REPEATING SYMBOLS, PART 3: STONEWORK

By Judy Jennings    © Copyright 2011 

Our next group of recurring symbols contains a variety of crafted stonework, including pillars, seats, fences, and towers.  Stone in any form implies that the forces represented in the card are based on actual experience in the physical world. 

First, let’s take a look at the pillars that frame The High Priestess, Hierophant,  Chariot, and Justice.  In three cases, we see dual columns signifying equilibrium and a balance of opposing forces.  In The Priestess, they refer specifically to the dynamics of memory.  The pillars are the same shape, they sit near each other, and they are opposite colors.  This reflects the way in which we remember.  Our minds associate things that are similar or or in close proximity, and we also readily recall pronounced contrasts.

The pillars of The Hierophant are gray, the color that represents wisdom.  Reputedly, that occult meaning is given because gray is the result of mixing any other two complimentary colors.  In the fifth major arcana, the columns suggest real-world wisdom and a balanced state of mind.  Those qualities are repeated in Justice.

The four pillars of the Chariot link celestial forces to earthly, and refer to the four elements; fire, water, air, and earth.

Lay out major arcana 2, 5, 7, and 11 side by side and look them over.  You may  find other similarities as well.  

The stone seat is another prominent symbol, and it shares the earthly significance of the pillars, but without the emphasis on duality.  Most of these are in the shape of a cube, which contains additional meaning.  Paul Case defines the occult nature of the cube as “underlying Reality...What really exists, what really is, what materialists and idealists alike misunderstand and misinterpret, is the real presence of That which was, is and shall be.  This real presence is the basis of all subconscious activity”.  The cube on which The High Priestess rests, then, is symbolic of subconscious activity manifested in the material world.

Other cards in which the characters sit are The Empress, Emperor, Hierophant, Justice, and the Devil.  This group will also include The Chariot, because the Charioteer stands in a cubic carriage of stone.  

The throne of the Empress is rounded, rather than squared, suggesting that the powers there are grounded in consciousness.  The seats of the Empress and the High Priestess are both made of stone, but have different shapes, implying that they are two distinct aspects of the same force.

The throne of the Emperor and the chair of the Hierophant are both cubes, and continue the meaning begun in the High Priestess.  The Emperor emphasizes the manifestation of subconscious influences on the personality, while the Hierophant expresses the occult properties of the cube, as already seen in the High Priestess.  In fact, you might say those last two cards are different sides of the same coin.  The Priestess guards the knowledge of the subconscious mind, while the Hierophant reveals it.

The Chariot is a cube in motion.  Carrying all the symbolic significance found in previous cards of this group, this cube also includes the idea of the personality as a fenced-in area in which universal forces are at work.

The throne of Justice shows a strong correlation with the Priestess, both in the shape, and by the hanging veil behind the seated figure.  A significant distinction is the color of the pillars, which are gray in Justice, suggesting the application of wisdom to earthly matters.

Last, we come to the half-cube perch of The Devil.  True to form for this card, the symbolism here is a caricature of the forces found in the rest of this group.  The half-cube represents sensory experience without deeper meaning, and knowledge confined to the visible aspects of existence.

The cards in the “seat group” are numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, and 15.  All four of the “pillar” cards are in this group as well. 

It’s interesting to note that the columns, chairs, and cubes are predominantly found in cards 1-7.  Significant because those cards make up the first of three worlds expressed in the major arcana, this set is known as the World of the Divine.  These cards represent the qualities of an enlightened mind, connected with higher power.  The presence of the cube in Justice, part of the second set known as the World of the Human, is a clear message that universal forces are also strongly at work in the 11th arcana.

There is other stonework that appears in the major arcana, as well.  Identical sets of towers in Death and the Moon mark the boundaries of that which is already known.  Fences appear in The Chariot and The Sun, representing human adaptation of the natural environment and the power of speech.  

Finally, let’s consider the lightening-struck Tower of the third set, The World of Circumstances.  The Tower has the same meaning as the cubes supporting the Priestess and the Hierophant.  It is subconsciousness, from which springs all mental images, and ultimately, all that is manifested in the physical world.

When tallied, we find stonework appearing in 11 out of 22 major arcana.  An understanding of this prominent symbolism is helpful in adding depth and complexity to your knowledge of the Tarot.  Once the serious student learns the meanings of each of the cards, it’s possible to begin perceiving patterns, nuances, and connections that didn’t seem to be there before.  And that, my friends, is where Spirit comes in!

REPEATING SYMBOLS, PART 2: MAGICIAN'S TOOLS

By Judy Jennings    © Copyright 2011 


Before delving further into major arcana symbolism, let’s get back to the subject of our previous post for a moment, and consider the tools on the table in front of The Magician.  The cup, sword, and pentacle, along with the upheld wand, are the symbols for the four suits of the minor arcana.  Interestingly, while the wand is  found in numerous other major arcana as well, the sword is found there only once (in Justice), while cups and pentacles are not specifically included at all.  However, the meaning embodied in the cups is strongly represented by recurring waters that run through the 22 major cards.  The earthly forces found in pentacles are also symbolized in several other ways; through vegetation, animals, and a variety of stonework, such as fences, pillars, and seats.  

The wand has such a dominant presence in the major arcana that one must conclude this symbol bears an important message.  Indeed, what would our lives be if we lacked the capacity to be inspired?  What could we possibly achieve without the strength of motivation and will?  The wand, then, is a symbol for the power that opens the way to other universal forces, and to deeper meaning in our lives.  In the symbolism of the Tarot, all the best possibilities for the human experience begin with the wand.

REPEATING SYMBOLS IN THE RIDER-WAITE DECK: THE WAND

By Judy Jennings    © Copyright 2011 

Today, let’s begin taking a look at the symbols that are repeating themes in the Rider-Waite deck.  While each of the 22 cards of the major arcana are endowed with a unique meaning, there is additional understanding to be found in the examination of their relationships with each other.  There are various approaches to this study, such as the Right Brain Exercises included in previous articles, but in this series we’re going to focus specifically on symbols that repeat in two or more major arcana.  Why is this important?  Because even though some of the nuances might vary, symbolic meaning is essentially the same in one card as in another.  In other words, all of the cards containing a particular symbol are addressing the same force, but in different ways.  A basic understanding of symbolism will greatly increase your overall  grasp of the Tarot.

Most immediately, we encounter the Magician’s wand, symbol of concentration, initiation and self-awareness.  The wand is found in some form in eight other major arcana as well.  Slung over the shoulder of the happy traveler in The Fool, it represents the will.  The globe-capped sceptre held by The Empress is a symbol of control over the physical plane, and that combination is repeated in The Emperor.  The sceptre of the latter is in the shape of an ankh, the Egyptian sign for life, which also implies solar and universal energy.  

A golden staff in the left hand of The Hierophant reiterates the message of universal life-force and expresses the three planes of the physical world (vegetable, animal, and human).  The blue wand of the Charioteer is topped by a yellow flame, suggesting a vigorous merging of the conscious and subconscious minds.  Resting on a mountaintop, the golden staff of The Hermit repeats the message of universal energy and life-force.  

In a reversal of meaning, the torch held by The Devil burns with wasteful abandon and offers little light.

In the final card of the major arcana, the dancer on the face of The World carries two wands that encompass all of the aspects of these previous cards, and more.  White wands represent purity and vast universal forces beyond the scope of any personal awareness.  

The cards under discussion today are numbered 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 15, and 21.  Try laying them out side by side to consider similarities.  What jumps out at you?

We know that wands are the symbol for willpower, ideas, and desires, and each card in this series is an expression of those forces at work.  These qualities manifest in our lives in many ways.  For example, The Empress is concerned with matters of well-being, while The Hermit is occupied with spiritual growth.  In all of these cards, however, we see the strength of motivation and the influence of divine or higher inspiration.

In terms of practical application, recognition of the shared qualities of these major arcana can shed much light on a reading.  Repeating themes (three or more cards), whether they be numerological or symbolical, are points of emphasis and should be considered closely when interpreting the cards.

At this point you should know that the wand, although it makes a very strong mark, is only the first of 19 repeating symbols in the major arcana.  In the next installment of this series, we’ll start out with a look at the stone pillars found in four of the cards.

HOLIDAY PERSPECTIVE

By Judy Jennings    © Copyright 2011 

A steaming cup of chai and a look at the New York Times online “2011:  The Year In Pictures” started my Christmas morning, and although I was hoping for uplifting, what I found in those 101 photos was perspective.  It’s easy to see that 2011 hasn’t been selective about handing out challenges, people all over the world have had them in multiples this year.  In many places, this has been an angry, violent cycle.  Climatic conditions have wracked the globe.  Physical and financial problems have overwhelmed tens of thousands of people in this country alone, while social support systems have been whacked like useless weeds.  Still, corporate greed cavorts and the haters keep on hating.

So it is in this time and state of mind that I come to you here to say thank you.  Thanks to all of you who have been patient and kind to each other, even when that’s been difficult.  Thanks to the folks who still believe that ultimately it’s love that must lead the way.  And finally, a personal thank you and a big, warm bear hug to the Tucson Tarot Meetup group, which has given me such great energy and inspiration.  This space that we’ve created together around the cards has been a joy, and a healing mental retreat for me.  That, my friends, is priceless!  

Happy holidays!

3: THE PERFECT BALANCE OF THE EMPRESS

By Judy Jennings    © Copyright 2011 
MEANING:

The Empress holds the promise of potential.  She represents creative imagination, the generation of ideas, and the power of deductive reasoning.  Subconscious interpretation of the forces at work in the preceding High Priestess is found in The Empress, and that understanding acts as a doorway for the personality from one stage to the next.  The Empress depends on the harmonious balance of the forces at work in the Magician and the Priestess in order to thrive.

Traditionally, this is considered to be one of the most feminine cards of the Tarot, but there are other meanings as well.  Metaphorically, the Empress represents the perfect balance of ying and yang, the perfect union of male and female, and the One Unisexual Universal Parent.

Psychologically, the Empress is a symbol for the embrace of Mother Earth and the promise of fertility.

In the material world, the forces found in The Empress are protective and concerned with our well-being.  Safety and self-preservation are strong themes in this domain.

IN A READING:

This auspicious card is also known as “Lady Luck”.  From her seat on a woodland throne, the Empress promises opportunity, bounty, pleasure, good health and possibly even pregnancy, depending on the surrounding cards.  The appearance of the Empress might also suggest the need to defend oneself against possible trouble or illness.

A person represented by the Empress will be generous, attractive and loving in relationships.  A patron of the arts might be indicated.  This person will be optimistic and able to overcome setbacks.

The Empress may also represent a writer, musician or actor.  Someone signified by this card will be be inspirational and popular, and possess a gift for self-expression.  There is the possibility for emotional vulnerability as well.

Upside down, this card can also indicate certain negative personality traits, such as the potential for promiscuity and an excessive desire for sensual pleasures.  Disorganization and lack of responsibility can lead to financial difficulties.

Meditate :  On The Empress to stir the Imagination

Planetary Attribution:  Venus

Associated Deities:  Venus, Hathor, Ceres, Mother Nature, Prakriti, Aphrodite, Jehovah

Astral Color:  Green

Musical Tone:  F-sharp

Direction:  East

THE HIGH PRIESTESS: KEEPER OF SECRETS

By Judy Jennings    © Copyright 2011 

Now that we've taken a look at the meaning of The Magician, let's turn our attention to its counterpart, The High Priestess.

This is the card of the subconscious mind and collective memory. The High Priestess is receptive and represents manifestation in the same way the Moon shines with the reflected light of the Sun.  This card symbolizes intuitive wisdom, telepathic communication, and a balance between positive and negative forces.  Reaction and fluctuation are found here, as are all forms of duality.

The waters of subconscious memory that begin to flow in the robes of the Priestess are found in nine other major arcana as well.  The pillars behind her represent affirmation and negation, and the scroll in her lap symbolizes memory.

Importantly, it is the successful equilibrium between the forces found in both the High Priestess and the Magician that allows the following card, The Empress, to thrive.

The concepts of Duality and Trinity are each prominent themes in the Tarot, and both are spiritual ideals that have been embraced by human societies for ages.  The concept of duality is embedded in our American culture with phrases like “Opposites attract” and is a fairly easy idea to grasp. 

The three-fold concept is a psychological homage to the three phases of the Sun.  Dawn, noon and dusk are aspects that play out constantly in our lives, both on a daily basis and over the span of years.  Christians espouse the Father-Son-Holy Ghost trinity,  Pagans in the Dianic tradition honor the Mother-Daughter-Crone, and Hindus find their trinity in Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.  According to astrologer Alan Oken the Persians, Babylonians and Egyptians also had their trinities, all of them ultimately relating back to the Sun as the primary Universal Life-force.

The first three cards of the major arcana eloquently express both of these principles.  The Magician and The High Priestess are of different natures, the former representing calculating intelligence and the conscious mind, while the latter is rooted in the subconscious.  You might even say they represent the two different hemispheres of the human brain.   

The message of this pairing is a prominent theme throughout the major arcana:  A meaningful life is based on a foundation of harmonious exchange between the conscious and subconscious minds.

IN A READING:

This is the card of a peacemaker.  A person represented by the Priestess will have a receptive attitude and a creative mind.  Patient and understanding, the Priestess is an especially good listener.  This is someone who appears warm and unthreatening to others.

There is a refined strength shown in the Priestess that can at times be mistakenly underestimated.  

In some circumstances this card might refer to someone who is keeping a secret.  The true soul of a person, that link between the Spirit and the personality, is symbolized by the Priestess.  Look to the surrounding cards for more information about the nature being expressed.

Another possible meaning of The Priestess in a reading could be a caution to not reveal all that is known about a particular matter.  It might also refer to a issue of memory.   

Meditate 

On The High Priestess to improve your power of Recollection

Celestial Body

The Moon

Associated Deities

Khephra, Nepythys, Hathor, Hecate, Isis, Chandra-Devi, Jehovah, Nana, Ceres, Ceridwen, Diana, Demeter, Proserpina, Rhea, Astraea, Vesta, Maia, Mary, Artemis, bona Dea, Kybele, Eve

Astral color

Blue

Musical Tone

G-sharp

Direction

Below

THE MAGICIAN: "I AM"

By Judy Jennings    © Copyright 2011 

In our previous topic, "Stories Of The Four Suits",  we discussed ways in which the conscious and subconscious minds must work together in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Tarot.  Today, let's take a more in-depth look at the forces expressed in The Magician, which represents the left hemisphere of the brain and the power of rational thought.

The first major arcana begins with the message that healthy self-awareness and the ability to focus a calculating intelligence are the first steps along the path of a meaningful life.  Arms outstretched towards Heaven and Earth indicate an understanding of the human life as a channel for the expression of higher ideals.  The qualities of this card are Initiation, the Powers of Concentration and Observation, and Strength of Will. 

The Magician represents human intelligence and cognitive thinking.  This is the state of mind that allows us to separate ourselves from pure instinct, and enables us to develop the creative, individual aspects of our minds.

The Magician is surrounded by a lush garden and facing a table holding tools that represent the four suits of the minor arcana.  The loose red robe worn by the Magician refers to free will, while the white inner garment represents pure universal wisdom.

The tools of the Magician are symbols of the four elements of nature; Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.  On one level, these represent basic survival needs.  Light is found in the fiery Wands while water fills the Cups.  Air and food are represented by Swords and Pentacles.  The symbolism in the Magician refers both to our desire to control the natural environment, and our need to be a part of it.  This is a theme that carries through the entire deck.  Paul Foster Case made a good point when he noted that “Magic is simply the ancient name for science.”

IN A READING:

A person represented by the Magician will be highly intelligent and possibly a healer or leader.  A powerful speaker and gifted with languages, this is a communicative and persuasive person with the capacity for motivating others.  Independence, ambition and the drive for success are indicated. 

This is someone who likes to initiate projects and who is willing to take calculated risks.  The Magician possesses keen business instincts and has a strong desire for knowledge that has a practical application.

Other meanings for this card include the beginning of a matter that will require close attention from the seeker, or an encouragement to summon strength of will.  It might refer to an opportunity for the seeker to become part of a greater cause. 

This is a card of initiative and constructive power.

Meditate: On The Magician to improve your Power of Concentration

Planetary Attribution:  Mercury

Associated Deities:  Hermes, Mercury, Thoth, Hanuman, Saram, Buddha, Christ, Odin

Astral Color:  Yellow

Musical Tone:  E-Natural

Direction:  Above

STORIES OF THE FOUR SUITS: A RIGHT BRAIN EXERCISE

By Judy Jennings    © Copyright 2011 

Let’s get back to the subject of exercises designed to stimulate the intuitive, subconscious part of the brain.  The previous two Right Brain Exercises we’ve discussed have both focused on aspects of the major arcana.  As any  student of the Tarot knows, much emphasis is placed on the meaning of each individual card in that series.  You might say these are the “trump” cards of the deck, and the most significant points in a reading.  Today, however, we’ll consider the impact of the minor arcana.  The four suits of the Tarot each represent a different aspect of the human experience.  All are assigned a natural element and are, in essence, the four tools on the table in front of The Magician.  According to Paul Case, the four suits are also related to the ancient Hebrew Kabbala.

Numerology is a much stronger theme in the four suits than is astrology.  This is in contrast to the major arcana, where every card has a corresponding astrological sign or ruling planet.  The influence of astrology in the four suits is much less specific.  Each suit represents the astrological signs that share the same natural element.  For example, the suit of Pentacles represents Earth and therefore also represents all three Earth signs, Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo.  This can be helpful when interpreting court cards in a reading.

The primary meaning of each minor arcana, however, is found in a combination of the number of the card and the qualities of the suit.  Obviously, a basic knowledge of the meanings of numbers 0-9 is important for insight into the four suits.  Each number represents a Universal force, as does each suit.  The definition of the card is in the intersection of those forces.

When Ace through 10 of any suit are laid out in a row, they tell a generic short story.  It’s a tale of a fresh new beginning followed by challenges and successes along the way.   The stories come to completion, and then move into transition.  Each suit follows this same basic outline, but each has its own unique focus and points of emphasis.

Wands represent the world of pure ideas, and symbolize inspiration and desire.  Therefore, all the cards of that suit are about the development of an idea, passion, or motivation.  Likewise, in Cups the story is about the emotions and creativity.  Swords dwell on mental processes, as well as conflict.  In Pentacles we see matters related to material prosperity and physical well-being.

The Left Brain has to set the stage for this exercise with the understanding of numerology and the qualities of the four suits, as discussed earlier.  Once that’s in place, use this to help nudge the Right Brain into awareness as well.

EXERCISE:

Lay out cards Ace through 10 of each suit into four horizontal rows.  Place the rows in this order:  Wands on top, then Cups, Swords, and Pentacles on the bottom.

First, try to tell the story of each suit in your own mind.  Personalize as much as you can.  Was there a time when you had a great idea for some type of venture, and then found a good business partner?  If so, you’ve experienced the forces expressed in the Ace and 2 of Pentacles.  Perhaps you can trace the path of something that has strongly motivated you in the past when contemplating Wands.  Let the suits speak to you about their natures.

Next, look at the cards vertically, in groups of four of a kind.  Consider how each is similar to the other by virtue of the qualities of its number.  For example, all the Aces are about beginnings and initiation, and all the sixes indicate love and equilibrium.  Spend some time getting a feel for the likenesses between these cards.

Finally, try to pinpoint how each of them are different.  But don’t try too hard, this process will come at its own pace.  Do the exercise more than once, if possible, over a period of several weeks.  

Understanding of the minor arcana can sometimes seem more elusive than the major arcana.  Meanings of the major arcana may be deeper and vaster, but since they’re based on astrology as well as numerology, they are fairly specific.  Interpretation of the four suits, however, can vary greatly from person to person.  The most important thing, as always, is to find the meaning that resonates for you personally.  To that end, then, try this exercise  and let us know what you think! 

ZERO: NUMBER WITH NO POINT

© Copyright 2011  Judy Jennings

I had a meltdown recently.  The details aren’t important, suffice it to say events occurred that weren’t about me, but that do have a great effect on me.  Apparently loss of control equals high anxiety in the nether regions of my right brain.  In an effort to regain my balance I turned to the cards, along with deep breathing and the Cube of Space meditation.  The next thing I knew, I was seeing unexpected opportunities in my near future, and a big, fat Zero was representing the best attitude I can possibly have in this situation.

An attitude of nothing?  How does that work?  

According to numerology, Zero signifies the absence of quantity and mass.  It’s an ellipse, not a sphere.  It’s also one of only two numbers that can be written repeatedly without lifting pen from paper, which suggests infinity.  In other words, Zero represents the great Cosmic Egg, the source of all life and everlasting Universal Light.  Whew!  How do I personally adopt that attitude, again?

The most prominent concept put forth in The Fool, the Tarot card to which Zero is assigned, is the idea of a profound moment just before something actually happens.  In that moment, anything is possible, whether it be for good or for ill.  The Fool represents a state of unlimited potential.

Now my left brain was getting back into the saddle, and along with it, my sense of equilibrium.  Tarot interpretation is an art form that activates and balances the qualities of both hemispheres of the brain, something I find to be quite helpful.  You might say that the the forces found in the cards actually practice what they preach, in a message that is repeated throughout the major arcana:  A meaningful life is built on a harmonious exchange between the conscious and subconscious minds.

The state found in The Fool is above the powers of thought and reason.  It surpasses feelings and instincts as well, for Zero is the number of Superconsciousness, in which there is not yet a sense of the personality.  

As I contemplated the ideas contained in the Fool, things started to become clearer.  It will be to my advantage if I can avoid taking events personally.  My worst-case scenarios are truly unfounded, existing only in my own mind.  It’s reasonable to assume that this change could be to my benefit.  Perhaps even more important than any of those realizations, though, was the way in which I began writing about The Fool.  Attacking a revision of that chapter of my manuscript was a good way to consider the meaning of the card in my reading, I decided.  The Fool is especially dense with symbolism, and when I emerged from the pool of those many descriptions I found I felt a lot better, and not from any particular train of thought.  I’d synched my personal brain-device with Universal Intelligence, and it felt great!

The Tarot works differently for everyone.  Much of the art of interpretation is subjective, a matter of style and resonance.  Decks differ and layouts vary.  The forces at work in the Fool, however, carry across all of those conditions into worldwide culture.  The Fool represents the force called Prana in Sanskrit, or Spirit in English.  It is the “Limitless Light” of the Kabbala and the Holy Spirit of modern-day Christianity.  The Fool of the Tarot symbolizes unlimited cosmic energy prior to actual manifestation, as well as freedom from lower forms of desire.  Adaptation and the advancement of human consciousness are also indicated.  The Fool contains a promise that there is great assistance and support for us in the natural world, if we are only able to recognize it.  These forces remind us once again that we are at our most powerful when experiencing a strong connection with nature.