to mind volatility and stormy situations on the one hand,
and clarity of thought on the other. Thus, as an aspect of our being,
this suit corresponds to our thoughts, prejudices, and concepts.
As an aspect of a project or endeavor, it relates to the analysis,
decision-making, planning, and call to action from which the undertaking
is forged.
Pentacles,
as generally depicted in Tarot decks, are the coins of wealth and
commerce, and this suit is associated with the element of earth.
Thus, this suit is related to earthiness and being grounded, to
the body and material resources, and to money and prosperity. It
also relates to security, value, and a sense of worth, as well as
to generosity and charity. As an aspect of our being, it corresponds
to the strength, health, and sensations of our physical body. As
an aspect of a project or endeavor, the suit of Pentacles relates
to the physical labor that executes the plan, as well as to the
tangible manifestation of it.
In
addition, there is a deeply spiritual aspect to the suit of Pentacles.
The act of simple labor can be intensely contemplative, even religiously
so, and it is through our acts of charity and generosity toward
other people that we draw near to our spirituality. Thus, the wheel
has turned full circle. Myths, such as that of Prometheus, tell
us that fire was a gift from the gods. The flame of life and the
spark of inspiration that are both associated with the suit of Wands
come from a spiritual source, and we return to that aspect of spirituality
with the suit of Pentacles when it manifests in its most noble form.
Finally,
the major arcana cards, which can be thought of as a fifth suit
in the deck, are associated with the quintessential element of the
soul. This suit is concerned with morality, spirituality, and the
themes and philosophical undertones of our lives. It deals with
our karma and with the major milestones and archetypes of our lives
as well. As with the numerological discussion earlier, keep in mind
that the interpretations given here for the Tarot suits are suggestions
only. If you would like to delve further into the meanings of the
suits, and thus arrive at a more personalized understanding of them,
you may want to try an exercise similar to the one suggested for
numerological associations. First, lay out all of the cards in the
suit of Wands: Ace through Ten, plus the court cards if you want
to include them too. Think about any phrases that use this suit's
element (fire), and consider how they might comment on characteristics
apparent in many of the cards in this suit. For example, what do
the phrases "all fired up" or "carrying a torch"
suggest about the cards in this suit? Consider also what implications
this suit's emblem, a wand, may have on its meaning. Then contemplate
the cards you have laid out before you, paying attention to the
gut reactions they elicit in you. What patterns do you see as being
predominant in this suit, and what concepts or themes seem to run
through it? Is there a general, underlying feeling that you get
from most of the cards in this suit? What keywords for the suit
of Wands do all of these thoughts and feelings recommend? Next,
repeat this process for the other three suits: Cups, Swords, and
Pentacles. You may, of course, want to do this exercise with the
major arcana cards as well.
The
following is a summarized list of suggested keywords and phrases
for the Tarot suits:
Wands.
Growth, energy, will, passion, libido, desire, inspiration, initiation,
enthusiasm.
Cups.
Receptivity, reflection, subconscious, imagination, vision, feelings,
emotions, relationships.
Swords.
Mental activity, thought, intellect, logic, reason, analysis, decision,
communication, action, conflict, volatility.
Pentacles.
Earthiness, groundedness, strength, resources, money, wealth, commerce,
labor, prosperity, security, value, generosity, charity, body, material
possessions.
Major
arcana. Spirituality, soul, morality, ethics, religion, philosophy,
karma, archetypes, milestones.
How,
then, can you use these numerological and elemental associations
to help you understand Tarot cards? First, figure out what, from
the preceding discussions, works for you. Remember, of course, that
you can (and probably will) change your mind about any of the numerological
and elemental meanings as time goes on and as you accumulate more
experience using them. For now, however, a good start is to decide
on a few keywords or phrases for each suit and for the numbers one
through ten. Once you have these meanings in mind, you can use them
to question, validate, or expand upon your understanding of any
Tarot card.
First,
consider a particular card. Think about what it means to you. Its
meaning may be the result of what you have learned from a book,
from someone else, from your prior experience in working with Tarot
cards, from the feelings and ideas that the images and symbols on
the card evoke, or from any combination of these. Then think about
the meanings you associate with the card's number and suit. How
do these numerological and elemental meanings relate to your understanding
of this card? Are they in accord or do they clash? If there are
conflicts, all the better, for it is in the resolution of such discord
that we often gain the most profound insights.
As
an example, let us work with the Three of Swords, which depicts
a heart pierced by three swords. Typically, this card is seen as
being indicative of sorrow and heartbreak, but such meanings have
emotional connotations, which are more typically in the realm of
the suit of Cups. We can use the fact that this card's suit, Swords,
is about thoughts and communication (among other things) in order
to expand upon its meaning. Thus, the Three of Swords may express
a need to understand your sorrow, or it can indicate an opportunity
to gain a deeper appreciation of the emotional pain of others, perhaps
as a result of your own experience with heartbreak.
The
association of the suit of Swords with communication can lead to
some interesting reinterpretations of this card as well. In light
of that, and in consideration of the rain depicted in the background,
this card may indicate a need to express your sorrow, perhaps through
the cathartic cleansing of a good crying jag. Alternatively, this
card can indicate pain that is caused by caustic and hurtful words.
This card is also a Three, so there are elements of growth and integration
in it as well. For example, an emotionally wrenching experience
also may be a learning experience that can impel you to mature and
grow, helping you to become a better person.
There
is an important point that needs to be made at this time. Just as
there are no completely good or bad cards, numerological and elemental
associations have a spectrum of meanings, ranging from positive,
encouraging messages to the more negative aspect of warnings and
admonishments. For example, besides indicating reason and logic,
the suit of Swords also can suggest a cold-hearted separation from
our emotions and soul work. The love and compassion of the Cups
can degenerate into sentimentality and moodiness. A dark side of
the self-reliance of the Ones is self-centered egotism, and the
structure of the Fours can sometimes be stifling.
To
illustrate some negative aspects of numbers and suits, let us consider
the Ten of Cups. This card, which depicts a family rejoicing under
a rainbow overlaid with ten cups, generally is seen in a positive
light. It is commonly interpreted as being an indication of a happy
family or as the realization of your hopes and dreams. However,
besides relating to love and relationships, the suit of Cups also
can deal with our subconscious and our imagination, while the Tens
can mean overkill. Thus, this card may be saying that what seems
like a happy home is actually an illusion wrought from wishful thinking.
Perhaps you require that your relationships be perfect, so you ignore
the problems and see everything as being all sweetness and light.
Also, if we combine the Ten's meaning of "too much" with
the Cups' "emotions," then this card may be saying that
you are too emotionally involved.
(More
on Tarot Card Meanings)
Authors
Details: From the book "Tarot Tells the Tale:
Explore Three Card Readings Through Familiar Stories"
by: James Ricklef |
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