TAROT: ANCIENT ART FOR MODERN TIMES: April 2014

Thursday, April 24, 2014

THE PAGE OF CUPS

The Page of Cups is a very idealistic individual. Loving and highly respectful of others, he has the ability to channel his own emotions into positive directions. Pages sometimes-but not always-represent a young person, but regardless of age, this is a kind and softhearted person filled with good intentions. People generally find his playful, creative disposition to be quite charming.

It’s a cause to be hopeful when the Page of Cups appears in a reading. It advises the seeker to be open to the unexpected and suggests that a fresh approach to a difficult matter may be helpful. A romantic crush might be indicated. In some cases this Page encourages you to follow your intuition or act on a hunch.

When the Page of Cups appears in the past it’s a sign that the emotional foundation of your current situation is healthy and loving. In the present, there might be the suggestion of inexperience in a matter involving the emotions. Encouragement to express your feelings could also be indicated. Seeing the Page of Cups in the future is a happy sight; there lies the possibility of a new love or a new close friend, or maybe there’s a very enjoyable activity waiting for you up ahead.

The Page of Cups speaks to the sensitive, emotional side in each of us. Above all, this Page is a reminder to keep our eyes and our hearts firmly set on our dreams.

Unrealized Potential: This Page can be emotionally vulnerable and easily hurt. Others may prey on his gullibility. Inability to focus makes him appear lazy and unproductive, and attempts to communicate are often misunderstood. He is given to emotional extremes.

THE PAGE OF SWORDS

The Page of Swords, like all Pages, is concerned with everyday activities. A highly vigilant youth might be indicated, or the card could address the beginning stage of a project that’s being watched very closely. If representing a person, this is someone with the utmost integrity and an unfaltering love for the truth. Mental proficiency, truth and justice are the values the Page of Swords lives by.

Highly idealistic, this Page is every bit as perceptive as the Queen of Swords, but lacks her experience. In some cases a prodigy might be suggested. It’s a good idea to be mindful of your privacy when dealing with this Page, because the Page of Swords LOVES to talk and sometimes indiscriminately repeats what she’s heard. This is an excited person, full of energy and eager to push out into the world.

A roaring wind assails the Page of Swords, similar to the windstorm shown in the Knight. Energy in both of these cards is turbulent, suggesting that they speak directly to challenges. When appearing in the present, for example, the Page of Swords might suggest it advisable to investigate the legitimacy of an offer. The integrity of former actions is brought to mind when this card shows in the past. Another person is most likely to be represented by the Page of Swords when it appears in the future. When this Page mingles with multiple royals of Cups in a reading, it’s a sign that telling the truth about something is likely to bring great relief.

Unrealized Potential: This Page can signify an immature person who challenges authority at every turn. She is a tattletale, a gossip, and an annoying know-it-all. She lies compulsively. Hyper-vigilance may be indicated.

THE PAGE OF PENTACLES

The Page of Pentacles is traditionally thought of as a young person ready to take on more responsibility. This might be a student or apprentice, or in any case, someone eager to attain new levels of skill and knowledge. This is a person with a developing understanding of material needs and the importance of good health. A dedication to doing the right thing is one of his strongest values.

This Page may be also be regarded to represent the initial stage of the development of a project. In a reading, when the Page of Pentacles appears in the past it suggests the process of maturation. In the present it might indicate a person who is acquiring new skills or starting in a new position. Inexperience could be a factor in a business matter. When this Page appears in the future, a budding opportunity is often on the horizon.

As with all of the royals of Pentacles, a fondness for the outdoors is indicated. The mountain in the background behind this Page is noteworthy because of the importance of that symbol in the Rider-Waite deck. First appearing in The Lovers, the mountain represents the Great Work of a personality whose actions are connected to a meaningful purpose. That symbolism holds true every time the mountain appears, and in this case, makes clear that the down-to-earth Page of Pentacles is connected to higher meaning through his work ethic and dedication.

Unrealized Potential: The Page of Pentacles can represent an irresponsible person given to excessive spending, gambling, or drug and alcohol abuse, Boredom might be suggested.

THE PAGE OF WANDS

The Page of Wands represents a person of brilliance. All Pages have to do with the realm of daily activities and frequently suggest a young person crossing the path of the seeker. They can at times refer to the temperament of the querant, as well, suggesting optimism and high energy. The Page of Wands is healthy, vigorous, courageous and excited.

The appearance of this Page in the present can indicate a person who is highly idealistic and enthusiastic, but lacking in experience. The beginning stages of an inspired project might also be suggested. In the past, the Page of Wands represents a surge of energy and optimism that has helped create the current situation. In a future position, this Page is encouraging, showing high energy and vitality. An upcoming project promises to be very exciting.

The Salamanders decorating her coat associate the Page of Wands with all of the attributes of the Fire Lizard described under the King of Wands.

Unrealized Potential: Lack of experience results in impractical ideas. Energy is squandered on pointless endeavors. Fatigue may be a problem.

THE KNIGHT OF CUPS

The Knight of Cups represents the coming and going of emotional matters. Like all Knights, this card can refer either to a person on some sort of a mission, or to a changing circumstance.

A person who is symbolized by this Knight is strongly in touch with her emotions and ruled by the heart. Optimistic and idealistic, she makes decisions based on feelings and intuition rather than logic. In keeping with all of the other royals of Cups, the Knight is deeply romantic, but on a quest of seduction that is uniquely her own.

The arrival of good news is often signaled by the Knight of Cups, and it’s a VERY good card to get when asking about love. The appearance of this Knight in almost any position is a strong encouragement to explore your feelings about a matter. You may receive an important message through your dreams.

The activity of the horses reveals much about the intentions of their Knights. The pair shown in the Knight of Cups is in steady motion, perpetually drawn toward the water, the source of emotions. When it appears in the past. there has likely been an emotional matter that is still affecting the present. Seen in the present, she offers a joyous and hopeful view of the future. When the Knight of Cups presents in the future, it’s a sign that events already in motion will lead to great happiness.

Unrealized Potential: This Knight can be lost in daydreams and become completely unproductive. Her moods may be variable and unpredictable, and she often becomes defensive. Sexual promiscuity might be indicated.

THE KNIGHT OF SWORDS

The Knight of Swords is an agitator; he likes to keep things stirred up, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. That depends on context. On the one hand, this Knight shows great ambition and determination. He approaches life from an intellectual perspective and has a talent for communicating well with other people. Everything about this card suggests high energy and swift action. On the other hand, trouble often trails along behind him.

Knights seem to represent circumstances in readings as often as they do people. All Knights refer to some kind of delivery, and the Knight of Swords suggests the arrival of new thoughts and ideas, or perhaps foretells an unexpected conversation. He can also bring surprising messages.

The Knight of Swords is extremely interactive with other royals. All of the Queens work well with this Knight, for he is their champion. He can be volatile with Kings, however. Notice that the Knight of Swords and the Knight of Wands are facing the same direction, while the other two Knights face the opposite way. When two Knights who are looking in the same direction appear together in a reading, they suggest two people working towards a common goal.

The direction of the gaze has an important connection with the position of this Knight in a layout, as well. In the past, he looks away from the seeker, suggesting that conflict has passed. In the present he can bring unexpected or even unwelcome news. In the future, the Knight of Swords is looking directly at the seeker, indicating that something unsettling is about to happen.

Unrealized Potential: A person who cuts corners and acts before thinking might be suggested. Lack of caution is indicated. In this state the personality is adversarial and confrontational.

THE KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

The Knight of Pentacles often represents a person who is seeking some kind of project or business venture. Acquisition of money and material goods are at the top of this Knight’s agenda, but she pursues them honestly and through hard work. This is a very reliable Knight, someone who can be counted on to keep moving steadily-and sometimes slowly-in a positive direction.

In some cases Knights don’t indicate a person, but rather, the coming or going of a matter of great importance to the seeker. The Knight of Pentacles suggests movement in a matter involving business, finance or place of residence.

This Knight shows the least movement of all of the Knights, with both the horse and the rider in a position of stillness. Holding steady and and keeping an eye on progress is her goal. The Knight of Pentacles is more of a merchant than a warrior, carrying a coin rather than a weapon. This is a person who uses resources and good management rather than force in order to advance.

When this Knight appears in the past, it’s likely that previous efforts regarding business or residence are of benefit in the current situation. In the present, it suggests the possibility of a new venture, and indicates that hard work will pay off in the future. Upcoming opportunities are indicated in the future.

Unrealized Potential: An ill-dignified Knight of Pentacles is stuck. Progress grinds to a halt. Opportunities are ignored. This can be a boring person with a lack of imagination.

THE KNIGHT OF WANDS

The Knight of Wands is an outgoing personality that exudes a sense of purpose and insatiable curiosity. Attitude, rather than gender, is the defining characteristic of this royal. This is a person on a mission. He thrives on change and is often the messenger of new ideas. Proactive and quick to respond, this is someone with the ability to stir up energy in other people and in groups.

Sometimes the Knights represent circumstances rather than people. The Knight of Wands can portend impulsive behavior, a change of residence, or a sudden departure.

When this card appears in the past, it suggests that you have moved on energetically from something that was previously a driving force. This Knight is "in your face" when showing in the present; expect a sudden and dramatic influence. This is an exciting card to get in the future, for it predicts a highly inspired and energetic state of mind to come.

Unrealized Potential: If this Knight lacks a sense of direction there is the possibility for rash and hasty action. Restlessness may be a problem. Energy is frustrated and ideas are nonproductive. The ability to move forward is blocked. He cam be arrogant and egotistical.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

THE QUEEN OF CUPS

The Queen of Cups is deeply intuitive. The powers of the subconscious mind represented here are equaled only by the High Priestess herself. This Queen suggests someone who is a wonderful listener and likely to have psychic ability. A healer might be indicated. Her capacity for compassion is boundless.

This is a peaceful personality with a talent for making other people feel happy. She is patient and loving, with a high sensitivity to other peoples needs. Although she has a strong spiritual side, her approach to spirituality is open-minded and receptive to new ideas. Like other royals of Cups, she is affectionate and romantic by nature. You couldn’t ask for a more supportive friend or partner. This person also has an artistic side, and an inclination to dream big.

In a reading this card emphasizes a need for a focus on well-being rather than on logic. Empathy is called for. The Queen of Cups is always a recommendation to follow your heart.

When she appears in the past, it’s a good bet that current problems have nothing to do with previous actions. There is much affection for the past when the Queen of Cups shows in that position. In the present, she indicates an open heart and the possibility of love. Great contentment is predicted by her presence in the future.

Unrealized Potential: In this state the Queen of Cups is emotionally vulnerable and has difficulty setting boundaries. Riddled with depression and addiction, she lives in a fantasy world and cannot stand to spend time alone. She tends to be extremely manipulative

THE QUEEN OF SWORDS

The Queen of Swords indicates a person with the resolve to make tough decisions. Experienced and highly intelligent, she is a powerful ally and wise advisor. This is someone who is independent in both thought and action, and who values logic over emotion. It’s almost impossible to fool this Queen, for she is extremely perceptive and has an unwavering ability to look the truth straight in the eye.

She is honest and straightforward in her dealing with other people, sometimes to the point of bluntness. There’s a self-assured sternness about her bearing but there’s much more than just that to the Queen of Swords, who is extremely clever and can at times be very funny. This is someone gifted with words and passionate about the acquisition of knowledge.

The posture of this Queen is important because rather than looking directly at the seeker, she is gazing into the future. When shown in the past, the Sword Queen indicates that strong progress has been made. In the present, however, this card can be less definitive and preoccupied with what is yet to come. When she appears in the future, the Queen of Swords is an exceptionally hopeful card.

When the Queen and King of Swords appear together in a reading a tremendously strong influence is suggested, or a powerful command over a situation might be indicated. Multiple royals can also advise the need for a conversation.

Unrealized Potential: Unhealthy expression of the characteristics of this Queen include narrow-mindedness, bigotry and malevolence. She is cold and sarcastic. The gift of words deteriorates into a proclivity for gossip.

THE QUEEN OF PENTACLES

The Queen of Pentacles is the minor arcana equivalent of The Empress, a symbol of love, nurturing, and the promise of fertility. Thoughtful of others and generous by nature, this Queen is capable of taking good care of both herself and the ones she loves. She is resourceful and highly practical.

An important connection between the Queen of Pentacles and the natural environment is shown in the garden setting, with the rabbit crouching nearby offering a symbol of fertility. The carven goat’s head on her throne connects this Queen to the grounded practicality of Capricorn. The other animal depicted on this throne, the horned cow, connects her to Hathor, ancient Earth Goddess.

This Queen is a confident, deliberate person who leaves nothing to chance. She is pragmatic in all matters, including love, and very aware of the needs of other people. This is a trustworthy and loyal friend who will stick with you through difficulties, preferring to make sacrifices herself rather than see her loved ones suffer. Extremely competent and intelligent, this Queen is capable of success whether in a partnership, or on her own.

Unrealized Potential: The unrealized Queen of Pentacles tends towards pessimism and wears an air of heaviness. She is easily impressed by material success and can be a bit of a snob. The personality in this state places more importance on the well-being of the organization than on the health of the individual

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

THE QUEEN OF WANDS

The Queen of Wands is constantly brimming with new ideas. Queens refer to the inner life, or the soul of a person, and in that way can represent either gender. This is an honorable person with a warm, attractive personality and a commanding presence. She is affectionate and can be quite sensuous, but at the same time is strongly independent in a relationship. She is an extrovert, but also has the ability to be deeply sympathetic and to draw out other people.

As does the King, the Queen of Wands has an animal companion, again with occult significance. Unlike the other three royals of Wands, who are endowed with the Salamander, the Queen has a potent connection with the Cat. A black cat calls to mind the proverbial idea of a witch, suggesting someone with a powerful command over her environment. The lions embroidered on the curtain behind her and carved into the arms of her throne associate this Queen with the major arcana Strength, and with the fiery, creative nature of Leo.

The relationship that the King and Queen of Wands have with their animal spirits is unusual. While it’s true that many of the royals are pictured with wildlife in the background, there is only one other that suggests the kind of personal bonds evident with the fiery King and Queen. (The other is the Page of Cups and his fish.) This link to the elementals, or spirits of nature, is symbolic of the intensely spiritual potential of these personalities.

Unrealized Potential: If this personality is out of balance she can be temperamental, volatile or impulsive. Ideas may be blocked, or willpower lacking.

THE KING OF CUPS

The King of Cups is a kind and gentle person, compassionate and deeply understanding of the needs of others. This is a loving parent and a wonderful partner who remains calm and in control of his own feelings even during times of emotional turmoil. The King of Cups represents someone who is most definitely emotionally available, and who tends to be quite romantic. He seeks intensity in relationships.

This King has a diplomatic personality and a talent for encouraging people to continue working together. He is open-minded and an excellent mediator. The King of Cups is a born humanitarian and an extremely patient leader.

A calming influence is suggested in any position where he appears in a reading. While many of the royals seem to address circumstances as often as they do people, the King of Cups takes a different tack and most frequently indicates another person.

This most kindhearted of all the Kings should not be underestimated. He may have a sentimental nature, but the royal seal in his left hand shows that he is quite capable of taking care of business, even in the midst of roiling emotions or subconscious influences. This is a person who understands that feelings are just as important as logic.

Unrealized Potential: Traditional lore surrounding this card paints the King of Cups as a philanderer. Misplaced sentimentality can create tolerance for bad behavior in people of whom he is especially fond. Genuine affection degrades into insincerity. Lack of emotional control may be a problem.

THE KING OF SWORDS

The King of Swords represents mastery over ones own thoughts. This person is powerful both mentally and psychologically, and has the ability to stand on the strength of his beliefs. He is cautious, highly observant and decisive. This is an articulate King with a commanding presence.

All of the Kings in the Rider-Waite deck are positioned in a way that calls to mind The Emperor, but the Kings represent one aspect of the larger persona represented by the major arcana. The King of Swords is the ruler of the intellectual realm.

The King of Swords wears a purple cloak, a rare color in the RW deck, suggesting association with others that contain it as well. Purple is seen in only three of the major arcana: The Lovers, Justice and The World. This demonstrates a connection between the King of Swords and the airy energies of Gemini and Libra, both concerned with harmony, communication and social equity. The association with The World suggests the energies of Saturn, which can be both enlightening and restrictive.

In a reading, the appearance of the Sword King can refer to a person in authority, or in some cases, to the need to bring in an expert. It may also suggest a situation where logic is called for over emotion. This is the card of a brilliant mind.

Unrealized Potential: If ill-dignified, this King can be cold and harsh, or even cruel. Keen intellect is used to dominate others. This is a vindictive state of mind bent on revenge.

If the King of Swords appears with numerous other Swords, conflict is likely.

THE KING OF PENTACLES

The King of Pentacles is someone to be counted on, a friendly, helpful person who others turn to in times of need. Strongly committed to family and community, he is generous and kind. As a business person this King is highly ethical and has a talent for success. A person represented by this King is likely to have a great love of the outdoors, and to find satisfaction in tangible, hands-on work. Calm assurance is the face with which he greets the world.

Symbolism in the Rider-Waite deck shows the King of Pentacles seated on a throne decorated with the head of a bull, representing the sign of Taurus. This offers an important clue about the nature of the King of Pentacles. This is a very determined person, highly involved with the acquisition of material goods and the conscientious control of their use. Deliberate in self-expression, he takes time to form loyalties, but once committed, is devoted through thick and thin. He is then sensitive, understanding and affectionate.

The lush garden setting identifies the King of Pentacles as someone very much involved in the physical realm. The sceptre in his right hand serves the same purpose as a wand-a channel for energies to flow from above to below-but bears a globe at the top as well, signifying dominion over earthly matters.

Unrealized Potential: A King of Pentacles who has not grown into his true power tends to be shallow and materialistic, unreasonably stubborn, and lacking in imagination. He can be aloof, and stinginess is prevalent. Business ventures may be unsuccessful.

Monday, April 21, 2014

THE KING OF WANDS

The King of Wands is an honest, idealistic person with a strong desire for self-expression. As with all the Kings, the energy expressed is yang, or outgoing, in nature. In a reading this adventurous King might refer to someone else with leadership qualities, or to a dynamic assertion of the seeker’s own persona. (Surrounding cards will shed light on this.) An ardent lover and passionate in all he does, this is a charismatic person full of energy and ideas, and with the ability to light up a room.

The salamander at his feet in the Rider-Waite deck contains important information about the nature of this particular King. While three of the Wand royals have the salamander embroidered on their clothing, only the King has the creature itself alongside as a companion, suggesting someone with strong occult ties to the spiritual world. In occult tradition the salamander is the fire elemental, or the nature spirit of fire. Qualities of this fire-spirit include vision, growth, renewal, awareness, spirituality, adaptability and resourcefulness. These attributes are highly focused in the King of Wands.

Unrealized Potential: In some cases this King can be angry and impatient, with a tendency towards narcissism. Ideas lack purpose and energy lacks direction.

TAROT: ANCIENT ART FOR MODERN TIMES