Animal Tarot Time: STRENGTH

For this series, I am exploring the choices of animals made by various deck creators to correspond to traditional Tarot cards. My initial goal is to get through the Major Arcana using cards from seven different decks:

• Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)
• The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)
• The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)
• The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)
• The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)
• The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)
• Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

To read my previous posts in this series, enter “Animal Tarot Time” in the search field on the main page of the blog or scroll down and click on Animal Tarot Time under CATEGORIES.

As many of you know, the numbering of the Justice and Strength cards in the Tarot varies, depending on which deck you are using. For this post, I will be viewing Strength as Trump 8. Let’s look at how STRENGTH is portrayed in seven different animal decks.

Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)

STRENGTH / MASAI LION AND LAMB

“True strength is displayed through kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. 
You have tremendous personal power and courage.”

Where many traditional Tarot decks depict a girl or woman with a lion on the Strength card, this deck gives us a Masai lion with a lamb. There is a sense that both creatures not only tolerate but respect or value each other. As the creators of the deck note, “The lion represents pure courage and power, while the lamb is symbolic of gentleness, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.” We are called to apply “loving strength” to situations and to the people who are involved.

The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)

STRENGTH / OX

What muscles do you currently need to build? 
How can your personal strengths help those around you? 
Are you throwing your weight around instead of supporting someone you love?

This interpretation of Strength does not appear to incorporate one of the traditional interpretations, which has to do with “taming” one’s animal instincts in order to direct gut reactions or raw emotions  constructively. The focus in The Animal Totem Tarot is on the Ox as a symbol of physical strength but also on emotional and mental strength as well as courage. Our will and resolve may be tested. We are being asked to consider what weighs us down or burdens us (for example, the past), and to question whether we feel that is the best use of our strength.

The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)

LION / Ruler of the Open Heart
Courage, Compassion, Acceptance, Love

Just to reiterate what I wrote above, even though this card is numbered VIII (Roman Numeral 8) on its face, I am including it here because it obviously represents Strength, which is numbered 11 in some Tarot decks.

In this deck, we see a lion and a young woman sitting together in harmony. The lion here represents “your inner beast” as well as strength, stability, and leadership. The focus is on feline or feminine energies, reminding us that “true strength is not violent or controlling, but emerges through love, appreciation, and acceptance of self and others.”

The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)

STRENGTH / LION
Strength of Will from the Inner Sun

Ted Andrews gives us a male lion on this card without any accompanying feminine figure, yet he makes sure to include in his discussion of Strength the role female lions play in a pride of lions. The females actually do most of the work as hunters and caretakers of the young. The qualities they represent include “patience, gentleness, and the strength of love.” The male lion encourages us to express our power, even as we nurture the more “feminine” qualities within us such as creativity, intuition, and imagination.  Strength of will – rather than brute force – is the key.

The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)

STRENGTH / Lion and Tara: Tibetan

(tapping into inner resources, embracing one’s animal nature, courage)

 

Lisa Hunt takes us to Tibet for her interpretation of Strength, offering us an image of a lion accompanied by Tara, “one of the most popular deities in the Buddhist tradition.” She is viewed as a strong, compassionate deity who is “often called upon during times of distress and endangerment.” The lion, as in other Tarot decks, represents “the spark and libido necessary for continued achievement.” If we try to suppress or neglect this type of energy, it is likely to manifest into something potentially negative. We are encouraged to utilize such internal resources in a productive, creative manner.

The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)

STRENGTH / The Lion and Carmine Bee-Eater 

(ferocity and gentleness, freedom and control, passion and compassion)

I love the way Joanna Cheung expresses the meaning of this card: “There is a balance here, one that requires a delicate touch, one without fear, but with understanding. With balance, comes peace.”

 Cheung views the Lion as representing “power, protection, courage, patience, wisdom, passion,” whereas the Bee-Eater symbolizes “unity, family, tranquility, support, comfort, balance.” This balance is all the more impressive given the relative size and physical strength of these two creatures. Both of these “natures” can be found within us, and it is up to us to combine and balance these different energies in order to demonstrate true strength.

Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

STRENGTH / Mongoose and Snake

(courage, energy, moral strength; reversed: decisive confrontation, danger)

 

This quirky deck assigns the number XI (11) to Strength, but instead of a lion, the image depicts a mongoose-man and a snake. If you know anything about how a mongoose deals with a snake, you know it is not a gentle or “compassionate” approach. The mongoose darts at the head of the snake and cracks the snake’s skull with a powerful bite. The Tarot of the Animal Lords is giving us a much more combative, adversarial representation of Strength than many other (more traditional) decks, although it does offer “moral strength” as a key meaning. (On a side note, I didn’t know that meerkats are members of the mongoose family, did you?)

To summarize, we have:

Ox – 1

Lion – 5

Mongoose/Snake - 1

It’s obvious that most of the decks in this group associate the Strength card with the Lion. For me, the ones that feature a lion with a milder, gentler creature (woman/girl, lamb, bird) offer a clearer connection to traditional Strength cards, which emphasize the importance of using kindness and compassion to “tame” our baser instincts, allowing both sides of our nature to combine their energies in a positive, constructive direction.

Animal Tarot Time: THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

For this series, I am exploring the choices of animals made by various deck creators to correspond to traditional Tarot cards. My initial goal is to get through the Major Arcana using cards from seven different decks:

• Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)
• The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)
• The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)
• The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)
• The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)
• The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)
• Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

To read my previous posts in this series, enter “Animal Tarot Time” in the search field on the main page of the blog or scroll down and click on Animal Tarot Time under CATEGORIES.

Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)

REINDEER (CARIBOU)

“Success through taking action. Opportunity and blessings. 

Travel or modes of transportation. Forward movement. New directions.”

The creators of this deck point out that we traditionally associate reindeer with Santa Claus, which reinforces the idea of this creature representing prosperity or change in a positive direction. It also makes sense to have reindeer represent the movement and transportation. As the authors state, the reindeer and caribou are basically the same animal, with the primary difference being domestication.

In tarot, the Wheel of Fortune is in constant motion, around and around, up and down, never standing still.

The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)

LADY BUG

“How do you deal with change? Does planning for success 
seem foolish to you? What area of your life needs the most luck?”

The creators of this deck note that “Lady Bugs have long been associated with luck and good fortune.” Interestingly, Lady Bugs can be different colors. Most are red (connected to the first or root chakra and the material world). Some are orange, connecting to the second or sacral chakra, dealing with creative emotional energy. A yellow Lady Bug would be connected to the third or solar plexus chakra, the energy center of action or doing. Finally, a pink Lady Bug is associated with the fourth or heart chakra, urging you to “just allow what is happening to happen.”

The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)

SPIDER

Sacred Spinner (Fate, Karma, Luck, Cycles, Change)

I really like the way the creators of this deck placed a spider in a web that extends to the edges of a wheel. Think of how a spider just keeps spinning, and if the web is damaged or destroyed, the spider simply starts again. With this card we are encouraged to maintain “long-range views and an expanded perspective to find stability and truth in the midst of change.” When we sit still and center ourselves, we can watch life’s drama spin around us without being dragged up and down, around and around.

The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)

BEAR

Heeding Inner Voice and Cycles

Ted Andrews offers us the Bear on the Wheel of Fortune card in his Animal Wise Tarot. As Andrews notes, bears “teach us that there is a rhythm and flow to everything, and when we align with it, we are much less frustrated and more successful.” Certainly we see this as we observe the hibernation habits of bears. They adapt to each new cycle as the wheel of the year turns.

The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)

ALL ANIMALS

cycle of change, the opportunity for growth due to change in fortune

Lisa Hunt neatly sidesteps any arguments over “which animal” should represent this card by stating that The Wheel represents “All Animals.” She depicts the animals “rotating together in a confluence of elements,” incorporating symbolism for Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. With the animals as our guides and teachers, be can have a glimpse into the ways nature balances itself and become more active participants in the rhythm of life. From small to large, each creature shown on The Wheel has something valuable to share with us, if we will only pay attention.

The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)

ORB WEAVER SPIDER

fate, wisdom, rebirth, balance, creativity, design

Here we see the “weaver of time and fate.” Every thread has a destination. Every connection has a purpose. Joanna Cheung echoes the comments I wrote above concerning what happens when a spider’s web is damaged or destroyed, writing “threads that fall can rise up again, and though some may come undone, they can be rebuilt once more, better and stronger than ever before.”

Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

BUTTERFLY

the natural cycle of things, fortune, love

A person with a butterfly’s head and wings flutters in the air next to a tree on which we see leaves, eggs, and caterpillars. In this way, this deck points to the butterfly as a symbol of the “natural cycle of things.” As we know, the butterfly follows a consistent pattern in its development, from egg to larva to pupa to adult. Similarly, we may go through stages of growth in our lives as we mature and gain understanding and wisdom.

TO SUMMARIZE we have:

Reindeer (Caribou) – 1
Lady Bug – 1
Spider – 2
Bear – 1
Butterfly – 1
All Animals – 1

I confess I’m quite partial to the Spider for The Wheel of Fortune card. What do you think?

How Can I Help Myself to Leave This Relationship?

A sample reading using

The Animal-Wise Tarot
by Ted Andrews
(Dragonhawk Publishing)

QUESTION

How can I help myself to leave this relationship in terms of getting a job and so forth?

ANSWER

Here are the cards that came forward for you. Below the cards are the positions I used, the cards I drew into those positions, and my interpretation.

(1) This is what you need to know about leaving the relationship: NINE OF SHAPESHIFTERS / Ladybug (Wish Fulfilled)

The suit of Shapeshifters represents the emergence of energy into form. It is comparable to the suit of Cups in many tarot decks. This is the suit of Water (emotion, relationships, subconscious influences). The number Nine represents a basis for completion, endings, preparation for new cycle, growth through experience, perfection, integration, and fruition. The appearance of the Ladybug often signals new happiness or a renewed sense of well-being, a time when worries begin to dissipate and you have an opportunity to pursue and attain what you truly want in life.

(2) This is what you need to know about finding a job: SEVEN OF FOUR-LEGGEDS / Rabbit (Proper Use of Cycles and Rhythms)

The suit of Four-Leggeds represents the completion of energy into form. It is the suit of Earth (material or physical realm, practicality, work). The number Seven often relates to evolving or extending, pulling back and pushing ahead, a temporary cessation, a victory, solitude and contemplation, complexity, assessment, and wisdom gained from experience. This suggests that finding a job is going to be a process with ups and downs. It will require patience, perseverance, and flexibility. Growth and change come in their own time and cannot be forced. 

(3) This will help you take the first step toward a new life: THE EMPRESS / Dolphin (Creativity, Fertility, New Promise)

This card is traditionally associated with the planet Venus, planet of love and appreciation. The Empress appearance signals the approach of a highly creative and productive time. The Dolphin emphasizes the importance and power of communication, and is also commonly seen as a symbol of rebirth and regeneration.

I feel the Nine of Shapeshifters is telling you that the time is right to end this stage of your life and begin a new one. The suit of Shapeshifters is commonly seen to represent relationships, which makes it even more meaningful in this context. The Ladybug encourages you not to limit your wishes and dreams and not to let others dissuade you from your intentions. This is a very promising card to draw in position 1. 

In position 2, once again the suit matches the topic of discussion perfectly. The Seven of Four-Leggeds encourages you to go about finding a job in a down-to-earth, practical manner. There is a procedure that must be followed and things must be done in the right order. You are more likely to have success by thinking things through, using your instincts and common sense, and being willing to adapt and adjust as matters develop. The suit of Four-Leggeds also suggests that although the jobs you attract may not be glamorous or exciting, they are likely to be regular, steady, and secure. 

In position 3, The Empress helps you take the first step toward a new life by encouraging you to believe in yourself, to believe that you have the power and creativity to accomplish what you set out to do, to "give birth" to a new life for yourself. The Empress is a "mother figure," representing the ability to nurture and nourish that which we value. This includes nurturing and nourishing ourselves. When you have many responsibilities, it can be easy to neglect your own needs. However, you will not be able to give to others if you do not replenish your own energy supply regularly. Spend time with people who build you up, whose company you enjoy, and make time to take part in activities that relax and energize you. Pay attention to your own thoughts and words, and what they can create for you.

I hope this is helpful to you. My purpose is to help you examine and explore the area you have asked about. I don't have all the answers. Some parts of the reading may make more sense to you or be more useful to you than others. Your own interpretation of the cards is as important as or more important than mine.

My goal in providing this reading is to help you feel empowered to make practical, life-affirming decisions or changes. Always remember that your future lies in your hands. 

Animal Tarot Time: THE HERMIT

For this series, I am exploring the choices of animals made by various deck creators to correspond to traditional Tarot cards. My initial goal is to get through the Major Arcana using cards from seven different decks: 

• Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)
• The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)
• The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)
• The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)
• The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)
• The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)
• Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

 To read my previous posts in this series, enter “Animal Tarot Time” in the search field on the main page of the blog or scroll down and click on Animal Tarot Time under CATEGORIES.

Let’s look at how THE HERMIT is portrayed in seven different animal decks.

Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)

FIREFLY (“Spiritual enlightenment. The spark of inspiration. The light within. Being a light for others. Believing in the magic of life.”)

The guidebook that accompanies this deck describes the firefly as “representing the light within and flashes of great spiritual insight and inspiration,” making it an excellent candidate to play the role of The Hermit. We often focus on the idea of solitude and introspection when we discuss The Hermit, but equally important is The Hermit’s willingness and ability to “hold up his lamp” to guide others through the darkness. On the card, fireflies have gathered “in great number in order to show you just how magical life can be.”

The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)

MANTIS (“Sometimes waiting is the best way. Sometimes removing yourself, if only for a short period of time, is the best way. Then we turn and head to the light and step into its brilliance…”)

On this card, The Hermit stands in the light, holding the sun between his antennae. Knowing that the light (sun) will always rise again, we can look forward to the light’s return after time spent alone in darkness. Leeza Robertson mentions a story told by the Bushmen of the Kalahari, in which the Mantis puts himself to sleep in order to dream a solution to a situation or problem. By the same token, we sometimes need to allow ourselves the time and space to contemplate something so we can approach it with a clear head.

The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)

OWL (Keeper of the Light): “Peer deep; find illumination within.”

Brunke’s keywords for this card are “solitude, introspection, enlightenment, wisdom.” The owl’s ability to see in the dark creates a meaningful link between this creature and The Hermit, who holds his lantern aloft to help guide others. Owls are solitary birds – no noisy flock for them! They have long served as symbols for wisdom and the inner realms of our psyche. Like The Hermit, the Owl encourages us to explore the “darkness within” as well as the outer landscape.

The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)

OWL: “Silent Wisdom, Vision, and Guidance”

Ted Andrews refers to the Owl as a “creature of the night,” with night symbolizing the “darkness within – the places where great secrets and great treasures are hidden.” The fact that owls fly silently reminds us that there are times when we benefit from being silent and introspective or from being silent while listening to what is being said around us. Owls have acute hearing as well as keen vision both at night and during the day.

The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)

THE HERMIT / Cernunnos: time to reflect, contemplation, solitude

Cernunnos was a Celtic god also known as “the horned god.” He was typically shown with all kinds of forest animals, each of which symbolized some aspect of Celtic power. Hunt writes that when The Hermit (Cernunnos) appears, it is a reminder to “take the time to engage in quiet reflection… to learn more about yourself… to become more in tune with nature.” The goal is to “become more acquainted with a deeper aspect of your inner being.”

The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)

RED PANDA: “peace, knowledge, contemplation, solitude, discovery, adaption”

Of this card, Joanna Cheung writes: “He is in search of introspection, finding solace in solitude, away from society, away from culture, order, and custom as he travels on a journey of personal discovery.”

A quick internet search reveals that red pandas are solitary except during the breeding season. While it is fun to see this unusual choice for The Hermit, I have to say I don’t find much about the red panda that makes it a great choice for this card.

Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

BLACK BEAR: “wisdom, spiritual search; abandonment, solitude, hidden enemies”

I think the black bear is a really great representative of aspect of The Hermit that deals with withdrawing, solitude, and turning inward, given that bears typically hibernate for several months during the winter.  Black bears tend to be solitary animals, with the exception of mothers and cubs.

To summarize, we have:

Firefly – 1

Mantis – 1

Owl – 2

Cernunnos – 1

Red Panda – 1

Black Bear – 1

In a way, I am a bit surprised that no one chose the hermit crab, but in any case, all of these are interesting and creative choices. Personally, I think I am leaning towards the Owl as the best choice.

Reincarnation Reading

Whether you believe in reincarnation or not, I am willing to bet that you at least find the concept interesting, even fascinating. I think the perfect deck to use in an exploration of this theme is the Tarot of Reincarnation, designed by Massimiliano Filadoro (Lo Scarabeo).

Let’s get personal. I am going to ask this wonderful deck three important questions about myself: What was I in a past life? What am I now? What might I be in a future life?

Ready? Here we go!

What was I in a past life?

HAWK / Knave of Spades (Swords)

I was, perhaps, an actual hawk (very cool) or perhaps a human being who was able to identify his objectives, made quick decisions, and swiftly pursue those objectives. I may have been somewhat lacking in compassion, but I was also protective and may have had the role of guardian or messenger.

In The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing), the Hawk plays the role of the Knight of Winged Ones (Swords). He notes that hawks “spend three-fourths of their day perched somewhere observing the area around them, searching to detect the subtlest of movements, patiently waiting until the best moment to strike.”

What am I now? 

BEETLE / Two of Clubs (Wands)

I love the description of the card from the Little White Book (LWB): “External provocations that can push us to exaggerated reactions as well as reawaken hidden potential.” Which could mean that I act as an “external provocation” that pushes people “to exaggerated reactions” (oh yes, I can see that) or I am the sort of person who is pushed to exaggerated reactions by external provocations (yes, I can see that, too).

Ted Andrews chose the Beetle for his Seven of Shapeshifters (Cups) card. Andrews notes that the Beetle exhibits the energy of being on the right track, pursuing our goals, making decisions. The front wings on a beetle have thickened into hard covers that protect its underside – so we can also see this insect as an indication of being protected or shielded.

What might I be in a future life? 

DOG / Seven of Diamonds (Pentacles)

When I look at the illustration on this card, I do not see a dog. I see a fox or possibly a coyote. All three are canids, to be sure, but the symbolism is very different for each of them. The LWB states that this is a Dog, however, indicating that I might be either a dog in a future life or a person who exhibits the qualities of a dog: “blind faith in a person or idea, aggressiveness caused by stress” along with, I might add, loyalty, devotion, and companionship. I could be some man’s “best friend.”

As a child, I used to enjoy pretending to be a dog, crawling around the house, barking and panting. When auditions were held for The Wizard of Oz at the Junior Theater Guild, I wanted very much to play Toto. Instead, I was cast as the Wicked Witch of the West – a much meatier role, to be sure, and great fun for me. My point is that although I prefer to live with cats, I am very much drawn to dogs in all shapes and sizes. There is certainly a connection or “spark” that I feel around them. Precognition, perhaps? One never knows.

Animal Tarot Time: JUSTICE

For this series, I am exploring the choices of animals made by various deck creators to correspond to traditional Tarot cards. My initial goal is to get through the Major Arcana using cards from seven different decks:

• Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)
• The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)
• The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)
• The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)
• The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)
• The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)
• Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

To read my previous posts in this series, enter “Animal Tarot Time” in the search field on the main page of the blog or scroll down and click on Animal Tarot Time under CATEGORIES.

As many of you know, the numbering of the Justice and Strength cards in the Tarot varies, depending on which deck you are using. For this post, I will be viewing Justice as Trump 8. Let’s look at how JUSTICE is portrayed in seven different animal decks.

Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)

ELEPHANT

(“Fair decisions will be made after all the evidence is reviewed impartially. 

Have compassion for others and try to see all side of a disagreement.”)

In this deck, the Elephant has been chosen to represent standing up for what we believe in as well as fighting for equality and fairness for all. To see this card in a reading suggests that if we are involved in a legal proceeding or situation where a resolution is required, we can be assured that a just decision will be made. Elephants symbolize strength, wisdom, longevity, and prosperity across a wide range of cultures and spiritual systems. It is also seen by many as a symbol of the qualities required for good government, such as dignity, intelligence, and prudence.

The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)

CRANE

(“Balance is not just about being even. Balance is about finding the 

middle path or making it back to one’s center.”)

As you can see, in this deck, Justice is Trump 11. However, to be consistent with the animal symbolism, I will include it here. The red-capped Crane on this card is “standing his ground, wanting others to know that he cannot be swayed from his own mind.” Even as he does this, he keeps his emotions grounded and calm in order to continue to seek a balanced outcome, “a solution for the good of all and harm to none.” Like the Elephant (see description above), the Crane commonly symbolizes wisdom, fidelity, and longevity. Some cultures view the bird negatively (for example, in India, where it represents treachery).

The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)

ELEPHANT

(Bearer of Justice)

“Play fair, love true, live in harmony.”

As you can see, here we have another deck that assigns the number 11 to Justice. Keynotes for this card in this deck are “Balance, Truth, Honor, Integrity.” One argument for equating Justice (as key 11) with “Balance” is that the number 11 card is at the center of the Major Arcana, which consists of 21 Keys (plus The Fool, which is number Zero). Dawn Brunke writes that Justice suggests that “whatever is imbalanced will come to light. This could indicate legal issues, arbitration, or tough times if we ignore the call.” Brunke also notes that this card “advocates alignment between personal and sacred justice…”

The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)

ELEPHANT

“Ancient Powers of Justice at Work”

Another vote for Justice as Key 11. Oh well! In addition to the qualities I have already mentioned that are associated with the Elephant, Ted Andrews mentions the way a herd of elephants demonstrates “the ideals of true society.” He points to the Elephant’s trunk and its acute sense of small. He writes, “Those for whom Elephant has appeared would do well not to trust what they see, but what smells right – especially where important decisions are concerned.”

The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)

JUSTICE / Maat

“judgement, balance, legalities, making decisions”

Well, obviously I should have done a quick check of these decks before going with The Animal Tarot Cards designation of Justice as Key 8. It’s Key 11 in The Animals Divine Tarot, and is represented (quite understandably) by Ma’at, the Egyptian goddess of truth and justice. She is not an animal, of course, but the animal standing beside her on the card is an Ostrich. An ostrich feather was the attribute of Ma’at, and it was the ostrich’s feather against which the hearts of the dead were weighed to ascertain if they were heavy with sin. One reason for using an ostrich feather was that the feathers are of even length. Also, it didn’t hurt that the Ostrich was (and is) Africa’s largest bird. As with the Elephant, it appears that size does matter when it comes to animals representing the Justice card.

The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)

CHIMPANZEE

adaption, objectiveness, awareness, 

compassion, honour, understanding

Of course, Justice is Key 11 in this deck as well. (I am no longer surprised, if I ever was.) The Chimpanzee is an interesting animal to choose for this card. Instead of balanced scales, we see what appear to be two identical chimpanzees facing each other, touching palms. The image does suggest the idea of balance, equal sides, cooperation, and harmony. Joanna Cheung writes that this card can be about “a time to right wrongs, a time for change and balance.”

Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

BARN OWL

“agreement, order; lack of freedom, prejudices and misconduct”

As in the Animal Tarot Cards deck, Justice is Key 8 in Lo Scarabeo’s Tarot of the Animal Lords. A female Barn Owl is featured on the card, holding scales in one hand and a sword in the other. This pose mimics the Rider-Waite-Smith card in that respect. The Owl, as most of us know, can symbolize wisdom and knowledge or it can have a sinister, even ferocious nature, as it did in many ancient cultures. Its association with intelligence comes from the Athenians, who made the Owl sacred to their goddess of wisdom and learning.

To summarize, we have:
Elephant – 3
Crane – 1
Ma’at (Ostrich) – 1
Chimpanzee -- 1
Barn Owl – 1

As I thought about the concept of “justice” in the animal world, I decided to do a quick search on line to see what I could find. I came across this _fascinating article_.

The article provides several interesting examples of how various animals have displayed “moral behavior, that they can be compassionate, empathic, altruistic, and fair.” I do lean towards the Elephant for the Justice card, but would love to hear what you think! Here are some photos I have taken of elephants on my travels.

New Moon Reading with The Spirit Animal Oracle

I received my copy of Colette Baron Reid’s The Spirit Animal Oracle today. Published by Hay House and illustrated by Jena DellaGrottaglia, this gorgeous deck jumped right out at me from the Hay House web site, and before I knew it, I had bought it, and it was one its way to my eager self.

Serendipitously, Colette includes a 7-card New Moon Reading that can be done with this deck at the beginning of each New Moon. That’s today! The purpose of the reading is to see which animal spirit has chosen to help me this coming month in seven specific areas of life.

1: survival, money, tangible assets, work

CHAMELEON SPIRIT: Act as if. 

Conditions are changing, and I need to adapt, while still maintaining an inner equilibrium. There may be a need for me to resist any urge to rescue someone by trying to manage it all, or to withdraw from challenging emotions. The key is to maintain healthy boundaries and to take a break or “timeout” from someone else’s problems.

2: intimate relationships, family dynamics, friendships, and your tribe

COYOTE SPIRIT: Trust in divine detours.

There is a sense that I may be on some sort of detour in this area of life, having difficulty choosing the best path. Coyote energy is trickster energy, which may be disconcerting but always provides a lesson that needs to be learned. When I get off track, I need to try not to take the world too seriously. The right path may not be obvious or straight, but in spite of detours, I will reach my destination.

3: your personal power, self-worth, and how you show up in the world

DOLPHIN SPIRIT: This and that are true.

The dolphin is both mammal and sea creature, both “this” and “that,” which reminds me that nothing is “all good” or “all bad.” Duality is a fact of life, and sometimes we are “between time” rather than 100% on one side or another.  It may not be helpful to view things as “right” and “wrong” right now. Somethings that seems wrong could end up being right for me.

4: deeper connections to life, healing past patterns, and support for overall well-being and happiness

ELECTRIC EEL SPIRIT: Bring your ideas to life.

A big awakening is in store in this area, something that will awaken me to a big idea or new path. I have an opportunity for profound transformation. I need to be careful not to dismiss an epiphany simply because I can’t see where it might be leading me at this moment.

5: communication, being heard, owning your voice, and how you say who you are to others

GIRAFFE SPIRIT: See the big picture.

I am being encouraged to see things from a higher view, a broader perspective that allows me to look beyond the obvious. I will not benefit from focusing too closely or from being too far “up in the clouds.” Somewhere in the middle should be helpful.

6: imagination, vision, and creativity

HUMMINGBIRD SPIRIT: Be here now!

If I am wondering where and when I can express my imagination, vision, and creativity, the answer is “here” and “now.” There is no need to look far afield or to focus on grass that may or may not be greener than what I am standing on. Here, in the timeless present, I will become the person I wish to be, and to have the experiences I wish to have.

7: intuition, spirituality, and your relationship to a Higher Power

LIZARD SPIRIT: Dream the world into being.

I can get in touch with my intuition, spirituality and relationship to a Higher Power by letting my imagination flow and open myself to the inspiration that is available. I can consciously dream a dream in which I have what I desire and in which I am who I wish to be. I need to trust my ability to create my own dream.

Animal Tarot Time: The Chariot

For this series, I am exploring the choices of animals made by various deck creators to correspond to traditional Tarot cards. My initial goal is to get through the Major Arcana using cards from seven different decks:

• Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)
• The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)
• The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)
• The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)
• The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)
• The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)
• Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

To read my previous posts in this series, enter “Animal Tarot Time” in the search field on the main page of the blog or scroll down and click on Animal Tarot Time under CATEGORIES.

Let’s look at how THE CHARIOT is portrayed in seven different animal decks.

Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)

ARABIAN HORSE

You’ve earned the rewards and recognition you’re receiving.

In this deck, the Arabian Horse is meant to represent “the balance of strength and intellect,” and like The Chariot in traditional decks, success depends on the ability of the driver of the chariot to guide opposing forces or energies forward together in the same direction. The image on this card does not show opposing energies pulling against each other. Rather, we are meant to consider the Arabian horses themselves as symbols of grace, intelligence, passion, and confidence.

The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)

ORCA

You have to pay just as much attention to the energy that creates 

your movement, as the direction of the movement itself.

To capture the essence of The Chariot, this deck describes the manner in which Orcas (Killer Whales) hunt. The pack travels together, using speed, diving techniques, and tail movements to master their environment and capture their prey. They not only know which direction to go, but the types of movement and behavior to use to achieve their goal. With each movement, ripples are created that affect the surrounding environment and everything in it.

The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)

HORSE: 

Let go – become master of your vehicle.

Keynotes for this card in this deck are “Power, Balance, Alignment, Control.” The equine association with the traditional Chariot card is picked up in this deck, with the addition of wings. The message is similar to the traditional Strength card in that we are encouraged to control our direction in life with calm focus rather than trying to force or fight our way along. Brunke writes: “We are the vehicle that carries our soul through life. Nurture courage, self-authority, and poise to lead yourself.” We are encouraged to “align divergent energies and direct movement through inner balance.”

The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)

HORSE:

Movement and Balance

Here again we see the importance of both movement and balance in The Chariot. We may be very good at “movement” but if that movement is undisciplined, out-of-control, and fraught with inner discord, we are not likely to get where we want to go. Harnessing and guiding our raw power and passion is necessary in order to go in a specific direction. The idea of balance is further represented by the fact that horses have four legs, giving them stability and balance in their movements.

The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)

THE CHARIOT / FREYA: 

departure, experiencing the world, deliberate actions

In this deck, The Chariot is represented by the Norse goddess Freya riding a golden boar, an emblem of her power. She is assisted by an emerging lynx, whose exceptional eyesight guides her. Freya’s beauty, determination, and powerful spirit are, of course, legendary. Her energy inspires us to find a purpose in our actions and to pursue that purpose as we continue on the path we have chosen.

The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)

HORSE: 

strength, control, resilience, intuition, determination, victory

Like others, this deck chooses the Horse to represent The Chariot card. The image shows a lavender-gray horse flying in a deep purple, starry sky as a crescent moon shines above. Cheung’s keywords reinforce the message we associate with The Chariot. Rather than trying to rephrase her poetic description, I will quote part of it here: The horse “is the journey: the road travelled and the obstacles ahead. He is the will, willing himself to triumph.”

Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

SWAN and CROWNED CRANE:

victory, success, huge ambitions, sudden loss

As I have come to expect, this deck gets the prize for the most interesting and unexpected imagery for The Chariot. Symbolically, swans commonly symbolize peace, tranquility, loyalty, strength, beauty, grace, and love. Cranes are viewed as symbols of vigilance, longevity, wisdom, fidelity, and honor. These are the qualities, then, that can help us reach our destination.

To summarize, we have:
Horse – 4
Orca – 1
Swan and Crane – 1
Boar, Lynx (Freya) – 1

I’m not surprised to see the Horse take the lead in this group of animals. It is interesting to think of myself as a horse, steering myself, rather than someone driving a chariot pulled by horses. I like the image of the pack of orcas working in concert towards a goal. Freya riding her boar works pretty well for me. The swan and crane are, well, fun. Which one is your favorite?

Animal Tarot Time: The Lovers

For this series, I am exploring the choices of animals made by various deck creators to correspond to traditional Tarot cards. My initial goal is to get through the Major Arcana using cards from seven different decks:

• Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)
• The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)
• The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)
• The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)
• The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)
• The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)
• Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

To read my previous posts in this series, enter “Animal Tarot Time” in the search field on the main page of the blog or scroll down and click on Animal Tarot Time under CATEGORIES.

Purely by accident (or is it?), I happen to be posting a discussion of The Lovers card on the day my husband and I are celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary. 

Let’s look at how THE LOVERS is portrayed in seven different animal decks.

Animal Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine (Hay House)

FLAMINGO (“True and long-lasting love finds its way into your life.”)

The Flamingo’s color is a key reason for a pair of Flamingos to represent love. The color pink commonly represents emotions, harmony, and sensuality. It is said to soothe conditions of anger and feelings of neglect. Pink can be used to awaken compassion, love, and purity. Flamingos form strong pair bonds, establishing and defending nesting territories. Just as flamingos stand on one leg, perfectly balanced, they can represent remaining balanced in your emotional or romantic life.

The Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson; illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn Publications)

SWAN (“Come be with me and let me marvel in the You that is all magnificent.”)

Swans commonly symbolize peace, tranquility, loyalty, strength, beauty, grace, and love. Swans can form socially monogamous pair bonds from as early as 20 months that last for many years, in some cases, for life. Male and female take turns incubating the eggs. The image on this particular card shows swans in contrasting colors (black and white), representing contrasting states or identities that can create a harmonious whole. One of the trees on the card is filled with oranges (predominantly a symbol of fertility) and the other with white flowers (purity and innocence).

The Animal Wisdom Tarot by Dawn Brunke; illustrated by Ola Liola (CICO Books)

HONEYBEE / HEART AWAKENER: “Awaken to love.”

Keynotes for this card in this deck are “Relationship, Recognition, Blessings, Union, Joy.” The bee commonly symbolizes diligence, organizational and technical skills, sociability, purity, charity, cleanliness, spirituality, wisdom, courage, abstinence, sobriety, creativity, selflessness, eloquence, and illumination. Dawn Brunke writes that the honeybee signals “romance, passion, a new love or developing relationship” as well as “an opportunity to come home to self.” True honey bees do not form mating pairs. Rather, they live in colonies established by swarms, consisting of a queen and several hundred workers. In contrast, most other bees are solitary in the sense that every female is fertile, and typically inhabits a nest she constructs herself.

The Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews (Dragonhawk Publishing)

BEE: “Fertility and Spiritual Choice”

Like Dawn Burke, Ted Andrews uses the Bee to represent The Lovers. Unlike Burke, he incorporates the idea of choice (one of the common interpretations for Key 6) into his discussion. Given that bees operate in a highly organized society, each bee having distinct responsibilities, Andrews notes that the Bee reflects the need to make choices with integrity, adding, “If working with others, it is important to clearly define the job roles.” In reverse, this card can suggest scattered energy or indecision.

The Animals Divine Tarot by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide)

THE LOVERS / BRAHMA & SARASWATI: “relationships, seeking harmony

In the Hindu faith, Brahma was the principal creator god. His consort, Saraswati, was goddess of language, creative arts, and learning. It was said that she was the power behind Brahma’s actions. In Hindu art, Saraswati and Brahma are both sometimes shown riding either a swan or goose.

The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Self-Published)

LONG-SNOUTED SEAHORSE: “joy, security, support, patience, equality, trust”

Seahorses are known to practice monogamy. It is no longer believed that they mate for life, but some do stay together for several mating seasons in a row. The male – not the female -- broods the eggs in its pouch before giving birth to live young called “fry.” In her write-up for this card, Joanna Cheung advises us: “Face the battle; stand united. Make your choice. Find your place.”

Tarot of the Animal Lords with artwork by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

MANDARIN DUCK: “Test, important choice, indecision within sentimental relationships, unfaithfulness”

Mandarin ducks have long symbolized love and marriage in South East Asia, especially in China, Japan and South Korea. In traditional Chinese culture, mandarin ducks are believed to be lifelong couples. It is thought that those who do not yet have a sweetheart can speed up the process of finding a soul mate by getting two Mandarin duck figurines or a picture.

To summarize, we have:
Flamingos – 1
Swans – 2
Bees – 2
Seahorses – 1
Mandarin ducks – 1

Obviously, the birds win overall, with four of the seven decks using birds to represent The Lovers. I am charmed by the Seahorses and Mandarin Ducks. Not really buying the Bees. Okay with Swans and Flamingos. How about you? What do you think?