court cards

Weekly Card The Queen of Cups

July 15, 2015
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Mystical Cat Tarot

We’re meeting another regal presence from the Court Cards for the first time: the Queen of Cups.

As a person, this is the one who’s first foot forward is the emotional one. S/he’s involved and connected with those around her, directly from the heart. S/he’s the one you can go to for nurturing and comfort, for someone to understand how you’re feeling.

Most people are a mix of energies, and if we’re one of the lucky healthy ones, we can draw on all the Court Card energies when appropriate. So, this week, when you look at who might be influential in your life, you don’t need to find someone who’s all emotion and creativity with no rationality. Just look to the individual who’s most able to get into the emotional flow and stay there with you.

150716 Queen of Cups RWS
Rider Waite Smith Tarot

Elementally, we’ve got Queen as water in the watery suit, Cups. This is the level in the Court that’s most at home in the Cups environment. The image from the Mystical Cat Tarot has our Sea Queen in a flowing fountain. The Rider Waite Smith image has the Queen on a shell-topped throne at the edge of the sea, completely focused on her ornate Cup. This is a flowing, mutable, changeable, responsive energy. And it’s not to be underestimated: remember the long-term impact of water as waterfalls or rivers. Yes, the Queen of Cups will carve through stone, if need be.

Looking to your own character, where are you being asked to be emotionally connected this week? Do you have a creative project under way that needs the infusion of humanity that crosses time and space to reach its audience? How can you bring emotional response, especially with a feeling of nurturing, to as many areas of your life as possible this week?

Water your personal garden!

Weekly Card the Fiery Princess of Wands

June 11, 2015
150611 Page of Wands Golden Dawn Princess
The Golden Dawn Tarot

Wow! Who’s this fire chick?! Definitely a warrior princess.

We’ve actually seen other versions of her before, as the Page of Wands.

But this Princess of Wands doesn’t look playful or sedate. She’s got her club of fire, so she means business. She’s wielding passionate belief as a tool or weapon. And did you check out her other hand? She’s actually got it in the fire! This one’s a super hero.

What’s with the strange armour? There’s no breastplate. Her heart isn’t guarded or protected here. She doesn’t have to worry about skinning her knees, and she won’t be bashing her shins on the furniture, like the rest of us, but her normally vulnerable heart is stronger without guards and barriers.

The tiger-skin cape is another indicator that we’ve got a force to be reckoned with. This is not a humble Page or ineffectual Princess. This is youth unleashed. (And am I the only one thinking Calvin and Hobbes?)

When do we want to see this Princess?

How about those days when you’re dragging your sorry butt out of bed, wondering how you’re going to make it through yet another 14 hour day? It’d be great to have Marvel or DC on your side.

Or what about the times when you need to make a presentation to the boss or to potential clients? Passion and belief with unguarded sincerity is a powerful tool.

Robert Wang and Israel Regardie’s Golden Dawn Tarot is just one of several based on the traditions of the mystical organization, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The Golden Dawn grew out of the flowering of Freemasonry traditions in the mid-to-late 19th Century. Tarot figured strongly in the Order, based on the Kabbalah. It’s an earlier tradition than the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, but just barely. A.E. Waite was a member of the Golden Dawn.

Bring the Princess of Wands into your own life this week: Where have you already passed trials by fire, where does your passion serve you to get things done?

Light it up!

Weekly Card The Rational King of Swords

May 19, 2015
150521 King of Swords Mystical Cat Sky King
Mystical Cat Tarot

We’ve got lots of information about the King of Swords from our last two posts.

So what do we see in the Mystical Cats Tarot Sky King, the equivalent of the King of Swords?

Let’s start with the name. Why Sky? Since Swords are the element of air, the very airy Sky makes sense.

And this is the cold, crystalline air of winter. There’s a stillness in winter that allows us to look at things closely. There’s a sparkle and clarity to the air that’s reflected in our majestic Sky King’s jeweled collar. If we look at snow as frozen water, and water as the element of emotions, creativity and connection with others, we’ve got a King who’s comfortable putting his emotions on hold to be coldly rational. He doesn’t need shelter; he’s able to be out in the world, no matter how isolated he is. And that’s what’s needed in rational authority: an ability to be disconnected from anything other than clear thought.

For the rest of us, that windchime is a wonderfully accessible symbol of the mind at work. It’s tinkling, it’s tinkling, and I’ve got an inkling. . . .

What happens if we look at the Sky King with a 3 of Cups situation? How involved will he be with the heart connections or emotionally-driven creativity? It’s likely that he’ll be found in an analytical position. As others are being creative, he might be the critic, assessing what’s happening, or the rational business manager, interested in keeping the theatrical company together. Rather than join in the celebrations with friends, he’s going to be on the outside, perhaps, as a master of words and communication, telling the story to others.

What if we see VII The Chariot in connection with the Sky King/King of Swords? We’ve got the progress of VII The Chariot working through the mind and authority of the Sky King. It gives us clues about what aspect of our personal make-up will help us move forward: the mental aspect. It can also let us know about the potential for the Sky King in our lives to be making progress in his or her journey. If that person is important in our decision-making process, we’ll be aware of the changes in store for him/her and can make a better informed decision. It could be that we can’t move forward ourselves without the say-so of an important authority in our lives.

As always, bring the Sky King into what’s happening in your life right now. Are you the Sky King? Is someone else in your life? Are you being called to develop your potential in the direction of mental mastery or authority?

And if you decide to get cozy with the Sky King kitty, show proper respect!

Weekly Card The Queen of Swords is Not Amused

April 21, 2015
150416 Queen of Swords Golden Dawn Wang
Robert Wang’s Golden Dawn Tarot

EeeYIKES!

Who is this chick and how do we stay as far away from her as possible??!

Actually, we’ve met her before. Our last visit was much less severe than this image, from The Golden Dawn Tarot.

Look back at that visit for a moment (don’t worry, the link will open in a new tab/window).

So what the hell happened between then and now? How did we get from “brilliant mind” to “off with his head” and full body armour?

Here we’re dealing with the bias and symbolism that are elements as we move from deck to deck. Remember that each card has energy that runs on a spectrum from weak (and unbalanced) through balanced to over-used (and unbalanced). Some artists view the strong point of a particular card more toward one end of the spectrum than the centre.

Remember that the Queen is emotional, even though she’s Queen of Swords, dealing with the mind and rationality. So one end of the spectrum (actually two spectra working together) is going to be highly emotional with limited rationality. You can probably relate to times when you’d like to have taken someone’s head off.

At another unbalanced point, there’s severely limited ability to connect with others along with cold rationality. We’ve got lots of examples of the total lack of compassion with a logic that says, “we need to kill you to – fill in agenda here –“. Many of them fit into the headings of Crime or War.

Since we know this deck is based on the symbolism of the Golden Dawn, we can come up with another explanation if we do a little research. Here’s where study of the history and traditions of Tarot can be very useful. In this case, that severed head symbolizes our own egos (in the arrogant, ignorant, negative sense). The Queen of Swords uses her clear mind to cut through self-deception, “killing” the delusions that cloud our perception.

So which one is the “right” interpretation? All of them can be true in various circumstances. On a single card draw, I suggest going with your gut response to the image on the card. In a multiple card spread, note the influences of the other cards. Is the “Swordness” strengthened or weakened by the cards around the Queen of Swords? How about the emotionality and connectedness of the Queen (read her energy as Cups or water)?

At face value this week . . .

Watch your temper!

Weekly Card Riding with the Knight of Cups

April 1, 2015
150402 Knight of Cups Baroque Bohemian Cats
Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot

We’ve had a pretty thorough look at the Knight of Cups before (as one of his aliases: Prince of Cups). Since he follows his heart in and out of our lives, let’s take a look at a few more of his possible faces.

One of my favourites is his appearance as a white glamour puss on his proud black mount, from the Baroque Bohemian Cat deck. This Knight obviously loves the finer things in life. When he rides into town, it means you’d better put on the dog to have a chance with him. It’s nights at the theatre and five-star dining. The minute you want to run through the sprinkler in your undies or crash on the sofa, he’ll be back on his horse in search of his next peak experience.

150402 Knight of Cups Renaissance Williams
Brian Williams’ Renaissance Tarot

Brian Williams’ Knight of Cups from his Renaissance Tarot seems more accessible, perhaps even more interested in being of service. He’s awfully placid atop his feisty and substantial steed. This Knight promises growth and healing (his green garments and the corner reference to the Archangel Raphael) if we drink from the cup he offers.   But his horse has all the ferocity and bite of the transient and truncated sexual encounters (Scorpio’s sting is in there, after all – the astrological correspondence for Knight of Cups) that the Knight of Cups is famous for.

150402 Prince of Cups Thoth
Aleister Crowley Frieda Harris Thoth Tarot

Finally, we have the Aleister Crowley- Frieda Harris Thoth Tarot (another Prince of Cups). Frankly, a whole lot more scary Scorpio and less hopeful romantic. His sights are still set firm on his desires (the serpent rising from the cup), but he wears and rides the eagle aspect of Scorpio (the “evolved” scorpion) and carries a lotus blossom.   This Prince (Knight) may still tear through with romance, but he’s putting the transformative aspect right out front.

So, what kind of emotional mindset do you need to get on the horse – or eagle – with any of these Knights, even for a short ride? Can you visit the elite artistic heights with the Baroque Bohemian Cat? Are you seduced by the gentle healing promise of Williams’ Renaissance Knight, despite his high-spirited horse? Are you brave enough to join Crowley’s Knight for a transformative flight?

What about the transient romances in your own life? Have you been the “victim” of a Knight of Cups or two . . . or three or . . . ? Were you able to let go after the encounter to let it be healing? (Or did you, like many of us!, kick and scream in resistance to the ending?) Are you still lost in romantic fantasies of bygone desires and wishes?

Or have you been the Knight of Cups, highly creative and innovative, intimate with whomever you fancy? Commitment? Of course you’re committed: to love, to creativity, to beauty and truth. Are you guilty about your Knightly self or have you learnt transformative acceptance?

Be in touch with your desires this week and make a commitment to their source. Spontaneity and creativity are required in your ride . . . the scenery will change, after all.  Above all . . .

 Commit to the ride!

 




When the ride gets a little wild or confusing, a tarot session with a professional can help you find your course.  And here‘s where you can find one.

Weekly Card Comparing the Page of Pentacles

March 5, 2015
150319 Page of Pentacles Revelations
Revelations Tarot

We’ve talked about the qualities of the Page of Pentacles, and we’ve given the Page a chance to encounter some of the other energies in the Tarot deck.   Let’s compare a trio of different Pages this week.

Take a look at the Zach Wong Page of Pentacles from the Revelations Tarot. Be very Page of Pentacles in your assessment: just describe the facts of what you see. Then comb through what you’ve described to see where you’ve assigned meaning, rather than just made a description. See if you can tease out only the Page of Pentacles from the other qualities of Tarot.

150319 Page of Pentacles Zen
Osho Zen Tarot

How about the Page of Rainbows from the Osho Zen Tarot (remember that this deck uses Rainbows, Clouds, Water and Fire instead of Pentacles, Swords, Cups and Wands)? Be factually descriptive: what’s the image? What are the colours involved? Of course, we’ve got our individual responses to the caption, “Adventure”. Can you be as factual and practical as possible in describing an adventure?

150319 Page of Pentacles Gilded
Gilded Tarot

What about the image from Ciro Marchetti’s Gilded Tarot? How are the colours different from the other two representations? What’s the same and what’s different to the Revelations and Zen images?

Now let’s find meaning in the elements of the images. Rather than assigning meaning based on the symbolism of the cards, look to your own experience. Is there anything you’re reminded of in your own life by what you’ve seen here? What specifically is it on the cards that’s reminded you of whatever memories or situations came to mind? How can you understand various facets of that experience by examining it in connection with one card at a time?

And, there you go . . . . a Page of Pentacles experience of learning about the world around you by examining its elements.

Head out on your own learning adventure this week!




Learning tarot is definitely an adventure! Begin – or continue – your learning adventure through the BCACE classes on 20th March and 1st May. For private consultations or lessons, you can find me here.

Weekly Card the Playful Page of Wands

February 10, 2015
150226 Osho Zen Page of Wands
Osho Zen Tarot

Now here’s a Page of Wands that looks like enthusiastic fire energy! The last time we looked at this Page, it was with one of the older, much more sedate decks.

Jump right into your life with this Page (you know you want to!). Where are you ready to play with life and its stuff? Where are you a loose cannon? When do the sparks fly in your life? And how about the high energy stuff that doesn’t quite fit yet, but you can’t help but wear it anyway?

There you are, being all Page of Wands. Parties and temper fits. Frolicking and tearing it up. Maybe still learning how it all fits into real life, but having fun at the same time.

Remember (Tarot . . . It’s Easier Than You Think), Pages are the youthful, fresh energy of any suit. Wands are all about our values, our lifestyle, our goals. We’re discovering new goals, uncovering important new values, putting youthfulness back into our lifestyles.

In other words (Tarot 2: We’re Not in Kansas Anymore), we’ve got the element of Earth (Pages) meeting Fire (Wands). What happens then (as if you didn’t know! Kaboom!)? It’s the passion behind the practical elements of your life.

So TIETYT, let’s tell some stories . . . . What happens when the Page of Wands is corralled by the 9 of Pentacles? How about when all that playfulness meets a 2 of Cups situation?

T2WNIKA, get a little deeper: knowing that Wands are stronger with Pentacles and weaker with Cups, how does that dynamic control the TIETYT stories? Remember, the higher the number of the suit, the more of the element. A LOT of Earth with some Fire? A little Water with some Earth and Fire (oh, we just needed Swords for Wind!)?

And when you’re done with your stories, head on back to your own life.

Add in the enthusiastic play!





Tarot counseling and learning are both available to you.  The next Berkeley County Adult Ed classes are on 20th March and 1st May.  Call 304-267-3585 for info and to sign up.

Weekly Card Healing the Knight of Swords

February 12, 2015
150212 Knight of Swords Healing
The Healing Tarot

Our last straightforward look at the Knight of Swords covered the concepts of adventurous, forceful energy in the realm of ideas, concerns and communication, from Tarot . . . It’s Easier Than You Think. So let’s delve into the specifics of the Healing Tarot image.

Before we start, though, I want to addresse the issue of medical treatment versus healing. Medical diagnosis, treatment or cure is not within the scope of tarot. However, healing – the idea of making oneself whole – is. So, as we talk about this Knight of Swords, stay within bounds of healing and don’t mistake it for the medical world. For that you need a medical professional; I am most definitely not that.

That said, we’ve got a young man with his back to us here. He’s still looking at his sword, symbol of the ideas that concern him. He’s being treated by a massage therapist, specifically around his upper back and shoulders.

So, how does that relate to our TIETYT concepts? Think about the concerns portion first. Where do we carry our problems? And how do your shoulders feel when you’re worried? How about when you’ve been dashing off this way and that to act on this idea or communicate that one? You can see how softening the knots from unceasing activity could help this Knight.

In Tarot 2: We’re Not In Kansas Anymore you learned that Swords are connected with Air. Our front-line physical interaction with air is in our respiratory system. Breathing exercises can help restore wholeness in the world of Swords. And since communication is in the mix, meditation or other tonics to the nervous system – our internal communication system – can also help us to heal when we see Swords in a spread.

Let’s combine the Knight of Swords with the two cards from January that we added to the mix last week. What story comes out when an adventurous, dashing and witty Knight of Swords is connected to the relationship of the 2 of Cups? And how is he likely to respond to the patient maintenance required by the 7 of Pentacles? What if all 3 cards are part of the story; is this a relationship that will last?

T2WNIKA students can look at how assertive and active Air (Swords) interacts with passive and receptive Water and Earth (our Cups and Pentacles). Both Cups and Swords are strengthened (for better or worse) by their interaction with each other. Swords and Pentacles, not so much: they’re weaker in their exchanges. The Knight of Swords is Air of Air, so the most quick-moving and active of the Knights. That level of activity could be enough to stir the passive Cups and Pentacles into movement. But this Knight isn’t known for staying power, so what do you think? Remember to figure in how much Cups energy and how much Pentacle energy is involved, from the numbers in each suit.

Flash your fine mind and wit this week!

 



If you’re having problems with the Knights of Swords in your life, you know where to find me. You can also get in touch for individual and group lessons.
The next Berkeley County Adult Ed classes are on 20th March and 1st May. Call 304-267-3585 for info and to sign up.

Weekly Card King of Cups Under Alias

November 13, 2014
141120 Father of Water Spirit King of Cups
Tarot of the Spirit

What’s the deal with King of Cups? This is the second time we’ve met him and he’s still not showing up under his most traditional name. This time, it’s as the Father of Water from Joyce and Pamela Eakin’s Tarot of the Spirit.

That deck uses Father, Mother, Brother and Sister instead of King, Queen, Knight and Page for the Court Cards.   Makes them more like family than removed royalty, doesn’t it? And it uses the elements associated with each suit, rather than the “traditional” suits. Earth corresponds to Pentacles, Air to Swords, Fire to Wands and Water to Cups. So Father of Water is King of Cups.

What if your Dad were someone who couldn’t get enough of the sea? What if he loved to play in the ocean? Imagine a father who would actually stay out in a stormy sea. And, as if that weren’t enough, he’d ride a horse in the midst of all that active sea. And it’s a white horse. That turns around to talk to him.

Other than Wilbur and Mr Ed, who is that guy?

Your Tarot . . . It’s Easier Than You Think crib sheet describes the King energy as constant and robust. Because he’s the King of Cups, he’s that way about emotions, relationships and creativity.

This is a Father who dives right into the thick of emotions. Even the scary ones don’t stop him. So this Dad didn’t even leave when you had temper tantrums. He’s the master of his animal side, but it’s a give and take relationship, so he listens to that side of himself. He isn’t going to flip out with you when you’re in the midst of your temper fits.

He knows how to stick it out when creative projects are up against unsympathetic critics. He’s there when relationships hit the rocks. Can you say “unconditional love”?

What would you be like if you’d been raised by a father like that? How do you interact with people like that in your life now?   Are you ever like that yourself?

Love and create unconditionally and constantly this week!

 

 

If you’re looking to learn more about Tarot, I’ll be teaching level 2, Tarot 2 . . . We’re Not in Kansas Anymore, on Friday, 12th December, through the Berkeley County Adult Ed program.  Call 304-267-3585 for more information and to register.

And you know where to find me for phone, email, or in-person tarot counseling.

Weekly Card Knight of Wands

October 9, 2014
141009 Knight of Wands Renaissance
Renaissance Tarot

 

Whoa, Nellie!!

Knight of Wands is the most adventurous and forceful of the Court Cards: the most active card in the most aggressive suit. He may signify someone crossing your path or he may be rushing you to encounter that aspect of yourself.

141009 Knight of Wands RWS
Rider Waite Smith Tarot

Brian Williams’ Renaissance Tarot representation is much more subtle than the Rider Waite Smith image, but we can still find the indicators for the Knight who’ll take us quickly in the direction of our ambitions.

For starters we’ve got a few of the different names for Wands: Staves and the Italian Bastoni, which translates as Batons. Sometimes we’ve got slender staves or wands, other times heavy batons or clubs. All the same suit, under different family names. This one’s got the crown of spirit on it’s slender stalk.

Going basic, we’ve got a man on a horse. That immediately ups the speed and distance available to the Knight. His armour is light, a compromise necessary for speed. Perhaps he’s arrogant about defenses, perhaps he’s ignorant, perhaps he’s just a very good fighter. And perhaps he’s just able to out distance or out maneuver his adversaries.

He keeps a loose hand on the rein, an indication that he’s got a trusting relationship with his steed, letting his spirit take the lead. The wings on his helmet refer to the swiftly moving air element that’s associated with all the Knights. Knight of Wands’ flight is motivated by passion.

The red cloth of his dress is the colour of fire, with a yellow amulet, the colour of air. Emotional blue contains his passionate red. Although blue is most often associated with water, we all recognize it as the colour of clear skies . . . clear sailing.

Up in the corner, we’ve got an angel with a scroll – the Torah, the law. That’s one of two references to Hermes, the winged messenger. The other is the winged helmet. In the other corner we’ve got 2 men, indicating masculine energies (NOT male: you already know we’ve all got a masculine and feminine side); another descriptor of the activity level, the dynamic nature of the Knight of Wands.

The countryside through which he rides is fertile and green, growing. The water behind him – again a symbol of the subconscious and of emotions – is calm. The city is in the distance with mountains even further behind.   Is our Knight passing by, or has he come from those distant places? It’s hard to imagine the city containing him but his fiery spirit could easily conquer the rugged mountaintops.

So, this week, identify the people in your life who are moved by their passions. And find the ways you yourself embody the Knight of Wands.

Fire away!

 

If you’re looking to learn more about Tarot, I’ll be teaching level 1, Tarot . . . It’s Easier Than You Think, on Wednesday, 5th November, and level 2, Tarot 2 . . . We’re Not in Kansas Anymore, on Friday, 12th December, through the Berkeley County Adult Ed program.  Call 304-267-3585 for more information and to register.

And you know where to find me for phone, email, or in-person tarot counseling.

 

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