THE HANGED MAN - Astrological Associations

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

STRENGTH - Astrological Associations

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

WHEEL OF FORTUNE - Astrological Associations

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

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.

THE HERMIT - Astrological Associations

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