The

Big Juicy Book of Holistic Tarot Card Meanings

Part 2 The Minor Arcana

by Lisa Frideborg Eddy

Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Number Cards

Aces Ace of Wands Ace of Cups Ace of Swords Ace of Pentacles Twos Two of Wands Two of Cups Two of Swords Two of Pentacles Threes Three of Wands Three of Cups Three of Swords Three of Pentacles Fours Four of Wands Four of Cups Four of Swords Four of Pentacles Fives Five of Wands Five of Swords Five of Pentacles Sixes Six of Wands Six of Cups Six of Swords Six of Pentacles Sevens Seven of Wands Seven of Cups Seven of Swords Seven of Pentacles

Eights Eight of Wands Eight of Cups Eight of Swords Eight of Pentacles Nines Nine of Wands Nine of Cups Nine of Swords Nine of Pentacles Tens Ten of Wands Ten of Cups Ten of Swords Ten of Pentacles

The Court Cards

Page of Wands Knight of Wands Queen of Wands King of Wands Page of Cups Knight of Cups Queen of Cups King of Cups Page of Swords Knight of Swords Queen of Swords King of Swords Page of Pentacles Knight of Pentacles Queen of Pentacles King of Pentacles

Appendix A ­ The Court Cards as Situation, Challenge, Opportunity and Action Advice Appendix B ­ Pages as Messengers in Love

THE NUMBER CARDS

ACES

The Aces are new beginnings, seeds, gifts, opportunities for abundance and an influx of powerful energy. Often they enter our lives out of the blue and sometimes nothing becomes of them. Other times they are the beginning of a wonderful new connection or a fresh new start in an existing situation.

Ace of Wands

“You have the power to heal your life, and you need to know that. We think so often that we are helpless, but we’re not. We always have the power of our minds…Claim and consciously use your power.” ~ Louise L. Hay

With the fiery Ace of Wands comes a blessing of extra energy, a sort of celestial power surge which makes higher levels of vitality available to us, should we choose to accept this gift.

When this Ace shows up, you are free to start over and to begin making healthier choices for yourself. Any lingering fears and doubts, as well as their concomitant dis­ease can now be cleared.

The Ace of Wands represents the life­force energy itself and is innately sexually charged. This does not mean that it needs to have a sexual expression but it is good news for anyone who has been suffering from a low sex drive. A surge in creativity is also indicated. It really is up to you how you choose to channel this energy. If you do choose to channel this Ace’s energy in sexual activity, use protection unless you wish to conceive, as the his as card that indicates powerful procreative mojo.

Additionally, if you have been lacking courage to go after your dreams and make them real, the gift of this Ace helps you dig deeper and access new levels of grit and determination. You DO have what it takes!

“Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you just as soon as you can change your beliefs.” ~ Maxwell Malt

Affirmation: “I am powerful.” ​

Ace of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), Thank you for the power and vitality now made available to me. Help me nourish this seed of personal power and good health so that it bears the fruits of Spirit. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Ace of Wands

Element: Fire ​ Archangel: Michael (ruler of the Fire Element) ​ Gemstone: Citrine ​ Scent: Frankincense ​

The Ace of Wands in Love and Relationships

The Ace of Wands is a spark of passionate energy. This is the ultimate mojo card. If you get this card in a love reading, you can count on at least one person being powerfully attracted to the other. Charisma abounds.

However, a spark is a thing of the moment. This is something that could fizzle and die if not acted on.

Depending on surrounding cards or if it comes out reversed, it could be a superficial attraction, lacking in­depth and intimacy.

The Ace of Wands is the root of our very life force energy. Therefore it relates to sexual energy in both males and females but for obvious reasons it relates more to male virility and sexual health. A reversal could indicate impotence.

Intimate moments signified by the Ace of Wands will be passionate and physically vigorous but may not always lead to a deepening of emotional bonds. They are about being in the moment.

Ace of Cups

“Now may every living thing, young or old, weak or strong, living near or far, known or unknown, living or departed or yet unborn, may every living thing be full of bliss.” ~ The Dhammapada

The Ace of Cups is the bliss of unconditional love that so few of us know how to contain for extended periods of time. Because to contain it we must wish it upon every single living being. Bliss is not something we can only experience more of once we realise deeply and live the reality that we all belong to each other.

In a Tarot reading, the Ace of Cups signifies a new emotional beginning and an opening of the heart. It can mean falling in love, but whether or not it will lead to reciprocal love and an actual relationship is not clear yet.

However, it can also signify deep and lasting devotion in a reading where the seeker has learned to contain unconditional love for all living beings. This is the person who has learned to live in a continuous state of bliss and who is truly blessed. Such a person touches the souls of others without having to say much. Their complete acceptance of every single soul makes their presence healing.

Affirmation: “I accept that we all belong to each other and open my heart to love ​ every living being unconditionally.”

Ace of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for passing me the cup of bliss. Holy Spirit, help me to wish every living being well today. Flow through me so that all I touch may feel your healing touch. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Ace of Cups

Element: Water ​ Archangel: Gabriel (Ruler of the Water Element) ​ Gemstone: Moonstone ​ Scent: Jasmine ​

The Ace of Cups in Love and Relationship Tarot Readings

The Ace of Cups is often found in a reading at the start of a great new love relationship but it could simply meaning falling in love. For reciprocal love we want the 2 of Cups.

The highest aspect of this card is the gift of unconditional love, which is a chance for the divine to shine through us.

This is the most emotionally intimate of all the Aces, relating directly to an outpouring of love. If you find this card in a reading and know that it relates to how you feel about someone, you may want to make sure they feel the same as you are likely to get powerfully hooked on them if you 'go there.'

Reversed or ill dignified, it can indicate withholding affection or devotion.

This is also a symbol of conception, heralding a pregnancy, especially together with The Empress or The Sun.

Ace of Swords

“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” ~ T.S. Eliot The Ace of Swords, like all the Aces, is a gift… and one that you can open up to receive freely directly from Source at any point in time when you feel stuck or trapped. It doesn’t matter that you are not yet sure of what your new path will look like, only that you have had the thought to create positive change. Take this sword, the Tarot Ace of Swords, and cut all cords to the past. Then trust completely in this your new divinely inspired thought and vow to explore its full potential.

The Ace of Swords represents a new inspired thought or idea that you can develop in your own good time. As long as you are able to free yourself from past regrets and keep aligning your thoughts and desires with your Higher Self, you can keep building on this thought for the highest good of all.

Affirmation: “I am always free to start over.” ​

Ace of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for granting me a divinely inspired thought today. Help me to patiently and faithfully ground and harness the inspiration in order to build something new that will benefit myself and all that are within my sphere of influence. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Ace of Swords

Element: Air ​ Archangel: Raphael (ruler of the Air Element) ​ Gemstone: Blue calcite ​ Scent: Mint ​

The Ace of Swords in Love and Relationships

When the Ace of Swords shows up in a relationship reading for a potential date, ​ ​ you can expect stimulating conversation and being introduced to new concepts and ideas.

If it shows up in a reading for an existing relationship, there is a chance to change the way you communicate for the better. It could also mean that someone is thinking about the relationship in a new and different way.

Reversed or ill dignified it signifies break­downs in communication or withholding of affection the form of words. It can even mean that someone is mean and sharp­tongued.

In intimate situations, the Ace of Swords could mean using language to arouse each other or deciding to try something new and experimental.

Ace of Pentacles

It is not only my right and my privilege to walk in the abundance God has for me, it is my responsibility… just as it is my responsibility to live the rest of my truth. ~ Jan Denise

Whether you feel you deserve it or not, you are about to receive a gift today… This gift may not be huge or seem significant but if you nurture it, you may find it the seed of lasting prosperity. Not all gifts generate material abundance. Remember the many forms of prosperity and consider in what area of your life you truly wish to prosper. Then plant this seed of prosperity in that sphere.

Ace of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), Thank you for the infinite abundance that is flowing into my life right now. Help me to make the most of every opportunity and to truly nurture the seeds of abundance, so that I and mine may prosper for the benefit and highest good of All. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Ace of Pentacles

Element: Earth ​ Archangel: Uriel (ruler of the Earth Element) ​ Gemstone: Red Jasper, Jet ​ Scent: Patchouli ​

Ace of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

The Ace of Pentacles could signify a posh date with luxurious surroundings. You could be drawn to someone because of their status in society, their power or their money.

In a reading for an existing relationship, it could mean a new focus where you decide to work toward financial success or to start a fitness regime.

Reversed or ill dignified, this Ace can symbolise an obsession with the physical and material side of the relationship. One or both of you could be more concerned with appearances than with depth of emotion.

In an intimate setting, the Ace of Pentacle signifies a focus on achieving climax or surrendering to animal instincts.

TWOS

When I first started learning the Tarot, I struggled with the message of the 2's. I was told 2's were about choices and integrating polarities. Now that I have studied some more and worked with relationship readings for many years, I have come to realise that the 2's are easier to grasp if we learn to look at them from the point of view of relating.

If Aces are seeds or the beginning of something then the 2's are how you relate to this gift or how two people relate to it in the context of a relationship.

Two of Wands

“I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others.” ― Thomas Jefferson

A card of personal power, the 2 of Wands (Mars in Aries) highlights third chakra issues in terms of aggressively assertive one’s will to the detriment of others or always submitting to the will of others. These issues fade once we learn to assert control over the ego and to use our will in alignment with Higher Will which always considers the highest good of all.

“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

On a divinatory level, this card can indicate important partnerships and also the need to make a choice that tests the strength of one’s willpower. Hubris can be indicated, as can the presence of someone trying to control the seeker.

“The most exquisite paradox…as soon as you give it all up, you can have it all. As long as you want power, you can’t have it. The minute you don’t want power, you’ll have more than you ever dreamed possible.” ― Ram Dass

Affirmation: “I let go of the need to control other people and situations, and rest in ​ the peaceful knowledge that once I am aligned with Higher Will, all else that can be well will be well.”

2 of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), Thank you for helping me see that dominion over others is an illusion and that when I have dominion over the ego, all else falls into place. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 2 of Wands

Planet: Mars ​ Zodiac Sign: Aries ​ Archangel: Camael (ruler of the Mars) and Ariel (angel of Aries) ​ Gemstone: Rose quartz, coral and bloodstone ​ Scent: Sandalwood, rosewood and rose ​

The 2 of Wands in Love and Relationships

The surge of energy and passion that comes with the 2 of Wands is not easily contained because it abhors the physical limitations imposed on it once it descends from the lightning planes. But without these limitations, we would not be able to channel the gift of the Ace into reality.

In the relationship, the 2 of Wands often denotes frustration. It can relate to repressed sexual energy and/or anger.

At its best, this 2 is symbolic of a high energy relationship where two competitive partners are pulling together.

There is often a dynamic of partners vying for control when this card shows up in a reading. Both want to lead and absolutely no one wants to follow.

This highly charged energy can lead to some fun, playfully aggressive times under the duvet with huge release of pent­up energy upon climax.

Two of Cups

“First best is falling in love. Second best is being in love. Least best is falling out of love. But any of it is better than never having been in love.” ~ Maya Angelou

When the 2 of Cups shows up well dignified in a reading it almost always speaks of falling/being in love and ill­dignified (or reversed) about falling out of love. It is one of the cards people hope to see when they are reading about a potential future lover.

However, the 2 of Cups can also signify friendships or great emotional affinity and harmony between co­workers. It all depends on the question and surrounding cards. Either way it is a card that can be placed directly over the heart chakra for emotional healing and restoration of peace and harmony, because the greatest love of all is the love is self­love. Why? Self­love is starting point for healthy (non­codependent) relationships that are based on friendship, respect and unconditional love.

Affirmation: “I open my heart to ever­increasing levels of self­love and trust that my ​ relationships in the world reflect how much I love and honour myself.”

Two of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for opening the eyes of my heart. From love was I born and to love I return. May all my relationships be loving and true. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Two of Cups

Zodiac Sign: Cancer ​ Planet: Mercury ​ Archangel: Gabriel (Moon/Cancer) and Raphael (Mercury) ​ Gemstone: Selenite, rose quartz and green aventurine ​ Scent: Lilac and rose ​

The 2 of Cups in Love and Relationships

In some ways the 2 of Cups serves to illustrate the concept of relating because here ​ ​ we find, for the first time on our journey through the Minors, deep emotional heart­to­heart relating and intimacy.

This card symbolises reciprocal love ­ the beloved beholding and being beheld by the beloved. Because of the intensity of this experience, lovers in love easily get lost to the world.

The shadow aspect of this card is the 'clinging vine syndrome' and co­dependency. The antidote is to develop a strong sense of self.

A relationship under the auspice of the 2 of Cups signifies two people who are willing to yield and compromise. Their own needs become subordinate to the need of communion with the beloved. On the flip side, these two might be compromising their core needs, in which case this state will be limited in time.

In an intimate setting, this card symbolises gazing into the eyes of the beloved and also having a feeling of completely merging with the beloved in a kiss

Two of Swords

Please carefully consider these two, seemingly opposing quotes:

Maturity is achieved when a person accepts life as full of tension. ~ Joshua L. Liebman and…

If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it. ~ George Burns

Could both be true?

If you are human, you will repeatedly experience tension between your feelings and your intellect. The paradox lies in that the complete acceptance of this allows the mind to soften and more easily align with the emotions (and vice versa).

The 2 of Swords is both a card of tension/conflict and a card of peace/surrender. ​ ​ The fact that the 2 of Swords is ruled by the ever waxing and waning Moon tells us that neither state can be permanent and that we have to continue to surrender if we ​ ​ wish to achieve peace and relaxation.

Libra strives for harmony and this is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to ​ the 2 of Swords. The constant need to be in harmony with other people can easily get a person stuck in limbo, where they dare not move forward out of fear of offending others. However, it is also a blessing in that the most diplomatic solution is always sought and this is indeed for the Highest Good of All.

The trick is to invoke grace whenever we feel stuck or in limbo. Just because we can’t see the solution doesn’t mean it isn’t there!

Affirmation: “I accept that tension is part of the human condition and let go of it ​ now.”

2 of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for my calling and the gifts that come with it. Help me develop those gifts in a spirit of team­work and to rejoice in the knowledge that my unique skills are needed for the highest good of All. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 2 of Swords

Planet: Moon ​ Zodiac Sign: Libra ​ Archangel: Gabriel (ruler of the Moon) and Jophiel (angel of Libra) ​ Gemstone: Amber, selenite and jade ​ Scent: Bergamot, rose and jasmine ​

The 2 of Swords in Love and Relationships

Is he/she good for you? Is this relationship compatible with your life goals? With the 2 of Swords, doubt might creep into the relationship. This is not necessarily a bad thing as doubt can be the seed of discernment.

The 2 of Swords is essentially a tool for aligning the head and the heart. It seeks peace and will eventually cut out that which disturbs the balance. But until it has made its mind up, there can be a feeling of stalemate in the relationship.

This is not so much a card of intimacy as of withholding intimacy. However, should you end up in bed with this card, as it were, the energy will be considerate and ‘diplomatic.’ You’ll probably fall asleep with the same tension you brought with you to the lovemaking.

Two of Pentacles

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. ~ Neale Donald Walsch

When the 2 of Pentacles shows up you may have been forced by circumstances to move outside your comfort zone… OR you could be contemplating some big change that will make you have to shift outside that zone. Either way, now is a GREAT time ​ ​ to embrace change and to stretch beyond what you usually imagine yourself capable of…

Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. ~ Brian Tracy

Think of yourself as a fledgling just learning to fly. It will be awkward at first… but you were made to soar!

If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness. ~ Les Brown

And the great thing is, once your wings have been tried and you know you were born ​ ​ for flying, you can’t go back to your previous small way of thinking and moving in the world. You are now – and forever – one of the movers and shakers. You are shining your light and the world thanks you.

Affirmation: “I am prepared to take risks in order to achieve my goals.” ​

2 of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for helping me juggle my responsibilities in a way that leads to greater long­term stability. Help me to truly prosper financially. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 2 of Pentacles

Planet: Jupiter ​ Zodiac Sign: Capricorn ​ Archangel: Sachiel (ruler of Jupiter) and Azrael (angel of Capricorn) ​ Gemstone: Malachite, jet, yellow calcite ​ Scent: Cedarwood, pine, patchouli ​

The 2 of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

The 2 Pentacles is often said to denote stress. However, this is only true if you struggle with accepting change. Change and the need to make the right choices in ​ ​ order to move forward are part and parcel of this card.

The energy of this card can be very life­affirming and show that you are stepping out into the world as a couple, determined to succeed in the material sense of the word. You could be moving or one of you could be facing a big career decision. One or both of you could feel a strong urge to break free from routines. This is an indication that you need to find ways of supporting each other through times of change.

The shadow aspect of this card is stress and lack of focus. Picture a juggler who is not able to keep all the balls in the air but keeps dropping them. If this affects one of you, it will also be affecting the relationship.

In the most intimate aspect of your relationship, this card could indicate that it’s time to start spicing things up a bit in the bedroom if you’re stuck in a rut. Or it could mean that one or both of you are too focused on work to be interested going there.

THREES

In the 3's we see the birth of something new as a result of the union of two opposing forces. Hence, the 3's symbolise synthesis, creativity, fulfilment and growth.

In love and relationship readings, they indicate a phase of growth and rapid development.

Three of Wands

“It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It's because we dare not venture that they are difficult.” ~ Seneca The Three of Wands is about actively manifesting that which we are most passionate about at the stage when we cannot yet discern the final outcome. Seeds have been planted and the ships have been sent out... Some of them may even be returning to harbour but much remains to be done. The best way to achieve success right now is to stand fast in your vision but to not exclude others from taking active part.

I often think of this card as the networking card because our best networking efforts are made when we connect over something that both parties are passionate about and when complementary parts of a unified vision come together like pieces of a jigsaw. The pitfall is pride and willfulness. The remedy is a sense of playfulness and a trust that things will come together beautifully

Affirmation: “I get out of my own way and feel my connectedness to others in the ​ process of giving birth to something new and unique.”

Three of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for inspiring this process of manifestation. Help me to recognise the people who are placed on my path by divine order so that all who have been touched by the same Spirit may join together for the glory and highest good of All. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 3 of Wands

Zodiac Sign: Aries ​ Planet: The Sun ​ Archangel: Michael (Sun) and Camael (Mars/Aries) ​ Gemstone: Citrine, Amber, Fire Agate, Ruby ​ Scent: Cinnamon ​

The 3 of Wands in Love and Relationships

In love, the 3 of Wands stands for a dynamic relationship where both parties are free to express themselves. There is mutual respect and a lot of outward directed energy and creativity with this dynamic duo.

You are encouraged to speak your mind and share yourself with the other freely. If you're thinking of asking someone out, this is a green light as you're likely to have a really fun time together.

For a single person, this card indicates that getting yourself out there and networking could lead to developments in your personal life (depending on surrounding cards). Reversed or ill­dignified, the 3 of Wands could be an indication of lack of mutual respect and support. It could mean it's time to move on.

On an intimate level, this is a wonderful card for fun and frolics ­ no room for kink or getting too experimental.

Three of Cups

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” ~ Jane Austen

The 3 of Cups is often considered a card of friendship and celebration. In the ​ ​ traditional Rider Waite imagery, you will see three young maidens dancing joyfully, cups raised. It can also indicate the birth of a child, an engagement, a wedding or a christening... all depending on surrounding cards.

The birth of a child: 3 of Cups with any of the Page, The Sun or the Empress ​ An engagement: 3 of Cups with the Knight of Cups or the Ace of Swords ​ A wedding: 3 of Cups with The Hierophant and the 4 of Wands ​ A christening: 3 of Cups with The Hierophant and the Sun ​

But let us consider the friendship aspect of this card some more. Not everyone finds it easy to make friends so that energy is also found on the spectrum of this card. It could show up in a reversal or next to cards that speak of isolation, like the 3 of Swords, 4 of Pentacles or The Hermit.

“Let me tell you this: if you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it's not because they enjoy solitude. It's because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.” ~ Jodi Picoult

What the angels want us to know is that they are more than happy to help us with our friendships, because they too are our friends. Their way of helping us find new friends and to form healthy, solid friendships is by showing us how to first be our own best friend and then to start extending friendship to others by being the sort of friend we want more of in our lives. The angels can inspire us to be the sort of friend who doesn't disappoint others…

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

Affirmation: “I am a good friend.” ​

3 of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the joy of friendship and kindred spirits. Help me BE the friend I seek in others. So mote it be! (Listen to prayer on Instagram) ​ ​

Correspondences for the 3 of Cups

Planet: Mercury ​ Zodiac Sign: Cancer ​ Archangel: Raphael (ruler of Mercury) and Gabriel (angel of Cancer) ​ Gemstone: Pearl, aqua aura, mother of pearl ​ Scent: Melissa, lemon, coffee ​

The 3 of Cups in Love and Relationships

The 3 of Cups is the card you want to show up if you have planned a romantic getaway. This is a sweet energy that tends to get raunchier if fuelled by drink. If you’re single and wanting to date, you really can’t afford to turn down party invitations when this card shows up.

It’s a card of whispering sweet nothings and making the other person blush. It’s a card of dancing the night away and sharing breakfast together the next morning. With The Lovers and/or The Hierophant you could expect wedding bells eventually if you keep having breakfast together.

However, if it shows up reversed or ill dignified, it could be a sign that your lover is sharing himself this way with more than one person. Monogamy might not be their forte.

Under the duvet, this card is a promise of a mutually satisfying time. Crank Barry White up and get down!

Three of Swords

“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” ~ J.K. Rowling

When you face the 3 of Swords with equanimity for your daily draw or as part of a ​ ​ reading, you have come a long way on your spiritual journey. Accepting that loss, sorrow, pain and grief are not only part of our journey on earth but that they provide valuable lessons, makes you able to carry out your Lightworking mission with greater strength and dignity.

If you consider yourself ‘advanced’ on your path and still wince when you see the traditional 3 of Swords image with the heart pierced through in a reading, it could be a sign that you are engaging in ‘spiritual bypass’ and shirking any lessons that could potentially cause pain.

“For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is let it rain.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Health­wise, the obvious association for the traditional 3 of Swords image is any kind of heart problems. Science has lately proven (what many already knew) that it is possible to die from a ‘broken heart’ after the loss of a loved one.

Saturn in Libra could also indicate issues with the urogenital system and kidneys. Kidneys are associated with fear and fear often goes hand in hand with loss and sorrow.

Affirmation: “I seek to understand emotional pain so that I can accept life for what it ​ is.”

3 of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for helping me accept pain as an integral part of life. I ask for the grace to understand the lessons pain bring, as well as to ease the suffering of my brothers and sisters on Earth. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 3 of Swords

Zodiac Sign: Libra ​ Planet: Saturn ​ Archangel: Jophiel (Angel of Libra) and Cassiel (Ruler of Saturn) ​ Gemstone: Smokey quartz ​ Scent: Marjoram ​

The 3 of Swords in Love and Relationships

“Uh­oh”. That’s usually the reaction I get when I see this card in a relationship ​ reading. The very best possible interpretation of this sorrowful card is a forced temporary situation. Perhaps he’s been stationed abroad.

But usually it just means rejection, separation, loss and utter hopelessness. You don’t just feel that you are being unfairly treated – you are being unfairly treated. You ​ ​ ​ ​ have to find a way of changing the balance in your favour. Or you have to when you have stopped crying.

You can’t affect the other person or their decisions but you can heal your own heart and make sure that things are different the next time. The truth hurts sometimes. You usually come away from a 3 of Swords lesson realising that you have some self­improvement work to do in order to manifest lasting love.

For recently single people, this card usually indicates that now is not a good time to ​ ​ start dating again. Much healing is needed first.

There is no intimacy or change of meanings with reversals for this card. The tarot wouldn’t reflect life if it sugar­coated everything, now would it?

Three of Pentacles

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” ― Phil Jackson

Are you excited about your growth, professional development and working together with others in order to make your vision come alive? If not, you need a dose of the good old 3 of Pentacles.

A winner is someone who recognizes his God­given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals. ― Larry Bird

This is a card that acknowledges that you have much needed and completely unique creative gifts, which can and should be used for the highest good of all. Finding the right people to work together with is part of the journey. These are the people who will be your cheerleaders and also who will hold you accountable. In turn, you will do the same for them and this is how the work progresses to much higher heights than it would if you were completely on your own.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” ― Helen Keller

Affirmation: “A spirit of team­work guides me in all I do and supports me in doing ​ my best.”

3 of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for my calling and the gifts that come with it. Help me develop those gifts in a spirit of team­work and to rejoice in the knowledge that my unique skills are needed for the highest good of All. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 3 of Pentacles

Planet: Mars ​ Zodiac Sign: Capricorn ​ Archangel: Camael (ruler of Mars) and Azrael (angel of Capricorn) ​ Gemstone: Snowflake obsidian, garnet and jet ​ Scent: Sandalwood, patchouli and benzoin ​

The 3 of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

Too much work and maybe not enough play could be indicated with this card. You probably look good in public. Stuff like that is important to both of you… but how much fun are you having?

All relationships go through phases. This is a phase when one or both of you is focusing on getting the work done. You could be involved in a taxing project. You could be feeling as if your spouse is ‘married to work. ’ To single people, this card combined with the 2 of Cups or the Knight of Cups could indicate that you’ll meet someone through work.

Reversed or ill dignified, the 3 of Pentacles could signify that someone has taken advantage of you sexually and/or financially.

On an intimate level, this card could indicate a ménage à trois. ​

FOURS

Four is the number of stability, the home, the physical realm, organisation, security, limitations and mercy. The Tarot 4's often relate to the home environment in love and relationship readings.

Four of Wands

"The celebration of beauty is an invitation to ask your soul everyday, 'mind if I join you'." ~ Anonymous

The 4 of Wands signifies an important milestone worthy of a celebration. Invite some friends over... Bring out the cake and champagne!

If it is about a work venture, you will have had the first signs of success and all the hard work is beginning to pay off. Is it too soon to celebrate? Heck no! Yes, more work lies ahead but you have built a firm foundation and that alone is cause for a celebration.

For health and vitality, this is a wonderful card which signals perfect health and a sense of exuberance. You are enjoying each day to the full.

In love, the 4 of Wands signals reciprocal enjoyment, stability and deeper levels of commitment. A marriage proposal or an invitation to a wedding could be indicated.

Not feeling the 4 of Wands today? Use the affirmation below to let the joy and abundance in!

Affirmation: “I revel in the infinite abundance of BEING and open my heart to feeling ​ the exuberance of being ALIVE. I use any excuse to celebrate LIFE.”

Four of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), I gratefully acknowledge the abundance I enjoy right. Help me celebrate so that it makes others glad too. So mote it be! (listen to prayer on Instagram) ​ ​

Correspondences for the Four of Wands Planet: Venus ​ Zodiac Sign: Aries ​ Archangel: Anael (Ruler of Venus) and Camael (Ruler of Mars/Aries) ​ Gemstone: Ruby, rhodocrosite, pink tourmaline and rose quartz ​ Scent: Rose ​

The 4 of Wands in Love and Relationship Tarot Readings

In love and relationship readings, the 4 of Wands represents settling down and moving in together. Or, if you are already living together, you may have achieved a common goal worthy of a celebration.

Either way, this card tells you to celebrate your love for each other and the commitment you share. You are now ready to face the world, hand in hand. This is a good time to engage socially and establish yourselves in the world as a couple.

To a single person, in response to 'Where will I find true love?' this card indicates social gatherings in the homes of friends and family.

Reversed or ill­dignified, the 4 of Wands could indicate that one of you is not ready to commit quite yet. It could also indicate that you need to focus your energy more on the home sphere and less on interacting socially outside the home.

Sexually, the 4 of Wands is a sign of both parties feeling confident and loved. Intimacy feels natural and effortless. As relationship advice, it could indicate that an effort to turn your bedroom into a sensual haven would be a good idea right now.

Four of Cups

“What day is it?” It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. My favorite day,” said Pooh.” ~ A.A. Milne

The 4 of Cups shows us that we have fallen for the temptation to shut down ​ ​ because of negative past experiences. This is natural and the ego’s way of protecting itself against more of the same. However, shutting down is not the answer: the answer is to learn the lesson and move on with renewed faith and optimism.

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” ~ Winston S. Churchill

With the corresponding Moon in Cancer comes a strong sentimental streak and a propensity to become tearful. This is not always a bad thing but it does get bad when it keeps us stuck in the past. Sometimes when we have experienced emotional trauma, we resist learning from it and regress even further back into our past… to a time when we had no responsibility resting on our shoulders. This puts us in a state of avoidance in the face of important future choices and could easily see us miss important opportunities.

The trick is to practise mindfulness like Piglet and Pooh in the first quote above. Today is called the ‘present’ for a reason, cliché as it sounds. Are you ready to let go of the past? Are you ready to raise your gaze…? It is your ego that looks to the past to inform the future; Your Higher Self is always centred in the NOW and poised to leap.

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” ~ Oscar Wilde

Affirmation: “I do not let my past dictate my future.” ​

4 of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you that golden opportunities keep being passed to me in spite of my subjective and sometimes negative view of reality. Help my heart stay open to those opportunities today. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 4 of Cups

Zodiac Sign: Cancer ​ Planet: The Moon ​ Archangel: Gabriel (Ruler of The Moon and Cancer) ​ Gemstone: Selenite, moonstone, desert rose ​ Scent: Jasmine, ylang­ylang ​

The 4 of Cups in Love and Relationships

The 4 of Cups indicates dissatisfaction and boredom. You could be expecting your partner to be your source of happiness and feel disappointed when that doesn’t happen. Or you could be coming down from the initial high of falling in love and find that the other person looks quite different to how you imagined without those rose­tinted spectacles on.

This is a time to learn the virtues of empathy, understanding and patience in the relationship. Try to relax and be receptive to the love that is there. Really make an effort to understand the perspective of the other person. As you learn to tolerate each other’s differences, you will slowly and gradually become stronger as a couple. In a reading for a single person looking for love, the 4 of Cups could indicate that they don’t feel good about themselves and have misplaced their natural mojo or that they have unrealistic expectations about love, possibly inspired by some Hollywood ideal.

Ill­dignified or reversed, the 4 of Cups could indicate that a person is looking to satisfy a desire that can’t be fulfilled through promiscuity. There could be boundary issues and deep­rooted emotional problems that affect the relationship. A need for counselling could be indicated.

On an intimate level, you may not feel like initiating sex because of a fear of being turned down. Either way, this card indicates a passive stance. As with all the fours, you can try changing your home/bedroom environment to inspire more action and courage in the bedroom.

Four of Swords

“I said to my soul, be still and wait without hope, for hope would be hope for the wrong thing; wait without love, for love would be love of the wrong thing; there is yet faith, but the faith and the love are all in the waiting. Wait without thought, for you are not ready for thought: So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.” ― T.S. Eliot

There are times when it is better to do nothing. The 4 of Swords showing up indicates that this might be one of those times. There could be any number of reasons why you need to press ‘Pause.’ For instance you could be in need of physical recuperation after illness, emotional healing after a bad break­up or just some R&R after a stressful time such as a house move etc.

Essentially, the 4 of Swords is telling you that if you move ahead in any direction right now, you are in danger of leaving your soul behind. The choices you make and the actions you take would be tainted by a lack of focus and alignment. Better then to wait and allow for the process of healing and rejuvenation to take place first.

The only activity that is encouraged under the auspice of the 4 of Swords is one that augments healing, such as meditation, listening to uplifting music or reading literature that helps you feel well in yourself. Or, if this is about a relationship (not just of the romantic kind), it could indicate a need to seek a peaceful resolution which will allow for harmony to be restored. This resolution may not be immediately apparent to you – meditate on it and make sure you are heart­centred before you speak!

“To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.” ― Jiddu Krishnamurti

Affirmation: “I enter into the silence to allow my soul to catch up.” ​

4 of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for much needed rest and relaxation today. Help me rejuvenate and act only when I have clarity on how to move forward with integrity and in harmony with Higher Will. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 4 of Swords

Planet: Jupiter ​ Zodiac Sign: Libra ​ Archangel: Sachiel (ruler of Jupiter) and Jophiel (angel of Libra) ​ Gemstone: Chiastolite, smokey quartz, sugilite ​ Scent: Helichrysum, clary sage and geranium ​

The 4 of Swords in Love and Relationship Readings

This 4 is not one to want to risk upsetting the apple­cart. Harmony and peaceful relations is to priority under the auspice of this card. On a practical level it may mean that you are both tired from working too much and in need of a break. Or one of you could be recovering from illness. Either way, you could do with some down time.

It could be a good idea to give each other lots of space when this card shows up. However, conflict­avoidance could be an issue. Sometimes, avoiding conflict pays off short­term. Long term, it usually leads to separation as there can be no growth without facing relationship issues.

For a single person, this card usually indicates that efforts to reach out and establish rapport with the object of one’s desire is not likely to pay off. It’s a ‘disconnect’ unless you are already in a relationship with someone and even then it usually means that there is not much communication about things that aren’t absolutely necessary.

Abstinence and impotence (possibly due to disease) rather than intimacy is indicated with this card. This card could also indicate a platonic love relationship.

Four of Pentacles

You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation. You must have a solid foundation if you’re going to have a strong superstructure. ― Gordon B. Hinckley

The 4 of Pentacles is traditionally considered a card of miserliness. However looking at the Thoth take on this card (Sun in Capricorn, title: Power), we get an entirely different picture. Personally, I like to combine the two meanings for added depth and versatility in readings.

On the plus side, this card provides a firm base and sound boundaries. On the minus side, it makes us (at times) rigid and wanting to cling too tightly to what we have. This is due to the combination of Earth (Capricorn) and the rather rigid number four. In essence, the 4 of Pentacles teaches us a positive lesson about the need for a strong foundation. Capricorn is associated with the skeleton in the body and vitamin D – sunlight – is what strengthens the bones.

The trick is to learn to trust our own foundations enough to not fear opening up to change and giving of ourselves. Once those bones are strong enough, use them to give your neighbour a hand!

You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. ― John Bunyan

Affirmation: “I am abundant enough to share generously and to respond to the ​ needs of others.”

4 of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for a solid foundation and sound boundaries. Help me stay open to change, firm in the knowledge that I have the power to flow with whatever life throws at me. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 4 of Pentacles

Planet: Sun ​ Zodiac Sign: Capricorn ​ Archangel: Michael (the Sun) and Azrael (angel of Capricorn) ​ Gemstone: Black tourmaline, imperial topaz and sunstone ​ Scent: Cardamom, juniper and vetivert ​

The 4 of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

In a love and relationship reading, this card could symbolise a relationship that is primarily focused on financial stability. One or both parties could have sacrificed their heart’s desire in order to achieve a sense of security.

There could be a struggle for power and control in a relationship that falls under the dominion of this card. You are examining who stands to gain the most from every decision and this is creating a sense of oppression in the relationship. You need to learn to be more generous and forgiving with each other. If you can’t get a sense that both gain from one gaining, then it may be time to move on.

A reversal of this card could indicate that you are not working together financially but that one or both of you are wasting common resources rather than looking to the future.

To a single person, this card could indicate a need to strengthen personal boundaries and learn to say no, especially when reversed. Upright, it could simply mean a need to loosen up and let someone in. Needing to be in control at all times is sure­fire way of staying single.

On an intimate level, this card could indicate a need to learn to let go of control in order to achieve climax. There is a deep­rooted need to feel safe first and this need should be honoured. Then gradually introduce fun ways of learning to relinquish control.

FIVES

The number 5 stands for crisis, evolution, conflict, aggression, communication, healing, learning through the senses, the quest for freedom and a love for adventure. Romantically, the 5's in the Minor Arcana touch on the need for freedom in one way or another. The issues highlighting this could be jealousy or power plays of one for or another. The lessons are mostly about letting go and blessing the other on their path

When a 5 shows up in a love and relationship reading, it doesn't have to mean the end of the relationship but it does mean a major road bump that has to be navigated before you can move on to the next and higher level.

Five of Wands

“We are never so much disposed to quarrel with others as when we are dissatisfied with ourselves.” ― William Hazlitt

The 5 of Wands indicates competition, sparring, inner tension, arguments, conflict and restrained passion. It is Saturn (the planet of limitations) in playful and confident Leo.

While all 5’s speak of conflict or hardship to a certain degree, the 5 of Wands is nowhere near as deadly as the 5 of Swords, as filled with sorrow as the 5 of Cups or as filled with physical hardship as the 5 of Pentacles. Think of the energy of this cards as teammates on the same sports team, all aspiring for the top position or latest record.

The grace to be found in the 5 of Wands is to realise that the only person you ever need to compete against is yourself. Victory only ever serves to make you better at the skill you are trying to hone, so that you can better use it in service to all of humanity. When you are truly confident in yourself, the need to prove yourself by beating the competition ceases.

Hence, the true nature of the limitations imposed here by Saturn is a lack of confidence. Become aware of this and work on building it up the right way, which is by bettering yourself a little every day. Respect and encourage your sparring partners – we are all in this together!

“Never letting the competition define you. Instead, you have to define yourself based on a point of view you care deeply about.” ― Tom Chappel

Affirmation: “I am a winner.” ​

5 of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for sending loving support when times are tough. Help me remember to ask for help instead of struggling needlessly on my own. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 5 of Wands

Planet: Saturn ​ Zodiac Sign: Leo ​ Archangel: Cassiel (Saturn) and Raziel (angel of Leo) ​ Gemstone: Golden beryl, hematite and tiger’s eye ​ Scent: Bergamot, melissa and sandalwood ​

The 5 of Wands in Love and Relationships

This 5 is usually a sign that there is a battle of egos going on. It could show up in a reading where both partners are quite competitive and like to be on top. This doesn’t have to mean anything too sinister and, in fact, if both parties have a humorous approach and are able to make light of themselves, this could actually be quite a fun component. It’s likely that there is a lot of sexual chemistry between these two but they may have to spend time apart and sexual frustration could be an issue. In a single person’s reading about love and romance, this 5 usually indicates strong, non reciprocated desire for another person. The other person could be spoken for or simply not interested.

Five of Swords

“Fear is a weakness. It makes a person lose her nerve and her cool. It makes people jumpy and organizations nervous, and when that happens, there is always a chance to take advantage.” ~ Ally Carter, Uncommon Criminals

The 5 of Swords often shows a situation or person in the worst possible light. ​ ​ Someone is being a ‘user’ or ‘taker.’ They do not care what the cost or emotional impact is to their fellow man. All they care about is that they achieved their goal and outwitted whomever or whatever stood in their way.

With Venus in Aquarius as the astrological correspondence, however, there are some possible positive qualities at the other end of this spectrum we would do well to consider. Venus in Aquarius is capable of detaching emotionally so that valuable opportunities do not pass us by. Yes, it can be a fine line to walk at times but as long as the intent to honour the Golden Rule is there, we would all do well to learn the positive lesson the 5 of Swords brings.

Traditionally, the 5 of Sword is considered the ‘It’s time to cut your losses’ card.

Affirmation: “I have no enemy other than myself.” ​

5 of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), Thank you for the ability to detach enough emotionally to make the most of any situation. Keep me from the temptation to do so at the cost of another. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 5 of Swords

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius ​ Planet: Venus ​ Archangel: Uriel (Angel of Aquarius) and Anael (Ruler of Venus) ​ Gemstone: Blue lace agate, rose quartz ​ Scent: Almond ​

The 5 of Swords in Love and Relationships

The aggression and competitive element found in the 5 of Wands has turned really nasty here. Someone is hellbent on getting the upper hand and there is no room for love any more. When this card shows up in a reading, it's time to take stock of what you can take with you before you get the hell out as quickly as possible. The other person doesn't have your best interests at heart ­ It's time to wake up and smell the coffee. You will notice that everything you say to them can and will be turned against you.

In a reading for a single person, this card means that they need to start moving in different social circles if they are hoping to meet someone nice.

Five of Pentacles

“Until we can receive with an open heart, we’re never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgment to giving help.” ― Brené Brown

The 5 of Pentacles is Mercury in Taurus. Mercury rules the intellect and communication, and in earthy Taurus, all the processes associated with Mercury slow down. Solutions to problems may not spring to mind as quickly as they normally do. 5 is the number or hardship and conflict. Together all these influences spell poverty and dis­ease.

But there is more to the message of this card. At a glance it may appear rather grim as none of us like the idea of becoming ill or destitute. But the truth is that in our lifetime we all have to navigate spaces of less than ideal comfort levels and what this card wants to remind us of is that when we do, we’re not alone!

There is spiritual assistance to be had and our nearest and dearest will also be there for us, as long as we remember to ask for help. This is not a time to allow pride to keep us from asking, whether it be for help with our health or finances.

“What is home? My favorite definition is “a safe place,” a place where one is free from attack, a place where one experiences secure relationships and affirmation. It’s a place where people share and understand each other. Its relationships are nurturing. The people in it do not need to be perfect; instead, they need to be honest, loving, supportive, recognizing a common humanity that makes all of us vulnerable.” ― Gladys M. Hunt

Affirmation: “I am OK with asking for help.” ​

5 of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for sending loving support when times are tough. Help me remember to ask for help instead of struggling needlessly on my own. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 5 of Pentacles

Planet: Mercury ​ Zodiac Sign: Taurus ​ Archangel: Raphael (Mercury) and Chamuel/Anael (angel of Taurus) ​ Gemstone: Green and yellow calcite, rose quartz ​ Scent: Myrrh, orange and patchouli ​

The 5 of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

Outer circumstances, financial troubles or health issues could be putting a serious damper on your relationship. This doesn’t mean it’s time to bail – it simply means it’s time to take a closer look at the meaning ‘for worse’ in your wedding vows. You can overcome anything as a couple if you work together and seek appropriate help, whether it be legal, medical or financial. The key is communication.

In a single person’s romance reading, this card could indicate that they don’t feel worthy because they are not rich enough (usually male) or pretty enough (usually female)… or possibly not well/healthy enough (both sexes). It’s time to learn how to see with eyes of compassion and to stop comparing yourself to others.

SIXES

The number 6 stands for centeredness, fullness, union, truth, harmony, equilibrium, beauty, peace, integration, reconciliation and balance.

In love and relationship readings, the positive aspects are generally very positive by virtue of the correspondence to the sphere of beauty and splendour on the Tree of Life. This is a harmonious energy but it also indicates transience, not of love ­ which is eternal ­ but of its expressions. It is in love's nature to grow and the growth process invariably means moving from harmony to a state of being outside one's comfort zone.. In other words, enjoy it while it lasts!

Six of Wands

“There was a saying that a man’s true character was revealed in defeat. I thought it was also revealed in victory.” ~ Alison Goodman

Things are going your way because you took a stance and acted with courage. Bravo! You taste the victory… Is it as sweet as you imagined? The truth is that victory which only serves to glorify the ego will leave a bitter after­taste.

“In Victory: Magnanimity” ~ Winston Churchill

Our angels want us to enjoy good fortune – not so that we well be better off than others but so that we will be better equipped to help others.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” ~ C. S. Lewis

Affirmation: “I allow courage to blend with humility and choose to stay ​ heart­centred.”

6 of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for allowing me to prosper and be victorious. Help me stay humble and to use my victory for the highest good of All. So mote it be! (Listen to prayer on Instagram) ​ ​

Correspondences for the 6 of Wands

Planet: Jupiter ​ Zodiac Sign: Leo ​ Archangel: Sachiel (ruler of Jupiter) and Raziel (angel of Leo) ​ Gemstone: Fire agate, pyrite, lapis lazuli ​ Scent: Cinnamon, orange, musk ​

The 6 of Wands in Love and Relationships

Although this card, in its negative aspect, can indicate the kind of pride that goes before fall and leads to untold pain and suffering in a relationship, it usually means great mutual enjoyment and lots of fun. This 6 corresponds to Jupiter in Leo so, as a couple, you are likely to want to have a good time. You could be planning a great night out, a weekend get­away or even a holiday abroad.

The good times are rolling and sexual chemistry is high. This is definitely one of the cards that indicates that the sap is rising. Make sure that you wear clothes that can handle a bit of rough undressing and doesn’t have too many complicated buttons. Reversed or ill­dignified, this card could indicate that pride is getting in the way of straight­forward communication. One or both of you could be engaged in psychological patterns of withholding and choosing to shut your hearts down.

However, it can also mean that one of you is suffering with low self­esteem after having been demoted or even laid off at work, which in turn is affecting the relationship. Try to be understanding of your partner if this is the case and don’t take it personally!

To a single person, the 6 of Wands could simply mean that your confidence is high and that you’re enjoying life. Perhaps you have recently been promoted or received other kind of recognition at work. Either way, your confidence levels are currently boosting your pulling power (unless the card is reversed, of course, which could indicate that you need to change your self­talk.)

Six of Cups

“The Greek word for “return” is nostos. Algos means “suffering.” So nostalgia is the suffering caused by an unappeased yearning to return.” ~ Milan Kundera, Ignorance

The 6 of Cups is traditionally seen as a card of nostalgia and often foretells of the ​ ​ Seeker being reunited with someone from their past. Reminiscing about the past and being reunited with a past friend, lost family member or a lover gone AWOL can be a wonderful thing but being lost in memories about the past and wishing for those times to return could prevent the Seer from living fully in the now.

This is why I often see this card as an indication for a need to cut cords with a person from one’s past and also, sometimes, with the power of the memory itself. It could mean it is time to make a declaration of intent to move on and to consciously choose to redirect one’s focus more to the present and to make plans for the future.

In terms of Astrology this is Sun in Scorpio (Fixed Water) and as you know, the ego­personality (Sun) often finds it difficult to let go of memories of an intensely emotional nature (Scorpio). This card’s energy often surfaces during the Venus retrograde (which we happen to be in at the time of writing this). Whatever we then choose to do with this energy often has a lasting impact, so be careful to choose a direction which makes it possible to keep growing, lest you find yourself stuck in a very old pattern.

Affirmation: “I choose to remain open to the possibility that the best is yet to come.” ​

6 of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for intensely emotional memories. May only those that bring us joy linger and may those that bring regret depart. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 6 of Cups

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio ​ Planet: Sun ​ Archangel: Jeremiel (Angel of Scorpio) and Michael (Ruler of the Sun) ​ Gemstone: Ametrine ​ Scent: Orange ​

The 6 of Cups in Love and Relationships

The 6 of Cups is the soul mate card in the deck since it signifies an emotional bond ​ ​ that survives death. You can read about the significance of this card in soul mate readings and in combination with other cards HERE. ​ ​

It's usually a sign of great emotional intimacy in the relationship. If it shows up reversed, it could be a sign that you are hankering after a past love. Ill­dignified it could be a sign that you two are star­crossed lovers.

To a single person it could indicate that they long for and/or are about the meet their soul mate. Surrounding cards will tell you which. More love card combinations can be found HERE. ​ ​

The 6 of Cups brings the qualities of ecstasy and intoxication to the bedroom. Be careful if this card shows up when you're just looking for 'a good time.' You could get hooked!

Six of Swords

“People who lack the clarity, courage, or determination to follow their own dreams will often find ways to discourage yours. Live your truth and don't EVER stop!” ~ Steve Maraboli

The 6 of Swords can be a card of travel and especially journeys across water (as ​ ​ per the card image) on a more mundane level. But, as we know, water is symbolic of emotions... To safely traverse a vast expanse of intense emotions and navigate any upsets takes the ability to detach mentally enough to perceive what is actually going on. Passion tends to make us myopic and prone to believe whatever the ego tells us.

With this card comes the possibility of clarity and new insight. We can learn and move on. Or we can learn and return. But now the informed choice is ours ­ we are ​ ​ ​ ​ no longer victims to whim or fancy... We are moving in harmony with our truth.

Other possible meanings for this cards, aptly named 'science' in the Thoth Tarot, is scientific break­through, innovation and intellectual accord.

Affirmation: “I clear my mind and open it up to perceive the bigger picture.” ​

6 of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for new insights which allow me to leave behind the things, thoughts or people that hold me down. Help me trust in my mind's ability to receive and give clear divine guidance. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 6 of Swords

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius ​ Planet: Mercury ​ Archangel: Uriel (Angel of Aquarius) and Raphael (Ruler of Mercury) ​ Gemstone: Kyanite ​ Scent: Fresh snow, the North wind ​

The 6 of Swords in Love and Relationships

For a couple, this card is usually an indication that you give each other a lot of intellectual freedom and that you are able to tolerate the other person's views even if you don't agree with them. You find the company of your partner intellectually stimulating and you value bonding through the mind.

Reversed or ill­dignified, this card could indicate intolerance and narrow­mindedness which is likely to cause a relationship break­down. Respect is quickly eroded without tolerance and there can be no love without respect.

To a single person, this card could indicate that they could meet someone on an online forum where they bond over a hobby or area of interest. It could also indicate that they need to be mindful of intellectual compatibility in a future partner ­ this is extra important to people with a lot of Air in their birth charts. The Air signs are Aquarius, Gemini and Libra.

Sexually, the 6 of Swords is daring you to broaden your horizons and try something new. Dare to experiment! It's OK to explore different techniques if you feel safe to do so and remember that in the end, the love you share is more important than physical satisfaction.

Six of Pentacles

“Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill­natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth.” ​ ― Gautama Buddha

The 6 of Pentacles is where we learn about generosity. Is it generous to give that which we do not really need? Is it generous to give with a sense of resentment in our hearts?

Because generosity requires an acute ability to sense the energetic flow of give and take in order to adjust so that it resonates with Higher Will, it is also a lesson of boundaries as much as surrender – especially if we are prone to giving because we easily get ‘guilted’ into doing so or simply have not yet learned that ‘No’ is a complete sentence.

This card asks of you, ‘Are you a giver or a taker?’ Take your time. Think not only of ​ ​ other people but also of Mother Nature. Be honest. There is no judgement.

Affirmation: “I give with a glad heart and receive gracefully.” ​

6 of Pentacles Prayer Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for helping me be aware of the flow of give and take. Help me receive gracefully and gratefully, and to give with a glad heart. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 6 of Pentacles Zodiac Sign: Taurus ​ Planet: Moon ​ Archangel: Anael (Angel of Taurus) and Gabriel (Ruler of the Moon) ​ Gemstone: Malachite, green aventurine ​ Scent: Ylang­ylang ​

The 6 of Pentacles in Love and Relationship Readings

To someone already in a relationship, this card means that you and your partner are getting along very well. You are generous toward each other and want what's best for the other person. Use this happy time and the strength of the current state of affairs to laid solid foundations for the future. If you, as a couple, are thinking about starting a family business, this card is a solid 'yes' from the Universe.

Reversed or ill­dignified, this card could mean that someone is taking advantage of you. A prenup could be a good idea if you still feel the need to walk them down the aisle.

To a single person, this card could indicate getting involved in charity work for possibly meeting someone new. On a more intimate note, since this card corresponds to the Moon in Taurus (where it is exalted), you have a very good chance to bond emotionally through sensual pleasure under the auspice of this card.

SEVENS

The number 7 is a magickal and mystical number. It's a known as the bridge number between the celestial 3 (Holy Trinity) and earthly 4 (four corners of the world). The number 7 has been revered as a number of great mystical power for thousands of years. There are 7 days of the week and the colours of the rainbow are 7. Traditional Astrology recognises 7 planets as influencing our lives. The human body has 7 chakras which each correspond to one of the 7 musical notes on the Western scale.

It's a number of planning, strategy and analysis but also of confusion, illusion and delusion. It tends to spiritualise things and sometimes creates a spiritual bypass, preventing issues to be dealt with thoroughly. It can create an egocentric and 'kooky' personality which tends to isolate itself but on the other hand, it can also generate a person with high ideals who leads a life of selfless service.

Seven of Wands

"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." ~ Abraham Lincoln

The 7 of Wands is fiery Mars in fiery Leo. In a fight, this is the energy that well and truly pulls no punches. This card gives us a message that we need to stand firm and fight for what we know is right.

Typically, this card shows up when people are ganging up on us. For instance, you could have decided to go down 'the path less traveled by' and now face a chorus of objections, often belonging to friends and family.

Turn up the volume to 'I did it my way' and proceed dear Earth Angel. You have permission from the 'higher­ups' when this card shows up.

The 7 of Wands could also show up to ready you for a fight to protect the interests of someone vulnerable. In that case, it won't be so much about signing a petition (although that is great too) but starting the campaign and getting others to sign. This is a card of leadership and yes... aggression. Just make sure to channel it the right ​ ​ way ­ act assertively rather than with rage. ​ ​

Affirmation: “I have the courage to speak up for the underdog and for myself.” ​ ​ ​

7 of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for giving me the courage to stand my ground. Help me to protect those in my care and keep me safe. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 7 of Wands

Zodiac Sign: Leo ​ Planet: Mars ​ Archangel: Raziel (Angel of Leo) and Camael (Ruler of Mars) ​ Gemstone: Red jasper, fire agate ​ Scent: Cedarwood ​

The 7 of Wands in Love and Relationships

You need to find a way of expressing yourself creatively and to not use the relationship or your partner as a 'crutch.' You may be involved in tough competition at work or putting a lot of effort into seeing a creative project to the end in spite of being surrounded by naysayers. Coping with the demands of a lover may be too much right now.

If ill­dignified or reversed, there are some serious self­confidence issues going on and it's possible that you look for recognition as 'Mrs so­and­so' rather than as an individual in your own right.

Sexually, this Mars in Leo card is very potent. Perhaps this is where you need to channel all your frustration?

Seven of Cups

“The more of me I be, The clearer I can see.” ~ Rachel Archelaus

Who are you… really? This is question you must answer for yourself when the 7 of ​ ​ Cups shows up. Your lack of clarity about this is could be leading you down many a path of dissolution, destruction and addiction.

When you know and joyfully accept that you are a child of the Divine, that you were born for a life purpose and that your highest joy is to serve the Light, those other paths will begin to fade.

Affirmation: “I am the best, most authentic me today.” ​

7 of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for leading me from confusion to clarity, from fruitless pursuits to single­minded focus on divine service. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 7 of Cups

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio ​ Planet: Venus ​ Archangel: Jeremiel (Angel of Scorpio) and Anael (Ruler of Venus) ​ Gemstone: Opal ​ Scent: Lavender ​

The 7 of Cups in Love and Relationships

There may be delusion and confusion but no intentional deceit with this card. The energy of this card is an expression of an overflow of subconscious material floating to the surface and the clear skies of the mind to mist over.

There is a need to withdraw, reflect and meditate. Meditations on being the Observer is highly recommended. Becoming the Observer is a process of detachment which enables a bird's eye perspective. Study the work and philosophy of transpersonal psychologist and father of Psychosynthesis, Roberto Assagioli, if you are interested ​ ​ in learning more about this.

Be understanding of your partner if this card shows up for him/her as it means that they are in a deep process of transformation. Give him/her all the space they need and show your support without pressing for communication since it's not likely that they are at the stage where they have clear enough understanding of what's going on to put words on it.

Seven of Swords

“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

The 7 of Swords is often seen as a card of thievery, deception and self­deception. From a spiritual point of view, the only thing that matters (because it is the only parameter within our control) is that we are truthful with ourselves.

The ego loves to deceive because that is how it stays in control. The lies we tell ourselves every day about ourselves, what we are capable of, the nature of life itself and the evil nature of others (projections) will not dissipate until we are willing to go into the silence and become the observers of our own thoughts. This is a process and does not happen overnight. The observing Higher Mind has to be ever vigilant.

In the legal system in many countries, people are still made to place their hand on the Bible before giving testimony. This is a sort of self­check system which makes the witness have to face their own integrity levels because he is placing his hand on an item which represents that which is considered holy, pure and sacred.

Would that more of us would do that, at least inwardly, before we speak because even those of us who only speak ‘innocent’ white lies or exaggerate the truth, create icky energy to be around and hold ourselves back from truly being who we are… ​ And who we truly are is always so much better than the mask or persona we create ​ ​ ​ ​ with our lies.

“Reality denied comes back to haunt.” ― Philip K. Dick

Affirmation: “I allow my Higher Self to check my and edit my thoughts for truth; I ​ speak without embellishments.”

7 of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), forgive me my self­deception and help me be honest in thought, word and deed. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 7 of Swords

Planet: Moon ​ Zodiac Sign: Aquarius ​ Archangel: Gabriel (ruler of the Moon) and Uriel (angel of Aquarius) ​ Gemstone: Amazonite, lapis lazuli and celestite ​ Scent: Sulfur, mushroom and metal ​

The 7 of Swords in Love and Relationships

If this card describes your relationship or the person you are seeing, count on an element of deception! This is one of the truly nasty cards to see in a relationship reading and it doesn’t matter which way it is turned or what cards surround it.

The truth is being concealed on purpose and someone is trying to gain the upper hand by hiding vital facts from you.

For yourself, this card indicates a need to analyse the situation and make plans… but beware! You could be deceiving yourself. Is there someone you could ask for help to gain more insight into your situation?

Seven of Pentacles

“Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.” ~ Molière

We live in a word that moves faster and faster every day… a world that praises instant success and excels in making any success look as if it happened overnight ​ ​ because of the sensation value. It can be very discouraging when we look at this and then look at our own life and circumstances.

The 7 of Pentacles celebrates slowing down. To truly master anything, time is required in spades… so start digging where you stand. Dig with focused effort and perseverance. Don’t look around at what others have already achieved. Keep your mind on the dirt and your own dream.

Your dream, until you realise it, will go through many stages of growth, just like a plant… So where are you today? Take stock of where you are and what you have, as well as what still needs to come together for your dream to be made manifest. Vow to be faithful to the process of manifestation.

Affirmation: “I give myself the gift of perseverance.” ​

7 of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for bringing together all the elements for my goal to be achieved. Grant me wisdom to patiently nurture that which is now fragile or not yet ripe. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 7 of Pentacles

Zodiac Sign: Taurus ​ Planet: Saturn ​ Archangel: Anael (Angel of Taurus) and Cassiel (Ruler of Saturn) ​ Gemstone: Green aventurine, jet ​ Scent: Cypress ​

The 7 of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

This is the patience card in the deck! Difficulty is implied and whatever this concerns, ​ ​ you can count on resolving the situation or achieving your goal will take time. Physical limitations in terms of abundance, time and space are indicated. What you planted a while back might have been overrun with weeds. You have a choice: you can either buckle down and do the (belated) weeding now and hope to rescue a future harvest or risk losing it all.

If this describes your relationship, you need to take time out and put some serious effort into getting things back on track. Remind yourself why you fell in love with your partner in the first place. Rekindle romance by re­introducing sensual pleasures and perhaps revisiting some of your favourite haunts from when you first started seeing each other.

Right now it probably feels like you're on a 10 mile hike through the Sahara and forgot to pack your water bottle. If someone who didn't forget theirs passes by, don't be afraid to ask for sip. That way you'll make it to the next oasis.

EIGHTS

The number 8 signifies abundance, harvest, transformation, cycles, diligence, prudence, strength, magnanimity, splendour, harvest, manifestation, jealousy and power.

In a relationship reading, the 8 is a number of complexity which often heralds the need for a resolution, either through cutting cords and moving on or through a singular focus. Either way, there is a need for clarity through communication, or else some really weird power dynamics could creep in.

Eight of Wands

“The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” ― Lewis Carroll

While the 8 of Wands is considered a card of great speed, signaling to us that outer circumstances may force us to take swift action, it is just as often a card that asks us to slow down. The reason for this is that great speed with lack of forethought and preparation, often ends in disaster. Only once we are focused and have precise aim are we to act swiftly.

Mercury, the fastest moving Planet after the Moon (technically not a planet but counted as such for occult purposes), is here in the fastest moving Zodiac sign, Sagittarius (Fire of Fire). Mercury rules the mind and Sagittarius is a sign of mind expansion, optimism, higher learning, philosophy, teaching and distant travel.

On its own, this card is simply saying: Be prepared for swift action. Focus your intent. If you stay focused things will progress quickly in your favour. What the circumstance for these swift actions might be will be revealed by other cards in your reading.

“People forget how fast you did a job – but they remember how well you did it” ― Howard Newton

Affirmation: “I am focused and prepared to leap at the opportunities that will speed ​ me along the path of manifesting my dreams.”

8 of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), help me be clear about my priorities and to be prepared for swift and focused action. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 8 of Wands

Planet: Mercury ​ Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius ​ Archangel: Raphael (Mercury) and Raguel (angel of Sagittarius) ​ Gemstone: Fluorite, green aventurine, lapis lazuli ​ Scent: Peppermint, lemon, sandalwood ​

The 8 of Wands in Love and Relationship Readings

This is the swiftest moving energy out of all the 8’s and perhaps the fastest card in the entire deck. Not only does it move swiftly but with great power behind it. Things are about to change even though you may not be aware of how quite yet. Many opportunities lie before you and you could have a choice of partners. There is an urgent need to communicate your wants and needs to take the relationship in the desired direction.

Usually, there is great optimism associated with this card. However, if ill­dignified or reversed it may mean misunderstanding and/or ill will or jealousy coming your way. Stagnant relationship energy could be killing your creativity.

To a single person, depending on surrounding cards in the reading, this could very well mean that they will soon have a passionate encounter or that there will be some unexpected developments around someone they have just met. A proposal they can’t resist might come their way. The key is to act quickly or the opportunity might be missed.

In an existing relationship, there are often passionate emotions flying about – sometimes accompanied with an inability to express them in a constructive manner. If this card is the main card in a relationship reading, it could mean that the sexual connection is fabulous but that the rest of the relationship needs seeing to.

Eight of Cups

“I give you this to take with you: Nothing remains as it was. If you know this, you can begin again, with pure joy in the uprooting.” ― Judith Minty

The 8 of Cups is letting you know that the restlessness you are feeling inside is completely justified. The time to move on has come. And while it can be very hard to leave and embrace the unknown, the only certainty in life is change… so trust your gut, celebrate the unknown and leave swiftly. Lingering will only build the pressure to boiling point. Nothing good can come of it.

“Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy.” ~ Robert Tewe

The 8 of Cups could show up to signal that it is time to break up with someone, quit a dead­end job or to depart with a bad habit. Either way it is showing you what your gut has been whispering for a while: ‘enough is enough’ ​

Affirmation: “I respect myself enough to leave any situation which no longer serves ​ my Highest Good.”

8 of Cup Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for helping me see clearly that it is time to move on and that doing so will bring a better perspective of what went before. I honour this God­sent intuitive prompt to leave and ask for the gift of understanding. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 8 of Cups

Zodiac Sign: Pisces ​ Planet: Saturn ​ Archangel: Sandalphon (Angel of Pisces) and Cassiel (Ruler of Saturn) ​ Gemstone: Amethyst, black tourmaline, clear quartz ​ Scent: Lime ​

The 8 of Cups in Love and Relationships

This card is a sure sign that something needs to change drastically in the relationship. You have reached a plateau and one (or both) of you is not happy staying there. Disappointment is tangible and it is likely that people around you are picking up on the fact that you're not happy in the relationship too.

The enchantment has gone and there is no further growth. At this point you are faced with the choice of seeking professional help, as in relationship counselling, or moving on. It is important that you ask yourself why you are so unhappy and that you are honest about your part in creating this dynamic. Otherwise you risk meeting a new partner but simply recreating the same dynamic.

In a reading for a single person, the 8 of Cups could mean that they have been so disappointed by a relationship in the past that they are reluctant to try again. Or it could simply mean that they have more healing to do before they are ready to meet someone new. Either way, they have their mountain to climb before love can bloom once more.

Physical intimacy is not usually on the menu under the auspice of this card. If it happens anyway, it's a soulless act that you'll find you would have been better without.

Eight of Swords

“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” ~ Dalai Lama XIV

The 8 of Swords is the card of the person who has not yet learned to observe and ​ ​ release their thoughts. Their personal power is tied up by the cunning of the ego­mind which always strives to keep us prisoner to fear, worry and anxiety. It is Jupiter (planet of expansion) in Gemini (mutable Air) and a propensity for ​ ​ ​ ​ utterly self­defeating hyper­activity of the mind.

The first step to freedom is the realisation that we are not our thoughts. Only through ​ ​ meditation and contemplation of deep philosophical truths can we learn to observe the mind with compassion from the point of view of the Higher Self. ​ ​

The paradox is that only through the mind can we liberate ourselves from the self­defeating power of the mind. The difference lies in a mind that is controlled by the ego and one that is under the loving care of the Higher Self. In the case of the latter, we strive to feed the mind with spiritually uplifting literature, prayers and affirmations.

“Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

Affirmation: “I am free to observe my mind from a place of utter peace where new ​ opportunities soon become apparent to me.”

8 of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for curing the blindness of the ego­mind. Help me become the Observer of my thoughts from a place of pure compassion. So mote it be!

Correspondences for 8 of Swords

Zodiac Sign: Gemini ​ Planet: Jupiter ​ Archangel: Sachiel (Ruler of Jupiter) and Zadkiel (angel of Gemini) ​ Gemstone: Lapis lazuli, green agate and aquamarine ​ Scent: Frankincense, chamomile and lavender ​

The 8 of Swords in Love and Relationships

Your mind is working overtime and holding you captive. You could be imagining the worst without evidence. The ‘overtime’ turns into fantasies about him cheating. Any time he spends on the computer, you are sure he’s sending messages to other women. You are tempted to go through his pockets and check his mobile/cell phone. STOP! You are on a negative downward spiral. You need to reintroduce the element of trust and find a way of freeing yourself from suspicion, mistrust and jealousy. The good news is, it’s all in your mind!

In a single person’s love and romance reading, this card signifies severe self­doubt and comparing oneself to others, perhaps even heavily airbrushed magazine cover models… something completely out of reach to real humans. It’s the head cut off from the heart. There is a need for liberating the mind and reconnecting with the heart. Compassion and loving kindness has to start with Self before the heart can open up to love another.

On a physical level, impotence brought on by mind stress could be indicated by this card.

Eight of Pentacles

“Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.” ~ Jim Rohn

The 8 of Pentacles is the card of artisan baker, master clockmaker, author, ​ ​ bricklayer, musician or athlete who is completely dedicated to perfecting their skill and work. Typically, what they do puts them in a state of flow because perfecting this ​ ​ skill is part of their life purpose… and when we do what we are here to do, we step into that space outside time.

But even when the going gets tough and minutes feel like hours, these people persist because they know that nothing worth having comes easily. And as they hone their skills, they ‘level up’ as individuals because the act of dedicated work itself ​ ​ betters them as human beings.

Think about it: we are here on earth for a very short time. What do you wish to ​ accomplish in that time? What legacy will you leave behind and what will your dying thoughts be…? I’d rather they be: ‘I did what I came here to do.’Eternity is a long ​ ​ time to ponder whether this is true or not.

“Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

The 8 of Pentacles can also indicate a greater need for self­care and a healthier ​ life­style. Because of the connection with the gut through Virgo, digestive issues ​ and food sensitivities/allergies could be highlighted.

Affirmation: “I dedicate myself to perfecting my work.” ​

8 of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the inspiration to master a skill. Help me appreciate that perfecting even the most mundane of tasks is a road to self­mastery and divine embodiment. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 8 of Pentacles

Zodiac Sign: Virgo ​ Planet: Sun ​ Archangel: Metatron (Angel of Virgo) and Michael (Ruler of the Sun) ​ Gemstone: Amber, peridot ​ Scent: Frankincense ​

The 8 of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

When this card shows up in a relationship reading, it usually signifies that the energy of one or both people is tied up by work and there might not be a great deal left over for the relationship.

It can also signify increased sensitivity and a need to focus on the details that make every day worth living. Your partner may not be very receptive to what you have to say right now but they will appreciate material help and gifts as well as your caring touch.

Ill­dignified or reversed, the 8 of Pentacles can signify nagging and dissatisfaction even though all the material needs are being met.

In a single person’s reading, the 8 of Pentacles can signify a work connection with a new potential partner or simply being too focused on work to care much about dating.

Physical intimacy is definitely a possibility if this card is upright and or well­dignified. The advice then would be to pay attention to detail. Think about what the other person likes and what. What scenario turns them on? What outfit, scent, materials?

This is not a time to be sloppy in your seduction. Neatness and hygiene is also associated with this card.

NINES

The number 9 relates to completion, fruition, integrity, idealism, the unseen realms, life review, wisdom, crystallisation, transition, the Third Eye, visionary leadership and protection.

The Tarot 9’s are a bit like the 7’s in that they often indicate solitude rather than companionship. This is by virtue of resonating with the Major Arcana Hermit energies. Energetically, there is a strong resonance with the Third Eye.

Nine of Wands

“The most important distinction anyone can ever make in their life is between who they are as an individual and their connection with others.” ~ Anné Linden

Are you feeling defensive a lot? Has the past made it difficult for you to let your guard down and just enjoy BEING? This is the Holistic Tarot lesson that comes with the 9 of Wands: To learn from past mistakes without allowing their consequences ​ ​ determine your future choices in a negative/pessimistic way. You have learned a lot and come a long way already but don’t settle for knowing who you are if who you currently are is making you unhappy. The power to change still lies within, no matter how old your negative thought patterns are or how deep those beliefs go… Believe in change and you will see it.

Confidence and grace will always keep you far safer than fear and mistrust.

9 of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), help me move forward without the past informing my future. Allow past disappointments to quickly fade and vanish so that I can greet each new day with a sense of optimism. Thank you for the lessons that helped me find sound personal boundaries. Bless those boundaries and keep me safe. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 9 of Wands

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius ​ Planet: The Moon ​ Archangel: Sachiel and Gabriel ​ Gemstone: Lapis lazuli and selenite ​ Scent: Frankincense and jasmine ​

9 of Wands in Love and Relationships

Like the 4 of Pentacles, this is a card of personal boundaries. Often it indicates a need to draw new boundaries after betrayals and other harsh life lessons. Depending on the spirit with which these lessons are greeted, the person represented by this card can either choose to display sound boundaries or become jaded and cynical which then leads to isolation and an unwillingness to share oneself with others.

To the relationship, the 9 of Wands can be a card of great passion if well­dignified. It can mean that you have learned to respect each other’s differences and that you have reached a level of immunity against petty arguments. You are able to see the other person’s true nature and intentions and simply have no need to sweat the small stuff any more.

On the other hand, if ill­dignified, the 9 of Wands could mean that one or both of you are constantly walking on eggshells around the other. There could be a tendency to take everything personally and lash out.

Sexually, and of course going back to the upright or well­dignified card meaning, this can be a card of great passion and transcendence in the sexual experience. The kundalini life force is channelled to cause a third eye explosion during the climax.

To a single person, this is not usually a card of hooking up with another person (depending a bit on surrounding cards of course) but could be seen more as an indication to take stock of the past and make sure that lessons are integrated without cynicism as a byproduct. If the lessons are integrated successfully, there is great strength and visionary ability with this card and it is not likely that the Seeker will settle for anything less than they deserve next time.

Nine of Cups

“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” ~ Dale Carnegie

The 9 of Cups is a card that most people love to see in a reading. It signals ​ ​ happiness, good company, great food, plenty of drink and happy times in the company of friends. The little things in life take on great importance and bring equally great joy.

It is often considered a card of wish­fulfillment but can also indicate wishful thinking if next to cards like The Devil, the 7 of Cups, the 2 of Swords or the 8 of Swords. Mostly, it brings news of happy times though. This is ‘the cat that got the cream’ card in the deck. You usually feel jammy and smug about your good fortune when the 9 of Cups shows up.

Emotionally, expansive Jupiter in watery and mutable Pisces signifies an urge to merge and become one with the other person. While this can be wonderful if the feelings are reciprocated, it can also highlight boundary issues – especially if this urge is taken advantage of by the object of one’s desire.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough” ~ Oprah Winfrey

At the other end of the spectrum, Jupiter in Pisces brings a strong tendency to overindulge. This impulse come from a fear of not getting/having enough. Alcoholism can sometimes be indicated when this card shows up, especially in the company of The Devil, the 7 of Cups and an ill­dignified or reversed Knight/King of Cups.

Physically, all the Pisces cards in the Tarot deck highlight problems with the feet and the lymphatic system.

Affirmation: “I am happy to be alive and content with what I have.” ​

9 of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the many blessings in my life. Open my heart wide to the blessing of gratitude so that I may attract abundance from a place of deep contentment. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 9 of Cups

Zodiac Sign: Pisces ​ Planet: Jupiter ​ Archangel: Sandalphon (Angel of Pisces) and Sachiel (Ruler of Jupiter) ​ Gemstone: Aqua aura, turquoise and mother of pearl ​ Scent: Strawberries ​

The 9 of Cups in Love and Relationships

A card of great emotional contentment. This card indicates an ability to appreciate the little things in life ­ a trait which instantly leads to increased happiness.

The 9 of Cups is together with The Star one of the two 'wish cards' in the Tarot. You instantly get a feeling that your wish will come true when it shows up in any type of reading, so obviously if it shows up in a reading about love and relationships, it usually indicates that things will go your way... And if they don't exactly go your way, something much better will be just around the corner.

Ill­dignified it usually means an inability to appreciate life in general. Moodiness, crabbiness and intolerance could be indicated. Other people are seen more as a cause of trouble than a source of joy.

In a single person's reading, the 9 of Cups indicates their wish for new love coming true. Check surrounding cards for the Ace, 2 and 3 of Cups as well as The Lovers, the Knight of Cups or any court cards which could signify a new lover.

If the card shows up ill­dignified or reversed in a single person's reading, it usually means a need to learn greater self­love and appreciation for life. A good way would be to start practicing gratitude and to start giving more from the heart with no other intention than the joy of giving. Once this lesson is mastered, you will have become a virtual magnet for love.

Sexually, this card indicates a deep emotional merging. Your higher hearts are open and unconditional love flows unhindered (upright and well­dignified).

If ill­dignified, sex will be more about getting than being in the flow of giving and receiving. There will be an unspoken expectation of not getting one's needs met.

Nine of Swords

“The largest part of what we call ‘personality’ is determined by how we’ve opted to defend ourselves against anxiety and sadness”.” ― Alain de Botton

The terrors we face in our mind are not real but the pain and suffering they cause are. Also, those thoughts – if entertained over extended periods of time – begin to form our personality and our reality. To calm the mind and to master worrying thoughts is the key to health and happiness.

The 9 of Swords focuses the passionate life force energy (Mars) in the realm of the intellect, where (when not reigned in) it will wreak havoc. This is clearly illustrated ​ ​ both above and in the traditional 9 of Swords imagery of the Rider Waite Tarot, where a woman is kept awake by her fears and anxiety.

It is interesting that this card of terror of the mind shows up as our daily inspiration card on 9/11 – a day of terror in history.

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh

Affirmation: “I breath out worry and breathe in peace.” ​

9 of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), help me live in the breath, moment by moment. Relieve me of the burden of fear and anxiety. Disperse the clouds and let the sun shine in once more. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 9 of Swords

Planet: Mars ​ Zodiac Sign: Gemini ​ Archangel: Camael (Mars) and Zadkiel (angel of Gemini) ​ Gemstone: Rose quartz, citrine and smokey quartz ​ Scent: Rose, lemon and sandalwood ​

The 9 of Swords in Love and Relationships

A card of worry, anxiety and despair. This is what I like to call ‘the card of the looping mind.’ The mind starts to loop when we are unwilling or unable to face our own shadow and instead choose to blame others and outer circumstance for our problems.

That’s not to say that outer circumstances never play a role in our lives – of course they do. However, the 9 of Swords type person often fails to take action because of indecision and self­doubt. Nothing is done about the situation as they feel completely disempowered to move on.

This card is a bad sign for the relationship. One or both of you could be so terribly afflicted by negative thoughts, doubts and mistrust that building anything sound or solid is virtually impossible. The negativity has to be transformed before positive growth is possible.

Whether the 9 of Swords is well­ or ill­dignified, negativity is the main problem, but if ill­dignified, danger could also be implied. There could be a real need to remove oneself from an abusive situation that could otherwise end very badly indeed. Any physical intimacy that takes place under the sign of this card is likely to be categorised as ‘use and abuse.’ There is no meeting of hearts and one yields to the other out of obligation and fear… Sometimes out of fear of losing the other person and sometimes out of fear of being abused.

However, as this is mostly a card of negative thought energy, physical intimacy has to be implied by surrounding cards for this element to be present at all. As the anxiety factor is high with this card, some sort of need for professional counselling is often indicated.

Nine of Pentacles

“Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.” ~ Coco Chanel Poverty consciousness tells us that money and luxuries are evil. They are not; they are neutral. In an infinitely abundant Universe, the 9 of Pentacles wants to teach us to really appreciate life’s beauty and all the luxuries that come with it. Allow yourself to feel truly abundant and prosperous. Give thanks and celebrate all the material goodness in your life!

You don’t have to be rich to do so, you simply need to be able to behold the world with eyes of love and gratitude. It is also about choosing quality over quantity. The 9 of Pentacles and the Queen of Pentacles are the two ‘style cards’ in the Tarot. When they show up, you have permission to ponder the impression the way you dress and carry yourself is making in the world. It is not about aligning yourself with the current fashion trends but rather to refine the expression of your unique personality through style choices.

Affirmation: “I am grateful for my ability bring more beauty and luxury into the ​ world.”

9 of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the infinite abundance that flows from you. Help me express divine prosperity with gratitude and abundance today. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 9 of Pentacles

Zodiac Sign: Virgo ​ Planet: Venus ​ Archangel: Metatron (Angel of Virgo) and Anael (Ruler of Venus) ​ Gemstone: Sapphire ​ Scent: Cherry ​

9 of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

TENS

The 10's are all related to the epic Wheel of Fortune. Hence endings and new beginnings are indicated. The battle between permanence and impermanence is in full swing and change always wins. There are opportunities both for shutting down and for expansion.

Ten of Wands

“It is easy to tell the toiler How best he can carry his pack But no one can rate a burden’s weight Until it has been on his back” ~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

When was the last time you asked for help or said a prayer?

The 10 of Wands typically shows up when we feel that we are at the end of our ​ ​ tether. Responsibilities have (sometimes imperceptibly) been piled on top of responsibilities until we reach breaking point. Sometimes this card shows up toward the end of a creative project which may have felt enjoyable to start with but now feels only like a chore and all the inspiration has gone out it.

The lesson then that comes with this card is often about learning to ask for help. ​ ​ Being a proud control freak who hates to feel like she is imposing herself on anyone, I know how hard this can be. The trick is to learn to not think of asking for help as impositioning the other person but as offering them the gift of the opportunity to be of ​ ​ service.

It is equally blessed to receive as to give – perhaps not for our personal pride (which really needs no extra encouragement), but for the highest good of All.

“God gave us crying so other folks could see when we needed help, and help us.” ~ Joshilyn Jackson

Affirmation: “I do my best and am not afraid to ask for help.” ​

10 of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you that all those who are weary can lay down their burdens at your feet. Remind us often that we are not alone. So mote it be!

Correspondences for 10 of Wands

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius ​ Planet: Saturn ​ Archangel: Cassiel (Ruler of Saturn) and Raguel (angel of Sagittarius) ​ Gemstone: Black obsidian, azurite ​ Scent: Bergamot, sandalwood, geranium ​

The 10 of Wands in Love and Relationships

You or your partner are feeling burdened or even oppressed. For too long now have you been pushing your own needs to one side to accommodate the needs of your partner or other family members, without receiving enough support in return.

Your life force has no way to go and avoiding a confrontation is becoming impossible. It can, of course, be avoided through communication but with the 10 of Wands, the situation most likely arose because the two of you didn't manage a way of communicating your needs to begin with.

So buckle down and prepare to clear the air with some relationship drama. Just remember: better out than in. Perhaps you'll come out the other side... or maybe you'll come to realise that it's over. Know that you did all you could and don't feel bad about getting angry. It happens to the best of us.

If you survive as a couple on the other side of a 10 of Wands combustion, you really do need to find a way of communicating and making sure that things are fair and everyone's needs considered and met ­ otherwise you'll just start the build­up for the next blow­out... no matter how good the make­up sex was!

In a reading for a single person, this could mean that you've worn yourself out having a bit too much 'fun.' Physical exhaustion could be a sign that you need to slow down on the partying. Look for the 7 or 3 of Cups nearby.

It could also be an indication that you are burdening yourself with unrealistic expectations of a prince charming ideal that doesn't exist. The dreamy Page/Princess of Cups together with the 10 of Wands is an example of this.

Either way it's always good to remember to let go and leg God when this card shows up. You've been pushing just a bit too hard.

Sexually, this card warns you to be very aware of and state your own likes and needs or your energy will get seriously depleted.

A reversal of this card usually means that you are coming out the other side after a tough time. You can let go of your burdens and relax. The next Ace of Wands is waiting just around the corner...

Ten of Cups

“In the end we shall have had enough of cynicism, skepticism and humbug, and we shall want to live more musically.” ~ Vincent van Gogh

The 10 of Cups speaks of joy, fulfilment and contentment that comes from harmonious relationships, whether it be in a family setting or in the community. This is the pinnacle experience of the opening of the heart we had with the Ace of Cups, because here that unconditional love has been made manifest on the earth plane.

Utopian society looks a bit like the 10 of Cups. Nothing is done out of any other motivation than love, always bearing in mind the highest good of all. Peace prevails and even in times of grief and sorrow, we feel fully supported through our loving connections with kith and kin. Harmonious creativity brings beauty and good cheer to all.

May all our days be 10 of Cups days!

Affirmation: “I relate from the heart today.” ​

10 of Cups Prayer Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for a softening of the heart and a true appreciation for all the loving connections I have made. Make me an instrument of peace and harmony today. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 10 of cups

Zodiac Sign: Pisces ​ Planet: Mars ​ Archangel: Sandalphon (Angel of Pisces) and Camael (Ruler of Mars) ​ Gemstone: Turquoise ​ Scent: Pine ​

10 of Cups in Love and Relationships

To a couple the 10 of Cups signifies relationship bliss and family happiness. You look to the future together and start a family. You welcome new children into your life. Everything is pretty hunky dory which makes it a bit boring to talk about. But we need at least one card like this in the deck, don't we?

Not everything in life is a terrible struggle. Basically the 10 of Cups is a 'Welcome to the good life ­ now f*cking appreciate it!' type card. In a way, I almost feel as if our generation has become too cynical to take this card at face value and to believe in this sort of relationship bliss... so maybe the challenge is to believe. Yay, a ​ ​ challenge! I mean, where's the fun if there's no challenge?

In a reading for a single person, this card signifies that they are ready to meet the right one and to settle down. If it is a reading about a new potential mate, this card is obviously a very good sign ­ depending a bit on where in the spread it lands and what cards surround it.

Upright and with other cards signifying the start of a great romance, this card could very well be the one to tell you that you finally hit the relationship jackpot... so wipe that cynical look off your face right now!

Sexually, this is a card of great intimacy and whispering sweet nothings to each other in bed. You fall asleep in the arms of your beloved, safe in the knowledge that you will wake up to face the challenges of a new day together, always together. One tiny red flag... If feeling safe is not your foremost goal in a relationship, boredom might start creeping in when you reach this stage.

A reversal indicates a meandering heart and a lack of appreciation for what you have. Beware ­ you might lose it!

Ten of Swords

“The only victories which leave no regret are those which are gained over ignorance.” ~ Napoléon Bonaparte

This path you were on ends here and if it looks a bit like rock bottom you are not far off the truth. You let your ego­mind get the better of you and your mind is all tied into knots. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way! For every problem there is a solution and often the solution is to simply turn your back on your past. Why spend your precious life force energy on that which has been and is no more? If your problem lies in the future, it does not exist either. You have now which means you ​ ​ have all the limitless potential of eternity.

Take ten deep, calm breaths and feel those mind swords detach from your aura. Ask Archangel Camael to grant you courage if your past actions have left you in a sticky situation. It’s what you do now that matters! Trust divine guidance each step of ​ ​ the way and keep putting one foot in front of the other. The only way is up! Ask Archangel Uriel for clarity of thought and Archangel Michael to keep you safe from negativity (your own and that of others).

Affirmation: “I release myself from the past and future. I relax deeply right now, safe ​ in the arms of the angels.”

10 of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), grant me wisdom and courage to overcome my own fear and ignorance today. I know that worries and regret lead nowhere, so help me lift my eyes and start afresh. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 10 of Swords

Zodiac Sign: Gemini (third decan) ​ Planet: Sun ​ Archangel: Michael (ruler of the Sun) ​ Gemstone: Citrine ​ Scent: Frankincense ​

The 10 of Swords in Love and Relationships

Ouch! You don't want to see this card in any type of reading. Just looking at it hurts. This is a card of unavoidable but necessary suffering.

It's always darkest before dawn. Things are really at an all time low now and there is no denying it…

Paranoia about your other half could be indicated but your suspicions may be founded in reality too. You are finding out things you really hoped would never happen or your darkest expectations are coming true.

The good news with this card is that there is no way but up. If it doesn't mean the end of a relationship (which it often does), it does mean the end of something that had to die ­ hopefully a dysfunctional communication model. If you come out on the other side you have a very real chance of making a go of it. This energy is different to the 10 of Wands because it indicates that you have really analysed the problem at hand... Unfortunately, your analysis has rendered you powerless to effect change.

In a single person's reading, the 10 of Swords could indicate despair about ever finding the one. You could be looking to compensate for a lack of self­love through your relationships (coming across as needy) or you could simply be really unlucky in love. Either way, things are actually about to change for the better and the sooner you can let go of your need to be loved, the sooner love will come to you.

Sexually, this card indicates pain as a path to pleasure. Be careful when playing with sharp objects or melted candle wax. Also beware of divorcing your heart from involvement from sensual pleasures ­ you could be on a path to perdition that extinguishes your flame before the first rays of the sun make it over the horizon.

*Love yourself, love yourself, love yourself.*

A reversal indicates that you can now see those first rays and perhaps even feel them warming your skin. Breathe deep. It's finally over. Your relationship is safe. You survived the divorce. Your faith in the opposite sex and love itself has been restored.

Ten of Pentacles

“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies . . . Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die . . . It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away.” ― Ray Bradbury

In the 10 of Pentacles we are made to consider the bigger picture and how one generation follows after the previous generation, as well as how we bring the legacy of our own bloodline forward. You are not dumped here on the planet in complete isolation. The greater context of your family and ancestors is what frames your life and provides information that you subconsciously use to decide what is meaningful in life.

You have a soul contract with your bloodline and if you awaken in this lifetime, that soul contract includes healing of that bloodline, both for future and past generations – Yes, you can heal the past with the power of love and spiritual awareness!

Less important is the physical legacy you leave behind but to leave something made with your own hands can have a powerfully comforting influence on future generations and those who love you. Part of your energy will remain with that object forever. (Oh, and I say ‘love’ rather than ‘loved’ because your spirit is eternal and love never dies.)

“We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” ― David Brower

The quote above reminds us that a legacy is not only what we leave behind but also what we don’t leave behind… the rubbish and toxicity our greed has generated… the ​ ​ dependency on machines and the compartmentalisation of our lives that lead to isolation. Some things need to change and inevitably will once we all awaken to the ​ ​ fact that we are One.

Affirmation: “I gratefully acknowledge my bloodline and bless it seven generations ​ in either direction.”

10 of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), Thank you for my family. Bless my effort to create stability and leave a legacy for future generations. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the 10 of Pentacles

Planet: Mercury ​ Zodiac Sign: Virgo ​ Archangel: Raphael (ruler of the Mercury) and Metatron (angel of Virgo) ​ Gemstone: Herkimer diamond, peridot and malachite ​ Scent: Basil, frankincense and geranium ​

The 10 of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

Form is given to the emotional energy of the 10 of Cups which is a prerequisite for the 10 of Pentacles energy to take hold. It’s only when we feel emotionally safe and contained that we can look to the wellbeing of future generations.

You are looking at someone you will help look after your grandchildren with if you are reading for a new love and this card shows up with the other love cards. However, if ill­dignified or reversed, there could be undue focus on material wealth.

Worry about finances and not having enough could be eating away at the relationship. One or both of you could view financial stability as paramount to relationship stability when really it is the other way around.

A single person could show up as a gold digger if this card is accompanied by the 7 of Swords.

Sexually this is a card of great contentment and the ability to enjoy the full spectrum of sensual pleasures together but it can also be a card of technique over emotion and being overly concerned with both the physical form and the performance. OCD about hygiene could be an issue.

The 10 of Pentacles may seem permanent but remember that nothing lasts forever. This may be a comforting thought when you are going through the oppressive 10 of Wands or the extremely painful 10 of Swords.

It is always best to be situated at the hub of the great Wheel because one thing is for certain – the Wheel keeps on turning and the more serene we can be about it, the better.

THE COURT CARDS

The Page of Wands

Saints have no moderation, nor do poets, just exuberance. ~ Anne Sexton

The Page of Wands needs no other reason for living than FUN! She brings a sense of pure exuberance and a catlike ability to enjoy the sunny side of life wherever she goes and no matter where the sun may be hiding.

She can be reckless but she means no harm. Her childlike ability to amuse and be amused is contagious.

She is the New Soul who is excited about life on Earth, or the Old Soul that has re­membered to appreciate the gift of physicality. In fact, all Old Souls could do with taking a leaf out of the book of this Page: It is almost ridiculous how much fun we can have on this planet if we don’t take ourselves too seriously!

Just because we’re here on a mission doesn’t mean we can’t have a jolly good time. Whatever we are here to do can only be better with fun and laughter! The Page of Wands has a challenge for those of us who tend to take everything oh! so seriously...

Place yourself in front of a mirror and ponder your most serious and pressing problem. Repeat to yourself out loud: “This is very serious.” See how long you can ​ ​ do this before you start cracking up. You will quickly realise that nothing is worth ​ ​ getting your panties in a twist over… so smooth that furrowed brow and work on your laughter lines instead!

There is deep magick in honouring your desires and your own quest for happiness in this lifetime. This page has the direct line to putting enough mojo into any magickal working because she totally owns and acts on her desires without hesitation. This is Kundalini erupting without worry about the consequences and yes, it sometimes ends in disaster… but isn’t that how we learn? You can have anything you want if you want it desperately enough. You must want it with an inner exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that created the world. ~ Sheilah Graham

Affirmation: “I cherish my physical form and use it to rejoice in the gift of life.” ​

Page of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for flesh and bone and the joy of the body in this incarnation. Help me rejoice in the pleasure of creating and re­creating myself. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Page of Wands

Element: Earth of Fire ​ Archangel: Uriel (ruler of the Element of Earth) and Michael (ruler of the Element of ​ Fire) Gemstone: Golden Beryl, Leopardskin Jasper and Red Tiger’s Eye ​ Scent: Cinnamon and myrrh ​

The Knight of Wands

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ~ Terry Pratchett

Idealistic, passionate, impetuous and adventurous are words that sum up our fiery Knight of Wands. As an action advice card, he shows up at times when we need to act quickly and based on what we are truly passionate about. He can also signal travel. The opportunity that could arise with this Knight in the mix is to have brand new adventure. He simply doesn't do boring!

Affirmation: “I eagerly anticipate my next big adventure.” ​

Knight of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for another day to seize and for adventures that bring colour and passion to my life. Help me to respond swiftly when opportunity knocks. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Knight of Wands

Element: Air of Fire ​ Zodiac Sign: First two decans of Leo, last decan of Cancer ​ Archangel: Michael (Ruler of Sun/Leo) and Gabriel (Ruler of Moon/Cancer) ​ Gemstone: Red jasper to help stay grounded while quickly and passionately moving ​ forward Scent: Rose ​

The Knight of Wands in Love and Relationships

If the Knight of Wands signifies the one you carry your torch for, you might want to know a bit more about the pros and cons of dating this guy. He might be a Leo or an Aries or just generally very charismatic and 'fiery.' He's flirty but he can't help it... right? If he's mostly a good guy, keep reading. If he's a bit of an asshole... What are you doing hooking up with him?!

Pros: He's fun loving and knows how to show his date a good time. He's not afraid ​ of attracting attention and usually doesn't mind public displays of affection. He can be very generous. Young or not he's usually sexually experienced which means you'll have a good time doing the horizontal samba.

Cons: He can also be very selfish. This is not all bad. The Knight of Wands type ​ person can teach us girlies a thing or two about looking out for number one ­ he's so very good at it! His sexual prowess means you really should take every precaution to make sure you don't catch anything.

Type of date he prefers: Action please! Bungy jumping, ski diving, downhill skiing, ​ paintballing, skinny dipping... You get the picture.

Time from your first date until you introduce him to your parents: Tricky with ​ this one as it may never happen. Commitment isn't his forte.

Wedding style: Las Vegas, baby! Be prepared for the annulment two days later ​ when he sobers up.

Type of dad he would make: Absentee, most likely... but if he's around he'll teach ​ your kid some killer moves on the Xbox. Hide the games with inappropriate age ratings if he's around younger kids. Discernment isn't his forte either. The kids will love him though. Basically, he's a big kid himself.

His best match: The Queen of Wands as a) she won't put up with his nonsense and ​ ​ ​ b) she's not likely to get too heavily attached emotionally. ​

His worst match: The Queen of Pentacles because she would a) expect him to ​ ​ ​ behave responsibly and b) be a good provider. ​ ​

The Queen of Wands

“Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.” ~ Marilyn Monroe

The Queen of Wands (Water of Fire) is the most magnetic of all the courtiers. She combines feminine charm with intense sex appeal in a steamy and irresistible mix. She is inevitably found in the spotlight, never doubting for a second that this is her rightful place.

When she chooses a spiritual path, she rises quickly to higher levels of consciousness, thanks to having a natural aptitude for soul alchemy and blending/harmonising male and female energy within. Being divinely powerful comes naturally to her.

She is aware that she has all it takes to succeed in any area she puts her mind to. She does not rely on others but others are quick to help because they are pulled in by a certain ‘je ne sais quoi.’ She takes what she wants and sometimes what she wants is the husband of another woman. Oops!

She likes the glitz and the bling the world has to offer (think ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’). If ill dignified, she can allow herself to be used as a poster girl for the worst kind of materialism. Her Shadow can pretty much be defined as the soap opera drama queen.

Her divine gift is that she teaches women to be OK with who they are – glorious, powerful and sexy goddesses!

Basically, she doesn’t give a shit what you think about her and therein lies her true power.

“I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.” ― Marilyn Monroe

Affirmation: “I am charismatic and radiate sexual magnetism. I own my power and ​ do not conform to society’s expectations of women.”

Queen of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the goddess in me. Help me celebrate my feminine power and magnetism, and take my rightful place in the world. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Queen of Wands

Zodiac Sign: Aries (first two decans) and Pisces (final decan) ​ Element: Water of Fire ​ Archangel: Michael (Ruler of the Element of Fire) and Ariel (angel of Aries) ​ Gemstone: Sunstone, ruby and fire agate ​ Scent: Black pepper, dragon’s blood and frankincense ​

The Queen of Wands in Love and Relationships

Although the Queen of Wands can be a total sex kitten, it’s more apt to think of her as a lioness most of the time. This Fire sign lady is not a good match for the faint of heart.

A natural­born leader, she is more likely to do the opposite of what she is told. You’re meant to follow her, get it? She doesn’t consciously try to overpower others but her ​ ​ natural charm and charisma makes her exude power from every pore.

However if you have come across the Shadow variety, you may have a female narcissist on your and and will probably find B*tch Please (reversed Queens) a more ​ ​ useful read.

Pros: She has the ability to make you forget about your mundane troubles and want ​ to start reaching for the dreams and possibilities instead. She is warm and charming.

Her libido is very healthy as she has well­integrated masculine energy. She likes to manage stuff and can often be found running her own business.

Celebrations are on the menu pretty much weekly. This Queen is all about celebrating life in general and success in particular.

When you walk into a room with this Queen on your arm, you can count on heads turning. She loves a grand entrance with lots and lots of (jealous) attention.

Cons: Details are not her cup of tea. She’ll have the vision and the great ideas but ​ she’ll often try to palm off the actual work on somebody else.

She does have a bit of a short fuse as well as a penchant for drama. She literally is the ‘drama queen’ of the pack.

She has a natural and usually benevolent self­centred nature which makes her very good… sometimes too good at looking out for number one. ​ ​

She can be very blunt about your shortcomings if you get on her wrong side. In this area, the Queen of Swords still has one up on her though.

If she’s got it, she will flaunt it and attracting male attention is her life blood so it helps if you’re not the jealous type.

Type of date she prefers: Anywhere glamorous and fabulous, darling. If you can ​ impress her by name dropping, by all means go for it. Please don’t take her somewhere where she can’t wear heels!

She may not be fastidious or particularly house proud herself but she likes things to sparkle.

‘Diamonds are a girls best friend’ as performed by Marilyn Monroe is very Queen of Wands.

How to seduce the Queen of Wands: Does it sparkle? Bring it. Wine and dine her. ​ Don’t be afraid to spread it on thick. She knows she’s worth it. ​ ​

Her best match: The King of Swords, because a) he has a brilliant (sparkly) mind ​ ​ ​ and is often well­connected with higher­ups, and b) he’s the least likely to blow up in ​ ​ a jealous temper tantrum.

Her worst match: The Knight of Pentacles as a) he’s very possessive and b)simply ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ not ‘sparkly’ or quick enough.

The King of Wands

A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.” ~ Ralph Lauren

The Kings are the Masters of their respective Element and the King of Wands, being the Master of the Element of Fire, is the Master of anything his heart desires. His driving force is the desire to express his own unique personality fully and to shine brightly in the world.

His weak point is a lack of attention to detail but that is usually not a problem since he is charismatic enough to gather people around him who are inspired by his vision and more than happy to help with the more menial tasks.

Another possible weakness is arrogance and lack of understanding for those who, unlike him (or her as the card can signify either gender) is not as inclined to pursue success. It is quite amazing to watch how quick people are to forgive him is pride though. They often wish to be near him so that some of his boundless optimism will rub off on them.

This quote could have been penned by the King of Wands himself:

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, but of choice. Not something to wish for, but to attain.” ~ William Jennings Bryan

Affirmation: “I understand that I am as powerful as I think I am and banish any ​ limitations to my power now.”

King of Wands Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for granting me the possibility of mastering anything my heart desires. I pray for the right blend of confidence and humility as I set out to manifest my goals. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the King of Wands

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius (first two decans) and Scorpio (final decan) ​ Element: Fire of Fire ​ Archangel: Michael (Angel of Fire) and Sachiel (Ruler of Jupiter/Sagittarius) ​ Gemstone: Amber and Chrysocolla ​ Scent: Sage ​

The King of Wands in Love and Relationships

A natural­born leader, this guy is the Master of the Fire Element . If it is one thing he's not short on it's confidence. But where will his confidence take him? Will he be on stage doing stand­up comedy or is he busy organising the next coup d'état? And what about intimacy? How important you are to him may ultimately be determined by how willing you are to share his vision.

Is the man you love a King of Wands but abusing the Fire? Check out 8 Types of ​ W*ankers where you'll find a description of the reversed King of Wands. ​

Pros: If you're looking for a man to inspire you, this is your guy! He could sell snow ​ to Eskimos. His optimism is extremely contagious. He's a straight shooter. No second­guessing needed. He's adventurous and loves to surprise the one he loves. He's passionate and spontaneous and can make things really sparkle in the bedroom. He's usually quite lucky.

Cons: He can be a bit of a clown and sometimes suffers from foot­in­mouth disease. ​ His spontaneity can go overboard and put himself (his health) and his family at risk (finances).

He doesn't like to feel tied down and is one of the Courtiers most prone to commitment phobia. He can be quite authoritarian and tends to see the world in black and white.

Type of date he prefers: Anything spontaneous and active... surprise him! ​

Time from your first date until you introduce him to your parents: Ohhhh... not ​ so sure he wants to meet them at all. If he loves you, he'll do it for you but only when ​ ​ he's good and ready. Then again, if you tempt him with borrowing your dad's yacht for a spontaneous weekend of fun and frolics in the sun… Wedding style: In a far­flung place surrounded by strangers suits him just fine and ​ appeals to his sense of adventure.

Type of dad he would make: The goofy side of his personality (it's quite prominent ​ even when he tries to hide it!) will love playing with the kids. He'll also be interested in making sure they grow up with the right values and will encourage them to travel at an early age. He'll want them to grow up to be independent and confident in their abilities.

His best match: The Queen of Swords as a) she appreciates his philosophical side ​ ​ ​ and b) she doesn't mind getting married far away from her family and friends. ​ ​

His worst match: The Queen of Pentacles who a) usually needs to stay where she ​ ​ ​ has put her roots down and b) values a man who knows how to repair the tractor ​ ​ over a man who travels the world and writes self­help books.

The Page of Cups

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” ~ Albert Einstein

It is the power of emotions that fuels the thoughts of the Page of Cups. Beautiful scenery, a horror story or a classical masterpiece can take the mind of this imaginative youngster on a rollercoaster ride because her mind is impressionable and responds quickly to feelings evoked by what goes on in the world around her.

Her dreams are usually vivid and out of all the Pages, this is the one who has an imaginary friend that hangs around even after she has started school.

She falls in love very easily from a young age, because she is so connected to the Source of love through her imagination… but she needs the discipline of the mind/Air, the judgement of Fire and the grounding influence of Earth in order to begin making wise choices. Relationships are often the downfall of this person who is not always someone young in years but always someone young at heart.

At times she will seem aloof, with a far­away look on her face. The harsh reality presented through the ‘news’ can be too much for this sensitive soul. In school, she does best under the guiding hand of a teacher who understand the importance of imagination and who encourages creative self­expression.

One day she will make a great parent because she is forever connected to her own inner child through the power of imagination.

“Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create.” ~ Maria Montessori

Affirmation: “I am the master of my imagination, whether awake or dreaming, and I ​ use it for the highest good of All.”

Page of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the gift of imagination. Help me be a disciplined student of its power to co­create my reality. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Page of Cups

Element: Earth of Water ​ Archangel: Uriel (Guardian of the Earth Element) and Gabriel (Guardian of the ​ Water Element) Gemstone: Mother of Pearl ​ Scent: Hyacinth ​

The Knight of Cups

The raging fire which urged us on was scorching us; it would have burned us had we tried to restrain it. ~ Giacomo Casanova

The Knight of Cups is the lyrical and passionate lover archetype. He is the ​ ​ tormented soul who stays up all night, drinking wine and composing a poem for his beloved. The only problem is that he may not love the object of his desires as much as he loves being in love. Or the wine.

Nevertheless, his deep passion often propels him to create exquisite art and for this we thank him. It takes the maturity, empathy and compassion of the King of Cups to create stickability in love and the Knight may often find that he forms a lasting bond only with his own passion and addictions.

The steady influence of Earth can help ground him enough to remember to pay his bills and raising his Fire, gradually taking on more leadership responsibility, helps him ascend to the status of the King of Cups.

This is the Knight who loves to lose himself in a mist of passionate love­making as per the poem below:

Speechless, we made love In mist and clouds. ~ Lan Ling

This is truly a gift and anyone who has had the pleasure of this Knight’s company for even just one embrace is likely to thirst for more of the same. Musically speaking, this is the ballad that brings tears of desire and yearning to your eyes.

The Knight of Cups has the gift to make us feel truly alive… truly on fire with passion. This in turn, takes us through to the deeper layers of the psyche and hidden emotions may surface for healing. He (or she) makes an excellent art therapist if he does his work in awareness rather in a wine­induced haze.

Affirmation: “I allow myself to feel deeply and joyfully channel those feelings into ​ creative pursuits.”

Knight of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for creative inspiration and for the lessons brought by passionate relationships. Help me be mindful of how my desires impact the hearts of others. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Knight of Cups

Zodiac Sign: First two decans of Scorpio and third decan of Libra ​ Element: Air of Water ​ Archangel: Raphael, ruler of the Air Element and Gabriel, ruler of the Water ​ Element Gemstone: Green jade ​ Scent: Nutmeg and rosewood ​

The Knight of Cups in Love and Relationships

Looking to date an über­romantic guy? Need your man to compose his own love poems for you? The Knight of Cups is the guy for you!

This is the man who as a young boy used to include a handwritten poem in the Mother’s Day card. He is the one who used to get scolded for daydreaming by his teachers, but who stunned the very same teachers with his imaginative art, writing or musical composition.

Often quite shy with the opposite sex, he’s a later bloomer when it comes to dating and getting to any sort of ‘base.’ However, once he gets a handle on lurve, he’s firmly stuck on romance. He’ll never be single for any longer period of time after that. And if he does have singledom enforced on him, he’s constantly yearning for and jonesing after the ever­elusive ‘One.’

Because of his obsession with escaping reality, he may sometimes turn to drugs for relief from the scourge of day­to­day living. If you’re dealing with the addicted Knight of Cups, you may want to look at 8 Types of W*ankers instead. ​ ​

Pros: He loves romance and won’t spare any trick in the book to woo you. ​ He is creative and may well inspire you to become more creative too. He is passionate and this extends to the bedroom. Very, very steamy sessions ahead with this guy!

He is usually faithful.

Cons: Can be emotionally obsessed with the object of his desire. ​ Jealousy can be a very real problem with this guy.

His escapist tendencies and artistic temperament can make it difficult for him to hold down a job.

If he’s not up, he’s down and if he’s not down, he’s up. There’s very little middle ground and this is something you could potentially find emotionally draining.

Type of date he prefers: A moonlit beach. He’s brought his guitar, of course. ​

Time from your first date until you introduce him to your parents:About a week ​ if you’re ‘The One.’ He’s probably already moved in by then too. And yes, he’ll be the one moving in with you – straight from his mum’s (no matter what age he is).

Wedding style: Careful. This one could turn into a bit of a groomzilla. He’ll want full ​ control of all the artistic elements of the wedding!

Type of dad he would make: A natural bard and storyteller, your children will find ​ him absolutely fascinating. Nobody but nobody tells a better bedtime story! Just don’t count on him to remember everything on the list when he goes shopping. He probably left the list itself on the dresser rummaging around for his car keys. It’s a bummer if he forgets to buy nappies but the kids will survive.

His best match: The Queen of Pentacles as a) she keeps him grounded and b) ​ ​ ​ ​ already bought an extra pack of nappies on a buy­one­get­one­free offer the week before. His worst match: The Queen of Swords because she a) would think that ​ ​ ​ ​ he’s a waste of space and b) would spare no effort in letting him know how she feels. ​ ​

The Queen of Cups

“Our bodies have five senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing. But not to be overlooked are the senses of our souls: intuition, peace, foresight, trust, empathy. The differences between people lie in their use of these senses; most people don’t know anything about the inner senses while a few people rely on them just as they rely on their physical senses, and in fact probably even more.” ― C. JoyBell C.

When a Queen shows up in a Tarot reading, she often brings a message of nurturing and with the Queen of Cups, what ought to be nurtured is our inner senses. We do this naturally as children… we hum to ourselves, daydreaming and doodling… we skip along the forest path looking for fairies, not yet realising that these activities are considered useless in the eyes of the world…

The Queen of Cups offers you a cup of inspiration. What does it taste like? What will you explore and nurture within? What creative pursuits will blossom from this?

Queen of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), I ask for the grace to stay inspired to value my inner senses equally alongside my five senses today. Help me to not limit myself. Re­open the eyes of my heart and clear the lens of my third eye. Help me to pay attention to and honour the whispers of the soul. Guide me to the people and pursuits that will help bring my inner and outer world into balance. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Queen of Cups

Element: Water of Water ​ Zodiac Sign: First two decans of Cancer and third decan of Gemini ​ Archangel: Gabriel (ruler of Moon/Cancer) and Raphael (ruler of Mercury/Gemini) ​ Gemstone: Pearl, selenite, moonstone ​ Scent: Jasmine ​

The Queen of Cups in Love and Relationships

I’m very sensitive in real life. I will start to cry if someone is crying, even if it’s not appropriate. I have that thing in me, a weakness or sensitivity. ~ Jessica Chastain

Highly sensitive, receptive, gentle, imaginative and intuitive, this fragile flower of a women epitomises femininity to many men. Because of her extreme receptivity, it becomes easy for others to project onto her their ideals as well as their dislikes.

Pros: She lets you speak your mind and you feel truly listened to. ​

She is easy­going and will go along with pretty much whatever you fancy. She cares when you stub your toe. The Queen of Wands might laugh at you but the ​ ​ Queen of Cups will be there to rub some Arnica cream on it and kiss it better. (Or she will if it doesn’t happen in the middle of her favourite soap opera, in which case she’ll be too absorbed to even notice.)

You’ll always feel like you’re the man in the house.

Her hunches are often spot on, so if you learn to trust them they can help you with anything from advancing your career to seeing the doctor before the cancer spreads.

Cons: To get her way without having to speak her mind, she learns to manipulate ​ others emotionally at a young age.

Tears are her weapon of choice.

It can be tricky to get to know her because of her somewhat nebulous nature.

She prefers daydreams and flights of fancy to housework and easily forgets where she puts things. It helps if you have had police search training if you plan on building a home with the Queen of Cups!

Type of date she prefers: Honestly, as long as you’re happy she’ll be happy. Just ​ don’t take her to see a horror film if you care about her sleep at all.

How to seduce the Queen of Cups: If you truly desire to win this Queen’s heart, ​ then make her feel like the princess she knows she was born to be.

Write her a heartfelt poem or compose a song in her honour and she will feel that you see her soul. It’s extremely important to her to feel deeply connected.

It’s all about the soul connection.

Her best match: The King of Pentacles, because he keeps her grounded. However, ​ ​ ​ the Knight of Cups is the one who will win her heart. She may end up marrying the former and lusting after the latter. Her worst match: The Knight of Wands a) he wants her body and not her soul and ​ ​ ​ b) thinks she’s faking it (even when she isn’t). ​

The Reversed/Ill Dignified Queen of Cups. Look up the word manipulative in the ​ dictionary and you might find a picture of this Queen under it. She loves to use guilt­inducing tears to get a reaction.

She can be a psychic vampire and usually suffers from addiction to both love and substances. Although she does drama quite well, fame is not as important to the Queen of Cups as it is to the Queen of Wands – she’s happy to have her claws in just one person.

You just as often find her in the role of victim as vampire, as she relishes any role which requires fully functioning tear ducts.

The King of Cups

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” ~ John Holmes

The King of Cups has mastered his emotions to the point where he is able to ​ ​ actively able to engage with people who are suffering and ease their burden. He has a deep understanding of the fact that we all belong to each other and none of life’s more painful lessons are wasted if they can be turned into learning about how to help others.

He is gifted with empathy, intuition and imagination and able to express his emotions through the Arts. He is the most nurturing of all the Tarot Kings. As always, this card could point to any gender (this King is more than happy to move beyond the binary ​ ​ gender paradigm!).

In general, when it comes to the Kings and Queens, we are talking about people who are middle­aged or older but people do not always mature in a linear fashion, so a younger person could also express these qualities. When they do, it is often indicative of having overcome quite severe childhood abuse or trauma.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” ~ Elisabeth Kübler­Ross

A tendency toward addiction could become the downfall of a King of Cups personality type, especially if they do not honour their own sensitivity but seeks to numb or alter it with drugs and alcohol.

Affirmation: “I open my heart to understanding the suffering of others.” ​

King of Cups Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for all the lessons that lead to mastery of emotions and ever greater levels of compassion for Self and others. Help me to actively express this compassion today. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the King of Cups

Zodiac Sign: Pisces (first two decans) and Aquarius(final decan) ​ ​ ​ Element: Fire of Water ​ Archangel: Michael (Angel of Fire) and Sandalphon (Angel of Pisces) ​ Gemstone: Amethyst, citrine and turquoise ​ Scent: Water lily ​

The King of Cups in Love and Relationships Sensitive and caring, this man is often found working as a caretaker in some capacity. He could be a counsellor or a male nurse, a psychiatrist, tarot reader or a massage therapist. One thing is for certain, he is definitely in touch with his feminine ​ ​ side!

Intimacy is everything to this guy. He enjoys discussions about feelings the way an ​ ​ ordinary bloke enjoys a game of football and he’s also heavily drawn to anything mysterious. And before you ask – Yes, he’s a rare find!

Why? Because emotional maturity and genuine care about others come at a cost… especially for a man! How will a boy who is told that he is being a girl when he cries grow up with his feminine side integrated without shame or guilt?

Unfortunately, traits that are perceived as feminine in boys are still ridiculed by society and that is the real reason why there are so few men who feel comfortable owning their emotions.

Pros: He strives for authenticity in all that he does as well as in all his relationships. ​ He truly enjoys non­sexual intimacy.

Looking after you and meeting your needs comes naturally to him.

He is empathic and will care about everyone that matters to you as well as you.

Love­making is almost always a spiritual experience with this man. He’s not afraid to be ‘different.’

Cons: Could put your parents off by virtue of being ‘too unconventional.’ ​ Can be centred on the needs of those in his immediate circle of friends and family to the detriment of the rest of humanity.

Is prone to depression and personality disorders because of his extreme sensitivity. Can struggle with practical matters… like paying bills on time. Possibly passive­aggressive and/or manipulative.

Can find it difficult to say ‘No’ and could fall victim to female psychic vampires.

Type of date he prefers: Cosmic. Any environment which allows for a meeting of ​ souls is fine to him. There will be lots of eye­contact and soul gazing. Star gazing might add to the ambience and don’t be terrified if he declares that you two are soul mates on the first date. It’s not just a line with this guy – being highly intuitive, he may have picked up on a past life connection!

Time from your first date until you introduce him to your parents: He’ll want to ​ meet them as soon as possible if he senses that they are an important part of your life. I told you he was unusual!

Wedding style: Emphasis will be on the vows. Know them by heart so that you can ​ gaze into the eyes of your beloved as he gives himself to you unconditionally. It’s a thing of beauty.

Type of dad he would make: Being highly empathic, he’ll make an excellent dad ​ and step­dad. Don’t be surprised if your kids will feel more comfortable confiding in him than in you!

His best match: The Queen of Cups as a) she already swims in the same ocean of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ unconditional love and boundless imagination, and b) is equally turned on by ​ ​ lingering eye contact and soul gazing. However, for practical reasons he should probably pair up with the Queen of Pentacles. ​ ​

His worst match: The Queen of Swords who a) is likely to ridicule him for being ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ‘overly sensitive’ and b) likes her intellectual conversations to be free from emotional ​ ​ and spiritual ‘fluff.’

The Page of Swords

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

~ Albert Einstein

Continuing to question events, beliefs and the status quo is how we stay young. It can also cause some people who are emotionally attached to their beliefs great grief, so it is important that we consciously seek to ask questions in such a way that we do not cause undue offense.

Pages are young people or students and the Page of Swords is the most inquisitive student of all. This is the child who will not stop asking 'Why...?' and who can easily drive a parent to start answering 'Because!' out of sheer frustration.

If this bright young person is met with open­mindedness and taught that it is OK to ask questions, even about the things that could potentially make older people who are more set in their ways uncomfortable, then they may well grow into our future scientists, literary geniuses and inventors. Conversely, if the gift is not properly encouraged or used inappropriately, they may become the tabloid journalists and gossip mongers of this world.

Affirmation: “I ask all the right questions in a spirit of loving kindness.” ​

Page/Princess of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the gift of curiousity and a quick wit. Inspire me to use this gift in the service of Love. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Page/Princess of Swords

Element: Earth of Air ​ Archangel: Uriel (Guardian of the Earth Element) and Raphael (Guardian of the Air ​ Element)

Gemstone: Clear quartz ​

Scent: Oregano ​

The Knight of Swords

“Cynics are – beneath it all – only idealists with awkwardly high standards.” ~ Alain de Botton

The Prince/Knight of Swords often suffers from ‘rebel without a cause’ syndrome. ​ ​ His quick wit can be his enemy as well as his greatest ally. He does his best work when he manages to channel his inherent idealism constructively. He frequently needs grounding and as he grows older he could quite easily turn to cynicism as a defense.

When he believes in something, he believes with his whole heart, but as soon as what he believes in stops making sense to him, he quickly (and without regret) changes direction, much to the surprise to people who thought they knew him (or her).

This Knight will always be on a quest for truth and knowledge. Without cynicism, this can be quite a beautiful journey to be on, with profound truths uncovered along the way. However, as soon as this Knight makes cynicism his travel companion, he will have nothing to show for his quest but scars – his own and those of people he did battle with.

Affirmation: “I consider the other person’s emotions before I open my mouth.” ​

Knight of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), save me from cynicism and remind me – always – that being kind is more important by far than being right. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Knight of Swords

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius (first two decans) and Capricorn (final decan) ​ Element: Air of Air ​ Archangel: Raphael (Ruler of the Element of Air) and Uriel (Angel of Aquarius) ​ Gemstone: Sugilite, yellow calcite, brown jasper ​ Scent: Rosemary ​

The Knight of Swords in Love and Relationships

Anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either. ~ Albert Einstein

All the Knights are on a quest for something and this one is on a quest for Truth. He has an Aquarian feel to him. If he finds something to be true, he latches on to it for dear life but if a new (and possibly completely opposed) theory makes more sense, I promise you’ll never see anyone make a quicker 180 degree turnaround and cling to this new truth more forcefully.

So what if his friends or family can’t keep up? Let’s face it, they will never matter as much as The Truth to this guy. ​ ​

He may be a an arrogant pain in the arse sometimes (aren’t we all?) but if you know this guy and he is mostly well­meaning then please stay here. If he seems to take pleasure in proving others wrong and/or using his intellect to decimate others then please refer to 8 Types of W*ankers. ​ ​

Pros: If he finds a worthy cause that he believes in, he will be a staunch ally and ​ advocate for that cause. He is not emotionally manipulative and jealousy doesn’t float his boat.

He has a genuine interest in the bigger picture and doesn’t mind putting the footwork in to research things to get to the heart of the matter.

Having a sharp, analytical mind, he’s often found in the IT industry where he earns a good living. The money is never what motivates him though.

He’s not afraid to experiment and try new things in the bedroom.

Cons: The whole dating and romance game often seems silly and like a waste of ​ time to him. He’s also quite quick to pick faults with things… and people. So if you’re ​ ​ sensitive to that sort of thing, you’re probably better off with someone who’s a bit softer.

Even though he often demands complete freedom for himself in the relationship, he can be oddly possessive about his partner.

Sexually, he may be more interested in technique than intimacy.

In his old age, you can find him pondering the evils of Christmas on ‘Grumpy Old Men.’

Type of date he prefers: The cinema (preferably SciFi) or simply a game of chess. ​ Why complicate things?

Time from your first date until you introduce him to your parents:Not until he is ​ convinced being with you makes sense. Since love never does, you may have to wait a while… Or he may introduce you to them after the first date. Expect the ​ ​ unexpected!

Because his heart is not always aligned with or in proportion to his mind, he often surprises himself too when the odd swell of emotions takes over.

Wedding style: If walking down the aisle to the theme of Star Wars is your idea of ​ the most romantic wedding ever, then this guy is your man!

Type of dad he would make: Aloof but usually quite concerned with the academic ​ side of things. He also loves his gadgets, so don’t be surprised if your baby is the first of the toddler playgroup kids who knows how to use a laptop.

His best match: The Queen of Swords as a) she probably bumped into him at ​ ​ ​ Comic­Con in the first place and b) her heart is the least likely to get broken by his ​ ​ sometimes thoughtless fault­picking.

His worst match: The Queen of Cups because she would a) quickly be reduced to ​ ​ ​ tears by his sharp tongue and b) would feel very lonely as she craves ten billion ​ ​ times more emotional intimacy than this man is capable of.

The Queen of Swords

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. ~ Helen Keller

The Queen of Swords is nobody’s fool, nor does she suffer fools gladly. In fact, gladness is not a major characteristic of hers at all. She is well read, well spoken and has experienced many of life’s sorrows first hand.

She is the the spinster or widow who enjoys being single and would rather spend her free time in the library than at a social event. She is the career woman who values learning and a career advancement over motherhood. She can be judgemental.

In love and romance, she tends to follow her head rather than her heart and she can be notoriously picky. Is there anybody good enough for her out there? Maybe, but he’d better qualify for MENSA – dumbasses need not bother!

Her divine role is to nurture others with hard won words of wisdom. Only when she allows her emotions to soften and tears to fall and mingle with the love that she is trying so desperately to hide away in her heart will she blossom into the fullness of her queenhood and rule as a fair sovereign of her own mind and heart.

To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Affirmation: “I manifest abundance with ease. Paying attention to detail, I lovingly ​ share with those in my care.”

Queen of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the wisdom brought by sorrow and separation. Help me integrate it with the wisdom of the heart so that I may nurture those who suffer with my words. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Queen of Swords

Zodiac Sign: Libra (first two decans) and Virgo (final decan) ​ Element: Water of Air ​ Archangel: Raphael (Ruler of the Element of Air) and Jophiel (angel of Libra) ​ Gemstone: Green calcite, jade and watermelon tourmaline ​ Scent: Watermelon, geranium and bergamot ​

The Queen of Swords in Love and Relationships

So you have the hots for the Queen of Swords, huh? Want the lowdown and learn how to win her mind? Yes, I said mind. She often considers romantic love too cheesy ​ ​ to consult her heart. That’s not to say she won’t fall in love but it has to make sense to her.

The Queen of Swords is usually heavy on the Element of Air in her chart. Her Sun or Rising sign is likely to be Gemini or Libra. She gets off on the subtleties of word usage but sometimes enjoys sarcasm to the point of turning into a bit of a beeotch. If this is the case, you may find B*tch Please (reversed Queens) to be of more use to ​ ​ you.

Pros: She is witty and holds her own in any conversation which definitely helps in a ​ first date scenario. Less of the ‘awkward silence’ moments! She has an opinion about lots of things but is usually tactful enough to avoid coming across as arrogant. She’s too level­headed to fall head over heels in love or start planning what she’s going to name your children after the second date.

She’s fair and not prone to emotional manipulation.

Least likely to aim for ‘kept woman’ status.

Very little reading between the lines is needed… Ah, but you still need to learn what women really mean:

Cons: She might struggle with making her mind up and usually don’t mind dating (or ​ talking to) a few guys at the same time. Develop an intelligent strategy to capture ​ ​ ​ ​ her mind if your intent is to capture her heart long­term. If you’re insecure about your ​ own intellectual prowess, you would do better looking elsewhere. (I.e. if you had to google the meaning of the word prowess.) ​ ​

Also, if you’re the type of guy who thinks a good woman should talk less and cook more, this one’s not for you! Prepare to fork out for meals out and take­aways. Don’t worry, she’ll usually offer to go dutch in the name of fairness and equality. The kitchen simply isn’t her domain, dah­ling – she has more important things to do, don’t ​ ​ you know!

She’s not very forgiving.

Type of date she prefers: First date would be somewhere quiet where you can talk ​ ​ and get to know each other. If you’re lucky enough to get more than one date, take her somewhere intellectually stimulating or for a hike in Nature if her mind is buzzing and she needs to ground. You probably won’t need to guess which would be the better option as she’s likely to tell you.

How to seduce the Queen of Swords: Always remember that her brain is her ​ ​ ​ biggest erogenous zone. She might get off on dirty talk. But make sure you get to know her very well first before you broach the topic. Foot in mouth disease is not something she forgives in a hurry.

Her best match: The King of Wands, because a) visionary men (yes, plural) tickle ​ ​ ​ her mind and b) she’s not too attached to her homeland to go roaming the world with ​ ​ him.

Her worst match: The Knight of Cups as a) she might to try to diagnose him with ​ ​ ​ bipolar disorder because of his emotional ups and downs and b)because his love ​ ​ poems leave her cold.

The King of Swords

“Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish.” ~ Anne Bradstreet

The King of Swords is the leader who is able to detach from his own needs and ​ ​ desires in order to make objective decisions in favour of the highest good of All. His leadership style is defined by wise words and equally wise choices. He could be a professor at the top of his game, lecturing to hundreds or even thousands of awestruck students…

“To punish me for my contempt for authority, fate made me an authority myself.” ~ Albert Einstein

More than any of the other Kings (all authority figures in their own right), he understands the power of the word. If not found leading an organisation, this card symbolises the thought leader, the innovator or any extremely gifted writer/orator. There is a precise method and strategy behind all he does.

His scientific and detached approach can be offputting to some who are quick to write him off as aloof and even arrogant. And it is true that at one end of the spectrum, the King of Swords is prone to display the more negative traits. It sees it as none of his concern if people get emotional about his decisions and he has no need for outside approval. He may also use words to manipulate people but usually for what he sees as a worthy cause. Many politicians and lawyers are King of Swords type personalities.

Affirmation: “I make all my choices with the highest good of All in mind.” ​

King of Swords Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the ability to choose wisely. Help me detach from my own desires and anxieties to always make the choices that best serve Light and Love. So mote it be! Correspondences for the King of Swords

Zodiac Sign: Gemini (first two decans) and Taurus (final decan) ​ Element: Fire of Air ​ Archangel: Raphael (Ruler of the Element of Air) and Zadkiel (Angel of Gemini) ​ Gemstone: Yellow calcite, aquamarine and fluorite ​ Scent: Basil ​

The King of Swords in Love and Relationships

The King of Swords is the King of the Intellect. He's extremely gifted when it comes to logical, linear thinking, problem solving and Sudoku. You probably won't stand a chance against him at a game of chess either.

His intellectual capacity can be intimidating to less gifted people and we often find him in a position of authority, such as a doctor, lawyer or university professor.

If his mind is in overdrive (due to an inability to ground mental energy), he can get anxious and when he gets anxious he can turn to quite nasty and devious ways of finding relief. Check out 8 Types of W*ankers for more on the reversed King of ​ ​ Swords.

Pros: He will dazzle pretty much anyone with his intellect. ​ You won't often get told 'you could do better than him' because the King of Swords is usually highly revered in our (still) patriarchal society.

Your conversations will be stimulating and could potentially help expand your own mind.

He's not only employed ­ you are guaranteed not to find him working in the Coop, stacking shelves. If you want a high flier with lots of status, he's the one!

He's not the jealous type.

Cons: Can be cynical and/or arrogant. ​

Sensitivity is not his forte. If you try to turn to him for a shoulder to cry on, he might go all 'Spock' on you.

He may find it difficult to let go and just enjoy himself in the sack. Too much going on upstairs.

Passion and romance are concept that are quite alien to this guy but he's smart enough to do what's expected of him... So don't demand warmth with it as well ­ ​ ​ that's too tall an order for this King!

Type of date he prefers: Because he's aware of his own social standing as well as ​ where to find quality food and entertainment, he's likely to take you to a Guide Micheline type restaurant or a classical concert.

Time from your first date until you introduce him to your parents: Along with the ​ King of Pentacles, this is one out of only about two men your dad will approve of, so ​ if you worry about parental approval he may well be worth hanging on to!

He will meet the parents well within the first 6 months of the relationship. The only problem is that he's so darn busy!

Wedding style: Nothing too extravagant but it will be classic, elegant and have a ​ pared­down feel. The King of Swords is a lover of minimalist elegance, as it helps him declutter his very busy mind. He's likely to sneer at anything remotely vulgar, over the top or with too many frills.

Type of dad he would make: His children's education will be his top priority. He ​ may be more at ease with sons than with daughters. He thrives on helping his kids learn the ins and outs of algebra as well as how to play the piano.

He may sometimes come across as a bit absent­minded to his children. Again, it's due to that busy mind of his. Children might have a positive effect on him in terms of grounding. Family life might be difficult for this Air sign man, but it does him a world of good!

His best match: The Queen of Wands as a) she inspires him and they spark off ​ ​ ​ each other and b) she can deal with his emotional detachment ­ she has enough ​ ​ warmth for both of them! His worst match: The Queen of Cups as a) he would not ​ ​ ​ ​ be able to comprehend her almost bottomless need for emotional intimacy and b) ​ she would bruise his male ego by putting more stock in the numinous realm than the logical one that he masters.

The Page of Pentacles

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

The Page of Pentacles shows us how a natural interest in the physical world around ​ ​ us leads to exploration, experimentation and learning. The energy of this card is that of the student… but not of the student cooped up in a classroom, with a teacher in front of him who is trying to stuff him full of information. This is the energy of someone who has a genuine interest in and curiousity about the world around him.

As opposed to the Page of Swords, this learner may be more interested in exploring hands­on learning than intellectual and theoretical concepts. He does so with the same devotion and diligence as any student aiming for an A grade in any subject… not out of fear but out of pure joy in the experience of perfecting a skill.

In addition to practical skills, this exploration can reach to include the mysteries of the physical body and alternative health. This Page showing up in a reading could indicate that now would be a good time to start some form of holistic healing studies, such as crystal healing or flower essences.

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” ~ Socrates

Affirmation: “I approach the natural world with a sense of reverence and the ​ inspiration to explore.”

Page of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for allowing new learning experiences that expand the sense of awe. Help me be a diligent student of these mysteries. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Page of Pentacles

Element: Earth of Earth ​ Archangel: Uriel, ruler of the Earth Element ​ Gemstone: Amber, rutilated quartz, hematite ​ Scent: Patchouli, cypress ​

The Knight of Pentacles

All the so­called “secrets of success” will not work unless you do. ~ Author Unknown

While common sense is said to be so rare as to be considered a superpower in this modern day and age, the Knight of Pentacles (or Prince of Coins) is not afflicted by a lack of it. He knows that apparent overnight success is due to years of putting the shoulder to the wheel.

He is the ideal employee and the friend that others feel they can count on. His quiet perseverance doesn’t exactly appeal to those in pursuit of excitement or flamboyant lovers but he is extremely sensual and usually naturally gifted in the art of love­making – as long as you don’t insist on talking while doing it.

The blessing of this Knight is to help us understand that perseverance is a virtue that is just as important as courage. Meditate with him for a while if you lack stickability or if you can’t get excited about your work. He will help you see that all you need is the ability to focus on the task at hand and the rest will take care of itself. Your ambition is not what will win the day… Getting your hands dirty, day after day after day is what will help you reach your goals.

On the flip side, this sensual Knight can be downright lazy, stubborn and doggedly resistant to change. Which side are you expressing today? Are you a doer or do you prefer dreams of success while munching on a bar of chocolate in front of the telly? How can you harness more of this Knight’s positive qualities?

I am a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more of it I seem to have. ~ Coleman Cox

Affirmation: “I allow the glory of the All to shine through in the work I do.” ​

Knight of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for the joy of working and doing a good job. Help me be a faithful servant today. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Knight of Pentacles

Zodiac Sign: First two decans of Taurus and third decan of Aries ​ Element: Air of Earth ​ Archangel: Raphael, ruler of the Air Element and Uriel, ruler of the Water Element ​ Gemstone: Rhodonite, rose quartz ​ Scent: Coriander and eucalyptus ​

The Knight of Pentacles in Love and Romance

Mr Dependable is an apt nickname for this courtier. He more than makes up for his lack of high­flying aspirations by his hard work and stickability… or he does if you’re looking for a steady, no frills, long­term relationship. Think ‘The Shire’ and simple pleasures… such as food and drink. And more food.

Most akin to the Taurean male astrologically, he’s a man of the senses but not so much of any sense superseding the regular five. He’s prone to scoff at anything ‘supernatural.’ Unlike the Knight of Swords, he won’t be inclined to argue his (lack of) beliefs. He’d rather get on with polishing his bike or mowing the lawn.

In the ole’ dating game, he relies on looks and ‘maleness’ in the traditional sense. The type of girl most likely to be attracted to him is the girlie girl who is more interested in the size of a man’s biceps and/or bike than his conversational skills.

Sometimes his unwillingness to reach for the heights and depths of life lands him in the 8 Types of W*ankers (reversed court cards). ​ ​

Pros: He is extremely dependable. ​

He’s not into game playing – It could be argued that this is one of the pros of an under­active intellect.

He is a hard worker. Work gives him a sense of fulfilment and purpose and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a career… grafting for the sake of grafting is fine.

He is sensual and pretty darn good in bed. He’s blessed by Venus, ruling planet of Taurus, in this department.

He is thick­skinned and doesn’t suffer from bad nerves or anxiety.

Cons: Can be emotionally unresponsive or just slow to react. ​

Unable/unwilling to provide conversational stimulus.

Lacks understanding for a partner who has an interest in the numinous side of life. Too hung up on the physical – the romantic side of the relationship could suffer because of this.

Extremely conventional and easily lead by media.

Besides the Knight of Cups, this guy is the courtier most prone to jealousy. He often considers both partners and friends as ‘property.’

Type of date he prefers: Anything traditional. He knows how to carry himself in the ​ world if there isn’t anything ‘weird’ going on. Learn what he considers weird and you’ll be fine.

Time from your first date until you introduce him to your parents:Two months in ​ or thereabouts as it will probably coincide with a big holiday or celebration (assuming you share his traditional values). He’s a good date to bring to a friend’s wedding and don’t be surprised if he gets inspired to propose. He’s very into being in a committed relationship. It makes him feel safe.

Wedding style: The whole glorious, media­inspired shebang. Think Peter Andre and ​ Katie Price. He’s not quite as sophisticated as the King of the same suit.

Type of dad he would make: You’ve gotta hand it to him… He makes a great dad! ​ ​ ​ Devoted and dependable, he’ll be there for his children come rain or shine. He may not contribute much to their intellectual growth or curiosity but he will make them appreciate the valour of hard work.

His best match: If it’s true love, the Queen of Cups will make an excellent match ​ because a) she is just the right amount of feminine to allow his strengths to shine ​ ​ and b) sexually, this Earth + Water combo make really nice mud pie. His worst ​ ​ ​ match: The Queen of Wands because she a)would come across as too ballsy and ​ ​ ​ b) requires way more excitement than he would ever be able to provid ​

The Queen of Pentacles

“I am of certain convinced that the greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel.” ~ Florence Nightingale

The Queens nurture and the Queen of Pentacles nurtures in practical ways – the ​ ​ ways that often seen as the most meaningful to the one at the receiving end. Nobody who is hungry will turn down a bowl of hot soup. The child with the scraped knee won’t mind the soothing attention of its mother and the lover in need of a hug will gratefully allow their beloved to embrace them.

The Queen of Pentacles (or Disks/Coins) nurtures with her hands and the material goods at her disposal. She genuinely cares if your body is tired and knows to not take your words too seriously if you are weary. To her, everything is viewed in context of practical reality and she can be quite dismissive of things she perceives as impractical and therefore useless. Many come to revere this personality type as the ‘earth mother.’

Because she pays attention to the world around her in a way that few people do these days (we’re raising a generation of screen addicts!), it may frustrate her when others don’t and this may turn her into a bit of a nag. She often gives more than she receives and really appreciates material gifts from others on the occasion that she is at the receiving end.

The gift this Queen brings us is an awareness of how we can use the material realm to bless and nurture the people in our lives. She may need to be encouraged to look after herself better, as she has a natural selfless tendency to always honour the needs of others before her own.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ~ Charles Dickens

Affirmation: “I care for myself first, so that I may care for others.” ​

Queen of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for material comfort and all of life’s luxuries. Help me find practical and sustainable ways of caring for self and others. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the Queen of Pentacles

Zodiac Sign: First two decans of Capricorn and third decan of Sagittarius ​ Element: Water of Earth ​ Archangel: Gabriel, ruler of the Water Element and Uriel, ruler of the Earth Element ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gemstone: Snowflake obsidian, garnet and selenite ​ Scent: Rose, chamomile, baking bread and frankincense ​

The Queen of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

A Queen of Pentacles type Earth Mama is the ideal partner for someone who likes to come home to lovingly cooked meal every night. Especially if you don’t mind the cat, dog, 2 guinea pigs and 4 budgies co­habiting with you. A farmer looking for a wife should pray for the Queen of Pentacles to show up.

This card usually signifies a lady with lots of Earth Element influences in her chart. If you think this might be the Queen of your dreams, then please stay here to get to know this rather lovely lady a bit better. For the shady aspects of this Queen, see B*tch Please (reversed Queens). ​

Pros: Just being around her has a grounding and stabilising effect on you. You won’t ​ have to wait for her to pop the kettle on and there will be extras (home­baked!) with your cuppa. She often uses food to show her love and appreciation of people. Her grounded manner extends to the work sphere too and she is more than capable of holding down a career while raising a family. She’s a hard worker.

She usually holds traditional family values.

She enjoys pregnancy and child­birth and is willing to go through it time and time again.

Kids and pets all love her and she will quite happily feed any ‘strays’ that don’t get fed properly by their own parents or owners.

Her natural sense of style has universal appeal. She prefers perennial classics to the latest trends and fashions.

She is connected to nature and the land, and often well­respected by her neighbours.

Cons: She is usually quite set in her ways, even at a young age. If you like to think ​ of yourself as ‘The Real Indiana Jones’ or the kind of guy who likes to play the Devil’s advocate in an argument she probably won’t enjoy your ‘antics.’

Because she is a hard worker, she is not very tolerant of laziness in others. If you describe yourself as ‘laid back to the point of horizontal,’ you’re probably better off looking elsewhere.

She can be quite judgemental of people who are prone to ‘flights of fancy.’ She often forgets to take as good care of number one as she does of everybody else. If you love her, you’ll help her with this.

Type of date she prefers: If you take her out for a meal, you’ll want to make it a ​ place where the food is rated in the Guide Michelin. Otherwise she will compare it unfavourably to her own cooking.

A day out at the local farmer’s market would make a nice second date. Or maybe a hike. Just bring your antihistamines along if you’re allergic to dogs as she’ll have at least one in tow.

How to seduce the Queen of Pentacles: Appeal to her sensual earthy nature and ​ use scents and touch in particular. Token gifts of appreciation will score high points with this Queen. Think real gold rather than gold­plated and puh­lease, not lower than 14K. Quality counts!

Her best match: The King of Pentacles, because a) they work well together and b) ​ ​ ​ ​ both aim for stability with the interest of future generations at heart.

Her worst match: The Knight of Swords because a) there is simply no spark… I get ​ ​ ​ a vision of tumble weeds when I picture these two together b)his quest for ‘truth’ ​ ​ seems like a complete and utter waste of time to her when the cows need milking.

The King of Pentacles

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Thoughts are things! And powerful things at that, when mixed with definiteness of purpose, and burning desire, can be translated into riches. ~ Napoleon Hill

While those in need of guidance, good leadership and material assistance appreciate the good King of Pentacles, he is not well­loved by everyone. The ease with which he manifests abundances is cause for jealousy in those who doubt themselves. He is also, at times, accused of being boring.

Be that as it may, his ability to stay focused on the things that matter, without fretting about them, instills the quiet confidence in everyone around him that he is capable of anything he sets his mind on. He has the Midas touch – minus the side effects.

He is the successful entrepreneur but also his loyal accountant. He is the local manager, vicar or school principal who is considered a ‘pillar of the community.’ He is the loyal husband and the father who makes sure that he is able to send his children to university without having to take out student loans.

He (or indeed she) is the person who has stepped up to their responsibilities and ​ ​ stopped looking around for an ‘adultier adult’ to cover for them.

The successful warrior is the average man, with laser­like focus. ~ Bruce Lee

Affirmation: “I manifest abundance with ease. Paying attention to detail, I lovingly ​ share with those in my care.”

King of Pentacles Prayer

Dear Mother­Father God (or whichever higher power you acknowledge), thank you for watching over me as I take care of business. Help me be a good and cheerful steward of infinite abundance. So mote it be!

Correspondences for the King of Pentacles

Zodiac Sign: Virgo (first two decans) and Leo (final decan) ​ Element: Fire of Earth ​ Archangel: Uriel (Ruler of the Element of Earth) and Metatron (angel of Virgo) ​ Gemstone: Fluorite, green aventurine, lapis lazuli ​ Scent: Patchouli, basil and cinnamon ​

The King of Pentacles in Love and Relationships

“Carnal love: a practical man’s love. A love you can see, touch, and taste if you’re kinky. If you can’t hear it, you’re probably better suited to its more abstract form.” ― Benson Bruno

The King of Pentacles is the King of Practicality. He’s a no­nonsense family provider and businessman. He doesn’t waste time on dreams that can’t be turned into (profitable) reality.

He can be intelligent but is usually not too imaginative. He prefers the tried and trusted to novel ideas…. Unless, of course, there is a large sum of money attached to the end of it. He’s intuitive when it comes to making a buck but doesn’t usually extend his gut instincts to serve him in other areas.

Because the material realm is his domain, he can also be quite health conscious. Traditionally a Virgo male, he can even be fastidious to the point of OCD. Being male, he tends to not air his worries but tucks them in the gut where they can wreak havoc with his digestive system. His shady (reversed) aspects can be seen over at 8 ​ Types of W*ankers. ​

Pros: He’s responsible. Stuff matters to this guy and he takes a lot of pride in his ​ ​ ​ work.

This is one man you won’t have to teach how to floss. It’s more likely that he’s the one who’ll remind you daily about how flossing adds six years to your life. If you like the idea of a big garden but aren’t too keen on doing the actual gardening, he’s your man!

Being quite conventional, he’s one of the safest bets if you’re looking to start a family. He takes his role as breadwinner very seriously which allows you to focus on raising the children should you so wish.

Cons: Can take the whole ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ thingy a tad too far. You ​ ​ ​ shouldn’t have to worry about having a shower before sex every time on your honeymoon, should you? Nor should you have the man of the house walk behind you and check your dusting with his index finger. And god help you if you put his carefully arranged kitchen knives in the wrong order!

Very careful about spending and expects the same of you, especially after the initial ​ courtship period has ended. Be prepared to justify any purchase as useful. ​ ​

Not very subtle when it comes to using words in the game of seduction. The King or Knight of Wands can be blunt too but are usually better at carrying it off because they somehow manage to make you laugh at the same time.

Out of all his mates, you can count on him to be the first to reach the pipe and slippers stage.

Type of date he prefers: He’ll worry about how it ‘should’ be done. Traditional ​ wining and dining is on the menu in other words. He might also try to impress you with a weekend away or an expensive gift on one of your first dates. Like I said – stuff matters to him and he expects you to be impressed by stuff. ​ ​ ​

Time from your first date until you introduce him to your parents: About three ​ months in as this is the socially acceptable norm. He won’t forget to bring some flowers along for your mum so that’s one less worry! This is one of the few guys your dad is likely to approve of.

Wedding style: Traditional. White dress. Big cake. You get the choice of ‘Here ​ comes the bride’ or ‘Ave Maria’ – that’s it. Oh, and no making up your own vows unless you want to kill him with worry before the big day.

Type of dad he would make: He’s the type of guy who doesn’t mind changing dirty ​ nappies or doing night feeds. His vision of himself as a good father and provider is very important to his self­esteem. He also won’t mind making sure that you have good quality food in the house at all times because he knows that you are what you eat and he’ll want only the best for his kids.

The college fund will be sizeable by the time your sprogs reach that age. An all around good egg as far as fatherhood is concerned!

His best match: The Queen of Cups as a) she would be able to help him stay in ​ ​ ​ touch with his emotions and keep him young at heart, and b) she would appreciate ​ ​ the stability he provides, greatly improving his self­image.His worst match: The ​ ​ Queen of Wands because she would a) create too much drama and b) be ​ ​ ​ ​ extravagant with her spending.

Appendix A ­ The Court Cards as Situation, Challenge, Opportunity and Action Advice

I received some lovely feedback from a faithful Love Dove Tarot reader named Richard a while back: "I love this site!! Except for the information related to court cards. It is a bit difficult to use the information as it is presented when interpreting card positions for things like Advice, Challenges, Opportunities, current situation"

It is easy to see where Richard is coming from here as I have currently listed detailed information only on the personalities of the Court Cards and how they tend to behave in relationships... but even in relationship readings the courtiers can sometimes have a different message and they do not always have to represent other people; They could just as easily have a message for you about which course of action would currently serve you the best, for instance. It all depends on where in the spread they show up and what interaction they have with surrounding cards.

While it can be tricky to know at first if a court card is a person or means something else, with practice, you will quickly know which is which. One day it will just click because you realise that reading the card as a person together with the other cards in light of the question asked does or does not make sense. If you do suspect the Court card is referring to a person (and especially a love interest).

PAGES

Pages are often seen as messages when not seen as young persons or students. There is an element of newness and innocence to their energy that spills over into other possible meanings.

Page of Wands

Situation: Playfulness is at the centre of this situation

Challenge: You may need to think before you act ­ this Page can be accident prone!

Opportunity: A greater lust for life is about to present itself Action Advice: Seize the day and do more of what you love

Page of Cups

Situation: Vulnerability is the focal point of the issue at hand

Challenge: There is a need to stay grounded in reality

Opportunity: Your imagination can lead to great innovations

Action Advice: Allow yourself to dream big

Page of Swords

Situation: Curiousity/gossip is at the heart of the matter

Challenge: Watch whom you share any news with as a feather could easily turn into a chicken

Opportunity: Using your analytical ability might make you uncover some valuable information

Action Advice: Ask lots of questions!

Page of Pentacles

Situation: Studies are the issue

Challenge: You may need to stop yourself from becoming too serious

Opportunity: A new course of study could open doors

Action Advice: Definitely a good time to start honing a skill or talent KNIGHTS

The Knights are often read as people in their teens or early 20's. They have a youthful vitality and idealism about them. I associate them with the fixed signs Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus. The main keywords to bear in mind are mission and ​ ​ quest as their is a deep sense of purpose with these courtiers that are of the Air ​ Element.

Knight of Wands (Leo)

Situation: A departure is imminent

Challenge: Don't be an attention hogger... Oh, and check any safety gear carefully before you jump out of the airplane!

Opportunity: An opportunity for travel or adventure

Action Advice: Start having some more fun. Now may not be a great time to look for 'The One' but that shouldn't stop you from dating.

Knight of Cups (Scorpio)

Situation: Creativity is in focus for this reading

Challenge: Check any addictive tendencies

Opportunity: A good chance of romance and if not, at the very least a smashing poem/lyrics/painting etc

Action Advice: Allow your emotions creative expression through the fine arts

Knight of Swords (Aquarius)

Situation: Clashing ideals are at the root of the situation at hand Challenge: Remember that it is more important to be kind than to be right

Opportunity: A new point of view may be gained if you are willing to listen

Action Advice: Stand up for your beliefs

Knight of Pentacles (Taurus)

Situation: This concerns hard work

Challenge: Don't try to do it all in one go, little by little... patiently... and you will get there.

Opportunity: Your hard work and perseverance will definitely pay off

Action Advice: Time to put your shoulder to the wheel, with no expectation of instant pay­outs

QUEENS

The Queens represent cardinal energy and the signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Because they are associated with Water/Yin, some of their main qualities are an ability to receive, empathise and nurture. This does in no way imply that they ​ ​ ​ ​ are passive as the cardinal quality is one that initiates change and progress. The Queens are often seen as mature women and/or mothers but they can be persons of either sex.

Queen of Wands (Aries)

Situation: There is some serious drama going down here, darling! ​ ​

Challenge: You are totally fabulous but you would create more of a win­win by toning ​ ​ it down a bit.

Opportunity: A chance to strut your stuff Action Advice: Time to amp up that charisma!

Queen of Cups (Cancer)

Situation: Nurturing wounded emotions is the most important thing you can do now

Challenge: Emotional manipulation should be avoided at all costs

Opportunity: A chance to confide in someone who truly cares and who may even be able to provide psychic guidance

Action Advice: Nurture your own psychic ability

Queen of Swords (Libra)

Situation: Criticism (warranted or unwarranted) makes up this situation

Challenge: Avoid harsh criticism, try the 'shit sandwich method' and remember that a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down

Opportunity: A chance to nurture with words, a literary project

Action Advice: Focus on creating harmony with your words

Queen of Pentacles (Capricorn)

Situation: Someone is in need of some TLC

Challenge: Boundaries! Not every stray in the area is meant for you!

Opportunity: To care for someone's material needs

Action Advice: Pay it forward with food, clothes or other practical items KINGS

The King are maturity personified and although traditionally seen as male can be of any gender. Adaptability and the ability to 'seed the next cycle' is what makes them the pinnacle card of their respective suits. Astrologically, they represent Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. The Element is Fire.

King of Wands (Sagittarius)

Situation: Leadership and visionary ability are at the heart of the matter

Challenge: You may be prone to forgetting about crossing the t's and dotting the i's

Opportunity: Your vision may create great progress if you know how to get others on board

Action Advice: Speak with the authority that comes from being single­minded about your vision

King of Cups (Pisces)

Situation: Emotional sensitivity is in focus but can have gone overboard with addictive behaviour as the central issue (surrounding cards will tell you which it is)

Challenge: Maintain sound boundaries while not losing any empathy, be temperate, don't sacrifice yourself

Opportunity: Great relief that comes from being with kindred spirits, finally feeling understood

Action Advice: Walk a mile in someone else's shoes

King of Swords (Gemini)

Situation: Communication and objectivity (or a lack of it) are in focus Challenge: There is no need to see things as black or white... see the full harmony of colours and detach

Opportunity: Clarity and understanding may be had after careful intellectual and objective analysis of the situation

Action Advice: Consider both sides of the argument before making your mind up. Better yet, see if you can entertain both sides without a need to choose!

King of Pentacles (Virgo)

Situation: Stewardship, whether with regards to health or finances, is what this is all about

Challenge: Try not to be too pernickity... Let's face it, nobody likes someone who is anally retentive

Opportunity: To provide for yourself and your family like the good steward you are

Action Advice: Organise everything in great detail

APPENDIX B - PAGES AS MESSENGERS IN LOVE

The Pages are often said to represent students or children in general. However, they can also be seen as messages and in Love Tarot readings, they often show up when someone has received or is about to receive a message. This is especially true together with the 8 of Wands or the Ace of Swords.

Each Page can be seen as a representative for their Element, so naturally the romantic messages conveyed by the Pages will have their own unique flavour. Below you will find some examples of the types of messages you can expect from each of the four Pages in the Tarot deck:

FIRE

The Page of Wands (the straight forward and passionate messenger) ​

Hook­Up Message: Feeling horny. Are you in tonight? x ​

Long­term Relationship Message: I'll be home soon. Greet me wearing nothing but ​ cling film. X X X

WATER

The Page of Cups (the romantic, shy and sentimental messenger) ​

Hook­Up Message: Are you free tonight? Just wondering if you fancy a walk along ​ the beach. It looks like the Moon might make an appearance :) xx

Long­term Relationship Message: Honey, I miss you so much. I'm sitting here ​ thinking about that absolutely amazing day out we had to the coast last summer. Do you miss me half as much as I miss you? Can't wait to feel your arms around me xxxxx

AIR

The Page of Swords (analytical, chatty and critical messenger) ​

Hook­Up Message: Have you seen the latest *insert name of Art House film ​ director* film? It would be great if you could come with me and maybe we could go for a coffee and discuss the film after? What do you think? x

Long­term Relationship Message: Leaving the office now. I think the boss has a ​ severe case of PMT. Will tell you all about it when I get home. Do I need to pick up ​ ​ milk? See you in 30 minutes, snugglebuns x

EARTH

The Page of Pentacles (the practical, nurturing and sensual messenger) ​

Hook­Up Message: The Farmer's market is on this weekend. Fancy coming along to ​ sample some local delicacies? x

Long­term Relationship Message: What do you want for tea tonight, honey? I was ​ thinking Japanese but I'm not sure if we have enough of the Japanese rice left. Is Italian OK? Oh, and guess what? That massage oil I ordered online yesterday already arrived so prepare for a nice relaxing massage tonight :) xxx

About Lisa

Lisa Frideborg Eddy is an Angelic & Holistic Tarot Practitioner, Certified Angel Card and Realm Reader, Energy Healer and Flower & Tarot Essence Therapist. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ She is the creatrix of the Angelic Tarot eCourse and author of several eBooks on ​ ​ ​ ​ Tarot and Healing. She blogs regularly on www.angelorum.co and more sporadically ​ ​ (time permitting) on www.tarotmystic.me, where she shares her personal musings. ​ ​

Lisa, who was born in Sweden before ABBA won the Eurovision, now lives in the North of England with her family which includes two felines who like to help with her Tarot readings.

You can stalk her on Twitter, Facebook, Tsu and G+ as much as you like but please ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ don’t visit her house without an invitation, unless it’s to hand over a large cheque.