Bohemian Gothic - 4 cups

The BG 4 cups is certainly a sad if not a little depressive in its image. I must admit that the first thought that came to my mind, when looking at the girl resting in the coffin, although not dead, but 'lifeless' was "I might as well be dead.' There is, in this image, a portrayal of lethargy and total lack of enthusiasm. She lays against the interior of the coffin which is lined in red velvet. I wonder if the fact that she is laying on this colour that can represent, passion, energy, self confidence, life force, symbolises that she is subduing it? She wears a lovely dress of white but it is overcast with shadow, has her spirit been darkened by what has or is happening in her life?

If we look around the corner the hall way is illuminated by light perhaps creeping in through a window or two. A glimmer of hope, but in order for her to see it she has to turn the corner doesn't she.

Karen Mahony says of this card:

The undead vampire in our card looks literally "boxed in" in her coffin, condemned to an endless existence in which each day and night is much the same as all the others.

In most depictions of the 4 cups we often see a figure that is ignoring the 4th cup being offered as well as those he already has, but this depiction seems to go one step further than those others by suggesting that it is not just a simple change of attitude that will alter things here. How serious this mind set is will of course depend on what the other cards say at the time.

This card is definitely showing us a situation where one is emotionally trapped whether it be by depression or some other mental illness. She appears unable to muster up the energy to step out of that dark coffin and into that lighted hallway. This is more than a pessimistic attitude, and the focus does seem to weigh heavily on difficulties and obstacles. One of the thoughts that came to me with this card was being stuck in that job that is soul destroying and yet you can see no way out of it. Of course the way out is to step away and walk in the right direction, but life is not always as easy as this, is it? Or at least it can appear not to be.

The girl does seem to me to have lost her spark for life. This is one of the cards in the deck that does seem fairly dark to me.

Anyone got a torch. :(

Card: Bohemian Gothic by Karen Mahony & Alex Ukolov

THE HANGED MAN

I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 12, The Hanged Man. The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun.

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley
Crowley attributes this card to the element Water, as does Book T, which titles it "The Spirit of the Mighty Waters." In explaining this association with Water, Crowley writes: "It would perhaps be better to say that it represents the spiritual function of water in the economy of initiation; it is a baptism which is also a death. . . It is to Water that the Adepts have always looked for the continuation (in some sense or other) and to the prolongation and perhaps renovation of life."

One World Tarot by Crystal Love

This deck associates The Hanging Man, Trump 12, with the zodiac sign Pisces (a mutable Water sign), ruled in traditional astrology by Jupiter (planet of abundance and expansion) and in some modern astrology systems by Neptune (planet of mystery, illusion, imagination, and mysticism). Pisces is the 12th sign of the zodiac, and is known for being sensitive, compassionate, spiritual, and non-materialistic -- but also prone to confusion, alcohol and drug addiction, mental illness or breakdown, self-delusion, self-escapism through drugs, fantasy, and illusion. In The Hanging Man, Love sees a need to balance out intuition and sensitivity with discipline and logic.

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Like Love, Thierens associates The Hanged Man with Pisces, the 12th sign. Pisces represents "loss to the outer world, solution, handing over the results of one cycle to the following one, whence comes the meaning of treachery in common astrology." Here we face "the things which we have not yet mastered and those whom we have failed to understand or who have failed to understand us."

The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
Clark titles The Hanged Man "The Initiation of Neptune," with Neptune being "the astrological god who oversees the vast expanse of the collective unconscious. . . Through the process of suspension the Hanged Man turns his focus towards the unconscious and experiences Neptune rising out of his watery kingdom. . . Neptune reminds us that remaining attached to old patterns, habits, or addictions perpetuated the endless cycle of martyrdom and victimization."

The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Mann associates Trump 12, Hanged Man, with the element Water and the planet Neptune. He writes: "Water is a symbol of emotional life, as a transmitter and medium for feelings from the unconscious. . . Neptune governs the psychic, mystical and visionary life which can be more vivid than reality."



The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel
Like Mann, Hazel gives both Water and Neptune as attributions for The Hanged Man. The card is seen to represent "sacrifice, release, acceptance. . . temporary abeyance or pause. . . emotional losses, ending attachments to worldly, material goods." When ill-dignified, The Hanged Man can suggest "meaningless sacrifice. . .rejection of spiritual values. . . confusion caused by mental illness, especially severe depression."

In my readings, I tend to lean toward the association of Neptune with The Hanged Man. Of course, when I use a deck whose creator offers a different association, I always take that into account.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna

Page of Wands

When I see the Page of Wands I immediately think of new energy, creativity and someone with enthusiasm for life. I have chosen two cards this time to illustrate this Page. The first is from the Sharman-Caselli deck because I think this image really does show us the fiery energy of this young man.

He wears those hot colours and has suns all over his tunic. Just look at that red feather in his cap maybe reflecting desire. He reminds me of the Fool in the Rider Waite with his red feather and that child like innocence, but his is not so much innocence as more a reflection of his free spirit. As he looks at that Wand sprouting little flames you can almost hear him say "hmm, now what should I do with those ideas I have....... I could almost do anything!" This is a Page that is not afraid of change or of bringing change about, he expresses potential especially creative potential.

Now talking about creativity and potential, he is still a messenger and if the cards about him also indicate change, news etc he could well herald a birth..

The second card I have chosen to illustrate a facet of this Page is the Hanson-Roberts Page of Rods. He stands with his back to all those mountains, (maybe representing all those goals he has yet to reach). He is wearing a red cape of passion, energy and desire and an orange tunic another solar colour, just a little less aggressive than red, but still signals his determination, confidence and creativity. His Wand has buds up the side and a blooming flower at the top. Notice he has a firm grasp on this and no need to look at it! He is shouting something to the world. Has he taken his ideas and is now setting them into motion? His message, that spark of an idea has ignited, does he now recognised that he must do something with it? This card does illustrate that enthusiasm and optimism that this Page has.

If he turns up in a reading he may just be reminding you that you might need to develop some of his qualities. Maybe its time for a change, a new beginning in life. He could be saying that its time to let those creative aspects come to the fore an consider the possibilities of what can be made, done or started. He may be shouting as in the Hanson-Roberts card, that this is now the time to give life to the spark of an idea and put energy into getting it going!

If he represents a person coming into your life then he may just have the qualities of imagination, the ability to act quickly, intuitive with an enthusiasm for living. He could well be ambitious even though he may not know yet how to reach his goal, he will exhibit the passion to follow it.

Wands are a fast moving suit so he could also bear the message of travel or changes coming into your life, like job etc.

This Page is too young to be fearful and if he does have any fears he will face them head on. He's the guy who will take a chance, enjoy life and always be ready to start something new.

This is the fellow who will turn into the Knight that goes rushing by as he embraces challenge and new adventure... Whoosh!

Cards:
Sharman-Caselli
Hanson-Roberts

Weekly Walk in the World of Waite/Smith - Justice

The Esoteric Title for this card is Daughter of the Lord of Truth: The Ruler of the Balance I guess this title really speaks for itself, Justice stands for weighing up and balancing out in order to find the truth.

Astrological Attribution: Libra Libra is the seventh house of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Venus, Libra is a sign that will strive for harmonious and will try to stay balanced and remain fair, but can at times also appear to be judgmental. Balancing those scales can be hard and if Libra finds however a small weight on her scales this can upset this harmony. From the Everything Tarot Book "As an air sign Libra is mental in nature and represents one-on-one partnerships and contracts such as marriage and legally binding agreements". Libra does seem to be the sign that represents for us a striving for balance in all things.

Elemental Attribution ~ Air Elemental Air is hot and wet and its nature is separation.

Kabalistic Path Path 22: 5 Geburah to 6 Tiphareth Translation of Path: The Severity of Beauty From the Tarot Companion - Tracy Porter -

"This pathway connect sephira Geburah with Tiphareth. The energy of Justice combines severity with beauty to put balance in our lives. The term "poetic justice" is an appropriate phrase that aptly describes this pathway".

Geburah Position 5 on the Tree of Life has the Keyword Severity and this path represents for us the challenges and the conflicts we must overcome and the lessons we must learn. These challenges and conflicts bring with them strengthening aspects to our life and if we do not see them this way then they will be viewed as trials, and limitations. This is the path that may well suggest to us that by using in a constructive way these challenges we can take more responsibility for our lives and turn these around to be of use to us instead of a disadvantage.

Tipareth Position 6 on the Tree of Life has the Keyword Beauty and this is the path that represents for us our higher self, it helps us define our ideals and objections . It is the path that discusses the higher meaning in our lives and can depict for us our success and our achievements and how we present the image of ourselves to the outer world. Tipareth sits in the middle of the Tree of Life and therefore can come to represent here the center of our being

These two pathways together may well be suggesting for Justice that in order to evolve to a greater understanding we need to be accountable for our past actions and to recognise that it is through the good and the bad experiences we have and how we handle them that we find ourselves in our present position.

Mr. Waite says in Part I the Veil and it's Symbols from the PKT and which I find interesting

The female figure of the eleventh card is said to be Astræa, who personified the same virtue and is represented by the same symbols. This goddess notwithstanding, and notwithstanding the vulgarian Cupid, the Tarot is not of Roman mythology, or of Greek either. Its presentation of justice is supposed to be one of the four cardinal virtues included in the sequence of Greater Arcana; but, as it so happens, the fourth emblem is wanting, and it became necessary for the commentators to discover it at all costs. They did what it was possible to do, and yet the laws of research have never succeeded in extricating the missing Persephone under the form of Prudence. Court de Gebelin attempted to solve the difficulty by a tour de force, and believed that he had extracted what he wanted from the symbol of the Hanged Man–wherein he deceived himself. The Tarot has, therefore, its justice, its Temperance also and its Fortitude, but–owing to a curious omission–it does not offer us any type of Prudence, though it may be admitted that, in some respects, the isolation of the Hermit, pursuing a solitary path by the light of his own lamp, gives, to those who can receive it, a certain high counsel in respect of the via prudentiæ.

Also this bit from part two which likens the pillars to those of the High Priestess but with one significant difference being that the two pillars on each card open to very different worlds! - One of the conscious and one of the subconscious.

It will be seen, however, that the figure is seated between pillars, like the High Priestess, and on this account it seems desirable to indicate that the moral principle which deals unto every man according to his works–while, of course, it is in strict analogy with higher things;–differs in its essence from the spiritual justice which is involved in the idea of election. The latter belongs to a mysterious order of Providence, in virtue of which it is possible for certain men to conceive the idea of dedication to the highest things. The operation of this is like the breathing of the Spirit where it wills, and we have no canon of criticism or ground of explanation concerning it. It is analogous to the possession of the fairy gifts and the high gifts and the gracious gifts of the poet: we have them or have not, and their presence is as much a mystery as their absence. The law of Justice is not however involved by either alternative. In conclusion, the pillars of Justice open into one world and the pillars of the High Priestess into another.

Finally he does say this about the card in general:

As this card follows the traditional symbolism and carries above all its obvious meanings, there is little to say regarding it outside the few considerations collected in the *first part, to which the reader is referred.

* See PKT Part I the Veil and its Symbols

Robert M Place in Tarot History, Symbolism and Divination has this to say about the card:

Justice is place here (I assume he means as no.11) to correspond to Libra just as Strength was given her former position to correspond to Leo. Justice is another figure sitting on stone between two pillars. Like the High Priestess, she has a veil between her pillars, but Waite warns that it does not open on the same vista. Instead of the sea of the unconscious, we see the yellow glow of the dawn behind her.

Karen Hamaker-Zondag from the way of the Tarot has this to say

Again we are faced by choices, but very differently from the way in which we were faced by them in The Lovers. As we have seen, The Wheel of Fortune asks us to look at ourselves as objectively as possible, and Justice does so too, but at the same time she asks us to examine fairly and squarely what we are and where we stand.

She also says:

Justice tries to establish a balance between the forces of the unconscious and the postures of the conscious........ Take responsibility for your actions and see the connection between your inner conflicts and those in which you are embroiled in the outside world. And jettison superfluous ballast.

On to symbolism:

• The upright sword: Responsibility, discernment and mercy

• Scales: impartial judgement, balance
• Gown of Red: Passion, confidence
• Cloak of Green: Green is the colour that governs the heart and is associated with love and harmony, but green can also represent growth, expansion, balance and flexibility
• Crown of Gold: Illumination, intellect and reason - The Crown itself could stand for authority and an expression of the higher self.
• Jewel in Crown position: This is placed over her third eye and may well represent here the ability to draw on that inner knowledge .
• Clasp that holds Cloak - Is the symbol for squaring the circle - Represents unity and balance of the four elements .It can represent unity of heaven and earth, sacred and profane and the external with the now it can also represent the Self.
• The yellow dawn: Can represent the mental activity bought into play, the use of mental clarity and analytical abilities.
• The Purple Veil: The colour of wisdom, insight and spiritual knowledge. It combines in its colour the active energy of red with the passive energy of blue. It can be a colour that governs the crown chakra and therefore represents the uniting of spirituality with physicality, or put another way subconscious with conscious.

I think what Waite may have been trying to say with this card, is that by being honest and objective we can arrive at own truth which will be fair and just and remain balanced, and this judgement is not just made from a conscious point of view but also relies on a higher wisdom that walks along side compassion and love.

Card: Original Rider Waite

STRENGTH

I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 11, Strength. The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun.



Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley

Crowley titles this card Lust and attributes it to the zodiac sign Leo (Book T calls it "Fortitude" but also attributes it to Leo). For Crowley, this is Trump 11; in Book T it is Trump 8. Traits associated with Leo include being exuberant, creative, egocentric, and possessing a talent for showmanship. Leo is ruled by the Sun, representing the ego, individuality, the power of self, and the conscious will. Crowley writes: "This Trump was formerly called Strength. But it implies far more than strength in the ordinary sense of the word. . . Lust implies not only strength, but the joy of strength exercised. It is vigour, and the rapture of vigour."



One World Tarot by Crystal Love
This deck associates Strength with the planet Neptune. Love explains that Neptune represents "the human psyche's potential for individual mystical self-realization (mind or evolving spirit) and the transcending of the physical and material planes of consciousness." She notes that Neptune "confers great tenderness of feeling, receptivity, mediumistic and clairvoyant power in art, music, poetry, and the performing arts." Love's Strength card depicts the all-seeing third eye, which indicates spiritual knowledge and wisdom. Strength, in this case, is spiritual strength, the transcendental experience, the "realization of God."



A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)

Thierens associates Strength, Trump 11, with the 11th sign of the zodiac: Aquarius (a fixed Air sign known for being innovative, idealistic, humanitarian, and intellectual). In traditional astrology, Aquarius is ruled by Saturn, planet of discipline, responsibility, restriction, and limitation. Thierens writes: "Viewed from a purely astrological standpoint it is evident, that the force to conquer Leo should be found in the opposite sign, Aquarius."



The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark

In this deck (as in Book T), Strength is Trump 8. Clark links the card with the sign Leo, associated with "royalty, the sun, and strength." He notes that the Strength card often depicts a young woman taming a lion, and that Leo and Virgo are side-by-side on the ecliptic. Clark writes: "Astrologically, Leo often constellates the personal myth of adolescent love or the first love experience outside the familial circle. Therefore, underlying Leo is often the story of a broken heart or the loss of innocence brought about by the pain of experiencing love for the first time. The card of Strength implies the ability to manage these feelings."



The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann

Strength is also Trump 8 in Mann's deck. He associates the card with the sign Leo, and writes: "Leo is the power and fortitude of self-consciousness in overcoming the wilful personality, ruled by the Sun, the spiritual self which resides within the centre of the psyche. . . Overcoming passion is a source of great inner strength, and confronting fear of the self produces mastery."




The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel

This deck also has Strength as Trump 8 and associates it with Leo. On Hazel's Strength card, "a woman absorbs the strength and character of the lion," demonstrating how "the physical power and feral majesty of the beast is being integrated with the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual passions of the woman."




The most common association seen in these examples is that between Strength and the zodiac sign Leo. The associations presented by Love and Thierens don't resonate with me.


I welcome your comments!


Zanna

The Tower - A Shattering Experience

When I look at the Tower Card I am reminded of this quote by Confucius:

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."

Isn't that great! Out of upheaval can come wisdom and growth.

Who hasn't when they've see the Tower groaned and said oh no! It's very image is one of destruction. All that lightening crashing about and bricks and people falling, who wouldn't dread it turning up!

The Tower is often a card that represents in a reading a dramatic phase in one's life. Note that the bolt of lightening not only hits the tower but illuminates it as well. This does reinforce the idea this is a card, that indicates a time of abrupt changes. Certainly it highlights these changes by bringing it home with that bolt of lightening. So out of the blue we are struck by that bolt and suddenly there is a rapid change that occurs in one's life.

The Tower does seem to be a card that appears when existing forms need to be broken down. It can very often cause for us tears as everything around us crumbles. We lose our job and at the moment that lightening strikes it can be very upsetting. But it can also liberate us from the confines within which we have believed we should work. This freedom can bring happiness.

So the job is gone yes, but now you find yourself free to venture in a different direction. One you would never have taken had you remained within that "Tower of a Job". That relationship you have stayed in collapses and you are devastated because you didn't see the end coming. However once the tears of sorrow or anger have been shed, you then start to realise you are actually better off without the other person and that brings you again a form of freedom.

The Tower Card can be very liberating! It's a card of transformation, and certainly does represent for us, sudden and unexpected change where perhaps those illusions one had are now shattered.


If we think of the Tower as those things in our everyday life that limit our internal development. Then we can see it's structure as the hand that holds us tight within the normal rules we accept by society. There is a man and woman who falls from each window, opposites that cannot be reconciled perhaps. In most tower images there are three windows and we could see this as a symbol of the balance between our mind, body and spirit, that has now been disturbed.

The Tower is Number 16 in the deck and this breaks down to 1+6=7
Seven I have found often to represent in tarot, wisdom, insight and personal growth. It can be a number that urges us to look inwards and learn to accept our own limitations. It asks us to reflect on our life or situation and break out and explore what we are capable of, from this comes personal growth. It also breaks down into the Major Arcana Card The Chariot, which relates back to gaining control, will power and achieving balance and direction.

I often see the image of the Tower as a cathartic experience. It offers one the guidance to examine those existing beliefs, clear out what is not appropriate anymore. It says rebuild from the bottom up and make the foundation more secure. Those constricting and rigid forms no longer need hold you.

That lightening strike can be that "ah ha" moment. It can be the point when we realise that we should actually act upon those thoughts and ideas, in order to allow ourselves to change our ways and take our lives in the direction we choose.


Receiving this card in a reading could well mean a major disruption that may just bring you those tears. But it could also be an inspirational flash that brings you joy!


When you see this card I urge you to remember that quote at the beginning of this article.

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."

Remember the Tower may well shatter your ideas or situation but at the same time it offers you the opportunity to rebuild stronger than before.

Cards: Old English ~ Sharman-Caselli ~ Napo

Deviant Moon - The Magician

This guy certainly does look like he could perform tricks! Two sets of arms and four hands with which to manipulate, three of the hands hold one of the elements while the fourth dips a finger into the red liquid within the cup. Look at his eye, it's almost like a bulls-eye, I wonder if that says he is focused right on target With so many arms and hands this magician could start off with enhanced abilities. Notice how he has hold of all the four elements, indicating again that he has all the tools he needs around him.

Patrick tells us on his web-page,

"The magician uses the four symbols from the minor arcana. With practice, he will become a master of all."

This does indicate that not only does he have the tools around him to achieve his goals but that he is also prepared to use them, and with practice, he should become quite good!

I like that he wears a blue costume in varying shades, maybe indicating here that he is and can be in touch with his intuition, and allow it to flow through to his conscious. Blue is also the colour of the sky and also water, it may well indicate that axiom "as above so below". Dark blue can be associated with the chakra of the third eye and so maybe the dark stripes in his suit indicate that he is able to see the truth for himself.

The cup of course is the Water element and associated with our conscious and subconscious thoughts. the red liquid which is the colour of blood and fire, could be the fire and energy of his efforts and therefore may well indicate here life force. Perhaps he is dipping his finger in here to test the strength of it.

Again Patrick informs us that he is

"Dipping into the subconscious realm! The cup is filled with the blood of his efforts."

Patrick also tells us that

"His box is a material manifestation of the cosmos."

I also wonder if his magic box is there to remind us that life can be full of surprises, good ones and bad ones. But all you need to do is remember that you have the right tools in your hands and you just have to learn to juggle the elements to help you along the way.

Look at the shadows that appear behind him, watching him. He is already performing, perhaps he is more talented than he knows. Those hands are able to do multiple things. He shows us here I think that he has great potential.

He has all his tools to hand! Everything he needs is here, its how he uses them that counts. Will he create an illusion or a reality? I think he just has to get those hands and arms working in a co-ordinated way and then he will really find out what he is capable of. ;)

Of course having those extra arms may well prove a burden to him if he cannot get them to work in harmony. I think with a bit of creativity he could be one hell of a Magician

card: Deviant Moon by Patrick Valenza - - - - - - - - - -

Weekly Walk in the World of Waite/Smith - Wheel of Fortune

The Esoteric Title for this card is The Lord of the Forces of Life - Perhaps this alludes to the ever changing cycles of Life

Astrological Attribution:Jupiter From the Everything Tarot Book

" The card Wheel of Fortune is related to the planet Jupiter, which is the point in the progression of the planets where we move from the realm of the strictly personal (Sun,Moon,Mercury, Venus,Mars) towards the external world and society at large. Known as the "second sun" Jupiter has generally been thought to symbolize positive energies such as prosperity, success, good luck, honor and accomplishment."

In the Tarot Companion it tells us that Jupiter is the largest known planet in our solar system and represents expansion and growth. Jupiter rules Sagittarius and the ninth house and corules Pisces and the twelfth house.

Elemental Attribution ~ Fire: Elemental Fire is hot and dry and its nature is energy

Kabalistic Path: Path 21: 4 Chesed to 7 Netzach -Translation of Path: The Mercy of Victory

From Tarot Companion - Tracy Porter - "This pathway connect sephira Chesed with Netzach. the energy of Wheel of Fortune combines Mercy with Victory to bring about change in circumstances, which will ultimately yield good fortune."

Chesed The keyword for this path is Mercy - Chesed reflects for us the most positive areas in our life, it represents the chance for growth and with it the rewards for challenges overcome. It helps us pinpoint the most positive results we gain from our thoughts as well as our actions and emotions and indicates where we should make an effort to show compassion. Chesed can indicate those areas in life of wealth, money and abundance.

Netzach The keyword for this path is Victory - Netzach can represent the practical aspects of life, and may indicate our desires, and how we interact with those around us. It represents for us our attachments and our feelings.

Perhaps together these two are saying about the Wheel of Fortune that it is through the challenges of life and our ability to grow and expand our understanding, along with demonstrating compassion for others, that we are able to apply this to our everyday life in order to stay on an even keel and ride the ever changing cycles.

Waite in Part I of the PKT gives this description:

The wheel has seven radii; in the eighteenth century the ascending and descending animals were really of nondescript character, one of them having a human head. At the summit was another monster with the body of an indeterminate beast, wings on shoulders and a crown on head. It carried two wands in its claws. These are replaced in the reconstruction by a Hermanubis rising with the wheel, a Sphinx couchant at the summit and a Typhon on the descending side.

Mr. Waite Also says this about the card

Part II: The Doctrine Behind the Veil In this symbol I have again followed the reconstruction of Éliphas Lévi, who has furnished several variants. It is legitimate–as I have intimated–to use Egyptian symbolism when this serves our purpose, provided that no theory of origin is implied therein. I have, however, presented Typhon in his serpent form. The symbolism is, of course, not exclusively Egyptian, as the four Living Creatures of Ezekiel occupy the angles of the card, and the wheel itself follows other indications of Lévi in respect of Ezekiel’s vision, as illustrative of the particular Tarot Key. With the French occultist, and in the design itself, the symbolic picture stands for the perpetual motion of a fluidic universe and for the flux of human life. The Sphinx is the equilibrium therein

I decided to go and find out a little more about each of these symbols


Courtesy of Wikipedia 

In classical mythology, Hermanubis was a god who combined Hermes (Greek mythology) with Anubis (Egyptian mythology). Hermes and Anubis's similar responsibilities (they were both conductors of souls) lead to the god Hermanubis. He was popular during the period of Roman domination. Depicted as having a human body and jackal head, with the sacred caduceus that belonged to the Greek god Hermes, he represented the Egyptian priesthood. He is the son of Osiris and Nephthys.

In Greek mythology, Typhon (ancient Greek: Τυφῶν), also Typhoeus (Τυφωεύς), Typhaon (Τυφάων) or Typhos (Τυφώς) is the final son of Gaia, fathered by Tartarus, and is the god of wind. Typhon attempts to replace Zeus as the king of gods and men. Typhon was described as the largest and most grotesque of all creatures that have ever lived, having a hundred serpent heads. He was defeated by Zeus who crushed Mount Etna on him.

Generally the roles of sphinxes were as temple guardians and they were placed in association with architectural structures such as royal tombs or religious temples

I also like this piece Waite wrote:

The Sphinx is the equilibrium therein. The transliteration of Taro as Rota is inscribed on the wheel, counterchanged with the letters of the Divine Name–to shew that Providence is imphed through all. But this is the Divine intention within, and the similar intention without is exemplified by the four Living Creatures.

Now I didn't know about Ezekiel's vision and his four living creatures — so this is for me and those of you who also didn't know

 

Ezekiel 1 (Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition.)
And I saw, and behold a whirlwind came out of the north: and a great cloud, and a fire infolding it, and brightness was about it: and out of the midst thereof, that is, out of the midst of the fire, as it were the resemblance of amber:
5And in the midst thereof the likeness of four living creatures: and this was their appearance: there was the likeness of a man in them.
6Every one had four faces, and every one four wings.
7Their feet were straight feet, and the sole of their foot was like the sole of a calf's foot, and they sparkled like the appearance of glowing brass.
8And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides: and they bad faces, and wings on the four sides,
9And the wings of one were joined to the wings of another. They turned not when they went: but every one went straight forward.
10And as for the likeness of their faces: there was the face of a man, and the face of a lion on the right side of all the four: and the face of an ox, on the left side of all the four: and the face of an eagle over all the four.

What I find interesting here is that Waite said 

"It is legitimate–as I have intimated–to use Egyptian symbolism when this serves our purpose, provided that no theory of origin is implied therein.

Here we have Hermanubis on the upward part of the wheel — he represented a priest so here he must represent on this wheel things that are good, Typhoon on the downward turn, god of horrible winds — so that's the bad element and the Sphinx sit atop as the balancing aspect of the wheel

.

Robert M. Place in Tarot History, Symbolism and Divination says

The world of time and impermanence is seen here as permeated by the spirit and as the spirit at work. This card represents change, the awareness of change, and good fortune. The good god is rising and the evil god descending.

And Last but not least Karen Hamaker-Zondag from The Way of the Tarot gives us the psychological approach to the Wheel

The Wheel of fortune confronts us with the following mechanism: we encounter the workings of "fate" and can now come to see that there is a connection between what strikes us apparently out of the blue in the outside world, and our own psychic dynamics. If we can understand how we, ourselves, are involved in the processes and situation in which we find ourselves, we shall be able to change them: We can get off The Wheel

Symbolism:

• Four creatures in the corner are said to represent, the four elements, Earth/Bull, Fire/Lion. Water/Eagal, Air/Human. Also Zodiac signs of Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius. The four Evangelists Mark/Lion - Matthew/Human - Luke/Bull - John/Eagal These can be linked to the Four Kings in the Pips Wands/Mark - Swords/Matthew - Pentacles/Luke - Cups/John. I have also read that they can relate to the four seasons — take your pick!

I quite like the idea of the four evangelists, as they bring a very spiritual feel to this card and indicate to us that although life in our physical world has its changes, sometimes up and sometimes down. Our spiritual truth remains an everlasting constant.

• Figures on the Wheel - discussed above^^

• Symbols on the Wheel
  
• In the center are alchemical symbols of sulphur, mercury, salt, disolution.
• The outer wheel has "Rota Taro Orat Tora Ator,, and the 4 letter name of Jehovah (God) — the tetragramaton: yod, heh, vau, heh.
• I have read that the alchemical symbols can represent the four elements.
• It is interesting the the name of God appears on the inside of wheel as well and maybe is a reminder to us that God is within.
• Rota, Taro, Orat, Tora, Ator according to information found on Wikipedia:

  "can be translated (if you don't mind syncretic translations) to: "The Wheel of Taro[t] speaks the Law of Atorv [Hathor, or Love]."

  but I have also heard it translated to read The Wheel of Taro speaks the Law of Life. I guess they both fit well enough.

I think what Waite may have been getting at in this card, is that life is ever changing and sometimes it feels as though it is out of our control. However our spirituality is one constant that will support us, and if we use our experiences in life they can help us to balance out the turning of the wheel. In doing that, perhaps we ourselves can have a hand in turning it upwards rather than leaving it to fate alone.

Card: Original Rider Waite

WHEEL OF FORTUNE

I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 10, The Wheel of Fortune. The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun.

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley
Crowley titles this card Fortune and attributes it to the planet Jupiter (Book T calls it "The Wheel of Fate" and also attributes it to Jupiter). Jupiter is the planet of luck, expansion, abundance, and wisdom. Traits associated with Jupiter include optimism, cheerfulness, success, extravagance, and overconfidence. Crowley writes: "It would be narrow to think of Jupiter as good fortune; he represents the element of luck. The incalculable factor."


One World Tarot by Crystal Love
This deck associates The Wheel of Fortune with the planet Uranus. Love explains that Uranus represents "impersonal drives and ambitions. . . electricity and technology. . . insight and inspiration, sudden unexpected events, and groups and societies." She notes that the Wheel of Fortune can be said to rule "inspiration, sudden flashes of insight, sudden and unexpected changes, the unusual, the unconventional and the innovative, and has association with clubs, groups and societies, music technology, computers, electricians and electrical engineers." Love's Wheel of Fortune card depicts the Buddha levitating above The Wheel, "demonstrating that he has achieved enlightenment."

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens associates The Wheel of Fortune, Trump 10, with the tenth sign of the zodiac: Capricorn (a cardinal Earth sign known for being disciplined, responsible, hard-working, ambitious, and determined -- the sign associated with career and reputation). Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, planet of discipline, responsibility, restriction, and limitation. Thierens writes that The Wheel of Fortune "denotes the authorities to which the querent is subject, but also his own actions, deeds, manifestations and the position in the world which he occupies, his name and titles. . . It is the card of karma in the strict sense."

The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
This deck links The Wheel of Fortune with the planet Jupiter, representing "expansion and growth. . . vision and prophecy." Clark writes: "Ultimately, one of the greatest gifts bestowed by Jupiter is the blessing of faith and knowing there is a divine reason underlying the necessary change. Optimism and trust in the process of life are Jupiterian assets, which keep the human spirit aloft even when misfortune strikes."


The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Mann associates The Wheel of Fortune with the planet Jupiter, planet of "idealism, vision, expansion, mania, success popularity, religion." Mann tells us that Jupiter "transcends time, ruling the higher mind of Sagittarius and the devotion of Pisces."


The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel
This deck links The Wheel of Fortune with "Jupiter, the full moon (three days before and after), and the progressed full moon." (Progressions in astrology are something I won't take the time to explain here. If you're interested:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrological_progression .




The most common association seen in these examples is that between The Wheel of Fortune and the planet Jupiter. Love's association of the card with Uranus doesn't work well for me. The Capricorn attribution presented by Thierens is intriguing and makes sense to me in some ways.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna

Bohemian Gothic - 8 of Cups

Eight is a number which seems in tarot to indicate movement along with decisions and gaining control. Here in this image we see a young woman apprehensively looking back over her shoulder, rather than forwards towards those steps and what appears to be a small light at the end of the enclosure.

The whole structure of those steps and indeed the building itself, seems to have an air of foreboding about it. The idea of danger is portrayed in this card by the skull that sits above the archway and the two heavy urns either side of the entrance. Karen Mahony likens these urns to those found in grave yards. All that ornate ceiling structure gives the card an overbearing feeling of heaviness.

No wonder the woman in this image is reluctant to leave what she knows, in order to step into that darkened area. Traditionally the Eight of Cups is about leaving something behind, even if it is not finished with and moving on. It's a card that tells us to recognise that we may have done all we can, at this moment in time, and that there is the need to look further a field. Because in staying there probably is no progress to be made.

This is a Gothic card though and we need to look into the darkness and see what it reveals. It seems to be saying to me, that the way forward may not be easy. Indeed it could well be hazardous! Who knows what is hidden in that main dark area at the top of those steps. But in the darkness there is light, in the form of the small window at the end of the darkened area.

Sometimes to move forward takes courage. Perhaps hidden in this image of a lighted window within this card, is the message, that if one is brave enough to leave what they know and take those first few steps into another level of life, there is the promise of the reward that we may not have seen had we stayed where we are.

In the BG deck, cups are associated with emotions and feelings. We can all feel the apprehension this lady has and the reluctance to leave that which she may have some attachment to. Making those changes is often an emotional experience and although it creates feelings of regret and sadness it also offers optimism and hope.

The Eight of cups may well be a card that shows the disappointment in a relationship and yet the reluctance to leave it. Going up those steps into the dark, before she reaches the light, requires her to have emotional strength. This links this card back to the Major Arcana card Strength, which represents courage and determination. Both of which are required in order to move on.

Eight I have found in tarot often suggests a new start to something that may not have been working. The steps in this Gothic card can indicate for us the climb that she needs to make in order to aspire to something better.


Card: Bohemian Gothic by Karen Mahony & Alex Ukolov

An Interview with my Baroque Bohemian Cats' Tarot

This exquisitely feline deck arrived for our interview on a mild March afternoon. She was dressed in an elegant long blue dress with a bell-shaped skirt. Fancy gold bows adorned the bodice. I offered her a dish of cream and homemade tuna-cheese puffs. Although she was most gracious, she made it clear that she would rather be sunning herself on a window sill, and that I should consider myself honored by her presence.



1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic?
EIGHT OF SWORDS
My love of freedom and independence is my most important characteristic. I simply will not stay in a situation where I feel trapped or restricted. I refuse to be a victim. Perhaps most importantly, I am able to perceive the truth about situations. I know that I must help myself, not sit around blaming others for my circumstances. I know that I need to look up, look around, and take advantage of opportunities that are available to me.







2. What are your strengths as a deck?
TWO OF PENTACLES
My strength lies in my ability to juggle many things at once while remaining firmly grounded in reality. I use instinct rather than logic (because "logic" often tells us that what we are trying to do is "impossible"). I can help you respond instinctively to challenges, which in turn will help you not only manage but enjoy those challenges.






3. What are your limits as a deck?
QUEEN OF SWORDS
I tend to be not only a realist but at times a pessimist or skeptic, based on what I have experienced over the course of my nine lives. I will probably not offer you a "sunshine and roses" reading. I am cautious and astute, and if your questions are frivolous or irresponsible, my message may be delivered in a cutting tone.








4. What do you bring to the table -- what are you here to teach me?
QUEEN OF CUPS
I am here to teach you balance and grace, to help you blend sensibility with common sense, and to be creatively productive. I can show you how and when to be calm, and how and when to express your feelings through practical action.







5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you?
QUEEN OF PENTACLES
You can best learn from and collaborate with me by inviting me into your home for down-to-earth conversations and good food. I am not a "drama queen" and my tastes are simple. It is no coincidence that three Queens have come forward to answer your questions in this interview. My queenly qualities will serve you well.






6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
NINE OF CUPS
I think we shall have a highly satisfactory working relationship based on simple contentment and mutual respect. I see us being relaxed and comfortable in each other's presence due to a strong emotional connection and shared values.



And with that, she gathered her skirts and sailed out of the room without so much as a backward glance.

An Interview with My Victorian Romantic Tarot Deck

I am waiting the arrival of Miss Victorian Romantic,. Would you believe I had to send out the invitation for this interview seven weeks ahead, apparently that is the protocol Victorian ladies abide by. I have the tea things prepared, my grandmother's old bone china, can't offer my pottery mugs! Ooh and I got some Mr. Kipling's Iced Fancies to serve with it, that should be posh enough. I must remember not to offer tea until we are near the end of the interview. Ah here she is now. I open the door.


" Welcome Miss Victorian Romantic , do come in and take a seat. I'm Helen."


I love what she is wearing . She has a fan front bodice with capped closed fitting long sleeves. The dress is a sort of princess line , it has cartridge pleated flounced skirt and a wonderful bustle at the back. Atop her head she wears a bonnet made of the same bright material as her dress. Her hands are covered by white silk gloves and she carries a parasol which also looks like it might be made of white silk.

'"I am happy to make your acquaintance, this is Miss Prim my old governess, she has acted as chaperone for today."

Oh my god, she does look very prim and proper all dressed in black with matching bonnet.

"Hello Miss Prim."


She bobs a little curtsy, so I do one back. I'm not very up on the etiquette!

"Good afternoon ma'am"

"Right ladies if you will be seated I'll begin the interview."

1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic? The Lovers (card 1)



I am absolutely a serious deck, and yet in this seriousness I have love and passion at the heart of my soul. It is this empathy that I show which gives me my most important characteristic of emotional commitment to you. I cannot be satisfied my dearest friend unless I can form this partnership that offers you the best choices in the challenges that may eventuate.








2. What are your strengths as a deck?
Ten of Swords




The strength I bring with me is the ability to show you, with love and compassion, when it is necessary to let go of those ideas or thoughts that allow your emotions to wash over you and create various sensations which swell within your bosom and cloud your mind.











3. What are your limits as a deck?
Five of Swords

My limitations you ask, and I reply my dearest friend that the only limitation I am aware of is that I may just be too firm in my approach that it could cause you a little distress. I try to help you see that you must always realistically face your situation and act in a way that is most constructive, but this could come across as me forcing the issue.

(She fans herself just a little, I think it is she who is distressed now!)

Really I must say I don't see this as a limitation. I am prevailing upon you to accept your limitations in order to bring about the required change.

How did she manage to turn that one around I wonder? :o

4. What do you bring to the table -- what are you here to teach me?
Queen of Pentacles



This is a very easy question to answer for me. I am here to show you and to teach you how to apply a practical approach, to achieving the outcome you desire in a realistic manner that becomes a lady. I am also insistent that you learn to implicitly believe in yourself and your own abilities.











5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you?
The Moon




We can collaborate together by you facing up to those dark shadows that exist and allowing yourself to step into the light with my guidance. You can by using me, open up your own intuition, which in turn will become a guiding light from within. Together we can explore those deeper mysteries of the mind and soul. The time we spend together will be most productive and I am sure will open up the potential of your creativity.






6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
Three of Swords.

Our potential my dearest friend is that together, I will show you how not to repent the past but to use its pain and sorrow to move you forward to a brighter future. I will teach you that from the rain flowers will bloom.

Together we will be able to see that there is no situation however grave, that cannot be learnt from and used to improve one's life.









"I noticed Miss Victorian Romantic that out of this spread there were four Air cards, three in the Swords suit and the Lovers yet there was only one Water Card!"


(She smiles at me but keeps her hands neatly upon her lap.)

"My dearest Helen, just because I am a romantic deck does not mean that I do not think!"

"Oh yes of course, no disrespect meant. Would you like some tea now?"

"That would be very acceptable."

" A Mr. Kipling's Iced Fancy?" :$


Cards: Victorian Romantic Tarot by Karen Mahony & Alex Ukolov

THE HERMIT

I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 9, The Hermit. The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun.

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley
Like the Order of the Golden Dawn, Crowley's attribution for The Hermit is the zodiac sign Virgo, a mutable Earth sign known for being industrious, discriminating, logical, analytical, intellectual, and for having a tendency to be critical. Virgo is ruled by Mercury, planet of communication, intelligence, perception, and intellectual energy. Mercury is exalted in Virgo, giving it additional strength with respect to The Hermit.

One World Tarot by Crystal Love
This deck associates The Hermit with the zodiac sign Aquarius, ruled by the planet Uranus in modern astrology. Love explains that Aquarius is associated with "futuristic thinking, invention, genius, originality, science, electricity, and technology." Uranus is viewed as the planet of change, originality, upheaval, and revolution. Negative traits associated with Aquarius and Uranus include perversity, eccentricity, and fanatacism. Love's Hermit card depicts Alpha Centauri, "a hermit among the stars."

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens associates The Hermit, Trump 9, with the ninth sign of the zodiac: Sagittarius (a mutable Fire sign known for being freedom-loving, expansive, knowledge-seeking, and open to new ideas and exploration). Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, planet of good fortune, expansion, abundance, and wisdom. Thierens writes: "The sign is that of thought-power, creative mind, idealism. . . and consequently the Sagittarian is remarkable for always seeing things in his own light and trying to throw light on things in order to instruct other people. . . And mentally he is always more or less lonely. All this is very distinctly symbolised in the card of the Hermit."

The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
This deck links The Hermit with the zodiac sign Virgo, The Wise Virgin. Clark writes: "Virgo is ancient and instinctual, craving sanctity and ritual in everyday life. . . It did not originally mean chaste, quite the reverse. Ironically, it implies an image of freedom and independence, a woman in relationship to her internal self, contained and autonomous, in charge of her own desires. . . When the card appears, the Hermit, represented by Virgo, suggests her wisdom of cycles needs to become consciousness."


The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Mann associates The Hermit with the zodiac sign Virgo, sign of "ripe fruit; orderly storage and collection; selection; discrimination; purity; perfectionism; health and hygiene; analytic mind; prudence; diet." Mercury, ruler of Virgo, is "Mind, reason, self-expression, communication, knowledge, intelligence, movement; friend, sibling, mediator, guide." Mann tells us that Mercury "fertilizes itself and transforms simplicity into understanding by releasing conflicting pictures to achieve harmony through the application of perceptive mind."

The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel
This deck links The Hermit with the zodiac sign Virgo and "sometimes Saturn." Saturn is viewed as the planet of discipline, responsibility, restriction, and limitation -- all of which can be seen in The Hermit.




The most common association seen in these examples is that between The Hermit and the zodiac sign Virgo, ruled by Mercury. Love's association of the card with Aquarius and Uranus doesn't work well for me. As a Sagittarian myself, I find the Sagittarius association presented by Thierens to be intriguing and well reasoned.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna

Deviant Moon - Seven of Wands

I like this card in this deck, because it seems to mark what the number seven has come to represent in the tarot sequence to me. Sevens have come to represent for me wisdom, insight, confidence, reflection and personal growth. In this image Patrick Valenza tell us from the LWB

"A bewildered child has been lost in the thicket for several days. Against overwhelming odds, she finally discovers a path that will lead her home. Seven blooming wands, mark the end of her ordeal."

I do like the way she is holding her hands up as if to feel her way out of her situation. The background has an earthy feel, yet also a golden glow about it. This could be suggesting that she has managed to stay grounded while using her experience of her situation to help her gain wisdom. Perhaps the whole ordeal of being lost has contributed to her personal growth, that in turn gives her the insight and wisdom she needs to move her forward.

I notice in this image she walks along a path that is grey, again a colour that is a mixture of black and white, so could well indicate that she has learnt to balance out the opposites in her life or managed to integrate those elements which have helped her to over come the difficult situation she found herself in.

Those wands have flowers that are also golden, they even look a little to me like lights in the darkness. The Wands are fire energy and show the action that needs to be taken and with the gold flowers atop it could symbolise for us here illumination and understanding. Once she has this then she can clearly see her way out.

The moon in this card is in its first quarter, showing that a new cycle is about to begin, and those wands are living and growing showing that those new thoughts and ideas can grow and expand if you just put them into motion.

This Seven of Wands does show us the element of challenge that this card normally suggests and it also shows us that one has to keep moving in order to develop one's skills and enhance one's learning. It is a card that does suggest to us progress but progress that has to be worked hard at to achieve. I also like that she has a black cloak that seems to flow out from the back of her, suggesting to me that she is able to reach into those deeper inner thoughts and allow them to flow. Perhaps because it is a black cloak that wraps around her it is also suggestive that she is protected somewhat by her inner consciousness.

This card does seem to have a positive message that it is through our courage in meeting challenges that ultimately we will gain success. Of course if we were to turn this little lady upside down then she does look to be somewhat in a prison, just a tiny bit trapped. I guess that could well indicate that there would be some delays, or that through some sort of rash action you've landed up not where you want to be.

Back up the right way though this card shows that in order to progress one has to keep moving and this is what this little girl is just doing!

Card: Deviant Moon by Patrick Valenza

Page of Cups

Time to look at the Pages now. Who are often considered the messengers of their suits and are just a little immature.

They are at the youthful end of the courts who are known for exploration and study. I am going to take a look at the Page of Cups this time and decided to use the Original Rider Waite image for the illustration. This card is so full of symbolism and maybe helps us really get to grips with this youngster!

I do like to look at the colours that were chosen for this Page, they seem to tell us so much about him. He is dressed in a green tunic, a colour said to govern the heart and is associated with love and harmony, but is also a colour that can represent growth, expansion, flexibility and balance. I guess this young Page may well look at the world emotionally and he does definitely have room for growth. This tunic is decorated with flowers, possibly tulips. Flowers are thought to depict spiritual thoughts, love and happiness. Under his green tunic is another garment of red/brown colour, the red could well signify his passion and energy and even his self confidence, while the brown is an earthy colour. The two together may well show his effort to work towards keeping himself grounded and not letting his passions or self confidence get out of balance. He wears boots of orange, a colour said to bring about a release of emotional energy and in his hand he holds a yellow cup, the colour associated with mental activity.

What does this tell us about this particular Page? Well he's not afraid to show his emotions. He is full of passion and energy . He has lots of ideas, a whole cup full to be exact! Talking about that cup he has a fish coming out of it. Fish can represent transformation, but also the ability to dig into or in this case fish into the deeper unconscious elements of oneself. He looks at his cup and the fish of his imagination is emerging. He seems neither surprised or disappointed. The Page just accepts it for what it is...... and the fish looks back at him. ;) This tells us that this Page is able to exist in the realm of those inner images, of his fantasies and dreams. What his problem appears to be, is that he is not always wise enough to know that he can transform these ideas, dreams or fantasies into a reality or that he even should do so! He is artistic and creative as well as dreamy and compassionate.

He is not aware that he should try to fulfil is own potential. The gates are open for him to turn this into anything his mind can conjure up, there is no real focus, it's more of a contemplation, he is not doing anything about these thoughts, they are just there, not fully formed in any real way.

As we can see by the colours and symbolism in this card, this Page allows his heart to soar, but he manages to work on staying grounded even if it does present him with a bit of a challenge. The waves in the water behind him show that his emotions are up and down. So he is the Student, just developing the seed of creativity, but he does not necessarily act upon this and he should indeed be careful about acting without due consideration or this could lead him into making mistakes. Our Page does like the realm of fantasy and he needs to nudge himself into reality a bit more.

In a reading if he represents a facet of yourself , he may be saying that you need to bring out that creativity, follow your intuition and believe in those dreams. If he represents another person this could indicate that they are gentle in nature and able to show compassion as well as having an artistic ability.

As an event the Page could indicate the arrival of a new child or even a new friendship, and because of his child like demeanor he may suggest the arrival of something that makes you happy, a new experience of happiness perhaps.

I often think when I see this Page that the message he is delivering is one of looking beyond the obvious and allowing your imagination to be set free, but not to be stuck in the dream world, rather think it through and make it work. He often appears when some new idea is emerging and he encourages you to go with your heart, allow your feelings to surface and fill you with the joy of experiencing it.

He may be young but his message is important!




^ Aquatic Tarot
Watercolors by Andreas Schröter 1995-2004.

Bohemian Gothic - The Star

I wanted to show the Star today especially from this deck. In Tarot by Arwen's blog she does a monthly Tarotscope and the Star was my card for this month.

Today is my birthday and I feel like the Star is the appropriate card for me.

In the Bohemian Gothic Star we have an image of a lovely maiden out in the dark of the night with the water fountain behind her and the one solitary star in the sky. This does for me produce a calming vision. Even in a Gothic deck there has to be some hope that lights the way out of the dark. It seems to me that even though she stands in the dark, she is not afraid and has a relaxed feel about her. Perhaps that one solitary star that shines bright in a dark sky is all that is needed to inspire one to realise that things are not always as dark as they seem.

This notion that things are not always as dark as they seem hits home for me in this card. It seems to be saying that as long as there is optimism you can find a light no matter how small, to inspire you on and allow you to shine without having to present oneself in a way that others perceive one should. She is very comfortable standing in front of that fountain, not feeling that she has to cover herself up in anyway, because she is now more relaxed, self confident and able to accept herself more easily, regardless of what others may think of her.

Arwen's message in her Tarotscope was to allow oneself to shine this month, the Bohemian Gothic Star seems to be to be doing just that.

The fountain behind her has carvings that represent mythical figures, and can seem somewhat overwhelming as a backdrop, the water runs steady behind her maybe showing that her emotions are steady and she stands upon solid ground indicating that a balance has been achieved here between her emotional and physical self.

The message from this Star card seems to be one that indicates that all is not lost even when surrounded by dark, and that hope and optimism is always there in the form of the bright little star. Like its more traditional counterparts this Star card indicates a positive outlook and provides that sense of hope and so suggest to us here inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose.

The girl herself seems balanced and perhaps also it may well indicate that even when things are not going to plan she still has a sense of confidence in herself not just about what she can achieve but who she also is.

So with the BG Star on this celebration day of my birth I will allow myself to shine and give myself a renewed sense of purpose.

Card: Bohemian Gothic by Karen Mahony & Alex Ukolov

Weekly Walk in the World of Waite/Smith - The Hermit

The Esoteric Title for this card is The Magus of the Voice of Light, The Prophet of the Gods: I think that the title Magus of the Voice of Light may well allude to mystical practices and the Prophet of the Gods may well suggest that he knows there are many ways to reach spiritual growth.

Astrological Attribution: Virgo -  From the Everything Tarot Book "The Hermit is related to the sign of Virgo, which symbolizes the quest for perfection, the ideal that resides in the divine essence and the knowledge that is harvested from the fields of experience". Virgo is an earth sign and along with practicality, uses mental ability. This star sign is ruled by Mercury a planet that represents communication, intellect and reason. In this combination we have Mercury that gathers the information and Virgo who sorts it all out.

Elemental Attribution ~ Earth: Elemental Earth is cold and dry and its nature is stability.

Kabalistic Path: Path 20: 4 Chesed to 6 Tipareth - Translation of Path: The Mercy of Beauty:  From The Tarot Companion By Tracy Porter "The energy of The Hermit combines mercy and beauty to achieve an inner awareness that comes about only through meditation and a quiet time alone."

Chesed Keyword Mercy is a path that indicates the positive results we gain from our thoughts as well as our actions and emotions and it indicates where we may need to have compassion. So it offers the opportunity for growth and shows us the rewards that can be achieved for the challenges we overcome.

Tipareth Keyword Beauty this represents for us our higher self and helps us define our ideals and objectives.

Looking at these two together what they may be saying in terms of the Hermit is that by taking his experiences in life he is able to understand himself better in order to further his own growth.

Mr. Waite in the PKT has this to say about the card:

Part I: The Veil and its Symbols 9. The Hermit, as he is termed in common parlance, stands next on the list; he is also the Capuchin, and in more philosophical language the Sage. He is said to be in search of that Truth which is located far off in the sequence, and of justice which has preceded him on the way. But this is a card of attainment, as we shall see later, rather than a card of quest. It is said also that his lantern contains the Light of Occult Science and that his staff is a Magic Wand.

And also this:

Part II: The Doctrine Behind the Veil - The variation from the conventional models in this card is only that the lamp is not enveloped partially in the mantle of its bearer, who blends the idea of the Ancient of Days with the Light of the World It is a star which shines in the lantern. I have said that this is a card of attainment, and to extend this conception the figure is seen holding up his beacon on an eminence. Therefore the Hermit is not, as Court de Gebelin explained, a wise man in search of truth and justice; nor is he, as a later explanation proposes, an especial example of experience. His beacon intimates that “where I am, you also may be.”

This last comment by Waite "intimates that 'where I am, you also may be" could well mean that by having gained an inner awareness, you will have an understanding of where you are and how you got there, and that you can only get there by having that inner awareness. In other words the gaining of spiritual wisdom does not come about easily and takes some effort and experience in order to achieve it.

Robert M. Place in Tarot, History, Symbolism and Divination has this little interesting piece to say about the Star in the lamp

This image is also influenced by a picture in the Hermetic Museum. On the title page there is a print of an alchemist in a long robe with a stick and a lantern following the Anima Mundi, symbolised as a beautiful woman. She is holding a glowing six-pointed star, a symbol of the masculine upward-pointing triangle and the feminine downward-pointing triangle joined as one power. Here the star is in the Hermit's lantern.

I like this little piece from Karen Hamaker-Zondag's The Way of The Tarot

The Hermit chiefly represents our need to experience the spiritual and the religious in an individual, wholly personal manner, and thus to make sense of life in general, and of our own life in particular.

On to Symbolism:

• Hermit's gray cloak - a colour that comes midway between black and white (you mix black and white to get gray) so it shows a balance of opposites, integration and achievement — acquired wisdom
• Snow capped mountain — reaching the top of ones endeavour — the height of awareness also from the top you can see so much further — so could well represent here the extent of his wisdom.
• Head bowed and eyes closed — turning inwards
• Shining star within the lantern — illumination and awareness
• Six pointed star — as stated above the joining of feminine and masculine spirit, also in Pictures of the Heart Sandra Thomson says "As a hexagram, the six-pointed star can represent dominion over the laws of the greater world, the macrocosm".
• Staff - is a stick often used for support when walking along on a journey

Waite said

"But this is a card of attainment, as we shall see later, rather than a card of quest."

What I think he means here, is that it is, through the lessons we learn both physical and spiritual, that we attain an awareness that helps us to reflect on how we live our life. What meaning we can give to it, and how successful we are in integrating both these aspects of ourselves. The Hermit card denotes a passage of time and it unveils for us a wisdom that can be gained through understanding and acceptance.


Card: Original Rider Waite

An Interview with My Napo Tarot Deck

A deck interview with my cards (spread by FireRaven) - seen Acelectic Tarot Forum (Spreads Thread)

I sit quietly in my office awaiting the arrival of this weeks Celebrity Deck. There is a knock and the door opens. "Ah Senor Napo,, buenas tardes, and bienvenido!"

"You speak very good Spanish Helen!"

"Oh no, that's all I learnt as special welcome to you, I hope you will enjoy the interview."

"No need to worry that you don't speak Spanish. My engleesh is very good my fren. We will have a wonderful conversacion"

"Great! Would you like a tequila before we start?"

1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic?
Indolence - (Eight of Cups)


He gives me that hot Latin look, and suddenly I feel very flushed! Fanning myself, I listen to his reply.

I am not a deck that is in a hurry. Who needs to hurry I like to take it lentamente. The most important characteristico I have, is that although things may not be clear straight away I can help show you what needs to be left behind in order to move forward at your own pace.


2. What are your strengths as a deck?
Reina De Bastos - (Queen of Wands)

I am a strong deck. I am a passionar and I combine my energy with empathy in order to show you the right acticion you should take. I am a, how you say, lover of life, and I show you how to take on the challenge using your creativity to come up with fresh ideas!






3. What are your limits as a deck?
The Chariot

Do we have to talk about limitacions?

(Another one who doesn't like to admit he has limits ~ sigh)
"Yes sorry we do."

As I said I am in no hurry, and maybe sometimes, not always, just sometimes maybe, I am just a bit too direct. I am also a proud deck and at times I may just come across a little arrogant. But I am use to seeing the right path to victory and all I want to do is lead you there.



4. What do you bring to the table -- what are you here to teach me?
Escape - (6 swords)

Ah mi querido, what I bring to your table is the chance to move out of one situacion that is not working into another. I teach you that in order to be able to move on you must examine the way you think and why you think that way. It is in understanding our thought processes that we can finally master them rather than they master us. Our thoughts can hold us back, they are our limitacion, but in accepting the confines of our situation, we take the first step to understanding it. From there we move forward.

"Isn't he wonderful" ~sigh ~

5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you?
Caballo De Oros - (Knight of Discs)

You can best learn from and collaborar with me by remaining focused. Being prepared to take one step at a time. No hurry mi querido! If you use me, with patience you will soon learn the message behind my pictures and you will see that I reveal to you a consistente way to improve and help you make the right decisions for your own well being.




6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
La Templanza - (Temperance)



Together we will find the middle ground. By being able to blend those opposite forces we may face, we can restore balance and harmony in life.. The potencial for working together is that we renew our strength and optimism to any stiuacion we may have to face.




"Well gracias Mr. Napo for taking the time to visit me. Another tequila before you go?"

"Salud! mi queriod."

"Oh I just love these Latin men!


Cards: Napo Tarot by Betty Lopez, Designed by Napo

Deviant Moon - The Fool

I was doing a writing exercise and I used the Deviant Moon Tarot to kick start my imagination. I have written about this card before, but using it as a writing tool and also having visited Patrick Valenza's web site where he talks about this card, gave me a slightly different perspective. So I have rehashed my write up. The Fool is the card that came up as my main character. I really liked this card the moment I saw it, here we have the Fool almost dancing across the water. Where he is, reminds me of a canal in Venice.

Patrick Valenza tells us

"The fool is a sleepwalker and wears a pajama-like outfit. He is entranced by his nocturnal visions."

I love that outfit, his red and white striped suit indicates to me that although he is an innocent and has a purity of spirit, he does also possess passion, energy and confidence in himself. He doesn't seem surprised to me, but more amazed at those fish which jump around his legs and feet. Again Patrick tells us that the

"fish show that even though he is in a dreamlike world, reality still bites him, and will follow him through his adventure."

The Fool appears to be able to follow his visions and bring them into his own reality!

As I said I like the look of amazement on his face as he notices those fish, I can almost hear him saying "wow I didn't know I could feel like this!" He has set out across this canal without knowing what lies ahead, but has no fear, because it is the adventure he is seeking. He brings to mind for me the thought "don't over think it, instead experience it!" The enthusiasm with which he seems to move to me says that he is willing to break free of restrictions in order to search for the new, so he shows an openness to life and is ready to embrace all its possibilities.

The quarter Moon hangs in the sky, perhaps it is the new quarter, indicating here the new beginning that is taking place. Fish can often be associated with those deeper emotional feelings and the ability to delve into ones subconscious, maybe because they are on the surface and above the water, this could well indicate bringing those emotions out into the open and using them to enhance one's conscious state. That could make sense as he is running through water (emotions) and the fish are causing ripples in its surface.

Also Patrick says of the water that he is treading

He treads water for he is on the cusp of the conscious and subconscious realms. A dream state between the two. Neither fully in one nor the other.

Perhaps the Fool is able to meld this subconscious with the conscious realm in order to allow him to take that 'leap of faith'. In other words he does not allow his logic and reason to stand in the way of experiencing something new.

Now maybe too we could look at him running through this water without considering the consequences and say that perhaps he is pursuing a course of action without giving it proper consideration, a "foolish act". But what if he didn't seize the moment and take that leap of faith, it does raise the question "what would he be missing out on in life?" .... Is it better to stay safe and secure and stagnate or welcome the challenge with open arms, even if he does fall over.

We are told by Patrick that the boat represents the start of his travels and that makes perfect sense. The boat could symbolise The Fool's personal journey here and as it is in contact with water, it can also represent for him the relationship he has between his conscious and subconscious.

This Fool card appears to be full of energy to me and can represent for us here the desire to seek a different way to experience life that may not fit in with what is thought to be conventional.



Look again at that Moon! It does appear to shine some light on the surface of the water and allows for a little reflection. Perhaps our Fool is not as foolish as he looks. Even though he may lack experience, he may also know that the way to gain it is by living it. ;)

Card: Deviant Moon by Patrick Valenza

A Reading for the Week

I don't usually do weekly or daily readings anymore, but this is a special week for me so I thought I would do one and see what the week has in store.

The spread is my own. The layout is left to right. Using the Old English because it's actually proved to be a very literal deck to me.

1: This is what I need to be aware of in preparation for the coming week. The Fool

Perhaps I need to expect the unexpected this week. Hmm, maybe a new opportunity will present itself or it could be telling me here that I need to pay attention to what is happening or being done. Either way I think this week may well hold a surprise for me!







2: This is what may present a challenge to me this week. The Devil

Perhaps this is telling me that I need to maintain some sort of balance this week and not go in one direction too much. I can when I start something, do nothing else but that, so this seems to be telling me that I need to watch out for that. Especially with the Fool up there, the two together seem to suggest that I could miss an opportunity here if I don't maintain a balance.






3: This is the goal I need to work towards this week. Knight of Cups

I think the goal this Knight may be suggesting to me is to finally make that transition in my emotions and keep a realistic outlook this week. This card shows lots of ripe grapes ready for harvest hanging above his head. When I look at what the two cards above may be suggesting, if I can achieve that balance in my actions and my emotions then I think the rewards will be there for me to experience.





4: Something nice I need to do for myself this week. The Magician

Is to have faith in my own abilities. If I realise that I can achieve whatever it is I want, as long as I am determined and stay balanced. Then I empower myself with the knowledge that the power lies within, and I need not look any further than that.

This card is telling me that the nice thing I need to do for myself this week, is believe in myself!



Cards: Old English. by Maggie Keen