Astrology and Tarot Series - Deck and Book Credits

Astrology and the Tarot Series
Deck and Book Credits

The following decks and books are mentioned in my Astrology and the Tarot Series.

Astrology and the Tarot by A.E. Thierens, Ph.D. Copyright © 1975 by Newcastle Publishing Co. Inc. ISBN 0-87877-031-3.

Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley, Frieda Harris (Illustrator). Publisher: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1996. ISBN: 0-87728-268-4. (No copyright date or information is given in my copy.)

Book T - The Tarot, Comprising Manuscripts N, O, P, Q, R, and an Unlettered Theoricus Adeptus Minor Instruction. A Description of the Cards of the Tarot with their Attributions; Including a Method of Divination by Their Use. A public domain manuscript.

Celestial Tarot Deck and Book Set, Created by Kay Steventon, Written by Brian Clark. Copyright © 2006 US Games Systems, Inc. ISBN-13: 978-1-57281-565-0. ISBN-10: 1-57281-565-5.

Keywords for the Crowley Tarot by Hajo Banzhaf and Brigitte Theler. English translation copyright © 2001 by Weiser Books. ISBN 1-57863-173-4.

Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann. Copyright © 1997 by A.T. Mann. Thorsons, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-2505831.

The One World Tarot (deck) by Crystal Love and Michael Hobbs. Copyright © 1999 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. ISBN 1-57281-250-8.

The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk. Copyright © 2008 by Joanna Martine Woolfolk. Taylor Trade Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-1-58979-377-4.

The One World Tarot: Astrology, Tarot, and The New Age (book) by Crystal Love. Copyright © 2002 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. ISBN 157281336-9.

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by Arthur Edward Waite. Copyright © 2000 by WeiserBooks. ISBN 0-87728-218-8.

Tarot Decoded by Elizabeth Hazel. Copyright © 2004 by Elizabeth Hazel. First published in 2004 by Red Wheel Weiser. ISBN 1-57863-302-8.

Tarot Dynamics by Anna Burroughs Cook. Copyright © 2009 by Anna Burroughs Cook. Kima Global Publishers. ISBN 978-0-9814278-2-9.

Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot Deck, Designed by Aleister Crowley, Painted by Lady Frieda Harris, Instructions by James Wasserman. Copyright © 1978, 1983, 1987 by Stuart R. Kaplan and Donald Weiser. U.S.Games Systems, Inc. and AGMüller & Cie. ISBN 0-88079-308-2.

The Universal Waite Tarot Deck. Drawings by Pamela Colman Smith under the direction of Arthur Edward Waite. Coloring by Mary Hanson-Roberts. Conceived by Stuart R. Kaplan. Instructions by Stuart R. Kaplan. Copyright 8 1990 by U.S. Games Systems Inc. ISBN 0-88079-496-8.

The Whispering Tarot by Elizabeth Hazel. Limited First Edition copyright © 2008 by Elizabeth Hazel. Printed by Playing Cards R Us, Inc. ISBN 978-0-615-20997-5.

The Whispering Tarot: Softly Spoken Secrets by Elizabeth Hazel. All rights reserved CD-ROM © 2008 by Elizabeth Hazel. No ISBN

A Journey through My Tarot Decks: Five of Wands

In this series of posts, I plan to discuss all of the Tarot cards in order, using a different deck for each card. Today I'm exploring the Five of Wands from the Fantastical Creatures Tarot by by Lisa Hunt and D.J. Conway, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Fantastical Creatures Tarot
Five of Wands
Japanese Tengu
Unforeseen obstacles

On this card we see a representative of the tengu (or ten-gu) – Japanese mountain and forest goblins with supernatural powers. The Japanese Buddhist Statuary web site tells us:

"The patron of martial arts, the bird-like Tengu* is a skilled warrior and mischief maker, especially prone to playing tricks on arrogant and vainglorious Buddhist priests, and to punishing those who willfully misuse knowledge and authority to gain fame or position."

D.J. Conway tells us that on the Five of Wands, the tengu's feathers and bright wings reveal its spiritual nature. The pair of hanging bells indicate "that both positive and negative energies are vital parts of creation, represented by the twisting vine."

Book T** calls the Five of Wands “The Lord of Strife” and relates it astrologically to Saturn (lessons, limitation)  in Leo (fixed Fire; exuberant, creative, egocentric, with a talent for showmanship).

Divinatory Meanings provided by Conway: "An unforeseen obstacle or opposition suddenly appears in your path. Malicious gossip could cause you harm. New competition threatens your relationship or career."


* "The literal meaning of Tengu is "Heaven Dog." In Chinese mythology, there is a related creature named Tien Kou (Tiangou ??), or "celestial hound." The name is misleading, however, as the crow-like Tengu looks nothing like a dog. One plausible theory is that the Chinese Tien Kou derived its name from a destructive meteor that hit China sometime in the 6th century BC. The tail of the falling body resembled that of a dog, hence the name and its initial association with destructive powers." – Japanese Buddhist Statuary web site

** Book T - The Tarot (an initiatory manual for the OGD) Comprising Manuscripts N, O, P, Q, R, and an Unlettered Theoricus Adeptus Minor Instruction, A Description of the Cards of the Tarot with their Attributions; Including a Method of Divination by Their Use.

A Journey through My Tarot Decks: Four of Wands

In this series of posts, I plan to discuss all of the Tarot cards in order, using a different deck for each card. Today I'm exploring the Four of Wands from The Celtic Tarot by  Courtney Davis, published by The Aquarian Press.

In her book, The Celtic Tarot (Aquarian Press), Helena Paterson explains that in this deck, the suit of Wands represents "the Spirit of Primal Fire, the mystical symbol which awakens the spiritual will of man." It expresses the idea of initiating magical or mysterious changes. Purple and violet swirls form the borders on all Wands cards in this deck, symbolizing spiritual and divine energies.

The numbered cards of the Minor Arcana contain geometric arrangements of wands, swords, cups, and coins rather than scenes. Thus the Four of Wands "are resting on each other and form a diamond-shaped archway." We see a setting sun – symbol of rest and repose. . . completion of the matter. (Paterson)

In my Tarot system*, the number Four represents the potential for stability, protection, structure, tangible achievement, caution, conformity, practicality, and stagnation. In astrology, the Fourth House is called the House of Home and Family, which gives additional support to Paterson's view of the Four of Wands as it relates to that area of life.

Instead of using reversals, Paterson outlines a system that interprets cards as "dignified" or "ill-dignified." The meaning of a card can be displaced, held in check, or reinforced by surrounding cards. Divinatory Meanings provided by Paterson for the Four of Wands are:

• Dignified – The satisfaction of a job well done. A cause for celebration in the family. If house-hunting, the ideal home becomes available. A quiet period spent at home or in a favourite retreat. 
• Ill-dignified – Uncertain conditions and conclusions. Not a bad card generally, the neighbouring cards will determine the extent of the disruption caused.

* Please note: My numerological keywords are based on personal experience and many different sources accessed over a period of several years.

Halloween Reading by Zanna Starr

HALLOWEEN SPREAD

designed by Helen Howell

(see Helen's reading with this spread HERE)

I love this spread! I don't have a "Halloweeny-Vampire" type deck, so I thought I'd go with the next best thing: Tarot of the Cat People by Karen Kuykendall (published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

And here we go!

1: The Skeleton in the cupboard - something you need to face or acknowledge right now

EIGHT OF SWORDS

In a nutshell (from the LWB): "A woman is surrounded by swords that are arranged to symbolize her imprisonment by her inner turmoil." Notice that the cat who perches nearby is calm, composed, and free. I need to face and acknowledge (right now!) that my own thoughts, perceptions, and attitudes are all that stand between me and freedom. It might even be helpful for me to list eight of these thoughts, perceptions, or attitudes and perform some sort of ritual (like tearing up and burning the piece of paper) to banish them from my mind. I have five cats in my house who can act as role models for a new me.

2: Bats in the Belfry - what you need to do to clear away any negative thoughts

SIX OF PENTACLES

My initial response to this card here is that I can clear away any negative thoughts by giving them away, perhaps even giving them (symbolically) to my cats to dispose of. This card is also a reminder to me of how fortunate and happy the last ten years of my life have been on so many levels. It was the Six of Pentacles that I drew in a reading for myself ten years ago that prompted me to take the steps that led to my current highly preferable situation.

3: Ghost or Ghoul? - what needs to be changed

THE EMPRESS (Trump 3)

My initial reaction to this card is "Stop trying to mother everybody" or perhaps "Stop trying to create so many different things at one time."  If I stop and think about the card for a bit, I get a sense that perhaps I need to change my perception of what I have accomplished or attained in life so far. The Empress is a strong, no-nonsense sort of person. She sees value in her actions and her approach to her world. She wastes not and wants not. The book that accompanies this deck states: "Her leopard companion appears docile, but in reality is on the alert for any opportunity that presents itself." Once again, the cat seems to demonstrate an attitude that I might be wise to adopt.

4: Witches spell - what will help you succeed

FOUR OF WANDS

Here we see a man relaxing with his companion cats, away from the hustle and bustle of life. His loose clothing signifies a carefree mood. The cats are obviously not stressing about anything whatsoever. The number Four (stability, security) combined with the element Fire suggests high energy but controlled energy that is used calmly and steadily rather than in a flurry of activity. Again there is an emphasis on appreciating the fruits of my labors to date and allowing myself to relax and experience tranquility.

5: Monsters under the bed - one more thing that may be hidden

THE HANGED MAN (Trump 12)

This particular Hanged Man has an enlightened outlook on his suffering, as evidenced by the glow about his head. The cat above him is completely unconcerned as it bats at the gallows rope in a leisurely fashion. I normally view this card as representing the need to readjust or renounce the perspective from which I have been viewing something and to allow a new perspective to emerge. The message of sacrifice is also part of this card. What may be hidden is perhaps this new perspective that I need and/or an understanding of what I need to sacrifice. The earlier positions seem to focus on getting rid of negative thoughts, and I think this ties in with that goal. In order to *see* that which is hidden, I need to look at things a different way and perhaps give up something I *think* I want or need.

6: Jack O' Lantern - This will light the way forward.

FOUR OF SWORDS

Like the Four of Wands, this card is about rest, respite, and repose. The Swords form a pattern that reflects the message of stability and strength conveyed by the number Four. The woman in this card forgets her problems and anxieties for a while as she enjoys the antics of her companion cats. She allows herself, for a time, to "not try so hard" to accomplish something. In this restful state, allowing her mind to relax, she is more likely to see her way forward. She can return to her goals refreshed, with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm.

To me, most of these cards seem to convey a message of "slow down, calm down, gear down," encouraging me to proceed steadily rather than racing ahead. In the elemental association system I use, three of these cards are active and three are passive, suggesting a balance or "even keel" approach that blends activity with retrospection and relaxation. The two Trump cards are passive (Earth and Water), emphasizing a calculated, calm approach.

Numerically, the two Trumps are odd (3 and 3), while all the other cards are even (8, 6, 4, 4). This also suggests a balance to me of stability with change or evolution.

There is a lot to think about here, and I can definitely recommend this spread if you're looking for some insight into your current situation or state!