Modern Day Tarot Play: Know yourself, shape your life

Modern Day Tarot Play: Know yourself, shape your life Emma Toynbee Jump from amateur straight to professional with this fast-track guide to reading the tarot.How do you know which interpretation to choose when there are so many possibilities with the tarot cards?This book is the first and only quick-reference tarot guide, which uses a logically progressive technique; schooling the reader in a non-linear fashion as they jump between the pages corresponding to their randomly selected cards. Designed particularly for those wanting to be time-efficient and ambitious in their learning, the book highlights key terms and uses a logic-based key coded system to synthesise what can otherwise be a vast and perplexing array of possibilities when reading the cards in combination.With black and white illustration of each card, the Tarot system opens up a dialogue with our subconscious; the Tarot provides the ultimate form of self-sufficiency, making this book a users’ guide to optimising and authenticating our finest, and most precious resource, that which could never be robotically recreated or computerised, the conscious human mind. With AI fast encroaching on all aspects of life not only does this book inform and instruct on the reading of the tarot, but it also develops and trains the centralised logical, analytical, and reasoning mind to work in harmony with our innate and often over-shadowed instinctual and intuitive abilities. (#u5f7c1662-6b83-4b90-b29d-d6e5c5cd5f25) Copyright (#u5f7c1662-6b83-4b90-b29d-d6e5c5cd5f25) Thorsons An imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street London SE1 9GF www.harpercollins.co.uk (http://www.harpercollins.co.uk) First published by Thorsons 2018 FIRST EDITION © Emma Toynbee 2018 Cover layout design © HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2018 Cover illustration © Shutterstock.com Illustrator: Nica Galvez, under the art direction of the author Quotations from Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo from Cave in the Snow by Vicki Mackenzie © Vicki Mackenzie, 1999, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. A catalogue record of this book is available from the British Library Emma Toynbee asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books. Find out about HarperCollins and the environment at www.harpercollins.co.uk/green (http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/green) Source ISBN: 9780008286002 Ebook Edition © July 2018 ISBN: 9780008286019 Version: 2018-06-20 Dedication (#u5f7c1662-6b83-4b90-b29d-d6e5c5cd5f25) To my divinely driven mum, whose ever-present, affirmatory and expansive approach subsequently shaped the life of her firstborn grandchild: cradled close and speaking their first words in our tending reader’s hands Table of Contents Cover (#u8f66ed7c-b7a7-5b54-9d93-2b0610db5c07) Title Page (#ua2e4a97d-0bac-5789-8237-a9a1217f649e) Copyright (#u8c19b457-b8f0-584b-8cfe-ea934723af9a) Dedication (#u0660ba64-de13-56eb-a407-8515ffb14c0b) Why This Book? (#u9bafc722-c92c-5298-9f55-59434b5390f9) PART I: TAROT INTERPRETATION (#ufbe09386-b26b-5539-b151-b0e79a70d9ab) The Power of Symbols and Imagery (#uf769ac9f-7147-56fb-a67d-72888c8946fe) Tarot Reading (#u250840dd-d718-5706-99bc-3cff83406c44) PART II: TAROT CARDS (#ua2a0a8ad-0022-5490-9958-f754b2fc926b) The Major Arcana (#ud9281118-112d-5c42-aae8-115c36243ace) The Minor Arcana (#litres_trial_promo) Time-Efficient Tarot Card Layouts (#litres_trial_promo) About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo) Why This Book? (#u5f7c1662-6b83-4b90-b29d-d6e5c5cd5f25) The tarot has traditionally been used as an esoteric tool for divination purposes, but in the modern day it can be so much more. Anyone and everyone can benefit from reading the tarot, from business professionals to stay-at-home parents. We all need help from time to time to navigate the ups and downs of life, whether it comes from friends, partners, family, teachers, therapists, counsellors, life coaches, preachers or a guru. But no matter to whom we look for higher wisdom and guidance, rarely can they match the complete honesty and instant availability of the tarot. A session with a professional life coach or therapist can be invaluable at any time in life, whether we are in a crisis or simply needing some regular time dedicated to our own personal evolution and development. Yet that session can’t always be perfectly aligned with our impulse to seek out reassurance. The tarot is available day and night, at whatever time and place is most convenient for us to absorb its lessons; all we have to be is ready and willing to improve the quality of our thoughts, and subsequently our life. Tarot pushes the black-hole button in the brain. It prompts the rational mind to relinquish control and instantly grant access to previously inaccessible information – and knowledge empowers. In life and business, the tarot can be a go-to device, taking our mind to places it never would otherwise have entered and enabling us to crack any impedimental imbalances or stalemates and move forward. Tarot is about seeing meaning and connections and finding purpose, but also, now more than ever, reworking the mind so that it functions naturally, organically and healthily. We now know what the information age looks and feels like and are starting to realize the impact the rapid advance of technology can have on our personal lives, business and society. The rapid processing power of computerized devices is becoming a substitute for our own judgement, intuition and deeper understanding through direct experience. In short, the computerized world has many benefits, but has also become a kind of mind-crutch, allowing the cognitive brain to call less and less on the limbic intuitive centre. One of the effects of the ubiquitous information overload is a sort of analytical paralysis; the sheer amount of information available to us is so overwhelming that we tend to give up the chase and select only the information that confirms a pre-existing condition or belief. It’s time to rise up and reclaim the brain. Rather than being pigeonholed by our usual ‘online’ preferences, we will find that tarot gives our mind a chance to completely refresh itself and avoid getting stuck in automated algorithmic thought ruts. Tarot is the point when art and science meet, where we can see the workings of the subconscious mind in material reality. I believe that the most profound and modern application of the tarot is as an inner emotional or psychological mind map, showing where and how our current frame of mind is driving our life. When following any map, as we know, even the smallest degree of adjustment to our planned trajectory can take us miles off-course. Using the tarot as a mind map, we are able to backtrack, fast-track and pinpoint how our behavioural responses, reactions or non-reactions can either lead us back to the start or down a new and exciting life path. All becomes possible with the tarot deck as our mobile future tap, including predicting the outcome of a meeting, how a particularly tricky client, or the markets, will react, and whether a stock or project is worth a punt. We can also be poised and prepared when something is about to have its moment, and foresee financial, business or fashion trends – and so, in a sense, make them. The liquid modern world often requires an ultra-open and fluid response, and tarot reading helps generate new neural pathways and allows us to be continually reassessing and reinventing. In today’s fast-moving and ever-changing world, in this era of quick-fixes and information, the tarot can keep us ahead of the ever-pacier game. In addition to its honest and transparent approach to problem-solving, when used as a form of pocket guru, wisdom teacher or counsellor, the tarot can help reclaim our misplaced power. We can misplace our power by becoming too reliant on others for our own psycho-emotional care or support. They then become like props or crutches, and we are not given the opportunity to grow and mature through our own self-reliance. Using the tarot as a psycho-emotional map offers us a way of reclaiming any unnecessary drains on our personal power, leading to ever-greater self-esteem and emotional security. When we are stuck, facing a problem or lacking perspective, the symbolic imagery of the tarot can also stimulate our latent intuition, allowing us to overcome the obstacle of ignorance and reorient ourselves in a positive and constructive direction. Tarot can be used in any unclear situation when there’s a decision to be made or problem to be solved: no valley is too deep and no mountain too high for the divinely inspired. Yet, paradoxically, we need not climb, jump, leap or even fly to the highest ground, for the teleporting tarot-freed mind, which recognizes no such material limitations, can take us there instantaneously. Pure intuition – those anomalous thoughts that drop in from nowhere – are the lateral mind’s innate way of avoiding the queue of slower-moving logical, rational and reasoning lines of thought. Intuition relies on the fastest part of the brain – the limbic system – and is considered to be 80,000 times faster than our cognitive thought processes. The limbic system quickly and easily communicates feelings and bits of information to our conscious intelligence to maximize our chances of survival in a threatening context. Artists know how to access and use their intuition, but they need many years of studio practice to hone it. For those who don’t have the time or inclination for artistic practices, the tarot offers another ‘in-house’ mind-tapping option. So this book is, in a sense, simply a user’s guide to the mind, to help access as yet untapped aspects of intuitive brain functioning. The tarot also provides a sacred space in which we can examine and observe the phenomena that arise or are constructed in our mind. Many ancient and modern minds agree, be they teachers, preachers, scientists, philosophers, heads of state or business moguls, that our thoughts create our reality. So, by knowing ourselves and the inner workings of our own mind, we can make the very best of life and positively augment our reality. For me, the most exciting, relevant and contemporary use of the tarot is as a psychological tool to render us more effective, balanced and constructive individuals in our own lives and society. Most tarot books give an explanation of what’s happening on the outside, but rarely do they answer this all-important ‘Why me?’ question. So these books, like a quick-fix doctor offering curative but not preventative treatments, are the sort that will keep seeing their readers again and again, always with the same complaint. By identifying our own psychology or life philosophy as the root cause of our external life experience, however, we are able to effect lasting change. So, rather than write another quick-fix tarot book, I decided to take a more holistic and preventative approach, to serve my readers’ prospects better in the long term. By proper use of the tarot for the purpose of deeper self-reflective enquiry, we can thoroughly examine and judge our words, deeds and actions, and weigh their consequences. This process teaches us to pay more attention, to know our uncultivated selves better, to look inwardly in order to successfully enrich our outer lives. In so doing, we can also recognize and appreciate the moral and noble qualities of our spirit and character, as well as those qualities that aren’t serving us and need to be transcended. In seeing ourselves clearly, we are able to draw back the veil that conceals our destiny. The tarot also helps us process the conflict we as humans face in the duality of our personal impulses – the material, physical body drawn towards sensual pleasure and the ethereal higher-dimensional body drawn towards the elevated mind and spirit. The tarot helps us recover our truest, purest, most shining expression of being, so we can finally attain the perfect sense of our spirit belonging, or at-one-ment in our physical body. There really is no greater gift we can give ourselves than the use of this ultimate self-realization tool, for, like those who love us, the divinely inspired tarot wants only the very best for us. With so many possibilities, it is not surprising that in all the years I have been reading and teaching tarot card reading, the one question I am asked again and again by clients and students is: ‘How do you know which interpretation to choose?’ When you look at the various tarot books available, each gives a myriad of options for interpretation, but none a system of how to navigate the labyrinth of possibilities and get transparent, straightforward answers. So this is also a book that addresses this issue. I have found the reading of tarot cards becomes inefficient when we focus too much on the individual elements of each card. Fragmenting the images in this way only serves to slow our mental processing of the cards’ bigger picture; intuition works twice as quickly as logical analysis, so I have created a book that doesn’t spend pages breaking down the images into their component parts, but synthesizes the information to provide conclusive, resolved and up-to-date statements. When learning tarot, I found clarity, quick referencing and go-to statements far more useful than reams of outdated and impedimental image analysis. Remembering that the figure in the Eight of Cups wears a red cape to denote action, when half the cards in the deck denote some form of action, did not serve to increase my proficiency as a tarot reader. In this book I haven’t shunned symbol analysis completely, but I’ve used it sparingly, and only if relevant or accessible to modern-day conditions. This is a book for beginners, improvers and those looking to add a level of professionalism to their readings. It works for those who are right-brain dominated, relying on instinct and intuition, and those who are left-brain dominated, with strong logical and reasoning abilities. With the aid of this book you don’t need to be the all-seeing eye to give a profound, accurate and discerning card reading. Jump from amateur straight to professional standard – this fast-track guide will take you quickly and efficiently to the highest level of competence in your tarot readings. PART I The Power of Symbols and Imagery (#ub0c4d80c-f186-42aa-a7a2-19f74c624195) The tarot is a centuries-old tradition that relies on the power of imagery. We tend to remember images better than concepts; we see images around us and our brain responds. The visual aspect of movies, television, picture books and magazines speaks to us on a deep level that doesn’t require the explanation of words alone. The images of the tarot are particularly powerful, being made up of symbols rooted in ancient traditions. The information they carry is deeply embedded in our subconscious mind without us even cognitively realizing it, making the tarot a particularly powerful set of images. Through its triggering of specific unconscious responses, it stretches our cognitive legs, and thus, via this divinely heightened and wider-striding perspective, we can leap all cognitive mind hurdles to access whatever information is needed. The answer to any question is always there, buried in our own mind. Putting Ourselves in the Picture A common question people often ask themselves during a difficult, challenging or crisis situation is ‘Why me?’ Knowing the answer to this question can be invaluable to getting ahead and leading a life filled with triumphs, successes and abundance. To know the exact role our mental processes are playing in our situation is of paramount importance. Our frame of mind can be fertile and expansive, ready to make the best of any new opportunity, or sterile and inhibitive, holding us back from enjoying a fuller and happier life. Which mode of operating is in charge at any given time doesn’t have to be hidden in the deepest recesses of our mind. By using the tarot as a psychological magnifying glass, we can bring a fuller conscious awareness to any inhibiting mental processes and in so doing lift their restrictions and limitations on our life experience. Tweaking the inner workings of our mind can then help us avoid destructive or toxic fictional narratives. For instance, by addressing any tendencies towards denial, scarcity or poverty, our consciousness can enable us to allow ourselves the experiences of love, wealth, health or fulfilment in our work. The unrefined mind is like a roughly hewn lump of stone or masonry, which makes for an ineffective building material. To create a balanced, stable block that we can effectively and constructively use for building, we need to work the stone, to chip away at it, to keep perfecting, refining and flattening its rough edges. Only when it is perfectly flat and smooth, devoid of any bumps, lumps and imperfections, will it be ready for use in building a stable structure, a structure that will stand the tests of a lifetime. The idea that what we put into life we get out can be seen very clearly when we start this process of chipping away at our own mind; for every lump and bump smoothed over in our mind, an equal and opposite reaction occurs in our external environment, so paths and impediments clear and the rocky roads of life become that little bit smoother and more negotiable. The more we work with the tarot in this way, by viewing our own psychology as the main building contractor for our reality, the more stable our world becomes. Where, on the other hand, there is little awareness or scrutiny of our own psychological construction methods, they become nightmare cowboy builders, destabilizing and eternally patching up the building of our life. The idea that the inner workings of our own mind should remain largely elusive and enigmatic seems strangely inconsistent with the open-access ideal of the information era. As the world around us becomes increasingly optimized and efficient via computerization and robotics, the mind becomes the optimal nut to crack. Impervious to such updates, it often presents the greatest challenge of them all. If we allow it to be, the tarot can be our own private and personal detective, uncovering the workings of our own mind. Using this system, we can objectively observe the dialogue between the higher, enquiring and equality-seeking aspect of our mind and the domineering ego aspect that usually prefers to remain anonymous, for to be recognized and labelled would imply that we had conscious awareness of its otherwise hidden power over us. But Modern Day Tarot Play is all about putting ourselves back in the picture: looking at our life with a greater sense of the part we have to play in moulding and shaping it. Rather than being a bystander, passively observing while our ego mind takes us on an unnecessarily bumpy ride, we can awaken and play a more active role creating our life. If we allow the tarot to honour and serve our higher good by using it to forge a deeper and more honest relationship with ourselves, we will find that we reap the greatest and most profound of its benefits. For the finest thing we can ever offer ourselves is complete truth and honesty; it is only from that stabilized point that we can build a life full of greater meaning, purpose and fulfilment. When our mind begins to focus on transparency and honesty, starting with itself, the rest of our world also comes into a clearer, sharper focus, and this is the magical key to physical and material manifestation. The more awareness we direct to the fact that our thoughts create our reality, the more control we can take back. When we shuffle the tarot cards and lay out a spread, it will always show what narrative role our own mind is playing in a situation, and how and what it is creating, allowing or attracting. For the tarot works on a ‘like attracts like’ basis, mirroring the workings of our own mind in our external environment. Cognition versus Intuition Most people, especially in business, rely wholly on the cognitive part of the brain – the neocortex – to evaluate key or critical situations before they choose how best to proceed. It’s what our modern education system encourages as part of our formative training, and thus, once the foundations are set, like a wind-up automaton, it is often difficult to break or override these behavioural patterns. When decision-making on a day-to-day basis, we can slip into a somnambulist state, sleepwalking through life, following the same pre-programmed coding and producing adequate but not particularly original or transformative results. The growing epidemic of the ‘automaton mind’ is reflected in our external consensus reality via our increasing reliance on automation robotics, Excel spreadsheets, Data Science and Business Intelligence. While these are powerful tools, they render the internal and inextricable external landscape flat, devoid of the beautifully orchestrated learning curves, the creative glitches and errors fundamental to the way we naturally learn and from which our most unique, original, innovative and inventive thought processes are derived. In the automated landscape there is no room for error, no room for chaos, or for the type of mistakes that give rise to opportunity. There is a deep irony to what is done in the name of progress having the equal and opposite consensus reaction in the human psyche, and bringing our higher development, due largely to emotional self-reliance, to a complete standstill. It seems now that a gradual refining or perfecting of the character, via myriad accidents, mistakes or errors of judgement, gives a crucial opportunity for the psyche to grow, change and transform, and this is becoming much delayed as we become more dependent on external processing machines and less on our own processing abilities. The infantilizing devices upon which everyone so heavily relies are replacing the parental and grandparental wisdom that allows, via human fallibility, for us to make mistakes and learn from them. Young minds now profess to ‘know’ not through their own direct experience, but via online prophets’ second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-hand inexperience. Suddenly individual subjectivity is being superseded by indirect objectivity: the antithesis of the magical principle that lies in each and every one of us – the freedom to directly experience the unseen. So the mind is moved ever closer to mundane concerns and levels of operating and away from the unfathomable divine and sacred aspect. It is ironic that with the rise of all-pervasive modern technologies, the world as augmented by our own direct experience should have become so closed off and shallow. At the same rate as the world is seemingly opening up, the modern cult of mundane, sense-perceived, reductive reality is closing it off, packaging it neatly inside an egoistic, all-knowing box. When a real-life decision is needed, the information-numbed, automatic data-crunching mind cannot provide a unique, original, radically innovative answer. Only the autonomous intuitive mind can make such leaps into the unknown, and there it waits, quietly ahead of forever-increasing lengths of cognitive ‘real time’, for the latter-day mind to catch up. Sometimes this can take days, or weeks, or months, or years, making this an inefficient and ineffective method of decision-making. Thus the seemingly progressive information era, in terms of human evolution and development, is as impedimental as a tightly plotted farce played by business moguls or politicians instead of trained actors, i.e. sans entertainment or comedy. Fortunately, the quiet higher clarity or transparency of the intuitive mind has ways and means of making itself heard, both on- and offline. The tarot provides a platform, raising up this objectifying voice so that it might speak and be heard. When it is heard, and uncorrupted by lower, base or unwise motivations or instincts, we can wholly trust it. Both our own and others’ intuitions or gut feelings can be relied on to resolve the trickiest problems or make even the most difficult decisions. When several options seem equally attractive, perhaps due to too many unseen criteria, the tarot can also help us to make a clear and incisive choice. Making everyday decisions shouldn’t be like fiction, where the mind seeks an entertaining, dramatic and diverting narrative route from A to B; the tarot avoids such unnecessary convolutions and takes us to where we want to be authentically, precisely, directly. In more important decisions – when we, for example, meet a new love interest or a candidate for a job – our brain begins data-crunching, and decision-making can be delayed and progress impeded due to the need for further information or analysis. The mind, the biggest data-collector in the world, can even remain stuck in a never-ending narrative. The tarot reminds us, by the very ritualistic practice of shuffling the cards, that linear thinking can be predictably circuitous and that it is intuitive leaps that take us into new, exciting, unknown territory. Whether a life or business decision is successful or not is often down to timing. The tarot is also ideal for showing us not just what and where, but most importantly when the time is right to move or act. Unfortunately, intuitive or ‘anomalous’ thinking – seeing or creating a connection between seemingly unrelated concepts – is too often disregarded by the conscious cerebral cortex as irrational and nonsensical. When intuition gives the answer at faster-than-light speed, the analytical overlay of the logical mind tries, and often fails, to make sense of it: a series of error messages flashes on our mind screen, making it impossible to progress until we override the errors by finding something physical or external to clear or clarify the intuitive position. Of course, this often doesn’t happen, at least not immediately, so the intuitive information is unconsciously trashed. The more conscious attention and awareness we give to our mental dynamics, i.e. intuition versus cognition, however, the more we will begin to notice the error messages, and when we catch them in time we can choose to cancel and accept them, rather than allow the unconscious mind to continually trash its greatest resource. This is how all tarot players are winners: by allowing themselves the time and opportunity to consciously question the validity and authority of their own subtle internal messaging system and then to take advantage of it. Eventually, as our faith in our mind’s intuitive response becomes stronger, the error messages will become less frequent and less insistent. After using the tarot for some months, we will notice, when observing our mind’s response, how the cognitive dialogue has changed from being bold, capitalized and domineering to medium, lower-case and quiet, even sheepish, following the intuitive dialogue rather than leading our mind, and indeed life, in a not very merry dance. Intuition, the Next Intelligence The founder and CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, observed that ‘There are decisions that can be made by analysis. These are the best kind of decisions. They are fact-based decisions that overrule the hierarchy. Unfortunately, there’s this whole other set of decisions you can’t boil down to a math problem.’ What he was alluding to was, arguably, the hallmark of Amazon’s success: its capacity to make big decisions based on intuitive hunches. Some people do retain their competitive positions by utilizing fact-based information and knowledge more effectively than others. But with information now ubiquitous, unregulated and freely accessible via the internet, traditional sources of advantage must dig even deeper. Thus the most successful individuals in the future will be likely to be dualistically smart in their information sourcing, harnessing other innate tools in combination with conditioned responses, pure logic and rational analysis. That is to say, harnessing their lightning-flashes of intuition. As the fastest, smartest, most reliable and trustworthy aspect of brain functioning, intuition can remove any blocks and get the river running freely and easily once again. With its ability to transform any sphere of human existence, it has to be the next step in human intelligence. And just as the ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu’s treatise of military strategy The Art of War is now considered a business classic, so the ancient and equally versatile tradition of tarot card reading, with its unlimited applications, will come to the fore, I believe, as a way of accessing latent intuition. Windows of Transparency Symbolic imagery, as noted earlier, is a way of accessing uncharted territories of the mind. Science says we only use 10 per cent of our brain, suggesting if we can only reach them, the unexploited resources of the mind are in plentiful supply. The imagery of the tarot opens the way to them. It is fantastical and of another era. It evokes a sense of the unknown, that which isn’t learned or conditioned and can’t be taught, but can be as individual as we are. The key principle of the tarot adheres to the Zen Buddhist concept of the Buddha Mind being a beginner’s mind, meaning to know, or to think so, is to close our mind to other possibilities. The superior form of knowing is not to know, which sounds almost Wonderlandesque, but, as Lewis Carroll, and the proverbial ‘mad’ scientist, well understood, there is method in the nonsensical ‘madness’ of the unconscious. The tarot’s arcane and ambiguous visual hooks keep the intuitive and clarity-carving centres of the brain engaged and, like Alice, ever wondering. To understand the tarot imagery correctly we must analyse it in the same way that a psychotherapist or psychologist would a dream, with every symbolic element of each card being understood as a subconsciously operating aspect of our own psyche. Just as a dream provides pure, unadulterated information in a subtle symbolic and guiding form, the tarot can be equally penetrating, if we are pure and honest with ourselves. For instance, when we look at a card like the Seven of Swords, which denotes a lone man walking away from his camp carrying more than just his own swords, what connotations does this have for us? What does our mind take from this scene? We can say that the man looks surreptitious, shady, dishonest, covert, hidden, undercover, clandestine, stealthy, veiled in his actions. By applying this to our own psychology, we can understand how our own unconscious psycho-emotional mind works against itself, keeping itself in the dark and operating behind the scenes or remaining hidden from the attention of our own conscious awareness. Swords denote thoughts, concepts and ideas, so, as the man is depicted carrying the swords of others, this card also shows that he is psychologically carrying the ideas and thoughts of others, which are creating his own self-concept, and a heavy self-concept at that, a concept that works against the idea of en-lightenment, healing and free movement. By carrying around others’ ideas, our figure, an aspect of our own mind, is weighed down and his journey in life impeded. It’s a fine and privileged day indeed when we can finally rely solely on our own pure, higher-minded thoughts and en-lighten ourselves of the psycho-emotional load we carry, derived from others and supported by our own imaginative mind. Tarot images are like windows of transparency, illuminating a thousand possible outcomes rather than just the narrow path of ignorance and shadow. They open and build new neural pathways, rather than closing them down via final or absolute words and statements. In this information age, intuitively freed thinking is the proverbial Sword of Truth, cutting through and revealing the stratification of linear thoughts in the over- or underbaked mind, life and the world as microcosms of the wider macrocosmic cake. The tarot images are evocative, but not prescriptive. In fact they help the mind overcome such entrenched thinking, which is why the interpretive suggestions in this book should be taken as starting points and adapted to your own situation and style of card reading. Let’s look now at how that can be developed. (#ub0c4d80c-f186-42aa-a7a2-19f74c624195)Tarot Reading When laying out cards in the particular, traditional order of tarot reading, we go through a ritual, a necessary Zen-like process that calms our analytical and automatized data-crunching mind. Meditatively shuffling, laying and turning the cards helps us to switch off the calculating-ego aspect of the mind and re-engage with an omniscient or at-one-mentality. The handling, shuffling, laying out and reading of tarot cards provides a precious few moments of personal, private time, without the online world of commerce watching. When the shuffled and selected cards appear in specific positions, each having a particular meaning in itself but also in relation to the other cards present, the linear narrative of the tarot, which speaks to our logical, rational cognitive processes, is reordered, and the symbolic imagery begins speaking, subtly and indirectly, in the language of the subconscious. When addressed in its own language, the subconscious is then free to speak back – to enter into a dialogue with the archetypal figures depicted in the cards. Hence the tarot system is a key to unlocking the deepest part of the inner self as well as providing answers to both sacred and mundane questions. Divination or Self-Realization? This book is written to honour the higher function of the tarot, as a tool for greater self-awareness and realization, understanding that the powers of divination and future prediction are but by-products of this deeper process of psychic purification and refinement. Allowing yourself to be driven by the motive of attaining extra-sensory perceptive powers will have the opposite effect: like a fly caught in a spider’s web, the more forcibly the ego strives and struggles to get ahead, the more stuck or fixed your position in life becomes. So the first and most crucial stage in seeking intuitive-level clarity is to unclutter your mind of any convoluted ego projections, motivations and agendas. Forging a completely honest, transparent, self-realized relationship with yourself is the only way to ensure you are a pure channel and giving absolutely accurate readings, whatever your purpose. Reading the Cards: A Quick-Start Guide When sitting down to read the cards, you should find a quiet space where you are unlikely to be interrupted. You must then decide whether you want to do a general life reading, look only at a specific area of life or find an answer to a specific question. Then, looking in the layouts section at the back of the book (here (#litres_trial_promo)), select a layout that you feel will provide the most interesting and relevant reading or answer to your question. Now, taking the entire deck, shuffle the cards in whichever way you find most comfortable, making sure you keep the cards image side down so you see only the generic backs of the cards. Bear in mind, if you are reading the cards for someone else, that it is always the person asking the question and receiving the reading who must do the shuffling. While shuffling, hold the question you want answered in your mind, be it general or specific, until you intuitively feel the cards are sufficiently shuffled and ready to be laid down. Place the shuffled deck on the table in front of you (it’s best to find a flat surface large enough to accommodate the number of cards shown in your chosen layout). Still holding your question or intention in mind, split the shuffled cards into three separate piles and, remembering the order in which you cut them, place them image side down. The piles don’t have to be made equal, but can be if that is your preference. Then put the deck back together in a different way from how you split it. Now the cards are ready to be laid, image side down, in whatever layout you have chosen. To lay the cards, first choose a number between one and seven, or, if you are reading for someone else, ask them to choose this number. Say the number you choose is seven, first remove six cards from the top of the deck and place them to one side, so it is the seventh card that you place in position one of your chosen layout. Then, to lay the second card in the layout, do the same again, removing another six cards from the top of the deck, so it is the seventh card that you place in position two of the reading. Keep discarding six cards and laying only the seventh card until every card in the layout has been placed. Once the cards are in position, you can begin to turn them over, so the image side faces up and is the right way round. You can either turn all the cards over at once, or, if you are new to tarot reading, it may be more beneficial to follow the sequential order specified for your chosen layout and turn the cards over one at a time. If you are a beginner, turning the cards slowly and individually will help you to fully absorb the lessons contained within each card before seeing how the story unfolds by moving on to the next. It is easy for beginners to become overwhelmed and despondent when faced with the large amount of information present in a multiple card reading, hence it is best for those new to tarot reading to take the step-by-step approach rather than trying to read the cards as a synthesized whole. Using the intuitive go-to statements provided in this book as a starting point, you can now start to piece together a narrative framework in relation to your posed question or area of interest. On each of the cards pages that follow you will find words and ideas that will form a gateway between your conscious and subconscious. Basic key phrases for each card are emboldened for the purposes of quicker referencing to help refresh the memory of those who are familiar with the tarot and to help new users to grasp the basic meaning of each card. While analysing each card individually is the necessary first step in learning to read the tarot, the tone a specific card has, rather than the basic symbolic ideas it presents, can shift depending on the type of influence specific to the others surrounding it. Herein lies the art of reading tarot: reading the cards together as a synthesized whole, which is akin to viewing each card combination through a prism to assess any tonal variations, enhancements and augmentations of their basic textbook definitions. This is what I hope the connective structuring of book will help you achieve, via its synthesized and bracketed suggestions of how various card combinations can play out. Bear in mind that the ideas on these pages that inexplicably resonate or provoke an uncomfortable, rather than flattering, gratifying, indulging or obliging emotional reaction, are those with the potential, if the guidance is integrated, to induce the greatest growth, change and transformation. Major and Minor Arcana The tarot deck consists of seventy-eight cards: twenty-two Major Arcana cards, ranging from the Fool as card 0 to the World as card 21, and fifty-six Minor Arcana cards. Each of the Major Arcana cards, which represent the major forces and events at work in the situation, depicts an archetypal character or scene, as you might find when analysing the individual driving forces in a fictional tale. Each archetype is distinctly different, embodying a uniquely individual type of psychology, philosophy, spirituality or pattern of behavioural response. Archetypes might have diametrically different responses to exactly the same personal or professional life situation. For example, though the Devil and the High Priestess both deal in hidden matters, the latter is morally and ethically grounded in their words and actions, whereas the former is not. The fifty-six Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Pentacles and Swords. They depict the minor events that occur as a result of the Major Arcana’s life-force archetypes. Just as the knocking over of the first domino in a line will knock down the rest, so the Major Arcana cards set off a chain reaction to produce the situations and events depicted in the Minor Arcana. Therefore I have extended the twenty-two Major Arcana card sections to incorporate a deeper study and analysis of which key human interest areas will trigger a particular response from each unique archetype. These sections are broken down as follows: personification and psychology; spirituality and philosophy; personal life; professional life; property, finances and resources; health and well-being. The four suits of the Minor Arcana need no such breaking down, as each, by design, deals specifically with one of the four key areas of human concern: the Wands, physical energy and action; the Cups, feelings and emotions; the Pentacles, money and material acquisitions; the Swords, thought processes and intellect. Advancing your Tarot Reading As the English poet and cleric John Donne said in 1624, ‘No man is an island,’ and by finding similar themes and symbolism repeated throughout the cards, you can begin to form a mental web or network of connections between the different narrative themes, scenes and characters of the Major and Minor Arcana. For instance, the symbols of the upright sword, Sun/daylight and Moon/night are featured many times throughout the deck, so in grasping the meaning of these symbols and seeing and forming connections between the cards, you can begin to understand how the cards, when read in combination, work together as a whole. For the advanced practitioner, who already has a good understanding of the meanings for the individual cards, I have placed abbreviations for all seventy-eight cards, embedded within brackets, throughout the card interpretation sections. These can be used to assist the reader in realizing the links between the cards and understanding how it is possible to quickly produce refined, succinct and wholly synthesized interpretations from the huge amount of raw symbolic information contained within a set of cards. SUITS KEY CODE W: Wands C: Cups P: Pentacles S: Swords An example of a key coded suit: 1C: Ace of Cups 2C: Two of Cups 3C: Three of Cups and so on until the … PC: Page of Cups KnC: Knight of Cups QC: Queen of Cups KC: King of Cups NB Only the suits are abbreviated; the Major Arcana card names appear in full. Reading the Cards in Combination While it is necessary for those who are new to tarot to first grasp the basic meanings of the cards, there will come a time when the beginner will hit a wall. Every tarot reader will reach this point, when they find that the simplistic style of reading the cards individually, without taking the relationship they have with any neighbouring cards into consideration, will no longer do. It is natural to want more depth and complexity from a tarot reading, for, after all, humans are complex creatures, made so by the dynamic tensions between the vital forces at play in their lives. This is where reading tarot cards in combination can become most useful and enlightening, by showing a fuller picture of all the influences, compulsions and impulses at work. Only by reading the cards in combination can we clearly see how the dynamic tensions and interplay between harmonious and inharmonious aspects of our psyche have a direct effect on our external reality and everyday life. To really grasp the meaning of the cards in combination, it’s important to remember that every card in the deck has its own unique relationship to each and every other, in the same sense that our energy, drives and impulses can be either compatible or incompatible with those of another individual. For example, by looking at the modus operandi of the Sun card, representing light, visibility, publicity, expression and autonomy, together with the regulatory reclusiveness of the Hermit or the conformist restrictions of the Hierophant, we can see how diametrically opposed are the overall ‘game plans’ of these archetypes. Thus, their combined energy in a reading will denote some significant and dynamic tension in our life. Some archetypes are natural friends, others natural enemies. For example, the Sun surrounded by friendly, supportive or motivationally aligned cards, such as the King of Wands or Queen of Wands, with their naturally compatible outlook, can constructively empower our life and fuel great and positive growth, change and transformation. When two oppositely motivated cards land next to each other in a reading, such as the Sun (purity, innocence, transparency) and the Devil (impurity, transgression, collusion), we can see how the latter can corrupt the former, creating the sort of difficulties and challenges that impede our growth and success in life. When the cards placed next to each other in a reading have little or no relationship, being neutral or indifferent to one another, such as the Hermit and the Hierophant, this denotes a mixture of often lesser benefits but no impedimental difficulties, challenges or obstructions. The key to understanding the role each card has to play in a synthesized multiple-card reading is remembering that the archetypal Major Arcana cards act as agents of, or lend agency to, their neighbouring cards. Taking the example below, you could read the combination of the High Priestess, the Sun, the World, the Eight of Wands and the Ace of Swords as: taking a contemporary, new look (1S: Ace of Swords) at an ancient spiritual system (High Priestess) of how to live a joyful and abundant life via self-realization (Sun) has led to the successful international (World) publication of this book (Sun), with the help of a quickly effective PR and marketing campaign (8W: Eight of Wands). However the cards are combined, as aspects of our own psyche, it is of vital importance, if we wish to move forward quickly and easily with our plans, questions and life purpose, that any oppositely inclined internal forces are properly integrated and reconciled. Herein lies the beauty and power of the tarot, in providing the opportunity to make peace with the warring aspects of ourselves. After that, everything external falls perfectly into place. PART II The Major Arcana (#u7ec7eafd-e6fc-4660-a9a1-2dde7453da14) The Major Arcana cards can set the tone for an entire reading. As the driving forces behind our impulses, thoughts, actions and general behaviour, they are by far the more interesting and complex of the two types of card. They indicate the root causes of all other minor life events, or indeed non-events, and are the lynchpins around which all other events revolve. To understand these cards fully is to understand the general theme and schematics of our life. Most people look to the tarot when they want to make major changes or improvements to their lives, and to make such changes we must first address the underlying cause of the status quo, which is found only in the Major Arcana cards. 0 The Fool 0 ‘The only thing I know is that I know nothing.’ THE SOCRATIC PARADOX Personification – Psychology The archetypal Fool is a carefree and fearless ‘out-of-the-box’ thinker (KS, QS, KnS) or activist (KW, QW, KnW), who exercises complete and total liberality in everything they do. Their ever-open mind and freedom of spirit make them interested in everyone and, usually, game for anything (World). They’re a flexible, spontaneous, go-with-the-flow type character, whose life can, outwardly, appear distinctly disorderly, detached and distanced. Those who embody the Fool archetype are often inadvertently complacent, nonchalant, indifferent or apathetic (4C), distracted, unwitting, unsettled, scattered, thoughtless, mistaken or distracted in their behaviour. They often lose things such as keys, wallet, phone, passport, jewellery, people, pets, track of time, etc. Essentially, they are a dreamer who lacks all forethought. Being blissfully (Sun) ignorant, oblivious, unaware of any potential risks or danger, they rarely look where they are going. Their complete lack of interest in what lies ahead and little or no concern for the future or the consequences of their actions (Judgement) are both their best and worst character traits. The Fool’s ultra-presence of mind can be seen in their mental disposition towards the short term, which includes all forms of short-term arrangements and agreements or contracts (Justice). Happy in the now, they are unable to see what will bring satisfaction or emotional fulfilment in the long run (2S) – a long run off a short cliff. They embody a wilful and impulsive ‘What have I got to lose?’ mentality. They are the quintessential young idealist, whose unshaken belief or untested faith in their ideas can seem both crazily na?ve (Pages) to some and bravely innovative (Emperor) and creative (Empress) to others. As a pure, untainted, innocent and unsuspecting spirit, the Fool can be youthful and playfully childlike (6C) or childishly (Pages) self-absorbed (4P, 4C, 4S). They are archetypically characterized by the Greek myth of Icarus, the son who precipitated his own death by ignoring his father’s wise instruction and flying too close to the Sun. Whether the wax in the Fool’s wings melts or not is much dependent on the surrounding and outcome cards. The Fool’s ultra-present, happy-go-lucky state of mind paradoxically underpins their dangerous inability to see beyond their own nose. So weak are their personal boundaries (KC, QC, KnC, PC), they can temporarily host another person’s energy, be they a real, fictional or projected personality. As a pure, clean, blank, absorbent surface upon which others can project their own wants, needs and desires (Moon), this archetype’s core self and personal preferences are often tucked beneath a blanket of external influences and persuasions. Unless they learn to excavate this core self, perhaps via quiet contemplation or meditation (Hermit), they will find the wilful ambitions of others can take advantage of their naturally apathetic nature (4C) and easily sway or influence them into making a series of inauthentic life choices (7C). Unless there are anti-Fool cards present (Hermit, Hierophant, High Priestess, Emperor) and acting as grounding agents to the Fool’s scattered behaviour, this archetype, being prone to the incoherent misappropriations of others’ judgement, awareness, attention and even personality (Sun, 7S), will have trouble finding their true calling or vocation in life. Due to their weak boundaries, this archetype is prone to saying or doing anything to keep the peace (Empress, Temperance), often at the expense of their own needs (Moon), ethical code, morality (Hierophant), integrity (High Priestess, KS, QS) and even general sense of ‘reality’ (Moon, 7C). The Fool also obscures, obliterates, dissolves, disintegrates or blurs the boundaries and parameters present in its neighbouring cards, be they physical, emotional, mental or spiritual; the stronger another card’s structure, order or belief system, the more the Fool-ish modus operandi will register as corrupting, trouble-making and contentious, despite the Fool having good intentions. This archetype often has difficulty fathoming the socially correct response or reaction (Hierophant). Their indirect mode of confrontation, fearless ignorance and disconnection from, lack of interest in or total disregard (4C) for conventional social roles or conformist societal structures (Hierophant), can, when left unchecked, eventually result in conflict (5W, 5S) and suffering, either their own or that of others (3S, 9S, 5C, 5C). However, when handled compassionately or sensitively (KC, QC, Strength, Temperance), some Fools manage to find acceptable ways out of their otherwise encumbering social or cultural obligations. Spirituality and Philosophy The appearance of the Fool in a reading can signify a positive and effective phase of spiritual influence and enhancement, often induced via the total abandonment of material or sensual diversions and any falsely held hopes, ambitions or self-concepts. An ultra-present unburdening of the mind (Sun), induced via the Fool’s complete surrender to the here and now, can confer ever greater healing and the dissolution of suffering (Star, Temperance). By acting as an executive agent of the Divine, the passive presence of the Fool can crack our most encumbering psycho-emotional habits (Moon), the ones that block the healing and enlightenment process (Star). The Fool’s inadvertent philosophy on life is similar to that of the Zen Buddhist concept of the beginner’s mind: shedding, eradicating, relinquishing, distancing and detaching from all fixed knowledge and thought forms. The mutable mind of the Fool continually creates space for unlimited learning and understanding and a unified, uninterrupted connection with the all-knowing Divine (Magician, High Priestess). Combined with learned (Hierophant), wise, mature (Hermit), insightful (High Priestess), enlightening (Sun) or overseeing archetypes (World), the Fool embodies what is sometimes referred to as the Socratic paradox. However, when under the sway of ignorant or undeveloped influences (Pages, Knights), the Fool can project (Moon) a foolhardy, emotionally unstable, ignorant, poorly informed or ‘drink-talking’ individual’s dubious world view. Personal Life In matters of relating to others, the Fool is led by the heart and body, but not the head. They often don’t realize their mistakes, though innocently or inadvertently made, in choosing a romantic partner until things begin to fall apart (Tower, Death, 3S, 5C). Being card zero in the deck, the Fool is concerned only with starting afresh (Aces) and carries little or no emotional baggage from previous romantic involvements. This card either signifies a detached and distanced relationship, the mutual relinquishing of emotional baggage (Judgement) or the undoing of negative emotional ego habits (Moon). Even when in a committed long-term relationship or marriage, the Fool-ish partner may seek various extra-marital freedoms, without properly considering or caring about the consequences. Due to their inherent detachment and unfixed tastes, they usually don’t have a ‘type’. Instead, they are often serial first-daters, seduced by the idea of love (7C), but turned off by the reality of it (4C). They tend to view all situations requiring a deeper involvement or commitment as wholly unsustainable, and at that juncture will quickly up and move on (KnW). Their signature move is the innocent dissolution of emotional attachments (KnS, 1S, Emperor), whether they are outdated or not. Due to their innocent, light-hearted, ‘no-strings’ romantic intentions (PC), what begins as a mere dalliance or fling (Lovers) can quickly and easily turn sour (3S, 5C, Tower, Death) when the Fool fails to notice their lover’s deepening emotional attachment. Due to their unsettled and resolutely non-committal nature, the Fool usually remains emotionally uneducated, with an immature view of committed relationships (Pages). Unless they wish to remain single, or celibate for spiritual purposes (Hermit, Hierophant), a possible solution to their strong resistance to monogamy is the forming of a polygamous or open partnership (Lovers, 3W, 3C). Professional Life In a combination reading with those archetypes still under development (Devil, Pages, Knights), the Fool is considered uneducated, unknowledgeable, unwise, unaccomplished, ineffective and unworldly, with a great deal still to learn. They often peak too soon or finish too early, giving up when something needs more time to develop and mature. When left unchecked, they can even be detrimental to matters requiring solid grounding and great maturity of character. They often take jobs or enrol on courses with little regard for their future trajectory. Remaining oblivious to the part they play in precarious situations often leads to their professional undoing, resulting in job losses or business, project or exam failures (Death, Tower, 3S, 5P, 5C). Their career or study path is often continually interrupted, like a bad phone signal. Their enthusiastic starts (Pages, Aces) often end abruptly when they discard, destroy or obliterate what they have accomplished. The Fool’s signature move is trying to get ahead via great, ill-considered leaps of faith (Devil), which are often badly misjudged. Unqualified to meet the level of challenge, the overreaching Fool often falls flat on their face (Death). Self-discipline, self-governance and direction are great challenges for Fools, as are following the rules of a management hierarchy (Emperor) or fitting into any form of organizational work structure (Hierophant). They are often the source of professional indiscretions, by ignoring or disrespecting personal and professional boundaries. For this reason, the Fool archetype frequently suffers through their disconnection from their work colleagues, or even their abandonment by those who would otherwise support their work or career (5C, 5P). Subsequently, theirs can be a wandering, unsettled professional life. The fragmentation of work or business interests includes no fixed form of work or study, temporary contracts (Justice) or uncontracted work roles. However, the Fool-ish dissolution of barriers that prevent the absorption of another personality can greatly benefit dramatic actors and performers (Sun, KW, QW) or those acting out a role to feel more socially and culturally accepted (Hierophant) in the workplace. As an underdeveloped, impressionistic, absorptive or half-formed personality, the Fool’s performances as others provide them with an opportunity to feel whole and complete again (World), and thus can be highly convincing. In addition, the Fool-ishly playful and creative ego, which delights in dissolving order, shape and form, can produce great abstract, impressionist or metaphysical artists and creatives (World, Empress, Magician, High Priestess). Their innocent, fantastical and otherworldly views (High Priestess, Magician, World, Empress) can capture the public imagination (Sun, Moon) by providing a pure impression of what lies beyond the material plane of existence. Property – Finances – Resources Carrying little material baggage or travelling light, the Fool often lives a minimalist lifestyle with few materialistic concerns, financial obligations or dependencies. Though they may not be materially wealthy, however, they can certainly qualify for the spiritually rich list. As the archetype of beginnings, freedom and severance, the Fool can represent starting from scratch (1S, PP) and being materially and financially at (or back at) square one. They often don’t know or care where their next pay cheque is coming from (PP), and unless they are independently wealthy (KP, QP, 10P), this lack of forethought will result in an erratic life, full of financial ups and downs (2P). The Fool card may also indicate the receiving of severance pay (Death, 1S, 5P). Sometimes it can indicate relinquishing or leaving behind all material possessions (Hermit) and continually moving on from one place to the next, having given up a fixed address (KnW). Knowing they are at the beginning of their journey, with not much to lose, can prompt this all-in archetype to take a big uncalculated risk with a speculative project or investment (Strength). Whether it pays off or not depends on the surrounding or outcome cards. Health and Well-being At their best, the Fool represents youth or youthful energy and the vigour that comes from having an emotionally or physically lightened load. Hence this card is great if you are wanting to lose weight. Due to the archetype’s wide-open boundaries, the Fool is an adept at mediation practices (Temperance) and can easily find great solace, freedom and liberation from painful or stressful health concerns. However, their carefree, complacent attitude to health and well-being is often only sustainable in the earlier years of life, and can bring much trouble later on unless it is kept in check by the more health-conscious archetypes (Sun, Temperance, Star, High Priestess, Hierophant, Justice). 1 The Magician I ‘It is a fine game to play, the game of politics, and it is well worth waiting for a good hand before really plunging.’ SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL Personification – Psychology The Magician is the master initiator of all opportunity and possibility (Aces). Their mode of consciousness, being ultra-agile, flexible, fertile and growth-oriented, i.e. growing away from the darkness (unless this is a layout crossing card) and towards the ‘light’, allows their experience of life to be positively infinite or unlimited. The etymological line of ‘magic’, which stems from magus, magi, imagery, imagination (Moon), reveals that the source of the Magician’s power is wholly mentalized. Their extraordinary mental skill (3P), particularly in mastering such internally opposing forces as a rampant and intensive ego desire (Devil), is what ensures their success in all endeavours. Empowered by their deep intrinsic understanding of how the world’s systems work, the Magician skilfully implements this knowledge with the greatest possible, even magical, effect. Their judgement is even resistant to modern ‘scientifically’ objective conditioning. They don’t allow themselves to be defined, as does the modern psyche, by ‘me, myself, I’ as opposed to ‘it, that, you’. Where the modern psyche likes to ‘know’ where it begins and ends, the magical psyche understands that ‘beginning’ and ‘ending’ are a material illusion; that, regardless of our distinctly different material hosts or vehicles, every living organism shares the same animating life-force energy. The fully enabled magical mode of consciousness is born of a deep and pervading connection to the surrounding world. Seeing everything as an extension of itself, or more precisely as an energetic metaphor of its thoughts, it assumes personal ownership and ultimate responsibility for all its life events and encounters. When C. G. Jung shunned the modern cult of sense-perceptible science in his statement, ‘I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity [Fool, Pages] of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud,’ he gave us a sense of how and why the magical mentality tends to be misunderstood and misrepresented. Unfortunately, the all-pervasive subjectivity of this archetype is all too often falsely likened to the blinkered experience of a psychological projection, purely because rational and logical thinkers cannot ground it in their concept of ‘reality’. Yet the multi-dimensional magical mentality cannot be bound or limited by the confining presuppositions of third-dimensional ‘realism’. Spirituality and Philosophy The Magician’s clock-like hands, in their ‘as above so below’ position, point, literally and figuratively, to the heavenly eleventh hour, the hour of spiritual enlightenment, and the opposite fifth hour, of material Earth challenges. The gesture suggests a divinely timed ‘clockwork’ connection between these two polar positions: that great heavenly gifts come as a result of great earthly challenges, in an infinitely cyclical clock-like motion, pertaining to the cerebral cycles of spiritual development and even reincarnation. The Magician controls the primitive, enlivening and vital life-force energy that gives birth to all sentient life, whereas the Emperor, who comes second in the tarot’s manifestation hierarchy, manages, directs and channels this energy into finite material and physical ambitions. Having already learned and mastered their earthly lessons and transcended the drives, ambitions and desires of the ego (Emperor), the Magician works with an all-pervading eleventh-hour state of consciousness to carry out the seemingly impossible in terms of the material and physical world. By reconciling their base and selfish desires (Devil) with this purer, brighter, innocent and selflessly enlightened consciousness, they become a truly clear energy channel and can overcome any material and physical limitations or restrictions. The full clarity of their words, deeds and actions enables a powerful alchemical transformation to take place, leading to full self-realization (High Priestess), spiritual maturation (Hermit), ego transcendence (Temperance) and self-healing (Star). This highly refined, spiritual state of consciousness is the primary prerequisite for the magical skill and ability to physically work ‘reality’ to their advantage (3P). This archetype also has the singular ability to bring forth shocking and powerful self-transformation. Any conjoining ‘agent’ cards lend fuel to their continually self-instigated process of growth, change and transformation, and by relinquishing the past fully and completely, as if it never happened, they are able to embrace their newly empowered identity wholly and completely (World). In their full harnessing of the immeasurable potential of a completely freed will, the Magician personifies the most magical of our modern-day privilege empowerments. The intensified concentration of sunlight through a magnifying glass illustrates how their mastered mind accomplishes great things via its expansive, laser-like focus. The Magician’s position as card number one is explained by the etymology of the word ‘sorcery’, which, coming from the Latin sor, sorstis or sortiarius, means ‘one who influences lot, fate and fortune (by returning to the spiritual source of life itself)’. In returning to the source, the Magician’s multi-dimensional mentality transcends the modern obsession with three-dimensional, sense-perceptible material fact. As an adept of supernatural skills and faculties (High Priestess, 3P), the Magician can enact any passionately desired outcome via their strong psycho-spiritual awareness. When this card appears in a reading, it is a time to be ultra-careful what you wish for and guard against ungrounded wishful thinking (7C). Projecting negative, harmful or destructive ego intentions onto others in an attempt to control them (Devil) constitutes a truly self-defeating (5S) and self-destructive (10S) enactment of the Magician’s power and influence. Psychically sending negative, harmful or destructive thoughts another person’s way (Devil), even without acting on them, serves only to destabilize your own psycho-emotional health and happiness (Moon), which, paradoxically, then hands your power over to the very person you are seeking to disempower. Impure or negatively motivated desires (Devil) often come with a heavy hidden price attached. When amongst friendly and constructive cards in a reading, this archetype indicates your actions, words and deeds are wholly aligned, and so magically supported by the higher will of the Divine, the great universal architect, God or the forces of creation (whatever you wish to name it). Personal Life The Magician card represents the ‘heaven on earth’ relationship (2C, 10C): that great heavenly gifts (1C, 2C, 10C) result from rising above the challenges of earthly life (Hermit, Tower, Death). It indicates a magically transformative, alchemical union (2C, 10C) that is enlightening (Sun), a highly spiritual romance in which both parties are independently loving and detached from the ego. This card marks the divinely magical and synchronized timing by which two individuals come together, encounter each other for the first time (1C), and become romantically committed and entwined (2C). However, this archetype, being primarily concerned with the sacred rather than mundane events of life, can be an inconsistent partner, providing great love-powered highs (Sun, 1C) and great insecurity-powered lows (Moon, Devil, Tower, 5P, 5C, 3S, 9S). A relationship with the Magician archetype can be enchanting, mesmerizing, fascinating, seductive (Lovers, Devil) and highly sexed (Emperor, 1W). They are often a partner whose words have great power and influence over you (KS, QS). Under the influence of a negatively toned Magician (Devil), you can encounter a highly manipulative or narcissistic individual, bent on controlling others. The Magician can also be the ultimate sexual predator (Devil) who casts their ‘wand’ out (1W) and about in search of quick, self-serving gratification. If this card appears, it may be time for a reality check to ensure others aren’t taking advantage of you. Professional Life The modern-day Magician’s work life often deals with matters pertaining to life, death or major transformation. They appear at precisely the right time, as if your life and theirs are magically synchronized, and come in the form of brilliant doctors, surgeons, life coaches, psychotherapists and psychiatrists, or even the executors of a last will and testament that leaves you a life-changing legacy (10P). They are the pivotal movers, shakers and agents who help secure your dream professional role. By holding all the aces, the Magician represents all new work and career avenues, advances and advantages. When they are present in a work reading, you are likely to be in a highly advantageous position (7W) or in line for a promotion (Emperor, Empress). Using their particular skills and abilities, the Magician also excels in tests, examinations or interviews (Chariot). They often have a powerful voice, which they utilize in the manifestation of their desires. They can be a master spin doctor (Devil) who harnesses the power of the spoken word to their own recondite ends, and they can utilize a vast amount of hidden or camouflaged information (High Priestess), particularly regarding the timing of birth, death or transformation cycles within the work environment. They are a formidable competitor (5W) who holds the professional life or death of others in their hands. The Magician’s complete self-mastery is what ensures their great success in the external world at large, and due to their masterful reputation, they are also someone people look to for magical solutions (8W). When working for the greater good, they can be key to the miraculous unification (3C, Temperance) of diametrically different groups of people or warring factions of a business sector or company (5W). Property – Finances – Resources ‘It’s unlimited what the universe can bring when you understand the great secret that thoughts become things.’ ANONYMOUS Your positive expectations will be happily met, if not exceeded, when the Magician card appears in a finances reading, as, via the power of their mind, they masterfully manifest anything you might require in life. In a home this could be a water feature, pond, river, lake, beach, swimming pool (1C, KC, QC); a traditional, period or ‘des res’ type property or location (1P, KP, QP); action and excitement in the heart of the city or a sporting, activity-based location (1W, KW, QW); and/or an intelligent or cutting-edge property design and mentally stimulating location (1S, KS, QS). The Magician also represents the settling of any material debts (Temperance) or the liquidating of any jointly held capital or assets in your favour (Justice). They have a magical resourcefulness, a finger in every pie (World). Their acquisitions and investments have infinite possibility and potential (World). This is the archetype who manifests great wealth and abundance (10P, KP, QP), giving you everything you could ever need in life (Emperor, Empress). Health and Well-being The Magician represents the attaining of great heavenly gifts (1C, High Priestess) as a result of great physical challenges, pain and suffering (Hermit). How long you must endure such challenges and difficulties depends; working on philosopher Ren? Descartes’ principle ‘I think therefore I am’ (Moon), when the Magician’s magically creative mind considers itself healthy and happy, it will be – instantaneously. The Magician has an uncanny ability to heal themselves both physically and emotionally using their infinite energetic reserves (KW, QW, KnW) and strong-willed initiative (Emperor). Their authentic knowledge (High Priestess) of how to maintain their health significantly lessens the chance of their contracting an illness or suffering a period of ill-health. They are the archetype of ultimate self-liberation from unhealthy habits such as overeating or drinking. They have controlled or balanced energies and hormones (Temperance), with a strong and highly functioning immune system (Strength). They also have the power to create new life (1W, 1P, 1C) and so represent male (Emperor) and female (Empress) fecundity, fertility and pregnancy, either naturally or via successful fertility treatments (8P). 2 The High Priestess II ‘Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.’ C. G. JUNG Personification – Psychology In a similar way to the paradoxical and contradictory Moon, which is both inconstant and habitual, the High Priestess is an archetype concerned with both closure and disclosure, covering and discovering the ultimate or highest truth. They can provide piercing and incisive revelations (1S), while also being a trusted and faithful keeper of secret or hidden information. Good counsel or the true facts of a matter, legal (Justice) or otherwise, can come forth from hidden or not so obvious Priestess-type sources when this card appears. These sources are society’s small or discreet ‘aperture windows’, both revealing and concealing the raw facts of hidden or subtle matters. The High Priestess often has an exceptional sensitivity to hidden or subtle motivations (Devil, 7S), followed by a reflex tendency for counter-corrective words and actions (KnS), fired by a divinely inspired social transparency agenda (KS, QS). The archetype is sincere and gracious, high-minded and intuitive in their reasoning, with great compassion for those stuck in a painful cerebral cycle and suffering from their base impulses and instincts. They see and understand what is incomprehensible in material world terms. The High Priestess can be an inconspicuous force of good, operating behind the scenes (7S) and exerting great power and influence without being domineering. They can exert a subtle or hidden power over a person or situation, akin to how the Moon moves the tides, to bring about great and positive growth, change and transformation. As such, this card reveals by what hidden or obscured forces you are moved to action. Privately and authentically, without seeking external ego recognition, praise or reward, the High Priestess also helps others reconcile and reintegrate any debased, degenerate, wild, animalistic ego tendencies (Devil) so they can live fuller and happier lives (Sun, 10C). Spirituality and Philosophy As a pure, exalted, gracious, maturely seeking and awakened consciousness, the High Priestess cuts through any superficial layers of experience and conditioning (1S) to reveal the true self, and thus is a key archetypal figure in the process of major spiritual transformation (Magician). This archetype starts the psychical evaluation process that is so necessary for spiritual growth or progress via a general illuminating, cleaning and clearing of the dark recesses and corners of the mind (Sun, Moon). Through the Priestess’s compassionate intervention, an individual can become better acquainted with the unknown aspects of the self that keep them locked into ignorance and suffering. ‘Know Thyself’, a phrase positioned high above the main entrance to the ancient Greek Temple of Apollo, was the most highly regarded instruction of the infamous Delphic Oracles. Still pertinent, it invites you to explore your own mind as you would a temple. The High Priestess has a dualistic, non-judgemental, all-encompassing mentality, rising above the world of opposites and polarities – up and down, true and false, good and bad – and is primarily inspired and instructed by ancient and obscured spiritual wisdom traditions (6C, Moon), and often party to the masonic-style secrets (3P) prohibited by conventional religions. Similar to the Fool, the dissolution of the High Priestess’s ‘I think’ and ‘I know’ ego operations echoes the Socratic paradox ‘The only thing I know is that I know nothing.’ Portrayed in a womanly form, symbolizing the passive female principle, the High Priestess understands that using the masculine ego-fired intellect alone without any input from the liquid-intuitive heart (3S) ultimately limits what you can achieve in life (8S). By paying attention to anomalous information as it enters the mind, no matter how irrational, illogical and nonsensical, Priestesses know exactly what, when, how and why, as their intuitive mind leaps over any slower cognitive processes. The key to the success of the High Priestess is in their over-riding of the ego, which perceives their inexplicable intuitions, instincts and gut feelings as a threat to its position in the psychical hierarchy. Characterized by their far-reaching vision or foresight (3W, Star, World), the High Priestess has a penetrative and omniscient mind. Whether divining the future or understanding the hidden truth of a current scenario, they utilize a wide range of specialist skills and tools to gain greater understanding of the subtle forces at work in any given situation. These skills include claircognizance, clairvoyance, clairaudience and clairsentience; the divination arts: tarot, astrology, psychic work, mediumship; out-of-body experiences, lucid dreaming; and dream, symbol and image interpretation (Empress, KS, QS). However, under the influence of impure (Devil), imaginary (Moon, 7C), immature, exaggerating (Pages), scattered or ungrounded (Fool) influences, this archetype can indicate being deceived by false, inaccurate or self-fulfilling prophecies. Personal Life In a relationship reading, the High Priestess represents a deep, sincerity of feeling (KC, QC) devoid of any co-dependent or self-validating ego attachment (2C). When this card appears, showing your true complete self and sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings with a trusted partner (2C) are paramount. This archetype is often deeply attuned to a partner’s needs (2C) and their unions can feel sacred or tantric, spiritually connected or divinely inspired (1C). The High Priestess can also indicate hidden or secret relationships (7S), where one or both parties are kept in the dark mentally, emotionally or even physically if there is a proverbial ‘hidden woman’ on the scene. As is their dualistic nature, the High Priestess can represent either the hiding or revealing of ‘closeted’ romantic feelings, intentions or sexuality. Being ruled by the Moon, they can symbolize cyclical romantic feelings that ‘come and go’, ebb and flow, as the Moon moves the tides (Lovers, Moon). If you are single and seeking a partner, this archetype can sometimes indicate the meeting of a new love interest (1C, KnC) via spiritual friends and connections (3C). Professional Life The High Priestess represents those whose work life is devoted to compassionately bettering the lives of others, helping them realize and actualize their fullest possible potential (World). They often work from home or behind the scenes, working nights (Moon) or undercover, perhaps as super-sleuths, detectives (Justice), in espionage, with hidden surveillance systems (Star), in the intelligence services (KS, QS), in hidden, secretive or sensitive work, or investment speculations (Strength), as futurologists predicting economic or market trends (World), as researchers (KC, QC) or archivists (6C, Moon), in counter-cultural, fringe or taboo-themed industries, as spiritual teachers and mentors (Hierophant), counsellors, life coaches, psychotherapists, spiritual advisers (KC, QC) or well-being or spiritual events facilitators (3C, Hierophant). This archetype, which delights in highlighting cultural corners and edges, can even work for counter-cultural, grassroots, fringe organizations, or any sector beyond the tight, spotlit sphere of centralized comprehension and experience (Sun). Wherever it happens to be, whereas the Magician is the active, masculine power behind the throne, the High Priestess works predominantly in hidden or passive power positions. They are the office or employer’s confidante, the person who knows, but never shares, what is going on behind the scenes (7S). Due to their secret partnerships or alliances (2W, 2C) they are often in and out of covert or secretive talks and meetings (3W, 3C). This ‘left of field’ archetype stays on top (7W) by obtaining their information or ideas via rare, unusual, eccentric, out of the box, unconventional or inaccessible sources or methods. They possess rare skills, talents or knowledge that can either be feared (9S) or celebrated (Sun) and sought after by others (3P). Yet their subtle work efforts can be easily eclipsed or overlooked when they are competing with more mainstream or commanding personalities (Emperor, Empress, KW, QW). However, the sometimes torpid world of work can be shaken out of its stupor (4S, 4C) by the Priestess’s exotic, fascinating, unusual, unconventional and non-conformist approach. Flanked by high-visibility influences (Sun, World), the truth, wisdom and insight of this archetype, portrayed in obscure, unconventional, private, fantastical, otherworldly (World, 7C), underworld or taboo themes, is likely to celebrated and well received (Sun, 3P). Property – Finances – Resources Being spiritually inclined, the High Priestess can signify unmaterialistic living with few financial obligations, commitments or dependants and an impartial attitude to money and resources (Fool). They may or may not be materially rich, depending on the surrounding cards, but instead have immaterial or spiritual wealth and riches in abundance (1C, 10C). Akin to the wandering ascetics, nuns or monks, the Priestess often attains unlimited access (Fool) to their spiritual gifts in those times when material resources are voluntarily renounced (Hermit) or involuntarily limited (5P). Unless influenced by more social (3C, 3W, 3P) or high-visibility (Sun, World) cards, the High Priestess indicates buying land or property in a quiet or largely unfrequented place. When flanked by other benevolent cards, they tend to put earned material abundance towards altruistic acts of charity (World, 6P), doing what they perceive as the right thing (Justice) regardless of personal cost. When flanked by a malefic (Devil) or miserly (4P) card, they can represent the concealing or sudden discovery of secretly hidden wealth and resources. Health and Well-being As the earthly vehicle of the soul, the High Priestess worships and respects their body and mind as they would a religious house or sacred temple (Sun). However, a person under the influence of this archetype can also lose sight of the true earthly purpose of life, their sacred outlook rendering them blind to the necessary counter-balancing effects of an ordinary life (Moon, 4C). When influenced by benevolent cards, the High Priestess can serve themselves and others by using their insight and divinatory skills for the purposes of self- or soul-realization: unburdening or ‘en-lightening’ the mind and spirit of mundane concerns (Sun). Influenced by cards pressing a shadow agenda (Devil), however, the High Priestess can be prone to hidden or secret obsessions and addictions. Their passive attitude to exercise, which ebbs and flows like the tides, can be the cause of any health or well-being issues. Sometimes this card can indicate a hidden or undiagnosed health issue, but more often it indicates a deep, intuitive understanding of any health or well-being imbalances. Regardless of whether they are active (Wands, Swords) or inactive (Pentacles, Cups), this night-owl archetype may suffer from a vitamin D deficiency or other imbalances connected to a lack of exposure to sunlight. Being the archetype of openings, this card can also represent health issues involving the nine aperture windows of the body. It can also indicate the decision to conceal the news of an illness or pregnancy (Empress, 1C, 1W), perhaps only until the end of the first trimester. 3 The Empress III ‘Allow yourself to be beautiful and all the rest will follow.’ THE BUDDHA Personification – Psychology The Empress is a vivacious character who personifies charm, grace, beauty, creativity or fertility (Sun). Empresses are dedicated to nurturing and nourishing others and making them feel good about themselves, and so are often greatly valued, loved and respected. Their social identity can be either the well-regarded or highly creative woman or the primary matriarchal guardian, mother or mother figure, whose self-validation (Sun) or sense of wholeness and completion (World) derives solely from their physical fertility and reproductive accomplishments (Pages). Mother figure or not, Empresses experience great life satisfaction and often share their good fortune with others, whom they treat with great kindness, love and affection, which is key to the Empress’s inner and outer success. The Empress’s primary concerns in life are love, happiness and harmony; marriage, love-making, enjoyment, amusement, charm, delights, pleasures, pleasantries, deliciousness, sugary or indulgent food, fine wines, art, design, creativity, music, concerts, dance, dancing parties, sociability, sensual pleasure, perfume, scents, decorations and ornaments, all forms of comfort and prosperity promotion, accumulated wealth, ornamentation, fine clothes and accessories, jewels, gems, precious stones, make-up, beauty, fashion and womanly products and experiences. The Empress’s complete immersion in the joys of life and unrelenting pursuit of pleasure and sensual fulfilment (9C, 10C) are often experienced in highly civilized or agreeable surroundings (9P, 10P). Unless flanked by destructive cards (Tower, Death, 3S), the Empress is a maker of relationships – one who listens, appreciates, unconditionally accepts, understands and responds to others’ needs (6P). While some archetypes devote their time and energy to the forceful pursuit of rule and domination (Emperor), the Empress rules and dominates via attraction (Lovers) and accommodation (Temperance). Chinese strategist and philosopher of the Zhou dynasty Sun Tzu once wrote, ‘Success is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy’s purpose,’ which gives an idea of how we might effectively apply Empress energy to contentious, difficult or challenging situations. Indeed, the highest, purest expression of this energy, in which the archetype wields the greatest power and influence, can be seen in all the Empress’s loving, kind and tender-hearted words and actions, motives and agendas. However, if the Empress is all heart and no head, they can overindulge or be too obliging to those around them. Also, sometimes the Empress themselves can be spoilt by having had too much of a good thing, and so be prone to a kind of ‘gilded cage’ syndrome, where lethargy, boredom, laziness and procrastination (4C) rule their thinking. Undoing any fixed expectation or deeper sense of entitlement (Moon, 1S) often involves much pain and suffering, so the higher the ego climbs (Sun, KW, QW), the harder it falls for this elevated archetype (Tower). If left unchecked, the Empress’s pretentions, pride, prejudice, vanity or queenly behaviour can be their downfall (Tower, Death, 10S). Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, made such a faux pas, which cost her her life, when she replied to a call from her starving people for more bread with ‘Let them eat brioche.’ Whether these were her actual words or political anti-monarchic spin, the queen’s past vanity, prejudice and pretentions gave the people cause to believe her capable of saying them. Spirituality and Philosophy Being primarily concerned with the superficial, material or sensual aspects of life (KP, QP, KnP), the Empress can have only skin-deep spiritual awareness. However, this archetype’s core spirituality can be excavated and expressed via creative pursuits and endeavours. By remaining out of touch with harsh, unpleasant or obscured realities, such as the poverty of others, the Empress puts themselves at a spiritual disadvantage, though, for their rose-tinted outlook makes it difficult for this archetype to look at or confront their own unlikeable shadow aspects. Unless more active and assertive cards are present (Emperor, KW, QW, 10W, KS, QS), this wholly passive archetype always takes the path of least resistance in life. However, in their internal battle to subdue and integrate the ego, their passive approach does have a key spiritual role to play. ‘The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting’ is Sun Tzu’s description of the Empress’s application of the passive female principle to bypass male ego-activated intentions. Thus the Empress’s influence can help us accomplish great spiritual feats when we allow things to happen by simply tuning into the vital life-force energies that surround us, rather than attempting to own and control them with our ego. Personal Life The Empress indicates mature, sincere, unconditional love and acceptance, romance and attraction; a diplomatically balanced and harmoniously allied marriage or relationship (2C, 10C); feeling loved, irresistible, worshipped and adored; having several admirers (8W) or sensual fun and pleasure providers (KnP, KnC, 2P); overflowing with sweet and sincere feelings (1C); providing emotional comfort and security (10C); sweet, deep, true love and commitment in relationships (2C, 10C); someone looking out for you, making sure all your wants, needs and desires are fulfilled; a very pleasant, loving, caring, content or rewarding relationship (9C). As a partner, the Empress can be highly appealing, attractive, sexual, fertile, delightful, charming, elegant, virtuous, graceful, polished, refined, cultured and liberally minded, with strong, exalted feminine graces or highly civilized feminine values. The Empress is the agent of magnetic attractiveness, charm, passive possessiveness and incoming energy, used both consciously and unconsciously to draw in a mate (2C) or to matchmake for others (Magician). In its most positive expression, this archetype signifies the wife, the committed mate (2C) and those in counselling and advising roles, such as friends, family or professional marriage or relationship counsellors (High Priestess, KC, QC) who help to strengthen partnerships. In its most challenging expression, the Empress represents smothering or motherly lovers (Lovers, Moon) or the limitations and restrictions (8S) of searching for a true heart connection (1C, 2C) when moving only in the small social circles of the highly privileged few. When partners fail to meet the Empress’s status, class or wealth standards, this archetype needs to assess whether allowing their emotional comfort to be affected by social or material concerns really is the true path to love and happiness. As a layout crossing card, this archetype can indicate, for both men and women, the selecting of an ultra-attractive life partner, either due to their looks, wealth or status, as a form of self-flattery. Unless a couple’s love can grow, change and penetrate further than merely skin deep, over time, when this attractive and flattering mirror image of the self begins to show its illusionistic and transitory nature, the ‘love spell’ will fracture and eventually break (Lovers, Tower). Professional Life Whether meeting the highest outward standards or keeping up appearances, the Empress indicates great success in the broadly creative industries: home comforts, family planning (3P), parenting, business deals, negotiation, diplomacy, creativity, art and design, literature, entertainment, high-end leisure or luxury services, beauty, femininity, nature, farming and fruitfulness in food, flora, fauna production (7P). This archetype can indicate a flourishing business or much-admired project, even the best in show or a showpiece. Being the centre of attention, on display for all to see and admire (Sun), the Empress can also represent fashions, trends, image-conscious professions, branding and advertising (8W). By their highly creative endeavours and infectious passion for their work (KW, QW), the Empress reaches the top of their game and can be rewarded with a vastly upgraded office space or work environment (4W), a highly desired new position (Aces) or the exceptional success of their product (World). Their creative efforts tend to have universal or mass appeal (Sun). They can be super-successful in all aesthetics-based businesses or industries where an appreciation of good looks, charm, an amiable personality, dressing to impress, beauty or style are the keys to getting ahead or commanding the attention of others (Sun, KW, QW). As such, this archetype can also represent ego and vanity projects (Devil, Sun), which exist superficially or only for show (Sun). When flanked by positive, friendly and harmonious cards, the Empress’s work can bring great joy and contentment to the lives of others. Though it doesn’t constitute a basic survival need, their sphere of work can make people’s lives feel all the richer, as argued by the painter Pablo Picasso when he said, ‘You know, music, art – these are not just little decorations to make life prettier. They’re very deep necessities which people cannot live without.’ Property – Finances – Resources The Empress can be an excellent provider, both of finances and resources (10P), and this card’s presence in a reading signifies great material success: the proverbial harvest coming in. Being a feminine archetype, this is the card of passive earning: it symbolizes a harvest time, when you reap the rewards of your previous hard work or past efforts. The Empress can also be charitable and generous in sharing personal wealth and resources (6P), but must remain astute lest their passive and obliging nature is taken advantage of by others (Devil). This archetype can represent living the ‘charmed’ life of a kept or independently wealthy individual, living off unearned family money, a trust fund or their partner’s income (KP, QP, 10P). If this is the case, look to the surrounding cards to see if this is a blessing or a hindrance to their overall personal happiness and sense of fulfilment. Chronic boredom (4C) can result from being handed everything with little or no effort. Also, if cards of delusion are present, this archetype’s sense of privilege or entitlement can be wholly imagined (Moon, 7C) and unfounded (Fool). Health and Well-being Being comfort oriented, the Empress can be prone to laziness or excessive passivity (4S); however, this card is a blessing for those who find it difficult to relax, rest and unwind, and is of particular benefit during trying or stressful times. It often signifies some form of retreat or well-deserved time off (4S), a time of feeling wholly nourished (Star) after a great effort or exertion. During the passive Empress period, your emotional (Cups), mental (Swords), physical (Wands) and material (Pentacles) balance and harmony can be fully replenished and restored (Temperance). This is therefore the ideal time for natural conception or success with fertility treatments, which will be likely to result in a pregnancy (1C, 1W, 1P) and childbirth (Pages). 4 The Emperor IV ‘The expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.’ SUN TZU Personification – Psychology The Emperor archetype likes to be first and foremost or given primacy and priority to retain their leading position (7W). Their primary drive or impulse to arrive first or lead the way extends to initiating, founding, pioneering, newness, novelty, innovation, invention, individuality, originality and uniqueness (Aces). The US Supreme Court Justice (Emperor, Justice) Antonin Scalia, aka the ‘Originalist’, once retold the story of two guys who were out hunting when a bear started chasing them. They started running, but the bear was gaining fast. One said, ‘Why are we running? We can’t outrun a bear.’ And the other said, ‘I don’t have to outrun the bear, I only have to outrun you.’ This is the survivalist mindset of the tarot’s Emperor archetype. The Emperor’s quest is to find and propound great new theories or potential (Star, Aces), seek new horizons (KnW) and be at the forefront, driving, moving or leading the flock, herd, team, group or troop. As the archetype of our primary life-force vitality, the Emperor manages, channels, aims and directs it into either material resources (Pentacles), love and feelings (Cups), physical acts (Wands) or intellectual interests (Swords). In opposition to their Empress counterpart, the Emperor thrives on challenge, and will often take the path of most resistance (10W). They aim for the mark of excellence and the highest possible professional achievement in their personal or work endeavours (World, Sun). As such, their sense of self-worth and ego validation is often solely reliant on their outward successes and achievements. This can, unless consciously processed, set them up for huge blows (Tower) to their self-esteem and confidence (8S, 9S, 10S) when they experience any sort of failure, be it material (Pentacles), emotional (Cups), mental (Swords) or physical (Wands). A destabilized, negatively toned Emperor who has perhaps received a blow to their pride or self-esteem can display exaggerated masculinity, will-power, selfishness, chauvinism, supremacy and defensive invulnerability (9W, KNW, KNS) or behaviour that is overpowering, domineering, high-handed, oppressive, opinionated, dictating, forceful, controlling, bossy, strict, authoritarian and even persecuting, intimidating, stubborn, unyielding, obstinate and inflexible. Yet in the appropriate context, this archetype’s rigidity can be key to their success. Under stabilizing influences (Hermit, Hierophant, Empress, Judgement), the Emperor can display solid reasoning and judgement, extraordinary self-control, patience and persistence, a reasonable nature, and astute, intelligent and worldly thinking and decision-making (World, KS, QS, KnS). Under higher-minded influences, they are capable of great self-realization (High Priestess), conscious awareness (Sun), grounding (Hermit) and humility (Temperance). The Emperor has great organizing ability and knows how to get the best out of others, be they family, friends or co-workers. They have strong parental and authoritarian instincts, born of an inherent capacity for home rule. The cards surrounding this archetype in a reading will indicate whether their parenting style is working for them or not. The ultimate example of the Emperor archetype is perhaps film director and father of seven Steven Spielberg, who once said, ‘Fathering is a major job, but I need both things in my life – my job to be a director and my kids to direct me.’ Spielberg’s words are a great reminder that behind the Emperor’s throne there is often a strong directive, purpose or person(s) that empowers their otherwise self-directed actions. Spirituality and Philosophy Unless a spiritual bent is indicated (Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Hierophant), the Emperor archetype can be devoid of faith or belief in the subtle realms of the lesser known or seen, especially as these challenge their cutting-edge or leading world view based upon the modern cult of scientific materiality and sense-perceptible ‘fact’ (KP, QP, KNP). Unless neighbouring cards suggest a heightened conscious awareness or sensitivity to the subtle, spiritual and metaphysical realities (Sun, Moon, High Priestess, Magician, KC, QC), that which appears illogical, irrational or materially inexplicable is anathema to the Emperor. They aren’t devoid of subtle perception, for they can read and appreciate fine art (KS, QS), for example, but the deeper spiritual forces (High Priestess) behind creative processes can elude them completely. As the archetype who most appreciates masculine, tangible, material rewards and achievements (KP, QP), it often takes a great blow to the Emperor’s ego, resulting in the greater self-realization that induces a spiritual awakening (Sun, Magician, High Priestess), for them to overcome their psycho-spiritual blocks and resistance. Personal Life A positively influenced Emperor denotes honour, respect, protection, longevity, stability and monogamy in love, marriage and any other relationship (2C, 4W, Hierophant). As the epitome of the protective male ego, the psycho-emotional well-being of the Emperor archetype (Moon) relies on their not only being needed and useful as a partner, but also worshipped and adored (Sun, KW, QW). Emperors are often dutiful, dependable, responsible, influential and highly regarded by their partners; their final word, on almost all subjects, being generally accepted and followed. As such, the all-knowing, controlling, possessive, domineering, commanding, patriarchal or motive forcefulness of this archetype – telling you what to do and when to do it or setting out what they see as acceptable behaviour – is often behind any long-standing relationship politics (5W). Paradoxically, it’s the Emperor’s ultra-masculine charm and optimism that first attracts the opposite sex (Lovers). They often make exceptionally virile lovers (1W), even when this card signifies an older partner or significant age gap. Beyond their better, wiser judgement, this archetype holds rigidly to any perceived challenge or ‘mountain’ yet unclimbed. Their instigating, initiating, prize-winning, ‘me-first’ attitude to romance and relationships finds the initial pursuit, challenge or sexual conquest highly engaging (KnW, KnC, 9C), but then they can lose interest once the ‘prize’ is won (KnW). For a harmonious love or marital life, this archetype tends to prefer an ultra-feminine and compliant Empress type whose own male energies are especially well regulated, allowing them to bend to the Emperor’s will. For those who enjoy the traditional feminine role (Empress), the Emperor can be the perfect complementary partner. The modern, outgoing, high-achieving Superwoman type, being an Emperor in woman’s clothing, is likely to encounter a ‘battle of wills’ with an Emperor-like partner, which leaves the latter feeling unfortunately emasculated. Конец ознакомительного фрагмента. Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес». 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