JUDGMENT

I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 20, Judgment (or Judgement, as it is spelled in some cases). The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun. The astrological associations established by the Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD) are the most commonly used. However, as a professional astrologer, I always find it interesting when someone develops another system.

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley
Crowley titles Trump 20 "The Aeon." He notes: "In this card it has been necessary to depart completely from the tradition of the cards, in order to carry on that tradition. The old card was called The Angel: or, The Last Judgment." Crowley attributes this card to the element Fire rather than any zodiac sign or planet. He does, however, mention that behind the letter Shin (meaning Fire) on the card, we can see "a symbolic representation of the Sign of Libra." He states that "this is the forth-shadowing of the Aeon which is to follow this present one." The OGD uses the attribution "Spirit and Fire."

One World Tarot by Crystal Love
In this deck, Crystal Love associates The Judgment (Trump 20) with the Moon. She writes: "The Moon represents our emotions and our unconscious drives. . . The Judgment can be said to rule our processes at the deepest and most unconscious level. . . The Judgment tells us that all our actions are recorded on our unconscious minds."

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens titles Trump 20 "The Last Judgment" and associates it with the planet Jupiter. Jupiter governs Sagittarius, a Fire sign. Thierens writes: "This card stands for ideals, religious, social or any other and for the elevating effect they have on man." Jupiter is associated with the higher mind, higher education, spiritual expansion, and knowledge.

The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
Clark attributes the Judgment card to "Pluto, the Inner Judge." He writes: "We encounter Pluto and face the future that we have created for ourselves over the past aeons. . . We have arrived at a place where we are more able to clearly judge the wisdom, integrity, and authenticity of our past efforts." Pluto is commonly seen to represent regenerative forces, destruction, annihilation, and transformation. As guardian of the shades and underworld ghosts, Pluto calls our attention to what has been denied and repressed. Although Pluto is no longer considered a planet by astronomers*, many astrologers continue to study its impact in birth charts and events. Modern astrology assigns rulership of the zodiac sign Scorpio to Pluto, and we see the symbol for Scorpio on Clark's card.

The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Mann associates Trump 20, Judgement, with the element Fire and Pluto. He writes: "The element Fire shows the energy of heaven which shatters structures to unite humanity, and Pluto. . . shows the required destruction of existing forms before regeneration occurs. Death and destruction are only preludes to rebirth in a new and higher state, as all causes must be transcended."

The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel
Liz Hazel notes that the Golden Dawn lists the attribution for Trump 20 as "Fire." She herself uses Saturn in connection with Judgment but writes "Sometimes Pluto is used." Hazel associates Judgment with "important stages in the Saturn cycle that occur in seven-year intervals, and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions that occur every twenty years."

* Please see Laurel Kornfeld's comments (below) for a more precise, detailed account of Pluto's status among astronomers and astrologers.

If I'm not mistaken, Judgment (Trump 20) has a greater variety of astrological attributions than any card we have come across in this series so far. We have Fire, "Spirit and Fire," the Moon, Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn. I tend to lean toward the OGD attribution of "Spirit and Fire" but I do try to take into account the associations made by the creator of whatever deck I am using.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna

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

Esoteric Title: Lord of the Fire of the World

Astrological Attribution: Sun - From The Everything Tarot Book

The Sun is related to the zodiacal sign of Leo, which it rules. Astrologically speaking, the Sun represents individuality, or the essence of Spirit - it is called the Light of the Soul.

The Sun is life, energy, ego and the desire to attain.

The Sun is the center of the solar system, and it is at the heart of the astrological chart, telling us what we are potentially, not necessarily what we will become. The Sun determines the conscious sense of the Self, which is concerned with the life-purpose derived from the life-giving energy of the Divine Source.

Elemental Attribution: Fire - Elemental Fire is hot and dry and its nature is energy.

Kabalistic Path: Path 30: 8 Hod to 9 Yesod - Translation of Path: The Splendor of Foundation

From the Tarot Companion by Tracy Porter:

This pathway connects Hod to Yesod. The energy of The Sun combines splendor with foundation to provide happiness and exuberance.

Hod: This is position 8 on the Tree of Life and has the Keyword Splendor. This path illustrates material values in life such as business, career, artistic projects etc., and how we approach those areas. It can represent our perception, reasoning and how we communicate this to others.

Yesod: This is position 9 on the Tree of Life and has the Keyword Foundation. It can represent for us the unconscious thoughts we may have, whether they be hopes, desires or fears and so may also give an awareness to the patterns of our life, because of its connection to the unconscious.

Together how these two may relate to The Sun is that, perhaps it is the life energy of the Sun that helps us to build on our foundations and create for ourselves an awareness. This in turn helps us to make the right decisions in our life.

Mr. Waite says in Part II: The Doctrine Behind the Veil

The naked child mounted on a white horse and displaying a red standard has been mentioned already as the better symbolism connected with this card. It is the destiny of the Supernatural East and the great and holy light which goes before the endless procession of humanity, coming out from the walled garden of the sensitive life and passing on the journey home. The card signifies, therefore, the transit from the manifest light of this world, represented by the glorious sun of earth, to the light of the world to come, which goes before aspiration and is typified by the heart of a child.

But the last allusion is again the key to a different form or aspect of the symbolism. The sun is that of consciousness in the spirit - the direct as the antithesis of the reflected light. The characteristic type of humanity has become a little child therein–a child in the sense of simplicity and innocence in the sense of wisdom. In that simplicity, he bears the seal of Nature and of Art; in that innocence, he signifies the restored world. When the self-knowing spirit has dawned in the consciousness above the natural mind, that mind in its renewal leads forth the animal nature in a state of perfect conformity.

Robert M. Place in The Tarot History Symbolism and Divination has this to say:

Although, at times the Golden Dawn's correspondence for the Major Arcana seem symbolically strained, the Golden Dawn's correspondences for this card is the sun - an obvious choice. The Waite-Smith card retains the walled garden of the traditional Marseilles card but instead of the two nude youths, there is only one riding a horse and carrying a red victory banner. This figure is based on the Sun card in the older Jacques Vieville Tarot. The human-faced Sun casts twenty-two rays. This may correspond to the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana, which may also be thought of as rays emanating from one glowing truth.

Karen Hamaker-Zondag in the Way of the Tarot says:

The desire to reach out from within in order to enjoy life to the full and cheerfully be yourself is represented by The Sun. The keynote of the phase of The Sun is that you are in a position to accept yourself totally.

.

She goes on to say:

The Sun shows how, by simply accepting and liking yourself, you are able to value and like others. You radiate happiness and warmth due to the inner power and joy you have accumulated.

Symbolism:

• Naked Child: Spirit, an element of the psyche, the need for self realisation.
• Horse together with child: A symbol of union between the conscious and unconscious.
• Red Banner: Can be seen as victory also an indication of opening up of energy and action.
• Red Feather: Links the child back to the Fool and may reflect his desire and self confidence.
• Sun Flowers: Could be seen as a reflection of the Sun's energy on earth.
• 22 Rays: As already mention could be symbolic of the Major Arcana - straight and wavy lines to relate to masculine and feminine energy.
• Wall: May well symbolise here that there is no way back, only forward.
  

You know reading through all this I think what Mr. Waite may have been getting at here, is that the essence of the Sun Card is alluding to a perfect balance between ones conscious and unconscious. In order to achieve that, the heart of it lies within a child's heart. The ability to fully accept oneself, warts and all in order to be comfortable with whom we are and acquire the ability to allow others to be whom they are.

The sun has transforming qualities in that it's heat and energy can change a seed into a flower etc. as well as reducing it to a dry dead stalk! I think the Sun Card is ultimately about transforming one's life - how you actually transform it depends upon the union you can achieve between you higher self and your physical self. ;)

Of course I could be wrong here! :o



Just read this bit again and make up your own minds as to whether you agree with me or not.

The sun is that of consciousness in the spirit - the direct as the antithesis of the reflected light. The characteristic type of humanity has become a little child therein–a child in the sense of simplicity and innocence in the sense of wisdom. In that simplicity, he bears the seal of Nature and of Art; in that innocence, he signifies the restored world. When the self-knowing spirit has dawned in the consciousness above the natural mind, that mind in its renewal leads forth the animal nature in a state of perfect conformity.

Card: The Original Rider Waite

Bohemian Gothic - 6 Swords

This card presents us with a very tranquil image of a woman laying in the boat asleep/dead? No one but the ferryman knows that for sure — its hard to see but there is a black cloaked figure at the head of the boat who rows it across a lake at sunset, the reflection of the pink in the sky is seen in the water. Two candles are alight at the end of the boat — so all is not completely dark! The candles here may just signify a source of illumination of the dark and an aspiration to come back into the light.

So here we have a card that fundamentally speaks of transition Mahony says

The Six of Swords is, in a sense, like a little Death card, it indicates a transition that will be emotionally demanding and uncomfortable (as travel often is) but that will ultimately get you somewhere better

She asks a question in her accompanying book " The scene takes place at sunset. Is this significant? If so, what does it symbolise?" Well, to me it may well symbolise that the transition in thought, attitude or even a physical move will bring to the end one situation and the reality of a new day dawning in which you can start again with a new perspective on your particular situation.



The lighter side to this card is moving through a situation calmly and quietly, and making change/s in one's life that will have a lasting effect. It shows that the necessary action is taking place in order to move from one place to another whether that be mentally (although that it what I associate swords with) or physically like out of a job that upsets you into a new one that is more optimistic.

What then is the darker meaning in this card? - Well if we look the lady has given up her power if you like to somebody else, in this case the ferry man to move her. Perhaps it is saying that you are just not facing up to the responsibilities in your own life and allowing your power to be taken from you. Maybe mentally you have cut yourself off from the world and remain asleep to those things you wish not to see. All that pink reflection in the water also makes me think that one is denying their own emotions and has lost love of themselves.

However those candles are blowing in the wind but they haven't gone out yet, so there is always a little light to be had if you just open your mind and eyes!


Bohemian Gothic by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov

Card Spread - The Gift

This is a spread I designed some time ago it's called the gift. You can use one card for each position, which gives you a 4 card spread or you can use one in the first position, two in the second, three in the third and four in the fourth which gives you 10 card spread - the choice is your own.



Today I am just going to use the 4 card spread.

Layout: for the 4 card:

.......4......
2...........3
......1......

Layout for the 10 card:

4....4....4....4
...3....3....3...
......2....2......
.........1.........

This is the positional definitions:


1: As you untie the ribbon,
this is from where you start.


2: Peeling away the outer wrapping,
this is what you reveal to yourself.


3: Carefully removing the inner wrapping,
this is what you come to understand about your hopes and fears.


4: Now as you hold your gift in the palm of your hand,
this is how you recognise your own truth.


I'm using the Napo deck.


1: As De Copas - Ace of Cups -this is from where you start.


I start from a place where I now have an awareness of my feelings, hopes, dreams and rather than allow those feelings to overwhelm me in any way, I can now use them to inspire me. For me this card represents a time that is full of potential and possibilities where I am entering a more creative part of my life and with it comes contentment.





2: La Sacerodotisa - The Priestess -this is what you reveal to yourself.



That by trusting my inner most feelings I will always make the right choices for myself. By following my intuition I will maintain for myself an inner calmness. What I reveal to myself here is that if I not just rely on myself but also trust in myself then I will open the doors to anything I want to achieve. This is a time indicated with the card above of hope and prudence.





3: La Justicia - Justice -this is what you come to understand about your hopes and fears.


What I have come to understand about my hopes and fears, is that as I strive for balance, and hope that life treats me in a fair way and that I treat others also fairly, I must learn to be flexible. But what I hope for or fear is just a result of what action I take today in order to create tomorrow.
Therefore this card indicates to me that what I have really come to understand is that one must learn to weigh things up carefully and rationally in order alleviate those fears or create those hopes. This card along with the card above tell me to trust in myself, and combine my intuition with my rational thinking, then I can always find the right solution for me.


4: Valor - 7 Wands - this is how you recognise your own truth.

I can recognise my own truth by having the courage to face the difficulties that show up in life every now and again. I will find I have the strength to stand up for what it is I believe is right. I know that part of this truth is that I must keep moving, attempting to develop and enhance my skills and talents, that will in turn help me to progress and grow in more ways than one. The one big truth I recognise is that how I approach the difficulties and challenges is always my own choice. In the Napo deck this card is called valor and stands for courage, and facing competition and negotiations. Sometimes life has to be a compromise and that is a truth that has to be understood.



Napo Tarot by Betty Lopez - Designed by Napo

Deviant Moon - Death

I think this is my most least favourite of the deck, as it has such a final feel about it. The beach is dirty and out on the sea a ship sinks! Death and her child are coloured black and there is no moon in sight in this card. The Factory chimneys smoke away — smoke being a mixture of the elements air and fire maybe indicating the relationship between thought and action. It is very often one's thoughts to hold them back from the right action. The smoke could well indicate that one needs to harmonise these aspects in order to accept the changes that are needing to be faced.

Patrick says in the LWB:

Two corpses, a mother and child, stand on a polluted beach. The child attempts to re-enter the womb of his mother, but is held back. Another will be born soon. With death comes rebirth.

The blackness of the mother and child makes me think of the unconscious at work and yet the whiteness of both their faces could hint at illumination. The card does to me definitely speak of an ending, in the form of the dying beach, sinking ship and struggling off spring. Perhaps it says to us here that sometimes change is inevitable and that like the child we cannot go backwards if we are to progress.

The image of this card does indicate a change whether one likes it or not. Not to accept it results in stagnation and lost opportunities. Notice how the mother holds the infant back, she knows that he has to accept the situation in order for there to be change. The mother is about to give birth again and so the cycle continues, as one thing ends and another begins.

There is no going back with this card, the only way is forward!

Deviant Moon by Patrick Valenza

Bohemian Gothic - 8 Pentacles

Now this looks to be a sweet scene, until you start to look more closer at the dolls in the window. Here is a shop of a doll and puppet maker who has obviously worked hard to perfect his skill. Has he reached his goal yet or is there some way still to go?

A little girl leaves his shop, looking very happy holding one of his creations, just another step in his progress as a doll maker. The girl may look happy, but what of the toy maker himself? He does seem to have a suspicious look upon his face, what he is thinking I wonder?

Karen Mahony says of this whole scene

As she walks away hugging her new doll the owner - and maker of the toys - gazes after her. it ought to be a happy scene, and the girl does indeed look contented with her purchase, but something tells us that all is not as it seems.

In the window we see a devil doll and another dressed in mourning clothes not exactly happy dolls - Karen says it could make us think of "Tom Holland's Child's Play, that was about dolls and puppets that came to life and proved to be very nasty!

In traditional meanings one may well look at the 8 Pentacles as more work to be done, honing skills, and the patience of application - this is the card that says you can turn your skills or talents into something more tangible - even earn yourself money doing them! - It's the card that suggests that with hard work you can turn these into a practical application of ideas.

The question here however with this 8 of Pentacles is what is the Doll maker hoping to achieve? Does he want to bring life to his dolls and if so, for what purpose? Does this darker version of the 8 of Pentacles warn us about someone who applies their skills to wicked ends or is this just someone who is willing to put in the hard work in order to perfect his skills.


Either way I wouldn't mind a look in his shop! ;)

Bohemian Gothic by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov

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

Esoteric Title: Ruler of Flux and Reflux

Astrological Attribution: Pisces -From the Everything Tarot Book

The twelfth sign of the zodiac and the mutable water sign, Pisces is emotional, female and intuitive. Ruled by Neptune, it is the sign of creativity, psychic ability, empathy, illusions, poetic sensibilities. It represents the urge toward self-sacrifice to a Higher Cause and the soul's struggle with the imperfections of the material plane.

Being a Pisces myself I'd say that a pretty good summation.

Elemental Attribution: Water - Elemental Water is cold and wet and its nature is union.

Kabalistic Path: Path 29: 7 Netzach to 10 Malkuth - Translation of Path: The Victory of Kingdom

From The Tarot Companion by Tracy Porter:

This pathway connects Spehira Netzach to Malkuth. The energy of the Moon combines victory with the kingdom of God to produce intuition and a more feminine aspect of the universal oneness.

Netzach is position 7 on the Tree of Life and its Keyword is Victory. This position represents for us our emotional attachments and feelings. It shows us our desires and what attracts us.

Malkuth is position 10 on the Tree of Life and its Keyword is Kingdom. This can represent for us home, family, relationships. It is connected to the physical world and may show what currently is present in our lives. It represents our conscious awareness of what we are now experiencing.

Together in relation to the Moon it may well suggest the tension that lies between being inspired and understanding what you should or can do with it.

Mr. Waite's says this in Part I: The Veil and its Symbols

The Moon Some eighteenth-century cards show the luminary on its waning side; in the debased edition of Etteilla, it is the moon at night in her plenitude, set in a heaven of stars; of recent years the moon is shown on the side of her increase. In nearly all presentations she is shining brightly and shedding the moisture of fertilizing dew in great drops. Beneath there are two towers, between which a path winds to the verge of the horizon. Two dogs, or alternatively a wolf and dog, are baying at the moon, and in the foreground there is water, through which a crayfish moves towards the land.

In Part II: The Doctrine Behind the Veil he has this to say, I shall quote it all because it is very interesting and the essence of this card I think.

The distinction between this card and some of the conventional types is that the moon is increasing on what is called the side of mercy, to the right of the observer. It has sixteen chief and sixteen secondary rays. The card represents life of the imagination apart from life of the spirit. The path between the towers is the issue into the unknown. The dog and wolf are the fears of the natural mind in the presence of that place of exit, when there is only reflected light to guide it. The last reference is a key to another form of symbolism. The intellectual light is a reflection and beyond it is the unknown mystery which it cannot show forth. It illuminates our animal nature, types of which are represented below–the dog, the wolf and that which comes up out of the deeps, the nameless and hideous tendency which is lower than the savage beast. It strives to attain manifestation, symbolized by crawling from the abyss of water to the land, but as a rule it sinks back whence it came. The face of the mind directs a calm gaze upon the unrest below; the dew of thought falls; the message is: Peace, be still; and it may be that there shall come a calm upon the animal nature, while the abyss beneath shall cease from giving up a form.

I particularly find it interesting that Waite says

"The card represents life of the imagination apart from life of the spirit. "

He seems to be telling us that the essence of this card is about allowing one's illusions to dominate and move one away from that inner knowledge that brings balance and harmony. He could be saying here that you do not necessarily see things as they truly are — the Moon is a softer light — perhaps suggesting that things may not been seen as clearly as they should.



Robert M. Place from Tarot, History, Symbolism and Divination has this to say about this card.
The Moon is rising between two towers. There are the same two towers, each with a single window, that we saw in the distance of the Death card. Then they were on the other side of the water. We have now crossed over but our experiences have reduced us to a primitive state, like the crustacean climbing from the water.

Karen Hamaker-Zondag in The Way of The Tarot says this;

When the unconscious gets the opportunity, given by an irruption of complexes, or by the fact that we open ourselves to them, it will speak powerfully to our conscious in picture language, and will show, through symbols, what is living and burrowing deep inside us.

She also says:

In the Moon stage we open up to these inner images, which obtrude themselves on us much more strongly than in the Strength phase. Whereas in Strength we were prepared to listen to and accept the unconscious, in The Moon it is as if the unconscious itself takes the initiative and floods us with pictures, emotions, and feelings.

Symbolism:

• Rays: 32 in all and could be according to Robert M. Place related to

  "the Kabalistic number of the ten sephiroth combined with the twenty-two paths of the Tree of Life."

• Dew Drops: Again these take the form of the Hebrew letter yod, and like seeds drop to the ground. Maybe indicating that the "seeds" of future action are being sown.
• Wolf: Animal instinct
• Dog: More controlled instinct, civilized instinct.
• Crayfish: Deepest fears — our more primitive characteristics
• Water in pond: depths of our unconscious
• Two Towers: Gateway to the unknown - crossing the river in the Death card and to sink into the unconscious.

What was Waite saying and Pixie illustrating with this card then?


My guess is that he was suggesting that in order to achieve balance you have to face those fears and work out what is imaginary as opposed to inner illumination. He is saying be aware of your unconscious and be involved in a positive way to enable yourself to gain a firmer grasp on your impulses in order to understand better. I go back to quoting

"The card represents life of the imagination apart from life of the spirit. "

and also

"The face of the mind directs a calm gaze upon the unrest below; the dew of thought falls; the message is: Peace, be still; and it may be that there shall come a calm upon the animal nature, while the abyss beneath shall cease from giving up a form."

THE SUN

I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 19, The Sun. The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun. The astrological associations established by the Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD) are the most commonly used. However, as a professional astrologer, I always find it interesting when someone develops another system.

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley
The OGD and Crowley attribute The Sun card to -- get ready for it -- the Sun! Crowley describes the card as "the Sun, charged with a rose, on a mount vert." (According to the footnote, this is a reference to the Crowley Coat-of-Arms, although I haven't been able to find anything to support that.) Crowley adds: "The rose represents the flowering of the solar influence. Around the whole picture we see the signs of the Zodiac in their normal position, Aries rising in the East, and so on." In a birth chart, the position of the Sun is typically seen to represent the conscious mind, the ego, and individuality. The Sun rules the zodiac sign Leo.

One World Tarot by Crystal Love
In this deck, Crystal Love associates The Sun (Trump 19) with the fixed Fire sign Leo. In astrology, the Sun rules Leo. Love writes: "The Sun card symbolizes energy, power, a need to be the 'center,' the need to radiate, project, and shine." She adds: "Leos love to shine, to be the center of attention, and they can be very creative."

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens associates Trump 19, The Sun, with the Sun. Thierens writes: "This card means everything that astrology can tell about the Sun. . . It means the positive or masculine elements in general, the power and function of will and concentration, great benefit and mighty protection in spiritual as well as in mundane life and matters. . . In a figure laid for divination this card indicates the centre of interest and that which is fixed, certain, assured and under protection."

The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
Clark titles The Sun card "The Radiance of the Sun." He writes: "The most commonly known aspect of an individual's horoscope is his/her Sun sign. . . When the card of the Sun is drawn it would be wise to reflect on the strengths and resources of the Sun sign to enable the individual to be more conscious of his/her self-development. . . Astrologically, the Sun represents self-concept, ego-identity, individuality, and personal will. . . The Sun is the agent for creative self-expression, confidence, and the ability to focus talents in order to realize the life purpose."


The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Mann associates Trump 19, Sun, with the Sun. He writes: "The Sun is our central source of light, creativity and spiritual happiness, and rules the sign Leo, where formative energy expresses the true self, and exalts Aries, where consciousness of the divine plan is made manifest in the individual." Mann also includes the symbol for the zodiac sign Gemini, set in a square within a circle in the middle of the card to suggest "the integration of opposites." Mann views the Sun as representing "spirit, consciousness, individuality, masculine principle, dignity, honour."

The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel
Liz Hazel lists the attribution for Trump 19 as "The Sun." She writes: "The warrior wears a blue shirt, representing the successful conquest of the true self. His belt buckle bears the solar Sowilo rune."




In astrology, the Sun rules the Fifth House, the area of life that includes children and the joy received from them. It is interesting that many Sun cards feature a child.

All of the above-mentioned attributions for Trump 19 seem to coordinate nicely.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna

A Veil of Illusion or Inspired Reflection - Seven Cups

The Seven of Cups is a card that more than often is translated to mean too many choices, daydreaming and where focus is needed to be able to sort out the illusion from reality. Yet Cups is the Water element that is expressed through emotion, feelings, imagination and inspiration. Seven too, as a number has at least from my own perspective, come to represent insight, wisdom, personal growth and reflection. So what do these 7 cups really reflect for us? Is it choice, illusion, or inspiration and imagination? I guess we need to look at some images here to help us decide.

Waite said of his card {not much actually! :( }

"Strange chalices of vision, but the images are more especially those of the fantastic spirit."

He called them "Fairy favours, images of reflection" but he also said nothing permanent or substantial is suggested. So lets start with looking at the Rider Waite card.

As you will see in this image there is a division of the cups with their contents, which seems to be quiet deliberate, four on the bottom and three on the top.

The bottom row seems to contain things we should be cautious about or at least take notice of as a warning. Now those on the top look more of a spiritual nature.

The contents of the bottom row consists of:-

• A Mountain, that could symbolise power and strength,
• Jewels a symbol of riches and possessions—
• Laurel Wreath, fame and hunger for recognition — ambition in other words.
• Dragon, suggests force and aggressiveness.

This can relate to the "daydreaming" essence of the card and this bottom row reminds us that if we spend too long daydreaming about being rich or having power , etc., with the opportunity to do anything we would like, it will not have a positive effect on our growth as reality is not like this.

The top row leans more towards the spiritual with the head which is often though to be a symbol of our unconscious. The glowing shrouded figure in the center which could relate to our higher self, and the serpent may just be referring to one's psychic energy and its flow through the body {maybe it relates to the kundalini}.

So what have we got in the Waite card then? Two rows of cups the lower row is alluring and tempting and the top row which indicates growth and a wholeness about it. I think Waite's 7 cups does lean towards choice. It represents here a lot of imagination and metal activity. But it shows very clearly that if we allow the allure of those things that we fantasize and dream about to take over it draws us away from reality with maybe not so good consequences.

Now in the Druid Craft 7 cups I see longing, almost wistful and dreamy. He gazes into the pool and perhaps those cups are a reflection of his imagination. Beside him is one cup that stands firmly on the rocky ledge, this cup is already in his reality. I think this card's image can show us here inspired reflection, as he embraces his imagination and encourages his intuition to inspire him to greater things than just the one cup that stands next to him.This is the card that makes me think in its message it is urging you to explore your own creativity in order to allow you to experience the self more fully.

Of course it also reflects for us here the choice element again and that daydreaming aspect of the card, where the boy could just be focusing on those illusionary cups and not bothering to actually see the one cup that really exists for him.

The Sharman-Caselli card really does show the daydreaming aspect of this card, as the figure lounges on a bench lost in his fantasies that are shown floating above his head. This suggests that while lost in his reverie the choices can seem too many and to make one choice almost impossible.

There does seem to be two main aspects to this card. One is about allowing your illusions to confuse you and the other leans towards the potential for an abundance of creativity and artistic talent. The Rider Waite card also adds another dimension to this as it shows us that if we do not allow our desires to influence us then there is great potential for spiritual growth.



A veil of illusion or Inspired Reflection? A little of both I think. ;)


Cards:

Orignal Rider Waite

Druid Craft

Sharman-Caselli

Page of Pentacles

When I think of this Page I often think of ideas that are just growing, the early stages of the process of manifestation. That is why I have chosen the Druid Craft Princess of Pentacles to illustrate this Page first. I just love the way she is holding that pentacle and rests her hand upon her chin. Can you hear her saying, "Now, what should I do next?"

This Princess is one step ahead of the Ace, she knows the time is right to put those ideas into motion, she is just not sure which way to go yet, that's all. The Princess turns up to often tell you that there are fresh opportunities in the material world to be had in the form of a project, job or maybe even a new responsibility.








The next card I want to show to illustrate another aspect of this Page is from Ciro's Gilded Tarot. When you look at this Page he tends to look a little bored. Notice how he only just holds the pentacle, he seems to be ready to move on to the next stage. Perhaps this image shows us that although this Page is ready to start something new and is willing to use the skills he already has, he does due to his immaturity lack the experience to carry it through. Not to worry though he is of the Earth suit and not in a hurry. Our Page is studious and willing to dive into it and learn as he goes.




The last card I have chosen is from the Aquatic Tarot, based on the Rider Waite, where this Page holds up his coin and gazes at it in a captivated way. He shows us that element of study in the Page, and how he delights in the wonder of finding out about new things, experiencing new projects just for the thrill of learning.

I guess he is the most grounded of all the Pages, well he is Earth and takes his responsibilities seriously. He will work out the best opportunity for himself and even if it takes time will work towards that end goal. Although immature, he is still mature for his age and will use and apply his common sense rather than intuition. He is not a person who will willingly take risks and would rather stick by the rules to achieve the outcome he desires.

If he turns up in a reading as another person he is likely to have the qualities of a conscientious worker who is open to new concepts. He will enjoy those material things in his world and will take care of his surroundings.

If he represents a situation rather than a person he may well be referring to a work matter in the form of a promotion or new responsibility of some sort. He may indicate some financial reward is coming your way, although being a Page this is not likely to be huge. The Page is also a messenger just like his brothers/sisters and as he represents potential, you should look hard at the message he brings, it may have more to it than first thought!

If he is referring to a facet of the self he may just be telling you to take up that new challenge or project. Perhaps encouraging you to develop the energy to take on some new study. He points the way towards career and business and urges you to find a way to turn those ideas into a success. He says use your knowledge be enthusiastic and apply a practical approach to your goals and you just might reach them!

He tends to say that if you have those ideas for new project etc., you need to take them seriously for them to grow. That there is opportunity to start something which shows promise but you may just have to start at the bottom and work you way up.
But he also seems to say that if you enjoy what you do it will probably be a success for you!

Cards:

Druid Craft Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm

Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti

Aquatic Tarot: Watercolors by Andreas Schröter 1995-2004.

THE MOON

I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 18, The Moon. The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun. The astrological associations established by the Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD) are the most commonly used. However, as a professional astrologer, I always find it interesting when someone develops another system.

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley
The OGD and Crowley attribute The Moon card to the zodiac sign Pisces, a mutable Water sign known for being emotional, romantic, impressionable, adaptable, imaginative, and intuitive. Crowley writes: "Pisces is the last of the Signs; it represents the last stage of winter. In their book about the Thoth deck, Keywords for the Crowley Tarot, Hajo Banzhaf and Brigitte Theler note that Pisces is the "last sign of the zodiac, which leads to the new birth of the year."

One World Tarot by Crystal Love
In this deck, Crystal Love associates The Moon (Trump 18) with the cardinal Water sign Cancer. In astrology, the Moon rules Cancer. Love writes: "The Moon can represent the unconscious drives, the emotions, the mother, and the nurturing principle."

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens associates Trump 18, The Moon, with the Moon. Thierens writes: "Everything that has been said in astrology about the Moon might be repeated here, as there exists no controversy whatever on the point of identity. . . This card consequently means the life of the soul in particular, the feelings and sentiments, emotions (not only fear, etc.), changes wrought in existence by them, water and the female element in general."

The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
Clark titles The Moon card "The Womb of Pisces." He writes: "Celestial Tarot links the symbol of the Moon and the sea together by representing the Moon card as Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac representing the vast watery domain of the sea. . . Astrologically, the Moon relates to the tides. As an astrological image, it symbolizes innate emotional patterns, habitual responses, and underlying motives."







The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Mann associates Trump 18, Moon, with the sign Pisces. He writes: "Pisces is the receptive, psychic and mystical openness of those having direct contact within, ruled by Neptune indicating a sensitivity to moral choices. . . Jupiter ruling is meditation upon the hidden forces of nature. Venus is exalted in Pisces showing the integration of positive and negative forces through love which the path requires." (Note: Traditional astrology assigns rulership of Pisces to Jupiter; modern astrologers often assign rulership to Neptune or co-rulership to Jupiter and Neptune.)

The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel
Liz Hazel titles this card The Eclipse, and lists the attribution as "Pisces; waning moon, from three days after full to three days before new." She writes: "The title of 'Eclipse' was chosen to differentiate this card from the normal cycles of the Moon, as opposed to the eerie phenomenon of eclipses."

I really have no problem with any of the above-mentioned attributions for Trump 18.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna

Mother's Day Card

Today in Australia it is Mother's Day and so I thought I had better pull a card for the day.

Guess what I got?....... The Empress! What an appropriate card, the Mother of all Creation turns up for Mother's Day. :)

In my notes about the Empress I have written that she is potential fulfilled. She can represents for us at times love, marriage, motherhood and can indicate that one has reached a time of security in their life or that they have established a sound footing for future growth......... As I was handed a box of Cadbury's Milk Tray by my boys I looked at this card and thought yes today this is what she represents for me.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there!

Card: Tarot Bella (a work in progress)

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

Esoteric Title: Daughter of the Firmament, Dweller between the Waters


Astrological Attribution: Aquarius


Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac and is connected to the intellect. It is represented by the water-bearer who is seen to be pouring liquid into a large pool of water. I have read that the contents of the jug represent his knowledge and pouring that into the water he is sharing that knowledge with the world.
From the Everything Tarot Book:

The Star is related to the sign of Aquarius, which symbolizes the idea of the individual as a co-operative member of the larger whole, fostering the understanding that all humanity is one coherent family, a concept which can be grasped only intuitively. Brotherhood-or sisterhood — is the prime concept, for Aquarius sees everyone in the humanitarian spirit of friendship.

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

Kabalistic Path: Path 28: 7 Netzach to 9 Yesod - Translation of Path: The Victory of Foundation From the Tarot Companion by Tracy Porter

This pathway connects Sephira Netzach with Yesod. The energy of The Star combines victory with foundation to bring about intellectual awareness and enlightenment.

Netzach is position 7 on the Tree of Life and has the Keyword Victory. It can represent for us those practical aspects in our everyday life. Also our attachments, and feelings along with the emotions we afford them and how we interact with those around us.

Yesod is position 9 on the Tree of Life and has the Keyword Foundation. It represents for us our unconscious thoughts, whether they be hopes, desire, or fears and may also give an awareness to the patterns of our life, because of its connection to the unconscious.

Perhaps together in respect of The Star they are saying that it is through experiencing those practical aspects in life and becoming aware of our emotional responses, we come to understand how and why we do what we do in order to grow spiritually. It is with this information that we are able to make a decision as to which spiritual path we will walk.

Mr. Waite has this to say in Part II: The Doctrine Behind the Veil

A great, radiant star of eight rays, surrounded by seven lesser stars–also of eight rays. The female figure in the foreground is entirely naked. Her left knee is on the land and her right foot upon the water. She pours Water of Life from two great ewers, irrigating sea and land. Behind her is rising ground and on the right a shrub or tree, whereon a bird alights. The figure expresses eternal youth and beauty. The star is l’étoile flamboyant, which appears in Masonic symbolism, but has been confused therein. That which the figure communicates to the living scene is the substance of the heavens and the elements. It has been said truly that the mottoes of this card are “Waters of Life freely” and “Gifts of the Spirit."

The summary of several tawdry explanations says that it is a card of hope. On other planes it has been certified as immortality and interior light. For the majority of prepared minds, the figure will appear as the type of Truth unveiled, glorious in undying beauty, pouring on the waters of the soul some part and measure of her priceless possession. But she is in reality the Great Mother in the Kabalistic Sephira Binah, which is supernal Understanding, who communicates to the Sephiroth that are below in the measure that they can receive her influx.

He relates this card the Sephira Binah which has the Keyword understanding. It represents the feminine or left side of ourselves and according to Tracy Porter "represents inner knowledge or the divine mother within us" Binah points towards our intuition and our receptivity.

When I read what he says in the last part I can't help but think he is saying is that she is bringing her spirituality to the fore and allowing it to come though from her unconscious to her conscious. She shares this knowledge with those who aspire to receive it. I guess its about tapping into that inner truth and allowing it to guide us. I could be wrong of course, :( but the Star follows the disruption of the last card and perhaps she shows the stage where that connection between conscious and unconscious is now more whole. The two work together to achieve the harmony that is strived for.

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

The Star is the quiet after the storm present in the last trump. The purified, therefore nude, soul gently washes away the remaining dark matter and the ladder to the stars is visible in the sky.

From a psychological point of view Karen Hamaker-Zondag in The Way of the Tarot says this:

The Stare denotes a period in which you pull yourself together after a turbulent time. You renew your hope and regain confidence in the future. As a result of going through the phase of The Tower in positive way, you feel inwardly that everything that cramps you flows from fear — fear of life, fear of being yourself, fear of what others will think of you. At the same time, you see that this cramping drains all the life out of you and makes you still and unapproachable; which in itself provokes confrontations and shocks. The Star refuses to put up with this any longer. You now have the psychic need to be yourself and to obey your own internal dictates, whatever others may think. You now have the urge to do the things that are essential "you."

Symbolism:

• A nude woman kneels on the land with one foot in water pouring life's water from two jugs onto the land as well as into the water: — this way she nurtures the world. This could symbolise the balance she has achieved between her physical and emotional self.
• The fact that she is nude: could represent that she able to accept herself more easily, no need to present herself in any other way.
• Bird in Tree: May be representing her desire to attain a higher level of understanding and spiritual growth.
• 7 Small Stars: Could represent the seven planets of the ancient world or even the 7 mythical sisters who were turned into stars, thus indicating mortality. That urge to reach true spirituality maybe.
• 8th Star - could symbolise the possibilities to go beyond normal earthly limitations.

What was Waite saying with this card then?... I think he was trying to say that once we understand ourselves better through our experiences and we allow our inner knowledge to flow and balance out our physical world, we are in a better place to reach a higher level of understanding and spiritual growth.

Card: Original Rider Waite

Bohemian Gothic - 4 Swords

I rather like this image, the young man is lying in a red cloak that obviously belongs to him and matches his robe. Maybe this red signifies here a self confidence, or passion and courage. Resting on top of him is a Raven. I have read that ravens are thought of as messengers, and that because of their colour they could be delivering their message from the subconscious or shadow side.

The young man seems to be resting on top of a tomb that bears a skull with snakes around it. Snakes can be a symbol interpreted as transformation, and that in his rest he is transformed. Note how he still has hold of his sword, so that should the need be, he can spring into action. Does this signify that he is not quiet relaxed I wonder?

This message is about withdrawing to reflect. It may signify a time of respite and recovery from various aspects of life, whether that be an illness or a conflict. Perhaps in rest we are able to gain contact more with our inner knowledge which will help us solve our problems in a logical way. The sword may still be in his hand but it lays against his body, symbolising for us that it is time to consider things before taking the next step.

If I was looking for a darker meaning to this card then I would see the sword in his hand as indicating an inability to relax, or a reluctance to step back from some conflict or another. It could even represent a stubborn person who is ill and yet will not give themselves enough time to recuperate.

However, when I look at this image with the young man sleeping so restfully and the Raven looking at him, I get the feeling that the visions he may receive in his dreams will have far reaching meanings for him.

He who fights and runs away (and rests and recuperates) will live to fight another day. :D

Card: Bohemian Gothic by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov

Interview with the Shapeshifter Tarot

I awaited the arrival of the Shapeshifter deck with a bit of anxiety, knowing its reputation for changing shape in the middle of interviews. I hoped I wouldn't be too freaked out!

When I went to answer the doorbell, I saw a pleasant-looking, modestly dressed young woman with flowing white hair. Much relieved, I ushered her into my sitting room. She seated herself on my sofa with a nod and smile, further allaying my uncertainties.

"Would you like a glass of wine?" I asked.

She requested white wine and graciously accepted the plate of cheese and crackers I handed her. Now we were ready to begin.

1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic? WARRIOR OF EARTH (Knight of Pentacles)

"Eeek!" I exclaimed as the young woman began to shapeshift into a unicorn. But her voice was soothing, and I soon sensed that I had nothing to fear.

"As the good queen Medb (Maeve), my most important characteristic is my ability to endure. I know that I am the pattern maker and breaker of my own existence. My earthly power and passion to create will help overcome any challenge or obstacle.



2. What are your strengths as a deck? GODDESS OF FIRE (King of Swords)
Now my visitor changed again, this time into a half-woman, half-cougar shape.

"I am the Irish goddess Bridget. My strengths as a deck include the ability to spark the fire of your creativity, to empower you, and to provide insights that can help you focus your thoughts. I can be objective, impartial, and impersonal when those qualities are needed.




3. What are your limits as a deck? WARRIOR OF WATER (Knight of Cups)

I gasped as my visitor shapeshifted yet again -- this time into the goddess Cerridwen, her body half transformed into an osprey.

"My limits are that sometimes my emotions get in the way, interfering with my ability to play to my strengths. I may lose my ability to see things clearly or may cause you to become overly involved with your dreams and magickal activities.



4. What do you bring to the table -- what are you here to teach me? CHANGE (2 of Pentacles)

To my astonishment I was now looking at three large shapeshifting boulders -- part human, part stone. They appear to be mother, father, and child.

"What we are here to teach you is that the only way to deal with change is to realize that it is inevitable and that it always brings opportunities. We are here to teach you how to act upon those opportunities quickly and decisively. We can help you learn agility in handling several situations at once and harmonizing polarities in your life."

5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you? PASSAGE (6 of Swords)

My visitor shapeshifts again, becoming half-woman and half-silver dragon. She breathes fire, and I fear that my curtains will soon be ablaze. But the fire does no damage. I notice that she now has a lynx with her.

"You can best learn from and collaborate with me by being willing to travel, to journey, to seek adventure with me. I can take you between worlds and help you ascend to spiritual heights. Indeed, I can ignite your personal growth and evolution. Seek the wisdom of the lynx, keeper of secrets and ancient knowledge."

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
INITIATION (The Fool)

No longer half-woman, half-dragon, my guest is now half-man, half-dragon.

"Our working relationship has enormous positive potential. Together we manifest powerful dragon energy, spiritual strength, determination, and courage. As you learn to control your willpower in order to accomplish your goals and desires, you will see a multitude of possibilities and new beginnings. We can travel through many cycles together, walking the path of magick."

In the blink of an eye, the modestly dressed young woman stood again before me. I thanked her for taking the time to answer my questions and she left.

Now that she's gone, I see that I have quite a bit of cleaning up to do...

THE STAR

I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 17, The Star. 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 The Star card to the zodiac sign Aquarius, the water-bearer, a fixed Air sign known for being innovative, idealistic, humanitarian, and intellectual. Crowley writes: "The picture represents Nuith, our Lady of the Stars. For the full meaning of this sentence it is necessary to understand the first chapter of the Book of the Law. In their book about the Thoth deck, Keywords for the Crowley Tarot, Hajo Banzhaf and Brigitte Theler describe Aquarius energy applied to The Star as "farsightedness, vision, higher viewpoint."


One World Tarot by Crystal Love
In this deck, Crystal Love associates The Star (Trump 17) with the mutable Air sign Gemini. She writes that the Star of David shown on the card "represents knowledge, wisdom and the Law of Moses. . . the complementary opposites of spirit and matter" and that Gemini -- sign of the Twins -- "is always in 'two minds.'"

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens associates Trump 17, The Star, with the planet Venus, commonly known as the planet of love, affection, art, beauty, esthetics, and pleasure. Thierens writes: "The figure expresses eternal youth and beauty. No astrologer will hesitate to recognise Venus." Venus rules the zodiac signs Taurus and Libra, which Thierens describes as signs of "riches, art, beauty, and of the organised body."

The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
Clark titles The Star card "Aquarius and the Manna of Heaven." He writes: "In contemporary astrology Aquarius has come to represent change, revolution, and rebellion." However, to the ancients, Aquarius was the power of flowing or overflowing water, often connected to the rains. Clark's Star card "represents both strands of Aquarius. It heralds a revolutionary new way of life after a period of turmoil or suppression, and also represents a wellspring of hope and renewal."



The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann

Mann associates Trump 17, Stars, with the sign Aquarius. He writes: "Aquarius bears two streams of water, representing ideas which contain the seed of opposition within themselves, ruled by Uranus as the progressive spiritual inspiration from above and Saturn as the necessary grounding of idealism." Characteristics Mann associates with Aquarius include "waiting, fasting, observation and planning, abstraction, conscience, humanitarian, detached, coldness, utopian, altruism, scientific."

The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel

For The Star, Liz Hazel lists the Golden Dawn attribution of Aquarius. Her DMs include "hope for the future, visions and visualizations, eclectic tastes, ethics, morality, ideas that set new trends."

Once again, most of our consultants choose Aquarius (ruled by Saturn in traditional astrology and by Uranus or Uranus and Saturn in modern astrology) as the astrological attribution for The Star. Of the other options described above -- Gemini and Venus -- I fine Venus to be more compelling than Gemini.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna

An Interview with My Hanson Roberts Tarot Deck

5..........6
......4.....
3..........2
.......1....
A deck interview with my cards (spread by FireRaven) - seen Acelectic Tarot Forum (Spreads Thread)

I am waiting patiently for Miss Hanson Roberts to turn up. She seems such a sweet little deck, she has a young feel about her and yet from what I have already experienced she also has a mature head upon her shoulders. There is also a vibrancy about her that seems to say lets have some fun. I have made a batch of cup cakes as refreshment, they look divine with their white icing and a red cherry glistening like a jewel sitting on top. I wonder if she would like a glass of lemonade? Hmm, better put the kettle on just in case!

Ding dong....., ah the door bell, best let her in and get started....... Now Miss Hanson- Roberts if you are quite comfortable please...

1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic? Three of Cups



Well I'm a deck that likes company! I guess that my most important characteristic is that I work well with others. I can show them how to heal themselves and solve their problems by maintaining a balance between their mind, body and spirit. It is in this working together that I can show them how to best compromise in order to get a happy result.






2. What are your strengths as a deck? Nine of Rods


I have the boldness to stand my ground, hold my position and defend what I know to be right. I offer to show those who wish to use me how to have the courage and determination needed in order to meet those challenges which crop up in life.








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

Well I really do not have any to speak of...

Oh come on, surely you can think of one little thing? Something tiny maybe?

She rearranges her skirt across the top of her very nice leather boots....

You know I am a deck that likes to nurture and care for those whom I am trying to help. I suppose if I do have a tiny limit it would be that maybe I at times, suggest a softer approach rather than the bolder one that may be needed. But I only do this to protect those I seek to help. Is that really a limitation I ask you?

Well if you put it that way, what can I say!

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


What I try to show you is that you should not focus wholly on the past or what it is that seems to have gone wrong in your life. I am here to teach you to look towards your creativity and inspiration in order to move you forward onto greater and better things. That which you thought was a goal you could not achieve may just have not been the right goal for you!






5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you? Ten of Cups

What you can best learn from me is that by meeting those challenges, not always easily but nevertheless necessary. It is through the struggling and strife you will eventually come to emotional happiness. It is by hard work and persistence to reach your goals and bring balance in to your life, that you will in the end make the best relationships. Our daily interactions are caught up with other people, whether it be at work or just doing the grocery shop. It is how we form those relationships and how we perceive them, that tends to create our emotional happiness. I will teach you how to change your perspective so that you can achieve this happiness for yourselves.


6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship? Five of Rods




Well at times we may not agree. But there is the potential there for us to learn to work together so that you do not struggle against those things that you really need to have bought out into the open. I can help you see that life need not be a struggle and assist you in overcoming difficulties when you are trying to translate your ideas into your material world.







Sounds good to me! Thanks for coming along, now would you like a cup cake?


Ooh I love cup cakes!

Lemonade or tea?



My dear I may look young but believe me I am not! Tea will be fine.



(See I said she had a mature head on young shoulders!) ;)



Cards: Hanson Roberts by Mary Hanson Roberts

Deviant Moon - Temperance

In the LWB that accompanies this deck it says:

An angel stands by a peaceful stream patiently pouring water from her urns. Although the vessels are different in design, the mixture she creates is a potion of harmony.

I actually think this to be a nice image I love her blue body, indicating to me reflection, higher self, spiritual aspirations. The colour of water, it can symbolise for her the unconscious processes at work. You know those inner thoughts and ideas coming up from within to surface into one's consciousness, where you can make sense and use of them. Light blue is also the colour of the throat chakra and her main body colour and therefore indicates here to me communication. The darker blue almost indigo the colour of the inner face may well represents here wisdom, the ability to see and touch the truth — here's another example of the duality expressed in these cards. It may well show how she blends and combines her thoughts so that they harmonise with her spoken words.

Look how her foot just overlaps the edge of the land to touch the water. She is keeping in touch with her feelings, emotions, and intuition here. The colour she stands on and the background is very earthy this is what helps her to stay grounded in order to see what is necessary. I like the idea that the two vessels are different bringing to the fore that opposites can be united in a way that they work together.

Those beautiful wings, almost look art deco to me. They are special and seem to give her the balance she needs. However they also seem to be heavy wings, she might have trouble taking off with those don't you think? Perhaps this indicates here that she can be held in one position too long, maybe thinking things through just a little too much that she is missing the point of all that blending. Perhaps also this could indicate that the situation could be difficult for her and therefore careful control may well be needed in order to balance out all those different facets.

I think those non flying wings may well also be a warning to realise that progress is not made by any hasty actions. No place for impatience in this card I think.

The main element of this card is about creating harmony by blending opposites and so perhaps with the reference to communication she shows us that it is how we express our feelings that can destroy or create this balance for us.

I think her not to be too Deviant don't you! ;)

Card: Deviant Moon by Patrick Valenza