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“ Study Guide” a comprehensive framework for interpreting and studying Tarot to create your personal definitions of cards.

An Infamous Production Introduction / table of contents.

The traditional tarot card definitions are composed of the confluence of various structural systems symbolized within the tarot deck itself. This guide offers a brief comprehensive look at these systems and allows the Reader to then work with her/his deck(which is usually accompanied with its own book of definitions) and create personalized meanings for the cards/read deeper information than just the provided definitions and Traditional “meanings” of the Cards. This guide is in no way meant to replace traditional meanings, nor specific-deck meanings. Rather, this is an amplification tool so added dimensions of meaning (personal, energetic, spiritual, etc) can be added to the readings.

The concepts are introduced in no specific hierarchical order; all are interdependent on themselves to create the power and behind the tarot. This guide will provide a brief look into , , Elemental Correspondences and Kabbalah,

Table of Contents:

Preface - General Considerations Part 1: Alchemical Magic/Numerology Part 2: Astrological Associations Part 3. The Titles of The Cards Part 4. The Major Arcana Part 5. Qabalah and Tree of Life Part 6. The Court Cards General Considerations for Reading Cards

Quantum Principles

Projection: This is the Inner world reflecting outer. Or “As above, so below.” All is a reflection of our Inner Energy (like a mirror) aka what we observe for is what we find. This is how Tarot cards access the subconscious energy of the Questioner and reflect Inner energy Outer, and Vice-Verse.

Entrainment: Energy entrains with certain energies it holds within its field. Sometimes because they are similar, and sometimes because they are opposite ( aka something we “hate” ). This allows Tarot cards to reflect people, situations, memories, and ideas / wavelengths that the Questioner is involved with.

Wavelength States: Every particle is both a particle and a wave. So everything solid can be thought of as wavelength states. Also, subjective experiences i.e. feelings can also be interpreted as wavelength states. Just like any waves, in Tarot when different wavelength energies meet, they can either enhance or diminish each other.

Asking a Question

When consulting the Tarot, avoid questions that remove responsibility from the Questioner.

Avoid: Yes/No, “Should I..?”, “When/How Long...?”, one-solution questions Re-Phrase: More Insight into...What is the meaning of...What is best for...

Reversals

Not all Readers choose to use reversals. If reversals aren’t considered, use Ill-Dignities (covered later):

Acronym for Reversals: TRIP – B

T. Timing: Delayed/Coming up, or Completed/Moving away R. Repressed: In the subconscious, unaware of, Denial I. Imbalance: Excessive/too much of, or Lacking/not enough of P. Personal: Inner (vs. outer-observable), Subtle, Secret, Individual Self B. Blocked: Energy Not Flowing correctly, refusing

Visual Imagery – 3 Layers of Meaning

1. Practical (What's Happening) 2. Moral/Allegorical (Story/Lesson) 3. Spiritual (Deeper Meaning of the Card's Energy) How to read a Tarot card Using this Guide

In order to read a Tarot card, the Questioner must consider:

1. The Element and it's Dignitaries 2. The and Astrological Influence () 3. The quality of the sign (using decants) 4. The Number 5. The Qabalist associations to the Tree of Life 6. Picture/Visual Imagery 7. Reversals (if applied) 8. Traditional Tarot Meanings of the Cards (not covered in this guide as there is extensive information available on-line, in bookstores, etc) Part 1: Alchemical Magic in Tarot

The four Elements and the Suits in Tarot:

Each suit corresponds with one of the four elements of alchemical magic: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. These Elements (also called Intelligences as they are considered intelligent consciousnesses) are not the 4 manifestations we see on earth physically, but actually the 4 conditions in which Energy can exist. Elemental Fire is like an over-state of matter, the spiritual electricity which starts particles to form relationships. Element of Air is the capacity to achieve these relationships, Elemental Water the flowing protoplasm in which these relationships manifest, and Element of Earth is the inorganic matter which animates.

Fire – Hot and Dry

Air – Hot and Moist Earth-Cold and Dry

Water – Cold and Moist

Fire/Wands: Will /Rule, desire, growth, inspiration, purpose behind action, meaning is in experience (not form), self-growth, creativity, expanded awareness, enthusiasm. Fire is Warm and Dry, it expresses action of the Will. It is hot, explosive, and consuming.

Water/Cups: Emotion / Love, receive and respond to impulse, imagination, relationship, inner connectiveness, Water is Cool and Moist, it expresses action of the emotions. It is flowing, fluid, takes shape, reflects.

Air/Swords: Thought / Challenge, beliefs, memories, organization, judgments, logic, rationality, communication. Air is Warm and Moist, and expresses action of articulate thought, quick, inconstant, motion.

Earth/Pentacles: Sensation/Toil, fruits of labor, ground for ideas to grow, appreciation of form/body aka valuing the physical experience, mastering our Matter, celebrating the energy behind/underneath the matter. Earth is Cool and Dry, it expresses action of the body, solid, physical, resistant to change, sensation-based.

Elemental Dignitaries:

When examining Tarot cards together, it is necessary to consider what is called their Elemental Dignities. First, if an element is upright it is considered Dignified. If it reversed, that element is considered ill-dignified (weakened) Elements that are dignified either amplify or diminish each other. Fire and Water diminish each other (clash), as do Earth and Air. Fire and Air amplify each other, as do Water and Earth. Fire and Earth are Neutral with each other, as are Water and Air.

So an example of how this might work: 3 cards are drawn: A reversed Cups next to an Upright Fire and Upright Earth.

As the cups is reversed, it is Ill-dignified, so the upright fire energy will predominate without much clash. Mixed with earth, both are Neutral for each other and Dignified, so there is no real effect.

Order of Minor Arcana - Numerology

Why to understand the numerology? In Tarot, while reading cards that show up in a spread, it is important to mentally place and understand where in the Sequence of that Suit the number lies, especially the card preceding and and immediately following. For instance if you Drew a 5 of Wands, it puts the Situation into context (something stable – the 4 – has become unbalanced and is causing conflicts – the 5 – but will lead to a harmonious victory – the 6)

Aces: Aces are considered the Root Power of the Element (it's suit). Aces are the unformed beginning of the energy (before it starts to manifest on the 3d ). Aces represent New Beginnings, New Energy, unity, wholeness, intent, willpower, manifestation, and infinite potential. They mark the beginning of the Minor Arcana Cycle.

Twos: Twos represent Duality, opposites, energy. Twos also represent choices, balance, partnerships, mirror-image, separation, decision.

Threes: Threes represent Creation, mastery, advancement, and integration . Solid Manifestation that leads out of the Two. Something new is coming out of the Two.

Fours: fours represent Stability, achievement, foundation. After the creation of the 3, it is stabilized by the 4.

Fives: Fives represent Change, Chaos, Disorder in the 3d plane – the 4 becomes destabilized and goes of balance into the 5. they also represent passion, adventure, travel, and new possibilities.

Sixes: Sixes represent Harmony, growth and Interconnection. After the change of the 5, they are a re- stabilization of energy, and usually involve an equal give/take relationship.

Sevens: In numerology, sevens represent the dream side of the six. The element which was balanced in the 6 becomes off-centered in the 7, and tends to dominate. Sevens represent , , and healing

Eight: Eights impose order on the off-balancing of the 7. Eights are a call to action: the unformed energy of the 7 now becomes manifest in the Eight. Eights bring good , new opportunity, abundance, revitalization, and progress towards completion.

Nines: Nines are the Completion of the Cycle of Elements. They are the Attainment and Final Expression of the Elemental Situation occurring.

Tens are Zeros. Tens are the transition between the 9 and the 1; the completion of one cycle and the prelude (setting up of energy patterns) to begin another cycle. While tens appear fixed, they always represent a change coming up as the Loop begins to Run again.

Part 2. and Astrology

Much of the Tarot Meanings are drawn from the representation and interaction of astrological forces within the cards.

Planetary Influences:

Just like in a Chart, each planet Exudes an influence over the Minor (and Major) Cards it is associated with. The effects on the cards are:

Sun: Brightness, Clarity, Divine Influence,

Moon: Subconscious, Secret, Emotional, ,

Saturn: Delay of Rewards until Earned, Gain Strength through Trial and Difficulty, Self-Control and Limitation, Patience, Stability, Realism, Courage, Integrity, Loneliness/Depression

Mercury: Intelligence, Speed, Agility, Mental Activities, communication, Movement, Travel, Sensory Input (taking in information), Critical/Argumentative

Venus: Love and Pleasure, expressing affection, enjoying beauty, , Harmony, Friendship , Luxury (vs. self-discipline), lack of Will Power

Mars: Forcefulness spurs you into action, Sex Drive, Energy, boldness, turning ideas into action, strife, conflict, tension, destruction

Jupiter: Optimism, Joy, Abundance, Expansion, Luck, Health, Happiness, New Experiences, God comes with little effort

Planetary Rulers - Each Planet Rules Two Horoscope :

Solar-Yang / Lunar -Yin (Sun and Moon only Rule one)

Sun: Rules

Moon: Rules

Mercury: Rules (yang) and (yin)

Venus: Rules (yang) and (yin)

Mars: Rules (yang) and (yin)

Jupiter: Rules (yang) and (yin) Saturn: Rules (yang) and (yin) Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable

The 12 Zodiac Signs are categorized into three types.

Cardinal Signs: Aries, Libra, Cancer, and Capricorn.

Cardinal Signs are connected to Electric Energy: using Will, they move into the unknown, to initiate, electrify, and create something where there was nothing before. The cardinal signs are connected to cards 2, 3, 4 of the Minor Arcana (each per its element, ex. Cups-Water is Cancer), They are connected to the Right use of Will and Force, such as learning to use the right amount of will and power to achieve / manifest / create something in the physical world. They must learn to use the right amount of pressure, know when to push or when to withdraw pressure; when to hold – on and when to let – go: using the right amount of energy at the right moment. This also includes a deep respect for other beings' freedom and choice to follow their own will, as well as a deep freedom to express own inner nature.

Fixed Signs: Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, and Taurus.

Fixed signs are connected to Magnetic Energy. They are binding forces that attract and hold things together, find synthesis, and create order out of the Impulse of the Cardinal Sign. The fixed signs represent the cards 5, 6, 7 of the minor arcana. Fixed signs (and cards) are about Power. Fixed energy is like transformation station – it allows energy to flow freely through it. The challenge for Fixed signs (and cards) is mastering Power to get the right input, to hold a certain/specific amount of energy, and to give the right amount of output. If input is open and output is blocked, it will overload and explode and lose the energy in different ways (burnout or volatile ). If output is open and input is blocked, the whole energy system will be depleted. Fixed signs (and cards) need to find Inner Stability and Balance. They need awareness of what kind of input energy is available and what output will be most effective. Spiritually, they take higher-vibrating energy and can make it available in this 3D plane, and likewise raise the vibration of a 3D energy to a Higher Plane. They transform themselves as they transform the outer world, and reach higher states of .

Mutable Signs: Sagittarius, Gemini, Pisces, and Virgo.

Mutable signs are the forces that want to connect the Impulses and the Fields. They are connected to Gravitational Energy. They seek to be in constant movement yet keep a center-point of , which makes the movement coherent and focused. Mutable signs (and cards) are about Choice. These signs (and cards) follow the Flow and work on a different aspect of , choosing not to hold and struggle like Cardinal and Fixed energies. They are challenged to find the right path, in both the outer and inner worlds. Paralleling quantum physics, Mutable Energy needs to learn when to be a particle and affect reality, or when to be a wave and go with the flow. These express in 8, 9, and 10 of the minor arcana

Horoscope Signs as related to Tarot:

Fire and Air: Electricity, Water and Earth: Magnetism (creates order)

Aries (Fire, Cardinal, / 2,3,4 Wands) ruling planet: Mars Yang

Aries represents intuitive and instinctual mental facilities (vs intellectual), a manifested rush of energy to fulfill the thought (which can result in regrettable situations by premature action), Understanding the world from a subjective perspective, a search for self through activity that sets it apart from the crowd, taking the initiative when the opportunity arises, poor response to routine/repetition, desire for spontaneity, freedom to pursue new goals

Taurus (Earth, Fixed, Hierophant, 5,6,7, Pents) Ruling Planet: Venus Yin

Taurus represents sensuality and indulging senses of the body, experience reality through sense of touch, not rushing into anything (forethought), slow in forming opinions, love of beauty, luxury, and overabundance, intuitive understanding of how the spirit manifest through nature, realizing dreams by working with solid objects

Gemini (Air, Mutable, Lovers, 8,9,10 Swords) Ruling Planet: Mercury Yang

Gemini represents search for self through mental process and understanding duality of whats observed, examining many sides of the situation, reason through every thought and experience, concern for rationalization, look at life from different perspectives,

Cancer (Water, Cardinal, Chariot, 2,3,4 Cups) Ruling Planet: Moon

Cancer represents: operating on emotional instinct, sensitivity to atmosphere/environment, receptive to vibrational energy, strong instinctive nature, extremely intuitive, difficulty regulating thoughts and emotions, concern for emotional comfort and security, strong need for making emotional connections Leo (Fire, Fixed, Strength 5,6,7 Wands) Ruling Planet: Sun

Enthusiastic and steady spirit, courage love loyalty, dramatic impact on every situation/desire to effect immediate environment to favor individual ego-identity, individual creative expression

Virgo (Earth, Mutable, Hermit, 8,9,10 Pents) Ruling Planet: Mercury Yin acquiring knowledge and practical talents and putting them to use, perfection is goal in any pursuit, material benefits in direct correlation to energy invested, performing a service, intuitive intellect, precise and dependable

Libra (Air, Cardinal, Justice, 2,3,4 Swords) Ruling Planet: Venus Yang

Dynamic of giving and receiving, self-knowledge via a reflection, continuously adjusting behavior for all concerned, difficulty in making decisions (can lose opportunity), need for harmony and balance, sense of justice in dealing with others, listening/communicating

Scorpio (Water, Fixed, Death, 5,6,7 Cups) Ruling Planet: Mars Yin

Regeneration and new beginnings (but only after the old has been thoroughly explored), discovering what is hidden and internal, looking for truth/meaning behind existence, hates to display vulnerability/weakness, concern for deep understanding, connection, and transformation

Sagittarius (Fire, Mutable, Temperance, 8,9,10 Wands) Ruling Planet: Jupiter Yang

Understanding life from a broader perspective, place in both physical and spiritual worlds (½ inspiration from heaven, ½ feet on the ground), great need for independence (physical and mental), avoids emotional responsibility, expansive experience, never satisfied,

Capricorn (Earth, Cardinal Devil, 2, 3, 4 Pents) Ruling Planet: Saturn Yin enormous energy into achieving personal objectives, each step planned and grounded in physical reality, manifest aspirations, affirm place in hierarchy, disciplined, planning and waiting, attainment of worldly power, intense physical energy, good organization, deep spiritual understanding, conserve energy until directed for maximum impact

Aquarius (Air, Fixed, , 5,6,7 Swords) Ruling Planet: Saturn Yang

Enormous energy in complex mental processes, preoccupation with world created inside mind, experimentation and unusual people/ideas/experiences, rebel against authority, concern for innovation, mentally chaotic

Pisces (Water, Mutable, Moon, 8,9,10 Cups) Ruling Planet: Jupiter Yin innate empathy and understanding of all thoughts/actions/feelings of 11 other signs, internal emotional activity that connects intuitive consciousness to source of all life, is sensitive to emotional vibrations and thought-waves, spiritual involvement and emotional understanding, Part 3. The titles of the Cards Yin / Yang male/female expression (planetary rulers, sect )

Each Minor Arcana Card has a Specific Title, Called Lord (or Lady). Each Minor card is a Living Inorganic Being on an energy-Plane (think of a pattern of energy as a specific expression). Each Lord has both a Male and Female Expression of itself (Yin and Yang). The Natural Expression of that energy is based on Yang Elements: Fire and Air, and Yin Elements (water and Earth), however, either side of that Energy Pattern can be manifest when the Card Appears. Each Minor Card also is assigned a Planetary Ruler. So, as each Set (2-4, 5-7, 8-10) (Cardinal Fixed Mutable) corresponds with The Horoscope signs of that Suit. (These Titles are my own Personal Titles adapted From Golden Dawn) The List of Titles and Planetary Rulers is: (also included is a brief personal definition of each card)

Wands:

2W - Control - Ruled by Mars (in Aries) 3W - Establishment – Ruled by Sun (in Aries) 4W – Perfection – Ruled by Venus (in Aries) 5W – Challenge – Ruled by Saturn (in Leo) 6W – Victory – Ruled by Jupiter (in Leo) 7W – Courage – Ruled by Mars (in Leo) 8W – Opportunity – Ruled by Mercury (in Sagittarius) 9W – Resolve – Ruled by Moon (in Sagittarius) 10W – Oppression – Ruled by Saturn (in Sagittarius)

Cups:

2C – Love – Ruled by Venus (in Cancer) 3C – Abundance – Ruled by Mercury (in Cancer) 4C – Blending – Ruled by Moon (in Cancer) 5C – Loss – Ruled by Mars (in Scorpio) 6C – Pleasure – Ruled by Sun (in Scorpio) 7C – Desire – Ruled by Venus (in Scorpio) 8C – Abandon – Ruled by Saturn (in Pisces) 9C – Happiness – Ruled by Jupiter (in Pisces) 10C – Success – Ruled by Mars (in Pisces) Swords:

2S – Peace Restored – Ruled by Moon (in Libra) 3S – Sorrow – Ruled by Saturn (in Libra) 4S – Rest – Ruled by Jupiter (in Libra) 5S – Defeat – Ruled by Venus (in Aquarius) 6S – Gain – Ruled by Mercury (in Aquarius) 7S – Instability – Ruled by Moon (in Aquarius) 8S – Interference – Ruled by Jupiter (in Gemini) 9S – Despair- Ruled by Mars (in Gemini) – Ruin – Ruled by Sun (in Gemini)

Pentacles:

2P – Balance – Ruled by Jupiter (in Capricorn) 3P – Accomplishment – Ruled by Mars (in Capricorn) 4P – Power – Ruled by Sun (in Capricorn) 5P – Worry – Ruled by Mercury (in Taurus) 6P – Success – Ruled by Moon (in Taurus) 7P – Patience – Ruled by Saturn (in Taurus) 8P – Prudence – Ruled by Sun i(n Virgo) 9P – Gain – Ruled by Venus (in Virgo) 10P – Wealth – Ruled by Mercury (in Virgo)

Part 4 – The Major Arcana

Each Major Arcana Card corresponds to: an element, a horoscope sign, or a planet. Also is included a Keyword (KW) for Each Major Arcana Card. (note: There are only 3 Elements as Earth is believed to be a manifestation of the 3 elements fire, air, and water)

Assignments and Keywords:

0. Fool – Element of Air kw: Awareness, Faith I. Magician – Mercury kw: Knowledge/Mastery of Outer World II. High Priestess – Moon kw: Knowledge/Mastery of Inner World (Represents the Tarot) III. Empress – Venus kw: Creation, Nurture IV. Emperor – Aries kw: Stability, Reason V. Hierophant – Taurus kw: , 3rd Eye VI. Lovers – Gemini (Archangel Rafael: Healer of God) kw: Unification of Opposites VII. Chariot – Cancer kw: Receptivity of Subtle Energy/Vibration, Movement VIII. Strength – Leo kw: Inner Courage IX. Hermit – Virgo kw: Solitude, Seeking X. Wheel of Fortune – Jupiter kw: Cyclicity XI. Justice – Libra kw: XII. Hangman – Element of Water kw: Change of thinking XIII. Death – Scorpio kw: change of behavior XIV. Temperance – Sagittarius (Archangel Michael: Like Unto God) kw: Inner Balance XV. Devil – Capricorn kw: Materialism, Fears, what Chains us XVI. Tower – Mars kw: Sudden Change, Awakening XVII. Star – Aquarius kw: Meditation, Guidance XVIII. Moon – Pisces kw: Illusion, , Unformed (yin) XIX. Sun – Sun kw: Expansion, Clarity, Formed (yang) XX. Judgment – Element of Fire (Archangel Gabriel: Strength of God) kw: Realization XXI. World – Saturn kw: Completion

The Fool's Journey 0-21

The Fool travels through the pattern 1-21 in a process of spiritual development. The Fool steps off the cliff into the unknown, beginning his spiritual journey with a leap of faith. The first card he meets is the Magician. The Magician teaches the fool “As Above, So Below” and how to take control of his outer world using the 4 elements. Next, the fool meets the High Priestess. She represents the Tarot itself, and teaches the fool to turn inward for his answers. After the Priestess, the fool meets the Empress and Emperor. Here he learns of the Primordial Mother and Father, and embodies Her nurturing and His stability. Next, the Fool meets the Hierophant, who teaches him ancient secrets about intuition and using the 3rd eye. The lovers (or brothers) teaches the fool how to balance the anima/animus inside him. The charioteer uses sensing subtle energy to move the Fool from one level of being into the next, and he finds Inner courage with Strength, as he learns to tame the beast of his emotions within himself. Drawing on that strength, the Fool retreats from the world and joins the Hermit to process and integrate all he has learned. Returning to the World, the Fool encounters the natural laws of Cycles and Karma via Wheel of Fortune and Justice. After he is “judged,” the Fool is hung with the Hanged Man – who calls for a new perspective and new way of seeing the world. Then comes Death, in which an old piece of the Fool dies away and is transformed into the angel of Temperance. Here the fool learns to balance his inner energies, and prepares to face the devil: his fears, his attachments, and his materialism that keeps him bound to this plane. After defeating the Devil, the Tower crumbles, bringing sudden change and chaos – only to be calmed by the guiding light of the Star. He walks the shadow side of his subconscious with the Moon, and is gifted clarity and radiance by the Sun. Judgment lets him cast his Ego aside and ascend to a new level of Being, and he Finds completion and unification of himself in the World. Part 5. Kaballah and the Tree of Life

This is my personal system of assignation of the Major Trumps to the ten Sephiroth. For more traditional systems, the Student is encouraged to research and meditate upon the tree for Herself.

In all my Tarot readings, I view 10 as 0 on another “dimension” of manifestation (either higher or lower). This is how the system “loops” and is non-linear in fashion; how Energy, Awareness, Consciousness, all Manifests themselves in different dimensions of Being. It will follow the tree using cards 0-9, then cards 10-19, then a duality of 20/21, the relationships between the cards should be apparent (using Rider-Waite Deck). For Minors, you can use 1-10 or 0-9 assignations to study/compare the planetary influences on the cards.

1 – Kether (“The Crown”): Awareness, Creative Spirit, Unmanifested Potential, the raw material of consciousness/the raw material of existence (microcosm/macrocosm). Kether differentiates into Chokma and Binah before achieving phenomenal existence – Abba (the Supernal Father) and Ama (the Supernal Mother)

Major Arcana Assigned: 0 – The Fool 2nd Pass: 10 – Wheel of Fortune

2 – Chokma (“Wisdom”): Active Male (Yang) Potency, Intention (needed to grow)

(the Sphere of the Zodiac): first time element appears by itself, uncontaminated by influences, Primordial Father, Force

Major Arcana Assigned: 1- The Magician 2nd Pass: 12 - Hanged Man, (Yang Energy to Surrender to the Universe

3 – Binah (“Understanding”): Passive Female (Yin) Potency, Form,

Called “The Superior Mother” (vs Malkuth - “The Inferior Mother”), is two-aspected as Ama – the Dark Sterile Mother, and Amia the Bright Fertile Mother. Idea is triangulated and produces a “ child” (Holy Trinity 0-1-2), Belief determines Creation(the Sphere of Saturn), primordial mother,

Major Arcana assigned: 2-High-Priestess (Ama) and 3- Empress (Amia). 2nd Pass: 11 – Justice and 13 – Death (compliments/shadow sides of Ama / Amia)

4 - Chesed (“Mercy”): compassion – can't separate creator and created(Jupiter) solidification, materialization, caring/kind Rule and Law- giver (wise and Kindly King aspect of God, father of his people, building up learning/industry).

Major Arcana Assigned: 4- The Emperor 2nd Pass: 14 – Temperance: unifies Chesed and Geburah by Inner , producing VITRIOL 5 – Geburah (“Severity”): Firey Destructive Force, Fear, Warrior-King leading his people into battle, defending his kingdom, expanding via battle, punishing crime, etc., is an reaction to Chesed, limits expansion, imposition of order on growth (limiting, restricting, cutting-back) (the Sphere of Mars)

Major Arcana Assigned: 4 – the Emperor*

*The pairs of Sehpira 4 and 5 double in my system, reflecting the Dual-Nature of God of the Old Testament: Merciful God/Vengeful God 2nd Pass: 14-Temperance (see above)

6 – Tiphareth (“Beauty”): The Sacrificed Savior, balancing 4-Chesed and 5-Geburah, sacrificed upon the cross for the of his People, thereby the mercies of Chesed and the severities of Geburah unite for the Healing of the People; the Christ-Center, represents Harmony, a workable Universe (governed by the Sun) Center of whole system, divine energy manifested in Form, represents Element at its practical Best , radiant light of consciousness

Major Arcana Assigned: The Hierophant (Teacher of Christ's Mysteries, gnosticism, Astral Travel, sacrifice of “ego-self” to Lead/Teach the people). 2nd Pass: 15 – Devil (using Vitriol, the Seeker must face/destroy fears, descent of the savior into hell)

7 – Netzach (“Victory”): Success, governed by the 6's (sphere of Venus) degeneration, excess, exposes weakness of element (too much of it) wild frenzy of passion (emotional creation without critical judgment)

Major Arcana Assigned: 6- The Lovers (success/victory is achieved by balancing emotion and judgment, unification of opposites 2nd Pass: 16 – Tower (what was unified in Arcana 6 is now Separated again, the dual-nature of the Universe)

8 – Hod (“Splendor”): Intellect, making connections (sphere of Mercury) remedy for 7s, channels excess into intellectual forms of expression ,

Major Arcana Assigned: 7 – Charioteer (Ego-Triumph, using intellect to make connections) 2nd Pass: 17 – the Star (guiding hope to the charioteer, higher spiritual aspects vs worldly pursuits)

9 - Yesod (“Foundation”): Emotions, feelings, subconscious creation (sphere of the Moon), crystallization of elemental energy of Suit before Manifestation, Duality (can be used for good or ill)

Major Arcana Assigned: 8 Strength (Sun/Consciousness conquers Moon/Desire) 2nd Pass: The Moon (hidden unconscious to now explore vs. fear or master in Strength)

10 - Malkuth (Kingdom): Manifestation, completion and beginning of cycle. (4 Elements), elements reach fulfillment,

Major Arcana Assigned: 9 – The Hermit, represents as final achievement on Earth Plane, ready to begin the 2nd Pass 2nd Pass: 19 – The Sun (Divine Consciousness fills the Hermit's world, the guiding star expands through all creation) **3rd Pass: Assign 20 – Judgment is in Kether, the Call of the Spirit, the Unimanifest Fire of God, and 21- World is in Malkuth, Combination of All Four Elements, Expression of God, the Yang/Yin Loop

Part 6. The Court Cards

Court Cards are the personality types of the Tarot Deck. They symbolize a blending of horoscope signs, and also a Combination (blending or clashing depending on Dignities) of elements.

Simple Meanings of Courts:

Kings: Yang, Organization, Authority, Control, Practical, Mastery of the Suit Queens: Yin, Best Expression of Suit, Inner embodiment of Suit, Appreciation Knights: Action of Suit, can be Unbalanced from one extreme to another Pages: Manifestation of Suit, Fascination/Play, Learning, Acts out Qualities of Suit

Courts as Horoscope Signs:

Each horoscope sign is divided into Three Decants (10 degrees each) . Each Court Card is the last Decante of Preceding sign and the 2 Decants of the Main Sign, or 1/3 of the passing sign as it transitions into 2/3 of the other sign. For example, the King of Wands is Mostly Aries (2/3) with 1/3 Pisces; or he is the First two Decants of Aries and the last Decant of Pisces (the preceding sign).

This attribution allows for a deeper study/meditation on the court cards. For example, for a deeper meditation on the King of Wands, you can pull out the: 10 of Cups (last decant of Pisces) and the 2 and 3 of Wands (first and second decants of Aries) and study/meditate on these 3 cards together to form personality types of the Courts

My Personal System is to Use the Cardinal/Fixed/Mutable Qualities to determine Astrological Court Card Representations.

All Kings are Cardinal, All Queens are Fixed, and all Knights are Mutable.

Wands

King Aries – 21 degrees Pisces to 20 degrees Aries Queen Leo- 21 degrees Cancer to 20 degrees Leo Knight Sagittarius - 21 degrees Scorpio to 20 degrees Sagittarius

Cups

King Cancer - 21 degrees Gemini to 20 degrees Cancer Queen Scorpio - 21 degrees Libra to 20 degrees Scorpio Knight Pisces - 21 degrees Aquarius to 20 degrees Pisces

Swords

King Libra - 21 degrees Virgo to 20 degrees Libra Queen Aquarius - 21 degrees Capricorn to 20 degrees Aquarius Knight Gemini - 21 degrees Taurus to 20 degrees Gemini Pentacles

King Capricorn - 21 degrees Sagittarius to 20 degrees Capricorn Queen Taurus - 21 degrees Aries to 20 degrees Taurus Knight Virgo - 21 degrees Leo to 20 degrees Virgo

Note: The Pages, also called princesses, are considered the Link between the Court Cards and the Minor Arcana, so they associate with their Element as it Manifests onto Earth and are not assigned a horoscope sign.

Court Cards as Elemental Combinations

No element is a Pure Element. It contains mostly itself and a bit of each other Element. It is actually divisible into 8 Parts (8/8ths). 4/8's are the element, and 4/8's are 1 part of each four elements. So, Fire is actually: 4/8 Fire, then 1/8 Fire, 1/8 Water, 1/8 Air, and 1/8 Earth (aka 5/8 Fire, 1/8 Water, 1/8 Air and 1/8 Earth). The court cards represent the hidden aspects of the Elements.

Each court is a combination of Elements, as Represented by it's Suit (trump) and Station.

Kings are Fire, Queens are Water, Knights are Air, and Pages are Earth.

The attributions/personality types are as follows (think of how the Dignities of the Elements Combine)

Wands

King: Represents the Fiery part of Fire (Lightning – quick strike)

Impulsive, Proud, Swift Action, unpredictable, lack endurance

Queen: Represents the Watery Part of Fire (Rainbow – refracted image)

Calm, adaptable, persistent, impatient of contradiction

Knight: Represents the Airy Part of Fire (Sunlight – radiant energy)

Romantic, opinionated, boastful, independent, indifferent

Page: Represents the Earthy part of Fire (Smoke – ascending heated particles)

Enthusiasm, Energy, daring, recklessness, forceful, unreliable

Cups

King: Represents the Fiery part of Water (Fountain – rapid welling-forth)

Easy going, sensitive, excitable, no passion Queen: Represents the Watery part of Water (Pond – calm reflection)

Dreaming, tranquil, mirror to surroundings,

Knight: Represents the Airy part of Water (River – active movement)

Secret, subtle, artistic, inward passions, irresponsible, fickle

Page: Represents the Earthy Part of Water (Ice – frozen forms) gentle, kindhearted, dreamy, dependent

Swords

King: Represents the Fiery part of Air (Wind – swift pressure)

Established, active, clever, skillful, enthusiastic

Queen: Represents the Watery part of Air (Vibration – movement through matter) independent, confident, observant, physically graceful

Knight: Represents the Airy part of Air (Cloud – quick changing shapes) deals w/ideas and symbols, unstable purpose, whims, no real beliefs (one idea = another), no regrets

Page: Represents the Earthy part of Air (Dust – solid residue)

Practical, firm, determined, skillful in material affairs

Pentacles

King: Represents the Fiery part of Earth (Mountain – violent pressure)

Dull, slow, hard-worker, patient, lives for senses/pleasure

Queen: Represents the Watery part of Earth (Field – quiet nurturing) affectionate, intuitive, sensible, practical, addiction (drugs and alcohol)

Knight: Represents the Airy part of Earth (Plains – steady bearer of life) competent, enduring, reliable, calm, planning

Page: Represents the Earthy part of Earth (Grove – secret place of growth) strong, poised, quiet, brave, nurturing, deep loyalty