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The Moon Cards in the Tarot

moon cards in the tarotMost of the cards in the Tarot (except Aces and Pages) are connected either directly or indirectly (via zodiac attributions) to the planets.

When you look closer at the images of those cards that share the same planetary attribution, you can see some visual similarities.

By identifying and studying these similarities, you can gain new insight and a deeper understanding of individual cards.

Here, we are looking at the moon cards in the (RWS) Tarot.

The example above shows the High Priestess and the Two of Swords.

The moon is assigned to the High Priestess, and the Two of Swords’ astrological attribution is Moon in Libra.

Both women face us with their backs to the water. Whereas in the High Priestess image the view of the water is concealed by a curtain, the woman in the Two of Swords is blindfolded.

Both women are dressed in a white robe. The moon crescent can be found at the feet of the High Priestess, and in the sky on the Two of Swords.

The High Priestess is holding a book, the woman in the Two of Swords is holding the swords.

Both women are seeking knowledge through quiet contemplation, yet they do so in different ways.

Both cards are connected to feelings, emotions and the unconscious (lunar influences).

But there are more moon cards in the Tarot:

moon cards in the tarotThe Chariot – zodiac sign Cancer is ruled by the moon

Six of Pentacles – Moon in Taurus

Four of Cups – Moon in Cancer

Nine of Wands – Moon in Sagittarius

Seven of Swords – Moon in Aquarius

We can also add the Moon to this list, even though this Major Arcana card is linked to Pisces.

Take all these cards from your deck and explore how the energy of the moon is reflected in them.

What new insights are you gaining? 

Bear in mind that the moon also adds the element Water to each card.

You can check out my Power of the Moon article and the Planet chart for more information about the moon and how it might affect card meanings and interpretations.

Please feel free to share your thoughts.

And if you love this kind of Tarot study, you may be interested in my Tarot Astrology course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Temperance in the Tarot of Quotes

temperance in the tarot of quotesTemperance is one of my favourite cards in the Tarot.

It’s a card of balance, harmony and healing.

In the RWS deck, the angel shown is Archangel Michael, but in my image it’s the angel of the North, situated near Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK.

I took the photo on my recent summer holiday, and I must say that the angel is quite a wonderful and impressive monument when you stand right in front of it.

Astrologically, Temperance in the tarot is associated with Sagittarius, which symbolises the need to create the perfect mix of opposites to achieve harmonious balance and healing.

This skilful blending can be quite an art – intuitive, playful, experimenting, sometimes difficult to master. Hence Temperance is named Art in Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot.

By blending opposites such as yin/yang, wants/needs, less/more, work/life, strengths/weaknesses, excess/abstinence, virtues/vices, we can achieve moderation, tolerance and compromises without losing out.

Temperance in the tarot embodies a harmonious healing balance of mind, body and spirit; it is also a part of the transformational process.

What opposites in your life or within yourself do you need to blend in order to create harmony?

For more insight on Temperance and all other tarot cards, please check out my ebook The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

The Journey Oracle Review

journey oralcle

This review of the Journey Oracle by Adrienne Trafford was first published in the Spring 2012 edition of the TABI e-zine.

The Journey Oracle is a set of 46 colourful cards packaged in an attractive hinged keepsake box together with a small instruction booklet.

The cards measure 115mm x 70 mm and are printed on glossy card stock.

Before I started reading about the cards in the booklet, I decided to spread them out and let them speak to me.

First I noticed that virtually all cards depicted women, mostly with auburn hair (hardly a blonde in sight!).

The artwork and style is quite girly. Each card contains a keyword, such as Hope, Passion and Loss, which are self-explanatory.

There is also a set of Queens (Queen of Hearts, Queen of Diamonds, Queen of Spades, Queen of Clubs) as well as personality types, such as the Adventurer, the Vampire and the Puppet.

From the description of the Queens in the booklet it is possible to relate them to the four tarot queens, e.g. Hearts (Cups), Diamonds (Wands), Spades (Swords), Clubs (Pentacles), so for tarot readers this will be easy to remember.

You may notice by now that there is hardly any structure to this deck.

It even contains four cards with a landscape layout, with the keywords Desire, The Guardian, Eternity and The Goddess.

It’s all very random in my opinion, but does a “life path” deck need to be structured?

The author explains in the booklet that she started creating the images, when she found herself at a crossroads, and her journey ahead was along a rocky, uncertain road.

This may explain the somewhat melancholy feel of the cards, and perhaps we can conclude from this that life can be quite random at times, without structure and not making much sense.

So how do you read with this deck?

The author suggests picking just one card for guidance, but you can also choose a standard tarot card spread, such as a 3-card past/present/future layout.

Keeping it simple is the best option with this deck, as it will give clear, concise and straight-forward messages.

Does this deck give accurate readings?

I have pulled a card each day over a week and found that I could relate to all of them in some way.

A 3-card past/present/future reading was also quite revealing and described accurately the issue I was addressing.

When I used the deck for friends, they also related well to the issues that were addressed.

Overall, the Journey Oracle is a delightful, feminine deck that offers insightful readings.

It’s simple but effective; there’s no need to study the explanatory booklet in detail before starting to use them, and there’s no need for large, complicated spreads.

From my experience so far with this deck, it will offer meaningful messages and guidance on any issue.

Schiffer Publishing Ltd, ISBN 978-0-7643-3783-3

Buy my preloved copy HERE

Buy from Amazon.co.uk 

Buy from the Book Depository (FREE delivery worldwide)

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

The Devil In The Tarot Of Quotes

devil in the tarot of quotes
15 – The Devil

The Devil in the Tarot of Quotes is a demon-like creature trapped behind metal bards.

With a little effort, he could escape through the gap of the spikes.

The creature isn’t a particularly pretty one to look at.

The idea behind this is that dependency, self-sabotage, complacency, apathy and materialism can suppress our potential, soulful purpose and indeed beauty on a spiritual level.

This isn’t about physical beauty; the most attractive person can be emotionally and spiritually empty and shallow; the physical beauty hiding an ugly soul lacking spirit.

Here we see the reverse; a creature, ugly on the outside, whose inner beauty needs to be revealed and shine.

The Devil reminds us that we can easily become slaves and trapped in a situation we would rather not be in but are too complacent or even comfortable to leave behind.

This can be a relationship you put up with, because a split would be too much of an upheaval on a material level, or you stay “because of the kids”.

You could be stuck in a job that bores your brains out, or doesn’t offer you the career progression you deserve, but you stay, because it pays your bills and perhaps even provides you with the material luxuries you think you cannot live without.

Maybe you are addicted to something – alcohol, drugs, sex, food – are obsessed with someone or something, and on top of it with negative thoughts like “I can’t…” and “It’s impossible…” you put even more obstacles in your way.

Over time, this situation can make you look somewhat unattractive; you smile less, look stressed, worn out, depressed…It happens gradually over time, and you may not realise it.

When this card comes up in a reading, you need to acknowledge that you let your inner Devil take over your life, and now it’s time to regain control and momentum to escape from your trap and move on into a new direction.

How do you do that?

You need to be aware that it can be uncomfortable, painful and an upheaval, but as long as you are clear about what you really want, then you can develop the determination and endurance to persevere along your new path ahead.

Start saying “I can…” and “I will…”.

When you can say “Whatever happens, it will be worth it”, you are on your way to a new adventure.

Life should be fun and an adventure. And making you feel more alive, it needs to be a little risky at times, don’t you think?

Where do you feel trapped in your life right now? What are the reasons? What negative thoughts are holding you back?  

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

For more insight on the Devil and all other tarot cards, please check out my ebook The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook

Tarot Numerology

tarot numerologyThe prominent 19th century occultist and Golden Dawn Member S. L. MacGregor Mathers wrote about the significance of numbers in an ordinary card deck in his essay The Tarot, published in 1888:

“It has been long known that the ordinary 52 card pack was susceptible of some peculiar numerical significations, e.g.: 

52 Cards in the pack, suggest 52 weeks in the year.

13 Cards in each suit, suggest 13 lunar months in the year, 13 weeks in the quarter.

4 suits in the pack, suggest 4 seasons in the year.

12 Picture Cards in the pack, suggest 12 months in the year, 12 signs of the Zodiac

Furthermore, if we add together:

The pips on the plain cards of the four suits = 220

The pips on the 12 Picture Cards = 12

Twelve Picture Cards reckoned as 10 each = 120

The number of cards in each suit = 13

We shall obtain the number of days in the year = 365

But concealed behind their apparently arbitrary and bizarre designs, the Tarot Cards contain a far more complicated system of recondite symbolism.

We find the number ten multiplied by the mystical number four, and combined with a primitive hieroglyphic alphabet of twenty-two letters.”

Before we look at the deeper meanings of numbers in Tarot, it is worthwhile noting that the esoteric science of numbers, arithmology, was first developed by the Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras (c. 570 – 495 B.C.).

In the centuries that followed, his teachings were passed on over generations in Europe and the middle East, mainly within secret societies, which were formed due to political unrest and upheaval.

When occult groups such as the Freemasons, became interested in Tarot from the late 17th century onwards, it seems logical that arithmology would be gradually embedded into the Tarot.

Today, the meanings of numbers in the Tarot are still based on the teachings of Pythagoras.

However, you will find that changes have been made to the card sequences in various decks, which follow different traditions.

Here is an overview of the significance of numbers:

Number

 Pythagoras Numerology and Tarot

0

 A mystical symbol, not a number. Mathematically and philosophically Zero represents nothing and everything, the two infinite ends of the finite, neither of which is physically attainable. God force; the force before entering into manifestation.

In Tarot: The Fool. In some decks the Fool is numbered 22—see below.

1

 Monad

Root of all numbers, unity, principle of all things, indivisible

Gender: male and female (containing the odd and even)

Time: The present now

Positive Attributes: Essence; beyond all knowledge

Negative Attributes: chaos, confusion, obscurity, darkness; ambiguous

Mind of Man: Intellect (source of all ideas)

 

 Divine spark, male principle.

The number One represents ambition and courage; associated with the sun.

In Tarot: Aces/One—Potential, gift, spark, ideas, beginnings; births; initiation, opening, opportunity, starting point. Concentration of will; mindfulness, intention, commencement, focus.

The Magician – male principle; new beginnings and potential as suggested by the four suit symbols on his altar.

Mercury.

2

 Duad

First increase; first change from unity; indefinite.

Gender: First female

Time: night and day as a twofold aspect

Positive attributes: power, summit, patience, harmony, root

Negative: strife, falsehood, ignorance, defeat

 

 Differentiation; female principle.

The number Two represents emotions and harmony.

In Tarot: Personality, feelings; reflection; duality; opposites. Striving for balance; subconscious. Passivity, choice, intuition, inner guidance.

The High Priestess – female principle.

Moon.

3

 Triad

First odd, first number to be called multitude; cause of plurality of numbers; allows power of monad to proceed into energy and extension

Gender: the first male number

Time: Past-Present-Future as a threefold measure of time

Positive Attributes: harmony, good counsel

Mind of Man: Intellect, intelligence, knowledge

 

 Manifestation; holy trinity of wisdom, love and truth.

The number Three represents creativity, joy and expansion; associated with the planet Jupiter.

In Tarot: Manifestation, foundation, affection, understanding, harmony, beauty, integration, combination, fecundity, growth. Unfolding; co-operation.

The Empress.

Venus.

4

 Tetrad

First square number among even; second even number

Gender: Female in first extension; to open and shut the recesses of generation

Time: the four seasons

Positive Attributes: Fountain of natural effects; keybearer of nature

Mind of Man: the fourfold division of Man in terms of soul, body, desire

 

 The Earth; four seasons, four elements; four holy creatures guarding the throne of god (human/air, eagle/water, lion/fire, bull/earth – see Tarot cards Wheel of Fortune, The World).

Will, discipline, construction; associated with planet Uranus.

In Tarot: Grounding, focus inward on self, stasis, boredom, stability, order, completion, turning point. Reason, consolidation; assessment of needs; organisation, establishment.

The Emperor.

Earth/Sun.

5

 Pentad

First number to combine odd and even; second odd number; privation of strife (as a number uniting 3 + 2)

Gender: Male (as odd); male and female (as 3 + 2)

Positive: Justice

Negative: Vengeance

 Humanity. Freedom, mental dexterity, communication; fruitfulness and new learning.

Associated with the planet Mercury.

In Tarot: Challenge, strife, struggle, conflict. Breakdown. Chaos, upheaval, stress. Disturbance, anger, loss (of temper, feelings, security or integrity).

The Hierophant – authority, education, dogma, structure; potential for rebellion.

Mars

6

 Hexad

First perfect number. Gender: Female (as even)

Time: Regeneration (which occurs after 6 x 6 x 6 years)

Positive attributes: harmony, perfection of parts, benevolence, peace, principle

Mind of man: Truth; only number adapted to the soul of Man

 Beauty; creation and perfection.

The number Six represents love, wisdom and responsibility; associated with the planet Venus.

In Tarot: Advancement, reciprocation, sharing, contemplation. Exuberance; co-operation, choice;

The Lovers – responsibility.

Jupiter.

7

 Heptad

Only number in decad that did not arise from any union and does not unite with anything.

Gender: Male (as odd)Time: The lunar cycle as four sets of seven days

Positive Attribute: Veneration

Mind of Man: Dream (vision)

 Perfect order.

The number Seven is the highest mystical and sacred number; it represents life, higher learning, spirituality and contemplation.

Associated with the planet Neptune.

Male magic (based on anatomy—7 orifices)

In Tarot: Movement, mastery, struggle, new direction, inner growth, self-reflection; discipline, restraint, self-expression, independent action, foresight, indecision.

The Chariot.

Saturn.

8

 Ogdoad

First cube number among even; first cube of energy

Gender: Female (as fourth even number)

Time: One third of a day; the day divided into 8 + 8 + 8 hours; the eighth day as rejuvenation, or regeneration of the cycle of seven days

 Strength; divine law, authority, materialism; associated with the planet Saturn.

The figure of Eight is a symbol of spiralling motion of the creative forces, also representing karmic justice ‘as above, so below’.

Female magic (based on anatomy—8 orifices)

In Tarot: Energy, thrust, evolution, movement, inspiration, restrictions, evaluating, prioritising, persistence, resilience, expansion.

In the RWS tradition: Justice.

In the Marseille/Crowley tradition: Strength.

Uranus.

9

 Ennead

First square number among odd numbers; the number which flows around the other numbers within the decad like the ocean around the earth; the first triangular number (3 x 3)

Gender: doubly masculine (as odd and as the first odd square)

Time: the nine months of gestation

Positive Attributes: concord, freedom from strife

 

 Completeness; end of a cycle; the beginning and the end.

The number Nine represents unconditional service and action.

Associated with the planet Mars.

In Tarot: Solitude, gestation, self-reliance, isolation, integration, experience. Fulfilment, peak, self-awareness, narrow-mindedness, inflexible.

The Hermit.

Neptune.

10

 Decad

Contains in itself both even and odd

Gender: containing both male and female

Positive Attributes: strength (ruling over all other numbers), faith, necessity

Mind of Man: Memory (as mental calculation)

 Perfection through completeness; return to unity, accomplishment of purpose. Transformation.

In Tarot: Completion of a cycle; endings and beginnings, result, regeneration, release, responsibility, consolidation; new direction or re-commitment; purpose.

The Wheel of Fortune.

Pluto.

Learn more about numbers 11 – 22 in my Discovery Tarot Course.

Tarot Symbolism

Each of the 78 scenic images of the RWS  (Rider Waite Smith) Tarot deck contain a number of symbols. When familiar with their meanings and possible interpretations, it is easier to “read” and interpret the cards.

Major Arcana Symbols:

 

0 – The Fool

White rose in hand – the soul, the heart, love. White = purity, innocence

Bundle on stick – provisions, potential, possessions (not much = flexible, light, independent). Stick = wand

Sun/Sky – blue, sunny, warm; the right time to travel, make a move

Mountains – obstacles, problems, difficulties in the far distance

Cliff – pitfall

Dog – instinct, spirit guide, warning from the intellect or playfulness

Orange – zest for life, energy

Yellow – Air, thoughts

Eagle’s head on bag – soaring spirit

Fool’s Posture – open, receptive, trusting, happy-go-lucky,  facing left (yin, feminine, unconscious)

1 – The Magician

Lemniscate above his head – symbol of eternity;  infinite potential, connection with universal principles

Red/White clothing – Alchemy; alchemical process catalyst for change

Red roses – passion

White lilies – purity, higher spirit

Objects on the table – 4 elements (4 Minor Arcana suits); possibilities, choices, potential

Garden – nature’s sacred space; emotional and creative power

Magician’s Posture – As above so below; making something real; manifesting spirit force by connecting heaven and earth.

Wand – lightning rod; energy

2 – The High Priestess

White gown – purity

Headdress – three aspects of the moon (symbol of the Egyptian goddess Isis)

Equal-armed cross – uniting masculine and feminine powers

High Priestess’s Posture – right hand of power is hidden; left hand holding the Tora, Jewish book of law/5 books of Moses

Veil – something hidden, the unconscious/hidden knowledge

Water behind the veil – unconscious, intuition, mysteries

Pomegranates on veil – fruit of the Underworld, a connection to the myth of Persephone, who spent a third of her life in the Underworld with Hades, because she ate the seeds of the Pomegranate

Palm trees – ability to create through action (fanning), masculine, assertive energy

Columns – entrance to King Solomon’s Temple of Wisdom, Hebrew temple in Jerusalem

B and J – Boaz and Jakin, names of the two  main pillars of King Solomon’s temple

Black and white – opposites, night and day, yin and yang

Lunar crescent –  beginning of esoteric cycle

3 – The Empress

Empress’s Posture – comfort, luxury

Sceptre in right hand – taking the lead, creatrive energy

Gown – pomegranates; link with High Priestess, two aspects of the feminine

Headdress – 12 stars of the zodiac

Shield – heart-shaped, gentleness, passion; symbol for Venus, Goddess of love and beauty

Trees – growth, wisdom

River – feelings, nurture, emotions, life force, change

Corn – Fruitfulness, fertility

Red – passion, love

Yellow – gold, the sun

4 – The Emperor

Emperor’s posture – sitting straight, full-face image, confident, decisive, focused

Clothing – red cloth over armour, protection; ram shield symbolising Zodiac sign Aries

Red and white – in crown, white beard, red cloak: alchemy

Sceptre in right hand – yang (ankh, symbol of life)

Orb in left hand – yin

Sceptre and orb – two contrasting elements, balance

Ram – Aries, assertive power,  force, Aries rules the head, 1st sign of the Zodiac: new life

Background – bare, desolate mountains – limitations, water – little emotions

Stone throne – long-lasting, rigid

Red – colour of Aries, Mars

Yellow – Sun

 

To be continued….

 

 

Tarot & Astrology: Zodiac

Tarot Astrology ZodiacMost people identify astrology with the wheel of the zodiac and its twelve signs. Even those totally ignorant of astrology know their sun sign.

The term zodiac is derived from the Greek zodiacus, which means ‘little creatures’.

The zodiac is a small band of the sky, about eight degrees on either side of the ecliptic, which contains the motions of most of the planets. This band is divided into twelve 30-degree sections called signs.

The zodiac can be seen as a 12-stage life cycle:

Aries—emergence, birth of the individual

Taurus—physical security in order to grow

Gemini—urge to interact with our immediate surroundings

Cancer—sense of belonging to our immediate family

Leo—ability to express ourselves

Virgo—learning practical skills

Libra—learning about relationships and balancing our needs with others

Scorpio—our longing to share intense encounters, leading to transformation

Sagittarius—gaining a broader perspective of life

Capricorn—establishing our public image

Aquarius—group solidarity

Pisces—identification with the whole, dissolving all to allow for new birth

The zodiac signs represent specific human qualities that colour the way in which we respond to the basic urges (the planets) within us.

The twelve signs of the zodiac are each associated with a trump card of the Major Arcana and a Court Card. By getting to know each of the individual sun signs, the connection with the assigned trump and court cards will become apparent – and debatable!

Fire Signs
Aries

(March 21st – April 20th)

Characteristics: enthusiastic, dynamic, impulsive; impatient, domineering, sometimes reckless.

Tarot Cards: The Emperor, Queen of Wands

 Leo

(July 23rd – August 22nd)

Characteristics: generous, self-assured, optimistic; intolerant, arrogant, autocratic.

Tarot Cards: Strength, King of Wands

 Sagittarius

(November 24th – December 21st)

Characteristics: adventurous, confident, expansive, optimistic; restless, unreliable, moralistic, insensitive.

Tarot Cards: Temperance, Knight of Wands

Water Signs
Cancer

(June 22nd – July 22nd)

Characteristics: sensitive, protective, tenacious, intuitive, shrewd; fearful, touchy, clinging, manipulative.

Tarot Cards: The Chariot, Queen of Cups

 Scorpio

(October 24th – November 23rd)

Characteristics: imaginative, deep, healing, compassionate, fearless; self-destructive, vindictive, jealous, secretive.

Tarot Cards: Death, King of Cups

 Pisces

(February 20th – March 20th)

Characteristics: sensitive, compassionate, impressionable, receptive; confused, overemotional, escapist

Tarot Cards: The Moon, Knight of Cups

Air Signs
Gemini

(May 22nd – June 21st)

Characteristics: versatile, chatty, curious; flippant, shallow, restless.

Tarot Cards: The Lovers, Knight of Swords

 Libra

(September 22nd – October 23rd)

Characteristics: fair-minded, diplomatic, perfectionist, cooperative; insincere, indecisive, frivolous.

Tarot Cards: Justice, Queen of Swords

 Aquarius

(January 21st – February 19th)

Characteristics: independent, progressive, rational, original; impractical, erratic, cranky, detached

Tarot Cards: The Star, King of Swords

Earth Signs
Taurus

(April 21st – May 21st)

Characteristics: stable, methodical, affectionate, restrained; stubborn, passive, possessive.

Tarot Card: The Hierophant, King of Pentacles

 Virgo

(August 23rd – September 21st)

Characteristics: efficient, dependable, practical, observant, modest; fussy, critical, narrow-minded.

Tarot Cards: The Hermit, Knight of Pentacles

 Capricorn

(December 22nd – January 20th)

Characteristics: organised, industrious, conventional, persevering; calculating, dictatorial, manipulative, pessimistic.

Tarot Cards: The Devil, Queen of Pentacles

Zodiac Body Parts Ruled

Back to Introduction to Tarot Astrology

Would you like to learn more about Tarot Astrology? Check out the Starlight Tarot Astrology course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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