Magickal Tarot by Robyn Valentine
Magickal Tarot by Robyn Valentine
Magickal Tarot by Robyn Valentine
First Published in 2021 by Fair Winds Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group,
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265-D, Beverly, MA 01915, USA.
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25 24 23 22 21 12345
RO
ISBN: 978-1-58923-993-7
Crea
Digital edition published in 2021
eISBN: 978-1-58923-994-4
Printed in China
For Austin, who will not read this
but will tell everyone I dedicated my book to him.
Magickal
Tarot
SPREADS, SPELLWORK, AND RITUAL
FOR CREATING YOUR LIFE
RObyn Valentine
Creator of Tired Witch
(F52)_T
contents 12 THE HANGED MAN
Release: Letting Go of T
13 DEATH ....................
INTRODUCTION: TAROT AS A MAGICKAL TOOL ................. 6 Fresh Start: Calling a Ne
14 TEMPERANCE ........
CHAPTER 1 ........................................................................... 7 Habit-Balancing Bath: W
IntrOductiOn tO the MajOr Arcana 15 THE DEVIL ..............
Sexual Domination Spel
CHAPTER 2 .......................................................................... 10 16 THE TOWER ...........
Building a RelatiOnship with YOur Cards One Foot in the Right D
17 THE STAR ................
CHAPTER 3 .......................................................................... 16 Emotional Wellbeing: Re
Applying the MajOr Arcana tO SpellwOrk 18 THE MOON ............
Nightmare Ward: Full Ni
CHAPTER 4 .......................................................................... 19
19 THE SUN .................
The MajOr Arcana Success Incense: Luck A
20 JUDGMENT ............
00 THE FOOL .......................................................................... 20
Renewal Spell: Peace fro
Employment Spell: Landing the Job ........................................ 24
21 THE WORLD ...........
01 THE MAGICIAN ................................................................. 25
Birthday Ritual: Make a W
Confidence Charm: Carrying Yourself with Pride...................... 29
02 HIGH PRIESTESS ................................................................ 30
CHAPTER 5 ......................
Prophetic Dreams Spell Bottle: Divination Dreams .................. 34
03 EMPRESS ............................................................................ 35
COrrespOndence in M
Fertility Spell: Egg Candle ........................................................ 39
Basic Numerology.........
04 EMPEROR ........................................................................... 40
The Four Elements ........
Promotion Spell: Finding Your Voice ........................................ 44
Lunar Phases .................
05 HIEROPHANT..................................................................... 45
Spiritual Guidance Dreams: Voices from Dreamland ................ 49 CHAPTER 6 ......................
06 THE LOVERS ...................................................................... 50
TarOt Spreads
Love Attraction Spell: Attracting a Soulmate............................ 54
07 THE CHARIOT .................................................................... 55 Three Card Spread Varia
Competition Spell: Taking Home Gold ..................................... 59 Making Magick Spread .
08 STRENGTH ......................................................................... 60 Monthly Check-in Sprea
Release Spell: Letting Go of Anger .......................................... 64 Self-Love Spread ...........
09 THE HERMIT....................................................................... 65 Coming into Power Spre
Excelling on a Test: Star Student .............................................. 69
10 WHEEL OF FORTUNE ....................................................... 70
WORKS CITED .................
Gambling Spell: Lucky Hands ................................................... 74
11 JUSTICE .............................................................................. 75 INDEX ..............................
Justice Spell: Speed Up Karma................................................. 79 ABOUT THE AUTHOR ......
You may know tarot as a tool for divination, but divination is only the
beginning of its usefulness. All magickal tools are based on symbolism
and are associated with historic knowledge about why we use them.
Understanding the why is vital for all magickal applications, and tarot is
no different.
In fact, tarot is chock full of symbolism. With knowledge of this
symbolism, you will find that it becomes an easily accessible magickal
tool for spellwork, ritual, and beyond. In this book, we will explore the
symbolism of the Major Arcana and the energies associated with the
cards of the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
It’s important that we give credit to Pamela Colman Smith for the
imagery we see in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, because her name has
mostly been forgotten due to her odd (for the times) lifestyle and role in
society. Although Waite is credited for the creation of the deck, Smith
was the artist behind the imagery we most commonly associate with
tarot. During the turn of the last century, it was nearly unheard of to
credit a woman of (theorized) mixed-race background, one who may
have been LGBTQIA+, for her contributions. For this reason, it is not
only important but necessary that we include her today.
Once you have a firm understanding of each card’s symbolism, the
doors to a countless array of magickal possibilities will open for you!
6 Magickal Tarot
may know tarot as a tool for divination, but divination is only the
nning of its usefulness. All magickal tools are based on symbolism
are associated with historic knowledge about why we use them.
erstanding the why is vital for all magickal applications, and tarot is
ifferent.
n fact, tarot is chock full of symbolism. With knowledge of this
bolism, you will find that it becomes an easily accessible magickal
for spellwork, ritual, and beyond. In this book, we will explore the
bolism of the Major Arcana and the energies associated with the
1
s of the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
t’s important that we give credit to Pamela Colman Smith for the
IntrOductiOn
gery we see in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, because her name has
tly been forgotten due to her odd (for the times) lifestyle and role in
ty. Although Waite is credited for the creation of the deck, Smith
to the
the artist behind the imagery we most commonly associate with
. During the turn of the last century, it was nearly unheard of to
it a woman of (theorized) mixed-race background, one who may
been LGBTQIA+, for her contributions. For this reason, it is not
important but necessary that we include her today.
Once you have a firm understanding of each card’s symbolism, the
s to a countless array of magickal possibilities will open for you!
MajOr Arcana
8 Magickal Tarot
Major Arcana is the set of the first twenty-two cards of any tar Once we have a solid understanding of why each card holds its
that follows the Rider-Waite-Smith formatting. The re the traditional energies, we can apply those energies to areas outside of
est and most impactful cards of a deck. These twenty-two card divination, such as manifestation. The cards are loaded with symbolism
esent situations we all face in the grand scheme of life, with eac that can be reflected in other areas of one’s spiritual practice, even on a
ying specific messages of perspective and guidance. They follo mundane level of manifesting the energy of that card for your daily life.
’s journey through life’s social, personal, and emotional issues
will see throughout this book, we can also use the Major Arcan WHAT IS MANIFESTATION?
l tool, as the cards are full of symbolism and specific energies.
Prior to the seventeenth century, the Major Arcana card deck w In this book, we will explore the basic energies associated with each of
ply a variation of a gaming deck. Although the cards may hav the Major Arcana cards so that they can be applied to your manifestation
ural significance, they held little occult or spiritual weight. The rituals, as well as to your practical rituals, charms, and spellwork.
bolism of the cards we discuss throughout this book, the Rider- What is manifestation? At the most basic, it is something’s form or
te-Smith deck, was brought to life in the early twentieth centur the form that it takes. It is a tool I have used to bring forth the energies
ough it has been reimagined time and time again). or events I want in my life, through witchcraft and magick. Although
there are other ways to manifest—not all people who use manifestation
Y LEARNING SYMBOLISM IS IMPORTANT would consider themselves witches—this book uses ritual and spell-
casting as tools for manifestation.
e we learn why specific energies are associated with the Rider- The tools used for manifestation ritual work can vary from
h (RWS) cards we can take that information and apply it to fu practitioner to practitioner, but they often include the Major Arcana due
ning and application, including to other decks. Although image to its heavy use of symbolism. That symbolism is an easily accessible tool
vary from deck to deck, it is generally acknowledged that the for manifestation work. Why not use it for the energies or events you
gies and symbolism of the RWS deck hold true. So, althoug want to call forth in your life?
have in your house may not mirror the traditional RWS exactly My hope is that this book pushes you to think outside the box in
the imagery in this book may not mirror the RWS imagery magick and witchcraft. Not everyone can pour money into their craft
tly—the symbolism is what is important. when they are first getting started, but luckily, we all have access to the
imagery of the RWS tarot, even if simply in a printed image. Thinking
creatively can push us as magickal practitioners, now and in the future.
(F52)_T
2
Building a
You will continue to grow and
with tarot throughout your li
cards is important when you
RelatiOnship
will become clear to you over
connecting with your deck ar
and energy of each card. If yo
may find yourself anxious to
Cards
will not only lead to a better i
doors to your using the cards
11
12 Magickal Tarot
Many witches and practitioners recommend sleeping with your
deck as you build a bond with it. This practice is not required, and
any superstition that tells you otherwise is just that: a superstition.
However, it is an intimate way to speed up your bonding experience
with your cards.
When you first build a bond with a deck, I recommend that
you shuffle with your left hand. Down the line this isn’t something
one needs to do, but the left represents the subconscious, and this simple
act connects us to that deeper plane of intuition and subconscious
feeling. Again, this is not a requirement, but it is my recommended
practice when you are learning a new deck.
Ask questions you know the answers to already to see how your
deck responds. Some decks are harsher, while some meet you with a
velvet glove. Find out how direct your deck is for future interpretation.
Getting to know how your deck answers your questions will make ritual
work easier as well. If you have a harsh deck, you may find it less flexible
as a ritual tool.
(F52)_T
LEARNING THE CARDS
My first tip for any form of learning is to take your time. Tarot is a
practice, something that we never stop learning. You don’t need to
have it down in a day so you can start charging people. If that is your
intention, well . . . maybe tarot isn’t for you.
Start by learning one card or one grouping of cards at a time. Maybe
start with just the Major Arcana or a suit in the minors. Maybe start
with just learning the five cards associated with the number eight. Or
maybe just start with the one. Remember, it’s not a race. Sit with this
focus for at least a week. If you are keeping a grimoire for tarot, take
note of the symbolism, numerology, colors, and esoteric icons.
Start with the basic Rider-Waite-Smith interpretations before
branching out to your meanings. This isn’t to suggest you should ignore
your intuition—jot your thoughts down in your grimoire as they come
to you and revisit them when focusing on spreads or daily pulls. If the
themes continue to crop up, that is your intuition at play. Making note
of it is important to your overall growth.
My biggest recommendation for learning about your deck is to keep
a journal (in addition to your grimoire). Whether you are learning card
by card or doing daily draws, writing down your readings/cards will
develop your intuition and act as a great memory tool for learning each
card, especially in the beginning. Our daily journal prompt should be
open—no spreads or structured meanings, but simple questions such as:
14 Magickal Tarot
ARNING THE CARDS
first tip for any form of learning is to take your time. T When we pull a single or even partnered card with one of these
tice, something that we never stop learning. You don’ simple prompts, we are focusing on the symbolism, the meaning, and
it down in a day so you can start charging people. If t our intuition. What do you feel when you see this card? What is your
ntion, well . . . maybe tarot isn’t for you. energy? What do you see within the card, and what does that mean?
tart by learning one card or one grouping of cards a How would you apply this feeling and knowledge to your interpretation
with just the Major Arcana or a suit in the minors. M for the day ahead?
just learning the five cards associated with the numbe We can then revisit what happened during the day on the next
be just start with the one. Remember, it’s not a race. Si morning before our next single pull. How did the day’s events relate to
s for at least a week. If you are keeping a grimoire for t the card you drew? Doing this will not only help you learn tarot; it will
of the symbolism, numerology, colors, and esoteric ico also build your intuition to a point where journaling is not necessary—
tart with the basic Rider-Waite-Smith interpretation though of course you can still journal if it helps your process.
ching out to your meanings. This isn’t to suggest you s
intuition—jot your thoughts down in your grimoire a
ou and revisit them when focusing on spreads or dail
mes continue to crop up, that is your intuition at play
is important to your overall growth.
My biggest recommendation for learning about your de
urnal (in addition to your grimoire). Whether you are l
ard or doing daily draws, writing down your readings/
lop your intuition and act as a great memory tool for l
, especially in the beginning. Our daily journal promp
n—no spreads or structured meanings, but simple ques
Applying
Outside of divination, tarot h
use the cards:
the MajOr
1. As elemental or other m
ELEMENT SU
Arcana to
Air Sw
Water Cu
Earth Pen
SpellWOrk Fire
Spirit
Wa
Ma
Outside of divination, tarot has myriad uses in our spellwork. You can
use the cards:
17
18 Magickal Tarot
4
life, a tarot card can be a powerful ritual tool.
Many tarot spells include crystals, candles, herbs, and/or oils in
tion to tarot cards as the focal point of the spell. It is not necessary
clude other aspects in your spell, however. Just as in any form of
work, you can always use substitutions; our intention is the most
ortant tool we have available to us. The tarot card is sometimes
ed underneath, behind, in front of, or to the side of a candle or
al the spell requires. We are channeling the energy of this card,
s placement is in itself an element of this spellworking. Spellwork
has a tarot card as a primary focus often calls for the card to be
the Major
Arcana
within view on one’s altar for a certain duration. In some cases, you
ht also carry it on your person for a time or place it in a significant
ion that correlates to the spellwork.
Although the Major Arcana is the arcana primarily used in spellwork
is our focus for this book, this isn’t to say that the minors are
uded. The majors’ focus is on karmic influences and the big archetypal
mes that are influencing your life. Therefore, majors are the easiest to
slate into ritual and spellwork. But if you are using a minor suit, or
(s) feel more appropriate to you, by all means, do not feel as though
are held back.
20 Magickal Tarot
00 The FOOl
THE FOOL’S SYMBOLISM N MAGIC
The Fool holds a white rose, which represents purity and innocence. He
himself is a bit innocent and naive, but not in a negative way. Much like rojects, job a
a child, he is unafraid of the future. Although we may consider his blind ur life, mov
optimism illogical by today’s standards, it allows him to open up endless
possibilities. The world is his oyster. The same is said about the dog, ew moon, fu
which is also white in the original RWS deck. Left to nature, the dog
is a wolf, but human intervention domesticates it. The white dog is also
bout fresh sta
a representation of intellect, a human condition that is lower than the
, as we have d
spiritual cosmic egg from which we spring.
, we look at t
In the RWS version, The Fool holds a red knapsack and has red
e we must ha
brimming around his sleeves. This knapsack contains all his hidden
nt them to tak
desires and hopes for his future as well as his essential needs. Red is a
lly speaking,
primary color and is generally associated with action and power. The
f application
red knapsack is tied to a wand, the essence of actions. The pouch, which
elps you to fin
represents the subconscious, is full of his past memories. He has not
se The Fool
utilized the past lives in his pouch consciously, but he is ready to learn
rrounding an
how. The red feather in his hat is a symbolic representation of his desire,
ives in feet
passion, and truth.
’t just go away
The mountain peaks in the background are cold and snow-covered,
gies of The Fo
a reminder of the accomplishments awaiting each of us on our journey
ces, you can
through life. They are contrasted against the foreground The Fool stands
uld not be m
upon, which reminds us of the mathematical concept of fractals. Up
n. After all, c
close, the mountains in the RWS card look like a pile of rocks, but from
aving optim
a distance, they rise into beautiful, mathematical perfection.
irrors The F
The Fool is not even looking where he is going; he is so close to a cliff
olize the ch
that he could fall at any moment. Again, we see The Fool symbolizing
aired with
trust in the universe and the belief that we are headed in the right
s all about fre
direction, thus the name The Fool. By all accounts, this mentality is
ch of the para
foolish, but the universe provides him with safe passage even if he is not
ll moon is wh
checking every angle of the path ahead.
ugh the symb
e your spellw
ing for! Touc
ymbol for t
ginning phas
ke him, she is
22 Magickal Tarot
E FOOL’S SYMBOLISM THE FOOL IN MAGICK AL WORK
(F52)_T
01 The
LANDING THE JOB
The Fool is all about fresh starts and new beginnings. What is a better
example of beginning again than landing a new job or career you are
hoping for? Although not all the correspondences below are required
to make this a success, it is important to maintain at least one or two.
ZODIAC Gemini
Try to keep this spell as near to your interview date as possible.
RULES Mercury
Lunar Phases: New moon, waxing moon
Day of the Week: Sunday ELEMENT Air
Astrological Moon Phase: Moon in Taurus or Virgo
COLOR Gold
INGREDIENTS AS A
• The Fool tarot card YES OR NO Yes
• Job Incense (see below) QUESTION
• Green or orange candle
• Tiger’s eye or citrine Ability,
Employment Spell
JOB INCENSE
• 1 part chamomile
• 1 part basil
• 1 part dragon’s blood
• 1 part lucky hand
24
B INCENSE
part chamomile
part basil
part dragon’s blood
part lucky hand
01 The Magician
THE MAGICIAN’S SYMBOLISM
(F52)_T
THE MAGICIAN IN MAGICK AL WORK G YOURSEL
an knows that he h
lso often have th
Energies: Abundance, power, creativity, any magick needing
e to see it forward.
full or extra strength n applying those t
Lunar Phases: Full moon, waxing moon ituation you’ve fo
elp yourself with a
Use The Magician in magick during the full moon or the waxing moon. es: Full moon, wax
The full moon, or esbats, is when the moon mirrors the energy of The eek: Friday
Magician. It is at its fullest potential and has the highest lunar energy. al Moon Phase: An
We reserve esbats for magick that needs your highest energy pull, and
The Magician is no different. The waxing moon draws energy in and NTS
r black pepper ess
can therefore be a useful correspondence with this card. That said, il
however, I would not pair The Magician with the waxing moon as a first gician tarot card
pick, but it is a great alternative if you have missed the full moon. dle
The Magician brings us the energy of pure potential; he is a bit of ragon’s blood inc
n or thurible (for b
a jack-of-all-trades. We use The Magician, much like the full moon, to
artz, either a pocke
hone energies that need our full energy and potential. He is the witch’s
card. Because this card is so open-ended, our focus is the use of the self,
TIONS
tapping into our power. We are looking at magickal energies that deal inning, please mak
with you and manifesting potential in your own life. I would not use e form to avoid har
it when helping someone you know. You are the divine spark (for our r the hotter black p
purposes here), not those around you. our working altar
. Light the candle.
The Magician can be used in spellwork targeting major life shifts.
his charm three tim
The Magician mirrors the same energy as The Fool, who is about new
beginnings, but focuses more toward self-starting. Unlike The Fool’s ead up high;
dumb luck, The Magician is purposeful, driven, and holding a lot of he tools I need.
calculated energy. Applying for a job that will launch your career? appy;
he tools I need.
Consider magick surrounding this card. This is the kind of energy we
ith confidence;
are looking at. he tools I need.
As The Magician is all about the self and confidence, it is perfect to wn Magician;
use in magick involving confidence and glamour magick. Use it as a tool he tools I need.
when charming a necklace or ring to bring self-confidence. Or use it to
rming your charm,
bring yourself a voice before public speaking. Confidence is key, and
ated. Wear or carry
The Magician’s magick exudes this energy. hat require a confi
our rose quartz be
ll moon or a Mond
28 Magickal Tarot
Confidence Charm
, but it is a great alternative if you have missed the full moon. • Red candle
The Magician brings us the energy of pure potential; he is a bit of • Sage or dragon’s blood incense
k-of-all-trades. We use The Magician, much like the full moon, to • Cauldron or thurible (for burning incense)
e energies that need our full energy and potential. He is the witch’s • Rose quartz, either a pocketable stone or in a piece of jewelry
. Because this card is so open-ended, our focus is the use of the self,
ing into our power. We are looking at magickal energies that deal INSTRUCTIONS
Before beginning, please make sure that your essential oil is in a carrier
you and manifesting potential in your own life. I would not use
oil of some form to avoid harming your skin or the stone (especially if
hen helping someone you know. You are the divine spark (for our you opt for the hotter black pepper oil). The Magician should either
poses here), not those around you. be placed on your working altar or propped up with your ritual tools
The Magician can be used in spellwork targeting major life shifts. before beginning. Light the candle. Using the oil, anoint the rose quartz
Magician mirrors the same energy as The Fool, who is about new while repeating this charm three times:
nnings, but focuses more toward self-starting. Unlike The Fool’s
I hold my head up high;
b luck, The Magician is purposeful, driven, and holding a lot of
I have all the tools I need.
ulated energy. Applying for a job that will launch your career? Make me happy;
sider magick surrounding this card. This is the kind of energy we I have all the tools I need.
ooking at. I am filled with confidence;
As The Magician is all about the self and confidence, it is perfect to I have all the tools I need.
I am my own Magician;
n magick involving confidence and glamour magick. Use it as a tool
I have all the tools I need.
n charming a necklace or ring to bring self-confidence. Or use it to
g yourself a voice before public speaking. Confidence is key, and After performing your charm, let the incense and candle burn until
Magician’s magick exudes this energy. they are eliminated. Wear or carry the rose quartz with you in all
future situations that require a confidence boost. You may cleanse and
recharge your rose quartz between encounters, under the appropriate
moon (a full moon or a Monday or Friday waxing moon).
29
30 Magickal Tarot
02 The High
Priestess
DIAC Virgo
LES Moon
EMENT Earth
OLOR Light blue, silver
A
Unclear. There is no straightforwar
S OR NO
it is dependent on the querent’
UESTION
Akashic recor
body, divine femininity, dreams, female
dichotomy, intr
RIGHT
meditation, Mother Goddess, secrets,
stillness, subconscious mind, women’s
mysteries, the moon and stars, T
Addictions, disconnection fr
VERSED jealousy
secrets, the other woman, withdrawal
(F52)_T
THE HIGH PRIESTESS’S SYMBOLISM RIESTESS
We see a calm woman sitting between two pillars of white and black.
Each has accents of the other’s color, a direct connection to yin and ion, truth, di
yang. While sitting between these two pillars, she becomes a symbol of ew moon, d
all-knowing; between two sides of every story, there is the truth. These
pillars are a reference to the biblical pillars that stood on the porch of
rring theme
Solomon’s Temple, the first temple in Jerusalem.
s of the moon
In The High Priestess’s hand is a book, but we can only see a few
stage marker
letters—Tora—of the book’s title. This book may be the ancient Torah,
ew moon, m
or the title may be the rearranged word tarot. She guards the book’s
secrets by not revealing the full title, but whether it is an allusion to the
s a card in t
Torah or tarot, it is no doubt referring to her all-knowing nature.
gies make he
Her crown and veil are further references to deep intuition and
fter all, one
boundless knowledge. The moon is associated with women’s mysteries
actices. Befo
and our divine feminine intuition. The High Priestess’s crown is one of
elp connect w
the ancient Celtic symbols for the cyclical nature of the female: Maiden,
ith spellwork
Mother, Crone. She has been through all stages of life, and she has the
nd truth, d
wisdom and insight to show for it. The moon at her feet also represents
s on the all-k
this, pairing with the Maiden stage of the lunar lifespan.
eveals to you
The wall of pomegranate behind The High Priestess is a reference to
bconscious h
the Greek goddess Persephone and her husband Hades. This symbol is
to it.
one of the underworld and the cycles of life. Much like the Celtic Triple
tion is a trick
Goddess, the garden portrays life, death, and rebirth. The pomegranates
ou are work
represent the female or feminine energies. It is a sign of union with the
he astral pla
divine as well as union with others.
ravel in prep
32 Magickal Tarot
E HIGH PRIESTESS’S SYMBOLISM THE HIGH PRIESTESS IN MAGICK AL WORK
(F52)_T
DIVINATION DREAMS
Prophetic dreams are a common form of divination, and people often
03 The
keep dream journals by their bedside table to record the night’s
dreamscapes. As witches, we may use our dream journal to push the
dream further and understand their hidden messages. There are several
possible spells to aid in this journey, but the one I find most helpful is a
spell bottle. It’s easy, and you can use it as long as you wish to maintain it.
ZODIAC Taurus a
Lunar Phases: Full moon, waxing moon
Day of the Week: Monday RULES Venus
Astrological Moon Phase: Pisces or Cancer full moon
ELEMENT Air
INGREDIENTS COLOR Green
• Purple and/or silver candle • Mugwort
• The High Priestess tarot card • Bay leaf
AS A
Prophetic Dreams Spell Bottle
Your spell bottle should be placed near your bed or on your nightstand.
Charge it regularly by moonlight, repeating the same chant every time.
Optional: Charge the jar any way you prefer. Try surrounding it with
corresponding crystals. Leave it in the moonlight on the day and/or moon
phases above. Keeping your spell bottle “topped off” will maintain its
intentional energy.
03 The Empress
am journals by their bedside table to record the night’s dreamscapes.
witches, we may use our dream journal to push the dream further and
erstand their hidden messages. There are several possible spells to
in this journey, but the one I find most helpful is a spell bottle. It’s easy,
you can use it as long as you wish to maintain it.
ot deck, The E
llow is the col
e radiant, vibra
n, nothing on
s that The Em
hildren, and e
f her vegetat
other of all t
f twelve stars
us, the Roma
e in this card
’s feet. In the R
k. Pearls symb
red to Venus,
ng nude in an
s holds a scept
llic symbol, re
eminine. This
spects to bring
gns and twelv
her to everyon
rrounding The
e related to Ve
inter, we are
oesn’t matter
ing new life in
03 The Empress
THE EMPRESS’S SYMBOLISM
(F52)_T
THE EMPRESS IN MAGICK AL WORK ANDLE
ism is used heavily in fe
e find that seeds an
Energies: Fertility, creativity, new projects, growth
sting pregnancy. This
Lunar Phases: Waxing moon, new moon r incantations. Our h
nd the commitment to
erforming this spell,
As The Empress is all about breathing new life into existence, she is ime to it. This spell may
the perfect tool to use for growth. This can be literal, such as fertility y ability to visualize, bu
magick and aiding the conception of a baby, or more figurative, such as ct” timeframe, so be p
creative workflow. Or maybe you are trying to open a business or take
hases: Full moon, wax
a new step in your career. As The Empress is all about nurturing new
he Week: Friday
projects and new life, wherever your personal garden needs tending, cal Moon Phase: Fu
she’s your girl.
The Empress is creative and passionate, and although we can use DIENTS
her to focus on literal birth matters, we also give birth to new ideas gg
every day. She breathes more life into our day-to-day activities, such as dle wax and wick (e.g.,
ove the wicks and pou
artwork and free-flow thinking. If we are starting new projects that need
ll seeds of your choice
that divine spark, she would be the ideal candidate to turn to. We are mpress tarot card
looking for her to nurture that creativity.
The Empress is the ultimate symbol of femme, which makes her a UCTIONS
staple for all rituals that involve the need to hone our feminine energy. et our intentions befo
This can span from anything stereotypical, such as sensuality and o be clear with yourself
intuition, to gender-related issues. Matters of the patriarchy and even ing.
st, prepare the egg. Ge
gender identity can come into play when we are looking at traditionally
en use scissors or a cr
feminine energies. he yolk into a bowl an
Use this card as a ritual tool during the lunar phases of the waxing or aste!). Gently wash the
new moon. As the waxing moon helps us expand and grow in any form gg carton, place the
of magick we are working with, it pairs perfectly with the nurturing ax into the eggshel
n a warmer to melt t
Empress. Meanwhile, the new moon is all about new beginnings and
ck and let the wax coo
fresh starts. Use The Empress to start a new chapter with a positive ed, add the seeds to t
mental attitude and the confidence to breathe life into any project you th your new egg candl
put your hands on. ose your eyes. Imagine
ms, first with flowers a
t on your altar next to
nce the candle is extin
eed-bearing tree.
38 Magickal Tarot
Fertility Spell
• Raw egg
y day. She breathes more life into our day-to-day activities, such as • Candle wax and wick (e.g., warm up tealights to
ork and free-flow thinking. If we are starting new projects that need remove the wicks and pour the wax)
divine spark, she would be the ideal candidate to turn to. We are • Small seeds of your choice
ing for her to nurture that creativity. • The Empress tarot card
The Empress is the ultimate symbol of femme, which makes her a
INSTRUCTIONS
e for all rituals that involve the need to hone our feminine energy.
We will set our intentions before, during, and after this spell. Take some
can span from anything stereotypical, such as sensuality and time to be clear with yourself about what those intentions are before
ition, to gender-related issues. Matters of the patriarchy and even beginning.
er identity can come into play when we are looking at traditionally First, prepare the egg. Gently poke a hole in the large end with a
nine energies. pin. Then use scissors or a craft blade to carefully expand the opening.
Use this card as a ritual tool during the lunar phases of the waxing or Empty the yolk into a bowl and set it aside to use however you see fit (no
food waste!). Gently wash the inside of the egg. Using either a small cup
moon. As the waxing moon helps us expand and grow in any form
or the egg carton, place the egg in an upright position. Gently pour the
agick we are working with, it pairs perfectly with the nurturing melted wax into the eggshell (if you are using tealights, gently warm the
press. Meanwhile, the new moon is all about new beginnings and candle on a warmer to melt the wax without damaging your wick). Add
h starts. Use The Empress to start a new chapter with a positive the wick and let the wax cool almost completely. When the wax is almost
tal attitude and the confidence to breathe life into any project you solidified, add the seeds to the top of your wax.
With your new egg candle in hand, hold it up to The Empress card
your hands on.
and close your eyes. Imagine the seeds growing into a tree. The tree
blossoms, first with flowers and then with fruit. Light the candle and place
it on your altar next to The Empress card until the candle burns out. Once
the candle is extinguished, bury what is left of the egg candle under a
seed-bearing tree.
39
40 Magickal Tarot
04 The Emper
DIAC Aries
LES The Sun
EMENT Fire
OLOR Red
A
S OR NO Yes
UESTION
Ambition, authority, defender
even temper, father
RIGHT leadership, management, order, patriar
reason, regulation, stability, structur
wisdom, working mentality
Bad father, bully, combativeness, cruelty
VERSED dictator, egocentricism, explosiveness,
ruthlessness, temper, tyrant
04 The EmperOr
THE EMPEROR’S SYMBOLISM PEROR IN MA
42 Magickal Tarot
THE EMPEROR IN MAGICK AL WORK
Hier
Remember that getting the job or promotion comes down to
knowing you’ve already got it before you interview—without coming
off as cocky, of course. There is a difference between cockiness and
confidence, though, so find your balance. Using the authority of
The Emperor, you can hone that energy and get the promotion you
are seeking!
ZODIAC Taurus
Lunar Phase: Full moon
Day of the Week: Sunday RULES Venus
Astrological Moon Phase: Full moon in Virgo
ELEMENT Earth
INGREDIENTS COLOR Red-ora
• The Emperor tarot card
• Orange string AS A
PrOmOtion Spell
44
HierOphant
wing you’ve already got it before you interview—without coming
as cocky, of course. There is a difference between cockiness and
fidence, though, so find your balance. Using the authority of
e Emperor, you can hone that energy and get the promotion you
seeking!
nt is reminiscen
e of his hands p
s a golden staff
rown that The
earing yokes tha
ot come from h
o the divine.
wo pillars we
re are equal; the
s conceals her fe
rophant has all
thing he has is s
erophant’s feet,
re him. The cros
asculine cons
he RWS deck,
e monk on the r
ymbols of the a
e Hierophant
espect for him a
heir subservienc
ilies, they can a
ious or spiritual
demics are also
05 The HierOphant
THE HIEROPHANT’S SYMBOLISM
The Hierophant is a tricky card when dealing with magick. Due to The
Hierophant’s association with dogma, community, elders, and tradition,
it may be hard for some people to find a way to incorporate it into their
spellwork. But even though witchcraft may not directly correlate to our
conventional ideas of dogma, people from all walks of life have elders.
We often seek out higher learning through those around us and the
people in our lives who have learned by doing so that we don’t have to
repeat their mistakes.
The Hierophant is one of the few cards that we can use magickally
with all lunar phases. When using this card, we are most often going to
be drawing in information and learning from our ancestors and guides.
Therefore, select a lunar phase based on the information you are seeking.
(See page 140 for more on lunar phases.)
We may find ourselves meditating with The Hierophant card to gain
deeper insight. As the card itself is a figure who hears messages from the
divine, combining it with our meditations can symbolize the messages
we seek from our guides.
Not all rituals need to follow a grand manifestation format.
Sometimes a ritual is as simple as repeating something in a specific way.
Knowing this, we can apply The Hierophant to our daily life rituals,
from brushing our teeth to morning meditation. Once we establish the
card within these rituals, we can consider a ritual in our daily life and
observe what about it needs improvement or adjusting.
48 Magickal Tarot
49
Before us we see two figures who mirror the biblical imagery of Adam
and Eve: a male figure and a female figure, both nude. Although their
energies are in opposition, they are on equal grounds as both figures are
sky-clad. The imagery of balance repeats itself more than once in this
card. The Tree of Knowledge stands behind the woman, the Tree of Life
behind the man. Without knowledge there is no human life, and vice
versa. They are two sides of the human experience. This duality is why
this card is associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini.
50 Magickal Tarot
06 The LOvers
DIAC Gemini
LES Mercury
EMENT Air
OLOR Orange
A
S OR NO Definite yes
UESTION
Agr
deals, carnal desire, choice, commitment,
RIGHT decisions, duality, fate, feminine and
relationships, soulmates
Cold, detachment, disharmony, divorce,
imbalance, infidelity, relationship issues,
VERSED
relationships breaking apart, terminated
contracts, too many partners
06 The LOvers
(F52)_T
THE LOVERS’ SYMBOLISM ERS IN MAG
52 Magickal Tarot
THE LOVERS IN MAGICK AL WORK
When using The Lovers for magick, we can work with every moon
phase except the waning moon. The Lovers card is about bringing two
people together, and therefore, we are drawing in energies. The ideal
lunar phase would be the waxing moon, as it pulls in the energies we
want to work with. You can also use both the full moon and the new
moon, depending on your intention. The new moon, as it is for fresh
starts and new beginnings, would be ideal for an intimate bonding
ceremony between two consenting parties or for spellwork that focuses
on business contracts. Meanwhile, the full moon is good for all that
extra energy; we consider it for any spell using The Lovers that requires
extra strength.
As The Lovers card deals with unions, we can examine it a few
different ways. First, there is the obvious connection of The Lovers in
the card’s symbolism as well as in life. Unions can be as bonding as
marriage or commitment ceremonies or they can be as fleeting as a one-
night stand. From whichever perspective you look at it, two people are
coming together. When using The Lovers card in magick, we bring two
people together, either for love or for more mundane reasons, such as
contracts and business exchanges. This card would be perfect to draw in
love around you by using it in a love spell. This would not be for a love
spell to target a singular person but instead to draw in your soulmate.
You can be specific about what you are looking for as long as you aren’t
keeping any one particular person in mind. Think about what you want
from a mate and focus on that energy. The Lovers card is connected
heavily to soulmates, so utilizing this energy for finding your own
soulmate is simply logical.
(F52)_T
07 The
ATTRACTING A SOULMATE
Attracting a soulmate is a journey and not one that happens instantly.
You should release any notion you had of a simple light switch spell.
The universe works on its own time. Be specific, without asking for a
specific person, and allow the great wide universe to do her magick.
ZODIAC Cancer
Lunar Phase: Waxing moon RULES Moon
Day of the Week: Friday
Astrological Moon Phase: Moon in Virgo ELEMENT Water
COLOR Yellow
INGREDIENTS
• The Lovers tarot card • White candle AS A
• Pink candle • Cauldron YES OR NO Yes
• Red candle • Pen QUESTION
LOve Attraction Spell
Allow the candles to burn out. Collect the ashes from your cauldron.
You can handle the ashes in one of two ways: Go to a river and hold the
ashes for a moment, visualizing the spell and your requested partner,
and then toss them into the stream. Or you can bury the ashes with a
rosebush until you find your love.
th bonding example that is The Lovers The Chariot’s driver seems to be steering two sphinxes to a finish line;
Earth, Air, Fire, Sea however, if we look closely, no reigns are keeping the sphinxes in place.
ease draw love to me. He uses his mind and mental capacity to control them. This reflects
meone who is connected to my soul,
mastery over a situation and your own life. The sphinxes, one black and
nce together, we shall be whole.
ive love freely, the other white, repeat the ongoing yin and yang imagery that we have
will accept love completely. seen in other cards leading up to this one. They bring symmetry and a
nd me this Lover, balance that allows the driver to maintain equal control with ease.
aw them to me.
I say, so shall it be.
w the candles to burn out. Collect the ashes from your cauldron. You
handle the ashes in one of two ways: Go to a river and hold the
es for a moment, visualizing the spell and your requested partner,
d then toss them into the stream. Or you can bury the ashes with a
ebush until you find your love.
The presence of the sphinxes on The Chariot card shows us its duality—
both driven and emotional. We make the conscious choice to control
our emotions when needed, to ride to victory.
Behind the sphinxes on the chariot cart front is a symbol that
looks like a perfectly balanced spinning top, surrounded by wings.
This symbolizes balance and mastery. If you are going to balance two
opposing forces, such as the black and white sphinxes, you will need to
be able to balance your mind, emotions, and body.
Going back to The Empress and The High Priestess, who both wear
crowns with imagery of the night sky, The Chariot’s driver wears a
solar crown. The sun, compared to its lunar counterpart, has far more
traditionally masculine energies. We are looking at the power, authority,
and drive that the sun brings to us. If we look closely at the RWS
version, however, we notice the moon is still present, seen on the driver’s
breastplates and suggested by a canopy of stars above him, while smaller
stars surround the sun in his crown. His exterior is hard, like his zodiac’s
crab shell, but at his core he is still driven by the moon. Although his
drive carries him to victory, this does not mean that he is free from the
emotions of lunar correspondence.
The yellow skies in the background of the RWS card symbolize
power and intellect. While the easily overlooked wand the driver holds
in his right hand mirrors that energy, it’s thought to be a physical
director for his mental willpower and ability to control the sphinxes.
The function and ability for speech are associated with The Chariot.
Our words matter. The things we say and think have a lot of power over
how we live our everyday lives. The Chariot can drive to victory because
before even leaving the gates, the driver knows he has total control of
the situation. The same goes for how we speak to and about ourselves
and our situations. Victory has many faces.
(F52)_T
THE CHARIOT IN MAGICK AL WORK
58 Magickal Tarot
COmpetition Spell
The Chariot works best with magick that demands willpower.
sider energies that are comparable to winning a race. It takes INSTRUCTIONS
rmination and willpower to be successful. If you are about to Before beginning, hold the candle in your hand before The Chariot
pete in any form of competition, The Chariot would be the ideal card. Take a moment to close your eyes and visualize your goal. What
ner to work with to assure yourself that victory. Therefore, we view does it look like? What does it mean to you? Spend a moment with this
nergy very similarly to the energy we see with The Emperor. Races thought and intention.
After meditating on your intention, either carve your intentions into
competitions take a wide variety of forms. This could present itself
the candle or draw them on the candle’s glass casing. If you have chosen
nning a marathon and wanting to take home gold or competing to use the optional dressing oil, this would be the time you dress your
nst many others for a job. It’s all subjective and therefore a very candle with it.
ble card, despite its linear, driven nature. Light your candle and take a moment to visualize yourself as
The Chariot driver; the finish line is your end goal. Meditate on the
visualization that you are driving yourself to victory. Allow your candle to
burn out.
59
Strength focuses on taming our “inner beast” and on having both the
strength and the patience to do so. The woman is wearing white and
gray, which represent purity and wisdom. She wears a garland crown
of roses, which shows us her prominence over the lion, but it is also a
symbol of her love and compassion. Red roses in tarot tend to represent
the material world. The woman may be an authority figure in this card,
but she is more like a mother than a ruler.
60 Magickal Tarot
08 Strength
(F52)_T
STRENGTH’S SYMBOLISM
Strength looks larger than the land behind her and larger than the land
she stands upon—she is larger than life. She is a powerful figure who
can tame anyone with diplomacy, reason, and logic. Levitating above
her head is an infinity sign, representing her mastery over her emotions.
She has tamed hundreds of lions before the lion in the picture. It bows
down before her while gently, affectionately licking her arm.
In the RWS tarot card, the sky is tinted yellow and consumes
most of the background; this represents emotional intellect, clarity,
energy, and optimism. Although the mountains in the background are
distant, their presence represents the stability of this card—a stability
that is known without being overbearing. Meanwhile, the grass that
the woman stands on, which is green in the RWS version, mirrors that
in a more material way and brings an air of abundance to the card.
Although abundance can take many forms, it is most recognized in
material wealth.
Lions represent carnal desire, passion, material power, and brute
force. They are wild beasts that by all accounts cannot ever truly be
tamed. In Strength, they can represent the passion and desire burning
inside a person. This passion and desire can be used both destructively
and constructively, given the right instruments. The woman is using her
spiritually divine nature to telepathically talk to and subdue the beast.
We can decide how we want to use the lion’s passion once it is subdued.
62 Magickal Tarot
RENGTH’S SYMBOLISM STRENGTH IN MAGICK AL WORK
ngth looks larger than the land behind her and larger than the land
tands upon—she is larger than life. She is a powerful figure who Energies: Anger management, control, relaxation, peace
tame anyone with diplomacy, reason, and logic. Levitating above Lunar Phases: Waning moon, dark moon
head is an infinity sign, representing her mastery over her emotions.
has tamed hundreds of lions before the lion in the picture. It bows
When working with Strength, we are often trying to remove
n before her while gently, affectionately licking her arm.
negativity—including poor attitudes—or we need a moment to relax.
n the RWS tarot card, the sky is tinted yellow and c nsumes
We work with the waning moon or the dark moon with this card,
t of the background; this represents emotional intellect, clarity,
harnessing the waning moon to push away energies that no longer
gy, and optimism. Although the mountains in the background are
serve us and the dark moon to intensify this power. Much like the
ant, their presence represents the stability of this card—a stability
dark moon’s counterpart, the full moon, it is reserved for more forceful
is known without being overbearing. Meanwhile, the grass that
pushing, as it is at its highest form.
woman stands on, which is green in the RWS version, mirrors that
Strength becomes useful in situations of high stress and when one
more material way and brings an air of abundance to the card.
needs to remain calm despite one’s environment. Of course, this card is
ough abundance can take many forms, it is most recognized in
not great for most emergency situations, as we cannot usually pause them
erial wealth.
to say, “Excuse me, I need to do a ritual during this emergency.” We can
ions represent carnal desire, passion, material power, and brute
use it to prepare for stressful situations, however, such as a particularly
e. They are wild beasts that by all accounts cannot ever truly be
high-stress workweek or toxic family dinner party. If we know the
ed. In Strength, they can represent the passion and desire burning
situation will test our patience, we can arm ourselves beforehand with a
de a person. This passion and desire can be used both destructivel
ritual to help us keep our cool and maintain our poise.
constructively, given the right instruments. The woman is using h
We can also use Strength for mindful meditation. Although
tually divine nature to telepathically talk to and subdue the beast
meditation is not a ritual used to prevent stress, the Strength card can
can decide how we want to use the lion’s passion once it is subdued.
be a tool for aiding in peace and relaxation while you are meditating.
Just as some people meditate with a crystal, you can place the Strength
card with you, with purpose and intention, before beginning your
meditation. There is patience in Strength, the same patience you must
find within yourself when venturing into a meditation practice.
When the spell is complete, clean up the ashes and dispose of them
away from your home. This is an important symbol of letting go.
Please do not litter. If you have burned your paper to ash, it should
be safely disposed of in dirt, at least a mile from your home. You are
no longer holding onto this energy, so you should also release the
ashes that remain.
it is a very introspe
ll technology and
he RWS card, we
e walks with a tal
monly associated w
mblem of power a
nd, symbolizing his
lying his age and th
tate suggests that h
s only on his quest
t comes with it do
e Hermit, the la
e light. Our Hermi
ion, the background
ymbolizes commu
ding toward white.
ok closely, we can
f an icy mountain.
n his spiritual que
nt, growth, and acc
his peak, he still fi
th, not one of extern
eached his goal, yet
09 The Hermit
THE HERMIT’S SYMBOLISM
(F52)_T
THE HERMIT IN MAGICK AL WORK TAR STUDENT
st-taking is not just for high
lives; after all, even the elder
Energies: Introspection, meditation, higher learning, spiritual guidance
test-taking is my biggest anx
Lunar Phases: Waxing moon, full moon completely blank on everyth
means of alleviating test-indu
shines through. You put in th
The Hermit card’s use is less tangible than most cards. As this card
focuses on learning and growth of mental and spiritual capacity, we nar Phases: Waxing moon,
won’t necessarily be using it for a traditional spell or ritual work. ay of the Week: Sunday
Instead, I think of The Hermit similarly to how we view The Hanged strological Moon Phase: M
Man: This is an Odin card. Odin’s story of sacrifice for greater
knowledge mirrors The Hermit’s story. Although unlike The Hanged GREDIENTS
Citrine or pyrite
Man (page 80), there is no obvious sacrifice, there is still a real and Green mojo bag
subtle sacrifice occurring—the sacrifice of isolation. Because of The 1 part fern
Hermit’s isolating mental clarity and spiritual guidance, we are always 1 part allspice
drawing in with this card. We crave knowledge and ask for guidance. 1 part dried cabbage
1 part cypress
The Hermit will always use the lunar phases of the waxing moon or the
The Hermit tarot card
full moon.
In spells or ritual workings, The Hermit’s energies align well with
TRUCTIONS
guided meditations and divination, particularly scrying, automatic efore beginning, make sure y
writing, and prophetic dreams. We are simply the vessel to receive the can be done via suffumigatio
message, nothing more. We can place The Hermit as a marker of our salt cleansing.
intention before meditation or during divination, or we can specifically Place all the herbs into a
thoroughly. Transfer the fully
call out for guidance and use him as our guide.
mojo bag along with your cry
There is intangible openness with The Hermit. Our intentions when Focus on visualizing with
using him should be simply to receive messages and guidance. This on the symbolism of this card
guidance should be without a specific intention; just be open to what close your eyes and begin to
you see and the messages presented to you. are The Hermit. Lantern in ha
stronger, more knowledgeab
the mojo bag in your hands r
outside influences and reinfo
After this ritual is comple
bookbag, purse, or jacket po
You already have the knowle
you can tap into it, shielded
68 Magickal Tarot
Excelling on a Test
• 1 part fern
mit’s isolating mental clarity and spiritual guidance, we are always • 1 part allspice
wing in with this card. We crave knowledge and ask for guidance. • 1 part dried cabbage
Hermit will always use the lunar phases of the waxing moon or the • 1 part cypress
moon. • The Hermit tarot card
n spells or ritual workings, The Hermit’s energies align well with
ed meditations and divination, particularly scrying, automatic INSTRUCTIONS
Before beginning, make sure your crystal and bag are fully cleansed.
ng, and prophetic dreams. We are simply the vessel to receive the
This can be done via suffumigation, homemade sprays, solar cleansing,
age, nothing more. We can place The Hermit as a marker of our or salt cleansing.
ntion before meditation or during divination, or we can specifically Place all the herbs into a bowl or other container and mix them
out for guidance and use him as our guide. thoroughly. Transfer the fully combined herb mixture into the green mojo
There is intangible openness with The Hermit. Our intentions when bag along with your crystal of choice.
Focus on visualizing with The Hermit. Place it before you, meditating
g him should be simply to receive messages and guidance. This
on the symbolism of this card. While holding your mojo bag in hand,
ance should be without a specific intention; just be open to what close your eyes and begin to picture a mountain. In this instance, you
see and the messages presented to you. are The Hermit. Lantern in hand, you walk up your mountain, growing
stronger, more knowledgeable, and more confident in time. Picture
the mojo bag in your hands radiating a gold light, protecting you from
outside influences and reinforcing the knowledge you already know.
After this ritual is complete, carry your mojo bag inside your bookbag,
purse, or jacket pocket and take the bag with you to your test. You
already have the knowledge. The mojo bag is simply there to ensure you
can tap into it, shielded from external stress and anxiety.
69
On the wheel in the center of this card, we can see the same four letters
that adorn The High Priestess’s book: T-A-R-O. The top symbol, which
is below the letter “T,” is Mercury. The second, which is beside the
“A,” is Sulphur. The symbol by the “R” is that of Water. The symbol
across from the “O” is Salt. Between these letters, we see the symbols
of the four elements in Hebrew. This furthers our understanding that
this wheel is that of the all-encompassing universe; it is the higher
knowledge of The High Priestess and the elements that make up all
aspects of life.
70 Magickal Tarot
Whee
tune
s
ge of destiny
ottery
portunity
rgy
a, rut
72 Magickal Tarot
E WHEEL OF FORTUNE’S SYMBOLISM THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE IN MAGICK AL WORK
(F52)_T
11 J
LUCKY HANDS
Gambling is all about luck. Now, I am not suggesting that you should
do this spell and then spend your life savings on lottery tickets, but it’s
not a bad thing to push some energy in your favor before heading to a
casino. This oil comes directly out of my book of shadows; I keep it for
ZODIAC Libra
use with family, and it is a personal favorite of my gambling grandma.
Create this ritual oil at your altar space and then take it into the casino RULES Saturn
with you. Keep luck at your fingertips when you roll the dice!
ELEMENT Water
Lunar Phase: Waxing moon
COLOR Green
Day of the Week: Thursday
Astrological Moon Phase: Any fire sign moon AS A
YES OR NO If the qu
INGREDIENTS QUESTION
• The Wheel of Fortune tarot card
• Dropper or roller ball oil bottle (I prefer a dropper as it makes for Balance
UPRIGHT justice,
Gambling Spell
INSTRUCTIONS
Before beginning, suffumigate the bottle to cleanse it. The woman on the Justice car
Place the herbs into the bottle. I prefer to use seven pieces/parts per sword so she can cut to the he
ingredient, as seven is a lucky number in numerology. Fill the container discrimination. She can easily
halfway with sweet almond oil, as a carrier. Add the essential oils; again, I The gold scale she holds in he
prefer seven drops of each. Once the essential oils are combined, top off
your bottle with sweet almond oil.
ultimate supreme court justic
This bottle should sit to charge on either your altar or above or level. This card shows us an e
alongside your Wheel of Fortune card. You can also set your oil on a examining everything fairly.
windowsill to let the herbs settle into the carrier oil for one week. Place
a few drops of the oil on the palms of your hands before gambling. I
personally prefer to top this up every few hours and keep this short chant
in mind:
74
WS Justice t
upported by
rdict. It also
he scenes. Y
al’s yellow ba
, which is an
rs represent d
igh Priestes
d white. Bot
e High Priest
an take fro
11 Justice
JUSTICE’S SYMBOLISM
In the original RWS Justice tarot card, a woman sits in front of a purple
backdrop that is supported by two pillars. The backdrop represents her
protecting the verdict. It also assures you that karmic retributions are
working behind the scenes. You know they are there, but you can’t see
them. The original’s yellow background behind the curtain connects
Justice to the sun, which is an esoteric meaning you can delve much
further into.
The two pillars represent duality. These pillars are the same pillars
we see with The High Priestess, except the pillars on The High Priestess
card are black and white. Both pillars on the RWS Justice card are gray
(a mixture of The High Priestess’s black and white) to represent synthesis
and balance. You can take from what is above and synthesize from what
is below.
(F52)_T
JUSTICE IN MAGICK AL WORK
Justice is one of the few cards that is truly open-ended regarding which
lunar phase to work with, as depending on our intention, we could
be pushing or pulling energy. Justice’s usage, like its yes/no answer,
depends on the situation. For example, if you are working with energies
dealing with legal proceedings, you may be trying to avoid jail time.
That would mean working with the waning or dark moon. If you are
trying, however, to win a case involving a monetary reward, you would
use the waxing or full moon, as these pair with the energy of attraction.
If you are doing an “instant karma” spell, you can use Justice with the
new moon, as you want to start a new chapter, with or without the
target of the instant karma spell. That’s why the lunar phase is so open-
ended; we must examine what our intentions are before we can choose.
Magick that involves the Justice card will always deal with some
form of the scales of fate, whether you want them to tip in your favor
or someone else’s. Think of justice being served or being bent in your
favor. In most cases you can see this literally in court proceedings;
perhaps it is magick that makes the judge sweet to you or opens the
jury’s eyes. If someone has hurt you in an intentional, malicious way,
you may want to consider an instant karma spell—Justice would be a
perfect partner for this!
78 Magickal Tarot
Justice Spell
u are doing an “instant karma” spell, you can use Justice with the • Envelope • Cauldron or fire-safe
moon, as you want to start a new chapter, with or without the • Stamp bowl
et of the instant karma spell. That’s why the lunar phase is so open-
d; we must examine what our intentions are before we can choose. INSTRUCTIONS
Magick that involves the Justice card will always deal with some Doing a karmic retribution spell of this nature may be a more painful
m of the scales of fate, whether you want them to tip in your favor process than you realize. Please make sure you are in a safe headspace
omeone else’s. Think of justice being served or being bent in your before going into this kind of spellwork.
The scales of justice are your main focus for this spell. Place the
r. In most cases you can see this literally in court proceedings; Justice card on your altar, channeling this energy for your intention.
aps it is magick that makes the judge sweet to you or opens the Take some time and write out a letter describing your pain, sorrow, and
s eyes. If someone has hurt you in an intentional, malicious way, frustrations to your target. The letter should describe how their actions
may want to consider an instant karma spell—Justice would be a affected you. Be as descriptive as you see fit. Once you have written your
ect partner for this! letter in full, place it into the envelope, seal it, and stamp it. You don’t
need to write the person’s address, but putting their name on the outside
of the envelope, as if the letter were to be sent to them, is helpful.
Light the black candle. Use its flame to ignite the letter to your target
and place the letter in the cauldron to burn safely. Allow the letter to burn
completely, until it is ash, while saying the following:
After completing this spell, throw the ashes either into the wind or into
a moving river. This will assure swift effect in your retribution.
79
The Hanged Man’s hands are behind his back, possibly bound, possibly
set in contemplation. His bound hands form a triangle shape behind
him. Only one leg is tied to the tree branch while the other leg forms an
inverted number four. Four, when upright, suggests completion, safety,
and stability. When four is in reverse, however, we see someone who is
waiting for spiritual wholeness but has not quite achieved it yet.
80 Magickal Tarot
12 The Hanged Man
THE HANGED MAN’S SYMBOLISM ANGED MAN I
82 Magickal Tarot
E HANGED MAN’S SYMBOLISM THE HANGED MAN IN MAGICK AL WORK
Inner pu
INSTRUCTIONS REVERSED
change,
This is a simple spell and a complicated, time-consuming spell all in
one. I recommend making a poppet of yourself. To do this, make two
gingerbread man shapes out of fabric. Sew the two pieces together We see the Grim Reaper in bl
and stuff them with flammable material. I recommend enclosing a piece Reaper’s suit of armor makes
of paper with your name on it or adding some of your hair, fingernail representations on this card o
clippings, or the like to really bond you with your poppet. RWS card also shows a king l
Bind the flammable representation of what you are releasing to
maiden and child. The king’s
your poppet, just as The Hanged Man’s hands are bound behind him.
Using needle and thread, sew together the representation and poppet, It does not matter how much
including the hands, until secure. guaranteed. We are all on a o
If you are using a fireplace or a bonfire, make sure your fire is lit and comfortable with that or not.
burning well before beginning this spell. If you are using a cauldron, start our choice to either beg for D
a little fire inside it.
is inevitable and live our life e
Throw your poppet into the fire while repeating the following spell
three times:
Let your poppet burn until it is completely gone. Start your next day
with a new mindset. Remember, this ritual is only the first step on a long
journey. Take steps to better yourself moving forward.
our poppet burn until it is completely gone. Start your next day with
ew mindset. Remember, this ritual is only the first step on a long
rney. Take steps to better yourself moving forward.
The Major Arcana 85
13 Death
DEATH’S SYMBOLISM
The black flag the Reaper holds has a white rose on it, representing the
mystic rose. This is a biblical symbol for the Virgin Mary, Queen of
Heaven and Earth, as well as a symbol for Christ himself. If Christian
symbolism does not feel relevant to you, take it as a sign of heaven, the
afterlife, and what lies beyond.
The sun is an important symbol. In esoteric teaching, its placement
reminds us that although Death is inevitable, the sun will always rise
tomorrow. There have been quite a few arguments over whether the sun
is setting or rising on this card. We assume that the sun in this card is
rising, as it does in traditional occult, since all rivers flow east in esoteric
teaching. Therefore, the sun—which appears from the side at which the
river flows—must be rising. The Grim Reaper is also moving toward
the east. But you can choose to see it either way; the two options are
manifestations of the same force. The setting sun tells us that death
is upon us, and it is the end. The rising sun tells us of cycles and a
transformation into a new day.
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DEATH IN MAGICK AL WORK LING A NEW BEG
ften find ourselves in situ
o get going. This spell i
Energies: New beginnings, letting go, transformation
found change. You’ve ma
Lunar Phase: New moon w direction; the universe
mmend using this for a l
re focusing on closing o
Death signifies change and transformation in both a forceful way and eginning anew. Keep y
a positive way. Much like physical death, it brings a new chapter to our hange for the better.
lives. It is sudden, permanent, and transformative. Think of the cycle
of life: When an animal dies in the woods, new plant life flourishes. r Phase: New moon
f the Week: Sunday
It is a dramatic change, but it results in a new, healthy, growing future.
ological Moon Phase: M
Because of this, we will always work with Death during the new moon.
It is the beginning of the new lunar cycle, one that allows us to bring EDIENTS
in energies that contribute to new beginnings. lack candle
When working with the Death card, we are working on positive reen candle
transformation and a new beginning for ourselves. This could be hite candle
trawberry incense
anything from transitioning gracefully from college to the workforce
he Death tarot card
to settling down with a permanent partner. We are transforming our fferings specific and app
personal life for the better. What is it that needs change for you? New
chapters sometimes call for big and effective boosts of energy to see us UCTIONS
through to success. Use Death to draw in phoenix-like energy. We are he black candle and tak
at the end of the road and the end of a life cycle. ecially when calling in suc
Death can also be seen as having the same energy of letting go as ortant. After you feel ade
dles and your incense. Pla
The Hanged Man. Death, in life, is inevitable; no one is free from its
oments here to medita
cold grasp. When using Death in our spellwork, we may find ourselves ’t spend too much time f
needing to capture that energy of truth and acceptance. If we can accept ember to keep an open h
a situation for what it is, then we can let go and move on. y, repeat two times:
s an ever-evolving path
is road has come to an en
m ready to accept and em
ll upon the energies of th
new chapter.
lease the energies that n
ew journey opens for me
ant to be.
Fresh Start
• White candle
hing from transitioning gracefully from college to the workforce • Strawberry incense
ttling down with a permanent partner. We are transforming our • The Death tarot card
• Offerings specific and appropriate to your deity or spirits
onal life for the better. What is it that needs change for you? New
ters sometimes call for big and effective boosts of energy to see us
INSTRUCTIONS
ugh to success. Use Death to draw in phoenix-like energy. We are
Light the black candle and take a few moments to ground yourself.
e end of the road and the end of a life cycle. Especially when calling in such shifts in our life, grounding is incredibly
Death can also be seen as having the same energy of letting go as important. After you feel adequately grounded, light the two remaining
Hanged Man. Death, in life, is inevitable; no one is free from its candles and your incense. Place your Death card before you. Take a
grasp. When using Death in our spellwork, we may find ourselves few moments here to meditate on what this path shift will do for you.
ing to capture that energy of truth and acceptance. If we can accept Don’t spend too much time focusing on what you want it to look like;
uation for what it is, then we can let go and move on. remember to keep an open heart and an open mind. When you are
ready, repeat two times:
Allow the candles to burn out completely, keeping the Death card in
plain sight. Leave offerings on your altar and allow the universe to work.
Go into this with an open heart; it may take time, but the new path will
open. Don’t be afraid to step onto it.
90 Magickal Tarot
14 Temperance
DIAC Sagittarius
LES Jupiter
EMENT Fire
OLOR Blue
A
S OR NO Yes
UESTION
14 Temperance
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TEMPERANCE’S SYMBOLISM
92 Magickal Tarot
MPERANCE’S SYMBOLISM TEMPERANCE IN MAGICK AL WORK
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15 Th
WASHING AWAY THE HABITS
Ritual baths are an amazing form of magick combined with
consequential self-care. When we find ourselves realizing that we hold
bad habits, this simple ritual bath is a great first step in a new direction.
This ritual bath is essential oil-heavy, and therefore, you should be sure
ZODIAC Caprico
you are not allergic to any of these essential oils before soaking your
body in them. Make substitutes with dried herbs if this is the case, RULES Saturn
making the bath gentler on your skin.
ELEMENT Earth
Lunar Phase: New moon
COLOR Violet o
Day of the Week: Sunday
Astrological Moon Phase: New moon in Scorpio AS A
YES OR NO No
INGREDIENTS QUESTION
• ½ cup (200 g) bath salts, Epsom salts, or Himalayan salts
Habit-Balancing Bath
94
15 The Devil
THE DEVIL’S SYMBOLISM
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THE DEVIL IN MAGICK AL WORK
When working with The Devil, we are almost always looking at sexual
problems, addictions, or releasing addictions in our life. The lunar
phases involved are quite flexible because sexuality-based spellwork is
also very flexible.
To work with sex magick that involves drawing in your sexuality
and power, use a strong moon such as the full moon. This way, you can
use your sexuality at the highest lunar phase to draw in energies you
want to use in your spellwork. When working with The Devil card, we
might find ourselves using sex magick as a means of control and taking
back control in our lives. As The Devil deals heavily with control, either
a lack thereof or a choice to be controlled, we can use it as a form of
ritualistic sex magick for owning our personal power.
The Devil’s connection with sexuality can also go in another
direction. When we struggle with sexual issues, such as impotence or
low libidos, we can use The Devil as a symbolic tool for working with
counteracting magick. This would be between two consenting parties
who are willing to acknowledge the sexual problems before them and
want to tackle those problems as a team. To use The Devil for this
form of magick, consider pairing it with the waning or dark moon.
We are releasing those energies that The Devil is holding onto so
tightly, allowing us to move forward with less or no sexual anxiety.
98 Magickal Tarot
99
16 The TOwer
THE TOWER’S SYMBOLISM ER IN MAGI
A tower, for which this card is named, imposes on the skyline, jutting
up from the ground below. Falling from its peaks we see a crown, adical change, aw
reminding us that this is a royal tower. If we look closely, we see that es: Full moon, ne
The Tower sits atop a rocky mountain. This is a reflection of man’s
conquering nature and a reminder that nature always wins. This
est used in mag
man versus nature imagery is seen again in the fire and the lightning
etimes the thing
surrounding the falling tower.
hoice for us to m
Fire is typically a very aggressive symbol. It is uncontrollable;
rations. The Tow
although it can be quelled, its nature cannot be tamed. It will obliterate
n. The moon is a
everything in its path, leaving little of the original landscape. In this
ing us to tap into
case, The Tower appears to be made of stone or cement, not something
g radical change
easily destroyed by fire. But the chaos that comes with it, even if the
gies, as its associ
structure is sturdy, remains the same. Lightning has long been seen as
ugh it may not ho
a direct message of destruction from God. It is a powerful message of
ligned so perfect
truth emanating from our highest source, forcing us to conduct a reality
oon.
check. It is a universal symbol of humbling and reality. In nature, we are
e Tower as a t
only safe from lightning’s electric touch when protected by a grounded
rposes we recogni
object such as a house or tree.
arrative. When o
he problem, ritu
ou need the chan
hanges that may
trength to leave a
he betterment o
al journey, and e
ese are all terri
s in a position o
en we have the se
all on the energie
pier life.
(F52)_T
17 Th
TIME FOR A CHANGE
This simple spell is easy to do and a constant reminder of what we are
promising ourselves we will achieve. Although we start this spell over a
seven-day course, part of it remains on our altar until our intuition tells
us we can let it go. Because everyone’s journey is different, this could
ZODIAC Aquariu
last for a month, or it could last for five years. It’s really down to you!
There is no wrong answer. RULES Pluto
104
(F52)_T
THE STAR IN MAGICK AL WORK ING HEARTBR
imple, straightforw
ture. When using it,
Energies: Happiness, emotional health, luck
he past. You can use
Lunar Phases: Flexible, depending on spellwork ak, but it also works
ntic loss. Consider T
head.
The Star’s energy of optimism and hope is one that so many of us
need in dark times. When we find ourselves falling down a rabbit hole se: Waning moon
of negativity, it’s easy to become trapped. But doing some spellwork e Week: Sunday
accompanied by real-life action can put us on the right track to digging cal Moon Phase: M
ourselves out of these depressive or down patches—bettering ourselves,
our situations, and our mental health. The Star is good to use when IENTS
ar with a lid
you want to put yourself on a better path, improving your situation and ine
well-being. oons (1.3 g) lemon
When working with The Star, we are working with energies that oons (3 g) skullcap
either draw good fortune our way or push out the negative energies we uartz (optional)
ar tarot card
are harboring. This optimistic open-endedness makes The Star card
flexible with lunar phases; the best lunar phase to use depends on the
CTIONS
energies we want to work with. If, for example, you are in a depressive
ed wine, lemon balm
or down patch in your life and find yourself wanting to push out the f using. Cover the jar
negativity, work with the waning moon or the dark moon. But if you t.
just need a bit of luck and positive fortune coming your way, work with ext day, strain the h
the full or waxing moon. ard on your altar an
ourself a prepared
imistic future ahead.
lity.
EmOtiOnal Well-Being
-being. • 2 teaspoons (1.3 g) lemon balm
When working with The Star, we are working with energies that • 2 teaspoons (3 g) skullcap
r draw good fortune our way or push out the negative energies we • Rose quartz (optional)
harboring. This optimistic open-endedness makes The Star card • The Star tarot card
ble with lunar phases; the best lunar phase to use depends on the
gies we want to work with. If, for example, you are in a depressive INSTRUCTIONS
Combine red wine, lemon balm, and skullcap in the jar. Add rose
own patch in your life and find yourself wanting to push out the
quartz, if using. Cover the jar with the lid and leave it in the moonlight
tivity, work with the waning moon or the dark moon. But if you overnight.
need a bit of luck and positive fortune coming your way, work with The next day, strain the herbs and rose quartz from your wine. Place
ull or waxing moon. The Star card on your altar and take a moment to toast to the future. You
may give yourself a prepared speech or simply mentally acknowledge
your optimistic future ahead. Toast to The Star and all its possibility.
109
18 The MOOn
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THE MOON’S SYMBOLISM ON IN MAGI
The Moon’s presence has affected everything on this card that is alive.
We see a domesticated dog and a wolf howl at The Moon as a lobster s: Psychic awareness,
comes out of a small pool of water. All three are responding to the hase: Any
presence of The Moon. The wolf and the dog represent two facets of
our response to this unreachable presence in the sky: the urge to chase
e a rare opportunity w
The Moon and the difficulty of solving the puzzle of reaching it. Both
er we want, regardless
the dog and the wolf bark at what they can’t reach—something we
f several lunar phases
all do from time to time via anxiety or mood swings. They’re longing
uring any lunar phas
for an untouchable object, which represents our own need to long for
oon is also a very fle
something. Without desire, tangible or otherwise, we become submissive,
e Moon is so heav
passive, and lifeless. The lobster’s emergence from the depths below
s, it opens us up for a
represents coming out of the dark and fully realizing our potential.
on’s connection with
It is a longstanding symbol of untapped psychic power.
h Priestess’s Propheti
Although no actual moon can perform this level of illumination,
ngeably with The Hig
The Moon shines so brightly that it casts no shadows. This brightly lit
oon’s deep connecti
scene transverses between the water, grasses, and mountains, with only
ghtmare wards. Consi
a path connecting all three. This path leading toward The Moon from
. In the dark, this laun
the water suggests that it leads us to a land of intuition and creativity.
e Moon reminds u
rking with this card,
s a way to consciously
n fact dreaming and
oon’s connection w
d form of magick: gla
o aid us in charming
ppear confident and
rn your hair blonde, l
t same confidence to c
othing but positive
(F52)_T
19 T
FULL NIGHT’S REST OIL
Nightmares are something so many of us struggle with! They can keep
you up all night, ruining the following day. Using The Moon tarot card,
we can consciously separate dreamland and reality. Combining this oil
with the intention of lucid dreaming, we can separate reality from dreams
ZODIAC Leo
and potentially change the narrative of our dreams. Although this is a
practice, one that takes more than a single spell, it can be a step toward RULES Sun
warding off nightmares and redirecting them when they do appear.
ELEMENT Fire
Lunar Phase: Any, preferably waning moon
COLOR Orange
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Astrological Moon Phase: Moon in Pisces AS A
YES OR NO Strong y
INGREDIENTS QUESTION
• Lavender
• Hyacinth Positivit
Nightmare Ward
114
Then, before going to bed, put some oil on your wrists and temples.
e a brief moment while doing this to remind yourself of the meditation
did at the beginning of creating your oil. Set the intention that your
sions will lift and you will see the reality of the situation.
In the RWS tarot card, a small child with golden hair rides a horse in
the nude. Both the child and the white horse are a symbol of purity and
innocence. The small child waves a red flag, which mirrors the energy
of Summer—passion and vibrance. Red is also the shortest wavelength,
which reinforces the child’s youthfulness.
If we look closely, we can see that the sunflowers face forward,
toward the small child, not The Sun. This suggests that the child carries
their own light inside of them. This light shines so brightly that even
the flowers follow them. Sunflowers traditionally symbolize adoration
and loyalty, which are strongly mirrored in their adoration of this small
child. Every part of this card basks in The Sun’s life-giving rays. It
exudes a joyous feeling, without much consideration of the symbolism
within the card, and therefore is one of the few cards in the Majors that
requires little breakdown.
As The Sun is all about the Summer’s warm radiance and the happiness
that vitamin D brings into our life, we will always be working with
the waxing moon when using this card. The waxing moon works with
energies that draw energy into our life.
When using The Sun, we are focusing on drawing the energies of
happiness, success, and luck, so I would almost always recommend
working with The Sun on a Thursday. Although this isn’t always going
to run true, Thursdays and The Sun card go hand in hand in my
experience. Alternatively, as Sundays are associated with The Sun, the
two are also an obvious pairing.
Magickally, The Sun partners best with friendship spells, love
spells, and general happiness spells for consenting parties. In this case,
you would take a relationship between two consenting parties that is
already strong and bond it even further. A great example of this would
be adapting a pagan handfasting ceremony into a personal bonding
ceremony between partners in the privacy of their own home.
We can also pair The Sun with magick to bring happiness and luck.
If you plan on gambling, you could use The Sun’s warm and enchanting
energy to draw luck or good fortune your way. When we are financially
secure, we can find happiness much more easily, assuming the financial
security that this card may bring comes with a similar workload. I
would argue for using this card during times where you need a little luck
at work, for a role, or in a competitive interviewing process. Remember
the child’s radiance from within; honing this energy to your advantage
and luck is a logical connection!
Success Incense
• Bay leaves
are also an obvious pairing. • Mortar and pestle
Magickally, The Sun partners best with friendship spells, love • Charcoal tablets
s, and general happiness spells for consenting parties. In this case, • Cauldron or firesafe container
• The Sun tarot card
would take a relationship between two consenting parties that is
dy strong and bond it even further. A great example of this would
INSTRUCTIONS
dapting a pagan handfasting ceremony into a personal bonding Grind together the herbs with the mortar and pestle until the mixture
mony between partners in the privacy of their own home. becomes a powder. While you do, take the time to focus on your
We can also pair The Sun with magick to bring happiness and luck. intentions. Homemade incense is always the most powerful because we
u plan on gambling, you could use The Sun’s warm and enchanting can focus in on our exact intentions while making it.
gy to draw luck or good fortune your way. When we are financially Light a charcoal tablet and place it into your cauldron. Set The Sun
card beside the cauldron where it is visible. Sprinkling the powdered
re, we can find happiness much more easily, assuming the financial
incense onto the lit charcoal tablet, recite the following spell:
rity that this card may bring comes with a similar workload. I
ld argue for using this card during times where you need a little luck Warm and radiant Sun,
ork, for a role, or in a competitive interviewing process. Remember I give you this token,
child’s radiance from within; honing this energy to your advantage Grant me luck as this spell is spoken,
Please send me luck in a positive way.
luck is a logical connection!
May The Sun shine on me,
Each and every day.
You can repeat this spell and incense-burning as often as your intuition
deems necessary. The smoke from the incense will draw in the energies
discussed above, so use it as needed.
119
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JUDGMENT’S SYMBOLISM
If we look closely, we see that the only figure who is completely turned
away from us is the child. This suggests “oneness” with everything
as well as the child’s purity. A child shouldn’t fear judgment, as
children are innocent. The man and woman at the child’s side are
not a suggestion of parents, but a suggestion of the conscious and
subconscious. The conscious and subconscious blend together, in a
complete form, as the child. The figures’ gray color, although they rise
from their coffins, is not a representation of their being dead. This is
instead a color that represents neutrality, as we saw in The Hierophant.
The conscious and the subconscious blend together into a neutral gray.
In the background of the RWS tarot card is a mirror image of these
three figures. This mirror-like effect shows that we can never hide from
the things we have done. Even if others are entirely unaware of our
actions, we must always look in the mirror, knowing the truth of our
actions.
Also in the RWS version, the coffins float in a body of water in front
of snow-covered mountains, which, again, represent our subconscious
mind. Water is symbolic of the collective consciousness. Water can be
contained and separated, but it also forms a whole. It is a reminder of
how everything is interconnected.
Find a quiet place to meditate. If you are like me, you may want to end of a
bring headphones and a white noise app; I find they help block out
Failure,
the world around me. Choose somewhere you can arrange a mini altar REVERSED
in front of you. recogni
Place the Judgment card in the middle of the mini alter. Place the
red candle in front of it. On the left side, place the black candle, which Although we see a figure with
represents the stresses, tensions, and overall negative energies you are
harboring. On the right, place the white candle, representing tranquility,
are androgynous and represen
peace, and purified emotional state. energies combining as one. Th
Light the black candle and say aloud: a wreath of laurel, a symbol o
bound at the tops and bottom
I recognize and release all the stress and tension surrounding me. ending cycle of life. When on
Light the white candle and say aloud: cycle repeats until our time h
I am choosing peace and tranquility.
Finally, light the red candle and say aloud:
I allow myself to be happy
With who I am
And who I’ll be.
With harm to none, so mote it be.
Now, while your candles are burning, take five to twenty minutes to
meditate on this. Try to visualize yourself as one of the gray figures
following the trumpet call. Picture your own personal rapture, the
happy and light version of yourself ascending. Leave the negativity
holding you back in your casket. Meditate on this for as long as feels
right to you.
e see in
ony wit
e the un
e Hange
s. Unlik
e are
sfied with
ride.
our corn
ese are sy
, the bul
he zodiac
d signs
soteric
pio, a w
n repres
21 The WOrld
THE WORLD’S SYMBOLISM
The dancer or figure we see in the center of the card shows us they’re
living in perfect harmony with the universe. If you look closely at the
figure, you may notice the unique crossing of the legs, which is similar
to what we saw on The Hanged Man. This 4-shaped configuration
represents a crossroads. Unlike in The Hanged Man, however, we are
at the crossroads, and we are complete. There is no need to suspend
ourselves; we are satisfied with this crossroads and can move forward
with enthusiasm and pride.
If we look to the four corners of this card, we see a man, an eagle,
a bull, and a lion. These are symbolic of the four elements; the man is
air, the eagle is water, the bull is earth, and the lion is fire. If we look
at them in terms of the zodiac, we see the four elements represented
again, this time in fixed signs. The man is the air sign of Aquarius.
Although the eagle is esoterically out of place, his presence is
representative of Scorpio, a water sign. The bull is the earth sign
of Taurus, and the lion represents the fire sign of Leo.
(F52)_T
THE WORLD IN MAGICK AL WORK
As we are working with energies that are associated with new phases
in life, the new moon is best for magick involving The World. The new
moon’s fresh start energies breathe new life into our intentions. Instead
of fear of the future, the new moon gives us a warm energy that helps
us embrace the next chapter of our lives. The dark moon could also
pair well with The World since, like the new moon, it is associated
with the end of a chapter. Although the dark moon’s presence is more
forceful in removing something from our lives, we can also use it as the
understanding needed to accept the next chapter. Acknowledging the
end allows us to begin again.
When picking spellwork for this card, we are going to be looking
at mostly ritual magick that involves accepting and embracing the next
chapter of our lives. With this, we are neither calling in nor pushing
away anything. Instead, we make the conscious acknowledgment that
our next chapter will be positive. Remember, this card has already
accepted what’s to come of the next chapter; there is nothing holding us
back! Using this card as a ritualistic marker in our celebratory success
and to make space for our upcoming goals is ideal. The World is useful
in new year’s goal-making rituals as well as birthday rituals. We are
acknowledging the year we have left in the past and setting goals for the
year ahead.
Birthday Ritual
• Pen and paper
allows us to begin again. • Cauldron or firesafe container
When picking spellwork for this card, we are going to be looking
ostly ritual magick that involves accepting and embracing the next INSTRUCTIONS
ter of our lives. With this, we are neither calling in nor pushing Set up your space: Put The World card beneath your sweet and press
y anything. Instead, we make the conscious acknowledgment that the candle into the sweet so it sits there on its own.
On the paper, make two lists. The first is of your intentions for the
next chapter will be positive. Remember, this card has already
year ahead. Make them statements, not hopeful wishes. For example, you
pted what’s to come of the next chapter; there is nothing holding us could write, “I will get promoted this year,” or, “I will move to my dream
! Using this card as a ritualistic marker in our celebratory success city this year.” On the second list, write down the negative parts of the
to make space for our upcoming goals is ideal. The World is useful year you are leaving behind, which you will release. Again, write these as
ew year’s goal-making rituals as well as birthday rituals. We are statements. For example, you could write, “I will no longer bite my nails,”
or, “I will seek help when I need it.”
owledging the year we have left in the past and setting goals for the
Light the candle. First, hold your list of energies that no longer serve
ahead. you. Ignite this list with your candle and place it into your cauldron to
burn completely. Then hold your intentions list, close your eyes, and
imagine yourself as the figure dancing in the laurel leaves. Pause on the
idea of the list of intentions you have made. Then blow out your candle
and enjoy your treat. It’s your birthday—you earned it! Place the list of the
intentions you have set for the year discreetly on your altar, until your next
birthday. You can use this each year to revisit the goals you had set the
year before.
129
COrrespOndence
cards’ numerological associat
with the energies each card ho
“ingredients” together, we can
and Tarot
The single digit numbers one
of all numerology. When we h
numerological energies, we ca
spellwork, and so on. Each nu
and weaknesses.
Using numerology, we ca
to mirror what we are trying
pair the energy of home and
to get that apartment you are
oil, you could use however m
energies that you are working
all about correspondence and
powerful. Numerology just b
correspondence, if you so cho
OrrespOnden
cards’ numerological associations to which moon phase works best
with the energies each card holds. When we combine these magickal
“ingredients” together, we can begin to create our own rituals and spells.
and Tarot
The single digit numbers one through nine are the foundation
of all numerology. When we have a basic understanding of these
numerological energies, we can apply them to tarot, future divinations,
spellwork, and so on. Each number has its own associations, strengths,
and weaknesses.
Using numerology, we can hone in on the energies of a tarot card
to mirror what we are trying to manifest. For example, you could
pair the energy of home and stability in the number four with trying
to get that apartment you are applying for. If you had a magickal
oil, you could use however many drops of oil correspond with the
energies that you are working with in your spellwork. Magick is
all about correspondence and layering it in the way that is most
powerful. Numerology just becomes another layer of that magickal
correspondence, if you so choose.
131
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1
One is associated with the ultimate power and Four corres
with being “one” with the universe. All of nature’s directions,
primal forces begin with the building blocks of the houses, stab
number one. It is also the number for the self and the made up of
confidence that comes with that.
2
Two is a very important number to pagans, as
witchcraft is all about balance. Two can bring the
symmetry and balance we focus on. It is often
connected with yin and yang or with the polarity
of our personalities.
3
Three is often viewed as a magickal or lucky number.
It is connected to the Triple Goddess, or the Maiden/
Mother/Crone.
5
In paganism, five is associated with the combination
of the spirit with the four elements. Five is also
associated with the five human senses, our connection
to the world around us.
6
Six is a solar number associated with the masculine
energies of the sun. Because of this, we are looking at
energies associated with security, responsibility, and
problem-solving.
8
Eight is associated with the eight pagan Sabbats, as aybe your
well as with Mercury. Because of this connection to hat is desi
Mercury, the number eight is connected to messages his may n
from the divine and communications from the he ability
otherworld. When rotated horizontally, it transforms
into an infinity sign, a symbol of all-knowing and
infinite knowledge.
9
Nine is three squared; it is triple the power and luck
of the number three. Nine is associated with Goddess
energy and personal growth within.
134
Seven is the counterpart to six, and it is associated The FOur Elements
with the moon and feminine energies. It is also Looking back in time, elements were thought to be broken into
considered a lucky number; think lucky number seven four major energy categories: air, earth, water, and fire. With the
at a casino. advancement of science, we now know that there are far more than
four elements; however, in ritual magick we still work with the
POSITIVE Luck, intuition, wisdom, divination, goddess, original four. Each minor suit of tarot is directly connected to one
EYWORDS seeker of knowledge, meditation of these four elements, while the majors vary card to card. As each
NEGATIVE Secretiveness, malicious motives, inflexibility, element is correlated to a different facet of our daily lives, we can look
EYWORDS unwillingness to learn, poorly divided attention to the Major Arcana and its elemental correspondence to further our
magickal workings.
Everything is about correspondence. If your tarot card, for example,
is associated with Water, you may find yourself wanting to channel more
Eight is associated with the eight pagan Sabbats, as of that element. Maybe your spellwork has offerings based around Water
well as with Mercury. Because of this connection to and an altar setup that is designed around working exclusively with that
Mercury, the number eight is connected to messages element. Although this may not always be true, it can open the doors to
from the divine and communications from the more creativity and the ability to write stronger spells.
otherworld. When rotated horizontally, it transforms
into an infinity sign, a symbol of all-knowing and
infinite knowledge.
Air Earth
135
AIR ASSOCIATIONS
Problem-solving, communication, energy,
ENERGIES
logic, intelligence, honesty, clarity
Fans, feathers, swords, arrows, pieces of
ALTAR SPACE
incense, a bunch of fragrant flowers, wands
MAGICKAL
Sylphs, griffons, sprites
CREATURES
COLORS Bright pale, pastel, white, yellow
ZODIAC Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
SUIT Swords (some associate with Wands)
MINOR ARCANA Kings
MAJOR The Fool, The Magician, The Lovers,
ARCANA Justice, The Star
MASCULINE
Masculine
OR FEMININE
Earth is the most tangible of all the elements. We can hold it, grow
with it, and use it for stability. It is solid, tactile, and safe. Earth, unlike
the other three elements, does not change without centuries of time or
human effort.
Due to Earth’s structure and stability, we use the keywords “I am.”
There is no questioning with Earth; we are who we are, and there is a
safeness in this. Earth matters do not just focus on the tangible—they
also focus on matters of the home, such as material resources. Earth’s
energy supports growth in our home, financially and materialistically.
Earth is an element you can count on. When it appears in a reading,
we know that this isn’t something that will come or go quickly. Earth
takes its time. Because of the grounding nature of the Earth element,
we will most often perform spellwork involving finances, home life, and
I THINK: AIR stability. Earth is the Northern marker in magickal workings and is
associated with the East in tarot.
Air is one of the only elements that is not t e
know is there without having to physicall g,
R ASSOCIATIONS
and although invisible, it gives us life and i d EARTH ASSOCIATIONS
natural Prfactors such as the weather. Money, wealth, home, material goods,
ENERGIES
Because
logic,ofintelligence,
this, when wehonesty
are referrin f ENERGIES health, practical matters, stability,
Air, ourFans,
keyword expression
feathers, is “Iarr
swords, think. grounding, structure
ALTAR SPACE
know everyone does. We know we think tion Salt, crystals, soil, a pentacle, the altar
(unless we make faces when we think). Ai tion ALTAR SPACE
MAGICKAL base itself, coins, cauldrons, flowers
Sylphs,
of new ideas andgriffons,
is often sprites
associated with t .
CREATURES MAGICKAL
Although this is a deeply wise element, ke t Land mammals
COLORS Bright CREATURES
focus solely onpale, pastel, white,
Air energy tend to goyellow
as qu
ZODIAC Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
the Eastern marker of the elements of ritu ed COLORS Greens of all shades, brown
with North
SUIT in tarot.
Swords (some Because of the
associate wind
with W ith ZODIAC Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
the Air
INOR ARCANA Kings element, we will most often perfor ental SUIT Pentacles
clarity, creativity, and truth. MINOR ARCANA Pages
MAJOR
ARCANA Justice, The Star MAJOR The Empress, The Hierophant, The Hermit,
MASCULINE ARCANA The Devil, The World
Masculine
OR FEMININE MASCULINE
Feminine
OR FEMININE
(F52)_T
I FEEL: WATER
Water is fluid and transformative. It can take many forms, from vapor ents, fire
to liquid to solid ice. It’s the only element that can take all three of these edictable,
forms. It can be the soft gentle push of a lake shore or a raging force f destruc
such as a fast-moving river or the undercurrent of the ocean. Water e touch
makes up the majority of our planet. It is adaptive and flowing, and it anence of
can be purifying in nature. onsider t
Due to Water’s ever-changing energy, it is associated closely with , simply th
our emotions, so the key phrase is “I feel.” Our emotions can change ous associ
with the weather or with hardened experience. Water is also deeply erform sp
connected with the moon and is often represented as such. Because of er in magi
Water’s connection with intuition and receptivity, use this element with
magick involving divination. Water is the Western marker in magickal ONS
workings as well as in tarot.
Passi
S
sexua
WATER ASSOCIATIONS
Wand
Compassion, emotions, intuition, family, E
ENERGIES symb
relationships, love, receptivity
Chalices, cauldrons, a scrying bowl, Salam
ALTAR SPACE S
crystal balls, seashells, driftwood, mirrors S Red,
MAGICKAL C Aries
Nymphs, mermaids, hippocamps
CREATURES
IT Wand
COLORS Blue, silver, purple
A Knigh
ZODIAC Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
R The E
SUIT Cups
Fortu
MINOR ARCANA Queens
MAJOR The High Priestess, The Chariot, Masc
ARCANA The Hanged Man, Death, The Moon
MASCULINE
Feminine
OR FEMININE
Out of the four elements, fire is the one that can give life as easily as it
can take it. Its unpredictable, unwinding energy is representative of the
life-giving sun and of destructive forces such as wildfires. It is the only
element that cannot be touched without causing harm to the body.
Due to the permanence of Fire’s touch, when we think of the
element of Fire, we consider the action-based phrase “I do.” There is no
doubt or pause here, simply the act of moving forward and with gusto.
Because of the obvious association between flames and the Fire element,
we will most often perform spellwork involving candle magick. Fire is
the Southern marker in magickal workings as well as in tarot.
FIRE ASSOCIATIONS
Passion, creativity, life, anger, growth,
ENERGIES
sexuality, motivation
Wands, athame, sun symbols, volcanic
ALTAR SPACE
symbols, candles, a lamp, daggers, swords
MAGICKAL
Salamanders, dragons, phoenixes
CREATURES
COLORS Red, orange, yellow
ZODIAC Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
SUIT Wands (Swords)
MINOR ARCANA Knights
MAJOR The Emperor, Strength, The Wheel of
ARCANA Fortune, Temperance, The Tower, The Sun
MASCULINE
Masculine
OR FEMININE
(F52)_T
Lunar Phases
140
nar Phases FULL MOON
WANING
(F52)_T
CRYING
DARK MOON
WAXING
Last but not least, the waxing moon begins the day
after the new moon and lasts all the way until the
day before the Maiden full moon. During this time,
the moon gives off the illusion of being bigger and
brighter than it normally is and has the appearance
of growing. As the moon grows, it pulls. Therefore,
the waxing moon is an appropriate time to do
magick that attracts. The waxing moon is also a
slow moon, and it is the best time to do longer
spellworking, such as seven-day spells and the like.
Tarot
how to interpret the cards. It
for a specific connection betw
drawn. In time you may find
or necessary, and that is more
145
Three Card Spread is not only the simplest of tarot spreads, it is the
most common and the easiest to adjust for your own needs. You can
use this adaptable spread for present problems, future outcomes, and
insight into the broader picture. By simply focusing on our intention/
question layout while shuffling, we are putting the energy of what we
want answered into the cards before even drawing. As we pick our cards,
we’ve already sent the intention out there, and it’s up to our intuition or
guides to show us the answer.
1. Intention (Card connected with the energy you want to work with.)
2. How this energy can help your present situation.
3. What’s holding you back from getting there?
4. How to overcome this obstacle.
5. Advice on being realistic through your manifestation process.
. Intention (Card connected with the energy you want to work with.)
. How this energy can help your present situation.
. What’s holding you back from getting there?
. How to overcome this obstacle.
. Advice on being realistic through your manifestation process.
149
1. Current self
2. What to release from the month left behind
3. Theme of the month ahead
4. What to focus on
5. Biggest obstacle
6. Biggest success
7. Advice
. Current self
. What to release from the month left behind
. Theme of the month ahead
. What to focus on
. Biggest obstacle
. Biggest success
. Advice
Part of finding power from within tarot is finding the power from
within ourselves! This self-love spread’s main focus is looking inward to
remind ourselves of who we are and why we matter. If we can see the
positive within ourselves, it’s easy to refine our power. Knowing your
value becomes knowing your power. The card meanings are as follows:
1. Signifier
2. What is my greatest strength?
3. What is something I don’t see in myself but others
admire about me?
4. What is something to be proud of?
5. Why do I need to reflect on my positives?
6. What is my greatest personal blockage?
7. What advice do I need to hear right now?
. Signifier
. What is my greatest strength?
. What is something I don’t see in myself but others
admire about me?
. What is something to be proud of?
. Why do I need to reflect on my positives?
. What is my greatest personal blockage?
. What advice do I need to hear right now?
153
ed Man, 83
riestess,
Index 157
(F52)_T
The High Priestess, The Fool, 23 Naked women, ell, 124
30–34 The Hanged Man, 83 105, 107 -Smith
Horns, 97 The Hermit, 68 Nightmares, 113, 114 t deck, 6, 8
The Hierophant, 48 Nine (number), 134
Improvement, 108 The High Numerology, 131 , 42
Infinity symbol, 27, 62 Priestess, 33 1 (one), 132 pread,
“Instant karma” spell, Judgment, 123 2 (two), 30, 132
78, 79 Justice, 78 3 (three), 132 ber),
Intuition The Lovers, 53 4 (four), 80, 133
The High The Magician, 28 5 (five), 133 ination
Priestess, 30 The Moon, 113 6 (six), 133
listening to own, 14 The Star, 108 7 (seven), 107, 134 8, 99
The Moon, 112 Strength, 63 8 (eight), 134 r), 133
The Sun, 118 9 (nine), 134
Jackals, 72 Temperance, 93 ela
Judgment, 120–124 The Tower, 103 Odin cards, 68
Justice, 75–79 The Wheel of One (number), 132
Justice spell, 79 Fortune, 73 One Foot in the Right 3
The World, 128 Direction spell, 104 3, 54
Keys, crossed, 47 Orange (color), 72 wer of, 57
The Magician, 25–29 Orb, 42
Laurel leaves, 125 Major Arcana 36
Left hand, 67 basic facts about, 8 Peace from Within riot, 59
Lemniscates, 27 as manifestation spell, 124 9
Letting go tool, 18 Pearls, 37 il, 99
Death, 88 theme of, 20 Pentagrams, 97 , 137
The Hanged Man, 83 Making Magick Persephone, 30, 32 eror, 44
Strength, 64 Spread, 148–149 Pillars, 32, 47, 77 ress, 39
Lightning, 102 Manifestations Pitchers, 105 39
Lilies, 27, 47 explained, 9 Pomegranate, 32 l, 24
Lions, 62, 72, 127 Major Arcana, 18 Pouch, 22 ged Man, 84
Lobsters, 112 Meditations Power, taking, 43 The Hermit, 69
Love Attraction The Hanged Man, 83 Promotion spell, 44 The Hierophant, 49
spell, 54 The Hermit, 68 Prophetic Dreams The High
The Lovers, 50–54 The Hierophant, spell, 34, 113 Priestess, 34
Luck 48, 49 Purple (color), 52, 77 Judgment, 124
The Sun, 118, 119 Strength, 63 Justice, 79
The Wheel of Minor Arcana, 27 Ram, 42 The Lovers, 54
Fortune, 73 Mirror effect, 122 The rapture, 120 The Magician, 29
Lunar phases, 141–143 Monthly Check-in Red (color), 22, 82, The Moon, 114
The Chariot, 58 Spread, 150–151 117, 125 numerology and, 131
Death, 88 The Moon, 32, 110–114 Red roses, 27, 47, 60 The Star, 109
The Devil, 98 Mortality, 95 Release spell, 64 Strength, 64
The Emperor, 43 See also Death Releasing Heartbreak The Sun, 119
The Empress, 38 Mountains, 92, 102 potion, 109
Index 159
(F52)_T
About the AuthOr
“A Witch is a person who has honestly explored their light
and has evolved to celebrate their darkness.”
—DACHA AVELIN
Robyn Valentine was born and raised in the Bay Area of California,
spending the majority of her adult life living in downtown San
Francisco. Robyn and her witchcraft were greatly influenced by both
her mother and grandmother, who identify as witches. Robyn has spent
a great deal of her life studying a wide variety of magick, starting with
the most common path of Wicca but leaving that path shortly after as
she did not agree with some of its fundamental foundations. Currently,
her path is eclectic, and she self-describes as “just your average witch.”
She works currently as a professional tarot reader, witchcraft mentor,
blogger, and podcaster. When she is not creating magick, she is
spending time with her husband and two cats.
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