Tarot 2008
Tarot 2008
Tarot 2008
0 THE FOOL
The clown or eternal traveler It is the unnumbered card which can appear in
any place and it leads to adventure. Spontaneity, enthusiasm, impulsiveness and
frenzy. Sometimes frivolity. Recklessness, exhibitionism and lack of discipline.
Surprise. Absences, journeys, abandonment and broken affections.
Reversal: Injustice, mental instability, inability to understand, frigidity.
A FREEDOM often called FOOLISHNESS
1 THE MAGICIAN
The alchemist or spellmaker. Personifies willpower and a tendency towards
new ideas. Symbolizes creativity, originality, dexterity and flexibility. Control
and confidence in oneself. Spontaneity and initiative. The value and knowledge
that success brings. Prosperity and astuteness.
Reversal: A lack of firmness, indecision, charlatanism, trickery, dark aims.
SKILLFULNESS
2 THE PRIESTESS
The Mother Goddess of esoterica. Her viewpoint is cerebral and
independent. She represents darkness and mystery. She is the mouth of science,
of occult knowledge, the black of light of imagination. Positive and negative, the
duality without which nothing exists. Under the control of her lunar side,
wisdom appears. Understanding, foresight, objectivity and learning.
Reversal: Ignorance, incomprehension, superficiality and egoism.
OCCULTWISDOM
3 THE EMPRESS
The image of intelligence and sensitivity. A living and domineering part of
evolution. Female, mother, sister, wife and love. She who is fertilized.
Symbolizes natural, emotional and material abundance. She is happiness,
sexuality, stability and tranquility She takes us to a creative business, a cured
illness, a birth, the solution of problems, a rich family life and economic
success. A fruitful lime to take on new projects.
Reversal: Superficiality, laziness, extravagance, waste, the absorbing mother
figure, unhappiness.
MATRIARCHAL PROWESS
4 THE EMPEROR
He reveals power over the world. Masculine. The great beast of the physical
and material world. Balance and stability. He is the archetypal father and
represents leadership, authority, pride, richness and world power. He
announces a time of action. A time in which with the help of tenacity, ideas can
become reality.
Reversal: Obsession of fame and fortune, egocentricity, tendency to dominate,
immaturity and indecision.
PATRIARCHAL PROWESS
5 THE HIGH PRIEST
Symbolizes knowledge adapted to the world. Faith and mysticism and on the
other hand conformity and orthodoxy.
He is the caress and the wrapping of wisdom together with comprehension.
The head of ritual. The light that shines patience, resistance and humility. This
arcane leads us to meditation and external esoteric knowledge. His search may
also be the adaptation of religious for m and social approval.
He is stability, confidence, teaching and good advice.
Reversal: Insincerity, irresponsibility and fanaticism.
Synthesis of FAITH with KNOWLEDGE
6 THE LOVERS
Choices and trials are the elements of this card. Unease. Attraction and
uncertainty. It leads us towards optimism, to a meeting of contrasts and also
represent the struggle between sensual and fraternal love. It is union and
distancing, and leads us to the trial or the choice.
Reversal : Frustration, selfpity, infidelity and hesitancy
SELFATTUNEMENT (with 14 as opposite)
7 THE CHARIOT
Success and control of events. Energy, strength, health. The wheels of activity.
Reference to love of travel and freedom. The risk of adventure with a promising
future. Rolling along, it tells that this is the moment to get moving with vitality.
Also ignorance of reality and escape.
Reversal : Failure, defeat, vanity and cruelty. It is like a gloomy vision of the
world
SUCCESS and VICTORY
8 JUSTICE
Just measure, impartiality. This is the card of rigor and precision. Represents a
balanced spirit, justice and harmony. The clean game. It is discernment, good
intentions and even virginity. Advice, honesty, virtue and honor
Reversal : Imbalance, frustrations, disputes, abuse, indecision, severity.
FAIRNESS
9 THE HERMIT
Represents the sage, the holder of secrets. Indicates illumination. Abnegation.
Material austerity and inner wealth. Prudence, precaution, wisdom, advice,
meditation, reflection, celibacy.
Reversal : Meanness, sanctimoniousness, greed and isolation. Slovenly and
with poor knowledge.
WISDOM and SOLITUDE
10 THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
The image of the eternal return. The continual turning of destiny. Changes,
modifications. Transition. Only those who answer the questions of the sphinx
can forget the material laws which hold man prisoner. Advance. Outcome.
Reversal : Risk of loss, slow progress, adversity, irregularity. Arrested change.
DESTINY
11 STRENGTH
This is the arcane of valor&fortitude. It Symbolizes the eternal spirit of overcomin
g
obstacles. Sensual feminine attraction. Potent sexuality. Conviction, energy,
action and ability. Confidence, heroism, virility and physical strength. Might,
conquest and resolution.
Reversal : Cowardice, meanness, fear, weakness, lack of willpower and
firmness.
SELF CONTROL
12 THE HANGED MAN
Symbolizes the spirit of renouncement and sacrifice. Conformity. Apathy,
clumsiness, transition, boredom, abandon. Brings difficulties with it.
Resignation. Immobility. Inner suffering. But it also speaks to us of spiritual
decision and hidden power.
Reversal : Problems, accusations, instability, melancholy. Lack of sacrifice.
SACRIFICE
13 DEATH
The skeleton represents the removal of the flesh which takes us to another
state. It is a card which deals with the principle of modifying and renewing
things. The necessary end. A new life. Unexpected change, failure, illness,
accident, impotence. Sadness, pain, grief.
Reversal : Transfer, pessimism, depression, fear of death.
CHANGE or TRANSFORMATION
14 TEMPERANCE/ALCHEMY
It is the harmony between the spiritual and the material. It tells us of
compromise and moderation. It is the art of conciliating opposite extremes.
Fusion. Serenity. Just measure. Patience, adaptation. Confidence, harmony and
complacence. Good omens.
Reversal : Discord and conflict, frustration, impatience.
WORLDLY ATTUNEMENT (see 6) or BALANCE
15 THE DEVIL
A card with a double meaning. It tells us of human egoism and the slavery of
fatal instincts. But it is also vital energy, overflowing sexuality, humor and
materialist conquests. It represents the spirit dominated by the instinct.
Enjoyment and selfindulgence, and also covetousness, vice, treachery and
unclear situations. Includes selfdestruction, violence and malevolence.
Reversal : Truce and freedom from shackles.
PASSIONS
16 THE TOWER
This is the Arcane of radical and sudden change. Catastrophe. But it is also the
downfall of physical and material demands in search of a different gateway
with new values. Rupture, disturbance, unexpected events, precipitation.
Adversity, obstacles, troubles. Ruin, loss of stability, conflicts and collapse.
Reversal : Routine and oppression. Imbalance, persecution, imprisonment.
Dead end.
DESTRUCTION
17 THE STAR
The arcane of renovation and new possibilities. It is a card of optimism and
happiness. The intuition that shows us the way. Creativity. Artistic inspiration.
Brilliant perspectives, hope. Opportunities, pleasures, emotions and achievement
s.
Reversal : Frustrations, deceptions, disillusionment, obstinacy. Emotional
imbalance.
HOPE
18 THE MOON
The card of darkness. ft is uncertainty, unconscious reactions and instability. It
is related to uncertainly, timidity and fear. Illusionary and lunatic feelings, lack
of responsibility. Dark relations, Utopian illusions, doubts, mistrust. It also tells
us of fantasy and nostalgia. Also of fertilization.
Reversal : Changed humor, depression, fears.
INSTABILITY
19 THE SUN
This card tells us of light, genius, talent. It is the sun with its source of heat and
energy. Happiness, favorable omens. Sincerity, achievements, social success,
pleasurable sexuality. Vitality, happiness, material for tune.
Reversal : Selfishness, excessive pride, fear of standing out, obstacles.
LIGHT and VITALITY
20 JUDGEMENT
Superior forces oblige man to reflect on himself. It is a call of freedom and life.
The moment of truth, both good and bad. It reflects a moment of decisions.
Change for the better, reward
for past efforts. It is also liberation, the resurgence of the spirit, renewal.
Awakening to a mystical world.
Reversal : Incapacity to understand, displeasure, putting things off.
AWAKING and CLARITY
21 THE WORLD
Tells us of unification with life forces. Harmony. Perfection, fulfillment,
adhesion and success. The final result being having reached the goal, definitive
change. The control of earthly plains. The prize awarded for effort. For some, it
is the most beneficial arcane of the whole tarot. A union of the divine with the
human. Reversal : Failure, lack of vision, imperfection, obstacles.
FULFILMENT and CAPACITY
MINOR ARCANA
The pentacles symbolize protection, wealth, power. They belong to the
earth sign and their world is material and physical.
ACE OF PENTACLES
The ace of pentacles is the head of this earthly power. Perfection, happiness,
prosperity, triumph and delight.
Reversal : corruption and greed.
FORTUNE
TWO OF PENTACLES
Complications, difficult situations, pondering, difficulty in new projects.
Reversal : pretense, manipulations of situations.
WORRY
THREE OF PENTACLES
Dignity and artistic gift. Talent and ability, Mastery and work. Progress.
Reversal : mediocrity and inferiority.
CONSTRUCTION
FOUR OF PENTACLES
Obstacles. Blows. Delay and uncertainty.
Reversal : greed, covetousness, selfishness. Incapacity to love.
DISILLUSION
FIVE OF PENTACLES
Mistakes and failure. Solitude in the face of adversity. Material upset.
Incapacity to find good vibrations in the subconscious.
Reversal : the end of a bad time.
LOSS
SIX OF PENTACLES
Goodness towards the outside, external manifestation. Sharing, willingness,
gift.
Reversal : exhibitionism, greed, selfishness. Inability to deliver.
GENEROSITY
SEVEN OF PENTACLES
The effort that leads to success. Projects are established and
the fruits grow. The arrival of good times. Complicity.
Reversal : anxiety, crazy actions.
SUCCESS
EIGHT OF PENTACLES
Perseverance. Work that produces results. Adaptation to tradition, training,
discipline and ability.
Reversal : lack of ambition, hypocrisy, vanity
WALKING FORWARD
NINE OF PENTACLES
Maturity. The search for serenity and security. Peaceful evolution. Prediction,
ascent, comfort.
Reversal : ruin, rage and bad faith.
FULFILMENT
TEN OF PENTACLES
Personal wisdom, wellbeing, inner and outer wealth. Stability, success,
satisfaction and adaptation to one's surroundings.
Reversal : risk, theft and loss.
SECURITY
SQUIRE OF PENTACLES
The youth of new projects, decision, high hopes. Bearer of
news, of clear pictures.
Reversal : servitude, wastefulness and loss.
STUDY
KNIGHT OF PENTACLES
Ambition and tenacity. Effort. Constancy, diligence, the
right path.
Reversal : stagnation, inertia, crisis, sluggishness.
RESPONSIBILITY
QUEEN OF PENTACLES
Prosperity, luxury and security. The female materialistic side, safe, realistic,
energetic, creatively imaginative and with a practical mind.
Reversal : uncertainty, suspicion, fear of failure, weakness, insecurity, lack of
trust.
PLENITUDE
KING OF PENTACLES
Male generous side, pragmatic, practical. Prosperous future, with experience,
loyal, intuitive, patient. Stable and cautious.
Reversal : greed, corruption, threat, danger, perversion, extravagance and
obstinacy.
EXPERIENCE
The suits of cups is linked to water and refers to instincts and emotions.
The unconscious, passions and satisfactions.
ACE OF CUPS
Beginning of high hopes. The queen of willpower given over to the sense. The
pleasure and beauty of knowing how to enjoy oneself. Sexuality, happiness,
goodness, joy, opulence, fertility, productivity. It leads to creativity,
imagination, high hopes and fantasy.
Reversal : instability, sterility, falsehood, argument, change, hesitancy.
ENTHUSIASM
TWO OF CUPS
The union of extremes. Association, harmonious relation, union and
cooperation. Consolidated friendship, love understood, the enjoyment of
harmony with the other person, sympathy
Reversal : separation, confronted desires and false friendship.
BENEVOLENCE and FRIENDSHIP
THREE OF CUPS
Emotional satisfaction. Success in love, pleasurable sexuality, good luck,
victory and talent. Some readers of the “fortycard deck” talk of a "short
journey".
Reversal : selfindulgence and refuge in a dark past.
HAPPINESS of the moment
FOUR OF CUPS
This is the card of dissatisfaction and it appears when searching for a change of
direction. Lost passion. Mistrust of the future. Deception, misfortune,
displeasure, adversity and tiredness.
Reversal : exciting expectations, of timidity in the face of something new.
DISILLUSION and APATHY
FIVE OF CUPS
The future is renewed and announces the end of a past life. Abnegation and
change. Abandonment, worry, sorrow, loss.
Reversal : an unexpected gift or the return of an old friendship. The broken
pieces come together again.
MISTRUST
SIX OF CUPS
Under The prism of the past new opportunities arrive along
with new knowledge. Old images in the memory. With this
card a loved one reappears in our lives, but it also tells us
of separation.
Reversal : state of suffocation and the impulse to escape.
NOSTALGIA
SEVEN OF CUPS
Fantasy, triumph of the senses, freedom of spirit. Desires are within reach and
you can celebrate this with your surroundings.
Reversal : desire has lost its path, energies are extinguished and our self
confidence has disappeared.
HIGH HOPES
EIGHT OF CUPS
Modesty and candor. It indicates a change of direction,
a different attitude towards disillusion. Selfsacrifice. The
moment of change has come.
Reversal : fear, cowardice. A difficult path, fear of commitment and deception.
SELF CONTROL
NINE OF CUPS
Tells US of material and emotional stability. It is the card of material desires,
good health, generosity and harmony.
Reversal : excess and mistrust
SERENE SPIRIT
TEN OF CUPS
The feeling of knowing you are loved and success in tasks under taken. Honor
and esteem. The union of love and passion. Wellbeing
Reversal : fear of showing ourselves as we really are, betrayal,
CONTENTMENT
SQUIRE OF CUPS
Distant and timid but passionate and dominating youth. Fun but unfaithful. It is
melancholy and imagination united with desire to please and serve others. Two
ways: reserved and happy with friends, and cruel with enemies
Reversal : deceit, hypocrisy.
DELIGHT
THE KNIGHT OF CUPS
A relation which appears swiftly on horseback. Its relaxed appearance leads us
to be seduced. In an agreeable, conciliatory and harmonious way, it tries to
penetrate our hear t.
Reversal : excessive ego and deceit.
OFFERING
QUEEN OF CUPS
The feminine, romantic side that accompanies us. Inner concern for her own,
understanding and sacrifice. Imaginative, sensitive and artistic qualities.
Reversal : perversion and lust. A corner of dishonesty.
SENSITIVITY
KING OF CUPS
Masculine side that knows how to calculate in order to achieve dreams.
Intelligence, romanticism and honesty tarnished by a possessive streak.
Simultaneously erratic and stubborn character.
Reversal : pessimist, leads us to a lack of objectivity and violent emotions.
DISCIPLINE
Rapiers tell us of the mind, of abstract thought. Of power and
aggressiveness. Being linked to the air it is related to the breath of the spirit.
ACE OF RAPIERS
The ace of rapiers is energy and struggle. Strength, success, power, prosperity,
fertility.
Reversal : disaster, tyranny, infertility, impediments and obstacles.
FIRMNESS
TWO OF RAPIERS
Balance of strength and union, but it can also speak to us of doubt, indecision,
having to make choices. Also communication from far away.
Reversal : falsehood, distortion, lies betrayal and impotence.
DOUBT
THREE OF RAPIERS
Distance, return and regret. Documents. Pain. Deception and rejection.
Reversal : distancing, mistakes, fights.
SORROW
FOUR OF RAPIERS
Retreat and exile, it is the card of illness. Solitude, isolation,
rest and rumors
Reversal : cowardice and agitation.
STAGNATION
FIVE OF RAPIERS
Regret and monotony. Defeat and humiliation. Setbacks and obstacles.
Reversal : weakness and disgrace.
THREAT
SIX OF RAPIERS
Dependency, little health. Tears and cholera. Exit, journey, change of direction.
Reversal : desperation and delay
DISTANCING
SEVEN OF RAPIERS
Confidence in the future and perseverance, even with the
risk of daring to sarcastic behavior
Reversal : arguments and slander.
HOPE
EIGHT OF RAPIERS
Talks of crisis, calamity, desolation and pain. Limitation
and isolation. Humiliation and revenge.
Reversal : depression, unrest and fatality.
ENCLOSURE
NINE OF RAPIERS
Change, rupture, destruction, fear, desperation. It is also abandonment, doubt,
sorrow, fear and unhappiness
Reversal : doubt, shame, scruples.
FATALITY
TEN OF RAPIERS
Related to death , pain and illness. Misery, destruction and loss.
Reversal : a passing improvement.
ANGUISH
SQUIRE OF RAPIERS
Independent in his youth, with a curious face, open to the world. Rivalry.
Reversal : malice, frivolousness and cruelty.
BOLDNESS
KNIGHT OF RAPIERS
Passion, valor, willingness to confront the worked.
Reversal : carelessness, excess and rivalry
DARING
QUEEN OF RAPIERS
Feminine spirit, shrewd, independent and distant under a veil
of sadness. Pain which leads us to wisdom. Sadness that can become
intolerance and resentment.
Reversal : hypocrisy, arrogance.
SOLITUDE
KING OF RAPIERS
Innovative masculine side, with strong convictions, cold and clear. Reasonable,
critical, intelligent, distant and objective.
Reversal : cruel, revengeful, violent and sadistic.
IMPOSITION
The wands, staffs or clubs represent strength in the face of adversity and are
characterized by action, selfsufficiency and impulse. They tell us of
betrayal, the family and authority. They symbolize nobility of spirit.
ACE OF WANDS
The I of wands is authority, power, capacity to face new limes. Courage and
vanity. Selfassurance and ability to convince.
The decision to move forward. Vital force, dynamism, delivery, passion,
fulfillment
Reversal : infidelity, passivity, spiritual void, daring.
DECISION and ACHIEVEMENT
TWO OF WANDS
A time of waiting, expecting news. Mature cooperation following achievement.
But is also talks of indifference, indecision, lack
of compromise and even idleness.
Reversal : sadness, upset, loss of faith, indecision, unease
NEWS
THREE OF WANDS
Good perspectives, security, confidence and success. Use of talent and
originality.
Reversal : lack of ability, disorder, getting lost in projects, failure.
WORK
FOUR OF WANDS
Romance, harmony and tranquility. It is the harvest and the fruit of working in
peace. It refers to projects dreamed of but
not carried out, to having one's mind occupied. Immobility and also tranquility
Reversal : delay, insecurity, happiness and unfinished dreams.
PASSIVITY
FIVE OF WANDS
Ambition, irritability, bitterness. Irregular life and disputes, incorrect behavior
or disorder and carelessness. Separation.
Reversal : the need to pay attention and think about new projects.
ARGUMENT
SIX OF WANDS
Recognition, small victories, welcome return, good news. The sweet returns of
effort. The love letter
Reversal : betrayal, fear, false pride, boastfulness and selfdeceit.
ADVANCEMENT
SEVEN OF WANDS
Constancy and expectation. Without passion, but treading the path we arrive at
the goal. Invention, success, sweet triumph and distant news.
Reversal : it is envy, pointless competition, indecision, consternation and
perplexity.
INTELLECT
EIGHT OF WANDS
Sudden change and progress, positive influences. Unexpected impulses and
great hopes.
Reversal : disputes, jealousy, impetuosity, insecurity and remorse.
MOVEMENT
NINE OF WANDS
Anticipation, sometimes even going back to start again, expectation of
difficulties, deception, inactive time.
Reversal : tells us of lack of initiative, adversity, problems, unhappiness,
disaster.
DELAYS
TEN OF WANDS
Give up old habits to start anew. Soon we will need to shed a load. Oppression
and burden.
Reversal : fear of risks, uselessness, contradictions and deceit
CHANGE and RESPONSIBILITY
SQUIRE OF WANDS
Beginning of projects. Independent and altruistic preparation for the future.
Objectivity, clarity, analysis.
Reversal : instability, fear of the path, failure.
PROJECT
KNIGHT OF WANDS
Thirsty for adventure, heated and impatient. Imaginative, fickle, charming.
Reversal : alienation, flight.
VISIT
QUEEN OF WANDS
Openhearted and protective, independence and security.
The feminine side of energetic will, fighter, brave and enter prising.
Reversal : critical, harsh, dominant, treacherous.
FULFILMENT
KING OF WANDS
The positive masculine and mature side, optimism, enterprise, strong
mindedness and temperamental.
At the same time high hopes, valor, authority, dynamism, creativity and
solidity.
Reversal : poor loser, power thirsty, intolerant, sever and selfish.
INTEGRITY
Multiple Coins Laid In A Spread
Coins represent material things. They are associated with reaching goals and being rewarded
for hard work. Physically, Coins often represent very fair or red
haired people. If there are more
than four Coins in a spread, this could indicate that materialism is a dominating influence th
e
life of the subject. In this case, it is worth pointing out that material wealth will not necessari
ly bring spiritual fulfillment
Multiple Cups Laid In A Spread
Cups represent the spiritual. They are associated with feelings and emotions, relationships
and thoughts. Physically, Cups often represent people of common coloring
neither dark nor fair. If
there are more than four Cups in a spread, this could indicate a tendency to live in a world of
ideas and feelings, getting little done. Encouragement to be practical might be in order. On a
positive note, though, a predominance of Cups in a spread indicates that the subject is
particularly emotionally aware and has a deep sense of the spiritual.
Multiple Rapiers Laid In A Spread
Rapiers represent the intellectual. They are associated with dispute and instability.
Physically, rapiers often represent very dark or black
haired people. If there are more than four Rapiers in
a spread, this could be an ill omen. Rapiers are the Suit of War, and a large number of them i
n a single spread could indicate that a major dispute or confrontation is brewing.
Multiple Wands Laid In A Spread
Wands represent creative things. They are associated things actually getting done: ideas bein
g realized, new beginnings and ambitious changes being made. Physically, Wands often
represent dark or brown haired people.
If there are more than four Wands in a spread, this could indicate a new business enterprise,
the beginning of a new creative project or the start of some other new initiative.
The spiral of selfrevelation
© Andrè M. Pietroschek from this headline on
Older books dabbled about tarot as a journey. The simplified version was
focusing on the major arcana exclusively. The more hermetic one instead asked of
all adepts, by rank each time again, to answer their own truth to each of the
cards.
The generic idea was, that from fool to the world world each card would represent
one step. Logically this depends very much on definition. Maybe you don't want
to be brainwashed into some “guruesque” dogma or agenda? Critical thinking
may not always be wrong. For some it might work. As I define the tarot as
illumination, an intuitive form of gaining insights via skilled application of the
mind, there is some small discrepancy to the “magical” art of divination or
scrying.
• Once a nice reading: P. D. OUSPENSKY THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT
PHILOSOPHY OF OCCULTISM IN PICTURES AND NUMBERS
Once more, this is more a letter to a specific person, shared with the rest of
the world. There is no big secrecy and my own revelations are not that
worldshaking, as far as I know.
I work to keep it short and not dabble myself into abstruseness. The list of tarot
card meanings above was an amalgamation of three files found freely on the web.
They are what I could agree to, not much meddling and no dire change of cards
meaning either.
I once more quote of Benjamin Rowe, who was not the worst on the topic of
scrying. You can download the PDF by him on the topic scrying, if you just type
his name and scrying into the search window of a search engine, Internet search.
See included picture below here .
Certain experiences tend to be recurrent in everydaylife. Enough, to make books
like the holy bible score some impressive moments among all the religious
sermon or outright hogwash. Tarot, as noted for hermetic adepts, is constantly
used as a training tool and simplified practice of spiritual measure, or of varying
importance.
Most people outside the field of indulging “spiritual” topics seem to know only the
moneymaking approach of “predicting the future”. I do not believe in such,
intuition is not a preternatural power, but a brainfunction. Maybe a cerebral
feature more distinguished in some people.
Our TV has a great number of frauds and conartists, often with their only trick
being, that they themselves believe what mindcrap they announce before
cameras.
On the other hand, if the law does not punish villainy, why blame the rogues?
Those people work before TV cameras, reciting, that they are not allowed to give
medical advise, then giving precisely that forbidden, illegal medical pseudoadvise
anyway. Where is the lawoffice? Absent or disinterested again. It is in the nature
of greedy people, to use and abuse all chances for fast monetary gain. They are
somehow guilty, but only due the law not doing it's job could they commit their
“criminal offense”.
• In Germany you must be studied in the proper medical science, to promise
“healing” of any form. Politically correct theory at least.
To me the interesting part is, that powerful veil of darkness which protects such
villains from persecution for years. They earn the fast and easy money, where I
am just a pauper. Maybe they are powerful in their own villainous way. Maybe
such is the magick of the modern age?
• Maybe their purpose is not yet known to me. Such seems to happen in
society from time to time. Strictly forbidden stuff going unscathed, to tutor
or demonstrate to the public.
The tarot journey or spiral. If one takes the time, to answer the meaning of
each major arcana tarot card once per year, then there should be
developments concerning these meanings. Seemingly this becomes a book
filling task among certain hermetic lodges or orders. What the adeptus minor
knew is proven flawed, naive or lacking. Even by the same person when
competence of an adeptus major is reached.
Style Change made on symbols
I mention in this file, that I prefer daggers. I do not really dislike swords, yet they
are harshly the only kind of blades known either. I renamed all swordcards,
element of air by association, into rapier cards.
The original rapier was a fencing sword. In later centuries it became the slim
fighting needle many despise. The rapier was a slim longsword made for women
and fast stab or thrust attacks by preference, yet still capable of hacking and
slashing. The weapon had elegance, which the typical European longsword
simply lacked. The rapier further belonged to weapons which had a use outside of
war and conflict. Fencing was a dignified sport and Olympic discipline, if I
remember it right. Blade is blade for tarot symbolism so if you need the cutlass or
longknife instead, let your imagination reign. Free art, free spirit and I forgot
the rest!
The Jester's Reign
My 1st published, tarot or rune PDF was... not precisely a masterpiece.
Graphically the first feedback arriving via the www.scribd.com , by the person
nicknamed “Jester Raiin” was disillusioning, perhaps reminding to me.
He did graphically better for sure. As sure is, that he emailed me permission to
include the next picture you can see below here in the text.
My own truth: A promising approach, but on closer inspection, it is not much,
which the Celtic cross, tree of life or Inanna's descent spreads hadn't already
defined before.
The Star includes “hope”. In a multitude of ways, this truth is real for me,
when it comes to the Jester Raiin. Otherwise, just as a reminder, I
criticized myself much worse, than what I mentioned about anybody else in
this file.
The beneficial – baleful aspect of the one word per card meaning
If one brings down all cards to one specific meaning, expressed in one
SUMMARY per card, then the simplification of card versus inverted, or
reversed, card may be helpful indeed. Some say the card placed properly is
beneficial and the card upside down is the baleful aspect of the meaning.
Others, of course, claim that the proper card is baleful and the upside
down draw is the beneficial. The bible claims its all insane devilry anyway.
• Isn't it just the same in the spiritual fight against the devil; one,
recurrent in several cultures, intention of the devil is, to divide
hearts, to take away the faithful love that makes peoples' solidarity
work out well? For when faith, or maybe unconditional love, dies
down, then they are easy prey and the devil inserts itself between
soul and community, killing in both directions? The Muslims know,
that anything which keeps us from god, is suspicious at best.
Generic notes
Questions we can ask ourselves and others, on proper occasion:
• What am I passionate about? Including what do I dread.
• What distinguishes me clearly & frequently from others?
• How do I perceive the world & my life?
• What are my ideals? Or why do I lack any ideal?
• What major lessons of life have I learned and how? From whom?
• How have I grown or degenerated and due what aspect of the
experience(s)?
• Where or when have I made a difference? What were the circumstances?
• Did I overcome a hardship? (Don't just say what happened, realize or
explain, how it felt and what it taught you.)
• How is it, that certain tarot cards only trigger my mind, when from certain
decks? Why do other cards always have, or lack, a meaning for me?
That one major, four minors approach
One card, which is always somehow suiting, is the Fool. All humans have
moments of folly or idiocy in their life. Sometimes just stuff we are unaware of. If I
take my self as example, then I would spontaneously guess, that a major arcana
representing me, could be the fool, the chariot or justice. I would prefer the
hermit, but just because I like solitude more, than intense socializing, that
doesn't really need to be my most defining signification of self.
Spontaneous Thoughts on the topic:
• Pentacles: I am a pauper, means an ace or two of pentacles in its mundane,
financially severed or at risk, meaning would simply be suiting. I am not a
master of the coin, no matter, if within or without.
• Cups: I have no spectacular deficiency here and serene spirit suits, nine of
cups,... knight of cups as the wounded healer was true on occasion. Ha, six
of cups, as often as nostalgia overrides my actual ambitions.
• Wands: Three of wands was repetitive in my life. Squire and King “ring a
bell” to me, yet depending on context and this is neither my diary, nor my
confession. 4 of wands as artist.
• Rapiers: I am the daggertype, not the swordfetishist. Queen of rapiers, as
it blends contemplation, sorrow and solitude. King card for my darker
moments. Wow, a spiritual royalty? ;) Yin&Yang, not all “dark is evil”
hogwash. Visualization...
The one word per card approach makes this especially handy. Using imagination,
the so called minds eye, to contemplate the meaning of a situation or person by
imagining the most suiting tarot card. Helpful when one has lost the deck once
again, too. Customers never actually steal the decks in some rush of
superstitious greed...
I will wait for some more feedback and contributions from other people, before
advancing. As state of affairs is: I won't improve much here, before 15.09.2008
anyway. This was under the assumption, that the person nicknamed “Jester
Raiin” survived the trip to Tunisia and returns, instead of building his own
“Sufiesque”cult with harem in the desert. ;)
Heraldic insignia of the city I live in
Photo of me, someday 2009
Transformation Note
● The Moon, major arcane 18, is the signifier of voluntary change in spreads
dealing such topics.
● The reaper or Death, major arcane 13, is the signifier of involuntary,
enforced or even violent changes.
BugNote
When I thought, that I found a so called “workaround” for the bug which
sabotaged my prowess here, I was true. Sadly the bug simply came in a different
form, the bug found its own “workaround” against me, damaging the PDF I
made.
Fatal instinct – satanic ascension
This overstatement is my opener for a diary note. On the major arcane number
15, the Devil, I had the ritual succeeded, the mentalism done. Once in my life and
late for someone, who read basics on Satanism, I had any, no matter how petty,
practical advancement on the beneficial aspect of the devil card.
And it felt good. For a moment relief and insight performed their own little race in
my head. It didn't bring me preternatural power and it did not make me rich
either. But an emotional crackdown is still better, than nothing. Knowing
something from booklore and having experienced some of the truth about it are
different leagues on occasion.
From now on I can handle the card differently.
Secondary illumination
The author Paul Beakley wrote the “Jail of Night”. This was a five part
series about how to adapt, imagine and understand a crossover
between “Kult – The Splatterpunk RPG” and White Wolf's World of
Darkness. Back then part one for vampires, two for werewolves, three
for Mages, four for Wraith and part five for Changelings.
As a cute little extra he included a summary about the servants of the
Demiurg and the death angels of the shadow of the Demiurg, namely
Astaroth, in that setting.
Of course the fantasy, that Tarot is one of the keys and what this
means within Kult context was amusing. Wrong, but amusing. And
inspiring.
Paul Beakley explained in quite some detail, the what and why of this
crossover world. Now what, if we would do an attempt, to actually use
the Tarot for more, than just moneymaking and simplespiritualtoy
stunts?
What if people all over the world would stop reenacting memorized
crap about what long dead authors defined as tarot and would check,
where and for what Tarot would be of use in the modern age?
Wouldn't we make the lesser tool of hermetic magick into something
else? Wouldn't we thereby try to develop? Even from trial and error
one can learn.
A new plan came up into my mind. Maybe one day I can share it with
the world.
Ritualistic Mind Fortress
If you like, join me on this contemplation. Let us imagine, that I did not be slave
to a childish urge when I still published roleplaying stuff.
Maybe one of my ongoing projects was, to build a platform like this: Several of us
have some insights and skills in some form of occult. I could nearly call it
prowess.
Now what would happen, if we use a roleplay, its rules streamlined for :
1. An atmosphere all participants would find pleasant enough.
2. A definition of characters and “powers” which are realistic enough, for real
magick and similar.
3. Adventures or scenarios which are not too demanding, so all of us, even the
game guide, could silently and secretly, or maybe cheering, use this group
sleight of mind, to reap personal insights about occult approaches, without
any need to share them with each other?
Friends could share, greedy people sell out for money, I am not that dumb. Yet
the way I just predefined would mean, members from different traditions could
teamup without any real need, to betray their worldly traditions or such.
Or emailed to pietroschek@writing.com
Archetypal & Tradition Cards
A topic more difficult and tainted by lies, assumptions and personal wishes, than I
had ever expected. I had nearly forgotten: tainted by delusions and fraud, too!
“The seven aspects of god” “No! It's nine aspects!” “Wrong you two! It is hogwash
instead!” … “It is the infinite aspects of god, you infidels!” Let god decide gods
choices, dear mortals among us?
Now we could listen to the chorus of yokels and fools who think writing the same
about the devil and every polytheist deity would be decisive. It is not, because
without finishing the core or kernel of the matter, it will fail anyway, no matter,
whom it fails on what, in what country and what … hey, religious people should not
do tarot at all in several religions. “Devilry, Heresy & Witchcraft!”
To define what I mean with traditions, I will quote a Heavy Metal Band from my
own, longgone youth.
“It is more than our religion, it is the only way to live!” This quote from Man'O'War
was often underestimated and sometimes, it still is.
A lot of people consider joining a social club, sect or church makes them. No, it helps
them to delude themselves or be deluded by a guru or similar. And wearing a uniform
or costume does not precisely overcome practice either. Oh facts can be evil...
Lifestyle as a hint to remind, that our real priorities telltale of our real self. Naturally
we all have to arrange with society, yet if you can't even be true to yourself, then you
can't be a highly advanced, enlightened or otherwise ranked person in context.
Since Aleister Crowley we always had more Magi than we ever had adepts. Since
Napoleon we had thousands of his rebirths, all proven fraud or insane anyway.
Example traditions
• Druids. Stonehenge mysticism, excuse for hippiesex & drugs or measure for
navigation and astrology are the cliché. Does it only need a name or pseudo
title to be something? If somebody on the streets calls me a doctor, does this
mean I could legitimately start the job without studying medical science or
similar? NO IT DOES NOT! What do we know about Druids? Fairy tales
made up mostly, by Arthurian Tales about Merlin and what archaeologists and
historians wanted us to buy as “scientific evidence” they wrote about. Druids
shunned cities and loved nature. Look around on the planet and you see that
our societies murder the environment long before any green technology can
replace, what lifeforms need to live a healthy existence.
• Personally I just wondered, which. Which stars did they love and which
nature? Really the mundane one? Or the dreamy, symbolical to spiritual one
within?
The biblical Thief
I never met any Magus as strong and versatile, as that description of an archetype.
Barnabas (?) escapes the crucification, where the selfdeclared Messiah fails. God
allows the thief to live and makes the guru die. No judgment clouded by family ties
either. In other chapters the thief is … damn, there are moments when the devil itself
is described as more humane or modest within the bible. Spooky, what they just
named “thief”. Powerful, too. Villainous for sure.
• One suspicion I got about it was: That early Christianity feared mundane foes
more, than they feared spiritual or unholy ones. Much faith, less courage and
academics claim not much mind either? Complex topic, luckily I do not
indulge it anymore.
WebCam juggling,
while trying to see on the screen,
what it captures...rolling eyes effect.