King

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 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 King of Swords Revisited

July 28, 2014
140731 Dreaming Way King of Swords
Dreaming Way Tarot

It was just a few months ago that we stood before the King of Swords.  His appearance in the Legacy deck is very different than in the Dreaming Way.  As I’ve said before, The Dreaming Way Tarot depicts people I expect to see in my daily life, even if they’re a bit exotically dressed or positioned at times.

So, let’s reach into daily life this week.  When you look at the image on the King of Swords, who are you reminded of?  How old is s/he?  How does s/he interact with the world?  What happens in emotional situations?  What about when s/he’s required to make decisions?  How does s/he deal with health issues?  With children?  Does s/he like to be in charge?

Go back and read the post that told you a little about the King of Swords.  Now who do you think of?   Is it the same person?  If it’s someone different, how would you answer the questions in the last paragraph?   Are there any overlaps between the answers?  You can begin to find your personal affinity to various decks by comparing what you “know” about the cards with what you “see” in the cards.

Some tarot traditions attach specific appearances to the court cards.  Of those, some say the King of Swords will be fair, with blonde or white hair, and in full maturity.  Others say his eyes will be dark and so will his hair.  The agreement is in the commanding presence.  As you identify the Kings of Swords in your life, do you find any patterns of appearance?  Age?  Gender?  Colouring?  Dress?  Carriage?  Presence?

Finally, what’s your relationship with the King of Swords?  How do you feel when you meet up with your Kings of Swords?  How do you interact?  Do you like him or her?   What would you emulate?  How do your interactions make you feel about yourself?

Find the King of Swords in your life and make her/his best qualities yours!

Weekly Card King of Swords

April 29, 2014
140501 Legacy King of Swords
Legacy of the Divine Tarot
140501 RWS King of Swords
Rider Waite Smith Tarot

 You are now in the high court of the land and would do well to hold your tongue while you look, listen, and learn.  The King of Swords is the authority and decision-making position in the Tarot deck.

You’ll remember that each Court Card has its elemental association from its position in the Court and its suit.  King of Swords is the Fire of Air card.  Kings are the robust and constant energy of the Court.  Swords have to do with ideas, concerns and communications.

Have a respectful chat with the King of Swords while you have his presence this week.  Let him teach you about clear communication.  Ask him about logical analysis and planning for your projects.  Learn what you can about how to discriminate rationally.  Ask him to show you the crux of the matter when you’re ready to make decisions.

The King of Swords upholds law and order, so this is not the week to explore rebellion.  Instead, deepen your understanding of the things around you.  Think about what you would do if you were the mastermind in your own life.  Remind yourself what the King of Swords lives by, that Knowledge is Power.

May the intellectual force be with you!

Weekly Card King of Cups

November 26, 2013
131205 Ceremonial Magick king-cups
Tarot of Ceremonial Magick

How fitting that the King of Cups would show up on St Nicholas Day eve!

131205 RWS King of Cups
Rider Waite Smith Tarot

King of Cups is the compassionate father, kind and generous.  As a ruler, he is the benevolent, cooperative authority.  The Rider Waite Smith deck even includes a ship, connecting to St Nicholas as the patron saint of sailors.

No, I’m not making a case for King of Cups being a representation of St Nicholas.  But St Nicholas is a good mnemonic for the King of Cups personality.

By now, you’ve probably noticed that the card from the Tarot of Ceremonial Magick is titled Knight of Cups.  And I keep talking about the King of Cups.

As if there weren’t enough complexity in Tarot, there are some decks that use Court ranks of Knight, Queen, Prince and Princess.   Ceremonial Magick is one; the Golden Dawn Tarots are others.  In that line up, the Knight is equivalent to the King in decks like the Rider Waite Smith. I’ll warn you that there’s some controversy over that assertion, but I work within that view.

So, to know whether the Knight is a Knight (air) or a King (fire), you need to know a little about your deck’s lineage.   Aeclectic Tarot is an excellent resource to find what you need to know.

As fire of water (Kings = fire, Cups = water), the King of Cups has the ingredients for creativity.  And his is the kind of creativity that leads to achievement.

So, he’s great news for artists who are looking to channel their emotions into something salable.

King of Cups also has lots of depth.  There’s attention to emotional content in there, connections to the subconscious and spiritual concerns.

You can ask yourself questions about all those aspects when King of Cups appears.  And there’s one more question you want to be sure to ask . . .

What will give the most pleasure, most consistently?

May lasting pleasure be yours!

 

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