A Guide to Tarot Card Meanings

by Mark McElroy

Table of Contents
Dedication
Uncopyright Notice
Author’s Preface
Making the Most of these Meanings
In This Chapter
About Traditional Meanings
Sources for Traditional Meanings
How to Apply These Entries
In a Nutshell
The Major Arcana
In This Chapter
Trump 0: The Fool
Trump 1: The Magician
Trump 2: Papess/High Priestess
Trump 3: The Empress
Trump 4: The Emperor
Trump 5: The Pope/Hierophant
Trump 6: The Lovers
Trump 7: The Chariot
Trump 8: Strength
Trump 9: The Hermit
Trump 10: The Wheel
Trump 11: Justice
Trump 12: The Hanged Man
Trump 13: Death
Trump 14: Temperance
Trump 15: The Devil
Trump 16: The Tower
Trump 17: The Star
Trump 18: The Moon
Trump 19: The Sun
Trump 20: Judgement
Trump 21: The World
The Minor Arcana
The Suit Cards
The Pip Cards
The Court Cards
Suit of Wands
Ace of Wands
Two of Wands
Three of Wands
Four of Wands
Five of Wands
Six of Wands
Seven of Wands
Eight of Wands
Nine of Wands
Ten of Wands
Page of Wands
Knight of Wands
Queen of Wands
King of Wands
Suit of Cups
Ace of Cups
Two of Cups
 Three of Cups
Four of Cups
Five of Cups
Six of Cups
Seven of Cups
Eight of Cups
Nine of Cups
Ten of Cups
Page of Cups
Knight of Cups
Queen of Cups
King of Cups
Suit of Swords
Ace of Swords
Two of Swords
Three of Swords
Four of Swords
Five of Swords
Six of Swords
Seven of Swords
Eight of Swords
Nine of Swords
Ten of Swords
Page of Swords
Knight of Swords
Queen of Swords
King of Swords
Suit of Coins
Ace of Coins
Two of Coins
Three of Coins
Four of Coins
Five of Coins
Six of Coins
Seven of Coins
Eight of Coins
Nine of Coins
Ten of Coins
Page of Coins
Knight of Coins
Queen of Coins
King of Coins

Dedication
This one’s for Clyde.
Happy Birthday, Monkey Boy.

Uncopyright Notice
The text of this book is uncopyrighted. The only right reserved by the author is
this: you may not make any attempt to copyright this work or limit its use.
This edition of the text was prepared by Mark McElroy and released in August
2014. It is based on material previously published as The Absolute Beginner’s Guide
to Tarot (Que Books). The rights to this text reverted to the author in 2013.
The Tarot card images in this book are scans of a 1st edition Rider-Waite Tarot
designed by Pamela Coleman Smith and published by William Rider & Son Limited in
December of 1909. These images are unambiguously in the public domain the United
States.
 Version 1.0

Author’s Preface
Tarot should be accessible.
One obstacle to Tarot’s accessibility is the lack of clear information about the
traditional meanings of each card. Many guides exist, but they are copyrighted,
which limits their usefulness to students, teachers, and media developers. The text
of Waite’s Pictorial Key to the Tarot is now in the public domain, but that text is
too difficult for most readers.
As the author of this work, I’m declaring all text in this document
“uncopyrighted.” As a result, it is free for any use in any context. Want to
integrate these meanings into your class materials? Want to use them in an iPhone
app? Want to use them in your book? Want to remix, rehash, or revise them? Want to
sell a book or app that uses these meanings?
Have at them; they belong to everyone.
If you use them, it builds good karma to give me some credit. Something simple
will do, like: “Divinatory Meanings by Mark McElroy (http://www.TarotTools.com).”
But you’re also free to use the material without any attribution at all. It’s up to
you.
The only thing you can’t do with this text is make any attempt to limit its use.
That’s the one right I reserve: the right to insist this text may be freely used by
anyone, in any way, under any circumstances, world without end, Amen.

Mark McElroy
www.madebymark.com
www.tarottools.com

Making the Most of These Meanings

In This Chapter
* What are traditional meanings?
* Why bother with tradition when you have intuition?
* Where do traditional meanings come from?
* How should the meanings in this book be used?
About Traditional Meanings
Many Tarot readers work intuitively: as they look at an illustration, they get an
impression of what that card means to them at that point in time.
On one day, the Ace of Wands is a good omen. On the next, it could be a warning.
Neither interpretation is right or wrong, because all meanings assigned to the
cards are strictly a matter of context.
But Tarot cards also have traditional meanings—meanings other people have
assigned to the cards over time. Some of these meanings are derived from
complicated astrological or numerological computations. Some are based on obscure
texts. Others are based on the insights of experienced readers, who have learned to
associate certain cards with certain situations.
Passionate intuitive readers may refer to traditional meanings as "canned
meanings," implying they are prefabricated, stale, or inferior. But traditional
meanings have their place. In short, they can:
* help beginners approach the cards with confidence
* suggest new and valuable associations for each card
* introduce readers to new ways of thinking about specific cards or groups of cards
* serve as "jumping off points" for brainstorming sessions
* offer a second opinion on what a given card might mean
* lend weight to an intuitive reader's first impressions, and
* suggest insights a purely intuitive reader might overlook.
A single glance at a well-designed Tarot card illustration may tell you all you
need to know. But when you're uncertain of your skills, too tired to be at your
best, or worried that your personal agenda is coloring your interpretations, a
guide to traditional meanings (like the one found in this book) can be a valuable
resource.
Sources for Traditional Meanings
Over the years, hundreds of authors and thousands of readers have mapped millions
of meanings to every card in the deck. This expands and refreshes the Tarot's
vocabulary, but it is also the reason why no two books on Tarot completely agree on
the meaning of any particular card.
Rather than fret about the lack of consistency, give an unfamiliar traditional
meaning a chance. If it offers valuable insight, add it to the growing bank of
information that feeds your intuition. If it doesn't, set it aside. There are
thousands more where that one came from!
In the end, the meanings suggested in most Tarot books (including this one) have
been inspired by one or more of these sources:
The Occultists. Say what you will about those kooky French occultists, but the
divinatory meanings (upright and reversed) Ettellia published for the cards back in
1785 are the fountainhead for many meanings still in use today.
The Golden Dawn. This secret society forged associations between Tarot and just
about every conceivable mythological and mystical system.
Other Divinatory Systems. In addition to other works on Tarot, the meanings in
this book are influenced by other systems of insight, including astrology,
numerology, and the I Ching.
Amazing Books and Decks. A long list of great authors, books, and decks have
influenced Tarot readers over the last three hundred years. In this book, you’ll
see references to two very influential decks: the RWS (a deck conceived by Arthur
Edward Waite, illustrated by Pamela Coleman Smith, and published in 1904 by Rider
Publishing) and the Marseilles (which is not just one deck, but a family of decks
illustrated in the Marseilles tradition or style).
Practical Experience. I've been reading cards for other people for more than a
decade. During that time, my experience as a reader, my spirituality, and my
personal insights have given rise to a very personal Range of Meanings for each and
every card. As you continue your work with the cards, you'll also develop a set of
associations all your own.
How to Apply These Entries
The divinatory meanings found in this guide are formatted to help you quickly and
easily apply them to almost any kind of question. For every card, you'll find:
Keywords. Keywords boil down complex meanings into single words. You'll find at
least three for every card; you can pick the ones you like best.
Range of Meaning. No card is all good or all bad. These phrases suggest a broad
range of interpretations for each card, from light and happy to shadowy and
brooding.
Correspondences. For the Major Arcana, you'll see correspondences with universal
archetypes, the Hebrew alphabet, numerology, astrology, the classical elements and
planets, myths and spiritual traditions, and the elements of storytelling. For the
Minor Arcana, you'll find correspondences to numerology, astrology, daily
affirmations, and storytelling.
Advice. Advisory passages explore how the energy of a card could be applied to
matters of romance and relationships, work, spirituality, and personal growth. If
you're feeling "fate-alistic," there are fortune telling and timing applications,
too.
Symbols and Insights. These notes share stories you can use to enhance your
appreciation for Tarot's depth and beauty. They also suggest additional ways a card
might apply to your situation.
Questions to Ask. These three questions can help you launch a personal
exploration of what each card means to you.
To get the most out of this guide, skim the entire entry for a card, allowing
intuition to be your guide. Take your time; look around. While your question may be
about a relationship, a turn of phrase elsewhere in the entry may prompt exactly
the insight you need.
 Take what works. Use what helps you. Leave the rest for another time.
In a Nutshell
Traditional meanings—divinatory meanings assigned by others—help beginners
approach the cards with confidence. They can also enhance the intuitive reading
process by suggesting alternative applications of familiar cards.
Traditional meanings come from a variety of sources, including divinatory
meanings published hundreds of years ago, the work of dozens of scholars and
authors, and a reader's personal experience. As a result, the traditional meaning
assigned to any one card may differ from book to book.
Meanings suggested by this book have been designed to make it easier for
beginners to apply them to a wide variety of questions and challenges. As always,
take what works; ignore the rest.

The Major Arcana

In This Chapter
* What are some traditional meanings that have been assigned to the Major Arcana
cards?
* What does a specific Major card have to say about your situation?
* What stories and insights lie behind the symbols on the trump cards?
* What questions could you ask in order to explore the personal message a specific
trump card has for you?
The cards of the Major Arcana, also loosely referred to as "the trumps," address
your life's most important issues and larger themes. Often, they represent
universal forces that lie outside the sphere of your direct control. They may also
reveal the life lessons a situation is designed to teach or help you see your
situation in a larger context.
This chapter provides an overview of meanings others have assigned to each card
of the Major Arcana. The information, applications, and questions listed here will
help you launch a personal exploration of each card's meaning. With time and
practice, you should expect to expand these meanings with insights of your very
own.

Trump 0: The Fool

Keywords
Freedom, faith, inexperience, innocence
Range of Meaning
Light: Freeing yourself from limitation. Expressing joy and youthful vigor. Being
open-minded. Taking a leap of faith. Attuning yourself to your instincts. Being
eager or curious. Exploring your potential. Embracing innovation and change.
Shadow: Being gullible and naive. Taking unnecessary risks. Failing to be serious
when required. Being silly or distracted. Lacking experience. Failing to honor
well-established traditions and limits. Behaving inappropriately.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Divine Madman
Hebrew Alphabet: Aleph/Ox/1
Numbers: 0 (off the scale; pure potential)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Air
Mythical/Spiritual: Adam before the fall. Christ as a wandering holy madman.
Deity wrapped in human flesh. The Holy Spirit.
Story: The Main Character as the story begins, unaware of complications to come.
Advice
Relationships. There's a reason we say we "fall" in love! Each new romance makes
us as giddy as a total beginner. Don't allow old habits to smother opportunities
for growth. You can break rules without resorting to rash action—and you don't have
to be in control all the time.
Work. Leap over limits. Don't waver; now's the time to jump, even if you don't
have all the facts in hand. Remember that once, every new direction was just
another crazy idea. Be prepared, though. Later, your results will determine whether
others deem you clever or crazy.
Spirituality. You are old and young, wise and inexperienced. Life is a cycle of
cycles; find your place in the dance and start dancing. Reinvention is the key to
transformation. See who you are, but acknowledge, too, the person you can be. Grace
abounds; embrace it. Consider Zen meditation.
Personal Growth. Without falling for every scheme that comes your way, you can
cultivate an openness to life. What are your limits? What boundaries define you?
What might happen if you step outside those definitions? With eyes wide open,
expand your world today.
Fortune Telling. Watch for new projects and new beginnings. Prepare to take
something on faith. Something new comes your way; go for it.
When? Unexpectedly, if at all.
Symbols and Insights
The Jester. In the royal court, the jester's wit bought indulgence for his sharp-
tongued commentary. As a result, he could say what the king (and others) could not.
How might his strategy work for you?
The Beggar. While later Fools are fresh-faced characters cavorting on cliffs,
earlier incarnations were beggars—the lowliest of the low, according to the
Renaissance world view. How capable are you of embracing everyone, regardless of
their social status?
The Animal Familiar. In different decks, different animals accompany the Fool. In
the RWS, we see dog, the symbol of loyalty and instinct. In the Thoth deck, we see
an entire menagerie, including a crocodile (the reptilian brain) and a tiger
(violent instinct). Which quality suits you best today?
The Cliff. The Fool is often shown just one footfall short of a tumble; in other
decks, he is suspended in space. In your situation, what works best: your feet on
the ground or head in the clouds?
Possessions. The RWS Fool carries a bag or wallet, presumably filled with lessons
from a previous life. He may carry a white rose (innocence) or a red rose (will).
How might your experience, or lack thereof, be the key to your situation?
Questions to Ask
* What would I do if I felt free to take a leap?
* How willing am I to be vulnerable and open?
* How might past experiences help in this new situation?

Trump 1: The Magician

Keywords
Capability, empowerment, activity
Range of Meaning
Light: Taking appropriate action. Receiving guidance from a higher power.
Becoming a channel of divine will. Expressing masculine energy in appropriate and
constructive ways. Being yourself in every way.
Shadow: Inflating your own ego. Abusing talents. Manipulating or deceiving
others. Being too aggressive. Using cheap illusions to dazzle others. Refusing to
invest the time and effort needed to master your craft. Taking shortcuts.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Ego/The Self
Hebrew Alphabet: Beth/House/2
Numbers: 1 (origins, unity, seeds)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: The sun/Mercury
Mythical/Spiritual: Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom, known to the Greeks as
Hermes and to the Romans as Mercury. Christ working miracles. Brahma, the Creator.
Story: Consciously or unconsciously, the main character receives or controls a
resource that holds the key to the story's primary challenge.
Advice
 Relationships. A relationship should empower you. Does yours generate positive
change in your life? Do you feel happier and more fulfilled? A relationship that
supports your goals is to be valued; a relationship that doesn't must be changed or
cast aside.
Work. Exercise whatever authority you have. With the right resources, you'll
succeed. But not everyone who appears empowered really is. With an eye toward
growth, seek allies who focus on steak, not sizzle. Be a mentor ... or find one.
Deploy tools and resources against well-defined goals.
Spirituality. If others were to see you and your life as an expression of the
Divine, what would their impression of the Divine be? How can you improve that
perception? How can you better dedicate yourself to being a channel for positive
energy in the world?
Personal Growth. Asserting yourself can be an important step toward wholeness.
When your work or life experience has given you special insights or talents, shrug
off self-doubt and apply them fearlessly. Act confidently, and feelings of
confidence will follow.
Fortune Telling. A powerful man may play a role in your day. Your current
situation must be seen as one element of a much larger plan.
When? Within three months.
Symbols and Insights
The lemniscate. Symbolic of infinity and spiritual mastery, the lemniscate floats
above the Magician's head; some also see it reflected in the oddly shaped brim of
the Marseilles' Juggler's hat. How would access to infinite power change your
situation? What would you do?
The Magician's tools. Very early decks depict the juggler with a wand, cups and
balls, and a knife—tools of a common conjurer. Some later decks change these to a
cup, a blade, a pentacle, and a wand, suggesting mastery over the four dimensions
of life. Contemporary decks may use other symbols to suggest similar themes and
additional alternatives for action. Which tool do you need today?
The upraised wand. The Magician often holds aloft a wand or caduceus (the snake-
entwined symbol associated with the god Hermes and the medical profession). He
channels the power of heaven to bring about change on earth: "As above, so below!"
What might heaven channel through you?
Magician's clothing. The Magician's robe suggests masculine empowerment. He might
also wear a belt fashioned like an oroborous (a snake swallowing its own tail,
suggesting constant reinvention). How might direct action or reinvention aid you?
Roses and lilies. The flowers at the foot of the RWS Magician suggest the
unification of the masculine and feminine, associated with the alchemist's goal of
spiritual refinement and perfection. Which approach takes best advantage of both
your masculine and feminine perspectives?
Questions to Ask
* What am I empowered to do?
* How might my abilities come into play?
* To what extent am I making the most of my talents?

Trump 2: The Papess/High Priestess

Keywords
Intuition, reflection, purity, initiation
Range of Meaning
Light: Listening to your feelings and intuitions. Exploring unconventional
spirituality. Keeping secrets. Being receptive. Reflecting instead of acting.
Observing others. Preserving purity.
Shadow: Being aloof. Obsessing on secrets and conspiracies. Rejecting guidance
from spirit or intuition. Revealing all. Ignoring gut feelings. Refusing to become
involved, even when involvement is appropriate.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Virgin/The Maiden
 Hebrew Alphabet: Gimel/Camel/3
Numbers: 2 (division, debate, duality)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: The moon
Mythical/Spiritual: The feminine aspect of divinity, particularity when expressed
through virginity, as with the Virgin Mary or Isis.
Story: An unexpected event contains seeds of discord with potential to disrupt
the main character's everyday world.
Advice
Relationships. Your heart is your best source of information now; listen to it.
Set, communicate, and respect sexual limits. Don't tell everything you know; one
element of attraction is mystery. Still, don't be a puzzle; communicate your needs
and the reasons for them. Watch and learn.
Work. Play your cards close to the vest. Reveal your insights to a chosen few.
Rather than take rash action now, keep still and observe. Hold your tongue and
learn by listening. Listen to your gut instincts. When the time comes for action,
you'll know.
Spirituality. The unconventional image of a papess recalls the legend of the
heretical, cross-dressing Pope Joan, whose true gender was revealed when she
unexpectedly gave birth. Consider alternative spiritual paths or nontraditional
applications of your familiar faith.
Personal Growth. Learning to listen can be the most difficult lesson of all.
Invest energy in the transformational discipline of silence. Disengaging from the
drive to respond will free you to reflect. As an observer, you will see patterns
participants will overlook.
Fortune Telling. A mysterious woman arrives. A sexual secret may surface. Someone
knows more than he or she will reveal.
When? Within 28 days.
Symbols and Insights
The scroll of the law. Often, the Papess or High Priestess holds an unopened
book, occasionally labeled TORA ("law"), an anagram of TARO. What laws govern your
situation? Have they been expressed, or kept secret?
The lunar crescent. The Priestess is closely associated with the moon and, by
extension, with all lunar cycles (including menstruation). Which cycles are at work
in your situation?
Boaz and Jachin. The B and J often seen on the columns to either side of the
Priestess are the two pillars of Solomon's Temple. Their names mean “in strength”
and “God will establish.” What might God (or the universe) be using your strength
to establish?
The pomegranate veil. Symbolizing fertility, pomegranates connect the Priestess
with the myth of Persephone, whose consumption of three pomegranate seeds linked
her with the underworld. The veil is the veil of the temple, symbolically marking
the division between the realm of humanity and the realm of God. Might the seeds of
this situation have been sown by a belief in an obstacle between you and the
Divine?
The waters. The water often seen behind or beneath this archetype represents the
unknown depths of the subconscious mind. What is your intuition telling you?
Questions to Ask
* What might a rebel against tradition do?
* What isn't being said or revealed?
* What could be achieved by observing and reflecting?

Trump 3: The Empress

Keywords
Fertility, productivity, ripeness, nurturing
Range of Meaning
Light: Nurturing yourself and others. Bearing fruit. Celebrating your body.
Bearing (literal or figurative) children. Reveling in luxury. Mothering those
around you in positive ways. Enjoying your sexuality. Getting things done.
Shadow: Overindulging. Being greedy. Smothering someone with attention.
Debilitating someone by being overprotective. Inhibiting productivity by obsessing
on productivity. Being overcome by addictive behavior.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Mother
Hebrew Alphabet: Daleth/Door/4
Numbers: 3 (expression, productivity, output)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Venus
Mythical/Spiritual: Gaia, Mother Earth, Ishtar, Demeter—mature, reproductive
female divinity in every form. Also Aphrodite and Turan.
Story: A motherly or nurturing figure reminds the main character of the core
values that are the essence of his or her character.
Advice
Relationships. Without going overboard, revel in your sensuality. Take care you
don't produce more than you intended; the moment is pregnant with possibility. Be
lavish with demonstrations of affection. Watch for what a friend or partner needs,
and then supply it in abundance.
Work. Now is the time to get things done. Wrap up projects. Ask for resources.
Meet deadlines. Move ahead. During this time of growth and expansion, be sure you
have the skills and training you need. In the meantime, don't mistake a headlong
rush for focused, verifiable progress.
Spirituality. Women are the figurative and literal door to this world. This
moment, too, can be a door for you—a threshold you cross into a new awareness.
Watch for physical ways to express your spiritual insights. Reconnect with
nurturing, feminine images of divinity, including nature.
Personal Growth. Your attitudes toward women (and your insights into your own
feminine qualities) are likely rooted in early experiences. How can you emulate the
best female role models you've encountered? How can you transcend female influences
that harm or hold you back?
Fortune Telling. Pregnancy is in the cards. An opportunity to be involved in
luxurious sexuality is coming. Beware a tendency toward addiction.
When? Within seven and one-half months.
Symbols and Insights
Venus. The familiar planetary symbol for Venus often appears in illustrations for
Trump 3, stressing the Empress's association with domesticity, motherhood, and
female sexuality. What course of action might these themes suggest?
The scepter and crown. The Empress's scepter (a symbol of authority) is topped by
a cross and an orb, a sign of earthly dominion. In RWS-influenced images, the
Empress wears a diadem of 12 stars, suggesting her dominion over the circle of the
year. What do you have dominion over?
The cushioned throne. Unlike the rigid stone throne of the Emperor, the Empress
is often depicted on a cushioned throne, emphasizing themes of luxury. How might
themes of comfort or indulgence impact your situation?
Pregnancy/Ripeness. A universal sign for fertility is pregnancy; in many decks,
the Empress is pregnant, emphasizing themes of fertility and productivity. In your
situation, what outcome struggles to be born?
The rushing stream. Unlike the vast, still, reflective body of water often shown
behind the Priestess, the Empress is often seen near a rushing stream or waterfall.
Is it time to put your intuition into motion?
Questions to Ask
* What would a concerned and capable mother do?
* What can I do that would emphasize growth?
* How can I celebrate my own sensuality and sexuality?

Trump 4: The Emperor

Keywords
 Authority, regulation, direction, structure
Range of Meaning
Light: Exercising authority. Defining limits. Directing the flow of work.
Communicating clear guidelines. Being in control of yourself and others. Tempering
aggressive masculinity with wisdom and experience.
Shadow: Micromanaging. Crushing the creativity of others with a rigid, iron-
fisted approach. Insisting on getting your own way. Assuming a dictatorial mindset.
Using overt force to achieve your goals and maintain order.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Father
Hebrew Alphabet: He[as]/Window/5, or in some decks, Tzaddi/Fish hook/90
Numbers: 4 (stability, equality, persistence)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Mars/Aries
Mythical/Spiritual: Masculine gods, including the Hebrew God, the Christian God,
Allah, and Zeus. Patriarchs (Abraham) and lawgivers (Moses). Vishnu, the Preserver.
Story: A stern figure seeks to control or restrain the main character by
reminding him or her of responsibilities and obligations.
Advice
Relationships. Without becoming false or deceptive, you can regulate your
feelings and reactions. Beware the need to always be in control; a healthy
relationship incorporates a fair division of labor. Be on the lookout for subtle
(and not-so-subtle) efforts to wear the pants in the relationship.
Work. Efficient groups depend on centralized control. Seek ways to direct the
flow without micromanaging the process. Encourage leaders (including yourself) to
step up to the plate and embrace their obligations. Control what you can; don't
worry about the rest.
Spirituality. The stereotypical view of religion casts organized faith in
restrictive terms. Rather than be constrained by structure, consider how structure
and discipline might enhance your spiritual experience. Seek guidance and direction
from those who have walked the path before you.
Personal Growth. In what ways do your attitudes toward authority seem to be
shaped by your relationship with your father? A mature person recognizes that
structure and authority are a requirement of civilization. Some resist purely out
of habit or stubbornness; when you buck the system, be sure you have good reason to
do so.
Fortune Telling. A father figure arrives. A new employer or authority figure will
give you orders. Expect discipline or correction in the near future.
When? Between March 20 and April 19
Symbols and Insights
The ankh scepter. The Emperor's distinctive scepter hints at his dominion over
life and death. In the Marseilles-style decks, the Emperor holds a standard orb and
cross scepter. In your situation, what do you really control?
The beard. The Emperor is often drawn with a full beard, suggesting masculinity
and maturity. Significantly, many drawings of masculine deities (including the
Christian God) incorporate long, flowing beards, emphasizing transcendent
authority. Who's in charge of your situation, and by what authority?
The cubic throne. In stark contrast to the Empress's cushioned throne, the
Emperor's seat often appears to be carved out of a single marble slab, reinforcing
his monolithic authority. Would rigid control be more appropriate than gentle
guidance today?
Fiery surroundings. The Emperor often appears in a blasted desert landscape
(suggestive of Mars). Here, the emotional stream that flowed so freely past the
Empress is often compressed into a weak, regulated trickle. How might strict
emotional control help you now?
The ram. The ram, absent in early versions of the card, suggests the Emperor's
ties to Aries. Traditionally, the ram symbolizes the fiery energy of Aries and,
physically, the head of the body. Are your efforts fruitful, or are you just
butting your head against a wall?
Questions to Ask
* How does the issue of control or regulation impact this situation?
* What would a compassionate but strict father do?
* What needs more control?

Trump 5: The Pope/Hierophant

Keywords
Guidance, knowledge, revelation, belief
Range of Meaning
Light: Teaching or guiding others. Searching for the truth. Asking for guidance
from a higher power. Acknowledging the wisdom and experience of others. Taking
vows. Engaging in heartfelt rituals. Volunteering.
Shadow: Using experience as a means of manipulating or misguiding others. Being
dogmatic. Favoring tradition over what is expedient or necessary. Going through the
motions of empty rituals. Concealing wisdom. Restricting access to spiritual truths
or the gods.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Guardian/The Church/Faith
Hebrew Alphabet: Vau/Nail or Spike/6
Numbers: 5 (instability, resistance, confrontation, evolution)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Taurus/Earth
Mythical/Spiritual: The Christ, the Apostle Peter, Buddha, Mohammed. Popes,
priests, and intercessors of every faith and tradition
Story: A skilled advisor or capable initiate teaches the main character the
secrets he or she needs to succeed.
Advice
Relationships. A relationship should be more than just going through the motions.
Seek the deeper meaning of small gestures and daily chores. Emphasize signs that
those involved have real faith in the partnership. If necessary, seek guidance from
a spiritual leader or counselor.
Work. Seek training or a mentor, particularly if you are having difficulty
understanding a complex assignment or when adjusting to new professional
surroundings. See your daily work as an expression of your faith. Take traditional
routes instead of innovative, unproven measures.
Spirituality. See familiar spiritual symbols in a new light by pursuing a deeper
understanding of them. If you're a lone practitioner, consider the value of joining
a like-minded group or learning from a worthy teacher. What are the larger truths
behind the rituals or stories you've learned?
Personal Growth. In time, everyone must deal with conflicts between experience
and faith. Where do you find your personal center? Values dictate behavior, so work
to define what you truly believe in. Don't shy away from the big questions, but be
wary of gurus bearing quick answers.
Fortune Telling. Expect to be caught in a misdeed and punished accordingly. Pray
for forgiveness and confess wrongdoings. A more experienced man, spiritual leader,
or father figure will come into your life.
When? Between April 20 and May 20
Symbols and Insights
The three-tiered hat. The three-tiered crown, called a triregnum or tiara, of the
Pope dates to at least the thirteenth century. The number 3 suggests a connection
with the trinity. How is your own faith (or lack of faith) reflected in this
situation?
The triple-cross scepter. The Papal Cross is widely recognized as a symbol of the
Pope's authority and office. Crowley's version in the Thoth deck is said to
represent three distinct eras, concluding with the age of Horus, in which old
beliefs are abandoned. Are there outdated beliefs you'd do well to abandon?
The kneeling acolytes. The acolytes or ministers wear robes adorned with roses
and lilies in RWS-influenced decks, suggesting a connection with repressed male and
female sexual energies. What urges or inclinations are you being called upon to
control?
The crossed keys. The crossed keys are associated with St. Peter, considered by
some traditions to be the first pope. Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom. If
you were in a respected position of power, what changes would you make?
The number 5. The five points of the Hierophant's body (head, hands, feet)
suggest an upright, five-pointed star. This upright pentagram places the head above
the body, emphasizing the mind's ability to force bodily urges into submission.
Five, the number of the senses, is also the number of humanity. Which might your
situation call for: your head or your humanity?
Questions to Ask
* What role might tradition or religion play in this situation?
* Who authored the rules? Who enforces them? Why?
* How might an experienced guide impact this situation?

Trump 6: The Lovers

Keywords
Love, passion, unity, choice
Range of Meaning
Light: Being in love. Showing your love to others. Expressing passion or romantic
feelings. Aligning yourself with groups or like-minded others. Bringing people
together. Making well-informed decisions.
Shadow: Debilitating passion. Allowing an unhealthy desire for love to motivate
destructive behavior. Disrupting unity. Working against the best interests of those
who care about you. Ill-informed decisions.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Lover/Sexual Awakening
Hebrew Alphabet: Zain/Sword/ 7
Numbers: 6 (cooperation, collaboration, interaction)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Gemini
Mythical/Spiritual: Obviously, Adam and Eve, who are depicted in RWS-influenced
decks. Also Venus and Cupid, Aphrodite and Eros.
Story: The main character encounters a love interest or must choose between love
and doing what is right.
Advice
Relationships. This is a time to celebrate unity, love, and romance in all its
forms. Souls are coming together, and a unique opportunity exists for people to
enjoy an unusual degree of interdependence and cooperation. Let your heart guide
your choices today.
Work. Call group meetings, pursue mergers, and find solid business partners
during this rare opportunity for successful cooperation. Pay special attention to
opportunities to supply what others need. Lay a foundation for future success by
watching for team members with skills you lack. Make choices based on what you
truly enjoy doing.
Spirituality. Open yourself to new and diverse spiritual experiences. See
opportunities to love others (even romantically) as chances to be a channel for
divine love. Every small blessing you receive is an expression of universal love;
give thanks and embrace what life brings you.
Personal Growth. Now is a good time to deal with outstanding issues related to
sexuality and relationships. Rather than be overwhelmed with Hollywood-style
passion, consider the extent to which your qualities might be balanced or enhanced
by those of your potential partner. In other areas, find your passion and pursue
it.
Fortune Telling. A new personal or professional relationship blossoms. Sexual
opportunities abound. Unexpectedly, a friend becomes a lover.
When? Between May 21 and June 20
Symbols and Insights
The angel. Whether seen as Cupid (in the Marseilles deck) or Eros (in the RWS-
influenced decks), the influence of the angel draws the lovers together. If you
were Cupid, whom might you bring together to resolve your challenge?
The trees. Adam and Eve ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil but
were driven out of the Garden of Eden before they could partake of the Tree of Life
and become "as gods." Choices have consequences; note how RWS-influenced deck and
the Marseilles deck all drive this point home.
The serpent. An expert at manipulating loopholes, the Biblical serpent tempted
Eve. In your situation, should you honor the letter or the spirit of the law?
The wedding. Centuries ago, alchemists (the forefathers of modern chemists) used
the phrase "the Alchemical Wedding" to describe the moment when long-divided
opposites were brought together to create something new. They saw this reunion as a
symbol for personal transformation and, eventually, enlightenment. What
enlightenment might you achieve by bringing together opposing points of view?
The players. RWS-influenced decks depict Adam and Eve. The Marseilles decks
depict a young man making a choice between two women: a young wife and (depending
on whom you ask) his mother or an older woman. Who are the players in your
situation, and what choices do they face?
Questions to Ask
* What guides my choices?
* What is my heart leading me to do?
* How might this decision transform me as a person?

Trump 7: The Chariot

Keywords
Advancement, victory, triumph, success
Range of Meaning
Light: Breaking through barriers. Moving forward with confidence and authority.
Reaching the pinnacle of success. Basking in the glory of achievement. Guiding an
effort to total victory. Establishing yourself as a worthy leader.
Shadow: Resting on laurels. Riding roughshod over the feelings or expectations of
others. Focusing more on past successes than future opportunities. Failing to rein
in impulsive behavior.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Victorious Hero
Hebrew Alphabet: Cheth/Fence/8
Numbers: 7 (imagination, inner work, psychology)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Cancer
Mythical/Spiritual: Odysseus. Jason. The search for the Holy Grail. Christ's
triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Story: With an eye toward solving the story's central problem, the main character
commits to a quest, usually at the end of the first act.
Advice
Relationships. Moving forward to mutual victory requires trust and cooperation.
If you have this already, depend on it during an upcoming challenge. If you lack
it, consider what choices have prevented forming this kind of bond. Don't rest on
your laurels; successful romance is an ongoing commitment.
Work. What do you need to move forward? Now is the time to summon resources and
plan for future success. Past successes might not be an indicator of current value.
Remember that employers tend to ask "What have you done for me lately?" Work
accordingly.
Spirituality. Celebrate spiritual achievement, but be aware that a sense of
having arrived can be the first step toward disastrous vanity. The goal is not to
be a guru, but to achieve balance and stability. As you make progress, extend a
helping hand to others who still await their chariot moment.
Personal Growth. Reaching a new plane of maturity is exciting, so some
celebration is in order. Every ending, though, is a new beginning; keep an eye
fixed on further growth. Having reached the limits of mundane success, it's time to
work on deeper transformation.
Fortune Telling. Victory is a certainty. Move ahead with all plans. Beware the
jealousy of others.
When? Between June 21 and July 22
Symbols and Insights
The canopy. Stars imprinted on the canopy of the Chariot signify the occupant's
mastery over all things under heaven. How has past success (or a lack of it) played
into this situation?
The sphinxes. Horses draw the Marseilles Chariot, but in other decks, sphinxes—
keepers of riddles, wisdom, and hidden knowledge—pull the carriage. One is black
and the other white, symbolizing the charioteer's dominion over masculine and
feminine forces. Who guards the answer to your riddle?
The scepter. The wand, a symbol of power used throughout the deck, appears in
RWS-inspired decks as the charioteer's scepter. How should you channel your power
today?
Achievement vs. momentum. In some decks, the illustration makes it difficult to
tell whether the Chariot is standing still (having reached a strategic position) or
moving forward (as if mounting an attack). Is it time for strategic thinking … or
action?
The Lingam-Yoni. The lingam is a cylindrical or phallic shape associated with
male sexual potency; the yoni, shaped like a bowl, is considered the source of all
that exists. How might your situation change if you commanded unlimited creative
energy?
Questions to Ask
* To what extent have I arrived? What will my next challenge be?
* How can I use past achievements to their best advantage?
* What would the criteria for real and meaningful success be?

Trump 8: Strength

Note
In decks influenced by the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition, Strength (or its
equivalent) is Trump 8 and Justice (or its equivalent) is Trump 11. But in some
decks, the two cards are reversed.
Neither arrangement is inherently better than the other. In this book, however,
you'll find the entry for Justice under Trump 11.
Keywords
Discipline, boldness, self-discipline, power, vitality
Range of Meaning
Light: Imposing restrictions on yourself for your own benefit. Bringing your
passions under the control of reason. Resisting impulses that work against your
best interests. Taking bold action.
Shadow: Indulging weakness, even when you know it will damage your health and
happiness. Languishing in addiction. Allowing your instincts to tame and conquer
you. Failing to take a stand when necessary.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Id
Hebrew Alphabet: Theth/Snake/9 or Lamed/Outstretched Arms/30
Numbers: 11 = 1 + 1 = 2 (debate, duality) or 8 (movement, outer work)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Leo or Libra
Mythical/Spiritual: Samson. Hercules. Daniel in the lion's den. The sinless
Christ.
Story: An event hints at the main character's hidden strength, which he or she
will use (or choose not to use) to resolve the story. Alternatively, a physical or
emotional weakness hinders the main character's progress.
Advice
Relationships. You're in control. You can't tame others, but you can rein
yourself in. Watch for old habits or weaknesses to surface, and use your wits to
avoid upcoming pitfalls.
Work. Emotions and distractions can hinder progress. Identify the cause of
dissention and take steps to moderate it. Allow people (including yourself) to do
what they do best. An objective perspective yields more effective action.
Spirituality. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Your own willpower
may not be strong enough to resist the temptations that come your way. (That's
okay; you're human.) Turn challenges over to a higher power, and allow yourself to
be led.
Personal Growth. Identify problematic habits and unhealthy tendencies, and weigh
their overall impact on your life. Consider, too, the value of leaving these behind
for healthier options. A good measure of maturity is the ability to forgo immediate
gratification to reap benefits later.
Fortune Telling. Your self-control will be tested. A woman will seek to change
her partner or lover. You are a strong, capable person.
When? If Strength = 11, between September 23 and October 22 (Libra). If Strength
= 8, between July 23 and August 27 (Leo).
Symbols and Insights
The lemniscate. Again, in the Marseilles decks, many see a lemniscate, or
infinity symbol, concealed in the brim of the figure's hat. RWS-inspired decks
emphasize the symbol, suggesting infinite self-discipline. What role does self-
control play in your situation?
The lion. Generally, the lion (king of beasts) suggests bestial, untamed
instincts. Closing the mouth of the lion graphically illustrates the power the
central figure has over instinctual forces. What instinctual responses need to be
curbed?
Symbols of strength. Some illustrators use Hercules on this card; a gentle woman
is more frequently seen, though. What course of action would best symbolize your
own moral strength?
Questions to Ask
* How can I enhance my self-discipline?
* What behaviors tempt me? How can I resist?
* What instincts do I continue to struggle with today?

Trump 9: The Hermit

Keywords
Solitude, experience, stillness, withdrawal
Range of Meaning
Light: Becoming or seeking out a guru. Going on a retreat. Recharging spiritual
or creative batteries. Lighting the way for those with less experience. Stepping
back to gain perspective.
Shadow: Being a loner. Fearing contact with others. Becoming a know-it-all.
Inflating claims of expertise. Hiding your skills and talents out of fear of
unworthiness.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Holy Man
Hebrew Alphabet: Yod/Hand/10
Numbers: 9 (fullness, readiness, ripeness)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Virgo
Mythical/Spiritual: The Christ, while fasting 40 days in the wilderness. Chronos,
the god of time. Father Time. Hermes.
Story: On the verge of giving up, the main character withdraws, seeking clarity
in isolation. He or she may receive advice from a wise person.
Advice
Relationships. Don't be afraid of being alone. Even the closest companions need
some time apart. Being involved in a partnership does not eliminate your need to be
your own person. To better please others, first learn how to please yourself.
Work. Sometimes, you have to close the door, forward calls to voice mail, and
shut down your email client to get things done. Demand the space and time you need
to get your assignment done. If you're overwhelmed, consider bringing in a
consultant or an experienced aid.
Spirituality. Learn to be still. Doing so is a challenge in today's hurly-burly
world, but the skill offers many benefits. Focus on meditation; condition yourself
to slow your thoughts and lower your blood pressure with a few measured breaths.
Daily practice will make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
Personal Growth. To be the best you can be, you must know who you really are.
Reject the definitions others project on you. Search within. What do you really
value? What do you really want to achieve? Empower yourself by embracing yourself,
warts and all.
Fortune Telling. A period of loneliness begins. One partner in a relationship
departs. A search for love or money proves fruitless.
When? Between August 23 and September 22
Symbols and Insights
The raised lantern. A raised lantern has long suggested knowledge: "Thy word is a
lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Here, the lantern shows the way to
higher knowledge. What information do you need to bring to light today?
The Star of David. This hexagram is a symbol of Judaism and is also called the
Seal of Solomon. It combines the symbols for water and fire, suggesting the union
of male and female energies. How might faith unify those involved in your
situation?
The staff. This incarnation of the scepter suggests a different use of power,
recalling the staff of Moses. Instead of symbolizing power or intention, it
facilitates progress. What support do you need today?
The remote setting. The work of the Hermit requires isolation; he is usually
drawn in a remote locale, emphasizing themes of withdrawal. What might happen if
everyone in your situation backed off a bit?
The robes. The robes suggest the Hermit's status as an initiate or member of an
esoteric order. Are you a member of a group that could prove helpful now?
Questions to Ask
* What would happen if I simply withdrew and took no action?
* How can I get some perspective on the situation?
* Who has walked this path before me? How can I enlist his or her help?

Trump 10: The Wheel

Keywords
Luck, randomness, cycles, karma, fate, revolution
Range of Meaning
Light: Allowing events to unfold. Seeing the larger pattern in everyday events.
Trusting your luck. Watching for cycles. Believing that "what goes around, comes
around."
Shadow: Losing money gambling. Refusing to do your part to bring a plan to
fruition. Taking a fatalistic approach to life. Fighting the natural course of
events.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Fates/Destiny
Hebrew Alphabet: Koph/Palm/20
Numbers: 10 (finality, completion) and 10 = 1 + 0 = 1 (seed, opportunity)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Jupiter
Mythical/Spiritual: The God in the Machine. Deus ex Machina. Clotho, Lachesis,
and Atropos. Fortuna.
Story: An unforeseen event, completely out of the main character's control,
changes everything. Alternatively, decisions made in the past have unexpected
present-day consequences.
Advice
Relationships. You can't plan every moment. Be spontaneous. Rather than strive
for control, let go of the reins and see where the relationship goes. Check your
behaviors. Are you reliving mistakes of the past?
Work. Feeling a little de[as]ja[ag]-vu? Return to old files; new solutions might
be lying dormant there. Ask yourself what this new opportunity has in common with
older challenges. In analysis, take into account all influences, including those
beyond your control.
Spirituality. Behold the delicate machinery of heaven! As you watch events
unfold, keep your perspective. What seems impossible to understand today will make
sense with the passing of time. Look for the larger patterns.
Personal Growth. The actions you take today will influence your reality for days
and years to come. Making wise choices now can free you from the unpleasant
business of enduring repercussions further down the road.
Fortune Telling. Some events are in the hands of heaven. You've lived through
this before. What happened then?
When? Within 12 years.
Symbols and Insights
The four evangelists. Four winds of heaven, the four corners of the earth, four
seasons, four classical elements, four fixed signs of the zodiac, and four Gospels.
Matthew, who looks human, traced the human lineage of Christ. Mark, the Lion, wrote
of someone "crying" (roaring) in the wilderness. Luke, the Ox, focused on Jesus as
a sacrifice. John, the Eagle, emphasized the mystical, higher nature of the Christ.
What strategy would help you most: tracing roots, communication, sacrifice, or
mystery?
The great wheel. "To everything there is a season; a time for every purpose under
heaven." The wheel suggests the evolution of events, but also the cyclical nature
of time and history. In your situation, what time has finally come?
Symbols and letters. Using TARO as an alternative spelling, occultists came up
with an anagram: TAROT ROTA ORAT TORA ATOR, or "The Tarot speaks the law of
Hathor."(Hathor was an Egyptian goddess of motherhood and love.) The Hebrew letters
spell out the unspeakable name of God. The symbols are alchemical glyphs for
mercury, sulfur, water, and salt. What might happen if you rearranged the basic
elements of your situation?
Fantastic beasts. The descending serpent or monkey once reigned. The Sphinx at
the top now reigns. The ascending dog, or Anubis, will reign. Where are you in the
cycle?
Questions to Ask
* How does this challenge fit into a larger pattern?
* What role does luck play in my circumstances?
* What can I control? How should I know when to relinquish control?

Trump 11: Justice

Note
In decks influenced by the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition, Justice (or its
equivalent) is Trump 11 and Strength (or its equivalent) is Trump 8. But in some
decks, the two cards are reversed.
Neither arrangement is inherently better than the other. In this book, however,
you'll find the entry for Strength under Trump 8.
Keywords
Balance, law, fairness, objectivity
Range of Meaning
Light: Making an objective decision. Weighing an issue carefully before taking
action. Appropriately scaling your reaction to a situation. Getting all the facts.
Considering evidence. Deliberating.
Shadow: Delivering harsh criticism. Obsessing on rules and regulations. Playing
by the book even when it is destructive or counterproductive to do so. Confusing
snap decisions with timely action. Playing favorites.
Correspondences
 Archetype: The Law
Hebrew Alphabet: Lamed/Outstretched Arms/30 or Theth/Snake/9
Numbers: 8 (movement, work) or 11 = 1 + 1 = 2 (debate, duality)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Libra or Leo
Mythical/Spiritual: Themis or Justitia. Ma'at. Solomon dividing a baby. The Sword
of Damocles. The giving of the Ten Commandments.
Story: During the main character's initial challenge, his or her ability,
knowledge, or personal suitability is found to be lacking.
Advice
Relationships. Relationships are rarely 50/50 propositions, but the closer you
come to an even division of responsibility, the better. What do you really need to
be satisfied? Knowing your standards empowers you to evaluate your feelings more
clearly.
Work. Work toward a more equitable division of labor. Learn to delegate. Evaluate
your own work using the same standard you bring to bear on the work of others. Know
what matters most, and prioritize accordingly.
Spirituality. In all things, seek balance. When faced with a decision, quiet your
mind and allow your heart to weigh the moment. Trust in the law of karma; avoid
personal efforts to mete out universal justice.
Personal Growth. Everyone faces limitations of some kind. Learn your own limits.
Rather than allow them to define you, use what you know to better position yourself
for success. Learn when to say yes; know when to say no.
Fortune Telling. A legal verdict will be rendered soon. Someone is making a
decision. You need to get the facts.
When? If Justice = 8, between July 23 and August 27 (Leo). If Justice = 11,
between September 23 and October 22 (Libra).
Symbols and Insights
The sword. Swords symbolize decision-making and clarity, along with the
responsibility such talents bring. (Ask Damocles!) What information is crucial to
your decision? What are the pros and cons?
The scales. Scales have long been a symbol of balance and evaluation. The
Egyptian god Ma'at weighed souls to determine purity of heart. What needs to be
evaluated or weighed today?
The blindfold. Themis does not wear a blindfold, emphasizing her ability to
foresee the future; Justitia does, emphasizing her objectivity. How can you enhance
your own objectivity?
The temple columns. In RWS-influenced decks, we once again see the pillars from
Solomon's Temple. The veil now represents human law. What would a judge or lawyer
do in your situation?
Questions to Ask
* To what extent is your life (or work) balanced?
* How can you achieve greater objectivity?
* What course of action would be fair to everyone concerned?

Trump 12: The Hanged Man

Keywords
Enlightenment, sacrifice, perspective, suspension, reversals
Range of Meaning
Light: Seeing growth opportunities in unpleasant events. Experiencing a dramatic
change in personal perspective. Making the best of an unforeseen change in your
life or work. Suspending disbelief. Making sacrifices.
Shadow: Being untrue to yourself and your values. Refusing to make sacrifices
when appropriate. Refusing to adapt to new situations. Blaming others. Profiting at
the expense of others.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Traitor
Hebrew Alphabet: Mem/Water/40
 Numbers: 12 = 1 + 2 = 3 (expression, productivity, output)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Water
Mythical/Spiritual: The Crucified Christ. Isaac as a sacrifice. Prometheus bound.
Jonah and the whale. Lazarus. Any hanged or sacrificed god. Judas.
Story: One of the main character's allies is discovered to be working secretly
for the antagonist.
Advice
Relationships. What doesn't move forward isn't growing. If you're hanging by a
thread, it might be time to grab the scissors. If you can learn from what's not
working, do so, but don't equate learning with having to stay.
Work. Occasionally, no amount of effort will move a project to completion;
progress simply isn't the cards, despite your best efforts. Learn from setbacks;
turn disappointment into opportunity.
Spirituality. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Suspend your need to
have a hand in things. Consider, too, the value of small sacrifices. What you give
away will come back to you greatly multiplied.
Personal Growth. One sign of maturity is your ability to deal effectively with
the unexpected. Rather than be decimated, look for the lesson. If you're true to
your own values, no disaster will get the best of you.
Fortune Telling. A traitor is revealed. One of your friends is working against
you. Change your ways or suffer the consequences.
When? When you least expect it.
Symbols and Insights
The inverted traitor. Renaissance audiences would immediately recognize a hanged
man as a traitor because hanging traitors by one foot was a common practice. Are
you bound to any old habits that, in this situation, betray you?
The serpent. One occultist taught that the image of the Hanged Man was
"originally" drawn right-side up, as a man stepping over a snake (thought to be a
representation of the missing virtue of Prudence). What would be your most prudent
course of action now?
The halo of enlightenment. The Marseilles Hanged Man is clearly being punished.
As they mapped concepts of sacrificial enlightenment to this card, occultists added
the halo. What have your own trials taught you? How might those lessons apply now?
Questions to Ask
* How can I radically alter my perspective?
* How might being stuck actually be a blessing in disguise?
* How can I help myself see the glass as half full?

Trump 13: Death

Note
When the Death card appears, don't panic. Remember: the language of the Tarot is
symbolic. In the vast majority of cases, the Death card should be read as a
metaphor, not as a warning of impending doom! Use common sense, and let context be
your guide.
Keywords
Ending, conclusion, transition, passage, departure
Range of Meaning
Light: Bringing an unpleasant phase of life to an end. Recognizing and
celebrating the conclusion of something. Putting bad habits to rest. Becoming a new
person. Leaving one person, place, or thing for another. Letting go.
Shadow: Obsessing on death and dying. Refusing to give up old habits or unhealthy
relationships. Insisting that everything and everyone should stay the same forever.
Failing to take good care of yourself.
Correspondences
Archetype: Death
Hebrew Alphabet: Nun/Fish/50
Numbers: 13 = 1 + 3 = 4 (stability, persistence)
 Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Scorpio
Mythical/Spiritual: Christ in the tomb. Hades. Hypnos. Thanatos. Stories of
journeys into the underworld.
Story: At the midpoint of the story, the main character believes all is lost.
Alternatively, a helper or valued ally dies or is believed dead.
Advice
Relationships. Identify what's not working and put it behind you. Take stock,
too, of the relationship itself. Dying flames can be rekindled with mutual effort,
but embrace an ending if, in fact, an ending is what's best for you. Poets used to
call orgasm the "little death," so, at times, this card can also point to a
consummated relationship!
Work. Close out lingering projects and tie up loose ends. Now is a good time to
consider all your options, including the possibility of moving on. Alternatively,
you could put an end to feelings of unrest by deciding, once and for all, to stay
put. Do what's best for you.
Spirituality. Spiritual scribes write of "dying to the world"—realizing that the
physical world and its concerns are illusory at best. For you, the Death card is a
reminder to focus on what really matters. Alternatively, the card can suggest a
need to contact or honor your ancestors.
Personal Growth. Grasping the short, fleeting nature of life is one of life's
hardest and most sobering lessons. Acknowledging your own impermanence can help you
live your life more fully.
Fortune Telling. A relationship or illness ends suddenly. Limit travel and risk-
taking. General gloom and doom.
When? Between October 23 and November 21
Symbols and Insights
The rose flag. Oddly, in The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, Waite writes, "[The]
black banner emblazoned with the Mystic Rose ... signifies life." In your
situation, how might ending one thing give rise to another?"
The skeleton. Bones persist long after the decay of the body; so, they are
symbols of the enduring and eternal. Which aspects of your situation have persisted
over time? Which aspects are temporary?
The pale horse. "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on
him was Death" (Revelation 6:8). How do you feel about death? How might your
feeling about death be a metaphor for how you feel now?
Sunrise/sunset. In many illustrations, it's difficult to tell whether the sun is
rising or setting. Is your own situation just beginning, or is it coming to an end?
How can you be sure?
Doomed figures. The sprawled bodies and scattered body parts seen on many cards
reflect death's disruptive force. How might the need for disruption figure into
your situation?
Questions to Ask
* What needs to end?
* How might an ending actually be a blessing in this situation?
* What's next?

Trump 14: Temperance

Keywords
Blending, synthesis, mediation, combination, harmony
Range of Meaning
Light: Bringing opposites together. Moderating your actions or emotions. Finding
middle ground. Reaching compromises. Synthesizing solutions that please everyone
involved. Using the old to make something new.
Shadow: Going to extremes. Disrupting group efforts. Ignoring healthy approaches
to life. Becoming an addict. Practicing gluttony. Tearing something or someone
apart. Breaking alliances.
Correspondences
 Archetype: The Mediator
Hebrew Alphabet: Samekh/Foundation/60
Numbers: 14 = 1 + 4 = 5 (catalyst, instability, confrontation)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Sagittarius
Mythical/Spiritual: The angel seen here may be the goddess Iris. By extension,
priests, priesthoods, or the transfigured Christ.
Story: The main character learns to moderate impulses or habits that limit his or
her ability to solve the story's central problem.
Advice
Relationships. Set superficial relationships aside. Pursue trust and deep
intimacy—the subtle blending of two people into one. Bring people together. Commit
to introductions, parties, or gatherings. Seek out groups.
Work. Many hands make work easier. Call meetings. Get input from every level at
every step. If everyone has a hand in defining an effort, then everyone will feel
ownership and investment. Moderate your tendency toward all-or-nothing work habits.
Spirituality. Some spiritual advisors recommend extreme practices, from fasting
to abstinence, as a means of boosting spiritual awareness. Consider the potential
value of moderation in all things. You can value what is right here, right now,
without craving more or surpassing healthy limits.
Personal Growth. Young people want to toss out tradition and forge ahead. Older
people are more conservative. Between these extremes lies a healthier middle
ground. Define the polarities and then ask, "What lies between?"
Fortune Telling. Someone's using drugs or alcohol to excess. It's time to get
back on that diet.
When? Between November 22 and December 21
Symbols and Insights
The square and triangle. In many RWS-inspired decks, a symbol on the angel's
chest suggests the fiery spirit enshrined in stable matter. What meaning do your
possessions have beyond their physical value?
The blended cups. Temperance often pours the contents of two cups together,
blending water, water and wine, wine and milk, or even fire and water. How might
blending two opposites resolve your challenge today?
Land and water. Occult decks frequently draw Temperance with one foot on stable
land and one foot in emotional water. A dive-in-or-get-off-the-dock approach
assumes extremes are the only options. Are they?
Irises. The flowers seen in RWS-inspired illustrations suggest their namesake,
Iris, the goddess of the rainbow. What would happen if you reduced your situation
to its most basic components, as a rainbow breaks down white light?
Questions to Ask
* How can I avoid extremes?
* What does everyone involved have in common?
* How might combining familiar things help me create something new?

Trump 15: The Devil

Keywords
Shadow, materialism, bondage, delusion
Range of Meaning
Light: Appreciating the luxuries that life has to offer. Being comfortable in
your own skin. Enjoying your sexuality. Splurging on an expensive personal item.
Embracing the fact that everyone has a darker side. Dealing with unhealthy impulses
in healthy ways.
Shadow: Putting excessive emphasis on appearances. Always wanting more. Valuing
possessions more than people or relationships. Allowing base instincts to govern
your life. Being selfish. Attributing your own dark impulses to outside forces or
other people.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Shadow, The Other
 Hebrew Alphabet: Ayin/Eye/70
Numbers: 15 = 1 + 5 = 6 (adjustment, collaboration)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Capricorn
Mythical/Spiritual: The Biblical Satan, certainly. Fallen angels, including
Lucifer. Bacchus and Pan. Tempters and serpents of every stripe.
Story: The main character comes face to face with his or her adversary.
Alternatively, the main character realizes that his or her own perceptions or
actions are the cause of the story's primary problem.
Advice
Relationships. Avoid the temptation to blame everything on everyone else; own
your own contribution to the relationship's success or failure. Doing what feels
good is not always the best strategy. Take care that sexual attraction plays a
healthy role; resist the tendency to be dominated by cravings.
Work. The bottom line is important, but not all-important. Do not allow material
concerns to obscure human issues. There's nothing wrong with enjoying or being
compensated for good work—but keep the money in perspective. Know when to say,
"Enough's enough."
Spirituality. Many traditions position the body as bad or evil, something
unclean. In your own spiritual practice, consider the wisdom of relishing the body
and its spectrum of sensations. You can honor the pleasures of the body without
being enslaved by them.
Personal Growth. Be honest: what habit or attitude holds you back most? You might
find that the qualities you most detest in others are, in fact, reflections of your
darkest self. Rather than be chained to old attitudes or habits, embrace your
shortcomings and strive to make more conscious choices.
Fortune Telling. Adultery and unfaithfulness. A string of extremely bad luck is
coming your way. Beware evil influences and wolves in sheep's clothing.
When? Between December 22 and January 19
Symbols and Insights
The beast. The Marseilles Devil incorporates bat wings and sexual features. The
RWS Devil, influenced by Pan and associations with Capricorn, is more bestial and
fearsome. The Gilded Tarot emphasizes the attractiveness of the Devil; the Bright
Idea Deck suggests that the Shadow is, in fact, within. Which plays the greatest
role in your challenge: fear, attraction, or denial?
Prisoners and chains. The Devil is accompanied by fauns — mythical half-goats
whose horns and tails emphasize their bestial nature. Their fascination with the
material prevents them from stepping away from the loose chains around their necks.
Might someone in your situation need to escape the influence of his or her basest
instincts?
Flames. Flames appear on the tip of the male faun's tail in the RWS. What all-
consuming obsession or passion plays a role in your situation?
The pentagram. Upright, the pentagram is associated with the five points of the
human body. Inverted, it suggests the head (the intellect) has been conquered by
desire. In your situation, are you being led by your conscience or your cravings?
The hermaphrodite. The Devil is often drawn as a hermaphrodite—a dark parody of
the unity associated with enlightenment and divinity. How might false unity or
misrepresented loyalty play a role in your situation?
Questions to Ask
* What enslaves me? How can I set myself free?
* How can I reevaluate the importance I assign to material things?
* To what extent do my cravings define me?

Trump 16: The Tower

Keywords
Demolition, upheaval, deconstruction, disaster, destruction
Range of Meaning
Light: Breaking out of old, confining habits and mindsets. Clearing the way for
new growth. Dispelling the influence of an inflated ego. Getting back to basics.
Stripping away harmful illusions. Receiving sudden insight.
Shadow: Clinging to traditions that repress growth. Engaging in willful
blindness. Rejecting evidence that change is needed. Ignoring guidance from a
higher power. Maliciously engaging in destructive behavior.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Shattered Ego
Hebrew Alphabet: Pe[as]/Open Mouth/80
Numbers: 16 = 1 + 6 = 7 (psychology, imagination, inner work)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Mars
Mythical/Spiritual: The Tower of Babel. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Shiva's destructive dance. The lightning of Zeus and Thor.
Story: In a moment of intense crisis, the main character apparently loses all.
Alternatively, the utter setback at the end of act 2.
Advice
Relationships. Extinguish old flames before they have an opportunity to dampen
promising new relationships. Despite the pain involved, a clean break is healthier
than a lingering, drawn-out departure. Break down the walls and communicate
honestly about what's really happening.
Work. Sacrifice some sacred cows. Harsh criticism from above can clear ground for
a new breakthrough. Something is blocking progress; identify it and boldly sweep it
aside. Document everything; should the climate suddenly change, you want your ducks
in a row.
Spirituality. Loss clears away the debris of the past, opening up new ground for
new growth. As your heart opens, let old scar tissue fall away. Rather than live in
fear of sudden loss, recognize that none of us owns anything. Practice detachment.
Personal Growth. Identify what holds you back and attack it. Embrace bold change.
Criticism may come; if so, search each barbed word for a kernel of much-needed
truth. Some of life's greatest lessons are tough ones! With time, a bruised ego can
become fertile ground for personal growth and maturity.
Fortune Telling. Impending disaster. Cancel plans and reverse decisions. Someone
wants to take you down a notch or two. Don't hold back; say what you really mean.
When? Within 23 months
Symbols and Insights
The lightning bolt. Many old traditions interpret disasters as divine commentary.
A bolt from the blue might not be God knocking at the door, but a sudden change in
circumstance may call your attention to a pattern you've overlooked.
Darkness. With the exception of early decks (like the Marseilles), many Tower
cards depict darkened skies. The moment of disaster is our lowest point. In what
ways have you hit bottom?
The toppled crown. The crown in some illustrations represents the ego, or the
self. Disasters and sudden challenges often clear the way for us to see ourselves
in a new and unexpected light.
Plummeting bodies. Universally, humans fear falling from great heights.
Significantly, we fall from grace; exposed criminals "take the fall." The scapegoat
may be called the "fall guy. How might your situation be impacted by someone's
metaphorical fear of falling?
Questions to Ask
* How might the current situation dramatically alter my perspective?
* How might this loss open the door for new growth?
* What attitudes need to be struck down before I proceed?

Trump 17: The Star

Keywords
Hope, optimism, openness, certainty, faith, longing, truth
Range of Meaning
Light: Hoping for the best. Believing good things happen to good people. Seeing
events in the best possible light. Adopting a generous spirit. Seeking guidance
from above. Embracing possibility over probability.
Shadow: Denying unpleasant truths. Denying personal accountability and saying,
"Things just happen!" Ignoring signs and omens. Preferring illusion to reality.
Spreading pessimism and stinginess of spirit.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Heavenly Guide
Hebrew Alphabet: Tzaddi/Fishhook/90 or, in some decks, He[as]/Window/5
Numbers: 17 = 1 + 7 = 8 (action, movement, swiftness)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Aquarius
Mythical/Spiritual: The star that guided the Magi. Aphrodite. Venus. The
Pleiades. Moses bringing forth water from the rock.
Story: After the darkness, comes the dawn! Just as the situation looks completely
bleak, the main character discovers a way to move forward.
Advice
Relationships. Give freely of yourself and expect the best. Don't hold back
genuine emotions; express them without shame. Consider exploring spiritual goals
together. Astrology can offer important insights into compatibility. Let your
honesty and openness encourage others to reveal their deepest thoughts.
Work. Surround yourself with visual reminders of your goal because these can
serve as guiding lights when you need a way to put the situation into perspective.
Expect the best of yourself and your co-workers. You'll know when the time is right
to take action; have confidence in your own judgment.
Spirituality. Prayer and quiet time communicate your openness to guidance from
above. Don't hesitate to share your spiritual side with those around you. Seek out
oracles. Allow the power of spirit to flow through you; let your spirituality color
all aspects of your life.
Personal Growth. An optimist sees what is ... and what can be. Open yourself to
possibility. Numbers never tell the whole story. Shed your ego; be yourself, no
matter what others think. The only truly unique thing you have to share is the
person you really are. Unmask!
Fortune Telling. Get an astrology chart drawn up. Someone is a little too
starstruck. What's happening now has long been fore-ordained.
When? Between January 20 and February 17.
Symbols and Insights
The seven stars. The seven stars seen on both the RWS and Marseilles cards likely
refer to the seven classical planets. They orbit a central flamboyant star, which
Waite, in The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, describes as a Masonic symbol. In your
situation, who is following whom—and why?
Eight-pointed stars. Depending on the deck used, the number eight suggests the
work associated with expressions of strength or the delivery of justice. Eight, the
number of action, doubles four, the number of persistence and stability. Might the
key to your situation be the application of consistent effort over time?
Pouring water. There's no conservation going on here; the figure on most Star
cards bears an inexhaustible supply of the Water of Life. What are your own
inexhaustible resources? How can they help?
Nudity. Here, nudity communicates innocence, openness, and shamelessness. What
would happen if you embraced yourself completely?
The ibis. The ibis is the representative of Thoth, the master magician of the
Egyptians. It is associated with the idea of both initiation and meditation. In
your situation, who is the magician, and who is the mediator?
Questions to Ask
* What would my higher power direct me to do?
* How can I be less self-conscious and guarded?
* How can I better attune myself to the abundance of life's blessings?

Trump 18: The Moon

Keywords
Mystery, fantasy, imagination, dreams, uncertainty
Range of Meaning
Light: Enjoying healthy fantasies and daydreams. Using your imagination.
Practicing magic or celebrating the magic of everyday life. Attuning yourself to
the cycles of nature. Embracing the unknown.
Shadow: Becoming unable to separate fantasy from reality. Suffering from
delusions. Losing your appreciation for the fantastic or magical. Adopting a
ruthlessly logical mindset. Failing to appreciate life's mysteries.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Holy Feminine/The Crone
Hebrew Alphabet: Koph/Back of the Head/100
Numbers: 18 = 1 + 8 = 9 (fullness, readiness, ripeness)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Pisces
Mythical/Spiritual: Kali, the dark-skinned divine mother associated with time,
the eternal night, and the female principle. Hecate, goddess of night and darkness,
who, like Anubis, assists others in their travels to the underworld.
Story: With nothing left to lose, the main character commits to a dangerous or
unlikely course of action as part of a last-ditch effort to reach his or her goal.
Advice
Relationships. Moonlight becomes you, so don't be afraid to indulge in a little
romantic lunacy. Navigating your way to a fulfilling relationship involves risks.
Some people will say you're crazy. Pay attention to your instincts, surround
yourself with loyal guides, and make your move.
Work. Avoid linear/logical approaches and go with your gut. Brainstorm. Put the
rules aside and use your imagination. What would happen if restrictions were
removed? What might happen? What could happen? A little lunacy can be a good thing;
blow off steam, change your habits, and try working in a different light.
Spirituality. How does your personal spiritual path incorporate the Divine
Feminine? What qualities would a divine mother offer? Which aspects of your
personal spirituality would benefit from a feminine touch? How might contact with
the divine feminine benefit you today? How might you honor or invite that energy?
Personal Growth. Faced with an uncertain future, you might feel led to abandon
your search for self and crawl back into your shell. You can move forward without
tossing caution to the wind. Uncertainty can be the mother of great creativity.
Listen your instincts, clarify your path, and keep going.
Fortune Telling. Watch for problems at the end of the month. Someone you know
needs to howl at the moon more often. Someone is about to change his or her mind
about an important decision.
When? Between February 18 and March 19
Symbols and Insights
The moon. This "lesser light to rule the night" renews itself every 28 days,
linking it to cycles of all sorts, including menstruation. By extension, it is also
associated with rare events ("once in a blue moon"). How is your situation shaped
by repeating events? By rare ones?
Brilliant droplets. The Marseilles Moon (and many RWS-inspired Moons) exudes a
shower of brilliant droplets; in The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, Waite calls these
"the dew of thought." To what extent might your own fears be rooted in imagination
alone?
Baying hounds/howling wolves. Waite cast these as fears; later commentators
position the hounds and wolves as faithful familiars—animal helpers who, like
Hecate, lend aid on our journey through darkness. Which familiars can you call on
for help today?
The crayfish or lobster. The night can put us in contact with our deepest, most
instinctual fears. Here, this representative of our most primitive brain crawls up
from the depths of the subconscious mind and bathes itself in the light of the
moon. What is your greatest fear? Does it play a role in your current situation?
The two towers. The path between the two towers leads into unknown territory. In
your own situation, what remains unknown? How can you limit the influence of these
variables?
Questions to Ask
* How can I face my fears and move forward?
* What helpers can serve me as guides through my personal darkness?
* How can I deal with the unknown in healthy ways?

Trump 19: The Sun

Keywords
Joy, brilliance, validation, attention, energy
Range of Meaning
Light: Seeing things clearly. Experiencing intense joy. Celebrating your own
successes. Knowing you're good at what you do. Gaining recognition for your
personal genius.
Shadow: Being dazzled by your own accomplishments. Becoming absorbed in your own
self-image. Feeling rushed and distracted. Exerting yourself to the point of
exhaustion. Overstating your abilities or misrepresenting your achievements.
Correspondences
Archetype: The Holy Masculine
Hebrew Alphabet: Resh/Head/200
Numbers: 19 = 1 + 9 = 10 (completion, exhaustion) 1 + 0 = 1 (starting point,
opportunity)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: The sun
Mythical/Spiritual: God the Father. Sun gods, including Ra, Apollo, and Helios.
The moment of baptism. Claiming a new faith as your own.
Story: At the climax of the story, the main character is victorious.
Advice
Relationships. You're turning heads without realizing it. Attention is coming
your way—and you deserve it! The admiration of others is a warm glow, so bask in it
while you can. As all things begin to revolve around you, take care you don't get
blinded or burned by your own brilliance.
Work. With the proper strategy, you're all set to be the golden boy (or girl).
Approval and praise are the order of the day. Accept all this admiration with
humbleness; give credit where credit's due. Meanwhile, make hay while the sun
shines. Remember: after noon, the rest of the day is a sunset!
Spirituality. As your meditative and spiritual practices hone your sensitivities,
you begin to feel your connectedness to the energies around you. Branch out. Spread
warmth, love, and joy through your attitudes and actions. Today, embody the
universal light.
Personal Growth. Learn to win gracefully. Accept compliments with a humble heart.
You can acknowledge and celebrate your own achievements without falling prey to
greediness. Be who you are. You've earned this moment, but don't let pride in your
progress hinder further growth!
Fortune Telling. Everything's coming up roses (or sunflowers, whatever the case
may be). Whatever's on your mind, go for it because you can't lose today.
When? Within one year.
Symbols and Insights
The sunflowers. Sunflowers turn to follow the path of the sun through the sky,
modeling the sort of attention paid to any sunny personality. Their shape and color
emulates the object of their attention. Might imitating a respected person be the
key to solving your problem?
The victor reborn. In RWS-influenced decks, the Sun card depicts a single gleeful
child. In other decks, we see two dancing cherubs. Both represent an energetic and
mystical rebirth. In The Book of Thoth, Crowley writes, "They represent ... the
next stage which is to be attained by mankind." In your situation, what needs to
evolve?
The garden wall. The wall separates citizens of the current world from spiritual
purity. From Earth, like sunflowers following the sun, we gaze on this return to
Eden with great longing. How does a loss of innocence figure in your challenge?
The white horse. RWS-influenced decks place a single child on a white horse, long
considered proper conveyance for heroes. When all is said and done, will your
actions guarantee you a place on a white steed?
The red banner. The banner signifies the RWS child's victory over animal
instincts and worldly influences. Might a spiritual transformation be overdue?
Questions to Ask
* How can I take best advantage of the attention coming my way?
* What are my highest spiritual goals?
* How can I avoid being bedazzled by the energy swirling around me?

Trump 20: Judgement

Keywords
Revival, renewal, resurrection, evaluation, invitation
Range of Meaning
Light: Receiving a wake-up call. Discovering a new purpose in life. Becoming
totally and completely yourself. Receiving a well-deserved reward. Passing an
evaluation or examination. Welcoming the start of a new phase of life.
Shadow: Being weighed in the balances and found wanting. Failing to measure up to
a well-defined standard. Being caught goofing off or misbehaving. Failing to
prepare for an examination you know is coming. Rejecting an opportunity to reinvent
yourself.
Correspondences
Archetype: Resurrection
Hebrew Alphabet: Sin/Tooth/300
Numbers: 20 = 2 + 0 = 2 (division, duality)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Fire
Mythical/Spiritual: The resurrected Christ. The Last Judgment of Revelation. The
phoenix, which rises to new life from its own ashes.
Story: Having earned a victory, the main character sees himself or herself
differently. Alternatively, others see the main character in a new and flattering
light.
Advice
Relationships. Freshen your relationship by taking advantage of opportunities to
reinvent yourself (and each other). Swap roles. Seek out entertainment you would
normally avoid. Shatter habits and breath new life into your partnerships. What you
learn in the process could be a wake-up call for you both.
Work. If something or someone is holding you back, it's time for a "Come to Jesus
Meeting" -- a time to air dirty laundry, read someone the riot act, or say out loud
what, to this point, has only been said in private. Identify the problem and
eliminate it before the decay spreads to other efforts. If things are going well,
use this as an opportunity to define why, so you can replicate your success
elsewhere.
Spirituality. With a shock, we realize the impermanent nature of this world. Use
this sudden insight to your advantage. Answer the trumpet call and reinvent
yourself by refusing to cling to distractions. Set aside your stumbling blocks and
embrace transformation.
Personal Growth. The assessments of others cannot impact your true value. The
only standard you must meet is being the very best version of yourself you can be.
Identify your next steps ... and take them. Don't do this for others; do it for
you.
Fortune Telling. An old issue you thought was over will come up again today. Get
ready for huge changes: break-ups, sudden calls from old friends, and unexpected
setbacks. God's trying to get your attention.
When? Unexpectedly, if at all.
Symbols and Insights
Gabriel. In the apocalyptic visions of the Book of Revelation, Gabriel summons
the dead from their slumber with a blast of his trumpet. In your situation, who
needs a wake-up call?
The crossed banner. In Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination, scholar Robert
Place identifies this as Constantine's victory flag. "When held by Christ or
Gabriel, it represents victory over death." How would your life change if you put a
fear of death or loss aside?
The resurrected dead. In both the Marseilles and RWS-influenced cards, the risen
show only positive emotions. The trumpet call liberates and re-creates them. In
what way do you need to be reborn?
Questions to Ask
* What is the main thing I need to realize about myself?
* In what way might the universe be trying to get my attention?
* If I were to reinvent myself, what would I become?

Trump 21: The World

Keywords
Wholeness, integration, totality, completeness, fullness
Range of Meaning
Light: Having it all. Knowing and loving yourself as completely as possible.
Seeing the interconnection of all things and people. Enhancing your perspective.
Living life to its fullest. Understanding the meaning of life.
Shadow: Allowing greed and envy to prevent you from enjoying what you do possess.
Failing to see the larger design in ordinary events. Believing that everything that
exists can be touched, counted, or measured. Failing to see the divine reflected in
those around you.
Correspondences
Archetype: Enlightenment
Hebrew Alphabet: Tau/Cross/400
Numbers: 21 = 2 + 1 = 3 (expression, result)
Planetary/Astrological/Elemental: Saturn
Mythical/Spiritual: The ascended Christ. The Buddha attaining enlightenment. The
alpha and the omega. The completion of the alchemist's great work.
Story: The main character lives happily ever after.
Advice
Relationships. With mutual trust and effort, very different people can come
together to create a reality greater than the sum of its parts. Once you have a
taste of what can be, settling for less will be difficult. Keep in mind, though,
that a dream of perfection can foster dissatisfaction with an otherwise perfectly
good relationship.
Work. Synergy! It's possible for everyone involved to work together in harmony to
create something better than any one person could produce on his or her own.
Encourage people to share ideas. Allow others to share in the investment—and the
glory. Unite and meet your goals.
Spirituality. Enlightenment is a goal; reaching it is bliss. Rather than beat
yourself up for falling short, celebrate your progress. Meantime, keep in mind the
lesson of the Tarot: Even as we reach one level of enlightenment, we become a fool
again.
Personal Growth. For most challenges, both intuitive and logical approaches
exist. Most of us favor one over the other, but the secret to true mastery involves
learning to wield both with perfect facility. Identify your least favorite
approach, and then speed your growth by giving it special attention.
Fortune Telling. Winning the lottery. Getting your heart's desire. Having
everything you ever imagined having.
When? Within 29.5 years
Symbols and Insights
The mandolora. Both the Marseilles and RWS-inspired decks surround the central
figure with a wreath, or mandalora. Like the oroborous, the snake that swallows its
own tail, the mandalora has no beginning or end. Its shape also suggests the number
zero—the designation of the Fool. If you examine the current situation in light of
past events, what next step makes the most sense?
The four evangelists. Previously seen in the corners of the Wheel, the signs of
the four evangelists once again evoke the ultimate integration of all things. What
do you need to bring together? How can you promote the stability of your solution?
The central figure. The Wheel has been replaced by the victorious central figure,
indicating that luck and fate have given way to the greater force of self-
realization. In the Visconti deck, the central figure is a white city: the New
Jerusalem. In some decks, it is the Christ. In others, it appears to be a
hermaphrodite—the ultimate reunion of male and female energies in a single body. In
your own situation, what would be the best ultimate outcome?
The baton. In many decks, the central figure holds a baton; in RWS-influenced
decks, he or she holds two. This is no longer the singular wand of the Magician!
What might happen if you put both your magical and practical powers to work today?
Questions to Ask
* For me, what would having it all mean?
* How aware am I of my own connectedness to the world around me?
* What keeps me from having it all right now, today?

The Minor Arcana

In general, the cards of the Minor Arcana are said to reflect day-to-day concerns
and ordinary events. When the Minor Arcana dominates a reading, many readers
conclude that the issue under consideration can be greatly influenced by the
actions of everyday people.
The Suit Cards
The cards of the Minor Arcana are divided into four suits. For divinatory
purposes, each suit is usually associated with one of four specific dimensions of
life (Spirit, Emotion, Mind, and Body). Each suit has also been associated with
seasons of the year, the four classical elements (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth), the
four compass directions—in short, with almost any system or philosophy that
organizes its elements into four distinct categories.
Here is a list of the suits of the Minor Arcana, along with alternative names the
suits may be called in other books or decks and some common associations made with
each:
Wands
Also Called: Arrows, Batons, Clubs, Flame, Rods, Scepters, Staves, Sticks, Fire.
Dimension of Life: Spirit. Themes include intentions, goals, action, direction,
masculine energy, arousal, activity, creativity, movement, inspiration.
Other Associations: Spring. The color red. The South. The element of Fire.
Cups
Also Called: Cauldrons, Chalices, Blue, Hearts, Vessels, Water.
Dimension of Life: Emotion. Themes include impressions, intuition, ideas,
instincts, reflections, feelings, receptivity, spirituality and religion, the
subconscious, fantasies.
Other Associations: Summer. The color blue. The East. The element of Water.
Swords
Also Called: Blades, Daggers, Spades, Air.
Dimension of Life: Mind. Themes include logic, reasoning, thoughts, deliberation,
debate, communication, mathematics, numbers, the intellect, analysis, planning.
Other Associations: Fall. The color yellow. The West. The element of Air.
Coins
Also Called: Diamonds, Discs, Pentacles, Spheres, Earth.
Dimension of Life: Body. Themes include physicality, practicality, the material
world, the environment, money, finances, structure, sensuality, the senses.
Other Associations: Winter. The color green or brown. The North. The element of
Earth.
The Pip Cards
 Generally, each suit in a Tarot deck also contains a series of cards numbered
from Ace to 10. These numbered cards are often referred to as the pips, taking
their name from the suit marker, or pip, found on each card.
In a standard poker deck, the Six of Hearts bears six heart-shaped pips. Many
Tarot decks follow this convention, too. The Six of Cups from the Tarot de
Marseilles, for example, is decorated with six cup-shaped pips arranged in a simple
geometric pattern.
While the trump cards in many early Tarot decks feature elaborate illustrations,
the pip card illustrations in those decks often incorporate little more than suit
markers and a few decorative elements (such as vines or flowers).
By contrast, especially after the publication of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot in
1909, many modern decks feature intricate scenes on every single card. These
pictures often incorporate the suit signs in clever ways, and are usually designed
to suggest the divinatory meanings assigned with the card.
For example: the Six of Cups from The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot shows two people
helping each other, surrounded by six cups – an illustration that suggests the
meanings assigned to the card.
The Court Cards
In addition to the ten numbered pip cards, each suit also incorporates court
cards (also called people cards).
Observant readers will notice that the Tarot court, unlike the more familiar
three-card court in poker decks, contains four members: page, knight, queen, and
king. Many deck designers rename these cards to suit their own purposes—
substituting daughter, son, mother, and father, for example.
Generally, Tarot readers associate the court cards with one of the following:
* Specific problem-solving methods
* Specific people who employ those methods
* Specific people whose physical features resemble the portrait found on the court
card
For years, the third option, based on physical features, was extremely popular.
One version of this system assigns these meanings:
Court Card (Gender and Age)
* Page-Male or female, younger
* Knight-Male, younger
* Queen-Female, older
* King-Male, older
Suit (Appearance)
* Wands-Red hair, fair skin
* Cups-Blonde hair, fair skin
* Swords-Black hair, fair skin
* Coins-Dark hair, dark skin
Using this system, the Page of Wands would represent a young man or woman with
red hair and fair skin, while the King of Coins would represent an older man with
dark hair and dark skin.
The primary disadvantage of this method is immediately obvious: It severely
restricts the Tarot's ability to represent both women and people of color!
Today, a more popular system for reading courts involves reading the rank of the
card as an approach or point of view and the suit of the card as a theme or area of
emphasis:
Court Card (Problem-Solving Approach)
* Page- Learning: Enthusiastic, but unskilled or uncertain
* Knight- Doing: Active, but tends toward extremes
* Queen- Feeling: Emphasizes collaboration or consensus
* King- Controlling: Seeks authority or organization
Suit (Theme or Emphasis)
* Wands- Goals, intentions, movement, arousal
* Cups- Impressions, intuitions, feelings, emotions
* Swords- Logic, reasoning, communication, intellect
* Coins- Physicality, practicality, senses, finances
 Using this system, the Page of Coins might represent a person (of any gender,
regardless of the apparent gender of the figure on the card) who is just leaning to
manage his or her own finances. Alternatively, it might represent an enthusiastic,
but as yet unskilled, student athlete.
Other systems for interpreting court cards exist, including any number of methods
for associating the courts with specific seasons, months, and astrological signs.

Suit of Wands
Ace of Wands

Keywords
Desire, inspiration, vision, creation, invention
Range of Meaning
Light: Being inspired. Identifying an important goal. Being given the opportunity
to do whatever you want to do. Giving or receiving direction. Seeing a solution.
Creating something new. Being aroused, sexually or creatively.
Shadow: Failing to take advantage of a great opportunity. Being ineffectual or
lazy. Making an inadequate effort. Working toward a goal, but lacking the resources
or initiative to achieve success. Setting inappropriate goals. Failing to take a
stand.
Correspondences
Numerology: 1 (The Origin: the starting point, the seed, opportunity)
Astrology: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Affirmation: "I jump at the opportunity to pursue my heart's desire."
Story: The Main Character has an opportunity to join the story's quest.
Advice
Relationships. This could be the start of something big. It's time to evaluate
what you really want; once you do, you can decide whether or not this opportunity
can take you there. Be careful: overwhelming attraction can distort good judgment.
Work. The only way to stop moving in circles is to define clear criteria for
success. What's the goal? What do you need in order to achieve it? What steps must
be taken to get from A to B? This card heralds the need for absolute clarity.
Anything less breeds confusion.
Spirituality. Where does your spiritual path lead? Walking a path without
direction amounts to wandering in the wilderness: you may have some amazing
experiences, but there's no easy way to measure progress. What signs of evolution
should you see as you grow?
Personal Growth. Where should you be in five years? In ten years? Rather than
float like a leaf on the river, consider the value of setting standards for
yourself. In addition to defining a direction, give yourself milestones to meet.
Before you know it, your dreams will be realities.
Fortune Telling. Someone has the "hots" for you. A new job offer is coming your
way. Walk softly, and carry a big stick.
When? In the Spring.
Symbols and Insights
The Hand of God. On the Aces in Marseilles and RWS-inspired decks, a heavenly
hand extends from the clouds, offering the viewer the suit's distinctive marker.
When opportunity comes your way, take advantage of it; the hand that extends an
offer can always withdraw it.
Types of Wands. Many decks depict budding Wands, suggesting the potential for
growth. Wands in general are a tool for focusing creative energy. In your
situation, will growth happen on its own, or will you have to focus your creative
energy to move ahead?
Wands as a Symbol. As a suit marker, Wands suggest the power and potency of a
king's scepter. When a Magician wants something to happen, he waves his magic wand
to make his intentions manifest. What action must you take to convert your dreams
into realities?
The Nature of the Ace. Compressed into the Ace are all the qualities of all the
other cards of the suit. In this way, the Ace can be said to be the "root" or
"seed" of its associated element. How might your situation contain the seeds of
future action?
Your First Impressions. When you see the Ace, what's your first impression? Is
the Wand hovering there, waiting for you to take it? Is the hand offering you the
Wand...or moving to hit you with it? What might that suggest about the nature of
your desires?
Questions to Ask
* What do I really want, more than anything else?
* What happens if I let this opportunity pass me by?
* How clearly have I defined my directions, values, and goals?

Two of Wands

Keywords
Conflict, decision, option, individuality
Range of Meaning
Light: Having a choice. Offering or being offered an option. Seeing the value of
another person's approach. Understanding there's more than one way to "skin a cat."
Successfully doing more than one thing at a time. Being empowered to make a choice.
Shadow: Misrepresenting your intentions. Doing one thing while desiring another.
Changing course mid-stream for no good reason. Refusing to change your goal even
when pursuing it no longer makes sense. Disregarding the input of others.
Correspondences
Numerology: 2 (The Other: division, debate, duality)
Astrology: Mars in Aries
Affirmation: "With my goals in mind, I make confident choices."
Story: The Main Character is confronted with an alternative goal.
Advice
Relationships. To what extent does everyone involved in your situation want the
same thing? The actions people take reveal their true inclinations. To gain insight
into the goals of others, study what they do. Are their actions in line with their
stated goals? Are yours?
Work. No one can serve two masters. Before proceeding, determine exactly how much
authority you have in this matter. In addition, it's time to decide which "To Do"
items move you closer to your personal goals...and which ones are merely consuming
your limited time and energy.
Spirituality. Others will have their opinions, but ultimately, you must decide
what spiritual practices are right for you. Speak your mind and share your own
views with courage and honesty. Answering the call of Spirit may dictate taking the
road less traveled by.
Personal Growth. While others become slaves to fashion and convention, you should
work to express yourself. What sets you apart? What makes you unique? These are
qualities worth celebrating. Rather than give in to brow-beating and peer pressure,
set your own standards in all things.
Fortune Telling. Beware false friends. Don't be mealy-mouthed; say what you think
and do what you want to do.
When? Between March 21st and March 30th.
Symbols and Insights
The Bolted Wand. In RWS-inspired decks, one of the two Wands is bolted to the
wall. Do you need to abandon old habits for new, more flexible ones?
The Rose and Lilly Cross. Here again, male and female energies are shown at odds,
as masculine activity comes into conflict with the classically feminine energies of
reflection and intuition. Consider both points of view, but only for a time;
eventually, you must choose a course and move forward.
The Moment of Choice. When the road divides, which way should you go? Developing
a clear picture of what matters most will help you make the right decision when the
time comes.
 The Globe. The figure on RWS-inspired decks carries "the whole world in his
hands"—literally. He enjoys a clearly-defined value system, enabling him to make
difficult choices with ease. Can you say the same?
Differing Goals. Some people feel their needs outweigh the needs of the many;
others feel the needs of the many trump the needs of the one. When goals conflict,
what criteria will you use to plan your own response?
The Marseilles Image. Two solid Wands form a cross, diving the square card into
four three-sided slices. Take a moment to appreciate the stark clarity of this
simple illustration: progress will be barred until someone finds a way to align the
two opposing forces.
Questions to Ask
* In a conflict, how do you decide who wins?
* What values govern your decision-making process?
* What choice will you make if you make no choice at all?

Three of Wands

Keywords
Implementation, action, exploration
Range of Meaning
Light: Putting a plan into motion. Taking that critical first step. Making good
things happen. Going beyond your limits. Blazing new trails. Hitting the ground
running. Seeing your plans come to fruition.
Shadow: Procrastinating. Knowing what to do, but refusing to do it. Launching a
project without a clear definition of who should do what. Rejecting an opportunity
to try something new. Failing to finish what you start.
Correspondences
Numerology: 3 (The Result: expression, productivity, output)
Astrology: Sun in Aries
Affirmation: "I take the steps necessary to put my plans in action."
Story: The Main Character's initial plans are laid and launched.
Advice
Relationships. Knowing what you want or need does you no good if you don't come
up with a plan for achieving it! It's time to expand your horizons: go places
you've never been, try sports you've never tried, meet people you've overlooked. As
your world expands, so do your opportunities.
Work. Lead by doing. Forge ahead with your plans, but don't forget to show others
what you're doing and why you're doing it. Be proactive, brainstorming obstacles
and minting solutions before breakdowns occur. Define very clearly your criteria
for success and measure progress daily.
Spirituality. Rather than look for a guru or a well-worn path, take the spiritual
initiative. If you could express your spirituality in any way, what form would you
choose? If you could worship anywhere, where would you go? Break the mold.
Remember: bearing new fruit takes time.
Personal Growth. Routine is the enemy of growth. Take new roads. See new sights.
Pick a new hobby. Order the menu items you don't recognize. Make a habit of blazing
new trails.
Fortune Telling. You'll be planning a trip soon. Be on the lookout: your ship is
coming in.
When? Between March 31st and April 10th.
Symbols and Insights
A Wand in Hand. In RWS-inspired decks, this card often depicts a merchant and
three wands. Two (the number of duality) have been planted in the ground, but one
(the "starting point") is in hand—suggesting the time for debate has given way to a
time for action.
Distant Ships. In the background of RWS illustrations, this card often features
ships sailing toward the horizon. In The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, Waite says
these belong to the central figure, who sends them out to do his bidding.
 The Marseilles Image. The two Wands from the earlier card are joined by a third,
decisive Wand. The crossed purposes of the Two must now give way to the clear
intention expressed by the Three. Have you clarified your own goals?
Questions to Ask
* How can you make a habit of breaking your habits?
* How can you be a decisive leader in this circumstance?
* What's your action plan for the next week, month, year, or decade?

Four of Wands

Keywords
Celebration, jubilation, community, teamwork, completion
Range of Meaning
Light: Sharing in a great celebration. Sharing in a communal sense of achievement
and success. Preparing for a party. Working together toward a common goal. Giving
or winning awards.
Shadow: Keeping your nose to the grindstone. Recognizing good work by demanding
more work. Failing to share in a group celebration. Allowing sour grapes to poison
your moment in the sun. Refusing to do your part.
Correspondences
Numerology: 4 (The Status Quo: stability, equality, persistence)
Astrology: Venus in Aries
Affirmation: "My contributions are worthy of celebration."
Story: We see a demonstration of the Main Character's special gifts.
Advice
Relationships. Have you been together for ten years? Celebrate. Have you been
together ten days? Celebrate. Do something to recognize the contribution of both
partners. Alone? Celebrate yourself.
Work. Assign duties, delegate, and get out of the way. Allow others to
contribute, even if their contributions aren't exactly up to your personal
standards. When projects end, thank everyone involved in a meaningful way.
Spirituality. It's easy to allow any ritual to become empty. Get back in touch
with what your rituals were meant to teach or inspire. When you restore meaning to
your spiritual practice, every prayer becomes a celebration.
Personal Growth. You can amplify individual achievements by becoming part of a
group. Without decreasing the importance of your own contribution, you'll achieve
more...and have more to celebrate, too.
Fortune Telling. Someone is watching and evaluating your work. You may get a
wedding invitation soon.
When? Between April 11th and April 20th.
Symbols and Insights
The Arbor. Most RWS-inspired illustrations for this card incorporate a
celebratory arbor. What do you have to celebrate?
Laurels and Grapes. Some RWS-inspired decks feature figures wearing laurel leaves
and carrying bunches of flowers or grapes. Laurel leaves have long been given as
tokens of recognition. Grapes suggest both harvest and celebration. Might it be
time for a ceremony recognizing contributions?
Shared Labor, Shared Rewards. To what extent is everyone in your group doing his
or her part in your “harvest?” How might a celebration (or being reminded of what’s
worth celebrating) better integrate the people working with you?
The Marseilles Image. Four Wands have been woven together, creating a sturdy
arrangement that might well serve as the top of a simple arbor. How might a
celebration better integrate the people in your circle?
Questions to Ask
* To what extent am I doing my part?
* What kind of recognition would be most meaningful?
* How might a celebration now impact community morale?
Five of Wands

Keywords
Confrontation, disruption, distinction, objection, strife
Range of Meaning
Light: Calmly expressing a dissenting opinion. Allowing someone to use his or her
own methods to get a job done. Opening the floor for discussion or debate.
Comparing progress made so far to standards set earlier.
Shadow: Berating others for their ridiculous opinions. Picking fights. Offering
destructive criticism. Baiting people with barbed remarks. Disrupting progress with
an endless stream of pointless objections.
Correspondences
Numerology: 5 (The Catalyst: instability, resistance, confrontation)
Astrology: Saturn in Leo
Affirmation: "I can express dissent in constructive ways."
Story: The Main Character takes a stand and says, "Enough is enough!"
Advice
Relationships. Every relationship has its ups and downs; no two people can be
together for any length of time without some friction. Without making things
personal, air your grievances. Share how you feel. If you feel a confrontation
coming on, ask yourself what triggers it and why.
Work. If your workplace lacks harmony, getting things done requires far more time
and effort. Create an atmosphere where people feel free to share what they really
think. Avoid the blame game; talk in terms of what should happen...and what happens
when the system breaks down.
Spirituality. It's easy to feel spiritually connected when meditating in a
tranquil garden. But how can you maintain your balance when surrounded by
emotionally-charged chaos? Remember: you are not your emotions. Withdraw. Breathe.
Save anger for those few transgressions worthy of such a powerful emotion.
Personal Growth. What makes you angry? How do you respond when you loose your
cool? Going berserk isn't the answer. Swallowing your feelings won't work either.
Find constructive, level-headed ways to say what you need to say before you reach
the boiling point.
Fortune Telling. Prepare for a fight with your best friend. Remember: once you
let words loose, you can't take them back.
When? Between July 22nd and August 1st.
Symbols and Insights
The Five Figures. In RWS-inspired decks, five figures confront each other, Wands
in hand. Are they fighting? Are they dancing? Are three watching while the other
two battle to the death? Waite claimed the youths could be engaged in either sport
or strife—or even a "sham fight." It's worth asking whether or not your conflict,
represented by this card, is the problem...or just a symptom.
Meekness as an Alternative. How might meekness (as opposed to confrontation) work
in your situation? How might changing yourself change the outcome of this
particular battle?
Your Contribution to the Clash. We're quick to see the errors of others, but slow
to understand how our own actions might contribute to confrontations. How have your
actions contributed to the crisis?
The Marseilles Image. Remember the stable Four of Wands? Now, someone comes along
and thrusts an intrusive new Wand into the mix, shattering the delicate balances
that gave rise to celebration. Will you let the Wands topple … or work to restore
balance somehow?
Questions to Ask
* To what extent is your current issue worth fighting for?
* What alternatives are there to outright conflict?
* What happens in a "fair fight?" How can you keep this fight fair?
Six of Wands

Keywords
Victory, achievement, success, triumph
Range of Meaning
Light: Outperforming your peers. Winning a competition. Being recognized as a
capable person. Having your "moment in the spotlight." Being cheered on by the
crowd. Getting an award. Earning the admiration of others. Telling someone, "Good
job!"
Shadow: Being a bad winner. Allowing your achievements to inflate your ego.
Looking down on people who seem less capable. Craving to be the center of
attention. Giving or receiving insincere praise. Envying the achievements of
others.
Correspondences
Numerology: 6 (The Adjustment: cooperation, collaboration, interaction)
Astrology: Jupiter in Leo
Affirmation: "I value sincere praise."
Story: The Main Character scores a small victory, boosting his or her own
spirits, but angering the opposition.
Advice
Relationships. How often do you praise your friend or partner? You may be
underestimating how effective a few words of sincere affirmation can be.
Recognition doesn't have to be extravagant; often, all someone needs is a quiet
expression of your appreciation.
Work. In the rush to get work done, your personal contributions may be celebrated
—or overlooked. Recognized or not, your skills have value. If you get a moment in
the sun, bask in it. If not, don't allow yourself to be embittered when others get
the recognition you feel you deserved.
Spirituality. Offer service quietly, and accept recognition with the same modest
spirit. You aren't working for the recognition, but there's nothing wrong with
allowing others to express the joy they take in the labor you provide.
Personal Growth. Ultimately, the opinions of others won't matter; you must, in
the end, please yourself. What standards have you set? To what extent are you
meeting them? Recognition is sweet...but meeting or exceeding your own personal
criteria for success is even sweeter!
Fortune Telling. Someone is planning a party for you, but not everyone feels so
good about your recent success. Watch out for envious friends.
When? Between August 2nd and August 11th.
Symbols and Insights
The Triumphal Procession. The parade depicted on RWS-inspired decks calls to mind
the modern "ticker tape parade," in which heroes roll down boulevards, cheered on
by crowds. Does your current level of performance warrant such recognition?
Flags, Banners, and Laurels. Many illustrations for this card show Wands with
flags, banners, and laurels attached. There are many ways to reward victory; what
kind of recognition do you crave? When the time comes to recognize the contribution
of others, what visual signs of your approval do you offer?
Responses to the Victory of Others. When others are victorious, do you lose well?
How might this person change her response for the better? How might you change
yours?
The Marseilles Image. The six Wands are woven together into an intricate lattice.
The instability of the Five has given way to the interaction and cooperation of the
six. As you strive for personal victory, you'd do well to interlace your efforts
this efficiently with the work of others.
Questions to Ask
* What kind of recognition do I crave? Why?
* How freely do I praise the achievements of others?
* What happens when the parade is over?
Seven of Wands

Keywords
Bravery, resolve, determination
Range of Meaning
Light: Refusing to be silenced through fear or intimidation. Continuing a fight
against all odds. Being fierce. Defending yourself against physical and emotional
attacks. Refusing to put up with abuse. Clinging to your values despite all
pressure to abandon them.
Shadow: Having a chip on your shoulder. Taking unnecessary risks as a means of
proving your fearlessness. Looking for an opportunity to take offense. Responding
to constructive criticism with defensiveness. Refusing to stand up for yourself and
your beliefs.
Correspondences
Numerology: 7 (The Motive: imagination, inner work, psychology)
Astrology: Mars in Leo
Affirmation: "I am willing to take a stand for what I believe in."
Story: The Main Character is attacked by the minions of his adversary.
Advice
Relationships. In a healthy relationship, each person feels secure. Partners and
friends who constantly abuse others or tear people down must be confronted. Being
in a relationship does not mean squelching your own unique insights; stand up for
what you feel is right.
Work. The workplace tends to reward aggression. Defend yourself and your own
work, making sure you have hard data to back up your claims. If you must become
involved in unpleasantness, be sure those you investigate have no valid reason to
feel attacked.
Spirituality. Especially when you feel attacked, your spirituality should guide
you. Don't be defensive; as a spiritual person, you know it's "not about you." As
dramas unfold, stand up for your beliefs, but avoid absorbing and reflecting the
poisonous emotions of others.
Personal Growth. Standing up for yourself is healthy and reasonable. Turning the
other cheek doesn't mean making yourself into a doormat. It's okay to insist on
respect. Apply this principle to your interactions with others, too; it's easier to
get fair treatment when you're known for treating others fairly.
Fortune Telling. Don't be surprised by a personal attack. Prepare to defend
yourself or someone you love.
When? Between August 12th and 22nd.
Symbols and Insights
Six Converging Wands. On RWS-inspired decks, we often see a lone figure
threatened by six converging Wands. Six is the number of collaboration, suggesting
that many people have come together to launch an attack. But who is carrying those
wands? Is the attack real...or imagined?
The King of the Hill. Many illustrations for this card place the lone warrior on
top of a small hill cliff. Is our friend a guard? If so, what is he guarding? And,
more importantly, is it worth fighting for?
Crisis as a Clarifier. A crisis has the power to reveal what we really value. In
your situation, how far are you willing to go to stand up for what you believe in?
The Marseilles Image. Again, a lone wand comes to shatter the arrangement we
worked so hard to establish! The lattice we built for the Six collapses. Why would
someone do this? How can we prevent it from happening? And are these, in the end,
the questions we should be asking?
Questions to Ask
* When do you feel most threatened? When do you get defensive?
* How capable are you of defending yourself?
* What kinds of beliefs are worth defending?

Eight of Wands
Keywords
Speed, swiftness, responsiveness, change
Range of Meaning
Light: Taking swift action. Moving forward with a plan as quickly as possible.
Energizing yourself. Adapting to sudden changes. Taking setbacks in stride.
Embracing the idea that nothing stays the same forever. Reacting quickly and
appropriately to unforeseen problems.
Shadow: Giving in to panic. Running in circles and screaming. Insisting things
must always stay the same. Stirring the pot just to see what will happen. Rushing
others. Refusing to re-evaluate a schedule or program, even when it's clearly no
longer appropriate.
Correspondences
Numerology: 8 (The Action: movement, outer work, swiftness)
Astrology: Mercury in Sagittarius
Affirmation: "I adapt quickly to change."
Story: The Main Character's adaptability is tested when he or she is thrown into
unforeseen circumstances.
Advice
Relationships. People and situations are always changing; the key is deciding
whether you want to grow together...or grow apart. What worked once might not work
later; on the other hand, those you dismissed before might now be perfect mates.
Embrace change, and you'll be surprised at how quickly good things happen.
Work. Yesterday's solutions aren't going to solve today's problems; in minutes,
innovations become old news. Shake things up. Tap into a new stream of information.
Bring in an expert from outside. Juggle your hours. Your adaptability will atrophy
if you don't exercise it with new challenges.
Spirituality. Become aware of patterns of change: the seasons, the phases of the
moon, the steady progression of the Church calendar. Time is passing faster than
you realize, and using your faith as a means to honor and appreciate that
transition will help you better appreciate the time you have.
Personal Growth. When things change, do you tend to procrastinate, or respond
right away? Handling something now—taking action as soon as possible—can keep a
small issue from becoming a large stumbling block. Resolve to handle challenges as
soon as you possibly can.
Fortune Telling. Watch for a surprising letter in the mail. Your whole world is
about to be turned on its ear.
When? Between November 23rd and December 2nd
Symbols and Insights
Flying Wands. Waite, in The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, suggests the eight Wands
seen on RWS-inspired versions of this card are just shy of impact. If your worst
case scenario suddenly became reality, what would your action plan be?
The Pastoral Landscape. The quiet landscape seen in RWS versions of this card
represents the calm before the storm. Even in times of peace, a wise person watches
for incoming Wands...and prepares to deal with the changes generated by their
arrival.
Reflexive Action. Are your actions driven by reflection … or reflex? By what
criteria would you judge your own response to a crisis?
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles Eight of Wands presents a lattice even
sturdier than the one last seen on the Six. We've wrapped our mind around the new
influence that arrived with the Seven, and now we've integrated the new idea into
our Work. The result? We're more stable than ever before.
Questions to Ask
* How quickly to you adapt to change?
* What would your response be to overwhelming, sudden change?
* What changes are on your horizon? How well have you prepared for them?

Nine of Wands
Keywords
Toughness, persistence, stamina, loyalty, release
Range of Meaning
Light: Sticking with it for the duration. Fulfilling your promises and
obligations. Bearing up under incredible duress. Dragging yourself across the
finish line. Picking yourself up by your own bootstraps. Refusing to quit. Going as
far as you can go and being satisfied with your performance.
Shadow: Making yourself a martyr. Abandoning your post. Giving up at the first
sign of opposition. Being prevented from fulfilling an obligation. Failing to be
dependable. Refusing to let something go that needs to be released. Beating a dead
horse.
Correspondences
Numerology: 9 (The Completion: fullness, readiness, ripeness)
Astrology: Moon in Sagittarius
Affirmation: "When the going gets tough, I stay the course."
Story: The Main Character continues to strive for the goal, despite terrible
odds.
Advice
Relationships. Sometimes relationships of any kind are hard work. You and your
partner must be able to count on each other when the going gets rough. If you've
been unreliable, it's time to change your ways. If your partner doesn't seem to be
in things for the long haul, you should plan accordingly.
Work. When there's hard work to be done, you learn who your real friends are.
Call on others for support, especially if you feel overwhelmed. Take note of who
responds. Recognize, too, when you've had enough; doggedly pressing on when you're
broken benefits no one.
Spirituality. Meaningful progress takes time. You'll be tempted to give up, to
abandon your practices, to shrug off your faith. Stick with it. Your transformation
is slow, but steady. Encourage yourself by looking back and seeing how far you've
come.
Personal Growth. Know when to be a hero. Coached by phrases like "When the going
gets tough, the tough get going," you'll be tempted to crawl ahead even when you're
down. Some causes deserve your total dedication; some don't. Knowing the difference
is an important component of maturity.
Fortune Telling. Don't relax yet; there's more to come. The test you're facing
now is happening for one reason: to show you who your real friends are.
When? December 3rd through 12th.
Symbols and Insights
The Battered Hero. The figure on RWS-inspired versions of this card looks
exhausted; his Wand is more a prop than a weapon. Still, he persists. If you've
been through a lot yourself, this card can be a reminder that there's light at the
end of the tunnel.
Eight Background Wands. Eight is the number of action and outer work; Wands is
the suit of intention. In the background of many RWS versions of this card, we see
eight Wands; they represent the work done to get this far. When you're exhausted,
look back. Your achievements can give you the strength to keep moving forward.
The Fullness of Intention. A slightly different take on numerology positions this
card as the "fullness of intention." Having done all that can be done, we must let
go.
The Marseilles Image. Another intrusive Wand appears, but the lattice of eight
Wands is to strong to be broken. One imagines the entire structure sagging under
the weight of this new addition. Will the work (suggested by the eight Wands) done
so far hold up to this new challenge? Only time will tell.
Questions to Ask
* How do you cope when things get really tough?
* When you get low, what encourages you to go on?
* At what point should you be able to let this situation go?
Ten of Wands

Keywords
Exhaustion, resistance, burden, oppression
Range of Meaning
Light: Holding your own in extreme circumstances. Helping others carry their
burdens. Coming to the aid of the oppressed. Knowing and being honest about your
own limits. Recognizing when you are not well-suited for a particular task.
Shadow: Taking on more work than you know you can handle. Refusing to say "No"
when you're already overloaded. Making a habit of working overtime. Shielding
others from facing the consequences of their own poor judgment. Over-extending
yourself on a regular basis.
Correspondences
Numerology: 10 (The End: finality, completion, exhaustion)
Astrology: Saturn in Sagittarius
Affirmation: "I respect my own limits."
Story: The Main Character attempts a task he is not well-suited for, with
disastrous results.
Advice
Relationships. Some relationships become a burden. When this happens, have the
presence of mind to put them aside. Relationships involve more than one person.
When you've done all you can do to make a relationship a success, there's no shame
in withdrawing from a bad situation.
Work. Over-extending yourself on a regular basis is not a sign of strength: it's
evidence of poor judgment. You cannot perform at your best when exhausted. There
are too many irons in the fire. Review your values and make tough choices, letting
go of work that isn't critical.
Spirituality. When we are exhausted, we tend to feel disconnected from Spirit.
Restore yourself (and your spirit) by scheduling regular quiet time. Guard this
appointment with contemplative silence as jealously as you would an appointment
with a life-saving doctor. Disconnect—and reconnect.
Personal Growth. Knowing your own limits is a sign of maturity. Don't take on
more than you can reliably handle. It's better to be respected for saying "No" than
hated for saying "Yes" and failing to deliver. When unreasonable demands are made,
point them out and sidestep them.
Fortune Telling. You're worn out! Back off, take a time out, and let someone else
handle things for a while.
When? Between December 13th and 21st.
Symbols and Insights
The Stooped Figure. Most RWS-inspired decks depict a stooped, overburdened figure
on this card. He has gone as far as sheer Will can take him; he is on the verge of
collapse. There comes a point when too much is too much, and it's time to re-
evaluate your approach to the problem.
The Distant Village. Some RWS-inspired decks depict a distant village in the
background of the card. The village is the light at the end of the tunnel: a
reminded that the destination is close at hand. Your own "way out" may be as simple
as declining an opportunity you lack the time or energy to complete.
Exhaustion. Fullness has been exceeded, and the energy of the Wands suit becomes
spoiled and over-extended. As a result, we’ve become slaves to our own intentions;
a little searching, though, will help us find the key to escaping our self-made
prisons.
The Marseilles Image. Though woven tightly together, the ten Wands seen here are
as compressed as they can be. Adding another would likely cause an explosion!
Intent and action have reached their limit; it's time to try another way of solving
the problem at hand.
Questions to Ask
* How will you know when you reach the end of your rope?
* How easily do you say no to new projects and requests?
* What projects could you delegate...or eliminate?

Page of Wands

Keywords
Enthusiasm, eagerness, confidence, validation, affirmation
Range of Meaning
Light: Leaping at a new opportunity. Being a cheerleader or ardent advocate for
your cause. Being a True Believer. Taking first steps toward independence. Trusting
in your own abilities. Asking for feedback.
Shadow: Basing your entire self-image on what others think. Seizing every new
idea that comes your way without question. Habitually discounting input or feedback
from others. Being so eager to "do it yourself" that you hinder your own progress.
Correspondences
Personality: The Page of Wands can represent anyone who wants to learn (Page) how
to make something happen (Wands), especially in academic, romantic, and
professional areas of life. The Page may also represent the tendency to be more
eager than well-informed or a need to learn by doing.
Elemental: Earth of Fire.
Affirmation: "I can do this."
Story: The Main Character's doubts about himself or herself are dispelled by a
positive experience.
Advice
Relationships. Be eager to try new things, especially activities that fall
outside your comfort zone. Don't hide your emotions: let eagerness show. Be
vulnerable; if you don't know what to do, admit it. Learn from a more experienced
lover, or take someone under your wing.
Work. Be honest about your ability—or your lack of ability. When someone uses a
term you don't know, ask for a definition. Watch for opportunities to be a student
and to learn new programs and processes. Your ignorance can be a tool, helping you
see what others will dismiss.
Spirituality. Pledge to fully experience (or recapture) the thrill of exploring
new spiritual horizons. Read a book for beginners—even if you've been involved in
your practice for decades. Consider teaching others; beginners should find a
trustworthy teacher.
Personal Growth. Make something happen! List your goals, determine what needs to
be done, pick a target, and take those first steps. Learning new tricks keep the
mind and body young. A mature soul sets ego aside and embraces the unknown with
eagerness.
Fortune Telling. This card represents a young man or woman with a fiery,
enthusiastic demeanor, likely born a Cancer, Leo, or Virgo, who wants to start a
new relationship with you.
When? Between June 21st and September 22nd.
Symbols and Insights
The Romantic Pose. Most RWS-inspired cards will feature a young man in
impractical attire, gazing at a Wand as though it were a lover. The Page feels
intently the fiery grip of passion, but lacks the experience to know how such
intense emotion should be put into action. Sound familiar?
Awkwardness. In addition to the Page's yearning gaze, he is frequently posed in a
manner that suggests awkwardness or clumsiness. Are you dealing with someone too
young (or young at heart) to be emotionally or intentionally stable?
The Need for Affirmation. When learning a new skill, good feedback speeds our
progress and boosts our confidence. The best students know this, and seek out
worthy teachers to evaluate their work.
The Marseilles Image. Is it a walking stick? Is it a weapon? The Marseilles Page
of Wands isn't sure, and his stiff pose and awkward grip betray his uncertainty.
Rather than allow your own actions to betray your uncertainties, be proactive: ask
for help.
Questions to Ask
* How easily do you admit your own inexperience?
* How can you be a better student or employee?
* What qualities would make a total beginner's voyage of discovery easier?

Knight of Wands

Keywords
Boldness, bravado, passion, persuasion, advocacy
Range of Meaning
Light: Charging ahead. Making rapid progress. Refusing limits. Dazzling those
around you with your wit and charm. Convincing others of your right to leadership.
Convincing others to follow you. Being a catalyst for change.
Shadow: Blundering forward with inadequate skill or information. Running
roughshod over the feelings of others. Using sex appeal to manipulate others.
Forcing your leadership or ideology on others. Beginning many projects without
finishing any.
Correspondences
Personality: The Knight of Wands can represent anyone who wants to lead the way
(Knight) to a goal (Wands), especially in academic, romantic, and professional
areas of life. The Knight may also represent the tendency to be more forceful than
cooperative or the need to take action at any cost.
Elemental: Air of Fire.
Affirmation: "I can lead the way to success."
Story: The Main Character leads the effort to reach a common goal.
Advice
Relationships. Ask someone out. Set up a romantic evening and make it happen.
Speak your heart, and challenge others to do the same. Be feverishly romantic. Pull
out all the stops. After making sure your motives are pure, use your charisma to
bowl someone over.
Work. If you are not equipped to be a charismatic advocate for your ideas, find a
champion and enlist his or her aid. Your focus today is more on "sizzle" than
"steak." Sell your ideas and skills as boldly as you can without distorting or
exaggerating their value. Stress benefits and push for commitments.
Spirituality. Without coming off as a fanatic, you can share your spiritual
journey with others. Offer prayers. Mention important Truths you've learned to
apply. Loan out your books. Mention your faith in a letter to a friend. Every time
you share your Light, you aid in conquering Darkness.
Personal Growth. Share yourself. Watch for opportunities to lend a hand, offer
your skills, or lead an effort others will avoid. Prove yourself in small things,
and others will be willing to follow you into larger battles.
Fortune Telling. This card represents a man with a bold, passionate personality,
likely born between July 12th and August 11th, who wants to sweep you off your
feet.
When? Between July 12th and August 11th.
Symbols and Insights
Charging Forward. Versions of this card based on RWS imagery often depict a fair
young man streaking across the desert in full battle armor. Is the horse you're
riding today galloping fast...or out of control?
Pyramids. In the background of RWS-inspired versions of this card, we frequently
see pyramids. While his "get things done" attitude moves the Knight rapidly
forward, the pyramids remind him that long-term application of force over time is
more likely the key to lasting achievement.
Eliciting Involvement. Before inviting people to join your venture, find out what
benefits really interest them … or you might gallop off into the distance, alone!
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles Knight of Wands is a picture of distraction.
Instead of looking forward, he's looking back. Despite his uncertainty, he's
beating his horse, urging speed. Before you rush headlong into action, be sure you
have a destination defined.
Questions to Ask
* To what extent have you defined your ultimate goal?
* What's the fastest way to get the job done? Is this necessarily the best way?
* How long has it been since you looked back to see if others really are following
your lead?

Queen of Wands

Keywords
Attention, attraction, unification, collaboration
Range of Meaning
Light: Paying close attention. Helping others focus on the issue at hand. Getting
everyone to work together. Identifying common ground. Bringing people together,
despite their differences. Using reverse psychology.
Shadow: Being distracted, or using your charms or skills to distract others from
the goal. Calling attention to yourself with negative or unhealthy behaviors.
Disrupting group activities as a means of feeding your own ego.
Correspondences
Personality: The Queen of Wands can represent anyone who wants to convince others
(Queen) to pursue a common goal (Wands), especially in academic, romantic, and
professional areas of life. The Queen may also represent the tendency to be more
manipulative than direct or the need to capture the attention of others.
Elemental: Water of Fire.
Affirmation: "I use my influence to promote unity."
Story: The Main Character must persuade others to follow his or her lead.
Advice
Relationships. Pull together a group of friends and organize a group date. If in
an argument, make a special effort to see all sides. Refrain from thinking the
issue at hand is "all about you." Understand the motives of everyone involved, then
go for common ground.
Work. Progress is complicated by a lack of attention to details. Start from
square one. Ask everyone involved to give a stamp of approval to the parts of a
project they control. Get more people involved, and more people will be invested in
the success of your project.
Spirituality. A quiet mind is a sign of a focused spirit. When you're feeling
distracted, your spirit is pulled in every direction; when you're focused, your
energies flow naturally toward success. Take a deep breath, close your door, and
invest a few minutes in calming yourself and your soul.
Personal Growth. When you give someone your full and undivided attention, you
give a rare and amazing gift. If you cultivate an ability to truly listen and
respond, others will identify you as an intelligent, sensitive person they can
trust with matters of real importance.
Fortune Telling. This card represents a woman with an attractive, appealing
personality, likely born between March 11th and April 20th, who wants to charm you
into doing things her way.
When? Between March 11th and April 20th.
Symbols and Insights
The Black Cat. The black cat on RWS-inspired versions of this card is a familiar,
an animal helper sent to guard, assist, and protect. Having a "familiar"—an aide or
openly or covertly embraces your ideology—in a group can help you steer
participants toward agreement.
Sunflowers. Sunflowers twist on their stems, following the course of the Sun
through the sky. Are they devoting exclusive attention to the Sun, or does its
light and warmth merely distract them from the world around them?
Biases and Agendas. When pushed to cast your vote, be sure to know the biases and
agendas of those who guide your collaborative efforts.
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles Queen of Wands looks sharply away, slouching
in her throne -- the picture of pure distraction. Still, her Wand is held at the
ready. Should our attention wander from her, she's liable to offer a gentle tap of
correction.
Questions to Ask
* How attentive am I?
* How can I draw people's attention to what we have in common?
* To what extent am I able to convince people to do what I want them to do?

King of Wands

Keywords
Creativity, ingenuity, achievement, direction
Range of Meaning
Light: Putting old things together in new and exciting ways. Coming up with
unexpected solutions. Using your experience to solve puzzles and problems. Doing
what you set out to do. Directing the efforts of others.
Shadow: Using your creativity to get out of honest work. Investing great energy
in avoiding responsibility. Boasting about achievements without putting your
expertise to practical use. Lording it over others.
Correspondences
Personality: The King of Wands can represent anyone who wants to oversee or take
control of (King) a situation (Wands), especially in academic, romantic, and
professional areas of life. The King may also represent the tendency to be more
authoritative than cooperative or the need to control the actions of others.
Elemental: Fire of Fire.
Affirmation: "I use my authority and experience to get things done faster."
Story: Surrounded by indecision, the Main Character takes control and gives
orders.
Advice
Relationships. When it comes to your own relationships, you're in the driver's
seat. What do you want? Are you getting it? If not, why not? While relationships
are a two-way street, you ultimately decide whether or not you will continue to be
involved. It could be time to lay down the law.
Work. Someone in authority needs to be calling the shots. There is a need for
input from an experienced worker who has been empowered to cut through red tape and
make things happen. If you're that person, step up. If you're not that person, step
aside.
Spirituality. Who's in control? We like to think we hold the reins of our lives,
but all too often, the Universe reminds us that we are a very small cog in a very
large machine. Consider today the role you play in larger plans, and make yourself
available to be a means for accomplishing great things.
Personal Growth. In order to achieve your goals, you must control what you can:
your habits, your choices, your schedule. Without being rigid, you can put a
structure in place that takes the craziness out of the most hectic days. That
foundation will help you maintain the calmness of a King, even when the castle
walls are falling down around you.
Fortune Telling. This card represents an older man with a commanding, charismatic
personality, likely born between November 13th and December 12th, who prefers to
give directions and have them followed.
When? Between November 13th and December 12th.
Symbols and Insights
The Lion and Salamander. The Lion, often seen on the throne of RWS-inspired
versions of this card, has long been a symbol of royalty. The lowly salamander was
once thought to be born in fire and capable of passing through flame without
injury. In your situation, who is trying to appear impervious to attack? Why?
The Posture of Authority. The posture of the King of Wands is generally relaxed,
but authoritative. He often sits with legs apart, suggesting sexual dominance.
There's a lesson here: half of being confident is acting confident.
 Power vs. Preparedness. Many are eager for power and authority, but few are
prepared to accept the consequences of absolute power. Are you?
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles King of Wands looks positively splendid with
his wide-brimmed crown, epaulets, and gleaming armor. He is the picture of
confident command. His demeanor may hold the key to your situation. What would
happen if you were to lead while clearly expecting others to follow?
Questions to Ask
* How confident a leader am I?
* How can I project more confidence?
* How can I offer my expertise in ways that inspire others to follow me?

Suit of Cups
Ace of Cups

Keywords
Intuition, spirituality, affection, motivation
Range of Meaning
Light: Trusting your feelings. Opening yourself to spirit. Accepting and
returning affection. Getting in touch with what motivates you. Taking advantage of
an opportunity to express love to others. Listening to the still, small voice.
Shadow: Hiding your feelings. Spurning an opportunity to love or be loved.
Numbing yourself to spiritual yearnings. Rejecting the counsel of your heart.
Becoming a puppet of your own emotions. Indulging in hysteria or obsession.
Correspondences
Numerology: 1 (The Origin: the starting point, the seed, opportunity)
Astrology: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Affirmation: "I listen to the counsel of my heart."
Story: The Main Character meets a love interest or discovers his or her true
calling.
Advice
Relationships. This is an opportunity to set logic aside and allow actions to be
guided by feelings alone. Irrational? Perhaps. But in certain matters, logic does
not apply. Be romantic. Be spiritual. This moment is a chance to see romance as an
expression of spirituality, and vice-versa.
Work. How fulfilling is your work? If you're going through the motions, this card
challenges you to get back in touch with what delights you. Find a way to integrate
your labor with your dreams. If you're already fulfilled, watch for an opportunity
to take your satisfaction to the next level.
Spirituality. On rare occasions, Heaven opens, and the Hand of God offers us the
opportunity to experience unexpected spiritual highs. Pay close attention to the
events around you; one is a seed—an opportunity to be uniquely and totally immersed
in the work and power of Spirit.
Personal Growth. How comfortable are you with expressions of emotion? Of faith?
This card challenges you to be more open with both. A centered person freely shares
what he or she feels, and a truly spiritual person can share his or her faith in
natural, non-aggressive ways. Give both a try.
Fortune Telling. Romance is in the cards! A new relationship or marriage is just
around the corner. Prayers are answered.
When? In the Summer.
Symbols and Insights
The Hand of God. On the Aces in Marseilles and RWS-inspired decks, a heavenly
hand extends from the clouds, offering the viewer the suit's distinctive marker.
When opportunity comes your way, take advantage of it; the hand that extends an
offer can always withdraw it.
The Holy Grail. The RWS depicts the chalice as the Grail—the cup of the Christ.
In addition to the spiritual connotations of the Grail, this card (like the Grail)
can be connected with the Divine Feminine. What would your spiritual quest be? What
hidden truths should you pursue?
 Cups as Symbols. As a suit marker, Cups suggest receptivity: they are vessels,
waiting to be filled. Cups have long been associated with divination (remember the
uproar caused when Benjamin stole King Joseph's cup?) and, by extension, intuition.
How can you enhance your own receptivity?
The Nature of the Ace. Compressed into the Ace are all the qualities of all the
other cards of the suit. In this way, the Ace can be said to be the "root" or
"seed" of its associated element. How might your situation contain the seeds of
emotional or spiritual growth?
Your First Impressions. When you see the Ace, what's your first impression? What
will the cup contain? What actions are you expected to take?
Questions to Ask
* What am I feeling right now?
* How would I go about opening myself to spiritual guidance?
* What motivates me the most—pleasure or pain? Why?

Two of Cups

Keywords
Union, attraction, combination, affection
Range of Meaning
Light: Being drawn to someone. Longing for someone or something. Acting on your
desires. Discovering a feeling is mutual. Doing what makes you feel good. Merging.
Healing broken ties. Admitting two people feel differently about each other and
moving on.
Shadow: Burning bridges. Becoming caught up in unhealthy codependency. Shutting
out anyone but your chosen few. Obsessing on someone who does not return your
affections. Despairing over finding "The One." Deceiving yourself about your true
orientation.
Correspondences
Numerology: 2 (The Other: duality, division, debate)
Astrology: Venus in Cancer
Affirmation: "I am attuned to what my heart truly desires."
Story: The Main Character improves his or her lot by joining with likeminded
others.
Advice
Relationships. In a healthy relationship, everyone involved feels safe enough to
reveal how he or she really feels. Feeling attraction? Say so. Not invested? Say
so. Reflected love is a balm for the soul, but hidden or repressed emotions will
poison a relationship.
Work. Meet your goals more easily by recruiting others who see things your way.
If what you're doing now doesn't thrill you, admit it. Do what delights you, or
engineer a change of heart that allows you to enjoy what you're doing now.
Spirituality. The idea that your spiritual practice must satisfy anyone other
than yourself is an illusion. Do what you feel drawn to do. Find support and solace
with like-minded individuals. Forgive spiritual abuse and rediscover the power of
unity.
Personal Growth. Rather than merely reflect the desires of others, identify what
you want and be yourself. You can appreciate others without sacrificing your
individuality. Honesty is power; be brave enough to admit what you really feel.
Fortune Telling. Someone has a secret crush on you. Relationships should be
mutual; get rid of a leech.
When? Between June 21st and July 1st.
Symbols and Insights
The Medicinal Angel. In RWS-inspired decks, an angel and a caduceus (the medical
symbol) rise from the two cups, signifying the healing power of love. How might
affection be the balm for what ails you now?
The Romantic Couple. Many versions of this card depict a couple caught up in
intense, hypnotic passion. This symbolizes the power of reflected feeling: the
unity achieved when yin and yang combine. In your situation, what's missing? What's
needed in order to be complete?
Balance. Note how often illustrations for this card incorporate themes of
balance. Emotional extremes and obsessions unbalance us; tempering your feelings
with wisdom may help you feel more empowered.
Mutuality. Do your relationships and alliances incorporate a cycle of healthy
interdependence and mutual support?
Responses to Mutuality. RWS-inspired couples seem to be on the verge of a toast.
What do you need to celebrate? To acknowledge? To embrace?
The Marseilles Image. Two perfectly-balanced chalices give rise to a beautifully
symmetrical blossom. Stability requires equality. Is everyone in your situation
equally invested? What role do mutual feelings play?
Questions to Ask
* How can I make sure that what I'm feeling is mutual?
* When was the last time I felt "in love" with someone or something?
* What do you need in order to feel emotionally stable?

Three of Cups

Keywords
Celebration, expression, community, friendliness
Range of Meaning
Light: Celebrating your feelings or connections with others. Expressing joy
through song, dance, or physical affection. Working together with others who share
your feelings. Performing acts of service as a way of saying, "I love you."
Embracing unconventional romantic arrangements.
Shadow: Mistaking giddiness for true affection. Being dominated by manic
emotions. Expecting everyone to always feel the same way you do. Demanding
unreasonable support from friends or family. Partying to a dangerous or unhealthy
extent.
Correspondences
Numerology: 3 (The Result: expression, productivity, output)
Astrology: Mercury in Cancer
Affirmation: "I allow my actions to reflect my true emotions."
Story: The Main Character's actions show how he or she really feels.
Advice
Relationships. Be open to unconventional relationships that defy your dearly-held
expectations. Saying what you feel may not be enough; sometimes, actions speak
louder than words. Think beyond sex. What service can you render as a way of
showing your love?
Work. For insight into what you really love to do, monitor how you spend your
time. We make time for what delights us. If your schedule is dominated by things
you don't love doing, it's time to realign your priorities. Ask others how they
manage their time.
Spirituality. Especially when walking a solitary path, it's easy to neglect the
rituals that are an integral part of living with Spirit. Become a part of a like-
minded group. Celebrate the season. Seek outward, shared expressions of your inner
faith.
Personal Growth. To have more friends, be one. Look for opportunities to serve
others or aid them in their pursuits. Shared success is sweeter, and you'll find
your own success is multiplied when you're helping others achieve their goals, too.
Fortune Telling. Unconventional romance is coming your way: a gay or lesbian
relationship, or a love affair with someone you've always dismissed.
When? Between July 2nd and 11th.
Symbols and Insights
The Dancing Women. In RWS-inspired decks, this card frequently depicts three
dancing women. How in touch are you with your more feminine emotions and instincts?
To what extent do you regard "expressing emotion" as a feminine trait?
 Upraised Cups. Upraised cups suggest a toast, which, by extension, is associated
with wine. What deserves to be celebrated, and what form of recognition would be
appropriate?
Celebration vs. Inebriation. At what point do you cross the line from having fun
… to having too much fun? How can you know when enough's enough?
The Marseilles Image. The blossom seen on the Two of Cups has matured into a
third cup: the "offspring" off the original pair. What fruit is being produced by
your own spiritual work or emotional involvement?
Questions to Ask
* What's worth celebrating in my life?
* How can I demonstrate my feelings in appropriate ways?
* What can I do to show my partner how I really feel?

Four of Cups

Keywords
Boredom, listlessness, lethargy, stability, ingratitude
Range of Meaning
Light: Maintaining your emotional stability. Refusing to give in to overwhelming
emotions. Appreciating what you have and refusing to take it for granted. Seeing
the value of long-term commitments.
Shadow: Being bored. Daydreaming at the expense of your work. Refusing to be
engaged by opportunity. Taking people and relationships for granted. Ignoring
romantic or spiritual opportunities. Spurning inspiration. Feeling everything
should stay "just like it is!"
Correspondences
Numerology: 4 (The Status Quo: stability, equality, persistence)
Astrology: Moon in Cancer
Affirmation: "I appreciate what I've been given."
Story: For right or wrong, the Main Character refuses to re-evaluate his or her
feelings about an important person or issue. Alternatively, the Main Character
suffers from boredom.
Advice
Relationships. Without adequate attention, even the best relationships grow stale
over time. Reignite the spark. Rediscover what brought you together. If on your own
and unhappy about it, don't play the victim: get back in the game.
Work. Bored? It's time to ask for new challenges. When work fails to fulfill us,
it quickly becomes drudgery. There's always plenty to do. You can shatter inertia
by just getting started. Take that first step; others will follow.
Spirituality. Unless you tap into a fresh reservoir, your spiritual well will
eventually run dry. Replenish your Spirit with a dip into new experiences:
meditation, drumming, fasting. Open yourself to new possibilities.
Personal Growth. Boredom and ingratitude blind us to new opportunities. Don't
fall into this trap! Alter your routine. Try new foods. Dress in different colors.
Break the mold, and you'll never stop growing.
Fortune Telling. A lover is getting restless. Find out what he or she needs, or
new opportunities may lure your partner away.
When? Between July 12th and 21st.
Symbols and Insights
The Extended Cup. Remember the Ace? Here again, opportunity knocks, but we may be
too distracted or dull-witted to hear it. What opportunities are you overlooking
today?
The Three Known Cups. The figure in RWS-inspired decks already possesses three
familiar, comforting cups. What emotional or spiritual resource are you taking for
granted?
Delayed Gratification. How might focusing on pleasure yet to come help you deal
with the less attractive, less engaging responsibilities you face today?
The Marseilles Image. Four Cups anchor a flowering vine, providing stability, but
also limiting further growth. What ingrained emotional responses, useful in the
past, limit your personal evolution now?
Questions to Ask
* How can I use this "downtime" to my best advantage?
* How can I show my partner that I don't take him or her for granted?
* To what extent is my mood blinding me to new opportunities?

Five of Cups

Keywords
Loss, despair, re-evaluation, regret, uncertainty, repentance
Range of Meaning
Light: Acknowledging loss and moving on. Focusing on how the glass remains "half-
full." Finding the silver lining in a dark cloud. Recognizing that loss is a
natural part of life. Embracing healthy grief. Learning lessons from harsh
consequences.
Shadow: Wallowing in unhealthy grief or self-pity. Refusing to move on and let
go. Clinging to the past. Obsessing on past lives and past loves. Failing to live
in the present. Beating yourself up over past mistakes. Allowing fear of failure to
limit your efforts.
Correspondences
Numerology: 5 (The Catalyst: instability, resistance, confrontation)
Astrology: Mars in Scorpio
Affirmation: "I learn from my losses and move on."
Story: Shocked by loss, the Main Character considers giving up the quest.
Alternatively, the Main Character's judgment is distorted by memories of loss.
Advice
Relationships. Maintaining an affair with memories of past lovers will prevent
you from appreciating lovers in the here and now. Burned by past friends or
partners? Thank them for the lesson learned and offer your heart to those who
deserve your affection.
Work. You can't look back. The "good old days" have given way to the "here and
now," and it's time to adjust your efforts accordingly. If you made mistakes, admit
them, pick up the pieces, and return to work with renewed effort. Don't focus on
losses; define new goals.
Spirituality. Your faith, at first, may seem like "cold comfort" in times of
loss. But if you accept that all things unfold according to a larger pattern, you
must look for the role this loss plays in the grand scheme of things. Three cups
remain upright. What do you still have to be thankful for?
Personal Growth. Perspective is everything. Each of us is predisposed to focus on
the positive or the negative; if you tend toward the latter, condition yourself to
be more optimistic by reviewing how apparently dark events of the past gave rise to
greater strength or insight.
Fortune Telling. A breakup looms. Don't cry over spilt milk. Take your lumps and
get back in the saddle.
When? Between October 23rd and November 1st.
Symbols and Insights
Three Cups Down, Two Cups Up. Tradition leads many artists to draw this card with
three Cups overturned and two still standing. The outcome (three) of your emotional
or spiritual effort may be disappointing, but now it's time to focus on achieving a
new sense of unity (two) elsewhere.
The Posture of Defeat. This card often depicts a cloaked figure with slumped
shoulders. How is your current mood reflected in your posture? If your demeanor
changed, might your mood change along with it?
Weighing Options. Do you focus on loss, or on the opportunity inherent in change?
Do you grieve for the way things were … or do you reassess your situation and adapt
to it? How might this insight help you in your own situation?
The Marseilles Image. Growth continues (loss forces growth!), but the garden's
getting cramped. How can you balance the need for emotional stability with the fact
that time is marching on?
Questions to Ask
* How do I tend to deal with loss?
* What life lesson might I be learning now?
* How can I shift my attention from the past to the future?

Six of Cups

Keywords
Charity, sharing, sacrifice, cooperation, fairness
Range of Meaning
Light: Donating your time and talents to others. Taking satisfaction in knowing
how your efforts will aid others. Creating a "win-win" scenario. Giving even when
you know repayment is not possible. Being motivated to do a good deed.
Shadow: Linking your sense of self-worth to the appraisals of others. Striving to
appear more needy than you really are. Taking undeserved or unmerited charity.
Bragging about your charitable efforts. Profiteering in times of distress. Refusing
to share a burden.
Correspondences
Numerology: 6 (The Adjustment: cooperation, collaboration, interaction)
Astrology: Sun in Scorpio
Affirmation: "I freely give myself to others, expecting nothing in return."
Story: Defying conventional wisdom, the Main Character lends his or her support
to a hopeless cause.
Advice
Relationships. We like to say relationships involve give and take; this card
invites you to focus on giving more than receiving. Watch for opportunities to take
on chores that neither you nor your friends (or partners) enjoy. Surprise a loved
one with an unexpected, unmerited gift.
Work. Most people focus on profit; what might happen if you focused on giving
instead? A gift given with strings attached deserves a skeptical response. When
charitable gestures are revealed (or perceived) as bribes, don't expect good
results.
Spirituality. Few things energize the weary spirit like service. Volunteer. Lend
a helping hand to someone in need. Give of your time, your money, and your talents—
all three. In helping others, you help yourself.
Personal Growth. When you can give something without expecting anything in
return, you've reached an important milestone. Accelerate your quest for maturity;
practice giving with no thought of what's in it for you.
Fortune Telling. A stingy spirit is strangling your enjoyment of life. Loosen up
and think of others for once, why don't you?
When? Between November 2nd and 11th.
Symbols and Insights
The Exchange. On many versions of this card, one figure passes a bouquet to
another. Was money involved, or was this a free gift? How might expectations of
payment (or repayment) be shaping your own situation?
Flowers in Cups. Many versions of this card depict chalices overflowing with
blossoms: a reminder of the inexhaustible bounty available from the Universe. How
can you escape a "poverty mentality?"
Giving Gifts. What attitudes and emotions would motivate such an action? How
might these attitudes and emotions play a role in solving your dilemma? What
dictates the value of a gift?
The Marseilles Image. The cramped configuration of the Five has given way to the
orderly balance of the Six. When emotions and spirituality are properly aligned,
they become a channel for healthy growth.
Questions to Ask
* What gifts do I possess? How freely do I give them?
* How can I practice unconditional giving?
* How would things change if I became a more charitable person?

Seven of Cups

Keywords
Imagination, dreams, illusions, goals
Range of Meaning
Light: Motivating yourself with images of future success. Using visualization to
encourage progress. Taking an imaginative or creative approach to problem solving.
Making dreams come true. Gleaning insight from personal visions.
Shadow: Obsessing on imaginary fears or uncertain consequences. Giving in to
emotional or political terrorism. Spending more time dreaming than working. Failing
to envision the possible repercussions of your choices. Being controlled by fear.
Correspondences
Numerology: 7 (The Motive: imagination, inner work, psychology)
Astrology: Venus in Scorpio
Affirmation: "I use inner vision as a tool for growth."
Story: The Main Character is hindered by unreasonable expectations or unfounded
fears. Alternatively, the Main Character insists on remaining true to his or her
original vision.
Advice
Relationships. Comparing your friendships and relationships to unrealistic,
Hollywood-produced fantasies is a sure-fire formula for disappointment. Rather than
imagine what things ought to be, face how things are...and then take the steps
necessary to make your relationships more rewarding.
Work. Plan for contingencies. At the same time, don't allow "what might be" to
distract you from "what is." Unless it's your job to build castles in the sky, be
sure to invest more effort in hard work than sweet dreams.
Spirituality. Use meditation and prayer to build a clear vision of your spiritual
goals, and call on this for inspiration in times of need. Pay attention to dreams;
they have important messages for you.
Personal Growth. Your imagination is a powerful tool, capable of shaping your
experience and your world. Focus your thoughts. See life as it should be, and then
take personal responsibility for making your dreams come true. Always link
imagination with action!
Fortune Telling. You're being fed a line. Rather than be dazzled by fancy words
and promises, demand something real.
When? Between November 13th and 22nd.
Symbols and Insights
Contents of the Cups. On RWS-inspired decks, we often see cups laden with all
manner of intriguing options: masks, serpents, wreaths, jewels, elemental symbols,
shrouded figures. Be aware of your fears and your motivations, and act accordingly.
Dangers and Surprises. In your situation, what is the worst possible outcome?
What’s the best possible outcome? How are hopes and fears shaping your thoughts
about the challenge of the moment?
Dreaming isn’t Enough. As engaging as dreams and fantasies can be, imagination
without action is wasted energy. How might things change if you fantasized less
about outcomes and more about new ways to take action?
The Marseilles Image. The arrangement of Cups seen here suggests a conflict
between opportunity (the one, central cup) and uncertain feelings (the two sets of
three). What do you need in order to shift confidently from imagination to action?
Until you know, growth will be limited.
Questions to Ask
* What do you want most? What do you fear most? How are these related?
* How is your imagination working for you? Against you?
* How might a clearer personal vision help you choose a single cup from the many
available?
Eight of Cups

Keywords
Longing, dissatisfaction, quest, departure, withdrawal
Range of Meaning
Light: Wanting something better. Blazing your own trail. Realizing there must be
more to life. Leaving an unhealthy situation behind. Starting your own business.
Going on a retreat. Seeking the "still, small voice."
Shadow: Being implacable. Finding fault. Nitpicking. Refusing to settle down.
Running away from problems or confrontations. Saying, "It's my way or the highway!"
Harping on past mistakes and disappointments. Threatening to quit as a strategy to
get your way.
Correspondences
Numerology: 8 (The Action: movement, outer work, swiftness)
Astrology: Saturn in Pisces
Affirmation: "I am always open to opportunities for growth."
Story: The Main Character finds his or her everyday life suddenly unrewarding.
The Main Character sets off to find his or her destiny.
Advice
Relationships. If a relationship fails to supply what you need, consider looking
elsewhere. Occasionally, a little time apart can restore perspective and reveal
true character. Don't be afraid to be alone; it's okay to be your own person.
Work. Threatening to quit is never productive. Dedicate yourself wholeheartedly
to a task...or move on without fanfare. A persistent feeling that "something's
missing" should tell you something. Know when to say "No!" to overbearing bosses.
Spirituality. Consider the value a retreat might offer. Spend time alone in
nature. By stepping outside of your daily routine, you automatically heighten your
awareness. When you return to your every day world, you'll see it with fresh eyes.
Personal Growth. As children, we ridicule "quitters." As adults, we need to
realize the time does come to throw in the towel. In your own life, what habits or
attitudes need to be abandoned, cold turkey? Don't think of it as quitting; see
quitting as a step toward a new beginning.
Fortune Telling. Someone's "stepping out" on you, now or in the near future.
Maybe it's time to quit talking about the problem and just move on.
When? Between February 19th through 28th.
Symbols and Insights
Stacked Chalices. The RWS-inspired versions of this card frequently depict eight
stacked Cups, arranging to emphasize the ninth cup's absence. What do you lack
emotionally or spiritually? How willing are you to pursue it?
The Retreating Figure. On many versions of this card, a weary figure walks away,
heading toward the horizon. In your own life, what do you need to walk away from?
What new experiences or insights might you gain from doing so?
Starting Again. What risks are inherent in starting over? What would be lost?
What benefits might you gain from a fresh start?
The Marseilles Image. What a labor (eight) of love (Cups) this arrangement must
have been: such careful balance, such deliberate symmetry! Still, there's room for
growth. What labor of love should you undertake today?
Questions to Ask
* What do I need to leave behind once and for all?
* If I left in search of "more," what would I be looking for, exactly?
* How might a retreat enhance my perspective?

Nine of Cups

Keywords
Satisfaction, sensuality, luxury, pleasure
Range of Meaning
Light: Being delighted with your own achievements. Recognizing your own talents
and abilities. Reveling in the good things life has to offer. Indulging yourself.
Relaxing and unwinding. Having everything you need in order to feel complete.
Shadow: Being smug. Satisfying yourself at the expense of others. Being selfish.
Over-indulging. Avoiding work that needs to be done. Claiming achievements or
skills you do not possess. Never being satisfied, no matter how much you have.
Correspondences
Numerology: 9 (The Completion: fullness, readiness, ripeness)
Astrology: Jupiter in Pisces
Affirmation: "I have everything I need to be happy."
Story: The Main Character expresses supreme confidence. Alternatively, the Main
Character completes a task, but is denied the promised payment.
Advice
Relationships. Appreciate what you have. When things are good, it's easy to take
someone for granted. Today, emphasize the ways your friendships and relationships
are working for you. What's working? What's comforting? What do you have to smile
about?
Work. Who should your work satisfy? What are the criteria used to evaluate your
work's completeness? Knowing the answer to these questions is the key to success.
Resist the urge to revise and revise; know when to be happy with your best effort.
Spirituality. Finding your center—a still point, a place of peace insulated from
outer disturbances—will help you maintain an enlightened perspective. When
pressured or rushed, remember to breathe. Pause, retreat, withdraw. Allow your
spiritual discipline to yield practical results.
Personal Growth. A life of constant luxury breeds dullness. Learn when to push
back; you can be satisfied with less than you think. With a little restraint in
place, you'll be better equipped to enjoy real luxury when the time for indulgence
comes.
Fortune Telling. Whatever you want, you'll get it.
When? March 1st through 10th.
Symbols and Insights
The Happy Merchant. The RWS-inspired merchant sits in front of a raised and
curtained platform, looking as happy as he can be. The Gilded Tarot's wine maker is
"in his cups," merry as ever. What outcome would delight you? How can you make that
outcome more likely?
What's behind the Curtain? The curtained shelf on RWS-inspired cards prompts much
speculation. What's the merchant hiding? And to what extent is that secret
responsible for his apparent satisfaction? In your situation, what information is
being hidden or repressed in order to maintain false happiness?
The Life of Leisure. In the Blue 9, we see a picture of total relaxation: an
escape from the worries and cares of the world. What steps would you have to take
in order to experience this kind of peace? Do you know what it would take to
satisfy you completely?
The Marseilles Image. Strong emotions (represented by the nine Cups) have all but
crowded out opportunities for growth and prosperity. To what extent do your
emotional responses support your goals? How might they interfere with your
achievement of satisfaction?
Questions to Ask
* What is true happiness?
* If I could have anything, what would I have?
* What is my attitude toward luxury? Do I deserve it?

Ten of Cups

Keywords
Joy, fulfillment, overwhelming emotion, giddiness
Range of Meaning
 Light: Having more than you ever dreamed. Being deeply thankful for all you've
been given. Recognizing the Hand of God in the gifts the Universe brings your way.
Experiencing transcendent joy. Achieving domestic bliss.
Shadow: Comparing your achievements or relationships to unrealistic fantasy
standards. Experiencing emotions so intense they blunt your ability to cope with
reality. Feeling overwhelmed. Envying the achievements and happiness of others.
Correspondences
Numerology: 10 (The End: finality, completion, exhaustion)
Astrology: Mars in Pisces
Affirmation: "I take time to appreciate what I've been given."
Story: The Main Character finds himself or herself in a relationship more
fulfilling or intense than expected.
Advice
Relationships. Having it all may be a matter of perspective. Rather than pursue a
fantasy romance, decide what you really want and need. Your relationship doesn't
require anyone else's stamp of approval. Do what delights you, and be grateful for
what you have.
Work. Fulfilling work is rare indeed. Be careful how you define success; don't
get so caught up in reaching the next goal that you forget to celebrate your
achievements so far. Feeling overwhelmed? Take time out to count your blessings and
realign your work with what matters most.
Spirituality. While we may glimpse nirvana in meditation, maintaining a constant
state of bliss may prove to be an unrealistic goal. Delight in the small steps you
take along the Path. Don't be overly concerned with spiritual arrival; enjoy the
journey.
Personal Growth. Gratitude enhances success. While celebrating your achievements,
remember to give credit to those who helped you achieve it. Overwhelm others with
sincere recognition, and you'll find yourself surrounded by an army of eager
supporters.
Fortune Telling. Marriage and family are in the cards. Expect a friendship to
blossom into a romance.
When? Between March 11th and March 20th.
Symbols and Insights
The Happy Family. Most RWS-inspired decks depict a joyful couple with dancing
children. How do you define family? What makes a group of people a family? How
might family play a role in your current situation?
The Rainbow. RWS-inspired decks often place a rainbow at the top of this card.
Since Biblical times, rainbows have been symbols of promise. In your situation,
what's been promised? Who has a promise to keep? What will it take to fulfill that
promise?
Overabundance of Emotion. Some readers believe tens represent the point at which
fullness has been exceeded, and the energy of the suit becomes spoiled and over-
extended. Sometimes, emotions spill over, leaving everyone feeling ragged and raw.
Might it be time to curb excessive emotions?
The Marseilles Image. Just when you thought a card could contain no more
Cups...bam! A huge Cup appears, obliterating the struggling blossoms last seen on
the nine. In your own situation, what are the signs that, emotionally, things have
gone too far?
Questions to Ask
* Who gets to define what "joy" consists of?
* What course of action is available when you feel overwhelmed?
* How might vows or promises play a role in achieving a greater level of joy in
your life?

Page of Cups

Keywords
Enthusiasm, first impressions, romanticism, superficiality
Range of Meaning
Light: Showing your emotions freely. Throwing yourself into romance. Nursing a
secret crush. Indulging in romantic fantasy. Starting a new relationship. Recalling
your first love. Experiencing love for the first time. Converting to a new
religion.
Shadow: Mistaking a crush for true love. Reading romantic intention into innocent
action. Frantically trying to impress others. Indulging in overly-sweet
sentimentality. Pretending to more romantic or spiritual experience than you
possess.
Correspondences
Personality: The Page of Wands can represent anyone who wants to or needs to
learn (Page) more about love or spirituality (Cups). Though eager to make a good
impression, The Page may lack the experience or information needed to handle new
love or new faith with grace and confidence. He or she may overcompensate for this
with over-the-top gestures and fanatical zeal.
Elemental: Earth of Water.
Affirmation: "I am ready to embrace love and Spirit."
Story: The Main Character has a "fish out of water" experience, leaving him or
her feeling uncertain and awkward.
Advice
Relationships. Fools rush in. Don't mistake the heady rush of infatuation for the
enduring stability of true love. Why rush? You've got plenty of time to decide what
works (and doesn't work) for you. Before making commitments, learn the ropes.
Work. Be indulgent of beginners and channel their enthusiasm into useful
projects. Be wary of those who overstate their skills. Keep your own skills sharp
by pursuing every opportunity to be a student. Generate change by embodying
enthusiasm.
Spirituality. Embrace a new faith. In addition to pursuing what feels right,
plumb the depths. Invest time pursuing the roots of your spiritual practice. Become
well-grounded in what you believe, so you'll be well-prepared to explain your
practice to others.
Personal Growth. A gung-ho spirit goes a long way; be sure to pair it with due
diligence. Pair your enthusiasm with practical preparation, and you'll find
yourself maturing at a surprising rate.
Fortune Telling. This card represents a young man or woman with a watery, dreamy
demeanor, likely born a Libra, Scorpio, or Sagittarius, who wants to start a new
relationship with you.
When? Between September 23rd and December 21st.
Symbols and Insights
Awkwardness and Silliness. Most RWS-inspired cards will feature a young man in
impractical attire—clothing suggesting a lack of connection with sober reality. The
Page of Cups wants to play the part of the confident lover or spiritual leader, but
lacks the experience required for such a role.
Something Fishy. In many decks, a playful fish peeks out of the Page's Cup. How
might you recapture your own sense of wonder at the surprises served up by daily
life?
Making an Impression. Whatever you set out to do, some will be delighted and some
will doubt you. Since you can't please everyone, why not abandon extreme strategies
and just be yourself?
The Marseilles Image. The Page of Cups walks stiffly, as though taking great care
not to spill a single drop of his Cup's contents. His eyes are fixed on the Cup,
the whole Cup, and nothing but the Cup. How might narrow focus be setting you up
for a fall?
Questions to Ask
* How worried are you that others will see you as foolish or inexperienced?
* To what extent can you be honest about your lack of experience in love and faith?
* How can you maintain enthusiasm over time?
Knight of Cups

Keywords
Fervor, zeal, moodiness, illumination
Range of Meaning
Light: Being deeply committed to a cause. Giving in to strong emotions, from
excitement to depression. Acting on intuition alone. Solving problems intuitively.
Believing in and basing decisions on ideals instead of realities. Bringing
intuition or passion to the table.
Shadow: Becoming a fanatic. Rejecting information that suggests your intuitions
are misguided. Allowing your emotions to control you. Giving in to jealousy,
confrontation, and peer pressure. Hiding or ignoring intuitive insights.
Correspondences
Personality: The Knight of Cups can represent anyone who wants to lead the way
(Knight) to stronger emotions and deeper spiritual understanding (Cups). The Knight
may also represent the tendency to be more emotional than reasonable, or an urgent
desire to experience spiritual or emotional extremes.
Elemental: Air of Water.
Affirmation: "I translate my passions into actions."
Story: Prompted by strong emotion, the Main Character launches into action.
Advice
Relationships. A desire for a Hollywood-style romance may blunt your ability to
appreciate the value of everyday, garden-variety love. There's a fine line between
passion and obsession; if your relationship leaves you upset and exhausted,
consider other options.
Work. Beware initiatives designed to do little more than stir everyone's
emotions. Keep your own feelings in check, and don't hesitate to ask for details.
Decisions may require more than the facts. What do your wisest advisors feel about
your options?
Spirituality. Spirituality may incorporate extremes (speaking in tongues, intense
rituals), but more modest spiritual experiences are also valid. Strive to find
Spirit in everyday actions. When you do, the smallest gestures take on the aura of
ministry.
Personal Growth. Temper your inclination to be driven to extremes. Love can be
passionate without overwhelming you. Spirituality can be deep without becoming
bizarre. In all things, seek the balance of the middle ground.
Fortune Telling. This card represents a man with an emotional, sensitive
personality, likely born between October 13th and November 11th, who wants you to
rally around his latest passionate cause.
When? Between October 13th and November 11th.
Symbols and Insights
The Cup Held Aloft. The Knight of Cups is frequently drawn with a cup held aloft—
or, at least, carried reverently. Emotions are powerful; they must be treated with
the utmost care. If we fail to take proper precautions, emotions will overrun our
lives, drenching us in obsession and over-reaction.
The Animal's Attitude. In RWS-inspired versions of this card, the Knight's steed
looks almost contemplative. But Knights, by nature embody extremes. In times of
extreme emotion, are you reflective...or berserk?
Intuition and Illumination. When emotion and spirituality are combined, we become
enlightened, discovering a new way of thinking, seeing, and acting. That
transcendence may not be appreciated by those who feel their own light is dimmed by
your personal brilliance.
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles Knight of Cups regards his Cup with
trepidation, as though terrified of spilling a single precious drop from the Grail.
Even his horse is on tip-toe! To what extent are you "tip-toeing" around in an
effort to avoid heated confrontation?
Questions to Ask
* How prone to emotional extremes are you?
* What's the difference in driving passion and blind zeal?
* How can you inspire others without inciting a riot?

Queen of Cups

Keywords
Insightfulness, spirituality, compassion, empathy, instinct
Range of Meaning
Light: Allowing yourself to be moved by the plight of others. Feeling strong
emotions. Possessing unusual sympathy or empathy. Trusting your feelings to guide
you. Calling on psychic abilities. Achieving unity with Spirit.
Shadow: Becoming so caught up in matters of Spirit, you become detached from the
world. Allowing empathy to disable you (instead of inspire action). Using psychic
abilities to wield covert influence. Wallowing in emotionalism, sentiment, or self-
pity.
Correspondences
Personality: The Queen of Cups can represent anyone who wants to convince others
(Queen) to be more spiritual and empathetic (Cups). The Queen may also represent
the tendency to be more reflective than active, or the need to sway the opinions of
others through emotional appeals.
Elemental: Water of Water.
Affirmation: "I choose to be enabled, not disabled, by my strong emotions."
Story: The Main Character plays on sympathy to gain an advantage, or uses love,
sex, or affection to gain cooperation.
Advice
Relationships. No amount of hand-wringing or self-pity will make things better.
Stop second-guessing yourself! Strong feelings should tell you something, not
render you helpless. Reflect on what you really need, then take action; otherwise,
you'll get bogged down.
Work. Strong emotions in the workplace can distract people from their everyday
goals. (Many may welcome such distraction!) Rather than get caught up in all the
agony and ecstasy, keep an even keel. Don't fret; trust your intuition and take
appropriate action.
Spirituality. In truth, very few of us were meant for a life of constant
contemplation. Most of us have to live in the real world! If you possess psychic
abilities, be sure their deployment is regulated by your highest ethical standards.
Personal Growth. Beating yourself up accomplishes nothing. Embracing your true
feelings is one thing; wallowing in them is another. Pause to feel...and then move
on, informed and enabled by your insights.
Fortune Telling. This card represents a woman with an emotional, deeply spiritual
nature, likely born between June 11th and July 11th, who uses emotional and
spiritual appeals to sway others to her point of view.
When? Between June 11th and July 11th.
Symbols and Insights
The Seashell Throne. While the nature of the Queen's throne is difficult to see
in the Marseilles version of this card, most RWS-inspired cards depict a throne
integrating watery themes. Do your emotions support you...or rule you?
The Pensive Expression. Some see the Queen of Cups as pensive and moody. Are your
own strong feelings an aid...or a distraction? What might happen if you set them
aside for now?
Feeling vs. Thinking. The Queen of Cups feels things deeply … and thinks deeply,
too. Which approach is your personal default? How well can you integrate your
thoughts and your feelings?
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles Queen of Cups holds both a chalice and a
sword. As a result, she may suggest the need to allow your emotions, your
spirituality, or your psychic insights to inform your decisions. What would happen
if you set pure logic aside?
Questions to Ask
* How do I handle strong emotions?
* To what extent am I a victim of my own feelings?
* How can I move from reflection to action?

King of Cups

Keywords
Wisdom, diplomacy, restraint, composure
Range of Meaning
Light: Keeping a stiff upper lip. Being brave and clear in the face of adverse
circumstances. Sharing experience as a way of comforting others. Making fair and
empathetic decisions. Honoring the spirit, not just the letter, of the law.
Shadow: Allowing yourself to become rigid and unemotional. Making unfair
decisions based on a hidden agenda. Making decisions without regard for their
emotional impact on others. Abusing spiritual authority. Using emotional or
spiritual leverage to exercise unhealthy control over others.
Correspondences
Personality: The King of Cups can represent anyone who tends to control (King)
emotional and spiritual responses (Cups). The King may also represent the tendency
to be more sober than emotional, or the need to maintain order in the face of an
overwhelming situation.
Elemental: Fire of Water.
Affirmation: "I strive to be stable and fair-minded."
Story: The Main Character must suppress or control an emotional response in order
to complete a difficult task.
Advice
Relationships. Without adopting a "poker face," some situations call for a little
restraint. Calm down. Consider the other side's arguments. Walk in the shoes of
your partner or friend. Give strong emotions time to subside before taking action
you may regret later.
Work. When everyone is running in circles and screaming, someone has to step
forward, exercise restraint, and draw attention back to the work that remains.
Refuse to be drawn into rumor-mongering and petty disagreements. Remain neutral,
fair, and focused.
Spirituality. A deeper sense of Spirit should move us to greater service. Let
wisdom guide you to a ministry that makes sense in terms of your life and your
world. Consider taking on the role of a counselor or mentor. Use your experiences
to help others mature.
Personal Growth. The time has come to assume a leadership role, using your
experiences to guide others. Find a way to give back some of what you've been
given. You have more wisdom than you know; draw on newfound maturity to come to the
aid of a cause greater than yourself.
Fortune Telling. This card represents an older man with a gentle, sensitive
presence, likely born between February 9th and March 10th, who is known for his
fairness and tolerance.
When? Between February 9th and March 10th.
Symbols and Insights
The Watery Throne. Many decks depict the King’s throne floating in water. Rather
than sink into emotionalism, this King rises above it. What might happen if you
elevated yourself above your conflicting emotions and saw things more clearly?
Control under Pressure. Despite the turbulent water surrounding him, the King
maintains control over his feelings. How might shutting out the source of emotional
noise and doubt help you make contact with what you really feel?
Emotional or Spiritual Focus. What sort of mindset allows a person to remain calm
in the face of an uproar? How can you keep the goal in mind, even in the midst of
battle?
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles King of Cups strikes a relaxed pose; he
looks almost sleepy! How might relaxing your need to control this situation help
you (paradoxically) to gain better control of it?
Questions to Ask
* What wise person could be consulted for good advice?
* How can I make sure I'm being as objective and fair as possible?
* To what extent am I capable of keeping a "stiff upper lip?"

Suit of Swords
Ace of Swords

Keywords
Logic, objectivity, intellect, choice
Range of Meaning
Light: Making objective decisions. Applying logic. Reasoning your way out of a
difficult situation. Solving puzzles. Thinking things through. Emphasizing the
facts. Clearing your mind. Seeking clarity.
Shadow: Applying ruthless or twisted logic. Gloating over your own superior
intellect. Using quick thinking to deceive or confuse others. Confusing snap
judgments with quick thinking. Making decisions without thinking through
consequences.
Correspondences
Numerology: 1 (The Origin: the starting point, the seed, opportunity)
Astrology: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini
Affirmation: "I take the time to think things through."
Story: The Main Character must make an important decision that will determine his
or her ultimate fate.
Advice
Relationships. Set your emotions aside for the moment and look at your
relationship from an objective point of view. Would a judge or jury say this
relationship is performing as it should? You're facing a difficult decision; make
it with your head, not your heart.
Work. Cut through emotionalism and get to the facts. In this situation, the
devil's in the details. What happened and when? Slay some sacred cows, stop the
blame game, and get down to brass tacks. What are the objectives? Where are you in
relationship to your goals?
Spirituality. Your relationship with Spirit should inform all your decisions.
Here's an opportunity to apply what you've learned in your inner life to decisions
that impact your outer life. If you were to make this decision for someone else,
what verdict would you render?
Personal Growth. At some point, we must go from seeking advice to making our own
decisions. Gather information, draw on the experience of mentors, and get the
facts...but be prepared, as a mature individual, to make decisions and own the
consequences.
Fortune Telling. The time to make a choice is now. Stop wavering and do what you
know is best.
When? In the Fall.
Symbols and Insights
The Hand of God. On the Aces in Marseilles and RWS-inspired decks, a heavenly
hand extends from the clouds, offering the viewer the suit's distinctive marker.
When opportunity comes your way, take advantage of it; the hand that extends an
offer can always withdraw it.
The Festooned Crown. The Tarot of Marseilles and RWS-inspired decks picture the
Sword topped by a festooned crown. If this decision were made by your Higher Self,
freed from petty, earthly concerns, what verdict would be rendered?
Swords as Symbols. As a suit marker, Swords suggest logic, clarity, and decision-
making. Remember the story of wise King Solomon, who once offered to slice a baby
in half in order to resolve a dispute over motherhood? Swords cut through
confusion, revealing our agendas in the process.
The Nature of the Ace. Compressed into the Ace are all the qualities of all the
other cards of the suit. In this way, the Ace can be said to be the "root" or
"seed" of its associated element. How might your situation contain the seeds of
intellectual or logical growth?
Your First Impressions. When you see the Ace, what's your first impression? Is
the Sword being offered as a gift...or wielded as a weapon? Does it point upward,
to God, or downward, to Earth? Is it to heavy to bear, or something you could
manage?
Questions to Ask
* If I made my decision purely based on reason and logic, what would my decision
be?
* What do I think about my own problem-solving ability?
* Who can supply me with the pure and simple facts?

Two of Swords

Keywords
Denial, debate, impasse, truce
Range of Meaning
Light: Refusing to make a decision without getting the facts. Exploring both
sides of an argument. Arguing passionately for what you believe in. Weighing the
issues. Encouraging the open exchange of ideas. Discussing political or religious
issues without getting "hot under the collar."
Shadow: Rejecting evidence that conflicts with dearly-held beliefs. Arguing with
others just for the sake of doing so. Nit-picking. Putting off a decision because
you're afraid to face the consequences. Preventing others from getting the
information they need to make good decisions.
Correspondences
Numerology: 2 (The Other: duality, division, debate)
Astrology: Moon in Libra
Affirmation: "I strive to see all sides of every issue."
Story: The Main Character must defend his or her decisions. Alternatively, the
Main Character rejects critical information and makes a bad decision.
Advice
Relationships. You may be in denial; if so, you're only fooling yourself. You
serve your own best interests by seeing things as they really are. Stop avoiding
unpleasant confrontations. An honest disagreement is better than a false peace.
Work. Consider all the facts before making your decision. Once you've made your
decision, be prepared to defend it with well-reasoned arguments. If others continue
to reject your counsel, be aware that you may have to let go, sit back, and let
time prove that you were right, after all.
Spirituality. Spiritual maturity demands we see ourselves as we really are—and
love ourselves in spite of our shortcomings. Rather than debate whether or not
you're "good enough," be thankful for the progress you've made thus far. Avoid
beating yourself up with high-minded standards of perfection.
Personal Growth. What are you avoiding? Growth awaits the souls brave enough to
cast aside blindfolds and see the situation for what it really is. Get past this
personal stalemate by taking time to think clearly about what you want and where
you're going.
Fortune Telling. Sometimes, the only way to win is to refuse to fight. You're
stuck for now; let time pass before taking action.
When? Between September 23rd and October 2nd.
Symbols and Insights
The Blindfolded Figure. In RWS-inspired decks, we frequently see a blindfolded
woman grasping two broadswords. Set apart from the waters of intuition, she is
depending solely on logic to make a difficult decision. To what extent are your own
decisions informed by logic? By emotion?
The Crescent Moon. Many versions of this card depict a sky punctuated by a
crescent moon—a symbol for receptivity and cyclical change. What would happen if
you took a "wait and see" approach to your current dilemma? How might your
situation change over time?
Different Ways of Thinking. In your situation, is it more important to think fast
or to deliberate slowly? How can you declare a truce between frenzied thoughts and
the need to think carefully? Could meditation help find an answer?
The Blindfold. In your situation, is there value in not knowing certain things?
Should some information be repressed or ignored?
The Marseilles Image. The curved blades on the Two of Swords are hardly
recognizable to modern eyes. They are crossed (suggesting conflict); between them,
an elaborate flower blooms (suggesting growth). Faced with two options? Try
evaluating each option in terms of the growth you'll experience, should you adopt
it.
Questions to Ask
* What information do I need to get past this impasse?
* How can I get past being defensive and see the facts?
* What viewpoints, other than my own, play a role in this situation?

Three of Swords

Keywords
Variance, difference, dissatisfaction, heartache, rejection
Range of Meaning
Light: Being brave enough to see things as they really are. Exercising your
critical eye. Being your own best critic. Acknowledging that things don't always
turn out as planned. Moving past heartbreak to embrace a painful truth.
Shadow: Wallowing in despair. Allowing yourself to be completely crushed by the
thoughts, words, or deeds of another. Judging yourself too harshly. Holding
yourself to an unrealistic standard of excellence. Wearing your heart on your
sleeve while carrying a chip on your shoulder.
Correspondences
Numerology: 3 (The Result: expression, productivity, output)
Astrology: Saturn in Libra
Affirmation: "I learn from failures and setbacks."
Story: The Main Character sees the error of his or her ways and changes course.
Advice
Relationships. If things aren't turning out as planned, it's time to adjust your
expectations...or look elsewhere. Don't allow rejection to deliver a fatal blow;
you've lots to offer those who can appreciate it. It's okay to mourn the loss of a
friend or lover—but don't let mourning become a way of avoiding further growth and
new experiences.
Work. You may find yourself playing the role of the lone wolf; for now, that's
okay. Things don't always turn out as planned. Rather than pull out your hair,
retrace your steps and identify objectively what went wrong. This information will
come in handy in the future.
Spirituality. In the midst of heartbreak, it's not always possible to sit back
and ask, "What lesson does Spirit have for me in this situation?" Give yourself
time to move past emotional responses; once you do, you can think in terms of what
an event might teach you.
Personal Growth. If at first you don't succeed, try again. It's an old cliché,
but an important mantra for anyone determined to make the most of what he or she
has been given. If recent efforts have fallen short, you must make a choice:
despair...or embody the spirit of determination.
Fortune Telling. Breakups and infidelity abound. What hurts now, though, will
turn out to be good for you later on.
When? Between October 3rd and 12th.
Symbols and Insights
The Pierced Heart. This imagery, adapted from one of the earliest illustrated
decks, doesn’t require a great deal of interpretation; it's meaning is clear to
everyone who sees it. In your own situation, what role does disappointment play?
 The Rain. Few things dampen our spirits like a pouring rain, particularly if
we're already distraught. Talk of silver linings may do little more than irritate
us when the clouds are directly overhead. Still, it's good to realize that the
weather will change, and that the rain won't last forever.
Variation from Expectation. Many disappointments are rooted in unrealistic
expectations. How might letting go of expectations help you think more clearly
about the realities of your situation?
The Marseilles Image. The hardy blossom we saw on the Two has been split and
destroyed by the arrival of a straight, solid Sword. Have any of your own decisions
had unintended consequences lately? How might your own decisions have contributed
to the setback you're facing now?
Questions to Ask
* How can I get past my depression?
* To what extent are my emotions a matter of choice?
* How can I learn from the mistakes of the past?

Four of Swords

Keywords
Meditation, contemplation, perspective, mindset
Range of Meaning
Light: Thinking over your plans before putting them into action. Pausing to
meditate or clear your mind. Taking time to understand someone or something before
criticizing it. Resting. Occupying your thoughts with a healthy distraction.
Shadow: Failing to think things through. Mistaking procrastination for
thoughtfulness. Adopting a point of view and refusing to reconsider your
conclusions, even when presented with refuting evidence. Allowing chaos and whimsy
to dominate your thoughts.
Correspondences
Numerology: 4 (The Status Quo: stability, equality, persistence)
Astrology: Jupiter in Libra
Affirmation: "I think before taking action."
Story: The Main Character withdraws and spends time in quiet contemplation before
taking action.
Advice
Relationships. Taking a break from each other might restore some perspective.
Rather than over-analyze everything, clear your mind and take things at face value
for once. If you can't achieve peace together, there's no shame in saying you need
a rest.
Work. Running at top speed all the time wears down the most capable individuals.
Insist on time to recharge your creative batteries. On even the most hectic days,
steal ten minutes to be still and disconnect. See time off as an investment in
maintaining your sharp edge.
Spirituality. Withdrawal from the world can help you achieve remarkable
perspective. Schedule time for quiet contemplation. Rather than ponder solutions,
just breathe—and let Spirit sort things out.
Personal Growth. A mature person knows the value of stillness. Before taking
action, set aside time to simply be. Associate calmness and focus with specific
postures or breathing patterns, and you'll be able to summon a clear state of mind
on demand.
Fortune Telling. Don't make any decision now. Wait, and you'll be glad you did.
When? Between October 13th and 22nd.
Symbols and Insights
The Still Figure. On the original RWS cards, the figure of the sleeping knight is
easily mistaken for a decorative touch on a stone sarcophagus. Or, perhaps, he’s
asleep -- but with one Sword at the ready, just in case. The message? Even in rest,
be prepared for action.
Three and One. The three Swords remaining on the wall suggest the knight's rest
is a deliberate one—a course of action deliberately chosen. The single Sword in
hand suggests opportunity. What opportunities might open for you if you made a
conscious decision to integrate relaxation into your routine?
Quiet Thoughts. Quiet time can be used for research and personal growth,
enhancing the work you do when more physically active.
The Marseilles Image. The curved blades form a protective barrier in which a new
blossom can flourish. How might a retreat or a withdrawal provide you with a
protected space in which to grow?
Questions to Ask
* How long has it been since you deliberately took a "time out?"
* How difficult is it for you to meditate?
* What would happen if you simply refused to make a decision today?

Five of Swords

Keywords
Selfishness, hostility, irrationality, self-preservation
Range of Meaning
Light: Acting in your own best interest. Choosing to stand up for yourself. Not
backing down from disagreement and discord. Taking a stand. Refusing to go along
with an unethical plan. Knowing when to bend the rules.
Shadow: Taking advantage of others. Intimidating others. Acting in an unethical
manner. Picking fights. Using words to goad others into violence and irrationality.
Ignoring rules you've agreed to abide by. Looking out for yourself while allowing
harm to come to others. Gloating over victory.
Correspondences
Numerology: 5 (The Catalyst: instability, resistance, confrontation)
Astrology: Venus in Aquarius
Affirmation: "Even as I care for myself, I am mindful of the needs of others."
Story: Others are shocked or angered by the Main Character's apparently
irrational actions. Alternatively, the Main Character must take an action that will
cause pain for his or her loved ones.
Advice
Relationships. It's crazy to think that one person in a relationship deserves
more pleasure or power than the other. Balance must be restored. You're not
thinking clearly now, so back off and rethink your approach. Take care of yourself,
but try to do so without hurting those you love most.
Work. Occasionally, one person's success will bring about another person's loss.
When you're the successful one, don't gloat; be humble. When you suffer the loss,
don't despair; pick up the pieces and move on. Don't drive yourself crazy asking
"Why?" Breaking a rule may prove to be the key to innovation.
Spirituality. Suffering is a fact of life. How does your spiritual path deal with
the reality of suffering or the pain of inequality? It's easy to be spiritual when
all is well. Insulate yourself from instability by thinking—in advance—of how
you'll deal with adversity when it comes your way.
Personal Growth. You can't win every fight. With this truth in mind, think in
terms of how you want to win...and how you want to lose. Rather than be driven by
emotion, make conscious choices in both situations. Resolve to be noble in both
victory and defeat.
Fortune Telling. Someone is stealing from you, financially or romantically. Be
wary of friends who talk behind your back.
When? Between January 20th and 29th.
Symbols and Insights
The Stolen Swords. Many see the figure in the foreground of RWS-inspired cards as
a thief, stealing Swords at the expense of his associates. Just remember: victory
achieved through dishonesty robs you of your integrity. Karma is a law; how long
before someone steals your Swords?
The Jolly Victor. The victorious knight depicted on many versions of this card is
gloating over his triumph. How we act when we win tells a lot about our character.
What does your recent behavior say about you?
Unstable Logic. When the instability of the Five combines with the thoughtfulness
of the suit of Swords, logic gives way to irrationality. Rules are shattered, and
the whole world turns upside down. What would happen if you broke some rules?
The Marseilles Image. Again, a central blade comes to cut down the growth we saw
taking root in the Four. The four curved, protective blades remain, but now they
are guarding a single decision. How has a protected decision (or sacred cow)
influenced your situation today?
Questions to Ask
* How do I behave when I win? What does that say about me?
* How can I do what's necessary without making others feel defeated?
* What's the difference between selfish action and acting in my own best interest?

Six of Swords

Keywords
Adaptation, adjustments, science, travel
Range of Meaning
Light: Making the best of a bad situation. Recovering from defeat. Resetting
expectations. Making allowances for unexpected circumstances. Helping others who
find themselves in dire circumstances. Changing the way you see the world.
Broadening your perspective through study or travel.
Shadow: Refusing to accept that things have changed. Playing the victim.
Rejecting the idea that your actions have consequences. Applying scientific
criteria to matters of faith, or confusing faith with science. Believing the whole
world should be like your small corner of it.
Correspondences
Numerology: 6 (The Adjustment: cooperation, collaboration, interaction)
Astrology: Mercury in Aquarius
Affirmation: "I keep an open mind."
Story: The Main Character comes up with a creative solution to handle an
unforeseen complication.
Advice
Relationships. Relationships involve give and take. Prepare for some compromises.
Someone may have to adjust expectations in order to be happy. Look around; you may
find better options elsewhere. How long since you sat down and discussed what works
and what doesn't?
Work. Times change, and the wise businessperson changes with them. Reinvent
yourself and your approach to work. Seeking inspiration, go places you don't
normally go. Find out what's on the "cutting edge." Now is a good time for business
trips, seminars, and training sessions.
Spirituality. Attend a workshop or seminar and learn new spiritual techniques.
Consider taking a trip exclusively for the purpose of enhancing your spiritual
perspective. If a discipline isn't helping you, abandon it, but not without
defining what worked, what didn't work, and why.
Personal Growth. Reaching out to others in need will rapidly advance your growth
and maturity. Don't make the mistake of thinking everyone wants what you want; ask
people what they need, and find a way to supply it without strings attached. Know
why you do what you do.
Fortune Telling. You'll soon go on a long journey over water. Actions have
unexpected consequences, so be prepared.
When? Between January 30th and February 8th.
Symbols and Insights
The Boatman. On RWS versions of this card, a boatman steers a craft bearing one
or two huddled figures. Lending aid to others in need encourages personal growth.
In your situation, who needs help? To what extent are you positioned to supply that
help?
 Swords in the Boat. Many decks depict six Swords embedded in the deck of the
boat. Do they form a defensive barrier? Are they needed in case of attack? Or are
they products, being ferried to market? What might your answer suggest about your
perspective?
Ways of Knowing. Extended analysis or going with your gut: either approach can
foster greater understanding. Which is your default? What might happen if you tried
the other approach now?
The Marseilles Image. Six curved blades form a tight lattice. This careful
placement would require a great deal of collaboration to construct; once complete,
it creates, once again, a space for growth. How might thoughtful collaboration
impact your situation today?
Questions to Ask
* What assumptions govern my thinking?
* How willing am I to lend aid to others? To request it when I need it?
* How prepared am I to deal with change? With unexpected outcomes?

Seven of Swords

Keywords
Dishonesty, presumption, sneakiness, assumptions
Range of Meaning
Light: Refusing to do something dishonest, even when there's no chance of ever
being caught. Handling a difficult situation with finesse. Pointing out
assumptions. Acting ethically in public and in private. Living a life that is
beyond reproach.
Shadow: Stealing or lying. Doing whatever you can get away with, simply because
you can. Looking for a way around consequences. Justifying wicked behavior by
focusing on the wickedness of others. Failing to examine your own motives and
prejudices.
Correspondences
Numerology: 7 (The Motive: imagination, inner work, psychology)
Astrology: Moon in Aquarius
Affirmation: "I hold myself to the highest ethical standards."
Story: The Main Character has an opportunity to win using dishonest means.
Advice
Relationships. If you could cheat and get away with it, would you? Your answer
says a lot about you...and your sense of commitment. Secrets are toxic to healthy
relationships. Act with integrity, and demand integrity in those closest to you. If
you've wronged someone, accept the consequences.
Work. Embody honesty in the workplace. The smallest dishonest indulgence numbs
the conscience, opening the door to larger abuses. Reign in a tendency to do as
little as you can. Rather than "get by," do your best, even if it won't always be
appreciated.
Spirituality. While you must not obsess on darkness, you must confront your own
Shadow from time to time. To what extent do you live up to your own highest
standards? In what situations is your dedication to Spirit challenged most? To gain
strength, learn from your weaknesses.
Personal Growth. You may fool others, but you cannot fool yourself. When you're
alone, how do you behave? Your answer will provide meaningful insights into your
true character.
Fortune Telling. Don't assume people around you are worthy of your trust. Ask for
an accounting of where people have been, and what they've been doing.
When? Between February 9th and 18th.
Symbols and Insights
The Sneaky Man. RWS-inspired illustrations often depict a sneaky figure, tip-
toeing away with stolen goods. He carries five (the number of chaos), but leaves
behind two (the number of duality). When you do something dishonest, you invite
chaos into your life, and force others to question their high opinions of you.
 The Encampment. In the background of many RWS-inspired cards, we see a cluster of
distant tents. Is the figure in the foreground an outsider, come to steal...or an
insider, taking advantage of his own people? Your answer may reveal important
assumptions you make without even thinking about them.
Shifted Perspective. By focusing so completely on his prize, the character on
this card might not foresee unexpected complications. Assumptions can blind us,
keeping us from seeing critical information. What are you overlooking today?
The Marseilles Image. The Sword in the center is increasingly constrained by the
curved blades surrounding it. The logic of the group (the six Swords) often limits
new thought (the one Sword). In what ways are your own ideas being limited by the
assumptions others have taught you to make?
Questions to Ask
* What assumptions am I making?
* How well-defined is my sense of ethics?
* How should I respond when I know others are breaking the rules?

Eight of Swords

Keywords
Restriction, limitation, confinement, helplessness
Range of Meaning
Light: Honoring limits. Respecting the rules. Deciding to go on a diet for your
health's sake. Recognizing you cannot always be in control. Identifying obstacles
to further progress. Refusing to think about unhealthy or unethical options. Asking
for assistance.
Shadow: Feeling trapped. Being lost in a maze of rules and regulations. Giving in
to despair. Playing the victim. Allowing others to dictate what you can and cannot
do. Being rendered helpless. Having very few options. Failing to look for a way
out.
Correspondences
Numerology: 8 (The Action: movement, outer work, swiftness)
Astrology: Jupiter in Gemini
Affirmation: "I know my own limits."
Story: The Main Character must call on his or her ingenuity to escape a trap.
Advice
Relationships. Feeling boxed in? You have exactly as many options as you imagine
you do. There is a way out, but someone is refusing to see it. A relationship
should broaden horizons, not limit them. If the rules are uncomfortable, perhaps
it's time to re-examine them.
Work. Some restrictions are necessary; others are merely tradition. Ethics demand
you play by the rules; sacred cows, however, are fair game. What are the obstacles,
exactly? If your limits didn't exist, how might you move forward? Thinking freely
will open unexpected options.
Spirituality. The free spirit cannot be contained by the physical constraints. As
you learn to cultivate balance and focus, you may find that most obstacles are
self-imposed and most limits are strictly imaginary. When you focus your will,
blindfolds and bonds will fall away.
Personal Growth. Knowing your own limits is important; respect them. Whatever the
issue, you're balking for a reason. There's no harm in refusing to move forward for
now, and no shame in saying, "No." A mature person communicates what he or she
needs with absolute confidence.
Fortune Telling. Get over playing the victim. Once you realize you are your own
biggest obstacle, nothing can hold you back.
When? Between May 21st and 31st.
Symbols and Insights
The Blade Barrier. RWS-inspired versions of this card depict a woman trapped in
the middle of a circle of swords. Many have noted the circle is incomplete; escape
is simply a matter of casting off the blindfold and taking that first step. How
many of your own limitations are strictly imagined?
The Loose Bonds. Many versions of this card feature someone tied with what appear
to be very loose bonds. (Compare the chains around the fawns' necks on Trump XIII.)
In your own situation, have you abandoned all hope of escape too soon? Might just a
bit more struggle cause your bonds to drop away?
Drop the Blindfold. Take a look around. Has the Universe been showing you an
escape route you've been too proud or too distracted to see? What might happen if,
instead of moving obediently from A to B, you rudely jumped over the walls?
The Marseilles Image. Eight sharp, curved blades interlock in a double knot of
steel. A single blossom, all but crushed, remains, along with four unopened buds.
Even when options are severely limited, the potential for growth remains.
Questions to Ask
* Who's empowered to cut through the red tape?
* What, exactly, are the obstacles? What resources, exactly, are needed to move
them?
* To what extent is your powerlessness a matter of attitude?

Nine of Swords

Keywords
Remorse, worry, distraught, conclusion
Range of Meaning
Light: Refusing to worry about what you cannot control. Rejecting anxiety.
Judging your own performance with kindness and gentleness. Using meditation to
quiet a troubled mind. Confronting nightmares and fears. Drawing a conclusion and
putting an issue out of your mind.
Shadow: Torturing yourself with regrets. Second-guessing your every move. Beating
yourself up for your mistakes. Depression. Obsessing on errors and overlooked
details. Refusing to handle stress in healthy ways. Ruining your ability to
appreciate the present by dwelling on the past. Debating irreversible decisions.
Correspondences
Numerology: 9 (The Completion: fullness, readiness, ripeness)
Astrology: Mars in Gemini
Affirmation: "I do not worry about what I cannot control."
Story: The Main Character agonizes over a past mistake.
Advice
Relationships. Comparing your current relationship to past or fantasy
relationships is a formula for discontent and depression. Rather than wring your
hands, say what's on your mind. Don't allow your past mistakes to smother your
delight in the present.
Work. The blame game can gobble up unlimited hours and energy; don't play it.
Review errors only with an eye toward improving future performance. Instead of
dwelling on missed opportunities, define what must be done to create new ones.
Spirituality. Everyone has regrets. Rather than be strangled by them, use your
regrets as a means of enhancing empathy for others. Understanding that we've all
made mistakes can help us remember to cut everyone a little slack. Use your pain to
gain insight into the pain others feel.
Personal Growth. Worry wastes energy. If something happens, it happens; the
energy expended on worry won't change a thing. Do what you can do, and let the
Universe handle the rest. Maturity dictates letting go of unhealthy obsessions and
learning to be happy with the here and now.
Fortune Telling. If you take the action you're considering now, you'll be sorry
in the future.
When? Between June 1st and 10th.
Symbols and Insights
The Rack of Swords. In the RWS, the Swords in this card point forward, suggesting
a dread of future events. If you pause to define exactly what you fear, you may
find that you diminish that fear's ability to rob you of a good night's sleep.
 The Distraught Figure. In illustrations for this card, postures of agony abound.
Consider how your inner emotions are shaping your posture (and, by extension, your
approach to life.) How might a change in posture elicit a change in your
circumstances?
Finding an Answer. Logic has taken you as far as it can; beyond this point, all
you can do is call into question (and devalue) the good work you’ve done. It may
well be time for you to make a choice—and stick with it!
The Marseilles Image. The ninth Sword appears: stunted and blunted. Its decisive
blade is trapped, interlaced with eight other blades, useless. There is a point at
which logic and questions are no longer useful; pressing beyond this point does
nothing but trap us. Perhaps it's time for you to shift from debate...to action?
Questions to Ask
* What role does worry play in your current situation?
* To what other ends might you devote the energy you're giving to anxiety?
* How can you know when it's time to stop thinking and start acting?

Ten of Swords

Keywords
Exhaustion, ruin, disaster, stamina, obsession
Range of Meaning
Light: Seeing the signs that you've reached your limits. Paying attention to what
your body is trying to tell you. Giving in to the need for rest and renewal.
Acknowledging that you've hit bottom. Committing to a turnaround. Knowing the worst
is over.
Shadow: Accepting defeat prematurely. Driving yourself to total exhaustion,
especially mentally. Experiencing a mental breakdown. Obsessing on a problem to the
breaking point. Giving up. Refusing to move from thought to action. Deeply
unhealthy thoughts.
Correspondences
Numerology: 10 (The End: finality, completion, exhaustion)
Astrology: Sun in Gemini
Affirmation: "When my limits are exceeded, I take action on my own behalf."
Story: The Main Character must acknowledge that all is apparently lost.
Advice
Relationships. Preserving a relationship or friendship shouldn't require self-
destruction. There's a strong possibility it's time to let this one go. Examine the
logic you're using to justify maintaining this connection. A healthy relationship
produces peace, not insanity.
Work. Know when to say when. Continuing to take on more work and more
responsibility is not the answer here. Be honest about your limits. If they've been
exceeded, ask for relief. Diverting some of the work may mean eating some crow, but
beats a complete systems failure later on.
Spirituality. It's hard to keep your eyes on heaven when you're face-down on the
ground. When darkness overwhelms us, we may be tempted to abandon Spirit entirely.
Finding just one thing to be thankful for, though, may provide you with the key to
turning things around.
Personal Growth. Failure is a cruel but powerful teacher. When possible, make
corrections before hitting bottom. If that time has passed, the mature thing to do
is accept consequences, resolve to do better, and start the process of making
amends. As they say: live one day at a time.
Fortune Telling. Disaster. Put off plans and do not take action until omens are
better.
When? Between June 11th and June 20th.
Symbols and Insights
The Human Pincushion. Optimistic users of the RWS claim the Swords on this card
pierce the pitiful figure's charkas, yielding enlightenment through trial. Other
decks show the victim face-up, suggesting the additional agony of seeing a bad
situation coming. In your situation, is there a way to extract a life lesson from
the trial you're now facing? If so, what would that lesson be?
Dark Skies. RWS-inspired decks often depict a sunset (or sunrise) in the
background of this card, suggesting that a change of some kind is at hand. How
might your current situation contain the seeds of a turnaround?
The End of Logic. Numerology suggests the Ten is the point at which fullness has
been exceeded, and the energy of the suit becomes spoiled and over-extended. Here,
endless deliberation and over-thinking have exhausted all possibilities for growth.
It’s time to try another approach.
The Marseilles Image. Two crossed Swords pierce the eight curved blades,
producing a dramatic image of mental excess. At this point, any further debate (the
two Swords) will do little more than shred the mental work (the eight Swords)
completed so far.
Questions to Ask
* What are the signs that the time for debate is over?
* How can you tell when interest has given way to obsession?
* When your own limits are reached, where can you turn for aid?

Page of Swords

Keywords
Student, apprentice, scholarship, information
Range of Meaning
Light: Pursuing a course of study. Asking good questions. Investing time in study
and practice. Doing research. Making a habit of learning new things. Starting an
investigation. Outlining what you need to know. Finding a mentor or teacher.
Shadow: Pretending to knowledge or sophistication you do not possess. Cheating on
an exam. Feigning interest as a way of gaining favor. Considering only the evidence
that supports conclusions you've already drawn. Rejecting the wise counsel of
experienced teachers.
Correspondences
Personality: The Page of Swords can represent anyone who wants to (or needs to)
learn (Page) more about intellectual pursuits, academic subjects, or good decision-
making (Swords). Though eager to make a good impression, The Page may lack the
experience or information needed to handle studies or assignments with
responsibility and confidence. He or she may overcompensate for this with bluster,
exaggerated credentials, or snap judgments.
Elemental: Earth of Air.
Affirmation: "I am ready to make good decisions."
Story: The Main Character must humbly apply himself or herself to an
apprenticeship or course of study.
Advice
Relationships. Every relationship is an opportunity to learn about others and
learn about yourself. Some relationships provide a lifetime of lessons; others run
short of insights in a matter of weeks. Judge mistakes with kindness and affection;
you're both learning.
Work. Get the training you need. Ask questions. Forget the stigma of "not looking
capable"—smart and worthy superiors know who's faking it. Be up front about what
you need in order to move forward with confidence. Get clarification and point out
contradiction.
Spirituality. Spend time with whatever Scripture governs your path. Read books.
Consult oracles. Ask a guide, priest, priestess, or other minister the questions
that cloud your mind. Prayers for wisdom and patience can open doors to new
insights and spiritual discoveries.
Personal Growth. Keep your mind young by playing the role of the perpetual
student. Enroll in a course. Visit a museum. See a movie you'd normally avoid. Ask
someone who enjoys an art you find annoying to explain what he or she loves about
it. Do all you can to shift perspective and see the world from new and exciting
angles.
Fortune Telling. This card represents a young man or woman with an airy,
intellectual demeanor, likely born a Capricorn, Aquarius, or Pisces, who wants to
learn something new from you or have a discussion with you.
When? Between December 22nd through March 20th.
Symbols and Insights
Awkwardness and Silliness. Most RWS-inspired cards will feature a young swordsman
in a romantic pose, indicating he's more acquainted with the idea of battle than he
is with its harsh realities. The Page of Swords wants to be an intellectual or
scholar, but lacks the credentials or training to fill the role with much success
at this time.
The Windswept Background. In a nod to the airy nature of the suit of Swords, the
background may be filled with puffy clouds and windswept landscapes. The Page,
intrigued by every notion but lacking the experience to distinguish between fluff
and hard information, is constantly blown in different directions. Sound familiar?
The Desire to Know It All. Dedicating yourself to pure research—holding off on
conclusions until all the information has been gathered, organized, and weighed –
can become a means of putting off decision-making.
The Marseilles Image. The Page of Swords looks surprised to find a Sword in his
scabbard! ("Oh, so that's what this thing's for!") Review the recent past. Has an
off-hand decision, later overlooked or forgotten, contributed to your situation? If
you've made mistakes, chalk them up to the learning process and move on.
Questions to Ask
* How comfortable are you with revealing your own ignorance?
* What are the marks of a good student?
* To what extent are you open to new information?

Knight of Swords

Keywords
Bluntness, intelligence, incisiveness, investigation
Range of Meaning
Light: Speaking your mind. Making your opinions known. Offering constructive
criticism. Sharing your knowledge. Making insightful observations. Pinpointing the
problem. Clarifying what others have said. Giving clear direction to others.
Uncovering the truth.
Shadow: Stating your opinions as fact. Picking fights. Starting arguments. Using
clever insults to undermine the confidence of others. Tossing reason out the
window. Speaking without taking the feelings of others into account. Going on a
witch hunt. Distorting evidence.
Correspondences
Personality: The Knight of Swords can represent anyone who wants to lead the way
(Knight) to greater knowledge and mental clarity (Swords). The Knight may also
represent the tendency to be more intellectual than empathetic, or a compulsive
desire to analyze or lecture others.
Elemental: Air of Air.
Affirmation: "I temper my insights with tact."
Story: The Main Character's remarkable abilities cause some to become his
enemies.
Advice
Relationships. Words can hurt. In addition to knowing why you're saying what
you're saying, think about how you're saying it. Don't read too much into the
statements of others. If you aren't sure what someone means, ask for clarification.
Resolve to be a better listener.
Work. Ask good questions. Before rendering judgment, be sure you have all the
facts. Refrain from cutting others short; even if you've heard it all before, give
others a chance to share their ideas. Resist the urge to correct; open the door to
free-wheeling creativity before you become an editor.
 Spirituality. Consider the words that have been used to shape your understanding
of yourself (and Spirit) over the years. If these terms have been poisoned by
dogmatism and abusive spirituality, strive to find your own words for the higher
powers and deeper realms you hope to explore.
Personal Growth. Rather than be defensive, relax. Give criticism a chance. A
mature person acknowledges his or her capacity for improvement, and isn't
intimidated by the observations of others. Take what will help you; discard the
rest.
Fortune Telling. A blunder leads someone to say something he or she regrets. If
this was you, be prepared to apologize and move on.
When? Between January 10th and February 8th.
Symbols and Insights
The Upraised Sword. Charge! In many different decks, the Knight of Swords is
rushing off on a quest, sword upraised. But what is the quest? What's his
destination? What are the terms of success? Charging ahead feels great—but before
you do it, a little investigation and reflection can go a long way.
Information vs. Insight. The Knight of Swords is associated with information and
investigation; be sure to pair this rush to research with intuition and a desire
for insight!
Expertise. Expertise can speed an investigation, allowing us to identify issues
others would overlook. Who's the expert on your challenge? How can you encourage
him or her to work with you?
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles Knight of Swords is, perhaps, the most
confident of his counterparts. His prancing horse and battle-ready posture exude a
level of competence other Marseilles characters seem to lack. How does information
impart confidence? How might getting more information help you be more confident
now?
Questions to Ask
* What do I really need to know?
* To what extent have I investigated the facts behind my situation?
* How can I share what I know without alienating others?

Queen of Swords

Keywords
Grace, skill, wit, charm, aptitude
Range of Meaning
Light: Exercising tact or using diplomacy. Defusing a tense situation. Knowing
what to say and how to say it. Making others feel comfortable and confident.
Bringing out the best in everyone. Having a way with words. Telling jokes.
Possessing a knack for music, math, art, or science.
Shadow: Knowing exactly what to say to destroy another person. Withholding
critical information. Using a barbed tongue to upset others. Employing sarcasm.
Mimicking others unkindly. Making light of the less fortunate. Being disrespectful.
Failing to use the talent you've been given.
Correspondences
Personality: The Queen of Swords can represent anyone who wants to encourage
others (Queen) to be brighter and more communicative (Swords). The Queen may also
represent the tendency to be more tactful than objective, or the need to express
information more politely than precisely.
Elemental: Water of Air.
Affirmation: "I make the truth easier to hear."
Story: The Main Character must deliver news that is difficult for others to
receive with grace. Alternatively, the Main Character must confront the less
desirable aspects of his or her personality.
Advice
Relationships. You can't change other people, but you can provide gentle prompts
designed to help them be the best they can be. Know the difference in supporting
and nagging. Know, too, that requested advice is always prized more highly than
unsolicited observations. Until you're invited to speak, hold your tongue.
Work. Harsh criticism crushes morale, but finely-tuned words of praise can
enhance performance and elicit remarkable productivity. Identify what must be
changed, but express that change in terms of growth and benefit. Instead of
problems, see challenges. Instead of deficits, see opportunities.
Spirituality. Practice the delivery of praise. When you receive blessings, voice
your thanks. When others work for you, show your bright spirit by acknowledging
their contributions. Whatever the situation, strive to be the soul of
encouragement.
Personal Growth. Your insights, opinions, and attitudes influence others more
than you know. Express your thoughts with care, making sure you phrase your
observations in ways that encourage growth. If you need encouragement, encourage
others to give it.
Fortune Telling. This card represents a woman with an artistic, intellectual
nature, likely born between September 12th and October 12th, who uses clever,
positive communication to sway others to her point of view.
When? Between September 12th and October 12th.
Symbols and Insights
The Winged Throne. The Queen of Swords is frequently drawn ruling from a throne
decorated with butterflies, birds, or other winged creatures, reinforcing the
airiness of her suit. How does the element of air—matters of communication and
intellect—play a role in your situation?
The Posture of Pronouncement. The Queen of Swords often appears to be on the
verge of making an important statement or rendering an important verdict. In your
own situation, what needs to be said? Who needs to say it? What is the obstacle
blocking this critical communication?
From Discord to Harmony. What skill or aptitude, employed now, might transform
the discord you're experiencing today into pure harmony?
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles Queen is focused on the Sword in her right
hand—the hand of linear logic. How might the advice of a cooler, more objective
advisor help you now? Where might you find such an advisor? How might you elicit
his or her assistance?
Questions to Ask
* What do I have a knack for? How might my special gift prove useful now?
* To what extent am I capable of saying what needs to be said?
* What is the best possible way to say what I want to say?

King of Swords

Keywords
Genius, expertise, decision, verdict
Range of Meaning
Light: Expressing yourself with firmness and authority. Rendering a final
decision. Consulting an expert. Calling in advisors and consultants. Coming to a
final conclusion. Reaching a beneficial agreement based on sound information.
Shadow: Insisting on having the last word. Flaunting your intellectual
capability. Talking "over the heads" of others. Waffling on an important decision.
Constantly changing your mind. Refusing to make choices that are in your own best
interest. Wishing in vain you could take back what's been said.
Correspondences
Personality: The King of Swords can represent anyone who tends to control or seek
to control (King) intellectual and verbal responses (Swords). The King may also
represent the tendency to be more blunt than diplomatic, or the need to bring
something to a conclusion once and for all.
Elemental: Fire of Air.
Affirmation: "My word is my bond."
Story: The Main Character must choose a side and stick with that choice,
regardless of the consequences.
Advice
Relationships. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Your friends and
partners need straightforward feedback; give it to them. Avoid trying to control
what someone says or how he or she says it. When an argument's over, let it be
over. Do what you said you would do.
Work. Don't waffle. Make commitments and stick to them. If you say you'll meet a
deadline, do so. If called on to evaluate the work of others, don't sugar-coat the
results; render a fair verdict. Strive to be known for your honesty; avoid brown-
nosing and voicing empty praise.
Spirituality. Listen for the still, small voice, and, when you've heard it, act
on its advice with total confidence. Don’t hesitate to confirm your verdict with a
wise counselor whose opinions you respect. Be sure to let your spirituality temper
your conversation, and match your words with deeds.
Personal Growth. Strive to be consistent. Let your word be your bond. One measure
of maturity is the ratio of words spoken vs. words listened to. Grow (and gain
respect) by learning to hear what others are saying. Reserve judgment until after
all the evidence has been heard.
Fortune Telling. This card represents an older man with an insightful, deliberate
spirit, likely born between May 11th and June 10th, who is known for his integrity
and sharp decision-making ability.
When? Between May 11th and June 10th.
Symbols and Insights
The Airy Throne. To emphasize the airiness of this suit, the throne of the King
of Swords may be decorated with flying creatures … or, in some decks, may hover in
space. Air's qualities include logic and communication. How might these qualities
be deployed to improve your situation?
Solomon Enthroned. The gravity and wisdom of this King are unmistakable—he is an
incarnation of Solomon, who ruthlessly applied logic in order to render wise
decisions. In your own situation, should you rely more on logic or wisdom? What
might happen if you blended the two?
Thoughtful Bravery. How comfortable are you with the fact that not everyone may
support or applaud your decisions? How willing are you to make decisions that
alienate some people?
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles King of Swords is composed and alert,
maintaining a posture of readiness. He can be seen as a reminder that paying
attention is half of solving any problem. Watch the actions of those around you.
Weigh their statements carefully. Review records. With a holistic picture in hand,
you'll make a better decision.
Questions to Ask
* What would your decision be if you had to render a binding verdict right now?
* How comfortable are you saying exactly what you mean? How often do you temper
what you have to say for fear of offending others?
* If you were to ask others, "What's my area of expertise?" what would they say?

Suit of Coins
Ace of Coins

Keywords
Health, wealth, practicality, receiving
Range of Meaning
Light: Outlining a plan for achieving prosperity. Becoming aware of opportunities
to improve income or health. Realizing you have everything you need. Appreciating
everything the Universe has given you. Receiving the perfect gift at the perfect
time.
Shadow: Indulging in relentless consumerism. Wanting more, no matter how much you
have. Obsessing on your account balance. Suffering from hypochondria. Consuming
blessings without expressing gratitude. Taking what you want without concern for
the needs of others.
Correspondences
Numerology: 1 (The Origin: the starting point, the seed, opportunity)
Astrology: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Affirmation: "I am open to and thankful for my blessings."
Story: At the last minute, the Main Character stumbles on a resource that will
enable him or her to triumph.
Advice
Relationships. While money and sex can be used to "buy" attention, they cannot
purchase true love. An opportunity to have what you've always wanted (at least, in
a physical sense) may or may not satisfy your craving for genuine affection. The
motive behind a gift means more than the gift itself.
Work. An opportunity to earn more money or work in better conditions may come
your way. As always, though, you must balance this against the requirements and
constraints of such a position. Money is important, but not all-important. Weigh
all your options before making a choice.
Spirituality. Your spiritual path should influence how you see the physical
world, coloring attitudes about everything from possessions to your own body.
Ponder the higher purpose your physical resources should play. What are you doing
to use them to advance the greater good?
Personal Growth. The dream of the world offers us many shiny baubles and hypnotic
pleasures, and most of us live in cultures that celebrate acquisition. An
opportunity to possess more may come your way. To prevent imbalance, have your
ethics clearly in mind, and be prepared to manage your new resources wisely.
Fortune Telling. Your health will improve. The check you're looking for really is
in the mail.
When? In the Winter.
Symbols and Insights
The Hand of God. On RWS-inspired decks, a heavenly hand extends from the clouds,
offering the viewer the suit's distinctive marker. When opportunity comes your way,
take advantage of it; the hand that extends an offer can always withdraw it.
Coins as Symbols. As a suit marker, Coins suggest practicality and physicality.
Their domain extends beyond money and finance to all physical things, including the
human body. Coins explore your attitude toward resources of all kinds: what you've
been given, and what you do with it.
Pentacles. In RWS-influenced decks, Coins are often called Pentacles. A
pentacle's design (with the upright star in the middle) reminds us that physical
blessings, from possessions to our bodies, are to be used for higher purposes. In
your own life, how often do you focus on "the star in the coin?"
The Nature of the Ace. Compressed into the Ace are all the qualities of all the
other cards of the suit. In this way, the Ace can be said to be the "root" or
"seed" of its associated element. How might your situation contain the seeds of
physical growth or financial prosperity?
Your First Impressions. When you see the Ace, what's your first impression? Is
the Coin in a display case, elaborately decorated but out of reach? Is it being
offered ... or taken away? Will the Hand of God freely give it ... or snatch it
from your grasp? If you take this Coin, how long before you get another?
Questions to Ask
* If I made my decision based solely on practical concerns, what would my decision
be?
* What resources are available to me?
* What will be the physical and financial impact of my decisions?

Two of Coins

Keywords
Evaluation, decision, budgeting, diagnosis
Range of Meaning
 Light: Weighing options. Comparing prices. Determining the value of one option
over another. Juggling resources to make ends meet. Making difficult choices based
on what's best for your body or your bankbook. Looking at the bottom line. Asking
for a second opinion on health issues.
Shadow: Engaging in endless price comparison. Putting off a buying decision for
fear of finding a slightly better value later on. Buying something without regard
for value. Breaking your budget with unnecessary expenses. Engaging in behavior
with no regard for how your body or bankbook will be impacted.
Correspondences
Numerology: 2 (The Other: duality, division, debate)
Astrology: Jupiter in Capricorn
Affirmation: "Before taking action, I consider costs."
Story: The Main Character weighs the impact his or her course of action will have
on everyone involved.
Advice
Relationships. What does this relationship cost you? If this relationship were an
investment, how profitable would it be? This card extends an invitation to consider
the pros and cons of your relationship. Before taking action, consider what you
have to gain ... and what you have to lose.
Work. How well do you balance demands of work and life? Remember: you should be
working to live, not living to work. If the job is dominating your schedule, press
back. If unfettered playtime is ruining your productivity, sober yourself by
tallying up the time and money lost to distractions.
Spirituality. Of the many options you have for service, which will ultimately do
everyone the most good? Identify your skills and talents, and use these as a means
of illuminating your own best contribution. Pair your resources with those of
other, like-minded people and get twice as much done in half the time.
Personal Growth. Be aware of how you determine value. What matters? What doesn't?
Before you can answer these questions, you must have a firm grip on your own value
system. Making a choice becomes infinitely easier when you have a firm grip on what
you value and why.
Fortune Telling. It's time to balance the budget. Avoid the temptation to spend
critical funds on frivolous goods.
When? Between December 22nd and 30th.
Symbols and Insights
The Juggling Man. In RWS-inspired decks, a juggler carefully balances two Coins
joined by a lemniscate (or "infinity symbol"). The world offers us infinite
options; the choices we make are a result of weighing each option against our
personal value system. What are your values? What action would they dictate today?
Uncertain Seas, Distant Cities. In some versions of this card, we see a rolling,
unstable sea in the background—a sign the juggler's emotions are stirred as he
struggles to "get a grip" on his dilemma. In other versions, we see a distant town,
suggesting pressure to make a decision that conforms to the expectations of
friends, family, and community. Would your decision be easier if you excluded
emotional factors? How might your decision differ if you could make it without
incurring the disapproval of others?
Resource Management. What course of action best suits your long-term goals? In
your situation, what happens if you ask for help? What happens if you do what you
can do without asking for additional resources?
The Marseilles Image. In antique decks, the two Coins on this card are often
encircled by a ribbon imprinted with the publisher's name and the date of
publication. How might your decision be impacted by investigating who created this
situation ... and when?
Questions to Ask
* What values govern my decisions?
* How willing am I to sacrifice a little pleasure now in order to have more
pleasure later on?
* Given my current situation, which course of action will give me more of what I
really need?
Three of Coins

Keywords
Expression, production, work, contribution
Range of Meaning
Light: Finishing a project. Setting and meeting standards. Performing according
to specifications. Making something others value. Creating something new. Doing
your part in a group project. Delivering exactly what others have asked for.
Shadow: Pandering to the tastes of others. Failing to deliver what you've
promised. Not delivering your best work unless closely supervised. Ignoring or
breaking agreements with those who have invested in you. Refusing to do your part.
Failing to abide by a clearly-outlined agreement with yourself or others.
Correspondences
Numerology: 3 (The Result: expression, productivity, output)
Astrology: Mars in Capricorn
Affirmation: "My work produces results."
Story: The Main Character achieves a result that no other characters have been
able to attain.
Advice
Relationships. What are the terms that govern your relationship? What have you
agreed to do? What roles and responsibilities fall to your partner or friend? The
health of any relationship is directly related to the effort both partners make to
fulfill their obligations. If you haven't discussed terms, do so.
Work. It's time to review contracts and agreements. To what extent do you deliver
an honest day's work? To what extent is this fairly compensated? If you agreed to
work for a certain price, you should fulfill that agreement, even if you
underestimated the time and effort involved in a project. A formula for success:
know what you need, ask for it up front, and deliver more than promised.
Spirituality. In return for dedicated pursuit, a spiritual path should yield
focus, fulfillment, and peace. To what extent is your own spiritual practice
delivering the promised changes in mind, body, and prosperity? It may be time to
evaluate what you're giving ... and receiving.
Personal Growth. Integrity is a fragile thing; one broken promise or one unmet
commitment can shatter it forever. If you are out of integrity with someone, it's
time to correct the situation by admitting fault and accepting consequences. If
someone is out of integrity with you, you'll have to decide what value you place on
giving them a second chance.
Fortune Telling. A high-dollar contract is in your future. If you work hard,
you'll succeed.
When? December 31st through Jan 9th.
Symbols and Insights
The Worker's Review. In RWS-inspired decks, officials or patrons review a
craftsman's labor. To what extent has he met their expectations? Others may view
you as a craftsman—if only in the metaphorical sense. Will your work please or
offend ... and why?
The Product. Your effort will likely be judged by the quality of its output. What
is the final result of your labor? What does that product say about you, your
ethics, and your level of expertise?
Your Role as Creator. How might a desire to revise the work of others play a role
in your current situation? To what extent can you see yourself "behind the scenes"
of what you're facing now? What could you produce that is distinctively yours?
The Marseilles Image. A flowering vine shaped vaguely like a heart coils around
three coins—two in a pair, one alone. When two people come together in work or in
love, their union produces something entirely new. What is your friendship,
romance, or cooperative effort producing? What does that product say about the
nature of the relationship itself?
Questions to Ask
* How can I get more done?
* What's expected of me? How large a role do I play in controlling those
expectations?
* What's been agreed to? How well has that agreement been followed?

Four of Coins

Keywords
Protection, conservation, preservation, safety
Range of Meaning
Light: Saving for a rainy day. Fasting as part of a spiritual practice. Dieting
in an effort to improve your body. Abstaining from sex as a way of honoring a
spiritual tradition or personal promise. Being financially conservative.
Establishing a trust fund. Opening a savings account.
Shadow: Being stingy. Refusing to spend money that needs to be spent. Withholding
sex from your partner. Taking care of your own needs exclusively, without regard
for the needs of others. Spending a dollar to save a penny. Failing to be a good
manager of the blessings you've been given.
Correspondences
Numerology: 4 (The Status Quo: stability, equality, persistence)
Astrology: Sun in Capricorn
Affirmation: "I use my resources wisely."
Story: The Main Character must carefully manage a resource—time, money, people—in
order to succeed.
Advice
Relationships. Seek balance in both physical and financial matters. Too much
spending and too much sex leave everyone feeling exhausted and dazed. Too little
spending and too little sex starve the soul, making everyone bitter. The healthier
the relationship, the more generous the spirits of those involved.
Work. Conservation makes sense—and can keep an effort afloat, even in difficult
times. Taken to extremes, though, short-sighted savings can alienate customers and
shatter opportunities. Every short-cut and every opportunity to save has a cost. Be
sure your approach is appropriate for the time.
Spirituality. A stingy spirit hampers growth. You simply cannot give more than
the Universe can return! Let love, compassion, and interest in others flow freely.
Share insights and personal stories. Open yourself to new experiences, new
companions, and new points of view. Review your charitable contributions; is it
possible to give more?
Personal Growth. A mature person elects to be responsible for both the body and
the bottom line. Try to understand better how your actions impact both your health
and your wealth. Rather than obsess on restriction, think in terms of your goal.
With it in mind, what actions are appropriate?
Fortune Telling. A rainy day is coming—it's time to save.
When? Between January 10th and 19th.
Symbols and Insights
The Stingy King. By definition, the King owns it all; on many RWS-influenced
cards, we see a ruler who takes this idea to extremes. His possessions are
(literally) on his mind and close to his heart; they also anchor his feet to the
ground. How might greed or stinginess be distorting your perspective today?
Reaching Limits. It's possible to acquire so much, you render yourself incapable
of receiving anything more. By letting something go you no longer need, you might
open the door for new blessings.
Resisting Change. Sometimes we’re so intent on preserving what we have, we miss
opportunities to have more. How might a blind dedication to protection be limiting
your life?
The Marseilles Image. Four Coins surround an official seal. In your situation,
what do the "authorities" have to say about your physical or financial situation?
Are their verdicts designed to protect you—or their own authority?
Questions to Ask
* What factors determine how conservative or generous you are?
* What kinds of things must be preserved at all costs?
* When is greediness or stinginess a good trait to have? When might generosity work
against you?

Five of Coins

Keywords
Poverty, destitution, need, crisis
Range of Meaning
Light: Recognizing your needs and taking action to fulfill them. Doing as much as
you can do with what little you have. Admitting you need help. Embracing the aid
that comes your way. Focusing on what you have versus what you don't. Looking for
the light at the end of the tunnel.
Shadow: Exaggerating your financial or physical needs. Adopting a poverty
mentality. Refusing to support yourself. Refusing offers of support. Playing the
martyr. Turning down opportunities to improve your health or finances. Wallowing in
misery.
Correspondences
Numerology: 5 (The Catalyst: instability, resistance, confrontation)
Astrology: Mercury in Taurus
Affirmation: "I have faith that what I need will appear."
Story: The Main Character refuses to see how he or she can be aided by others.
Advice
Relationships. No matter how much is given, some people never feel they have
enough. A relationship that drains your wallet and spirit may prove too expensive
to maintain in the long run. If you accept offers of aid from loved ones, be sure
you define and stick to the terms of repayment, or be prepared to lose the
relationship.
Work. Too few customers. Too few innovations. Too few resources. All too often,
we focus on what we lack. Turn this around by taking a fresh look at the resources
you do have. Watch for offers of help. Consider mergers and partnerships. Rather
than focus on the deficits, consider what could be.
Spirituality. Faith can turn trial into triumph. Rather than give in to a
depletion of spirit, turn to your faith for support. Turn a difficult situation
over to your higher power. Pray for guidance. Be bold: ask the Universe for what
you really need. The response may surprise you.
Personal Growth. Whining achieves nothing. If the situation is unbearable, it's
time to define exactly what resources you have on hand and what needs are critical.
Prioritize! By focusing on what you can actually do, you'll avoid the trap of self-
pity and depression.
Fortune Telling. Finances are getting tighter. Prepare for a setback.
When? Between April 21st and 30th.
Symbols and Insights
The Destitute Figures. The pitiful people on many RWS-inspired versions of this
card are in dire straits indeed. Starving, freezing, and wounded in both body and
spirit ... they limp right past an opportunity for aid. When feeling down, don't
forget to look up.
The Stained-Glass Window. Many versions of this card depict a stained-glass
window—which, by association, suggests a church. What organizations could come to
your aid? What groups of people might leap at the chance to be involved in your
situation? What keeps you from approaching them?
The Distractions of a Crisis. When things are going wrong, strong emotions can
interfere with making practical choices. To what extent might strong emotions be
blinding you to quick and easy solutions?
The Marseilles Image. Four Coins, entwined with vines, surround and isolate a
fifth. The central Coin, isolated from the others, cannot benefit from the
resources they represent. How does isolation figure in your situation? How might
your situation be enriched by reaching out to others?
Questions to Ask
* What critical resources do I lack?
* What people or groups would come to my aid if I asked?
* How might an impoverished spirit be impacting my physical or financial condition?

Six of Coins

Keywords
Charity, fairness, cooperation, sharing
Range of Meaning
Light: Giving time, money, or effort to a charity. Taking part in a group effort.
Lending your resources to others without expecting anything in return. Making sure
everyone is treated equally. Working together toward a common goal. Redistributing
wealth, time, or attention. Tithing. Sharing credit for your success.
Shadow: Making a loan as a means of gaining control over someone. Using
charitable acts to draw attention to yourself. Dividing work or resources unfairly.
Failing to do your part in a group effort. Ignoring obligations and commitments.
Correspondences
Numerology: 6 (The Adjustment: cooperation, collaboration, interaction)
Astrology: Moon in Taurus
Affirmation: "Knowing I will receive more, I share my resources freely."
Story: The Main Character wins by cooperating instead of competing.
Advice
Relationships. In a healthy relationship, partners help each other. Healthy
partners agree on rules for dividing up chores, financial responsibilities, and
social roles—and then honor those commitments. Define what equality means for you,
and help each other achieve it.
Work. Learn to delegate. Many people, working together, can achieve more than one
person, working alone. So what if some people contribute less and still get credit?
Good managers will recognize star contributors and reward them accordingly.
Spirituality. A mature soul seeks to come to the aid of others. This may involve
traditional charity: giving time, money, or effort. Don't forget, though, that
prayers and compassionate meditation can also change the world for good. Whatever
form of service your spiritual path encourages, offer it with sincerity and
regularity.
Personal Growth. Charity is based on a simple principle: we should all look out
for each other. Self-interest comes naturally; interest in others and their well-
being is the hallmark of maturity. Putting the needs of others first can ease your
progress toward a balanced life.
Fortune Telling. When you need help, ask for it. Remember, though: what you
receive may be limited by what you've given to others in the past.
When? Between May 1st and May 10th.
Symbols and Insights
Scales. Many versions of this card incorporate an image of a man with scales,
doling out charity to grateful recipients. The scales emphasize the fairness with
which his charity is delivered, making it possible for each person to receive
exactly what's needed. In your own circumstance, what role does fairness play?
The Nature of Charity. The wealthy merchant on many versions of this card won't
miss a gold Coin or two, but the money he distributes could make a huge difference
to someone less fortunate. Keep an eye out for a small gesture that could make a
big difference in someone else's life.
The Lone Giver. The wealthy merchant can help a few, but his “lone wolf” approach
to charity will have its limits. What role does isolation play in your situation?
How might joining a group of some kind influence your future?
The Marseilles Image. An elaborate vine divides six Coins into six virtually
equal compartments: a place for everything, and everything in its place. With this
image in mind, explore the equal division of responsibility in your own situation.
To what extent is everyone pulling his or her weight?
Questions to Ask
* How do I feel about charity? About giving it? About receiving it?
* How can I know if I'm treating others fairly?
* What could I give that no one else can?

Seven of Coins

Keywords
Assessment, evaluation, re-evaluation, reflection
Range of Meaning
Light: Measuring progress toward your goal. Looking at results with an eye toward
improving performance. Asking, "How happy am I?" Coming up with ideas for improving
your health or prosperity. Deciding it's time for a change. Expressing an honest
opinion.
Shadow: Becoming distracted by melancholy thoughts. Longing for "the good old
days." Beating yourself up over lost opportunities. Judging your own work harshly.
Holding others to inappropriate standards. Refusing to take part in a project, then
whining about the quality of the outcome.
Correspondences
Numerology: 7 (The Motive: imagination, inner work, psychology)
Astrology: Saturn in Taurus
Affirmation: "To stay on target, I measure my progress."
Story: The Main Character looks back on what he or she has achieved and sees his
or her work in a new light.
Advice
Relationships. When this relationship started, what did you imagine it could
become? To what extent have your expectations been fulfilled? If it falls short,
you have two options: confront the difference ... or revise your expectations.
Which option is most likely to lead to happiness?
Work. Fulfillment keeps work from becoming drudgery. What do you need in order to
feel rewarded? To what extent is your current work providing this? A new project
can breathe life back into a dull job. Be alert for opportunities to change your
job without, necessarily, changing jobs.
Spirituality. Which are you more likely to do: look back on wasted days or focus
on a brighter future? The past is the past; let it go. If you haven't achieved,
spiritually speaking, what you hoped to achieve by now, deepen your resolve, set
new goals, and pray for the strength to achieve them.
Personal Growth. You can waste an entire lifetime wrestling with regrets. Escape
the trap. Shift your focus from the past to the future, and resolve to make the
most of the here and now. No amount of looking back can rewrite history; by
contrast, working in the here and now can radically alter tomorrow.
Fortune Telling. Things won't work out as expected. Pick up the pieces and
prepare to move on.
When? Between May 11th and May 20th.
Symbols and Insights
The Crop of Pentacles. RWS-inspired illustrations portray a vine or tree bearing
a crop of golden Coins: the fruit of past labor. Take stock of what you have today,
and consider how past efforts have contributed to your current situation. If you're
unhappy at all, change your strategy; to get different results, stop doing the same
old thing.
The Unhappy Farmer. RWS-influenced decks depict a man whose posture and
expression suggest a level of exhaustion and regret that not even a bumper crop can
alleviate. Most likely, his expectations were out of alignment with reality. What
expectations do you have? How have these expectations shaped your efforts?
Everyone's a Critic. Each person sees his or her situation through a lens of his
or her own making. What role might prejudices and assumptions play in your current
situation?
The Marseilles Image. Seven coins are balanced like berries on vines that sag
beneath their weight. In your situation, how might further growth be limited by
past performance? Might some items be ripe for picking—creating room for new
expansion and growth?
Questions to Ask
* To what extent have I fulfilled my own expectations?
* What are the terms of success?
* How can I be happier with the progress I've made?

Eight of Coins

Keywords
Effort, work diligence, skill
Range of Meaning
Light: Doing your best. Bringing enthusiasm and zeal to your work. Making an
effort to be the best you can be. Finding the work that is right for you. Taking
care of the small details. Becoming a finely skilled craftsperson. Building
something with your hands. Making a handmade gift.
Shadow: Working yourself to death. Doing a half-hearted or sloppy job. Continuing
in a job you hate. Buying thoughtless gifts. Producing work with shoddy
craftsmanship. Rushing through your work. Rejecting opportunities to learn more
about your craft.
Correspondences
Numerology: 8 (The Action: movement, outer work, swiftness)
Astrology: Sun in Virgo
Affirmation: "I give myself wholeheartedly to the task of the moment."
Story: The Main Character is shown to be the very best at his or her chosen
vocation.
Advice
Relationships. Discover what your partner loves or needs and make a special
effort to deliver those gifts, words, or service on a regular basis. Consider the
value of a handmade gift. Partners should look for ways to demonstrate their
dedication to each other. Busy? Make sure a request from your partner or friend
rises to the top of your "To Do" list.
Work. All too often, compressed schedules demand we do "just enough." Today, try
going beyond the bare minimum. Add that extra touch. Devote a little personal time
to completing your work. Even if the task is an ordinary one, strive to make
today's product extraordinary. Others may not notice the difference—but you will.
Spirituality. Rituals can feel silly, and formal prayer can feel stiff and
unnatural. Today, though, invest a little extra time and energy into your spiritual
observations. Choose something to wear that reflects your faith. Acquire a special
item for a home altar. Be in the moment, devoting extra attention to the small
details of your faith.
Personal Growth. Instead of just getting by, a mature person recognizes that
every project and every interaction is a reflection of character. What would recent
projects say about you? With an eye toward improving your image and reputation, how
might your work and speech need to change?
Fortune Telling. Stop over-analyzing, researching, and outlining. Buckle down and
get the work done.
When? Between August 23rd and September 1st.
Symbols and Insights
The Devoted Craftsman. RWS-inspired versions of this card often show an isolated
worker carving a number of shiny new pentacles. Note how he loses himself in his
work! What might happen if you shunned distraction, isolated yourself, and focused
yourself entirely on the work at hand?
One Coin at a Time. Our friend on many versions of this card has several coins
hanging on the doorpost … but he can only make one coin at a time. What small step
can you take right now toward realizing a larger plan?
Getting Lost in the Work. In the rush to complete a project, we can easily lose
our connection with the simple pleasure of work done well. How can you start taking
pleasure in the process?
The Marseilles Image. Eight Coins have been arranged in two precisely balanced
rows of four. The arrangement looks deliberate; someone worked hard to move each
Coin into perfect alignment. When your work is done, what evidence will there be of
your own dedication to perfection?
Questions to Ask
* How long has it been since you were "lost in your work?"
* How can you improve your level of dedication and focus?
* What work do you do best? What about that work appeals to you?

Nine of Coins

Keywords
Training, discipline, confidence, enough
Range of Meaning
Light: Investing time in learning or teaching a difficult task. Restraining
yourself from physical or financial extremes. Making sacrifices as a way of
achieving larger goals. Breaking a complex task down into simple steps. Wanting
what you have. Knowing the difference between needs and wants.
Shadow: Being assigned to a task without being trained to perform it. Pursuing a
position for which you are not qualified. Disregarding requirements. Refusing to
dedicate adequate time or attention when learning about something or someone new.
Always craving more.
Correspondences
Numerology: 9 (The Completion: fullness, readiness, ripeness)
Astrology: Venus in Virgo
Affirmation: "I know enough to be confident in my decisions."
Story: The Main Character outlines a detailed action plan, step-by-step.
Alternatively, the Main Character is placed in a position for which he or she is
completely unqualified.
Advice
Relationships. We learn about love from our parents, but their examples may or
may not be suitable for relationships we forge for ourselves. Everyone has
something to learn about love. Model the level of love and patience you want your
partner to provide.
Work. Many problems arise when people are assigned to tasks to which they are not
suited by training or nature. Where's the disconnect? Identify what you don't know,
and ask for appropriate training. When using unskilled workers to do an elaborate
task, scale expectations accordingly.
Spirituality. Wanting what you have can transform your world. All too often, we
get caught up in the ruthless cycle of pursuing "bigger and better," when, in fact,
we could very easily make do. Today, consider how you can delight in what you've
already been given.
Personal Growth. Be patient with yourself. Seek advice from those who easily do
what you must strive to do. Give yourself time to learn a new process. If you're
hoping to engineer a change in your own behavior, recognize the value of little
steps toward your goal.
Fortune Telling. Until you appreciate what you have, you won't have any luck
getting more.
When? Between September 2nd and 11th.
Symbols and Insights
The Hooded Falcon. Decks in the RWS family often illustrate this card with an
image of a fine lady training a falcon. Training an animal requires patience and
empathy. How might these qualities play a role in your situation today?
The Bumper Crop. While the lady of the manor focuses on the task at hand, a rich
harvest of pentacles grows. Her bounty looks effortless, but a crop this rich
doesn't happen by accident. How have past efforts (or a lack of effort) shaped the
situation you find yourself in now? To what extent is someone reaping what he or
she has sown?
Fullness. The woman on many versions of this card appears to have plenty of
resources at her disposal. For you, how much is too little? How much is too much?
What would be "just right?"
The Marseilles Image. The ninth Coin squeezes into position, disrupting the
careful balance of the Eight. It bulges outward, forcing all other coins to the
extreme ends of the card. In what way might your "desire of the moment" caught
similar crowding in your own life?
Questions to Ask
* If you could not have what you want, how would you make do?
* Could you make a complex task easier by breaking it down into smaller steps?
* How patient are you during the learning process? With yourself? With others?

Ten of Coins

Keywords
Wealth, abundance, acquisition, greed
Range of Meaning
Light: Celebrating your physical and financial blessings. Realizing how lucky or
how blessed you are. Being satisfied with your physical and financial achievements.
Taking best advantage of "times of plenty." Enjoying a feast. Showering friends or
family with gifts.
Shadow: Spending all of your money on extravagant gifts and possessions. Trying
too hard to impress others with your wealth or physique. Giving an inappropriately
expensive gift as a means of currying favor. Obsessing on matters of weight,
health, or finance. Always asking, "What's in it for me?"
Correspondences
Numerology: 10 (The End: finality, completion, exhaustion)
Astrology: Mercury in Virgo
Affirmation: "I keep physical and financial matters in perspective."
Story: The Main Character turns down an extravagant reward for his or her good
work. Alternatively, the Main Character is offered an attractive bribe.
Advice
Relationships. Being swept off your feet is one thing; being overwhelmed by sex
or gifts is quite another. Keep a level head with regard to the importance of both
presents and pleasure. Gifts and physical intimacy have an intensity all their own,
but cannot compensate for genuine affection.
Work. Your skills are for sale—not your soul. In the long run, will any amount of
money compensate for the loss of your health or self-respect? Look carefully at the
carrots being dangled before you. Know when to say no. Celebrate what you have;
debate whether more is needed.
Spirituality. Lots of "stuff" can blind us to or distract us from our deepest,
most important needs. Lighten the load. Consider giving away some of the
possessions that weight you down. When blessings overflow, share them with others.
Personal Growth. You are not defined by your paycheck, by the size of your home,
or by memberships in exclusive clubs. Behind all the possessions, behind the
physical shell, there is only you; instead of focusing on the externals, make sure
you're at peace with the person you really are.
Fortune Telling. Big money is in the near future. Expect a powerful blessing to
come your way.
When? Between September 12th through 22nd.
Symbols and Insights
The Tree of Life. Students of Qabalah will recognize the ten Coins so often seen
on the original RWS version of this card have been arranged to suggest the shape of
the Tree of Life. In other decks, including the Marseilles, an overflow of Coins
dominates the image. Either approach stresses the overflow of material blessings
and should remind us to consider the higher purpose behind the "ten thousand
things" in our lives.
The Pensive Elder. On this card, RWS-inspired decks often depict an older man,
deep in thought. What's on his mind? His wealth? His family? The future of his
empire? How might these sobering topics play a role in your situation?
More Than Enough. Numerology suggests the tens represent the point at which
fullness has been exceeded, and the energy of the suit becomes spoiled and over-
extended. Too much focus on material goods – or even on the condition of our own
bodies – can be just as damaging as too little.
The Marseilles Image. Ten coins crowd the image. An additional coin would crush
the central blossom, obliterating any room for growth. At some point, physical
possessions and concerns can limit our progress. Are you there?
Questions to Ask
* How much stuff do I really need?
* How do I feel about wealth and abundance? How do I define these terms?
* How might shedding some possessions open room for growth?

Page of Coins

Keywords
Practicality, prosperity, learning, growth, adolescence
Range of Meaning
Light: Learning the value of a dollar. Starting a savings plan. Taking the first
steps toward getting out of debt. Learning new physical tasks. Discovering your
sexuality. Launching a diet, a weight-lifting program, or a health-related effort.
Learning by doing.
Shadow: Trying to appear healthier or wealthier than you really are. Spending
money carelessly. Living strictly for today, with no thought of tomorrow.
Possessing immature attitudes toward sex and sexuality. Using wealth or beauty as
an excuse for not having to learn and grow.
Correspondences
Personality: The Page of Coins can represent anyone who wants to or needs to
learn (Page) more about money, health, or sexuality (Coins). Though fascinated with
the physical realm, The Page may lack the experience or information needed to
handle money or human sexuality with responsibility and confidence. He or she may
overcompensate for this by wasting money, abusing his or her health, or over-
indulging in or obsessing on sex.
Elemental: Earth of Earth.
Affirmation: "I am physically and financially responsible."
Story: The Main Character must compensate for or learn from an earlier financial
or sexual impropriety.
Advice
Relationships. Don't rush into sexual situations that make you uncomfortable or
that push your limits. Give a relationship time to flourish before opening a joint
checking account. Lending money is a sure way to poison friendships and
relationships. Before starting something new, ask "What's in this for me?"
Work. Accepting lower pay as a means of gaining experience makes sense when
starting your career—but experienced workers should view such arrangements with
skepticism. Know what you're worth. Look for opportunities to learn while doing.
Subject all work to the practicality test.
Spirituality. Consider what role your faith should play in making financial and
sexual decisions. To what extent would your financial or sexual activity differ if
you were not on your current spiritual path? Your body is a precious gift; treat it
as such. Keep material blessings in perspective.
Personal Growth. Whatever our station in life, we can always be better stewards
of the blessings we've received. Do old habits threaten your health? Set them
aside. Today, make a point to take special care of whatever you've been given.
 Fortune Telling. This card represents a young man or woman with an earthy,
practical demeanor, likely born an Aries, Taurus, or Gemini, who playfully
encourages you to take financial or sexual risks.
When? Between March 21st and June 20th.
Symbols and Insights
Awkwardness and Silliness. The RWS Page of Pentacles romanticizes his Pentacle,
holding it like a treasured bauble. This suggests a degree of impracticality; how
might this quality play a role in your situation?
Earthiness vs. Inexperience. The Page of Coins combines the practicality of Coins
with the awkwardness of a Page. The result is someone who longs for more financial
or sexual skill then he or she actually possesses. Sound familiar?
Learning by Doing. A little preparation in advance of a task can eliminate
distraction and limit the potential for disaster. Just remember: once the action
starts, you’re committed!
The Marseilles Image. In many versions of the Marseilles image, the Page of Coins
gazes romantically at the Coin in his hand, but is oblivious to an identical Coin
on the ground before him. How might enthusiasm or inexperience be blinding you to
more practical alternatives?
Questions to Ask
* How can you get more financial or sexual experience without risking your
livelihood or health?
* How might hands-on learning play a role in your situation?
* What's the most practical choice you could make?

Knight of Coins

Keywords
Caution, focus, realism, invention
Range of Meaning
Light: Spending money wisely. Saving for a rainy day. Paying close attention to
physical or financial details. Knowing where every dollar goes. Having safe sex.
Preferring facts to "good feelings." Finding creative ways to "make do" with
resources on hand. Completing a new invention.
Shadow: Throwing caution to the four winds. Spending without regard for
consequence. Spending on luxury when necessities are lacking. Escaping stress by
spending money. Obsessing on tiny physical or financial details. Perpetually
chasing after some new bauble. Copying another's work and claiming it as your own.
Correspondences
Personality: The Knight of Coins can represent anyone who wants to lead the way
(Knight) to greater physical and financial success (Coins). The Knight may also
represent the tendency to be more cautious than adventuresome, or a compulsive
desire to avoid risk by obsessing on tiny logistical or physical details.
Elemental: Air of Earth.
Affirmation: "I temper my actions with cautious optimism."
Story: The Main Character takes a tentative first step toward a new solution.
Advice
Relationships. Relationships, like investments, should pay dividends. Your
investment of time, attention, and affection should be returned by your friends and
partners. Taking care of others is admirable; take care of yourself, too. Watch for
creative ways to enjoy time together without spending money.
Work. Keep an eye on the bottom line. Some times call for penny-pinching. At
other times, growth many depend on generosity. There's satisfaction in delivering a
final, physical product. Keep an eye on the goal. Keep your commitments. Tackle big
projects one step at a time.
Spirituality. Avoid taking a guru's claims at face value. Weigh any guidance
received on the scales of your heart. Take spiritual advice (including advice from
this book) with great caution and deliberation. Find practical, physical, creative
ways to express your spiritual insights.
 Personal Growth. There's a fine line between caution and pessimism. Believe in
yourself and what you hope to achieve; at the same time, be sure to attend to the
"doing" that leads to "having." Encourage progress by keeping a physical reminder
of upcoming rewards close at hand.
Fortune Telling. A stingy person may chide you for spending money. Be prepared to
defend an economic or sexual decision.
When? Between April 11th and May 10th.
Symbols and Insights
The Precious Pentacle. Many versions of this card show a knight apparently
hypnotized by the pentacle in his hand. Once you've attained the object of your
quest, caution is required to protect, maintain, and preserve what you've won—but
remember, too, that regarding something too highly is the best way to render it
useless.
The Unmoving Horse. In many decks, the Knight of Coin's horse stands as rigid and
still as a statue. There's a difference between proceeding with caution and
allowing yourself to become paralyzed by pessimism. What do you need in order to
get moving again?
Saving vs. Spending. Knights embody extremes. The Knight of Coins could be a
miser or a spendthrift, depending on which way his energy flows. What would a miser
do? What might a spendthrift do? And might there be some middle ground worth
pursuing?
The Marseilles Image. The well-grounded Marseilles Knight of Coins rides boldly
forward, chasing a Coin that somehow always manages to remain just out of reach. To
what extent might you also be chasing "castles in the sky?" How well-grounded are
your own plans and methods? How might an emphasis on the practical speed your
progress toward your goals?
Questions to Ask
* What's the difference between caution and fear?
* How can I evaluate the practicality of my own ideas and methods?
* How realistic are my goals?

Queen of Coins

Keywords
Luxury, comfort, resourcefulness, generosity, prosperity
Range of Meaning
Light: Appreciating fine food, fine wine, beautiful art, beautiful bodies, or any
of the better things in life. Reveling in healthy sexuality. Treating yourself.
Splurging on the occasional "nice to have" item. Rewarding someone with
compensation above and beyond expectations. Having it all.
Shadow: Indulging in gluttony or greediness. Becoming insatiable. Blunting the
impact of treats by indulging in them too often. Providing physical comfort without
providing for emotional needs. Allowing a feeling of entitlement to distort your
gratitude for what you're given.
Correspondences
Personality: The Queen of Coins can represent anyone who wants to encourage
others (Queen) to appreciate the pleasures of the physical world (Coins). The Queen
may also represent the tendency to be more materially-minded than spiritually-
minded, or the need to pursue personal comfort at almost any cost.
Elemental: Water of Earth.
Affirmation: "I relish the best this world has to offer."
Story: The Main Character must avoid being lulled into complacency by the
temptations of "the good life."
Advice
Relationships. Over time, passion may give way to comfort; both of these
incarnations of love have their benefits. A luxury shared with others becomes even
more luxurious. Don't over-think sex and relationships. Instead, set reasonable
limits and embrace what your body yearns for.
 Work. Strive to incorporate special touches and little extras in your products
and services today. These may require more time or resources to complete, but the
results will be well worth the investment. Don't be satisfied with anything less
than the very best product possible.
Spirituality. Cocoon yourself in spiritual protection. Say an extra prayer. Burn
an expensive stick of incense and savor the sweet aroma. Light a scented candle.
Enjoy a ritual dinner. Alternatively, heighten your appreciation for your blessings
by engaging in a period of voluntary simplicity. What can you do without?
Personal Growth. How often do you cheat yourself by opting for the less
expensive, the less suitable, or the less than perfect? There's great pleasure in
sacrificing for, saving for, and acquiring something "just right." You may find
anticipating something is more pleasurable than having it.
Fortune Telling. This card represents a woman with an expansive, sensual nature,
likely born between December 13th and 31st, who uses sensual appeal and the promise
of reward to sway others to her point of view.
When? Between December 13th and 31st.
Symbols and Insights
Luxurious Robes. Reflecting themes of luxury and sensuality, the Queen of Coins
is frequently clothed in rich fabrics and loose, comfortable robes. She loves the
pentacle in her hands: its texture, its temperature, its smoothness, its weight.
What might happen if you emulated her attention to sensual detail?
The Treasured Pentacle. What an object of art that Pentacle is! What might happen
if you were to put your own best side forward, thrusting it into the spotlight for
all to admire?
The Value of True Comfort. Money and health come and go. How can you cultivate a
level of comfort that transcends sudden and unexpected changes in your
circumstances?
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles Queen of Coins gazes into her Coin as though
it were a crystal ball. In some ways, knowing the future is the ultimate luxury.
What outcomes can you predict? With those predictions in mind, what actions should
you be taking now as a means of securing your own comfort tomorrow?
Questions to Ask
* How do I define luxury?
* To what extent am I capable of reveling in sensual pleasure?
* What would I have to give up in order to "have it all?"

King of Coins

Keywords
Stability, dependability, confidence, intervention
Range of Meaning
Light: Becoming debt-free. Having more than enough to get by. Making
contributions to a savings plan. Taking a new job with an eye toward advancing your
career. Buying life or health insurance. Being confident in the bedroom. Taking on
the role of enforcer when called upon to do so.
Shadow: Becoming so conservative you resist all change on principle alone.
Ignoring innovations in the name of preserving tradition. Being smug or cocky.
Becoming ruthlessly dedicated to profit or pleasure. Being sexually selfish.
Bossing others around, especially when you're not empowered to do so.
Correspondences
Personality: The King of Coins can represent anyone who tends to control (King)
finances and physical resources (Coins). The King may also represent the tendency
to be more conservative than innovative, or the need to intervene on the behalf of
others with less confidence or experience.
Elemental: Fire of Earth.
Affirmation: "I embody confidence and fairness."
Story: The Main Character must persuade conservative or traditional people to try
a new approach, or must spurn tradition in order to succeed.
Advice
Relationships. Money trouble can ruin romance; dedicate yourself to handling
funds (especially mutual ones) responsibly. Planning for a future together can be
exciting and even arousing. Express physical affection with boldness. When
circumstances dictate, be prepared to speak up or take action in your partner's
defense.
Work. This card points to a need for a conservative approach to making and
spending money. Stay on budget. Find ways to reduce costs. These measures don't
have to choke innovation and fun; they just call on you to be more creative with
the resources you do have.
Spirituality. Allow your spirituality to inspire financial and physical
responsibility. Take great care to honor the money you've been given. Take special
care of your body, and see it as an instrument of the Universal Will. Lend your
resources to those who earnestly need your help.
Personal Growth. Mature souls handle money and relationships responsibly. Before
spending money, consider the consequences. Before becoming physical with someone,
consider the potential outcome of your actions. Live in the moment, but cultivate
an awareness of future events your present actions could call into being.
Fortune Telling. This card represents an older man with a financially, socially,
and politically conservative spirit, likely born between August 12th and September
11th, who is known for putting his money where his mouth is.
When? Between August 12th and September 11th.
Symbols and Insights
The Harvest Throne. The King of Coins frequently sits on a throne draped with
vines and grapes—a reminder of his intimate connection with the forces that create
abundance. How might a conservative approach today help you achieve greater
abundance and wealth tomorrow?
Controlled Luxury. No excesses here; the King of Coins enjoys his comforts, but
he keeps them in perspective. How do you assign value to the objects around you? If
you sense that physical things are becoming too important, what should you do?
Lessons Learned. One way to control (King) the physical realm (Coins) is to
restrict those actions that disturb the status quo. How might being physically or
financially conservative be an advantage now? How might shattering that control
lead to positive outcomes?
The Marseilles Image. The Marseilles King of Coins exudes a confidence that comes
from knowing the Coin in his hand isn't the only Coin at his command. When you've
taken measures to make best use of your physical blessings, you can enjoy them
without becoming their slave.
Questions to Ask
* How can you handle expenses with greater confidence and maturity?
* How dependable are you? How dependable would others say you are?
* To what extent is a conservative viewpoint valuable? At what point does it become
more of a burden than a blessing?