Tarot Of Quotes Update

tarot of quotesI’ve been working on my own Tarot deck since 2012, and the Tarot of Quotes has turned into a challenging labour of love, which is still in the process of being completed.

When you have a look at the Empress one the left and compare it with the original version, then you’ll know why I haven’t met my self-imposed deadlines over the years.

The Tarot of Quotes has evolved, and only the free downloadable images will keep the quotes on the cards.

I have decided to remove the quotes from the printed version and change a couple of images along the way.

Not many cards are left to do, but heck it’s tough to create the images for them.

Getting it right takes time, especially when I’m also working on other projects.

But now that I’m totally in love with my new Empress card, I’m determined to get this deck finished – one day very soon!

In the meantime, it’s Earth Day tomorrow, which also coincides with it falling on a Friday.

Friday is dedicated to Venus, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, who in turn is linked to the Empress in the Tarot.

Although the Empress symbolises the archetypal mother, who on my card is represented by a Madonna and Child statue, she also embodies creativity relating to art, crafts, writing, home-making and gardening.

So in order to celebrate Earth Day, nurture your creativity by ditching electronic devices and work with what Mother Nature has on offer.

Some ideas:

  • plant flower bulbs
  • plant a tree
  • paint motifs on pebbles
  • bake a cake
  • make something of twigs
  • paint, draw, sketch
  • write poetry
  • knit or crochet
  • woodwork
  • make beeswax candles
  • pottery…

And for a paper craft project, you can make your own rune set and even print your own oracle deck together with greeting cards, journal inserts and more.

And by turning off your electronic devices, TVs and not use the car for the next couple of days in honour of Earth Day, you save on valuable energy and will also reduce your utility bills while enjoying some good old-fashioned creative fun.

Happy Earth Day!

Christiane

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The Fives in the Tarot of Quotes

five of wands tarot of quotes

After a relatively calm and harmonious time as reflected in the fours, the fives in the Tarot are seriously shaking things up.

There is struggle, strife, tension and hardship, a tough situation that requires courage, wit and resilience to cope with.

But despite the unpleasantness of the images and what they stand for, this kind of upheaval is necessary for renewal and growth.

That’s why in numerology, communication, fruitfulness and new learning are attributed to the number 5.

Numbered five in the Major Arcana, the Hierophant perhaps is a good example of what happens, when there is no such movement, and everything stays the same for too long.

Old, outdated structures begin to crumble and turn to ruin, if change doesn’t happen from within.

So, the fives in the Tarot advise us to change, be flexible, alert, and free ourselves from a rigid structure.

Five of Wands – competition, conflict, disagreements, tension

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Strife

Astrological Attribution: Saturn in Leo – releasing suppressed tension, fighting an opposing force, personality clash (ego-driven)

Interpretation: quarrelling, anger, discord, disharmony, chaos, stress, competing with others, feeling threatened, aggression, rebelling

Image symbolism:

Flower – energy source

Bees crawling over each other – everyone for themselves, lack of teamwork, competition, busy, relentless; each carrying their hidden weapon

Red / orange / yellow colours: element fire (Leo) combined with Saturn (earth, which is reflected in the dark grounding colour at the base of the flower and green in the background – potential for new growth), intense energy, in the heat of the moment, hot-tempered

five of cups tarot of quotes

Five of Cups – loss, sadness, grief, mourning, disappointment, depression

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Loss in Pleasure

Astrological Attribution: Mars in Scorpio – hurt feelings, endings and transformation (Scorpio linked to Death), shattered dreams, broken promises; clashing elements fire (Mars) and water (Scorpio) causing emotional havoc)

Interpretation: emotional pain, bereavement, disenchantment, grief caused by someone else, bitterness, resentment, self-pity

Image symbolism:

bridge – need to cross the bridge to move on; acceptance, forgiveness

butterflies – transformation

stars – hope, faith; need to look towards the future with optimism

forest – uncharted territory, uncertain path

trees – protection, nurture (emotional support)

blue / purple /pink colours: element water (Scorpio), feeling the blues, melancholy, need for healing, new light in the distance suggests new beginning

five of swords tarot of quotesFive of Swords – defeat, betrayal, hollow victory, conquest

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Defeat

Astrological Attribution: Venus in Aquarius – peace-loving pacifist Venus weakens inventive, rebellious, forward-thinking Aquarius; mental weakness; relenting; accepting defeat

Interpretation: recognising limitations; (trying to avoid) humiliation, giving up, isolation after victory, notorious; loss of trust, unhealthy ambitions, ruthlessness, lose-lose situation, short-term gains; arrogance

Image symbolism:

War memorial – remembrance of loss and victims

George and the dragon – victory and sacrifice; defeat and submission

Owls – gaining wisdom from adversity; learning lessons from what’s happened to avoid repeating mistakes made

blue / grey / black colours – element air (Aquarius); depressive, sombre mood, unemotional, detached, dull, lone wolf mentality

five of pentacles tarot of quotesFive of Pentacles – hardship, poverty, insecurity, health problems

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Material Trouble

Astrological Attribution: Mercury in Taurus – mental overdrive causing unsteadiness and uncertainty; worries and anxiety mixed with inactivity, difficulties to adapt or adjust

Interpretation: financial loss, down-sizing, loss of property / possessions, homelessness, need to be thrifty, health issues, poor diet; feeling abandoned, trying to make ends meet, out in the cold, hopelessness, waiting for change

Image symbolism:

winter landscape, snow – cold, barren, gloomy

evergreen plant – something can grow and thrive, if you put your mind to it

stars – hope, renewal, asking for help and guidance; focus on building confidence and new aspirations

twilight – lack of clarity, pessimism

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please feel free to leave your comments below.

You can view all images of my Tarot deck created so far in the Gallery

The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook  is now available to download, which also includes a printable mini edition of the Cosmic Faery Tarot.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

The Pages in the Tarot of Quotes

page of wandsThe Pages in the Tarot are the children of the court card family.

They symbolise new beginnings, inexperience, youth (and the young at heart), enthusiasm, playfulness, naivety, curiosity, immaturity and potential.

They are similar to the Aces, but whereas the Aces represent the purest energy and root of their suit, which can turn into anything, the Pages are trying to get a handle on the energy of their particular suit.

So for Pentacles, for example, the Ace could represent an opportunity for money coming your way (no indication of how), but the Page would try to figure out how to make more money, learn a new skill or get a new job.

Unlike Aces, Pages also tend to indicate personality traits and more practical advice, which is reflected in their association with the element Earth.

Astrologically, just like the Aces, the Pages are also each assigned to a mix of zodiac signs indicating their individual traits and potential.

Pages can represent people, events (often appearing as messengers), energies surrounding a situation or personality traits.

For my Tarot deck, I have chosen flowers to represent the Pages to symbolise their link to the element Earth. Also I feel that flowers express the fragile nature and vulnerability of the Pages.

The Page of Wands is a red poppy. The red poppy is a bold, vibrant flower first appearing in Spring, which is the season linked to the suit of Wands based on the Golden Dawn tradition.

In magickal tradition, the red poppy symbolises creativity and imagination.

In the blandness of a wheat field, poppies stand out with their bright red colour, which represents the personality of the Page of Wands – confident, energetic, courageous, a bit noisy, seeking attention.

Esoteric Title: Princess of the Shining Flame; the Rose of the Palace of Fire; Princess and Empress of Salamanders

Astrological attribution: Cancer, Leo and Virgo

Elemental association: Fire of Earth

Characteristics and personality traits:

Energetic, eager, sociable, fun loving, restless, creative, courageous. Can be impulsive, reckless; sometimes finding it hard to concentrate and focus; short attention span; over-confident.

The quote chosen for the Page of Wands reflects her pioneering urge to explore new territory, get-up-and-go attitude and love for adventures.

page of cups tarot of quotesThe Page of Cups is a water lily. The water lily is an elegant and fragrant flower growing in still waters in temperate and tropical places around the world.

Water lilies flower in the Summer months here in the Northern Hemisphere, the season linked to the suit of Cups in the Golden Dawn tradition.

Water lilies are associated with spiritual enlightenment and symbolise purity, pleasure, peace, celebration and sexuality.

Esoteric Title: Princess of the Waters; the Lotus of the Palace of the Floods; Princess and Empress of Nymphs and Undines

Astrological attribution: Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius

Elemental association: Water of Earth

Characteristics and personality traits:

Sensitive, gentle, shy, quiet, artistic, dreamy, introvert, affectionate, loving, intuitive. Can be over-emotional at times, vulnerable, gullible and escapist.

The quote chosen for the Page of Cups reflects her urge to explore the emotional realm and trying to make sense of the vast array of mixed and confusing feelings and emotions.

page of swords in the tarot of quotesThe Page of Swords is a Dandelion. The yellow flower of the Dandelion transforms into a seed ball that blows into the air.

Dandelion grows from Spring right through to late Autumn, the season linked to the suit of Swords.

It is often regarded as a weed due to its profusion, but it is actually a very useful plant and entirely edible.

The yellow flower of the Dandelion symbolises communication, clarity and intelligence, whereas the white seed ball symbolises cleansing, space and new beginnings.

Esoteric Title: Princess of the Rushing Winds; Lotus of the Palace of Air; Princess and Empress of Sylphs and Sylphides

Astrological Attribution: Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces

Elemental association: Air of Earth

Characteristics and personality traits:

Alert, intelligent, rebellious, truth-seeking, independent thinker, innovative, detached, argumentative, cutting, rash, defensive

The quote chosen for the Page of Swords reflects her urge to explore and discover the truth, cutting through deception and being honest without fear of conflict.

page of pentaclesThe Page of Pentacles is a snowdrop. The snowdrop is the only bulbous flower amongst my Pages.

Ornamental bulbous plants like the snowdrop used to be prized possessions and therefore symbolise wealth and status.

The snowdrop flowers in winter, the season linked to the suit of Pentacles. It is a symbol of new growth, hope and resilience, because it thrives even in the coldest conditions.

Esoteric Title: Princess of the Echoing Hills, Rose of the Palace of Earth, Princess and Empress of the Gnomes

Astrological Attribution: Aries, Taurus and Gemini

Elemental association: Earth of Earth

Characteristics and personality traits:

Practical, dependable, nurturing, loves nature, eager to learn new skills and crafts, building and making things, getting hands dirty, sensual, hedonistic, stubborn, obsessive.

The quote chosen for the Page of Pentacles reflects her willingness to invest time and effort into work and learning new skills in order to create security and abundance.

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please feel free to leave your comment below.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

P.S. Check out the Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook

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The Fours in the Tarot of Quotes

four of wands tarot of quotes
Four of Wands

After initial completion and unity symbolised by the threes, we are now experiencing a kind of pause, perhaps a well-earned rest, in the fours.

In numerology, the number four suggests grounding, focusing inward, stability, order and a necessary turning point acting as a catalyst for change and moving forward.

Numbered four in the Major Arcana, the Emperor also adds a visionary element to the fours – a need to take stock, regroup, find a new perspective and look towards the future.

The fours in the Tarot suggest lack of movement and progress, but underneath the surface something is stirring, and new developments are underway on a subconscious level.

Four of Wands – celebration, success, completion, harmony, optimism

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Perfected Work

Astrological attribution: Venus in Aries – labour of love, marriage, house move, building a home, wholeness (culmination of the masculine and feminine)

Interpretation: a time of fulfilment and enjoyment, celebrating achievements, creating/renovating a home, successful launch of a business, firm foundations, milestone,

Image symbolism:

Pergola – firm structure, foundation

Red, yellow and green colours – element fire (Aries) combined with element earth (Venus), enthusiasm, beauty, home, family, love, creativity, vision

Stars and light streaks – celebration, energy, fun, positive outlook

Green rose – symbol for Venus, harmonious relationship

four of cups tarot of quotes
Four of Cups

Four of Cups – discontent, frustration, boredom, apathy

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Blended Pleasure

Astrological Attribution: Moon in Cancer – fluctuations, insecurities, restlessness, doubt; the need for personal growth overshadows stability and security

Interpretation: contemplation, turning inward, dissatisfaction, disappointment, ignoring the positive, growing tired of struggles, withdrawing from difficult situations, pleasure through escapism

Image symbolism:

Waxing moon – personal growth, new emerging feelings

Roses – gifts, opportunities

Clouds – unsettling thoughts and feelings

four of swords tarot of quotes
Four of Swords

Four of Swords – rest, recuperation, healing, passivity

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Rest from Strife

Astrological Attribution: Jupiter in Libra – growth and expansion through rest and recovery; gaining equilibrium, balance, objectivity

Interpretation: recovering from a stressful situation or illness, meditation, prayer, inability or refusal to take action, temporary respite from a restless mind, clearing out mental clutter, calming down

Image symbolism:

Sleeping knight – stillness, rest, peace

Hands in prayer – focus on healing, gathering strength, meditation

Trees and mountains – natural healing process, retreating to a sanctuary, relaxation, recharging energy to overcome what lies ahead

four of pentacles tarot of quotes
Four of Pentacles

Four of Pentacles – security, structure, safe guarding, limitations

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Earthly Power

Astrological Attribution: Sun in Capricorn – power based on material possessions, feeling safe and secure, fixed on security, content with achievements and status

Interpretation: financial stability, savings, safe investments, risk aversion, stagnation, stifling rules, clinginess, conservatism, hoarding, reluctance to share, being frugal despite wealth

Image symbolism:

Plants and flowers – abundance, possessions

Closed door – limitations, protection

wooden arbour – structure, stability, self-restriction, inflexibility, need for control

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please feel free to leave your comments below.

You can view all images of my Tarot deck created so far in the Gallery

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

 

The Chariot in the Tarot of Quotes

chariot tarot of quotes

The Chariot is our global year card for 2014.

This year it’s all about moving forward into uncharted territory, leaving your comfort zone behind.

The emphasis during 2014 is on growth and self-development, so be prepared to make some decisions that can be seen as risky or perhaps uncomfortable.

It’s never easy letting go of what you know in favour of the unknown and pursuit of distant dreams and goals.

But this year you simply have to get off your favourite armchair and get out into the fresh air of possibilities and opportunities.

Whether it’s a business idea you want to turn into reality, sort out your love life, move home, improve your fitness or change any other lifestyle issues – make 2014 your year of progress and positive change.

The Chariot in the Tarot suggests forward movement, momentum, travelling, action, change, conquest, control, determination, overcoming challenges and victory.

Victory and achievement are within your grasp, but the Chariot is also a reminder that it won’t be easy, and you may well encounter struggle and tension along the way.

But it is exactly the hard parts of your journey this year that will help you grow and live the life you want to live.

You may need to learn to balance opposing forces, just like the coachman has to lead two horses into the same direction. This year it’s your time to lead.

You may need to develop resilience, self-discipline and determination to succeed. This year it’s your time not to give up but persevere.

You may need to learn to assert yourself and take control of situations or aspects in your life, which need resolving.

Astrologically, the Chariot is linked to the zodiac sign Cancer and the element water. There is a strong link to emotions, so you may have to learn to control negative emotions such as anger, jealousy or other aggressive impulses.

What to avoid: fear of change, apathy, impatience, recklessness

If you’d like to learn more about the Chariot and all the other cards in the Tarot, please check out my ebook The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook.

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please feel free to leave your comments below or just click the ‘like’ button.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Threes in the Tarot of Quotes

three of wands tarot of quotes

Three is a magic number.

Apart from using it in mathematical calculations, we encounter it every day in religion, mythology, literature, music and sport as a mystical and spiritual symbol:

  • three wishes
  • three guesses
  • three little pigs
  • the Holy trinity of Father, son and Holy Spirit
  • the three Graces
  • the three Norns
  • the unity of mind, body and spirit,
  • the Triple Goddess…
  • Shakespeare’s three witches casting spells beginning with “thrice…”
  • the three Musketeers
  • the three stooges
  • Film and book trilogies
  • initial family unit of father, mother and child
  • “bad news come in threes”
  • three chords harmony in music

There are countless more examples, but what they all have in common is a sense of completion, unity and harmony, which is reflected in all the threes in the Tarot.

Numbered three, the Empress in the Major Arcana symbolises abundance, creativity and growth, which are also inherent qualities of the number Three.

Three of Wands – initial success, growth, achievement, harmony, foresight

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Established Strength

Astrological attribution: Sun in Aries – building and expanding on initial achievement, moving forward, progress, confidence, optimism, focus on goal, taking risks, power

Interpretation: new beginnings and opportunities to expand horizon through travel, study and new ventures; building on what has already been accomplished; focus and concentrating on the bigger picture; think big; be open-minded and go for what’s on offer; become more aware of opportunities but also challenges around you; travel

Image symbolism:

Sun and light trail – showing the way, focus, energy, outlook, vision
Red, orange and yellow colours – element fire, creativity, ambition, vigour, drive, enthusiasm
Green grass – opportunity for growth and abundance

three of cups tarot of quotes

Three of Cups – celebration, community, friendships, bonding

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Abundance

Astrological attribution: Mercury in Cancer – emotional intelligence; joyful communication, fun discussions, wit, banter, cooking at home for friends, problems resolved

Interpretation: spending quality time with friends and family, helping others in a team, nurturing friendships, socialising, happy occasions enjoyed with loved ones, creative group activities (dancing, arts and crafts…)

Image symbolism:

Three naked ladies embracing – affection, bonding, mutual support and trust, innocence

Flowers – love, beauty of the moment, creative growth, passion (red flowers)
Turquoise, pink and indigo colours – element water, emotional maturity, trusting feelings, intuitive perception, compassion

three of swords tarot of quotes

Three of Swords – grief, distress, heartbreak, gloom

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Sorrow

Astrological attribution: Saturn in Libra – discord, self-limitation, lessons to learn from mistakes, loss of security, loneliness, melancholy

Interpretation: rejection, loss, setback, disillusionment, the need to confront pain or unblock emotions, pessimism, preparing for a difficult situation or event to minimise distress, a painful conclusion (e.g. of a relationship)

Image symbolism:

Cracked, bleeding heart – hurt, pain, separation, feeling torn

Transparency of the heart – vulnerability

Red and white rose – imbalance of emotions and reason

Rain – gloom, hopelessness, clouded vision
Lake – drowning in feelings and emotions
Mountains – a difficult path to healing
Grey colour – element air

three of pentacles tarot of quotes

Three of Pentacles – foundation, teamwork, development

Esoteric Title: The Lord of Material Works

Astrological attribution: Mars in Capricorn – ambition / energy to create; hard work, workaholic, labour of love (or obsession), expansion, decisiveness

Interpretation: initial completion of work, collaboration, unfinished business, long-term project, project management, building for the future, applying skills, learning on the job, maintenance and repairs

Image symbolism:

Cathedral – ambitious project, longevity
Scaffolding – work in progress

Hammer and sickle symbol – representing workers and farmers, the collective, union of a variety of skills and expertise, building something for the benefit of all, labour

Red and green colours – element earth, growth, prosperity, dedication, enthusiasm, stability

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please feel free to leave your comments below.

You can view all images of my Tarot deck created so far in the Gallery

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Strength in the Tarot of Quotes

strength tarot of quotes

The lion on the image is guarding the entrance to a pub in a little village close to Hadrian’s Wall.

His posture is composed, dignified, serious and dutiful.

In typical Leo fashion (Strength is linked to the zodiac sign Leo), his presence is making quite an impact in that position.

He’s the first “thing” you notice when you approach the pub.

The lion symbolises the essence of Strength; despite his powerful physical strength, his self-discipline and control is taming the wild beast (desires) within. This lion isn’t pouncing at you any time soon!

The flowers in the tub next to the lion symbolise feminine energies as a balancing influence:

  • assertiveness (rather than aggression)
  • gentle persuasion (rather than oppressive dogma)
  • patience (rather than agitation)
  • compassion (rather than cruelty)

In a reading, Strength can indicate the need to control impulses and desires – not by force but with conviction and determination.

It can also advise to draw upon your inner calm and persistence in difficult situations, facing fears and adversity with the courage and confidence to overcome them.

Other keywords: stamina, endurance, perseverance, kindness despite tension or conflict (with yourself and others), self-mastery, willpower

Negative meanings include: weakness, self-doubt, low self-esteem, over-emotional, lack of self-discipline

Astrologically, Leo is ruled by the Sun, which symbolises the Self and the Ego.

Therefore, Strength may also ask you to explore how you can practice more self-care or, on the other hand, how you can become less selfish or self-absorbed.

If you’d like to learn more about Strength and all the other cards in the Tarot, please check out my ebook The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook.

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please feel free to leave your comments below or just click the ‘like’ button.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane