The successive advancement of the major arcana aka 'trump' cards represents the 'Fool's journey' of spiritual development. These cards are calls to action (CTAs) to learn very significant life lessons or character templates, aka archetypal themes. (In other words, these cards do not directly represent real people). Examples:
- The Magician card represents manifestation and resourcefulness.
- The Lovers card explores relationships and choices.
In other words, these cards are CTAs for introspection and self-discovery, by encouraging you to reflect on your current circumstances within the context of these broader themes.
Major Arcana cards also signal significant events or turning points in your life. In this case these cards are CTAs for attention and reflection into these pivotal moments, especially when there is a predominance of Major Arcana cards. These events are so significant because they will have lasting impacts on one's entire life.
Needless to say and conversely, if many Major Arcana cards are reversed, it may indicate missed lessons or resistance to necessary changes.
- The Hanged Man in reverse often symbolizes a lack of perspective or unwillingness to let go. While the upright position encourages surrender and seeing things from a different angle, the reversed position indicates that one might be clinging too tightly to their current viewpoint or situation. Consider someone who has been offered a chance to collaborate on a project but refuses due to their rigid thinking or fear of stepping outside their comfort zone. The Hanged Man reversed illustrates how this refusal can lead to missed opportunities for personal growth and new experiences. By not being open to new perspectives or ideas, they may miss out on valuable insights and connections that could have enriched their life.
Reversed cards may also indicate imbalance in how you approach the card's message. For instance,
- The empress reversed may suggest that while you have embraced the feminine energy of the empress card, maybe through resting, self-care and pampering yourself, you have done so to such an extreme that there is no balance. Ultimately, you have become lazy.
0. The fool
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The fool card is numbered 0. This holy 'fool' is the main character throughout the major arcana. It is either the first (or last) card of the major arcana, depending on how you order your cards. The fool represents your soul that has come to a world of uncertainty with a childlike spirit of trust in the universe despite limited resources and still untapped collective wisdom. He is about to step off the edge of a cliff but trusts that the universe has his back somehow. His energy can therefore be described as childlike, inexperienced and fully trusting in the universe, essentially a 'fool of total (unworldly) faith' in a spiritual sense. Consequently, he is also unaware of the magnitude of life's challenges or his potential. He enthusiastically ventures out in the world, barely prepared for what he will experience. The sun illuminates the sky, suggesting that this is an opportune time. CTA to assume the fool's childlike trust and receptive energy towards the universe in order to seize the moment's opportunity. Embrace what lies ahead without worry. He has with him a small white dog, a symbol of a loyal, protective companion and guidance. The dog's loyalty, protection and navigational guidance is part of the CTA to maintain trustworthy companions as you journey through life. The dog can also be seen as a spirit guide. As such, the CTA also encourages trust in spirit guides.
In reverse, the card's CTA relates to facing new opportunities in a way that is somehow misaligned with your higher purpose. Example(s).
- You need to address fear and lack of confidence and trust in the universe to proceed with a new opportunity. Fears may be unnecessary like fear of judgment by others. The CTA is to proceed even without understanding how things will work out. Be a fool in the sense of being a fool for the universe.
- You need to address fear the recurrence of past negative outcomes when faced with similar situations. This fear is a CTA to examine what went wrong the previous time to figure how to correct it this time around before proceeding with the current new opportunity. Learn that lesson this time around with love and compassion for yourself. Counterintuitively with this card, the situation might even require you to make firm plans, be patient, etc before proceeding.
- You have entered into a new opportunity with practical preparation that is within your worldly abilities.
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The magician is the first person that the fool meets. His pose (and double-ended wand in his upwards pointing hand) symbolize the unification of the physical and spiritual worlds (typically encapsulated in 2nd hermetic principle of correspondence "As above, so below. As below, so above.") which enables manifestation of intentions into the physical world as tangible results. Also, the magician makes himself a conduit for manifesting between worlds. This card references power, determination and ability to achieve goals. As with any magician, he recognizes that, to manifest, he must call upon the 4 elements, which BTW is the point of involving the 4 elements in magick circle and other rituals. He wears a headband, among the several symbols that recur throughout the tarot deck. For those so inclined, this card is a possible CTA to recognize that you already have the tools needed to exploit latent psychic power or power related to a specific goal (whether finance, career, etc). There is a repetition of symbology to suggest the magician's (potential) ability to tap into the infinite power of the universe. These symbols include the infinity symbol above his head and the snake around his waist that swallows its tail (an ouroboros). They, along with other noteworthy symbols that include the magician's headband, red roses and white lilies, are among those noteworthy symbols that recur throughout the tarot deck. Read more about their meaning.
Regardless of the card's position, upright or reversed, I think it also carries a sense of urgency.
Reversed. CTA to beware of magick that goes counter to your higher purpose in some way. For instance, it may refer to someone trying to manipulate or deceive you or even that something about you (whether your current intentions, state of mind, ideas or the like) is misaligned with your highest good. In short, the card is a warning to take action to counteract these issues.
Within a health context, the magician revered is a CTA to pursue competent professional or other adequate remedial action as soon as possible. This can even relate to a need to avoid over-exertion.
2. The high priestess
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High priestess.
The first mentor that the fool meets.
3 the empress
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Key themes include feminine creative energy, limitless creative potential, and, by extension nature, femininity, nurturing, abundance and fertility.
Given the empress' key themes, the first CTA is to ask yourself what you want to birth into existence. While this may be significant, it may also be something very small and easy to achieve within the next few minutes or hours.
When The Empress appears in a reading, it serves as an invitation to take specific actions.
The imagery of the Empress and her lush garden (reminiscent of the concept of the Garden of Eden) embodies the archetype of Mama Gaia, the ultimate in creativity. For instance, various decks frequently portray her as full-figured (ie voluptuous or pregnant). Unlike other high ranking tarot figures whose thrones are hard stone, her throne is covered in plush red cushions that suggests a 'soft life'. This fact holds a strong CTA to embrace your nurturing qualities. To this end, be serious about your self-care and emotional well-being or that of others. Examples. You dedicate time each week for activities that promote relaxation and joy, like meditation, yoga, creative hobbies like gardening or painting. In short, you prioritize your personal well-being. Example. You seek out supportive relationships or join groups focused on personal growth. These interactions all you to engage in open communication about feelings and cultivate and emotionally rich environment. Ultimately, this contributes to your overall sense of wealth in life. Example. Make it a priority to spend time in Nature regularly. Strive to enjoy harmony with nature and to spend time outdoors to ground your energy and to rejuvenate your spirit.
The the entire scene symbolizes abundance and growth. This is evident in the lush landscape around her. It features this symbology with its fields of wheat, trees, and flowing water. Even the many ripe pomegranates printed on her gown, (a fruit symbolic of fertility) reinforce this message. The empress' relaxed posture gives the impression that she is enjoying life with great abundance. I see this beautiful garden as offering the CTA to dare dream of abundant rewards of hard work. This seems to relate strongly to nurturing relationships. Even if it is the end goal, the long term vision is a great point from which to start your work. This is the point of vision boards and vision statements. Notice that the imagery portrays wealth from the perspective of nature, versus imagery from the suits of pentacles. While suit of pentacles relates to more narrowly to material wealth through resource hard work and effort, the perspective of the empress is broader but she encourages you to use more receptive feminine energies to build wealth, whether material, emotional or spiritual. This CTA is to focus on nurturing all type of meaning relationship in your life, whether romantic, familial or business. Examples.
- Showing appreciation and support for loved ones. Examples. If you own a restaurant, nurture customer relationships. For instance, you may host workshops on sustainable farming practices that engage your customers. You may also work collaboratively with local chefs and restaurants to create unique dishes using your produce. In other words, you can build material wealth by nurturing business relationships.
- Practice gratitude for what you have achieved so far in life; this mindset can attract even more abundance.
- If you have ideas or projects that you've been contemplating, take the actionable steps of specifying your dreams, as by writing down or visualizing them with great specificity. Now is the time to bring them into fruition.
- Plan to take only small steps at a time. For instance, you might need to learn how to handle new situations like a novice.
Give yourself the space to grow, even if that means patiently plodding through steps. Another CTA is to be like the stream of water, go with the flow. In other words, allow room for changes in your original ideas and plans based on feedback and inspiration you gain along the way.
A shield bearing the symbol of Venus rests on her right side, ie the side that relates to dominant aspect of this archetype. This association with Venus reinforces her association with love, beauty, sensuality, and pleasure. Consequently, another CTA is to connect with the more relaxed, receptivity of feminine energy by engaging in activities that promote self-love and self-care. This could include pampering yourself or exploring creative outlets, like artistic endeavors or activities from which you derive pleasure for its own sake. This may also mean doing what is necessary to take care of your mental health. Example(s)
- Decide what projects you will select and which you will let go.
The empress wears a crown adorned with twelve stars, symbolizing her connection to the celestial realm and the cycles of life. For context, this may relate to the 12 zodiac signs, each of which represent different traits and influences that the empress may consider when making decisions. The number 12 also represents cycles, like the months of the year, moon phases that influence a woman's fertility, just as seasons do the fecundity of the earth. Consequently, another of this card's CTAs is to tune in to and follow natural cycles and seasons. This reminds me of the hermetic principle of rhythm. It applies not only to the physical but even in relationships. For instance, recognize when the season of a good relationship or even conversation has ended so you could move on. Doing otherwise would be akin to continuing to wear the same Summer clothing in Winter and therefore suffering the dire consequences. Example.
- Exercise enough self love to studying yourself enough to recognize and cater to your internal 'seasons'. For instance, plan appropriate tasks that meet the ebbs and flows of your energy levels.
She holds a scepter in her right hand, representing authority as a nurturer of life, relationships and environments. In the sense of leadership, she has a balanced approach to authority with responsibility, respects natural laws and promotes harmony. Examples.
- People, communities or projects that commit to environmental stewardship or does things to shape future generations positively.
Another CTA is to recognize that there is a relationship between the Empress and Emperor cards that can be viewed in terms of balance between feminine and masculine energies. Seek ways to embrace the Empress' feminine energy to be a precursor to the Emperor. In other words, shape your curren actions into the fertile ground from which ideas (or empires) grow. Example,
- the empress energy may focus on training and self development for herself or others in anticipation of the real world application, as embodied by the emperor.
While considering how this card of female card relates to a male counterpart, I remember the queen and king of swords and that queen's side profile to suggest an inner mental transformation. In contrast, the empress is at a 45 degree angle, as if to suggest that her role involves nurturing for herself and others with whom she is bonding. (She prepares for the emperor, who like the king of swords faces straight ahead, as if to suggest full engagement with the outer world. Either way, without your nurturing influence, there would be no foundation for the structured authority and governance represented by the Emperor. Her role can be likened to that of a mother figure who nurtures her children, enabling them for their 'emperor' motivated role as responsible adults.
VIDEO HERE Third party YouTube video by Daily tarot girl 'The empress'
4 The emperor
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This card's key themes are initiative, assertiveness, confidence and leadership. The emperor's throne is adorned with the heads of four rams, representing his strong astrological association with Aries and emphasizing his connection to strength and leadership. In one hand, he holds a scepter, symbolizing his dominion and control over his realm, while in the other hand, he grasps an orb that represents the world he governs.
The red color of the emperor's robe suggests not only his authority unapologetically but also that he has the energy and passion necessary to fulfill his mission. His armor suggests readiness for battle and protection. His long white beard indicates wisdom gained through experience, reinforcing his knowledge as a leader. Behind him are barren mountains that symbolize ambition and determination to reach greater heights. A small river flows at the base of these mountains, representing hope and emotional depth beneath his stern exterior.
A key CTA is to embrace your masculine energy because this is the time for authoritative communication, like an emperor. Another but subtler CTA is to remember to consider the perspective of the counterparty (as Aries is associated intense commitment to being heard, sometimes not taking enough account of the other perspective). This may be useful for the most successful conflict resolution or other negotiation. Balance your authority with compassion. Encourage mutual trust, respect and healthy give-and-take power dynamics. Another CTA includes having structure and structure. For instance, establish rules and systems. Establish and follow through with clear, well-structured objectives and strategic plans.
5 The hierophant
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The Hierophant is a pope-like figure seated on a throne between two mostly plain stone pillars against a plain stone background. He dominates the scene. In other words, you hold him in the utmost esteem. Helping his ability to be such an imposing figure is the fact that he wears a golden triple crown, and his right-hand index and second fingers point upwards and the keys (to Heaven) are at his feet. Well below the hierophant and pillars are 2 priests who look up at him, willing to obey his guidance.
The hierophant represents established hierarchical power structures and institutions with fixed rules and traditions. It evokes thoughts of religion, spiritual leaders, government, formal education, 'the system', even life coaches, your yoga teacher who is teaching you to manifest and so on. He also represents group membership and the associated sense of belonging. He also represents conformity and groupthink. Given the 2 men below him, he also represents a teacher or superior of some type that operates within some type of power structure. To use the context of contrast to highlight his qualities, consider that he is the opposite of the emperor. The emperor was a trailblazer. The hierophant prefers the well-trodden path and therefore suggests the system is imposed on you.
In short, this card gives insight into your relationship with 'authority' and social norms and rules; the balance between your individuality and need for group harmony and stability.
Upright; this card suggests a desire for stability and security in your life. It can also indicate a strong desire to conform. It is a CTA to seek guidance from 'authority' figures in your situation.
6
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The lovers
Soul partnership. CTA to remember that 2 are better than 1.
7. The chariot
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This card references progress, will power and self control to overcome challenges. Determined progression that is unrestrained by the material world. CTA to move forward with focus and determination, even if you can not get all the details perfectly planned to feel confident or can not see the path clearly ahead. Proceed nonetheless. Rest assured that, if you keep on, you will be victorious.
The charioteer is covered by a canopy adorned with stars. he also wears a crown of stars, which symbolize the superconscious mind. His crown also feature laurel leaves, symbols of victory. The chariot is pulled along by black and white sphinxes, symbols of duality and the challenges one faces within a world of duality. In other words, this card is a reminder to take charge of your chariot, push forward despite the challenges of opposition and positivity of supporters. You must keep forward to control your emotions and mind because you are connected with the superconscious mind and will be victorious if you remain on task. The charioteer also holds a wand, a suit that suggests a CTA to take action and stay on task. His apron skirt features ceremonial symbols that seem to correspond with the energy of the wand and ceremonial magick. This is a strong CTA card. There is also re-assurance because the square on the charioteer's chest is a symbol of stability and readiness to manifest intentions. His shoulder pads are crescent moons, which seems to suggest some reliance on intuition. An interesting aspect of the charioteer's control is that, it is not through his physical manipulation of reins. Instead, his intentions and connection with the superconscious are what control the chariot.
8. Strength
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This card represents personal power when facing some type of testing enemy. It predicts your triumphant conclusion to a major life challenge (illness of any type, your failing at some challenge that is very critical to your spiritual advancement, temptation, situation, financial or other challenges, fears around something you as difficult, etc) with the use of your strength of character. By strength of character, I am referring to patience, grace (courteous goodwill), resilience and trust in your strength to handle any obstacle victoriously. CTA to recognize that the universe is saying, 'All things remaining equal, you will be fine because you have the strength and stamina to see this situation through. Do not give up. Stand up for yourself.' So conquer your fears. The infinity sign over her head is among symbols that recur throughout the tarot deck. Read more about their meaning.
Example(s)
- If the challenge relates to your financial well being as it relates to your salary, you may negotiate a well deserved pay raise.
- If the challenge was that you lost miserably in a test against enemy tests, be patient and gentle with yourself as the card depicted with the lion (the failing). Make gentle and patient self corrections. In other words, lovingly listen to the trauma you experienced, how it still haunts you to the extent of blocking your advancement and how to to resolve it. Be your own loving best friend. Do NOT beat yourself up. [Hear YouTuber Dr Elliott Adam discuss this.]
Reminiscent of the powerful magician (from card 1), she has a lemniscate (aka infinity symbol) over her head.
The card depicts a woman calmly taming a lion with her hand over its face and mouth, symbology of quiet confidence to conquer fears. Despite being an ordinarily fearsome animal, the lion's tail is between its legs as it looks up to her, signs of its submission to her. In this interaction, her motives are pure, as depicted by her white gown (ie, certainly not with brute force).
Reversed. In this reversed position, the card references lack of inner strength and use of personal power. It signals excessive vulnerability to external influences, or crippling fear. The CTA is to do soul searching to understand these fears and how to resolve them.
9 Hermit
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CTA to go deep within yourself to find the answer to this current situation because you already have the answer within yourself. A test of enemies and allies.
Wheel of fortune
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References luck and fate. CTA to beware that your luck will change (in a good or bad way). Despite your best preparation, some things are simply outside of your control.
11 Justice
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The keywords associated with this card are calm objective rationalization, truth seeking and law. The imagery includes a seated figure with the hands in the symbolic 'as above so below' gesture; holding a sword in the upwards pointing hand and scales in the next. The figure is seated between two pillars of polarity, a sign of her balance. In short, justice is manifest in the material world based on clear understanding and (as symbolized by the square on the crown) methodical examination of a situation. Justice is clear in minds and, as the other square on the chest shows, in the heart. The square over the heart contains a circle, which suggests the completion of a cycle perhaps of deception, lacking understanding, etc. The white shoe peeking out from beneath the clothing also symbolically serves as a spiritual reminder that the outcomes of actions are spiritual consequences. The CTA is to be like the figure; to proceed with integrity and fairness based on methodical and objective analysis of the facts. The card may also be a foreboding that this type of justice is impending, perhaps in a public forum involving others. In that case, the CTA is to trust in the higher spiritual power. Justice will reign because it has occurred in the spirit realm and now has to manifest in the physical. There is also gender symbology in that the female figure that manages this card's otherwise masculine nature reconfirms the idea of balance. While the queen of swords has achieved the same on a personal level, this figure has made the achievement with various parties. Within the context of relationships, this card's CTA is to check one's biases (and those of others) to find the full truth. Afterall, we see the world from our own perspective. However, this card is a CTA to transcend this human limitation, de-personalize your analysis. For instance, continually guard against your biased assumptions and judgment.
"All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; and third, it is accepted as self-evident". Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860)
12 Hanged man
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This card references surrender. The hanged man is suspended upside-down by an ankle. His other free leg is bent at the knee and tucked behind the connected leg. The fact that a leg is free suggests that he enjoys some element of choice within these constraints. Both arms are akimbo and tucked behind his back. The colors of his clothing are also significant. Specifically, the red of his pants symbolizes the physical while the blue of his blouse symbolizes emotional calm. His facial expression is one of calm (which is in striking contrast with the expectation for someone who was forcibly hung). His head also has a halo (aka nimbus), a sign of sacredness. This image is reminiscent of an ancient archetype in various cultures (Norse, Greek, Christianity, etc). Examples of this archetype include how Christianity's Jesus allowed himself to endure persecution and hanging. Odin, the norse god hanged himself from the world tree that was center of everything for 9 days and nights, symbolically sacrificing himself in search for wisdom from the experience. The fact that he was a god with superiority over others suggests that he was essentially sacrificing himself to himself. BTW, 9 is also a number of completion. These traditions illustrate willing self-sacrifice and prior knowledge of subsequent rebirth.
This card references moments during which you are destabilized and your situation is like the world has turned upside-down; you are left voiceless, option-less, in fear, etc, perhaps entrapped by the spirit of an enemy of some type. The only remaining option is to surrender to the anguish.
CTA to surrender to this moment of challenge because, cosmically speaking, it is somehow a necessary evil for your higher purpose. Like the hanged man with his hands behind his back, do not try to unbind yourself or even to beat yourself up to learn the lesson. Just hang for the time being, mustering up your inner strength! You are promised resurrection soon. Release fears of this current challenge.
13. Death
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References endings, transformation and change. BTW, this card rarely deals with physical death. This is often related to a crisis when the hero must make an impossible choice.
14. Temperance
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The key themes of this card are balance, moderation, patience and harmony. If you can listen and respond to the engine of a vehicle, you will know what I mean. For instance, the engine works optimally at whatever speed and gear meet the needs of your dynamic driving conditions. This card references the point at which the engine sings smoothly.
The card depicts an angelic figure standing with one foot on land and the other in water. The wings are symbolic of the freedom and transcendence that you can achieve from whatever chaos or confusion you are experiencing, if you apply temperance. He pours liquid between 2 cups that he holds. This action symbolizes the key CTA, ie to integrate the extremes of duality in life to create balance. I will elaborate this point later. To his right is a winding path that has emerged from the water up through hills on either side towards the sunrise.
The angel implies that a higher power is available to guide you in achieving balance and moderation. A key CTA of this card is to pay attention. You may be seeing more synchronicities or some form of spiritual communication at this time. Trust divine guidance and your intuition as you navigate challenges related to balance.
Considering that 2 opposing sides in tarot cards symbolize duality in life, this card illustrates the idea in several ways. The most obvious instance is the 2 cups. Others include the 2 sides of the winding path and 2 positions of the feet; one in the water (emotions) and the other on land (practical aspect of life). These recurring duality symbols reinforce the need for integrating the 2 extremes. Also read about the hermetic principle of polarity. In short, that main CTA urges you to evaluate areas where you may be overindulging or lacking moderation. These areas could be anything, whether in relationships, work-life balance, personal habits, thinking patterns and so on. Also integrate opposites rather than allow them to be in conflict. Example(s).
- Maybe this involves setting a schedule that limits your work hours each day to allow you to focus on personal development, enjoying life, relationships and so on. Conflict manifests as working late into the night, feeling burnt out, strained relationships, depression and so on.
- Respect personal values while respecting social expectations that may clash with those personal values. If you do not integrate these, you may go through the motions to publicly conform with social expectations while privately feeling resentful.
- Discipline vs indulgences. A common example of integrating these extremes may include food choices that allow you to cheat from time to time to satisfy cravings without compromising health goals. Subscribing to extremes sometimes lead to rebellious tendencies towards the opposite extreme during low points.
- Independence vs interdependence in relationships.
- Making rational decisions rather than emotional expressions by applying stoicism and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) techniques. For instance, during heated discussions, considering both sides may lead to constructive resolution rather than emotional reactions.
Some interpretations suggest that everything is in perfect balance and the CTA is to be patient for the manifestation to occur and go with the flow. You can not always control situations but you can instead wait them out. Do not force things to happen or go to extremes through your impatience. This interpretation is reminiscent that manifestation first occurs in the spiritual realm before then appearing in a recognizable way in the physical world. Consequently, patience is required.
15. Devil
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This card features most prominently a humanoid devil-like creature seated on a pedestal. The backdrop is entirely black. The devil's head features an upside-down pentacle and the horns of a ram. The devil also has bat-like wings. This card typically depicts a Baphomet, a creature with both human (in the top portion) and animal features (in the lower portion of the body). The torch illuminates the lower part of the body, a detail that reiterates the idea of the upside-down pentacle. An upside-down pentacle represents imbalance. This figure symbolizes the dark side of human nature and a tendency towards a negative extreme. For instance, this dark extreme may relate to addictions. Addictions do not only relate to physical ones, like to substances or habits. Addictions may be mental like negative thought patterns. Negative thinking does not necessarily mean 'bad'. For instance, someone's negative unbalanced thinking may be too naive. An already common understanding relates to an excessive focus on material wealth at the expense of spiritual growth. A naked man and woman are chained to the devil's pedestal, a detail that suggests entrapment to one's dark side. The presence of the 2 sexes may also suggest addictions that have extremely masculine or feminine energies. The entrapment also gives the sense of having lost control. However, the devil's posture with one hand pointing upwards while the other downwards is a reminder of the hermetic principle of correspondence; as above, so below. In other words, this card is a CTA to transcend the addictive and limiting patterns of the ego by connecting with one's higher self. By transforming your inner world (of thoughts, desires and so on), you can transform your outer world. In other words, as hard as it may be to accept, rest assured that, if you are experiencing some challenge right now, you can transform your outer world by first having a new inner world. The things that come with that inner world will translate naturally into the outer world. The bat wings refer to bats in that bats navigate through darkness. In other words, this symbolically suggests examining and resolving one's subconscious mind, a practice called 'shadow work'. Another perspective relates to the principle of polarity. In other words, this card prompts you to move from the extreme towards a more balanced approach. Notice that the chains that bound the people are loose enough that the enslavement is an illusion because the people can release themselves at any time. In other words, the loose chains are an assurance of your ability to free yourself from your currently polarized state.
16. The tower
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Indication that things are about to change drastically (ultimately for the better). You are at the mercy of forces that are outside of your control or understanding. You are truly powerless against this unexpected attack. Otherwise, it represents the resurrection of the hero's problems.
17. Star
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CTA to be reassured that all will work out. Have faith.
18. Moon
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Visually, the card depicts a night scene which suggests something mysterious and unknown. Two towers are shown in the background below the moon on either side of the frame, an allusion to the
hermetic principle of polarity. The middle ground is divided by a central path into 2 pastures, also reminiscent of the
principle of polarity; the conscious mind and unconscious mind. A wolf is on the right pasture and a domesticated dog on the left pasture. The path winds beyond the howling animals toward the horizon. Meanwhile, in the foreground, a lobster emerges from the water onto the beginning of the path. The moon is an oversized face that looks downward onto the scene as if ruling over it. The moon is depicted atypically like the sun, ie in vibrant yellow with radiating yellow beams. Additionally, 15 golden divine sparks (called '
yods' or '
dew drops') emanate from the moon. The moon represents the unconscious, hidden emotions that, despite being hidden have a powerful effect over your life. Notably, both the wolf and dog howl at it, as if subject to its effects. Since the wolf represents your raw and unfiltered self while the domesticated dog represents the rational, well-curated public persona self, this card is a reminder that, regardless of how well you try to hide your true self, the moon / your subconscious self affects your feelings, reactions, and actions. The lobster has a hard outer shell that acts as protective armor. The lobster's emergence symbolizes your repressed emotions that reveal themselves above the surface from time to time.
On these bases, this card is a CTA that suggests that you are not sufficiently tuned in to some unconscious emotions. You must trust your intuition as something hidden may have just come to light. Confront what is hidden to avoid distress. This card alludes to the inextricable connection between the moon and lunacy as water bodies shift on the planet. For context, the Latin word for the moon is 'luna' and the root for the English word 'lunatic'. In other words, this card suggests that one can avoid distress by examining the subconscious and then resolving the issue with balance along a de-polarized path (the image's central path). Furthermore, notice that the path is winding and even disappears under the landscape on occasion. This fact is not only an acknowledgment of the ups and downs in life but a reminder to stay on the path with your eyes on the goal without being discouraged by those ups and downs. As a sidenote, this card reminds me of the 2 of pentacles card in which the knight must remain balanced by being flexible and adaptable during the ups and downs that he encounters. In your high moments, do not lose yourself, in the low moments, do not give in to patterns of fears. Rather, find creative alternatives because you are on the way to your destination.
The appearance of the moon seems noteworthy. It is yellow like the sun and even emanate divine sparks (aka yods). The sun symbolizes divine inspiration (ie some download from Source), especially as it relates to following your passion. Perhaps this card suggests that through deep introspection into your subconscious, you can also figure out how to pursue your divinely inspired passion.
Consider that the unseen issues may relate not only to you but also to others, like haters who emerge like the lobster.
19. Sun
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CTA to celebrate your growth.
20. Judgment
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This card depicts gray, nude figures emerging from coffins with their arms in receptive open gestures as an angel blows a trumpet from the sky above them. Keywords associated with this card are rebirth, self-reinvention, transformation, new life chapter based on responding to a higher or inner calling, realization about your life's purpose, profound spiritual awakening after a period of reflection like isolation, deep contemplation due to some inner voice that something needs to change in your life, the 'dark night of the soul'. The angel's trumpet bears a flag with an even red cross which signifies victory over death. This card can refer to awakening to yourself in one of many ways; creatively, spiritually, sense of purpose, lifestyle choices and so on.
NB This card is known to confuse others because of its name. Its name may lead others to think of the 11th major arcana card 'Justice'. However, this card is more about a very personal experience (unlike the justice card that often refers to a situation).
This card's CTA is to trust in the higher spiritual power and be receptive to the calling for a new chapter in your life.
21. World
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This card references completion. The empress holds 2 magickal wands. The presence of wands in this arcana is reminiscent of the magician card in which the magician holds only 1 wand in a posture of action (not surprisingly since the wand is a suit of active creation). Unlike the magician who was very actively working with the various suits, the empress' posture is relaxed, as if returning calmly from having done magick. The garland around her suggests that the reason for her posture is victory.
This card is a CTA to complete your current undertaking or purpose. Tie up all the loose ends now. Take ownership by proceeding without fear because success is assured. It is time to prepare for your next purpose.
0. Fool (see above)
CONTENT RELATED TO SPIRIT COMMUNICATION - TAROT - THE MAJOR ARCANA
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